Establishing Roots. From Renters to Proud Homeowners in Albany, GA.

At Roots Management Group, we believe that communities thrive when the people who live there can put down roots, literally.  

That belief became a reality for Rosalyn and Antoine Pace, who just transitioned from longtime renters to first-time homeowners in our Albany, Georgia community. 

And they did it all with the help of a familiar face. Nekesha Davis, their Community Manager. 

A Dream Home, A Meaningful Day 

The Pace's had been renting in the community since July 2023 and recently started looking for a larger rental home. When they mentioned it to Nekesha, she introduced them to a game-changing opportunity: the Establish Your Roots (EYR) Program, an initiative by Roots that rewards responsible renters with the chance to turn rental payments into homeownership. 

“I explained that they could use a portion of the money they've been paying in on time rent payments towards the down payment and purchase a new home” Nekesha shared. “They couldn’t believe it.” They didn't realize they would be rewarded for paying rent on time and didn't know they would actually get money back a credit toward the down payment. Establish Your Roots is a win-win!  

To sweeten the deal, Nekesha showed them a brand-new Clayton-built manufactured home right within their community, and it was love at first sight. 

This stunning three-bedroom home checks every box for the Pace family: 

• A spacious main bedroom with a dreamy walk-in closet, a longtime wish of Rosalyn’s 

• Bright, airy open-concept floor plan 

• Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a large island, farmer’s sink, and ample storage 

• A dedicated laundry room 

• A bonus room that can be used as a den, home office or even a fourth bedroom 

“When I was showing them the home, I mentioned I needed to take more photos to list it,” Nekesha said. “Antoine immediately said, ‘Oh no, don’t show our home to anyone else!’ They wanted it right then and there.” 

One of the best parts? The Pace's did not have to leave the community they had grown to love. 

They chose to stay because of the wonderful neighbors and friendships they've built. Their kids enjoy the playground, and the family loves spending time together by the fishing pond, under the gazebo, and walking the peaceful nature trails that wind through the community. 

It's not just a house, its home. 

A Special Closing Touch 

Knowing how meaningful this milestone was, especially since the closing happened on the anniversary of Rosalyn’s father's passing, Nekesha went above and beyond to make it a moment they would never forget. 

“I wanted to make it feel festive and happy, as a way to celebrate this new chapter,” Nekesha said. 

She decorated the home with balloons and created a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Nekesha also personally picked out a special closing gift for the Pace's: A Ninja slushie machine, plus stylish place settings for the beautiful kitchen island Rosalyn had fallen in love with. 

“They had just been talking about wanting that exact slushie machine for their family,” Nekesha added. “They couldn’t believe I picked it for them, they were so touched.” 

These thoughtful details turned a home closing into an unforgettable celebration. 

Nekesha picked out the closing gifts herself, knowing what her residents would love.

From Application to Keys. Made Simple.

Thanks to the Establish Your Roots program and a streamlined online lending process through Zippy, the Pace family was able to move quickly. They got pre-qualified, uploaded their documents, and let Roots handle the rest, including applying their rent credits to the down payment.

“What makes Zippy unique is our blend of speed and simplicity. With a fully digital application process, buyers can submit everything online, community managers can track the loan progress in real time, and closings happen virtually, at the borrower’s convenience.” says Tyler Broaddrick, Community Guide with Zippy.

That flexibility turned what can feel like a stressful process into something smooth and celebratory. And for Nekesha, who manages four communities, that efficiency matters. “I have done all my sales with Zippy I just love working with them,” she said.

“This flexibility reduces stress for everyone involved and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the milestone of becoming a homeowner. When we collaborate with our partners, we’re not just closing loans, we’re helping families build roots in communities they’ll call home for years to come.” added Tyler. 

Many future homeowners face a big challenge when it comes to saving enough for the down payment. "This is the biggest hurdle but with Roots giving them back what they had already paid in rent, they were shocked, and thrilled," Nekesha said. And having partners who make it run smoothly really helps “I have done all my sales with Zippy, I just love working with them.” adds Nekesha who has a lot on her plate managing four communities so she appreciates the streamlined process. 

At Roots Management Group, that belief in building roots isn’t just a slogan, it’s the reality we see every time a resident like Rosalyn and Antoine becomes a homeowner. As Tyler reminds us, "Zippy isn’t just your lender, they’re your partner. When we’re aligned and working together, everybody wins".

Nekesha’s Journey: From Assistant to Community Leader 

This home sale was more than just a transaction, it marked a full-circle moment for Nekesha Davis, who began her career at Roots as an Office Assistant and has grown into a leadership role as a Community Manager overseeing four properties. 

Despite a stellar background in sales, having been a top salesperson at Verizon for 10 consecutive years, Nekesha initially resisted the idea of selling homes. 

“I never imagined myself selling homes,” she shared. “But now, helping my residents become homeowners breathes new life into my career. It’s the most rewarding part of my job.” 

Her journey hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

Maria Williams, Regional Manager at Roots Management Group, proudly reflects on Nekesha’s growth. “Nekesha Davis has had an incredible journey, starting as an OA and working her way up to Community Manager. She now successfully manages four properties and, in less than 30 days, sold a home at one of the highest prices in the URS portfolio. She’s truly a leasing machine, and I couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments.  

Nekesha and Team 21, Always Supporting Eachother!

Nekesha credits her success to a strong support system which is her team that they call Team 21. This group of strong women have helped her build her conficence and skills.  

• Claudia Jardinez, Regional Sales Manager, guided Nekesha through the learning curve and helped her embrace home sales with confidence. 

• Maria Williams, whose unique leadership style Nekesha says stands out. “She’s incredible—I’ve never worked for someone like her before.” 

• Her “work besties,” Kowanna and Latressa, fellow Community Managers in Region 21, who motivate and uplift each other daily 

“Everyone in Region 21 is amazing,” Nekesha added. “We motivate each other and hold each other accountable. It makes all the difference.”  

Rosalyn and Antoine Pearce, Proud New Homeowners.

Home, Community, and a Future 

Now, Rosalyn and Antoine Pace are not just residents, they’re proud homeowners. Their children get to stay in the community they love, surrounded by friends and neighbors, with a beautiful new place to call their own. 

At Roots, stories like this remind us why we do what we do. The Establish Your Roots program isn’t just about buying a home; it’s about building a future in a community that feels like family. 

Congratulations to the Pace family, and to Nekesha Davis, for turning dreams into reality, one home at a time.  

Interested in the Establish Your Roots Program? 
Click here to learn how you can turn your rental history into homeownership.