Transforming Renters into Homeowners: No Place Like Home Expo
Franklin and Associates Realty, in collaboration with Duke Energy, Suncoast Housing Connections, Neighborhood Home Solutions, and the Cohort of Champions, is excited to announce the upcoming No Place Like Home Expo. This event aims to provide residents with valuable information on various aspects of homeownership, from first-time buyer down payment assistance to credit repair solutions.
Scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 24, the expo will be held at the Enoch Center, located at 1111 18th Ave. S, from 4-8 p.m. While the event is open to all residents, its primary focus is on those residing in south St. Petersburg, including the community redevelopment area.
Maurice “Mo” Franklin, the founder of Franklin and Associates, has a deep commitment to affordable housing. He initiated this endeavor a few years ago, leveraging his 19 years of experience in the field. The business has since become a family affair, with his wife Samantha and two of their children joining the firm.
The inspiration for the expo emerged during a conversation with a Duke Energy representative, as Franklin explained, “We were talking about how rough times are for people right now. It’s inflation, the cost of food, housing; people are struggling.” Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals and families, he believed that offering comprehensive information and resources in one place could be transformative in helping people create generational wealth through homeownership.
“For many of us, in our communities, building generational wealth is done through homeownership,” Franklin emphasized.
The expo will provide attendees with insights into credit repair, down payment assistance programs, and energy-saving measures. Moreover, participants can learn about the Greenhouse, an eight-week entrepreneurial assistance program designed to teach current and aspiring business owners the fundamentals of starting and managing their own businesses.
Several reputable vendors will be present at the event, including Truist Bank, Raymond James Financial Services, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to valuable information, attendees can enjoy food and exciting giveaways.
Franklin’s hope for the expo is to empower residents, even amid the challenges posed by inflation and housing costs. “There are a number of issues right now,” Franklin acknowledged. “Saving for a down payment, sometimes credit problems, they are big hurdles for people.”
He further highlighted the frustration expressed by many residents who are struggling to find affordable housing, particularly as Florida’s population continues to grow rapidly. “Florida is now the third most populated state,” Franklin revealed. “We have surpassed New York, and so many people coming are able to pay cash [for homes]. It’s basic supply and demand. Even the interest and rental rates are high.”
“Our goal is to have 300 people come through,” he shared enthusiastically. “We want as many people in the building as possible.”
For additional information about the No Place Like Home Expo, please visit www.nplh.info.
