Winner of raffle pays only $3,500 for foreclosed home

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A foreclosed home on Milwaukee's south side was raffled off to a first-time homeowner on Thursday, October 10th, with the winner paying only $3,500.

Hundreds of families were given a chance to win the three-bedroom home on S. 26th St.

"The floors look pretty good, they just need to be sanded down. And these rooms are pretty big for a lot of the south side neighborhoods," said Monica Corona-Gonzalez, looking to buy a home for the first time.

The raffle was part of an effort by Acts Housing to reduce neighborhood blight and fill vacant, foreclosed homes in Milwaukee with families. Last year the organization sold 39 foreclosed properties through its partnership with the city.

"There's a high level of crime in some of these neighborhoods and we thought 'how do you create a neighborhood where it's stable and people feel like they have a stake?' And home ownership was key to that," said Carl Quindel of Acts Housing.

After a tour of the home, those interested in buying entered a drawing. Bridgette Schulz was chosen as the winner and says the home is perfect for her and her two daughters.

"Came through and did the walk through and kind of fell in love," said Schulz. "I've always rented. I'd like to purchase a home and I think I just did!"

To keep the home, Schulz must agree to reside in the home as her permanent residence for at least five years. Schulz will also have to prove she has the income to buy the house, as well as fix it up.

If Schulz isn't able to meet the requirements, Acts Housing will move onto the second name on a list of ten that were drawn.