For many Minnesotans homeownership and the many benefits that come with it are just out of reach. To help these hardworking Minnesotans get into homeownership, Housing First Minnesota and its Parade of Homes launched the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway this spring.
The giveaway has already made all the difference for one young couple. Meet Wyatt and Sarah, the first $10K Giveaways recipients to close on their first house.
Like many young Minnesotans, Wyatt, a veteran, and Sarah dreamed of someday owning a home. After a Wyatt returned from the military and he and Sarah rented for a year, they decided to start house hunting. With the market as competitive as it is, they were nervous how long it would take to get an offer accepted and if they would be able to find a home in their price range.
“We wanted to have our space with a little land to live the American dream – to have something that we can truly call our home and make it our own,” said Wyatt.
While out touring Parade of Homes models in the 2022 spring event, Sarah heard about the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway and encouraged Wyatt to enter.
“I thought it was a bad idea because we would just get a bunch of emails and we would never win. Turns out it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made,” said Wyatt.
Wyatt and Sarah got the call in April that they were one of the random winners of the $10K Giveaway. Soon after hearing this exciting news, they got more exciting news: their offer was accepted on their first home, a 1960s rambler on a quiet street in White Bear Lake.
“It was a crazy market – we saw a lot of crazy bids that were over asking. With this extra money it helped us have a competitive offer which helped sway the sellers into accepting our offer,” said Wyatt.
“It’s just amazing how everything worked out with timing,” said Sarah.
Wyatt and Sarah credit the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveawaywith giving them the boost they needed to purchase their home
“I cannot say how much it’s helped. In no way are we financially set, so just coming up with the money to close on a house was a lot. We used a VA loan, so we didn’t have to put money down, so having this money to cover the closing costs was so impactful,” said Wyatt. “It’s just tremendous how much it can help somebody and set us up for a better future.”
Wyatt and Sarah are excited to settle into their new home and do what they’ve always dreamed of: make it their own.
“We’re excited to add some fresh paint, clean up the yard a bit, and then relax and enjoy,” said Wyatt.
The Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway was made possible through several donations from Housing First Minnesota members. You can help promote homeownership in our state and make a difference in the lives of these everyday Minnesotans by contributing one or more down payments.
The next Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway contest will launch August 15 with the fall tour!
