From Saving to Owning: Akira’s Homeownership Story

From Saving to Owning: Akira’s Homeownership Story

Akira, a local Accounting Support Specialist, graduated with her associates degree in business management from MATC in December 2024. As a devoted dog mom and passionate foodie, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, trying new recipes, and spending time with her puppies. 

Now, Akira is embarking on a new chapter: becoming a homeowner.

She lives with her parents, who have encouraged her to save money to purchase a home. As she was saving up, she heard about Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program and decided to apply.

“I heard about the program and thought I want to try,” Akira said. “Homeownership is an asset to life that provides financial stability. I want to learn to balance bills on my own.”

Volunteers from Fiduciary Real Estate Development (FRED), the sponsor of Akira’s home, working on site.

Akira is ready to be financially independent and recently paid off her car. Successfully managing her car loan has given her the confidence to handle monthly bills and mortgage payments responsibly. 

“I know how to break up [expenses] now,” Akira said.

After applying and being accepted into the program, Akira is ready to embrace the opportunity in front of her and take control of her future in a new way.

“I feel like the leader [of my life],” Akira said. “When I found out about the program and how easy it was, I was like I have to go do it. I have to just try.”

Now that she is in the program, she looks towards her future as a homeowner and the possibility of starting a family.

“It’s a form of stability for me, to know that this is something I can call my own,” Akira said. “It’s mine. It all relies on me. It [can be] the start of my little family [someday].”

As she envisions closing on her home and walking inside for the first time, she knows it will feel unbelievable.

“Big,” Akira said. “That’s the word that comes to mind. Big. Surreal moment. You know in movies? It will be a pinch yourself moment… I won’t know what to say. I won’t know how to come out with a sentence.” 

One thing is certain: when that moment comes, Akira will step through the door knowing she is building a future that is truly her own.