After three years of searching for the right property, small business owner Andrae Barrett was beginning to rethink his approach to homeownership.

Like many prospective homeowners, he had spent countless hours scrolling through property listings, comparing options, and trying to navigate the home-buying process on his own.

“I probably have about 10 computer tabs open trying to figure everything out,” Barrett laughed.

But after attending the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) Home It! Expo in Montego Bay, St James, recently, he left with something he hadn’t had before — a clear plan.

“I’ve been searching for about three years,” Barrett said. “I was looking at houses on the open market, but I wasn’t finding what I wanted. The quality wasn’t what I had hoped for, so I decided to buy land and build instead.”

The 33-year-old said one of the biggest attractions at the expo was learning about the NHT’s free building plans, which immediately simplified part of his journey.

“I now know exactly what to look for when buying land and what to do once I find it. After today, I’m definitely ramping up my search.”

Barrett was among scores of Jamaicans who attended the western staging of the Home It! Expo, where aspiring homeowners, existing mortgagors, and home improvers connected with the NHT team, financial institutions, developers, realtors, contractors, renewable energy providers, and home furnishing companies for practical advice on every stage of the housing journey.

For Barrett, the experience was about much more than buying property.

“Owning a home means peace of mind. It means creating something for my family and leaving a legacy

For NHT mortgagor and accountant Jodian Williams, she was ready to take the next step. Williams, who accessed an NHT construction loan in 2021 to build her home, attended the expo seeking information about home improvements and got more than she bargained for.

“I came with many questions, and every one of them was answered,” she said. “The NHT team took the time to walk me through every aspect of the process, and the builders gave me even more information about improving my home.”

Williams also reflected on the support she received from the NHT following Hurricane Melissa.

“Without the NHT, I wouldn’t have my home. My mortgage is affordable, and the Hurricane Melissa relief provided a tremendous cushion when I needed it most. I’m always happy to make my NHT contributions because I know the value they provide.”

She said the information she received has already prepared her to apply for a Home Improvement Loan when she becomes eligible next year.

The Home It! Expo brings together the organisations, products, and services that support every stage of homeownership, from purchasing land and building a home to financing improvements, installing renewable energy solutions, and furnishing completed homes.