“Homeownership means new memories and a sense of pride that I worked so hard to get to this point. And a foundation for your children – they follow what they see. They saw I did it as a single mom of six kids and they can do it too.”
Kimberly Weathers, a single mother of six, was determined to create a permanent haven for her and her six children, so she set her sights on homeownership. But saving for a home, a cornerstone of stability for most families, felt like an uphill battle. Every financial decision carries an extra weight. Kimberly has three children with disabilities for whom she cares full time. She explained that looking after her children meant she couldn’t work a full-time job and that meant a smaller salary. She explained that her children’s required medical expenses made it hard to save aggressively. Her obstacle was figuring out how to budget her small income, take care of her children, and reach her goal of homeownership. It was then that she discovered Acts Housing, and a team dedicated to supporting families like hers. Partnering with Acts Housing, Kimberly embarked on a journey that promised to transform her living situation and the future of her entire family.
Homebuyer Coaching = An Action Plan
Kimberly heard about Acts Housing through a friend from church and began homebuyer coaching right away. Kimberly’s coach worked with her to create a financial snapshot that outlined her current savings, monthly income, debts, rent, and more. Then, they worked on an action plan to guide her through the process of paying off debts, establishing good credit, and starting saving. Kimberly explained what this process was like for her:.
“It took a lot of dedication and staying committed to following the game plan and a long-term goal. I didn’t think it would take two years, but I had to make sacrifices.”
Future Homeowner on the House Hunt
Kimberly started her journey with a low credit score and a mountain of debt, but she always retained sight of her long-term goal: homeownership. She steadily improved her credit score through meticulous budgeting and a debt repayment plan, a crucial step towards making that dream a reality.
“Having somebody to push you and just make sure that you are on track and not let you get discouraged, because it’s easy to get discouraged, was amazing. My coach was amazing, amazing, amazing all the way to the very end.”
Future Homeowner on the House Hunt
Once she was financially prepared, Kimberly began her house hunt. The first home she saw online didn’t initially stand out – she swiped through the photos and dismissed it as a possibility. Yet, something compelled her to schedule an in-person showing. She knew it was the one when she stepped into the four-bedroom bungalow in the North Division neighborhood. The interior instantly resonated with her. Within hours of the showing, Kimberly submitted an offer that was quickly accepted.
“My favorite part is that I kept my word to my children. I promised them that they would have a home of their own. They were getting older and wanted their own space. And that’s my favorite part that they can say, she kept her word.”
Kimberly’s journey to homeownership wasn’t a stroll in the park; but a relentless climb up a mountain path. Each step forward was a battle against exhaustion, but the unwavering determination in her heart, fueled by the dream of a secure haven for her family, propelled her upwards. At Acts Housing, we’re dedicated to Empowerment through Homeownership. We are proud to share Kimberly’s story, a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of owning a home. Her journey is an inspiration to us all.
A Homeowner’s Advice
Kimberly left some parting words for folks who are unsure about pursuing homeownership:
“If you are on the fence about buying your first home, get off the fence and go do it. It is the most fulfilling thing to know that you have accomplished something. There are going to be some hurdles and once you get in there you’ll have to have some determination, you’ll have to be determined to cut back and determined to stick to the game plan to be able to see it through. I would say get off the fence and don’t let people talk you out of things and follow your gut.”
