New housing development in Hartington opens doors for first-time homeowners
12-unit rent-to-own project gives families a path to ownership after 15 years
HARTINGTON, Neb. — A new housing development in Hartington is giving families a path to homeownership.
“I am fairly new, I just moved here two days ago officially,” said Candis Grimsley. “I’m still transferring my belongings, but last night was my second night in my brand-new house.”
After two years and a $5.7 million investment, the city is celebrating the completion of a 12-unit rent-to-own housing development.
The homes feature four bedrooms, two-car garages and come fully equipped with appliances. Each unit offers about 2,500 square feet, including both upper and lower levels.
The project is part of the CROWN program, Credit to Own, which allows tenants to become homeowners after 15 years.
“The point of it is kind of a homeownership program,” said Rob Woodling, president of Foundations Development. “We provide down payment assistance, along with training that folks can use when they move on to another home. We also offer homeownership classes for all residents, and at the end of the 15-year compliance period, we can sell the houses to them at a really good price.”
Grimsley said that as a single mom, the program offers an affordable path to becoming a first-time homeowner.
“I am responsible for the maintenance, the snow removal, the lawn, all of that — and it’s just getting you ready to own your home,” she said. “I’ve never owned a home before, so it’s super exciting. I’ve always been a renter.”
Hartington Economic Development Coordinator Miranda Becker said housing remains in short supply, making the project a major opportunity for growth.
“Twelve houses at once is a really big boom,” Becker said. “Usually, towns of about 1,500 people don’t see that many homes built in several years.”
She said the added residents can have a broader impact on the community.
“Another 30 to 40 people is meaningful,” Becker said. “It makes the grocery store more viable, more gas sold at the gas station, and utilities are spread among more people. So it’s a great opportunity for the city of Hartington to grow.”
With all homes rented and residents moving in, officials say the project is already making an impact.
“I am so excited and looking forward to it,” Grimsley said. “I’m not going anywhere — I’ll probably be a lifelong Hartington resident. It’s my new hometown.”
For Foundations Development, this marks the latest of more than 30 projects totaling $225 million since 2006.