Nicholas moved to Denver 8 years ago and has “felt like a tumbleweed” due to moving every year in search of decent and affordable housing. It seemed like every time he finally got settled into a new apartment, the rates would increase at the end of the lease and he’d have to move again. “I can’t wait to move into a neighborhood, plant roots and grow together with neighbors in a diverse community,” Nicholas shares.
Nicholas works full time as an
Office Coordinator at the headquarters of a business
holdings company. He has been working on saving up money to
buy a house on the open market, but the constantly rising
home prices in Denver have been discouraging. “So many
people can’t get a home the ‘regular way’ because of rising
house prices,” Nicholas laments. When he first learned about
Habitat’s program, he was excited about the partnership
housing model. “I’m putting my sweat and my heart into my
future! You can’t even put a price tag on the value of
owning
my own home.”
Nicholas’s path to homeownership
hasn’t been easy. The first time he applied to purchase a
Habitat home he was denied due to his debt-to-income ratio,
largely due to medical bills from his past. He dedicated
himself to paying off debt and improving his credit, and is
thrilled to be selected to purchase a Habitat home this
year. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a better position
before in my life,” Nicholas shares. “I’m starting a new
chapter in life, and feel supported and accepted.”
“Stability is really important to
me.” Nicholas is grateful for Habitat’s affordable, 30-year
mortgages where he can plan and save up money for his
future. “I would love to go back to school to become a
paramedic or nurse.”
Nicholas and his dog, Clover, are
counting down the days until they can move into their new
home this summer. “I’m looking forward to the simple things
in life… more comfort, growing a garden, and no longer
fearing rising housing prices. I’ll just be able to put down
roots and grow.”