Over a dozen Brooklyn women joined IMPACCT Brooklyn for a special First Time Homebuyer’s workshop this past Mother’s Day weekend, in hopes of getting their own little piece of Brooklyn.
The First Time Homebuyer’s workshop helps individuals better understand how to buy a home, and how to qualify for any loans or grants they might be eligible for. To celebrate Mother’s Day, attendees of the May First Time Homebuyer’s workshop were treated to several women guest speakers from Chase Bank, Santander Bank, Citibank, Pillar to Post, Reserved Realty LLC, and the Law Office of Audra J. Barrow.
Among those in attendance was Kenisha Beaupierre, a Brooklyn resident who is close to owning her own apartment, thanks to IMPACCT Brooklyn’s help.
“It’s been a complete pleasure guiding Kenisha through the homebuying process,” says Homebuyer Counselor Pat Hernandez. “She’s asked a lot of questions, taken all of our advice and followed through, and worked very diligently towards her goal.”
Hernandez worked with Kenisha as her counselor after she attended the organization’s First Time Homebuyer’s workshop — much like the participants of the May 11 workshop.
The workshop walks prospective homebuyers of all sorts through the ins and outs of purchasing a home, such as owning vs. renting, applying for a mortgage, closing cost assistance, and homeowner upkeep, so they can be successful and well-informed first time homeowners. After completing that step, participants can then work one-on-one with counselors to make sure they have the support to eventually buy a home of their own.
For Kenisha, that support meant improving her debt-to-income ratio before preparing to apply for an HSBC grant. After working through some complications, Kenisha is now in the process of signing the contract for a Habitat for Humanity co-op that’s under construction.
“IMPACCT Brooklyn is an amazing organization,” Kenisha says. “Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to enroll in HSBC’s First Home Club grant savings program, apply to purchase my co-op, or find a lawyer for my purchase.” Now, she can continue to use the education she got at IMPACCT Brooklyn to make sure she’s a responsible homeowner.
Her next steps? Obtain a mortgage, complete the 200 sweat equity hours required by Habitat for Humanity, and close on her co-op. She expects to finish the entire process by this fall.
“I am excited knowing I will have my own space to decorate as I please,” Kenisha said. “It will be my own piece of Brooklyn.”
Buying a home is possible with IMPACCT Brooklyn’s help! Take the first step towards homeownership with our First Time Homebuyer’s course, intended to educate you about the buying process and help you overcome any barriers you might encounter. Space is still available for our next workshop in July, so sign up today!
