Welcome to Closing Corner, a place to celebrate new homeowners and the stories behind their journeys.
Getting the keys to a new home is a big moment — one that represents hard work, perseverance and the start of a new chapter. But behind every closing is a person or family with their own story, dreams and reasons for wanting a place to call home.
Through Closing Corner, we’ll introduce you to some of Habitat Greater Raleigh’s newest homeowners and let them share, in their own words, what this milestone means to them.
For our first edition, meet some of our recent homebuyers who have officially closed on their Habitat homes and are beginning this exciting new chapter.
Chyna Faison is a healthcare worker and a proud to achieve her goal of homeownership in her 20’s. She shared more of her story with us back in December and has shared what her journey to homeownership looks like on social media. Now, she calls the Old Poole Place neighborhood in Raleigh home.
What was your favorite/most surprising part of the homebuyer program?
“My most favorite and surprising part is getting to do the homeowner walk through to see the finish and last stage of the house where I’m learning about the anatomy of my house, getting education on housing essentials for my home, having a checklist to utilize to say informed about my house because it made me feel confident and bold about homeownership.”
What is the thing you’re most looking forward to doing in your new home?
“I am looking forward to finally build my own brand and business in my home where I can live comfortably and not have to worry about expenses due to the high rental rates. I now have a fair and comfortable mortgage rate.”
Having a home to me means peace, ownership, investing, and longevity.
Hannah Isley and her two cats are some of our newest residents in Old Poole Place in Raleigh. She works for the North Carolina School of Science and Math, managing a program that provides free online honors and AP courses to students across North Carolina. She is excited to be able to purchase a home and plant roots in this community.
What was your favorite/most surprising part of the homebuyer program?
“I really enjoyed completing my construction sweat equity. I learned so much from the skilled volunteers who worked alongside me. They were incredibly patient and always took the time to get to know me, explain what we were doing, and teach me something new each time I volunteered. It was rewarding to be able to contribute to the construction of my home and walk away with skills and experiences I’ll carry with me for years to come.”
What is the thing you’re most looking forward to doing in your new home?
“I’m especially looking forward to celebrating the holidays in my new home and making it feel cozy and truly my own. I can’t wait to decorate for the holidays, have friends and family over, and start creating new traditions and memories in the space.”
Having a home to me means investing in my future self and creating a foundation for the life I want to build.
Aubri Beatty-Clemmons works in disability insurance and is currently working toward her bachelor's degree in information technology. Aubri is from Wilmington, NC, where her cousin is a Habitat homeowner. Aubri and her three children are excited to be the first homeowners in the Hope Grove neighborhood in Garner.
What was your favorite/most surprising part of the homebuyer program?
“Being part of the Home Builders Blitz was so surprising how fast it was. The fact that the house was built in 7 days and framing took just 2 hours is something I’ll never forget.”
What is the thing you’re most looking forward to doing in your new home?
“All of the upcoming holidays – being able to make memories with the kids, have our first Thanksgiving in our home and put a Christmas tree up. That and all of my kids having their own room for the first time.”
Having a home to me means blessings.
To learn more about the Habitat Homebuyer Program, visit www.habitatraleigh.org/apply.