PERSISTENCE GETS COUPLE AMERICAN DREAM

When Scott and Melissa Rose were married in 1995, they had a dream: to have a safe home of their own to raise a family in.

The hardworking couple recently realized their dream, but only after rejection, a lot of persistence and a little help.

June 7-14 is National Homeownership Week.

When their daughter Hannah was born, the Roses said they were even more determined to find a home of their own.

Melissa Rose said she just wanted a safe place to raise her daughter.

"We were in a two-bedroom rental house in the south side of Cape Girardeau, and a lot of stuff went on there that did not make the newspapers," she said. "There were shootings around 12:30 and 1 a.m., and drug deals were done right in front of my house. I was scared to get out of my car."

Melissa said the rental house was livable but had many problems.

"We kept the home up as much as we could; we did our own lawn," she said. "The utilities ate up our money. The house was drafty, there was no installation, we had frozen pipes in the winter. We fixed a lot of the problems ourselves."

After being rejected twice for home loans, Scott said he became disheartened. Melissa didn't.

Becky Eftink, community development manager for the USDA-Rural Development-Jackson office, said Melissa Rose had determination.

"She was persistent and is a go-getter. Melissa has the extra drive to stay on top of things," Eftink said. "And that's what it takes for young people to get a home."

The couple needed to find the right program to fit their needs. When trying for most loans they fell through the cracks. Then a friend told them about a loan through the USDA office, and things changed.

Randal D. Friend, community development manager of rural development, said the couple works hard for their money.

"The Roses are a very hard-working couple," he said. "Mr. Rose is an assistant manager in a local business. Mrs. Rose is going to college and working two part-time jobs to supplement their income. They came into our office for help, and we were happy to be able to help them."

Eftink said Melissa Rose came to the office and picked up an application. The couple were approved in October but had to find a home and wait for funding. In February the Roses were still looking for a new home.

With the help of the USDA, Rural Development and Union Planters Bank of Southeast Missouri, the Rose's closed a loan on a home in rural Cape Girardeau County near Jackson on April 17. They received 100 percent financing and no closing costs.

"The thing that makes these loans most attractive is the 100 percent financing between both lenders," said Friend. "Applicants can even borrow the closing costs if the home appraises for enough."

Scott Rose said he is proud of his new home.

"I have a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing money you pay every month is for a home that is yours," he said.

Scott said the only drawback to his new home is the larger lawn he has to mow. "But that is a small price to pay for a home of your own," he said.