Ohio REALTORS and Habitat for Humanity of Ohio help make home happen at a ground-breaking event
Ohio REALTORS recently partnered with Habitat of Humanity of Ohio on a ground-breaking initiative to build the frame of a new home on the Statehouse grounds for a Central Ohio family.
More than 40 REALTORS joined forces with state lawmakers to build the home to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and put a spotlight on the need for affordable housing across Ohio. The event, which took place on April 11 during the Ohio REALTORS Spring Legislative Conference, marked just the second time a Habitat home had been constructed on one of the country's Statehouse grounds.
Throughout the day, Ohio REALTORS worked side-by-side with Ohio lawmakers and others to build a home for Dave and Kate D'Agati and their two young daughters. Following the event, the home was disassembled and moved to a permanent site for the family in Union County. Despite Dave's job as a first-grade teacher, the D'Agati family has struggled to purchase their own home despite outgrowing their two-bedroom rental. After completing 300 hours of sweat equity, which includes participating in the actual construction of the home, and completion of homeowners classes the D'Agati's will purchase the home at fair market value with a zero-interest, affordable mortgage.
"REALTORS know the importance home ownership and the freedom it provides -- it strengthens communities and brings stability and a sense of place to families. This is something that Ohio REALTORS are committed to protecting," said President Tiffany Meyer. "We're honored to have played a leading role in helping the D'Agati family attain the first rung of the American Dream!"
