From out of reach to home
Caitlyn Pethick wanted what many families want — a stable place to call home. Buying a house felt out of reach. Like many first-time buyers, she was trying to keep up with everyday bills while also saving for a down payment and closing costs. When her banker mentioned a downpayment and closing cost assistance program, it made a big difference. “FAMboostTM truly made our dream of homeownership a reality,” she says. “Without this program, I don’t know if we would have been able to purchase a home.” Throughout the process, Caitlyn says the support she received mattered just as much as the financial help. Her loan officer took time to answer questions and explain each step clearly — something Caitlyn especially appreciated as a first-time buyer. Homebuyer education also helped her feel more prepared. Learning about budgeting, credit, and mortgages gave her the confidence to move forward. It took a patient and supportive community to help her get to the finish line. “That support meant so much to me.” Today, Caitlyn and her family are settling into their new home and looking ahead. Her hope : to build a stable, loving home where her children can feel safe, grow, and create lasting memories.
One step toward generational wealth
For Debora Young, homeownership was about more than buying a house. It was about investing in herself and building something she could one day pass down to her family. The journey didn’t start smoothly. Early on, Debora says she felt lost working with a lender and unsure how to move forward. Things began to change when she connected with her realtor, who suggested a down payment and closing assistance program.With the right support in place, the process became clearer. Weekly check-ins helped her stay focused and understand what steps to take next. “We kept weekly meetings to see how things were going and what we needed to do to make my dream come true,” Debora says. The homeownership education she received also made a difference. It gave her a better understanding of credit, costs, and what it takes to move from renting to owning. Today, Debora is a proud homeowner. She worked to strengthen her credit and stayed focused on her goal of creating something of her own instead of continuing to pay rent. “It’s nice to have something of your own and not paying anyone else,” Debora says. Looking ahead, she hopes her experience can help others who feel the way she once did.
Choosing ownership with intention
Ermias Gebremariam’s decision to pursue homeownership began with a practical need—and a long-term mindset. “I needed more space and was paying pretty much what I would be paying for a mortgage,” he says. “I look at a house as an investment.” Like many first-time homebuyers, Ermias saw the potential benefits of owning but faced a familiar barrier: the upfront costs. Saving for a down payment and closing expenses can delay — or derail — the path to homeownership. Finding the right resources and support helped change the equation. “I believe the biggest challenge is saving up enough funds for closing and down payment,” he says. With assistance in place, Ermias was able to move forward more confidently in a competitive market. He noted that the process overall felt smooth and that the financial support allowed him to keep more of his own funds available to reinvest in his home. Today, he is focused on the future — improving the property and building long-term stability through homeownership. He also hopes to see continued investment in programs that help beautify homes and neighborhoods across the community. Ermias’ journey reflects what many aspiring homeowners experience: the monthly payment may be within reach, but targeted support at the right moment can make the difference between waiting and moving forward.