Helping People Into Homes A Sina Report article on woman who bought home earlier this year. (Winter 2007)

Moving from renting to owning means more than a change of address. Homeownership has many benefits for children, families and communities (see statistics ), but it also requires new approaches to budgets and expenses; it entails new responsibilities and new rewards. Buying a home is full of possibilities and deliberations, but with all its complexities and decisions, it can be daunting the first time around.

To make the process easier for potential Cityscape Homebuyers, SINA refers them to Home Ownership Made Easy (HOME) program run by Hartford Areas Rally Together (HART). The course provides education to first-time homebuyers so that they can successfully navigate the process of home purchase and become successful, long-term homeowners. Divided into 4 two-hour sessions, the classes are offered in both Spanish and English. The course includes presentations from attorneys, realtors and housing inspectors, and covers all the aspects of homeownership including: Finances and Credit; Protecting Your Investment: Home and Property Maintenance & Responsibilities; and the Role of Realtors.
 
In 2005, more than 200 potential homebuyers took the HART class, with more than 40 proceeding to close on homes in Hartford.

For people interested in the class, HART always begins with a personal consultation including a credit report review. From there, potential homebuyers are placed in one of two tracks, depending on their readiness. Those prepared to buy their house within a few months are enrolled into the next available class. Individuals who may need more time to prepare their finances are provided with periodic personal assistance as they repair credit issues or work towards readiness.

HART’s Executive Director Marilyn Rossetti knows first hand how homeownership can change your life. Twelve years ago, Marilyn bought a house in Hartford’s Southside. Shortly after, she received a notice from a community organization she had not heard of before: HART. The notice encouraged residents to rally to save the local fire station. As a new homeowner, Marilyn was motivated to be involved in her neighborhood. She went to her first HART meeting, helped save the firehouse, stayed involved...and the rest is history.