Staff Writer- Emily Sustaita
For the past couple of months, things have been pretty rough for our economy: gas prices have shot up; we pay more and buy less for our groceries; shipping costs have skyrocketed; and rent keeps rising. So much so, it feels like the whole world is crashing down on us. The aspects of the American dream that we aim to have, such as owning a home, feel so far away for our generation. To the point where it feels impossible to achieve.
It’s in this time of hardship, however, that a beacon of hope emerged. Tom Nook, a businessman and real estate agent, reassures Americans that, through his services, now is the perfect time to become a homeowner. Nook has a convincing resume backing up his strong claim, having graduated from Harvard University in 2001 with a degree in economics. Three months later, he ambitiously started a small business called Nook’s Homes in his home country, Japan. His goal? To make home ownership possible for everyone in the world.
Nook developed a strong team in order to back up his vision. His fellow friends from university, Digby, Lottie, and Lyle, joined Nook in the challenge to make his vision a reality. Each member became well-versed in a specific topic in order to serve their customers in a well-rounded fashion. For instance, fellow team member Lyle is responsible for selling home insurance to customers, directing them to a plan that suits their needs. “No scam, no lie. All legit,” he plainly puts it.
Due to the success of Nook’s services, Nook was able to branch out to other countries and make his way back to the United States. But what makes his services so successful, you ask?
“Now, there are certain challenges to building fabulous homes… challenges that do translate directly into costs, I’m afraid,” he explains, “Ah, but with zero-interest financing and extremely lax repayment plan, anything is possible.”
In today’s economy, purchasing a home without added interest is extremely rare—and yet, Nook perseveres and provides customers with just that. However, some people don’t find themselves convinced when they first hear this. Nook then adds that, besides the zero-interest financing, there are also many benefits to owning your own home.
“As fun as living in a [dorm room]…can be, a house gives you more space and helps you put down roots.”
Nook is aware that many of the people who aspire to own a home are college students. Thus, Nook strategically aims to help students obtain a home in order to boost their confidence and happiness. His company makes the whole process very simple and straightforward.
“Now, building a house means taking out a new loan in the amount of 98,000 Bells..[dollars].”
This price may scare some students at first glance. However, compared to the current prices seen today, Nook urges students not to be afraid. The loan has no set date and can be paid off whenever.
“By the way,” Nook adds, “you get to choose from eight different colors for the roof.”
The result of such an approach has led to thousands of happy customers across the country. Many customers rejoice due to having easy access to their favorite spots in town.
“The best part of having my own home is the local access to the pond, quackidee!” Lily, a serious nature-lover, explained.
For others, the benefits of home ownership extend to having a separate space for their hobbies. Whether it be creating art, making music, or exercising, their house provides them with the space to do whatever they desire.
“With my own personal home, I can make all the takoyaki that I want in my kitchen, bloop!” Zucker, a culinary student, excitedly commented.
Even with all these perks, there are customers who have criticized Nook’s services, claiming that he provides them with unfavorable living conditions. As an anonymous ex-customer stated, the first loan you take out only provides you with a very small, one-room house. There is no kitchen or bathroom provided in the first loan. Furthermore, some customers claim that Nook goes as far as to take advantage of their financial situation.
“Nook is the most greedy capitalist alive,” an anonymous ex-customer explained. “Once you pay off one loan, he tricks you into taking out another, until you have accumulated almost a million dollars in loans!”
When I approached Nook’s colleagues for additional perspective, they retaliated very quickly. Timmy and Tommy, young student mentors under Nook, asserted that he is a very hard worker. He builds houses in under 24 hours in order to ensure maximum client satisfaction and comfort. Tommy also adds that Nook provides them with free coffee and sweet treats, demonstrating that Nook truly cares about its employees.
Personally, I can attest to the major impact that Nook’s Homes has had on me. Without his services, I would never have been able to own a home at age nineteen! I never felt pressured whatsoever to take out any additional loans, and I was very satisfied with the quality and conditions of my built home. Not to mention, Nook has a program called Nook Miles, which allows you to redeem free items by completing simple tasks, making the whole process so worth it!
So to all the college students out there contemplating buying a home: don’t be afraid! With the revolutionary services that Nook provides, home ownership is completely possible in today’s economy. Go ahead, drive to your local store and purchase a copy of the Nintendo video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons to meet Nook and become a house owner today!
*Writer’s Note: Happy April Fool’s Day!