How Paying Rent on Time Helped This Michigan Family Buy Their First Home

When COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, Shelley and Andrew faced a life-changing challenge: they were given custody of two nieces during a family emergency, instantly growing their family of three to five. At a time when the world was isolating and rental homes were scarce, the couple found themselves searching desperately for a place to live—only to find doors closed at every turn. 

“No one was renting, no one was even showing properties,” Shelley remembers. “We had nowhere to go, and we needed a home—fast.” 

That’s when Moon Lake Estates in Laingsburg, Michigan, operated by Roots Management Group, stepped in. Despite the restrictions in place during the pandemic, Roots was able to safely accommodate the family and offer a manufactured home rental—an option that proved to be the perfect fit. 

“It was such a relief,” says Shelley. “We didn’t want to be in an apartment. Our kids needed space to ride bikes, make friends, and just be kids. Moon Lake gave us all of that and more.” 

Years passed, and the family continued to thrive in their new neighborhood. The kids found friends, the community became their extended family, and Shelley and Andrew never missed a rent payment. Their dedication and love for their home didn’t go unnoticed. 

Community Manager Brandie Crane had a front-row seat to the family’s journey and knew they would be ideal candidates for Roots Management Group’s Establish Your Roots (EYR) program—a rental conversion initiative that helps residents transition from renting to owning by using their on-time rent history as their down payment. 

“This is my first sale and it couldn’t be for a better couple,” says Brandie. “No one else helped them but us. This is exactly why I love working for Roots—we change people’s lives.” 

The biggest hurdle for many aspiring homeowners is saving for a down payment, especially when raising children and managing day-to-day expenses. Shelley and Andrew knew that challenge all too well. 

“Saving money with kids is tough. We always put their needs first,” Shelley explains. “So when Brandie approached us about the EYR program, we were shocked—and relieved. We didn’t even know this kind of opportunity existed.” 

Thanks to Brandie’s initiative, the support of the Roots team, and lending from 21st Mortgage Corporation, Shelley and Andrew recently closed on the purchase of the home they’ve loved for years. The best part? They’re now saving money every month by owning instead of renting. 

“It feels amazing to be a homeowner,” Shelley says, smiling. “We’re finally able to make the changes we want—fresh paint for the kids’ rooms is first on the list. We love our home just the way it is, but now it’s truly ours." 

Shelley and Andrew’s story is one of many which demonstrates how Roots Management Group and the Establish Your Roots program are redefining what’s possible for families across the country.  

With caring managers like Brandie Crane and innovative solutions like EYR, homeownership is no longer out of reach—it’s a reality. 

“We’re just so happy and grateful,” says Shelley. “Roots and Moon Lake Estates took us in when no one else would. Now we have a place to call home, forever.”