"Most of our knowledge, I got it from Requity Homes. They took me through everything step by step until I got to understand how it is to own a home in Canada. They really helped me to achieve it. It was really a dream for me." - Catherine
For Catherine, a mother of three who moved to Canada from Kenya as an international student, the path to homeownership seemed distant at first. Like many newcomers, she initially focused on finding rental properties, especially after securing a job in Sault Ste. Marie. That's when a Facebook post about Requity Homes caught her attention and introduced her to a new possibility: rent-to-own.
A Program That Put Her in Control
What struck Catherine most about Requity Homes' program was the freedom it offered. "I was scared because they were helping you to get a place of your choice," she recalls. "It's not like they had homes that they give you on what they have. No. They're giving you the option, a place to choose yourself. You are the one to go look for the home yourself."
This level of control allowed Catherine to find exactly what her family needed. "The fact that it's our own space, like it's not an apartment, because most of the places I was getting was an apartment and I have children who like their own space, their compound, their backyard." The home they chose has become a source of joy, especially during summer months. "We can put the portable pool at the back. We can enjoy swimming and the kids really like it so I'm happy because we got a space that we can all enjoy."
An Unexpected Fast Track to Ownership
Catherine's journey took an exciting turn when she received her Permanent Residency (PR) status just four months into her work in Canada - much faster than expected. Throughout the process, she found invaluable support from Amy at Requity Homes, who guided her through unfamiliar territory. "Most of the things, I didn't know much. She could send me documents to read for me to understand better."
With her PR status secured, Catherine faced her next challenge: finding a mortgage lender. Despite her initial nervousness, she successfully secured mortgage approval within just one month. What was planned as a two-year rent-to-own period transformed into homeownership in just five months. "I was feeling like that was a lot, a lot of time to waste. So when I got it in five months, I was excited!"
Knowledge is Power
For Catherine, one of the most valuable aspects of working with Requity Homes was the educational support she received. As a newcomer to Canada, understanding the homebuying process was crucial. Through detailed documentation and patient guidance from the Requity team, particularly Amy, Catherine gained the knowledge she needed to navigate the Canadian housing market confidently.
Today, Catherine and her family enjoy their own space - a home that perfectly suits their needs, complete with the backyard their children love. Her journey from international student to homeowner shows how the right support and guidance can help turn the dream of homeownership into reality, even sooner than expected.
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