Don’t Give Up: The Story of Magnus’ Success in Buying a Home
When Magnus immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in 2002 with his wife and four children, he had a dream to provide his family with a stable and loving home of their own. However, he quickly learned that turning that dream into reality would take persistence, discipline, and support.
Early on, Magnus connected with nonprofits offering homeownership assistance, and in 2003, he won a housing lottery and was able to buy his first home. For 12 years, he and his family lived in their new home until life threw them a curveball: His wife developed a medical condition which took a turn for the worse and the resulting medical expenses made it impossible to stay in their home. The family was forced to move out.
Determined to regain a home for his family Magnus sought help from other homeownership programs. However, he felt some to be misleading and unhelpful.
Some required him to pay membership fees to attend out-of-state meetings without defining tangible steps or opportunities to purchase a home.
That’s when Magnus found Neighborhood Housing Greater New Britain.
“At NHS New Britain it’s very straightforward. Go to the program. Do the homeownership class. Get good credit. You can see the homes being built—they’re real.”
After being introduced to our programs he took initiative. He attended our free workshops, including our Pre-Purchase program, and began working one-on-one with one of our housing counselors to develop a plan tailored to his unique situation.
Over several years of working together, Magnus became aware that NHS New Britain also creates new homeownership opportunities. During the time Magnus worked with our counselors, NHS constructed and offered for sale to low-income households 5 new single family homes at below market prices. Magnus applied to purchase one of these homes in several of the lotteries we held. Each time, he came close—once even placing second—but he did not win the opportunity to purchase. Still, he didn’t lose hope. “I was discouraged, but I didn’t give up,” Magnus recalls.
Finally, in November 2024, Magnus’s perseverance paid off. His name was randomly selected in our most recent housing lottery, giving him the first chance to buy a newly constructed, energy-efficient 3-bedroom, 2 ½ bath home at well below market value.
Magnus credits our clear and transparent process as one of the reasons he succeeded. He learned how to create a budget that worked for his family, improve his credit score, and practice financial discipline.
Through the courses and counseling, Magnus gained financial skills; and confidence in himself and ability to move forward.
“Having the courses helps a lot...” He shares. “Financial management—managing your income, how to spend your paycheck. I thought, ‘I know what I can keep, and what I can take out.”
Zuhey Rivera, Housing Counselor
“Magnus had tried for an opportunity to buy in three lotteries over the previous 2 years. He came in second place, one time, but no win. Everyone at NHS was rooting for him to win. When his name was chosen in his third lottery, all of the staff celebrated with him. It was my pleasure to help him to prepare for homeownership, and it feels rewarding that he is now a successful homeowner."
As Magnus prepared to close on his home in early 2025, he reflected on his journey and the support that helped him along the way.
“I feel like I’m a part of a family here,” Magnus says.
Magnus’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and the power of community. It’s a reminder that the American dream is achievable, even in the face of challenges, when we work together and never lose hope. As Magnus looks ahead to years in his new home, he’s excited about the future—one with more space, more stability, and the promise of better decisions and brighter days to come.
