Ashley’s Path To Homeownership

Ashley’s Path To Homeownership

Years before Ashley applied for Habitat’s affordable homeownership program, she volunteered to help another family become a first-time homebuyer. Ashley dedicated an entire spring break trip in college to help build with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. The experience left a lasting impression. So much so that when Ashley decided she wanted to become a homeowner herself, she explored her options on the open market, but saw Habitat as the best fit.

“Traditional homeownership was intimidating,” said Ashley.

She’s not alone. At Milwaukee Habitat our affordable homeownership program exclusively serves first-time home buyers. Between finding an affordable mortgage, shopping for a decent home, and determining how to budget for expenses, down-payments, and future repairs, it can be overwhelming.

At Milwaukee Habitat, we work with families to prepare them for first-time homeownership. As part of our program, families receive financial education and home maintenance courses. They also work alongside volunteers to help build their home and the homes of their future neighbors.

Ashley mentioned that her mom always rented. It was one of the reasons why she wanted to own her own home. And thanks to support from people like you, the mortgage for Ashley’s brand new home will be less than what she’s paying to rent. But make no mistake, this is no handout. Habitat’s affordable homeownership program works to level the playing field in a market where a safe, stable home is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

Nationally, the top barriers to homeownership for renters are rising home prices, large down payments and denial of an affordable mortgage. These are precisely the types of barriers Habitat’s affordable homeownership program breaks down for local families earning below the median income.

When she moves into her new home, Ashley can’t wait to have a place for her two-year-old daughter, Kennedy, to play.

“She loves going outside,” said Ashley.

Ashley is looking forward to decorating her new home once they move in. She says that her daughter loves Peppa Pig and the color purple, so one of the first things she hopes to do is give Kennedy the room of her dreams.