First-time Homebuyers Make Charlottesville Their New Permanent Home

Dareen and Ahmad were excited and proud to show off their new home in the Orangedale neighborhood on a beautiful spring day in May.  The family of six, originally from Syria, has been living in Charlottesville for approximately three years. They recently purchased their home with down payment assistance that helps make monthly mortgage payments more affordable for low and moderate-income homebuyers. Piedmont Housing Alliance manages and administers these special loan funds for first-time homebuyers, funded from sources such as the City of Charlottesville, local counties of Albemarle and Louisa, state HOME funds, and federal CDFI funds.

Ahmad, a tailor working with the Virginia Industry for the Blind, says, “I wanted a new and better life for my family.  I know how this can be the start of good things in life, and now we have room for all of us.” This family of six had been living in a three-bedroom, one-bath apartment and now have moved into a much more spacious, three-bedroom duplex with two- and a half baths and an outdoor deck and greenspace for planting a garden.  Their youngest daughter, Hajer who lives with a disability, has regular medical appointments at UVa hospital. The family is pleased to have found a home in the city, close to transportation for their daughter’s many appointments.

In addition to being able to live more comfortably together in their new home, they are also able to save close to $400/month because their monthly mortgage payment is actually less than their rent was. This is allowing the family to get ahead financially.

Ahmad is very thankful to his friend who referred him to Piedmont Housing Alliance and to the housing counselor who helped them all make their dreams come true!

Congratulations to Ahmad, Dareen, Reham, Laila, Hajer and Saeed!