Home-buying Initiative Saves Money and Memories From: University Currents Date: May 26, 2000 By: Chris Curran Phone: (513) 556-1806 Archive: Campus News A UC initiative to help workers buy their first home brought a special bonus to Denise Johnson, an account clerk in the Office of Residence Life. Johnson and her 18-year-old son D'Meco will soon move into a home already filled with family memories. Her new home on Glenwood in North Avondale belonged to her great uncle, who willed the house to Johnson and her sister. Unfortunately, that generous gift had a downside. The two sisters would have to sell the home to get their share of the inheritance unless one of the sisters could afford to buy out the other's share. "My uncle built the house in 1963. He helped the contractor build it. It has a lot of memories. I didn't want to sell it. It's family memories," said Johnson. Fortunately, Johnson discovered UC's new Walk-to-Work initiative and was able to get help with her down payment and find a loan through Provident Bank. The loan will not only cover her sister's share of the house, it will pay for much-needed renovations. "Everything in the house was original. My uncle never updated anything." From new siding to safer wiring and twice as much space, Johnson says it really will be a dream home when she moves in July 1. She also joked that the house quickly taught her teenager a few lessons in homeowner responsibility. "He's already had his first experience with the grass...and tomorrow will be his second. He'll have to cut the grass again." For her part, Johnson said she's happiest about the stability and investment her new home represents. She also highly recommends the program to other UC employees. "I couldn't believe it when they told me I was the first," recalled Johnson. "The whole process was so simple and went so smoothly, especially considering that it was a new program." For more information, contact Mary Myrick in Benefits.