Interested homebuyers are invited to participate in the “Committed to Communities” open house on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 to showcase homes in historic communities and boost homeownership in Southwest Atlanta. More events will be held in 2013. This year’s theme is “Resolution 2013 – Own It!”
The free, family-friendly event will feature homes in the West End, West View, Oakland City, Ashview Heights, Beecher Hills, Adair Park and Capitol View communities, which are primarily in the 30310 zip code. This zip code – once home to high rates of foreclosure and mortgage fraud – is rebounding as savvy buyers discover this historic area close to downtown and along the popular Atlanta Beltline.
Already 17 families have purchased homes in the area with $15,000 down payment assistance grants through the NeighborhoodLIFTSM program. Several million dollars are still available through the program. Those qualifying must buy and live in a home in the city of Atlanta and meet requirements including a maximum income of 120 percent of the Atlanta area median income, which is $83,000 for a family of four.
One family that bought a home in the West End through the program is the Mullens. “We have four children under the age of six, and we knew we needed a home we could grow in,” said Amanda Mullen. “Due to both NeighborhoodLIFT and the fact that we were able to purchase and rehab a foreclosure, we were able to get the home that we really wanted. We chose the West End specifically because it has a lot of potential and culture.”
Those taking part in the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will find homes ranging from $40,000 to $250,000 in quaint communities filled with residents committed to strengthening and stabilizing their neighborhoods. Attendees will tour homes for sale; talk with builders, lenders, real estate professionals, and housing counseling agencies; enjoy refreshments; and meet families who call these communities home.
Derrick Duckworth, a REALTOR® who started the open house event over two years ago, shares, “As a resident and REALTOR® for many years, I believe most of the neighborhoods on the South side of the Atlanta Beltline mirror many of the more well-known and established neighborhoods like Morningside, Virginia Highlands, and Garden Hills on the North side of the Beltline, but just at a fraction of the cost.
“In my opinion,” he continues, “now is the time to put down roots and buy in the city, and the NeighborhoodLIFT program is one of the better incentives to help people do that.”
The event is hosted by The Beltline Team of Morris & Raper Real Estate Consultants and EpiCity. Other participants are Resources for Residents and Communities, Invest Atlanta, Loan South Mortgage, Area West Realty, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership and Wells Fargo. Invest Atlanta and RRC are administering the NeighborhoodLIFT program, which was funded by Wells Fargo.
“Committed to Communities” will kick off at a home located at 580 West End Place. Persons interested in attending the free January 12 event can register at www.CommittedtoCommunities.com
