The Perfect Opportunity

The Perfect Opportunity

Brad didn’t hesitate when he realized he was eligible to become a Habitat homeowner. After he heard a coworker advocate for Habitat homeownership, he looked into it and applied. He had been saving up to look on the open market to buy a home, but realized Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program was the perfect opportunity for him.

“I did always see Habitat homes. I saw a lot on Keefe,” Brad said. “I always thought it would be cool to go through the program. I wasn’t sure where [my application] would go until the process started moving along really fast.”

Now, Brad is partnering with Milwaukee Habitat to build a brand-new three bedroom home. Homeownership has been a long-term goal of Brad’s and he knows it is the best move for his future aspirations.

“I feel like I’ve always had a goal to own my own home,” Brad said. “I’m 29 and going to be 30 next year, and [homeownership] will be a goal I’ve met. I’ve lived in Milwaukee for 11 years and rented for 11 years. Now is a good time to try to own. I will be able to do improvements, eventually start a family, and have my own space.”

Brad currently lives with a roommate and because of this, splits rent. His monthly mortgage payments will be more than he currently pays in rent, but he sees this as the best investment for himself and his future. 

“The mortgage is going to be more, however it’s my own space…I’ll put money toward something I own. It’s worth it in that sense,” Brad said. “I’m not comparing [the monthly payments] to my current situation, but more so to what I would buy without Habitat. Other mortgages would be much higher.”

The cost of housing in Milwaukee is skyrocketing and home prices in Wisconsin have more than doubled in the past decade (Source) (Source) (Source). 

While the average cost to rent in Milwaukee is more than $1,800 per month, the average cost to own is more than $2300 per month. Instead, Milwaukee Habitat’s typical monthly payment to own a brand new home is less than $950 (Source). Brad knew this was an opportunity he needed to take in order to fulfill his dream of owning a home.

Looking ahead, Brad is ready to get to work and make his new house a home.

“I’m ready to start moving everything in and set it up,” Brad said. “I think I just like to be able to do what I want with the spaces I want. A lot of times you have a vision and a landlord holds you back. It’s nice to have an opportunity to make it individualized. It’s my vision instead of someone else’s.”

Brad is not the only one excited for this next step in his life. His girlfriend has been a huge support throughout this process.

“My girlfriend is excited for me,” Brad said. “She’s been helping me make the decision. She’ll help out too, maybe with interior design. She’s excited.”

As his move-in date gets closer, Brad anticipates a sense of relief when he first walks through the door to his new home. 

“It’s going to be great,” Brad said. “I’m going to be very happy. I’ll feel relieved.”