Midlands Woman Buys New House, Despite Shutdown

Kershaw County, S.C. (WOLO)  —  Avista James credits her faith in God, patience and endurance after being able to finally close on a brand new house.  The federal rural housing loan she secured through the United States Department of Agriculture was halted when the government shutdown occurred. Te original closing date was delayed and officials told James to prepare for the possibility it may not happen. James questioned whether the sale would go through and if her American dream was turning into a nightmare.  However, several days later, she has a new story to tell.

“I have my house!” the new homeowner exclaimed.

We caught up with James as she shopped for new furniture.  It turns out the USDA loan paperwork was, indeed, processed and completed prior to Washington closing its doors.  James says she learned a lot about faith through the ordeal and that not everything happens on her timeline.

“Things don’t always go the way you expect them to go,” said James.  “Things won’t fall in line when you expect them to fall in line.”

She says the ordeal is bittersweet.

“It’s sweet for me because I have my house.  But, it’s bitter for other people because their lives are on hold.  I am hoping [the shutdown] is resolved soon so others can realize their dreams.

While she is the owner of a 2,500 square foot, $159,000 house that has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a loft, she says none of it will really sink in until she can sit on her front porch and have a glass of whatever she wants.