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LIFE SKILLS Renting vs. Buying Questions for newcomers seeking housing BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO Homeownership is the ultimate American dream. Finding a place to live is one of the most important steps in establishing a new life in the United States. Some people are fortunate enough to live safely with family members while some must try to live comfortably on their own. Language barriers, financial uncertainty, and credit obstacles can be cumbersome. Educating yourself will make the process less stressful. First and foremost, know that your immigration status cannot lawfully keep you from purchasing or renting a home. The Fair Housing Act protects you from discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion, among other things. However, a landlord can ask about your residency status if he/she asks every other applicant the same questions. This helps the landlord to comply with state and federal laws, and it helps you as the renter obtain resources necessary to maintain living there. Tenants’ rights In Michigan, for example, it is unlawful for a landlord to void a lease agreement if the property becomes uninhabitable. You have the right to terminate your contract – unless it is your fault and you have received money from insurance. Also, landlords cannot just increase your rent when they feel like it, even if you violated a part of your contract – unless you have given them written consent. They also cannot use your personal property as a security deposit. Landlords can, however, terminate your contract if you are involved in domestic abuse or sexual assault. As a tenant, you have the right to terminate a lease if, after 13 months, you or a loved one are unable to live independently. This is a good provision for the elderly or for people who are suddenly incapacitated. Know also that the security deposit should not exceed 1.5 times the rent. That means if rent is $1200 a month, then the security deposit should not be more than $1800. If a landlord requests more than that, he/she is in violation of state law. As a newcomer, it may be necessary to have a co-signer who will be responsible for making the rent if you fail to do so. It is important to fully understand any legal documents you sign. If your English language and reading skills are still developing, take someone who is fluent with you to look for a place to live or seek a realtor who speaks Sureth or Arabic. They can translate the expectations for you, and you can decide whether or not you agree with them. The contract is not just for you but for the landlord as you both have responsibilities to each other. A written contract is always better than an oral agreement. Know your rights and know the landlord’s too to avoid any conflicts. You must think about what makes better sense for you and your family. While many immigrants come to America with all their life’s savings, many arrive with very little money. Depending on home values, it may be better to rent because you will not have the burden of maintenance when an appliance or something even more expensive like plumbing breaks down. That is typically taken care of by the landlord. Also, the flexibility of leaving when your lease ends will make moving more convenient. Immigrants and refugees are available to get rent assistance in Michigan for up to 12 months. This program helps take the burden off people who are resettling and seeking to build a new life here. Buying a home Obtaining a mortgage is not easy for a newcomer (even those with cash down payments), but it is not impossible. You can apply for special loans, like an FHA loan, but without established credit scores, mortgage rates will be higher, and you will likely need a cosigner. Certainly, there are benefits to purchasing a home, and the greatest opportunity is that of building equity. You can also take mortgage interest deductions on your taxes. Plus, you can truly make the home yours by customizing it to your style. But there is also a downside. Just as a house can increase in value, it can also decrease. And it costs more Before you rent or buy, ask yourself: • Is this a neighborhood my family and I could survive and thrive in? • Are there English language learning support programs at school for my kids? • Should I build a life and career here and then buy a house? • Can I put half of my income aside for rent and other necessary expenses? • Can I let go of wants and focus on needs for the short-term? If you cannot definitively answer all these questions, you should rethink your priorities before you enter into a lease or purchase agreement. to own a home than to rent. Homeowners spend an average of approximately $3,000 a year on maintenance alone! With nearly 30 years of experience, real estate agent Riyadh Ronnie Mansour has assisted numerous first-time homebuyers. He claims that a very small number of those were recently arrived immigrants with a lot of money. Mostly, the newcomers just try to get by and adjust to being in a new environment. “Buying a house comes with a lot of obligations and expenses,” Mansour said. “You have to consider how many people are in the family and how many of them can work to pay for these expenses. You have to be ready for that.” Mansour advises that newcomers gain employment, become taxpayers, and establish credit to prepare themselves for homeownership. They should have some stability before purchasing a house. “This is how you show you are a good citizen and a good American,” he added. For more information, you can go to https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/ assistance-programs/cash/refugee/ refugee-assistance-services. Riyadh Ronnie Mansour with Century 21 can be reached at 586-321-0700 and is fluent in Sureth and Arabic as well as English. 40 CHALDEAN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2023
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BREAKING BARRIERS 3601 15 MILE RD., STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 Breaking Barriers provides services and advocacy to those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, older adults, and respite to caregivers. B.E.A.M. (BRAILLE, ESL, ACCULTURATION, MOBILITY) PROJECT – helps better equip those with visual impairments to live independent lives. H.E.A.L. (HARD OF HEARING, ESL, AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE, LIFE SKILLS) PROJECT – helps better equip those with hearing impairments to live independent lives. C.H.A.I. (CAREGIVER HELPING AID INITIATIVE) PROJECT– supports the family caregiver in care provision and stress reduction. BB ACADEMY – Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities gather to participate in group activities, meet new friends, learn new skills and have fun while their unpaid family caregivers enjoy some well-deserved respite time. RECREATIONAL FAMILY RESPITE – Year-round themed gatherings for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families. Families enjoy a safe and familiar place to meet, break bread and to socialize. SUPERCUTS BARBER SHOP – Licensed cosmetologists provide complimentary salon services for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities by appointment. M.O.B. – Matter of Balance is an evidence based cognitive restructuring group class for older adults with mobility challenges to reduce the risk of Falling. BINGOCIZE- Older adults meet and enjoy group Bingo and light exercise to socialize and improve their overall health. SEPTEMBER 2023 CHALDEAN NEWS 41
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