If you’ve been looking around for free money, you will find unless you’re very poor, there isn’t much to go around. HOWEVER, with the right amount of research and resources, first time homebuyer incentive programs and grants can be found. About a year and a half ago, through a very savvy friend, I learned of a great place in the capital region called the Affordable Housing Partnership. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to growing the number of first time homebuyers in the capital region and beyond. After a short information session, interview, and application, my adventure into home ownership begin.

The purpose of AHP and other organizations like it, is to prepare you for what you are about to do to your life. Not to make it sound scarier then it is, but, buying a home can be life changing for people and should not be taken lightly. For those that come from families that don’t own their home, this is a big step not only in your future, but, the future of your family. I’ve been told many times that I should be proud of myself for accomplishing this. Its finally hit me, 8 hours before closing, what a big deal this is. Swimming in a world where all you hear about your generation is they are racked with education debt, and are going no where fast, being able to do this is kind of wild.

Beyond just giving you the opportunity to take courses on home buying and being a landlord, AHP also gives you information about local and city grants. If you look around you, there is a good chance the city you live in has a program in place to support those willing to create affordable hosting opportunities. The City of Albany has a variety of grants for owner- landlords who’s rental properties are geared to those with a low-income. I was able to enroll in a federal program often referred to as the “First Home Club“. The premise is the same everywhere and since it’s a federal program, it’s available in most states, you just need to find the right bank to work with. Until you actually get an offer accepted on a house, you don’t realize how many fees and costs spring up. This program has helped in a huge way! While I don’t like to take federal money, between the taxes I’ll be paying on the house and the interest I pay on my student loans, Uncle Sam will get much more from me over the course of my life then this small grant. Lol

While I can’t say I’m doing this alone, I have a very helpful and friendly tenant to help with the mortgage, I can say this is MY house. I will give a big shout out to all my friends and family that have over the years given me gifts of savings bonds over the last 28 years, my friends that understood when I couldn’t do fun things so I could save money, and most importantly to my awesome parents who taught me how to hoard all that money and then some.

The moral of the story is, seek and you shall find people. Whether it’s money, help from others, or education on this process, the more you look the better off you’ll be.

It may not have been easy, but, here’s to hoping the juice is worth the squeeze…

-Little Miss Improvement