"The homes will be available through a lease-purchase program and will be available for occupancy in little more than a year." -- City News, Nov. 1, 2011, fortworthtexas.gov
The new Terrell Homes development in Terrell Heights, coordinated by NRP Llc. and the Fort Worth Housing Finance Corp., was advertised and continues to be referred to as "affordable housing." I am inquiring for clarification on whether the word "affordable" is relating to the development or to the lease-to-own purchase program.Fort Worth City Council member Kathleen Hicks said in the November 2001 City News article, "Folks here have really needed quality affordable housing right near downtown, and now they will have these beautiful new homes."Hicks can't be aware of the impact this program will have on low-income residents.As a single mother of one daughter, I was excited to learn of the new development in Terrell Heights -- affordable homes near downtown in the urban area with the lease-to-own option. After being the first to call, tour the neighborhood to view the lots and to pick one, I was informed of the income limits and monthly lease fees, set through HUD, for a 1,376-square-foot, three-bedroom home.My income is $32,490 per year. I am considered at the high end of the qualification requirements. I gross $1,249 per pay period. After retirement fund, insurance and taxes, I take home $935.23 per pay period. My monthly take-home income is $1,870.The monthly lease cost for the home is $967, according to the program. That is more than half my monthly take-home wages. How does the word "affordable" apply to this equation?My concern is my monthly budget (electricity, water, sewer and auto gas are estimates):Rent: $967Electricity: $250Water: $40Sewer: $25Auto gas: $200Car insurance: $75Braces: $130Groceries: $300Total: $1,987At what point is this considered affordable for any homeowner? What income will I be able to save for the future home maintenance? Lawn care is the occupant's responsibility. Where does that money come from? I won't have money for a telephone, $25 per paycheck to continue adding to my savings account or even for an oil change for my car.The Terrell Homes development seemingly misrepresents affordable home opportunities to residents of Fort Worth. The pictures look good, as do the homes, but the financing and the quality of life are shaky. This looks a lot like the home mortgage-lending practices of previous years. Homeownership is available, but you will exhaust your income and better avoid all emergencies because you will not have residual income to cover your lifestyle.The way I see it people have two options: take in a roommate and charge rent or take on a second job that will raise your income and make you ineligible for the program.Either way this hardly seems like the opportunity to increase the quality of life it has been talked up to be. Beneath it all, the community will continue its broken status, with new residents unable to maintain their homes.Tracy Scott of Fort Worth is an administrative professional and concerned citizen.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
