JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville renter became a homeowner on Tuesday thanks to rental company JWB Real Estate’s annual home giveaway.
Michelle James was selected to receive the home and closed on it on Tuesday.
“It’s a little overwhelming, but everything, as they say, happens for a reason,” James said.
JWB announced in April the start of its annual initiative, which awards a deserving individual or family “an opportunity for a brighter future through homeownership.”
All current JWB Rental Homes residents were eligible to enter, and entries were reviewed by a third-party panel.
Gregg Cohen, co-founder of JWB Real Estate Capital, said it was the first year JWB focused the giveaway on current renters.
“Today is our sixth home we’ve been able to donate and this year is extra special because it’s the first year that we’ve donated the home to one of our JWB renters who wants to become a homeowner,” Cohen said. “That’s what we’re celebrating with Michelle and her family today.”
The “judges” who chose the recipient were from local nonprofits Lift Jax, Ability Housing, Read USA and Sulzbacher Housing Healthcare Hope.
To set James up for success, JWB also provided her with education on property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeownership rights and responsibilities, property maintenance, and financial planning.