GROW SD Celebrates National Homeownership Month During June

GROW SD celebrates National Homeownership Month during June by raising awareness about the benefits that home ownership brings to families, neighborhoods and communities alike. The real estate market is thriving, and GROW SD is working to make homeownership a reality for many people who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Learn more about why homeownership matters and how you can become a homeowner too. 

Why Homeownership Matters

Owning a home is a cornerstone of the “American Dream”. 

“Grow SD helped me achieve my goal of finally owning a home, not only for me but most importantly my three children. I never thought this day would ever come, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am for the help from GROW SD,” says one satisfied client.

“GROW helped make my life long dream of homeownership possible. I am eternally grateful, and my family is beyond appreciative of the support,” reports another client. 

With homeownership, comes a sense of pride, financial stability and equity. In addition to the personal benefits, homeownership plays an important role in sustaining strong and stable communities. 

Homeownership grows the community tax base. Research shows that higher homeownership percentages directly correlate with lower crime rates. Homeowners tend to volunteer more, buy more goods and services from local business owners, support local educational systems and benefit the economy more overall. Homeowners are even more likely to be involved in local civic engagements and elections. An additional benefit of homeownership for the community is that one new job is supported from every two home sales, according to NAR calculations.

GROW SD Supports Homeownership

GROW SD offers an abundance of resources for potential home buyers in order to encourage homeownership in South Dakota communities. In 2020, GROW South Dakota deployed 172 down payment and closing cost loans for a total of $1.17 million, paired with $25.2 million in partner first mortgages and provided financing for 26 new homeowners for a total of $2.4 million loans.  

GROW South Dakota is a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency and Housing Education Resource Organization (HERO) offering individual and online education for homeownership. These programs help prepare buyers for the financial and physical responsibilities of owning a home. Through these programs, we also offer one on one pre-purchase, rental counseling and financial management for homeowners. 

Click here for a free Home Buyer Coaching sheet.

First Mortgage Loans

GROW South Dakota's direct loan program supports individuals and families making their dream of homeownership a reality with the financing of a home purchase. The experienced GROW SD staff will walk with you every step of the way. Our loan program provides funds for the purchase of a new or existing home in the state of South Dakota. The program will finance loan amounts up to $175,000.

Down Payment or Closing Cost Assistance

Potential homeowners can apply for assistance with a down payment or closing costs on the purchase of their home through GROW SD. Lenders must be approved through GROW SD and other eligibility requirements apply.    

Two GROW SD clients who received down payment assistance rave about the positive experience: 

”GROW SD made it possible for me to afford the closing costs of my home, and they did it simply but intelligently,” says one client.

“When I thought I wouldn’t be able to get my home loan, GROW was able to provide down payment assistance to me and make my home attainable. Thank you!” comments another client. 

Governor's House Program

GROW South Dakota is a local marketing representative for this affordable pre-built energy efficient home that comes in a variety of floor plans including 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom homes. Contact Jim Becker at (605) 897-7636 or jabecal@nvc.net.  

Choose Homeownership

Owning a home is widely regarded as one of the best ways to build wealth. Home prices continue to rise, resulting in a higher resale value. Mortgage rates are low and steady, presenting a unique opportunity for homebuyers to purchase with a lower monthly payment. 

Homeownership has many benefits, but it has to be sustainable for the buyer. It is a big responsibility, which is why GROW SD encourages homeownership education and counseling. Being more familiar with the ins and outs of homeownership will ensure that buyers don’t overstretch their budget. GROW SD is working on reducing the barriers to ownership by providing technical and financial assistance. 

Contact Us

National Homeownership Month is the perfect time to explore purchasing a home. GROW SD is in the business of helping families become part of a community. For more information on our homeownership programs, visit www.growsd.org or call (605) 698-7654.