Determination makes homeownership dream a reality

Financial difficulties had taken a toll on Devin and Lavata Hall's credit score. So their dream of owning their own home seemed impossible until they walked into the sales center at Silver Leaf in Joliet.

Instead of simply telling them that they did not qualify for a loan, the staff at the J. Lawrence Homes community and the staff at J. Lawrence's preferred lender spent time working with the Halls and showing them how they could repair their damaged credit and eventually realize their dream of owning a home.

"The staff of J. Lawrence Homes was so willing to help us and to work with us. It made us feel like we really could do it," said Devin Hall. "We worked hard for about six months, paying down our bills, and by the time we were ready to close, our credit score was up enough to qualify for the loan we wanted."

The Hall's success was based on mutual trust, according to J. Lawrence Homes chief financial officer, Jim Chittaro.

"The Halls had faith in us that we could make their dreams of homeownership a reality. They trusted in the advice of our lender to help improve their credit score. So we, in turn, trusted in the Hall family. We believed in their ability to raise their credit score and to buy this home, and we made sure their home would be ready when they were," Chittaro recalled.

"The Halls weren't just another contract for us. They weren't a number that had to fit the defined profile of a potential buyer," added John Wozniak, president of J. Lawrence Homes.

"Rather, they were a family that we got to know. We were really happy to be able to work with them and to have the ability to be flexible to find a solution that helped them purchase their very first home," he continued.

The Halls closed on their home at the end of last year and have moved in to their four-bedroom, 2½-bath home with their two sons, ages 10 and 15. Their 2,117-square-foot Dashwood features a basement, attached two-car garage, an eat-in kitchen and a family room.

"After living in a two-bedroom apartment, having all this space is great," said Hall.

Hall said that he loves every square foot of his new home, but the family spends the most time in the family room. For Lavata, the favorite space is the master bedroom suite on the second level. It offers a walk-in closet and a private bath with a dual-bowl vanity, separate shower and soaking tub.

The second level also features a laundry room and a second family room.

Their sons are excited about having their own bedrooms.

"Having this new home is really a dream come true for us," said Hall. "I think we're proof that you can still get a home even if you need to work on your credit. I tell people, 'If we can do it, anyone can do it'."

Area sales manager Shirley Roach agreed, saying that situations like the Halls' are very common among first-time buyers.

"We have a lot of young couples just getting started in life that may have a lower credit score or may not have their down payment saved," she said.

"It can be overwhelming for them without some guidance. That's why we're so happy to talk to them and review their finances, to help them find out how much home they can afford and how to stay on track with bill payment," Roach added.

Silver Leaf offers seven floor plans that range from 1,700 to 2,674 square feet and have three to four bedrooms, two to 2½ baths, and attached two-car garages. They are base-priced from the $210,000s to the $260,000s.

To visit Silver Leaf, take I-55 to Route 52 and head east. At Houbolt Road, turn south to the community entrance on the left. The sales center is located at 3407 Forest View Drive. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call (630) 281-4720 or visit www.jlawrencehomes.com.