Starting the new year with a fresh chapter, David and Grace Hux officially became homeowners on Friday, Jan. 30, closing on their new Habitat for Humanity house on Bedford Street in Alpena. For the Hux family, the journey from their initial application to receiving their keys took a little over three years.

 

Throughout this lengthy process, Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan Homeownership Coordinator Jenny Nestell provided essential guidance, helping the couple navigate everything from complex documentation and income requirements to improving their credit over time. While the family had originally hoped to move in before Christmas, inspection delays and the busy holiday season extended their wait longer than anticipated. Despite the challenges, their dedication remained steadfast. At the closing, Habitat NEMI Executive Director Ted Fines encouraged them, noting, "It was a long struggle, but it’s worth it in the long run.”

 

The path to ownership became a reality thanks to a USDA mortgage secured by Habitat NEMI with a 5% interest rate. This financing brought their monthly payment—inclusive of taxes and insurance—to less than $700, allowing the family to build equity in a home valued at over $200,000, rather than continuing to pay rent.

 

After signing the closing paperwork, David Hux expressed his excitement, noting that while change makes him nervous, the reality of the moment was beginning to sink in. He is particularly looking forward to the simple joys of property ownership, such as cutting the grass, planting sunflowers in the spring, and potentially installing an above-ground pool for their children, Alexis, 13, and Jacob, 10. David is also pleased that their new location, just a few houses away from the school, will allow his son to ride his bike to class. Reflecting on what this new sense of security and stability means for his family, David said, "I’m so excited to be able to leave something behind."