Treasure Coast 'Hometown Hero' Finds First Home, Thanks to Her Florida Realtor®

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Jul 12, 2010, 11:25 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Kathy Johnson, a teacher in Port St. Lucie, never thought she would be able to purchase her own home. But with the assistance of a local Realtor®, Johnson was able to make her dream of homeownership come true.

"I've been renting for years, with roommates who would come and go," said Johnson, who closed on a $62,000 three-bedroom, two-bath home in Port St. Lucie in March. "It means a lot to me to have my own home, because I feel it's a great foundation for my future. I could stay here in this area for a long time."

Beth Rawlins, a sales associate with RE/MAX 100 Riverside Inc. in Port St. Lucie, found a three-bedroom home, two-bath, and helped Johnson put together a financing package that included a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) low-downpayment mortgage and a $2,500 grant from the Realtors® Association of St. Lucie Foundation's Attainable Housing Fund. "Kathy was a delight to work with," said Rawlins. "She asked a lot of questions about homeownership, and learned a lot in the process."

To educate the public about the crucial need for workforce housing for teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses and other vital providers of community services, Florida Realtors® has designated the week of July 11-17, 2010, as Florida Welcome Home Week – "Homes for Hometown Heroes."

"Realtors are on the frontlines of the state's housing market," says 2010 Florida Realtors President Wendell Davis, a broker with Watson Realty Corp. in Jacksonville. "We understand from personal experience that a lack of housing opportunities threatens the vitality and future of Florida's communities. Realtors in Florida are committed to helping make a difference for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own a home, especially in the areas where these 'Hometown Heroes' provide crucial services."

A lack of housing opportunities causes a ripple effect, according to industry experts. Community leaders across Florida are recognizing the link between workforce housing and the positive economic and social health of their communities. Affordable housing shortages close to work lead to longer commutes, traffic congestion, urban sprawl and limited services that degrade all residents' quality of life.

Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 67 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

SOURCE Florida Realtors