The Path to First-Time Homeownership: Candace Elza’s Journey to Finding Her Place
After years of dreaming about a place to truly call her own, Candace Elza finally sat down at the closing table to purchase her new home. It was a moment that had been a long time coming; one filled with joy, relief, and hard-earned pride.
Elza, an in-home health aid from Elkins, WV, had been considering a place of her own for a while, but like many, the path to homeownership was not a straight line. It wasn’t until she became more financially stable that she decided to take the leap and walked through the doors of The HomeOwnership Center, ready to make her dream a reality.
Three’s a Charm
What makes Candace’s story particularly remarkable is her persistence. This closing marked her third attempt at purchasing a home. The first house fell through after concerns around monthly payments, and the second after structural problems were brought to light. For many reasons, those two setbacks might have caused someone to give up, but not Candace. Each obstacle taught her something valuable. She says she learned, “to not be so hopeful in one house”. Though this was a hard lesson, it made her a wiser and more prepared buyer.
HOC Support
Through the twists and turns of this rocky road to homeownership, Candace credits The HomeOwnership Center, particularly Chris Vance, Loan Originator, for keeping her grounded and set on her path. “Chris has been great,” Candace said. “She answered every question and didn’t care when I called.”
That kind of consistent, patient, judgment-free support is exactly what The HomeOwnership Center, a nonprofit community lending and counseling organization based in Elkins, WV, was built to provide. HOC has spent nearly 30 years helping people navigate the homebuying process, not just financially but emotionally, too.
Taking The Final Step
When asked what it meant to finally be at the closing table, Candace wasn’t hesitant to say, “It means so much, and I am so relieved for it to be over.” After working with The HomeOwnership Center for a year, navigating three different house choices while not losing sight of her goal, Candace is finally home.
Candace’s message to anyone who is getting discouraged along their journey to homeownership is simple: “Don’t give up, it is possible”. The path may be longer and more winding than expected, but it is worth the effort to finally be home.
Are you ready to start our journey to homeownership? The HomeOwnership Center is here to help! Visit hocwv.org or call 304-636-9115 to get started today.