From Plans to Homes: Build READY Takes Shape in Lima
By Veronica Cardello, AVP External Engagement
Sometimes addressing Ohio’s housing challenges starts with asking a simple question: What is getting in the way of building more homes?
In Lima, that question helped spark a partnership focused on turning vacant and underutilized lots into new opportunities for homeownership.
Through conversations between the City of Lima, Ohio REALTORS®, the West Central Association of REALTORS® and housing partners, an idea began to take shape: What if communities could make it easier for builders and future homeowners to envision what could be built on available lots and help remove some of the uncertainty that can slow new housing development?
That idea became Build READY.
The program takes a practical approach to one of the challenges communities across Ohio are facing: creating more housing within existing neighborhoods. By identifying opportunities for new construction and connecting those opportunities with home designs and resources, Build READY helps create a clearer path from a vacant lot to a new home.
And in Lima, that idea is now a reality.
Three new homes have been built through the effort, transforming lots into places where families can put down roots.
But the story is bigger than three houses.
These homes demonstrate what can happen when REALTORS®, local government and community partners come together around a shared goal. Build READY provides an example of how communities can encourage new housing, reinvest in established neighborhoods and create additional opportunities for homeownership all while working within the character of the neighborhoods that already exist.
Now, REALTORS® and the Lima community will have an opportunity to see the results firsthand.
You're Invited: Build READY Open House
Ohio REALTORS®, the West Central Association of REALTORS® and our partners invite REALTORS®, community members and the general public to tour the homes and learn more about how Build READY came to life.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
12:00–2:00 p.m.
810 Holly St. | Lima, Ohio
The event will bring together local and statewide leaders, including Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith, Jessica Begonia, members of the Ohio REALTORS® Leadership Team and staff, and Board Members from the West Central Association of REALTORS®.
Visitors will have the chance to tour the new homes, learn about the Build READY approach and hear more about the collaboration that helped move the program from an idea, to a plan, to three new front doors in Lima.
For Ohio REALTORS®, Build READY is also an opportunity to show what housing advocacy can look like at the local level. Sometimes it means legislation and policy. Other times, it means bringing the right people together, identifying barriers and helping communities find practical solutions that lead to more housing.
On September 8, we invite you to come see one of those solutions for yourself.
Veronica Cardello, RCE, AHWD, C2EX, MPAP
Veronica Cardello leads local advocacy, community engagement, and global business initiatives for Ohio REALTORS®. She works closely with local associations to identify key issues affecting the real estate industry and directs support through the Issues Mobilization Campaign. Veronica strengthens REALTOR®-policymaker relationships, expands global partnerships, and promotes sustainability in real estate. She also oversees local government and community engagement programs, ensuring REALTORS® have the resources to advocate for homeownership and property rights while advancing Ohio REALTORS®’ international outreach.
