In November 2003, we received a call from a realtor in the City of Edmonton.  The realtor was looking for an option for a family she was working with.  This particular family was looking for a home that was large enough for the four brothers and sisters and their mother.  The mother had been quite ill for several months and physically unable to walk up stairs; therefore, she was living in a small three-bedroom apartment sleeping on the couch.  A mother of four had been evicted to her own couch, and that is where she spent most of her time.

When the realtor brought this story to our attention, we tried our very best to find financial options to provide this family with a home. They had a sizeable down payment and could afford a large amount of rent.  They had all the financial stability to purchase a home; however, every financial institution they went to turned them down because they had no credit.  The issue with this family was that they had immigrated to Canada over ten years ago. In that time they have never owned a credit card or had a bank loan; therefore, they were unable to establish credit.

We looked at the family situation and employment history, and we decided this family would qualify for our Rent to Own Program.  They set out to find the home of their dreams with the assistance of their realtor and within a short period of time, they were able to find a home that fit them perfectly. We purchased the home for them and provided a rent to own scenario where they are able to live in the house that they wanted right now.  Our team of financial experts then put a financial plan in place to begin to establish credit.  In the next 18 to 24 months, the family will be able to own the home of their dreams with their own money and credit.  In two years, their dream of home ownership will be fulfilled.

Upon purchase, we provided them with home ownership training including the operation of all their appliances.  Our contractors helped them install new flooring in the kitchen, and they also helped them restore the current carpets to a new condition.  We taught them how to clean and disinfect, paint, and build an extra room in the basement for the oldest brother.  The looks on the faces of a family when we just provided them with the comfort and security of owning their own home, the freedom and flexibility to have what they wanted when they wanted it, and the peace and quiet for their mother to rest was rewarding.  We were able to provide both a shelter and a healing refuge for an ailing mother of four.

In this case, not only did we provide a home for a family but we provided the training and mentorship for the life skills necessary to care for and maintain a home.  We provided financial security in ensuring that their monthly rent is now being used toward home ownership.  When the family purchases the home from us, they will be purchasing the home of their dreams; and they will also have an asset base that far exceeds their current savings.

Investing in real estate is not all about the money.  It is about providing assistance for families and individuals that need a little extra help in life.