First Time Home Buyers: The Catri Family

After recently relocating to the Triangle region, the Catris, parents of two young children, dreamed of something many families hope for: a home where everyone has space to grow. They longed for simple but meaningful things, a bedroom that parents and children didn’t have to share, room for family to visit comfortably, and a small outdoor space where their kids could play and make memories.

Like so many first-time buyers in today’s market, they quickly discovered that finding a home they could afford felt nearly impossible. They didn’t want extravagance, just the ability to cover the basics without stretching their budget to the breaking point. Most of all, they wanted to stop renting and begin investing in their family’s future.

That’s where Raleigh Area Land Trust stepped in.

Through RALT’s affordable homeownership mode and in partnership with DHIC, the Catri family found a path forward. By keeping the home permanently affordable, RALT made it possible for them to purchase a home in the community where they work, go to school, and build their lives.

“Finding a home that we could afford in our area seemed impossible,” the family shared. “But because of RALT and DHIC, we've been given an opportunity that we wouldn't have had otherwise. We are so grateful and we praise God for all who have helped us reach this milestone of becoming first-time home buyers.”

Today, the Catri children have room to grow, their family has space to visit, and their parents have the stability and peace of mind that comes with homeownership. More than just a house, this home represents security, dignity, and a foundation for generational opportunity.

At Raleigh Area Land Trust, stories like the Catri family’s are why the work matters. Affordable homeownership isn’t just about housing, it’s about creating the stability families need to thrive.