From Apartment Living to Homeownership | Clayton Homes
HomeHomeowner storiesFrom renting to rooted: A first-time buyer’s journey to homeownership
From renting to rooted: A first-time buyer’s journey to homeownership
Justin Jones - Colorado Springs, CO
By Farima F.—October 15, 2025—2 min read
After years of moving from apartment to apartment to avoid rising rent, Justin Jones decided it was time to invest in stability. With Oakwood Homes, he found not only a house but a welcoming community and a personalized buying experience that supports his remote work, hobbies and long-term goals.
For many years, Justin Jones lived in apartments and moved every year to avoid rising rental costs. "I was looking at apartments and moving every 12 months on the dot looking for a cheaper apartment," he said. "Sometimes it would be like $200 more a month, and it wasn't worth it." At first, he didn't mind moving around, but he was ready for a change. "I decided it was time to stop moving and put money into my 401k instead of (a trip to) Bali."
Through extensive research, Justin discovered Oakwood Homes, part of Clayton Properties Group, and specifically the Albright home model that’s part of their American Dream collection. "I came over here (Oakwood Homes) and said I want a house," Justin said. "I walked in, saw the drywall (and layout) and said I'll sign."
Now, he gets to enjoy the stability of homeownership and the freedom to work remotely in cybersecurity. "(Because) I work in cybersecurity, I can work from anywhere," he said. His home's layout allows him to have a dedicated workspace on the ground floor and a separate area to relax and enjoy his hobbies like playing video games.
A community that feels like home
Justin's neighborhood in Colorado Springs, CO, offers not only a home but also a lifestyle. "(In the Oakwood Homes community), we have a 24/7 gym and it's free, an Olympic-sized pool, a couple tennis courts and pickleball courts, and they're building a golf course right now." With an affordable HOA fee, they get snow plowing, landscaping and trash, and Justin feels he's getting a great value.
A personalized buying experience
Justin found Oakwood Homes' approach to home buying refreshingly personal after visiting several other builders. "Clayton was immediately like, 'Let's help you find what you want,'" he said. "I was like, 'sold.'"
He mainly appreciated the transparency and responsiveness throughout the process. "Any question I ever had, everyone answered almost immediately. Even in the middle of the night when I was like, 'Wait, what about this?' They answered right away."
Justin even formed friendships with his sales rep, Stephanie Thornber, and his lender, and they still keep in touch.
Building memories
Justin bought his home in December, and it came with a special welcome home gift. "My sales rep gave me cards and a Christmas tree," he said. "I had never had a Christmas tree before because I would move every year in December."
Now, he enjoys hosting friends and neighbors, from watching Eurovision to planning a block party with a taco truck. "It's a really nice place to host because there is plenty of parking," he said.
From cooking his favorite dish, Beef Wellington, to studying theology and playing video games, Justin's home supports every facet of his life. He didn't just buy a house, but found a place to grow, connect, and thrive.
