‘Next Level Come Get Your Keys’ event assisting people to go from renting to owning

GARDEN CITY, Ga. (WTOC) - State Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), along with the Georgia Dream Program and Savannah-area realtors, hosted the “Next Level Come Get Your Keys” housing fair on Saturday, July 11.

Gilliard said the event brought together lenders, realtors, and other vendors to help people move from renting to owning.

“They’ve come together with realtors and vendors here, along with the Georgia Dream Program. Since 2016, we’ve got 326 people in homes, moving them from renting to owning, so today is a continuation of ‘Come Get Your Keys,’” Gilliard said.

Savannah Area Realtors President Amy Gutting said rising rent prices could make homeownership feel out of reach, but assistance was available.

“With rent numbers going up, it can be difficult for you to imagine getting into a house, but with programs like Georgia Dream, with programs like CHSA in Savannah, there are so many different things that you can do to get you into a house,” Gutting said.

Organizers said the fair included morning and afternoon sessions, with lenders on site to help eligible participants determine whether they qualified for the Georgia Dream Program and guide them through the next steps.

“There’s a lot of programs that are now available that give you a chance, so don’t miss the opportunity to think that you can qualify,” Gilliard said. “People will also get the chance to get qualified here on the spot, to get approved for their loan, and hopefully connect with a realtor so they can purchase a home.”

Gutting said the event also focused on educating potential buyers about the process and what to watch for as they began working with an agent and preparing to go under contract.

“Being able to learn the process, making sure we know what your rights are, is very important,” she said. “We went over things that you should keep in mind when it comes to having to sign an agreement before physically seeing a house with a realtor, how you can negotiate that timeline so that you find the right person to work with for you. We talked about making sure that you’re getting the right inspectors in your house when you’re going under contract.”

Gilliard said housing costs in and around Savannah were putting pressure on renters, and he praised local realtors and lenders for participating.

“We know that rent in Savannah, Georgia, and around Savannah becomes profuse, so I commend Savannah Area Realtors for bringing their staff and those lenders to give people a chance at homeownership,” he said. “They’ll get the guidance on how to purchase that home.”