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I had the golden opportunity to purchase a home with no deposit, no down payment, and an extended loan repayment timeframe.
Sabrina
Sabrina's Story
A Phone Call. A New Opportunity. A Place to Call Home.
For Sabrina and her son, finding a safe and stable home became a priority after their rental was vandalized twice in six months. While working, saving, and paying down debt, Sabrina was determined to build a better future for her family.
A phone call connected her with the Financial Wellness Institute (FWI) and an opportunity she hadn't known was possible: the USDA First-Time Homebuyer Purchase and Repair Program.
The program offered Sabrina the opportunity to purchase a home with no deposit, no down payment, and an extended repayment period. After meeting the financial requirements, she committed more than 125 hours of sweat equitytoward rehabilitating her new home.
Sabrina ultimately qualified for a 38-year mortgage, which also included expenses that would typically require out-of-pocket costs.
After months of searching, Sabrina found the right home in the neighborhood where she grew up. In March 2021, she and her son received the keys and moved into their new home—making her the first FWI client to become a homeowner through the USDA program.
How FWI Helped
FWI provided guidance and support throughout Sabrina's homebuying journey—from program education and application assistance to coordinating the home search, approval, and rehabilitation process.
FWI worked with USDA Rural Development, its New Jersey State Office, and the National Council on Agriculture Life & Labor Research Fund to help bring the various pieces of the homeownership process together.
Through its housing services, FWI helped Sabrina navigate an opportunity designed to make homeownership more accessible—turning a challenging housing situation into a safe, stable home and a lasting family investment.
A New Home. A Stronger Future.
Sabrina's story shows what's possible when the right resources, guidance, and opportunity come together.