NIAGARA FALLS — The first time John Overbeck and his wife, Carol, walked through their future home during a public auction in Niagara Falls, they immediately fell in love with it.

The couple knew that this home, equipped with three bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas, a two-car garage, and a comfortable front porch in a pleasant neighborhood, was the perfect fit for themselves and their two teenage children.

 Wanting to waste no time, they sat down in the living room with their real estate agent and took the necessary steps to put a bid on the place. Before they knew it, they were proud new homeowners.  

This confidence displayed by the Overbecks in knowing that they were ready to purchase this particular home was not acquired easily by any means. It was gained after four committed years of working with Niagara Falls Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., to achieve their dream of becoming a homeowners.

 NF-NHS is a nonprofit organization that has been counseling individuals like John and Carol Overbeck for over 30 years. The agency’s Home Ownership Center, at 479 16th St., is dedicated to the late Carolyn Van Schaik who’s vision to lead neighborhood revitalization through counseling and teaching services for low and moderate income homebuyers is the foundation of their organization.

 “They sit down with you right there and go over your credit and give you suggestions on how to fix it,” said John Overbrook. “They do this right when you join. It’s a part of classes. And, they go over your credit score privately.”

 In addition to the classes and counseling sessions offered, NF-NHS’ Homeownership Center helps individuals become aware of different programs they may be eligible for, including their Closing Cost Assistance Program which eases the burden of closing costs upon the purchase of a new home, and HSBC Bank’s First Home Club, with a  matched savings program that allows first-time homebuyers to earn $4 in grant money for every $1 saved, which, over a 10 to 24 month period, can be used towards the down payment and closing costs on a new home.

“I absolutely believe the first step is to educate future homebuyers,” said Kathleen Steinman, director of NF-NHS, as she described the many classes and counseling sessions the agency provides.

Overbeck said he jumped at the opportunity to take the First Time Homebuyers course and proceeded to join the bank’s First Home Club, where he was taught the skills and knowledge that helped move him towards home ownership.

During classes offered once a week for five weeks or one Saturday a month, Overbeck said NF-NHS counselors helped him consider the ups and downs of owning a house, explaining how credit works, and offering suggestions on topics such as budgeting and credit repair.

 Danielle Rice, housing counselor for NF-NHS, described her satisfaction in helping people achieve home ownership. “It’s a great feeling to see the whole process from beginning to end and see all of the accomplishments and pride of the new homeowners.”

Tanisha Jackson of Niagara Falls, took the classes in 2009, but found herself wondering whether she was ready to buy. She decided she wasn’t, but continued make plans to cross the bridge to homeownership when she felt truly ready.

That time came for Jackson in May when she spotted a house she longed to call home and knew she was ready to make a move. She sat down with Rice who, she claimed, “gave me the extra push” to take the next step.

“Beautiful” is how Jackson describes her new home.  

“This home was built for a family,” she said. “I could see my kids enjoying living here. It’s comfortable, it’s beautiful, and it’s everything we need for the moment.”

Last year the team at NF-NHS helped 36 people buy homes and has continued to assist them in their new endeavors. The service is open to all, and the counselors are looking to increase both the numbers and the diversity of their clients.

“The people we help come from all walks of life,” said Rice. I’ve never heard the same story twice.”