M
arquita Green and her family are among the first to benefit from JWB Real Estate's innovative HomeStep program, which is helping longtime renters achieve their dream of homeownership. The initiative offers financial incentives and support services to help tenants make the leap into home ownership.
"It's one of the most fulfilling things about my job," said Melissa Gillispie, director of leasing and property management at JWB. "We're not just a real estate company; we're helping people achieve their goals."
Green's family is one of three who closed on a new home this spring through the program. She was thrilled to find a spacious, open-plan house with a covered porch, water features, and four rooms. "It's kind of weird to say it's ours and not renting," she said.
The HomeStep program launched six months ago and allows JWB renters to earn up to $3,600 in equity, which can be used towards the purchase of a home. The program is retroactive for previous renters as well, making it accessible to those who have trusted JWB with their rentals in the past.
Green was initially unsure if she'd qualify due to her long-term lease, but Gillispie assured her that the program was designed to benefit current and past tenants. "We said, 'OK, if we launch it in November, what about all of the people who already have trusted us with their rentals?'" Gillispie explained.
The down payment assistance made a significant difference for Green's family. "It may not sound like a lot of money, but with all the moving expenses and closing costs, over $3,000 was very helpful," she said. In addition to financial support, the HomeStep program offers free homebuying classes, credit repair resources, and one-on-one counseling.
More than 2,300 JWB residents are currently enrolled in the HomeStep program, with 43 actively searching for homes right now. Gillispie believes that investing in the community long-term is key to its success. "We want people to feel so much pride in calling Jacksonville their home," she said.
