Welp, I’ve been talking the talk the last two years, and aside from working on reducing debt and building up my credit score, today I took an actual “committed” step in my journey to purchasing my first home. I signed up for a Certified Homebuyer Education Course being held at the end of the month. It’s an 8-hour course you must complete before you can start the process of qualifying for financial assistance for down payments and/or closing costs associated with buying your first home.
It made me so nervous to actually commit to this course that I immediately had to go to the bathroom as soon as I got registration confirmation. Seriously. This is one of my longest running dreams ever that is finally growing legs and taking strides towards becoming reality.
If anyone is interested in this process and you’re a first time home buyer in Shelby County, you can go to http://www.uhinc.org. Go to the education tab, then click on the virtual tab and pick your class. They are 8 hours in total. Right now they are all virtual. They have a couple that are split between Tuesdays and Thursdays, which would have been ideal for me except for the fact I’m already in the Citizen Police Academy course on Thursday evenings through April so that was out. I’m doing an all day Saturday course, a one n done, so to speak. Wish me luck, I’ll need it. The certificate is good for one year from date it’s issued.
This is a certified course that is required before you can move on to the next steps. There are income limits, you must invest $500 of your own money towards the down payment/closing costs, must purchase your home in Shelby County and also must qualify for either a THDA, FHA. VA or conventional financing. I also learned you must have a good credit history as well as stable employment.
I never thought I’d be writing a post with such specific information in regards to buying a home, but here we are! I CAN tell you this, I’ve set a time line for myself which involves my purchasing my first home before I turn 50 next January as a present to myself. You better believe I’ll be throwing a huge house warming party and inviting everyone I know!!
So, come along with me as I go through this journey step by step. It’s scary but exciting and I want y’all to go through this with me for accountability, companionship, and encouragement. I can’t wait to see the end result and celebrate it with all of you!!!
Walking In Memphis With Kimber 