Whether you’re considering homeownership or you currently own your home you know the journey to homeownership is very different for everyone. When I moved back to Grand Rapids from Chicago I thought finding a house would be “so easy” in my hometown. Let me tell you owning a home (especially your first home) is a big deal and there are so many options to consider. I’m partnering with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to explain more about their homeownership mission, and also my favorite things about my home.
If you live in Grand Rapids you know the housing market is currently booming. With Grand Rapids continuing to grow, this city and the housing market are becoming very popular. Did you know MSHDA’s Homeownership division helps potential Michigan homebuyers achieve homeownership? They offer unique types of mortgage products to help meet the needs of those looking to pursue purchasing a home. For those who are struggling with buying or facing foreclosure MSHDA assists with loans that are more affordable by offering conventional loans with discounted private mortgage insurance (PMI). This really helps those looking to take the next step in buying or maintaining a house.
I’ve owned by home in Grand Rapids for the past two years and it seems like just yesterday I got the keys to this house. If you’re a potential homeowner here are three of my favorite things that I’ve learned and enjoy from owning my home.
1. My Home is a Work in Progress
When I went through my home for the first time I made a list of pros and cons in my head to figure out what I could live with and what I would need to change ASAP. Things like paint or wallpaper are easy fixes that I knocked out (with help from my Dad) before I moved in. Bigger projects like knocking down a wall in the dining room/kitchen, redoing the kitchen, renovating the attic and updating the deck in the backyard are projects on my long to-do list. I’m the type of person that wants things done right away and I’ve learned through owning a home that taking it one day at a time is perfectly ok. The kitchen will get done one day, and I’ll look back to these days cooking in a cramped kitchen without a dishwasher with memories that will last a lifetime.
2. My Home Feels Like Home
It’s easy for me to walk in the front door and feel like I’m home. I realize that sounds a little silly but I’ve realized the importance of incorporating personal items and comfortable pieces to make this space my own. It’s easy to buy art or furniture “just because” and now I print photos from our favorite vacations, incorporate my own artwork, showcase accomplishments and buy pieces of furniture that accommodate our life to make this house feel like “home”. Don’t be afraid to style your space with your personal photos or objects that are sentimental or important to your life.
3. The Location of My Home Works for Me
Location was at the top of my list when it came to looking for a house. I knew I wanted to live in a neighborhood that was growing and close enough to my family here in Grand Rapids. After living in Chicago it was important for me to have things like a grocery store or restaurant within walking distance to create that neighborhood feel that I really appreciated in the city. When I searched for a home I factored in proximity to work, how far away the highway was, and how long it would take to get downtown before buying my house. For me it was all about location, location, location when I decided to buy a house.
MSHDA Homeownership
It’s also great that revenue generated by MSHDA’s loan bond investments are allocated to helping other housing initiates like providing important education regarding home ownership. MSHDA offers many different housing education resources including classes and even one-on-one pre-purchase counseling for potential homebuyers. After owning a home for the first time I can totally understand how important housing education can be for a new homeowner. In 2017 MSHDA provided foreclosure prevention counseling to 2,448 households in Michigan and homebuyer education counseling to 1,464 households. How amazing is that?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) but all opinions here are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who allow me to continue to create content on The GR Guide.
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