Lisa Brooks had long harbored the dream of owning a home. “My credit just wasn’t good enough” she admits. Despite years of diligent research into homeownership, credit challenges had continually thwarted her aspirations. In 2022, a significant rent increase became her turning point. She knew something had to change when these increases continued, and the house wasn’t in the best condition. This unwelcome push became all the motivation she needed to get her finances in order and what led her to Acts Housing.
Acts Homebuyer Coaching: Overcoming Financial Obstacles
In 2022, Lisa began working with an Acts Housing homebuyer coach. In one year, she strengthened her financial capability by learning how to improve her credit, save, and move towards homeownership. All of this allowed Lisa to transition to work with Acts Lending seamlessly.
Acts Lending: Securing the Right Mortgage
Lisa Brooks knew the struggle of getting a mortgage pre-approval. Like many, she initially attempted to qualify with a national lender. While she kept getting closer to a pre-approval, Lisa felt stuck every time she got denied.
“It was like I was almost there, always knocking on the door but could never open it and walk in.”
Determined to find a “better way,” Lisa prioritized a local lender. She craved the personal touch and clear communication that comes with face-to-face interaction. This is where Acts Lending came in, offering Lisa the service she desired and a mortgage pre-approval.
Acts Rehab Coaching: Transforming a House into a Home
After securing a loan from Acts Lending, Lisa’s dream became a reality. With the help of her Acts realtor, she closed on her very own home and began the real work: transforming her 1929 bungalow duplex.
We asked Lisa, why a rehab? Why not move into a move-in-ready home? She responded, “Because we can make it into our dream home. If things are damaged you can put in the items that you want as long as it’s in your budget. So that was appealing to us. Sweat equity lets us say “look at what we did”. We didn’t mind getting a little dirty to make it work.” Lisa is learning a lot while taking on this rehab project. She’s working with an Acts Housing Home Rehab Coach, who provides pivotal rehab support and knowledge throughout her process.
Lisa’s Advice: Why Acts Housing is Your One-Stop Shop for Homeownership
From Homebuyer coaching to mortgage lending and rehab guidance, Acts Housing has been Lisa’s one-stop shop on her journey to homeownership. Her story is a testament to the power of our comprehensive approach, equipping first-time buyers like Lisa not just to buy a house, but to build a future.
Lisa encourages anyone considering homeownership to take the leap. For Lisa, homeownership is about stability and creating a legacy. It’s about achieving the American dream and having a space to relax and breathe – a sanctuary she can call her own. Lisa’s experience has been so positive that she’s become a passionate advocate. When prompted for advice to those contemplating homeownership, she shared,
“You can own your own home. Stop defeating yourself or thinking you can’t because of your credit. Acts Housing has people there who specialize in that. It is a one-stop shop from beginning to end. I loved the homebuyer course; the information was great. It’s an investment in you; it’s leaving a legacy behind. And it’s getting your dream home and achieving the American dream that everyone wants to do. So go out and get it.”
- Learn more about how you can support Acts here.
- If you’re ready to turn the dream of homeownership into reality, Acts Housing is here to support you. Click here to start your journey.
