Categories: Articles, Rev. Dr. Charles Butler,
Can anyone afford to buy a home in Harlem? This is the question most first-time home buyers are asking me and it is a justified one. The prices of homes are rising rapidly that most low to moderate-income families are finding themselves out in the cold. Their monthly gross income simply cannot afford the cost of a mortgage payment.
This means that for many Harlem residents, achieving the American dream of homeownership is all but a dying hope. However, there is still a small ray of hope for prospective first-time home buyers, and if there is even the slightest glimmer of hope, there is a chance to achieve the dream of becoming a homeowner.
You must keep the dream alive! Dare to dream! Do not give up on your dream of becoming a homeowner. Understand this is a fight and that you must be willing to make some big sacrifices, but if you remain focused, victory can be achieved. Your current monthly living expenses, available financial resources, your credit history, and your current monthly income will play a huge role in determining your ability to become a successful homeowner.
I know, it seems like the odds are stacked against you. But guess what? The odds have always been stacked against you. But you have been able to beat the odds just to survive. You had to survive an array of discrimination and segregation tactics, government, and corporate illegal ‘red lining’ practices, all put in place to both discourage and prevent you from becoming a homeowner and realizing the ‘American dream.’
Your ability to persevere has never been in question. Just look at all the obstacles you already had to overcome by fighting for employment, equal pay, and educational opportunities. Now, your collective voices must be raised and heard for affordable housing opportunities. You only need an opportunity, a level playing field to complete the deal. Seems like that is not asking too much, no special treatment just a residential mortgage commitment.
You must have faith in God and faith in yourself and the belief that you can accomplish this goal. If you start thinking negatively about the situation, then it will become overwhelming, and you will never become a homeowner. Think positive. Picture yourself in your home.
A lady told me once that she prayed to God for a home for her family. She said, “God heard her prayer and blessed her with a lovely one family home. She trusted God and told her children they would soon buy a home. She worked two jobs and saved every possible penny. Soon, she made an offer on the home of her dreams, and it was accepted!” With God, all things are possible if you only believe.
For more information on the home buying process, contact Rev. Dr. Charles Butler at 212 281 4887 ext. 231 or email cbutler@hcci.org.
