Wilmington startup teams with city for homebuyer and owner aid.

A Wilmington-based startup called NESTER has partnered with the city of Wilmington to provide homebuyers and owners with a tool to better understand long-term homeownership costs and avoid unexpected repair and maintenance expenses.

• The partnership allows Nester’s service to be provided free of charge for eligible city homebuyers participating in one of four homeownership programs.
• NESTER generates a detailed report projecting the costs of necessary upgrades and replacements for major systems in the house over the next 15 years. This calculation goes beyond the initial sales price, enabling potential homebuyers to calculate true homeownership costs.
• The report also includes a NESTER Score, which rates the house based on the timing and total costs of repairs, professional maintenance tips, and an inventory of major home systems.
• The partnership is initially set for one year, during which Wilmington employees and retirees can also use the service for free.

This innovative collaboration between Wilmington and NESTER is designed to help potential homebuyers make more informed decisions about future expenses associated with home ownership. By including projections for maintenance and repair costs, individuals and families can better prepare for homeownership’s true financial implications. With this initiative, the city and NESTER aim to reduce the financial stress that unexpected home repairs can cause and make home ownership a more accessible and manageable goal for many city residents.

The service is expected to prove particularly helpful for participants in the city’s homeowner programs, including those associated with the Wilmington Conservancy Land Bank, Woodlawn Trustees and the Todmorden East Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the Wilmington Housing Authority.

Providing such resourceful information for free under the partnership demonstrates a commitment from both NESTER and the city of Wilmington to support responsible and informed homeownership. It aids in fostering a savvy community of homeowners who are well-prepared for the long-term financial obligations of their investment.