New Camillo Companies Program Empowers Challenged Buyers on Path to Homeownership

Oct 28, 2024

Launched in 2023, the Next move Program is designed to help first-time homebuyers reach their goals for a more seamless transition

In a housing market where affordability and accessibility remain ongoing concerns, a new program from Houston-based Camillo Companies is lifting credit- and budget-challenged individuals into homeownership. 


Camillo Companies’ Next Move Program is believed to be the first to allow residents of single-family rental homes to terminate their lease before it expires without penalty, apply a portion of the rent they’ve paid toward their home purchase, receive money toward closing costs, and access down-payment assistance. 


Residents of SimplyHome single-family rental homes who opt to purchase a new Legend home have the option to terminate early without associated fees. Additionally, 10% of the rent they’ve paid—up to $5,000—can be used toward the purchase, along with up to $15,000 in closing costs when using a preferred lender. Down payment assistance options and no-cost credit counseling are also available for qualified buyers. 


Both Legend Homes and SimplyHome are affiliates of Camillo Companies. 


Since its inception earlier this year, more than 700 SimplyHome renters have engaged in the Next Move program. About half are single women with children. 


“The path to homeownership can be challenging, especially for those facing credit or financial constraints,” said Margaret Potter, chief executive officer of Camillo Companies. “The Next Move program is designed to break down these barriers, offering a seamless transition from renting to owning. We’re proud to see so many families, especially single mothers, benefiting from this initiative and taking the first step toward securing a home of their own.” 


The introduction of the Next Move program comes as the share of renters staying in their home increased in 2022 compared to a decade ago, according to a report from Redfin. One in six renters stayed in their home for 10 years or more in 2022, up from 13.9% a decade earlier, according to the study. 


About Camillo Companies 


Camillo Companies exists to open doors to greater opportunities for all people. For more than 30 years, the company has led the way in constructing premier communities featuring affordable homes and residences that maximize style, livability, and functional floorplan designs. It is one of Texas’s largest privately held real estate development and construction companies. 


Camillo Companies is a vertically integrated operation consisting of four primary entities, including Retail (Legend Homes and Princeton Classic Homes), Residences (SimplyHome), Land Development (Academy Development), and Maintenance (LCI Services). Through these operations, Camillo Companies has constructed more than 30,000 homes and residences in the Greater Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Bryan-College Station areas, establishing a standard of exceptional customer service and attainability. 


To learn more, visit camillocompanies.com. 


About SimplyHome 


SimplyHome builds, manages, and maintains single-family homes for rent. Since 2012, SimplyHome has serviced more than 50,000 residents in more than 10,000 homes across 100-plus communities, cementing its status as one of the largest SFR (single-family rental) operators in the nation — and as a pioneer in the Built-to-Rent (BTR) industry. 


As a member of Camillo Companies, and with a foundation in land development and construction, SimplyHome is vertically integrated from land acquisition through property management. Inspired by its purpose to open doors, SimplyHome focuses on expanding access to opportunity, creating value, and providing a simple process for people to find a place to call home. It is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional properties located across Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and College Station, Texas. 


To learn more, visit simplyrent.com. 


About Legend Homes 


Legend Homes builds and sells affordable, high-quality homes in tailored communities. For more than 30 years, the company has been committed to constructing homes that suit individual standards, budgets, and lifestyles and supporting customers through a transparent, easy, and stress-free buying process. It serves customers in the Houston, San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth markets. 


To learn more, visit livelegendhomes.com. 

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