"I still can't believe it"
An interview with Annette Lemon, 6 months after moving into her new home
Intern Lindsay Howard and Director of Volunteer Services Laurel Prichard visited with Annette and Trey Lemon who have lived in their new Habitat home in North Charleston for 6 months now. We reminisced that this time last year, we were up shingling her roof in the hot sun!
The Lemon's home was the first EarthCraft certified build by Charleston Habitat for Humanity. Annette says she pays less than half of what she used to pay in utilities at her smaller rental home!!!
How is it different being a homeowner?
Annette answers by saying, "I can't believe it's mine! Sometimes I peer out of my bedroom doorway, look down the hall as it opens into the kitchen and living room, and it just seems so BIG! I can't believe it's actually all mine!"
What other changes have you noticed not going from a renter to a homeowner?
"Well, my mortgage is less than my rent was. So, I can save money now. I was having all kinds of car problems when I was renting, but couldn't afford a car payment. I actually just bought a 2006 Malibu last week. Now I don't have to deal with constantly repairing my old car and can afford small monthly car payments.
How is Trey doing since moving in?
"Trey graduated from Meminger and was accepted into Rivers Academy in downtown and will start there this fall. It works out perfect for me to drop him off on my way into work at MUSC. He loves his new room, helps out around the house and takes care of the yard. We're a good team."
Do you plan to make any changes or additions to your house?
"I'm finally getting settled on the inside. I'm thankful for our 3rd bedroom that my two adult children can stay in when they visit! But yes, I'd like to do some things in the yard, add a banister to the porch, and maybe a deck in backyard. Eventually I'll paint some on the inside, but that will be after I finish school.
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