A long-time SCCLT homeowner recently retired and moved out of town, closer to her family members. When the home became available for purchase, we held an Open House for prospective buyers. One of the families who attended became our 61st SCCLT homeowners! It’s inspiring when all the paperwork is signed and the new owners get the keys to their home.
Let me take a moment to tell you how much work goes into each SCCLT home and into each successful homeowner purchase and sale.
First, a home is purchased and renovated to current Property Maintenance Code
standards and for energy efficiency. The SCCLT staff handles the marketing and sale of each property. When applicants call and schedule a meeting, we provide budget counseling and homebuyer education, tailored to individual needs. If a home is being re-sold, the staff works with the seller to ensure a smooth transition.
Applicants have their income certified, complete the educational segments of the program, obtain traditional financing, and work with our staff to find the right home for their needs. They are fully prepared when it is time to buy. And when the closing is completed, we truly feel joy and excitement along with the new homeowners.
During the first five years of ownership, SCCLT homeowners complete post purchase budget counseling, which helps keep finances on track. Information and referrals are provided for any needs or questions that may arise. All that hard work pays off! Our homeowners stay in their homes an average of 7 years, and no one has faced a foreclosure over the 20+ years of SCCLT’s operation.
In July, we added our 40th home to the program, and it is a beautiful home. The previous owners put a lot of work into house improvements, and we are thrilled to expand our community of SCCLT homes. From start to finish, SCCLT homeowners benefit from a dedicated network that empowers and leads to successful outcomes.
The latest newsletter highlights the launch of the GreenBuild project and a SCCLT home for sale on Orlando Avenue. Our annual appeal went out in August so your support can help our applicants sooner than later. We could not have accomplished so much without our volunteers and donors. Thank you for your generous support of the SCCLT and its services.
Susan Venegoni,
Board President