Lenore Barlow

My nightmare started when my ex tried to kill me - leaving me with 82 stitches in my face and head! I had to find accommodation for myself and my 2 children - aged 8 and 9. I rented townhouses for years - feeling a gypsy - not knowing when I would have to move again! The Insurance Company I worked for - for 6 years closed down. I was unemployed for 6 months (doing whatever temp work to keep food on the table). Eventually through a mutual friend I went for an interview at the Free State University - I amazingly got a job! My children were now 16 and 17! I was so blessed to get this job, as my daughter wanted to study after matriculating. A friend of mine heard of a townhouse that had to be sold due to various reasons. We went lunch time to look at the townhouse - we could see it was badly neglected, but I so wanted my own place. It was a huge step and the first home I would be purchasing on my own. I left my details with the Garden Worker telling him to let the owner know I would be there after work. I was waiting that evening for the home owner to get home from work - went inside - viewed the townhouse - made him an offer and so the process began. I was obviously worried I would not get a loan. I've been a client of Standard Bank since I left school in 1973. Amazingly my loan was approved with SA Home Loans. After much work to my townhouse, it's my absolute sanctuary now. I call it my little gem.