Building Dreams in the Sunshine State: A Homebuying Journey Rooted in Sarasota’s Future

Aidan and Katie Alderman embody the spirit and resilience of young homeowners navigating today's challenging real estate market. Their story, intertwined with their deep-rooted connections to Sarasota, offers a lens into the importance of affordable housing solutions to keep young talent in the region. Both Aidan and Katie grew up in Sarasota, with Aidan being a fifth-generation Sarasotian. Their decision to stay in the area was deeply influenced by their familial ties, professional opportunities, and love for the local lifestyle. Today they both work for local, privately owned companies. "We love where we were raised," Katie says. "We enjoy being on the water and spending our time with family and friends." Despite the challenges in the housing market, their desire to remain close to family, friends, and familiar surroundings kept them rooted in Sarasota. However, the path to homeownership for Aidan and Katie was fraught with obstacles, primarily centered around affordability. Sarasota's housing market, with starting prices just shy of half a million dollars for homes often requiring significant renovations, posed a significant barrier. "Homes in Sarasota start around $400k+ and a home in that price range is probably an older home that needs a remodel or upgrades," Katie adds. “By the time we put a down payment to get the lowest possible monthly payment, we wouldn’t have enough cash for those larger repairs and furnishing the new home. That made it impossible," Aidan says. The Aldermans' story is a microcosm of a larger trend affecting young Americans nationwide. Homeownership rates among younger generations are significantly lower compared to previous generations. Factors such as rising home prices, stagnant wages, and increased living costs contribute to this decline. According to a report by intermediary services company IPX1031, younger generations face substantial hurdles in achieving homeownership, with many feeling that owning a home is currently unattainable. In Sarasota, the challenge is compounded by the region's popularity and the resulting high demand for housing. In the face of these challenges, SimplyDwell emerged as a solution for Aidan and Katie. SimplyDwell is a housing initiative offered by Neal Communities designed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for young professionals and families in the Sarasota-Manatee region. The program focuses on constructing homes priced under $400,000, a crucial threshold for many aspiring homeowners like the Aldermans. SimplyDwell's approach is characterized by simplicity and affordability, offering a basic product that homeowners can personalize over time. "We were attracted to the simplicity of the product. It’s affordable, and we were able to purchase it. Now over time we get to make it our own, by upgrading light fixtures, adding accent walls, all the little weekend DIYs." Katie shares. The Aldermans' experience with SimplyDwell was filled with significant moments of joy and relief. The first walk-through of their under-construction home in the Broadleaf community of Parrish, was particularly memorable. As a young, engaged couple—Aidan was 25 and Katie 22 at the time—they were overwhelmed with emotion, realizing that this home would be the starting point for their married life. "The first time we walked the home while it was under construction, I just remember looking at Aidan and being overwhelmed with emotion," Katie recalls. "We purchased the house as a couple, and knowing this would be where we would start our married life and where we possibly grow our family brought on so much excitement and in some ways relief. It really is the American Dream." Living on a lake lot, they now enjoy beautiful sunrises and the tranquil presence of local wildlife from their kitchen and living room, small yet significant moments that enrich their daily lives. Aidan and Katie recognized that homeownership involves sacrifices and that the long-term benefits outweigh short-term inconveniences. "At the end of the day, a home has many parts and many hands that come across it. It is understandable that it is not always ‘perfect.’ We are thankful for what we have because it is more than many others," Aidan adds. Programs like SimplyDwell by Neal Communities are not just beneficial but necessary to ensure that young professionals can afford to live and work in the area. By providing attainable housing options, SimplyDwell helps to retain talent, fostering a vibrant and diverse community. Katie and Aidan are vocal advocates for SimplyDwell, sharing their positive experience with others in the community. They see the program as a crucial solution to the housing affordability gap, providing opportunities for homeownership that would otherwise be out of reach for many young professionals. "I tell everyone about it. I think it is a great option and fills a much-needed gap in the market," Katie says. Their support for SimplyDwell is rooted in their belief that such programs are essential for the long-term growth and stability of the Sarasota-Manatee region. The couple’s homebuying journey is a testament to the importance of affordable housing initiatives in retaining young talent and supporting community growth. Their story highlights the need for innovative solutions like SimplyDwell, which offer hope and opportunity in a challenging market. As Sarasota continues to grow and evolve, programs that prioritize affordability and accessibility will be crucial in ensuring that the community remains vibrant and inclusive for generations to come. The Aldermans' experience serves as an inspiring example of how determination, coupled with the right opportunities, can turn the dream of homeownership into a reality.