Senior Living
At 64, Clara Ann Smith finally achieved home ownership after overcoming financial hurdles, including a low credit score. Smith participated in the Housing Authority of Fulton County’s Certified Housing Counseling Program to repair her bad credit and prepare to buy a home. Smith discussed the one-story home in the $30,000s that she purchased in Union City.
Q: Why did you want to move into your own home?
A: I was getting up in age and I needed to get somewhere and be still. I was working hard to get me a house. I had worked hard to get my credit up to 620.
Q: How did working with an agent help you?
A: Gloria Williams (an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) called me up and told me she could help me. I didn't have a computer because I can't see well enough to deal with a computer. She pulled up all the houses that were in my price range. She worked hard, hard, hard, day in and day out. Ms. Williams took me all over the world, I believe (to view homes).
Q: Did the homes you were looking at need major repairs?
A: Some of them had problems, and some of them didn't. I ran out of patience, and Ms. Williams said, "We are going to find you something you like."
Q: What do you love about your home?
A: I love it because it's on one floor. I'm 64 and I can't climb steps. Everything is right there where I can do what I need to do. It's enough room for me. It's just a real nice, quiet area. I've got my big dog (Lily) in the backyard. I'm just happy here.
Q: What did you do to determine the neighborhood was going to be a quiet environment?
A: At night, I came by and saw how quiet it was. At day, I stayed there all day in the surroundings. My next-door neighbor is about my age.
Q: Were repairs needed?
A: I moved right in. (The seller) had fixed the water pipes and got new carpet. It was great.
Q: What did you like about the location?
A: I'm near the main highway, U.S. 29. I'm not too far from the grocery store. I'm not too far from the service station. I'm not too far from the bus stop.
Q: How are you able to keep up with paying your mortgage?
A: It is easy. You just have to balance your money correctly. I pay $321 on my house, and then I pay my light bill and water bill and my gas bill and my cell phone and then I'm done. Then I get food stamps and that's it.
Q: What’s your favorite room?
A: My living room. I've got my little TV in there and my sofa and recliner. I can look out the window and see the birds and the squirrels and a lot of animals running around outside.
At a Glance
Clara Ann Smith’s home, built in 1950 in Union City’s Pine Valley neighborhood, has two bedrooms, one bath and about 1,500 square feet. She purchased it in February. Homes in the area are listed from $30,000-$75,000.
About the Author
