A Mortgage Cheaper Than Rent

Austin, Sue Ellen, and their one-year-old son Connor, are looking forward to a brighter future after moving into their new Habitat home.

Austin, an Operator II for the City of Tulsa, says that taking the step into homeownership just made sense. Rent was too high, space was limited, and with a child to raise, he and his partner Sue Ellen needed to take that next step.

Austin heard about Green Country Habitat for Humanity from friends and coworkers, billboards, but didn’t take the first step till he did a little research of his own—ultimately leading them to apply for the Homebuyer Program. They say there were a lot of things they didn’t know about the homebuying process but that they were happy to have Habitat walking through every step.

“A lot of stuff that I didn't know and it's nice to be able to learn it, especially about all the house stuff and insurance and mortgage,” said Austin.

Welcome Home, Austin and Sue Ellen!

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The big surprise though came when they were selecting their home, and their mortgage payment was explained. Thanks to forgivable downpayment assistance they received through Habitat Homebuyer Program and a low-interest loan, Austin and Sue Ellen’s mortgage was going to be cheaper than the rent at their previous home.

“I was paying way too much for a house that's not in that good a condition,” said Austin. “So, comparing that to here, I would say there's a lot more benefits and a lot it's a lot better than where we were.”

When asked about their favorite parts of their new home, Sue Ellen and Austin had differing opinions.

“The kitchen,” said Sue Ellen. “The kitchen is the heart of the home for me.”

Followed by Austin who didn’t hesitate with his answer— “Two bathrooms.”

With Sue Ellen adding, “Two bathrooms, the dad would say that.”

Congratulations Austin and Sue Ellen on purchasing your new Habitat home. Special thanks also go to Firstar Bank for providing an affordable mortgage.