Destination Dellview1: The Class

I'm not quite sure when, or why, the desire to buy a home was deposited in my spirit.  For the last couple of decades I either didn't think about it--or if I did I'd come up with numerous reasons as to why I would NEVER do it.  The main reason, full disclosure here, a fear of commitment.  So, imagine my surprise  when I found myself sitting in a home buyers workshop on March 25th.

A Google search led me to the non-for-profit organization Alamo Community Group.  I enrolled and canceled the class several times.  I finally stuck with a date and almost didn't go.  The night before Judith and I had gone to an event at Howl at the Moon.  After having had one drink too many I rolled into the 9am Saturday class with a hangover.  

There were about 10 of us in the relaxed, educational, inspiring class.  Some of us were just gathering information.  Others were well into their home buying process and were fulfilling an obligation.  Mostly couples were present and I think I was the only one doing this solo.  

Erika Chapa emceed the workshop.  She shared her personal purchase experiences.  The bit of advice that she shared that stuck with me most was the importance of providing a personal letter along with the offer--especially in a seller's market.  She and her husband had done so and as a result bought a home that was perfect for their family.

Erika also encouraged us to utilize the services that Alamo Community Group has to offer.   As a budget manager Erika suggested it would be in our best interest to schedule an appointment with her to get our finances in order to make the acquisition of a lifetime.
They provide assistance not only with home buying, but also credit counseling, and community health.

Reps were present from banks to talk the almighty dollar, lenders, preapproval vs. approval, capital, capacity, and credit.  While listening and taking notes I couldn't help but think, "What in the world am I doing here?"  Although overwhelming, they too were encouraging and simplified what seemed to be a complicated process. 

Our last presenter was Brian Paris, realtor.  Just like those before him there were no such thing as stupid questions, we belted out questions as they arose, he demystified the realtor/buyer relationship and one of the attendees testified to his professionalism and her face lit up talking about the home her family was about to close on thanks to Brian's recommendations. 

At the end of the day there was a raffle and several folks in line to schedule an appointment with Erica to begin working towards the American dream, home ownership.  

Stay tuned for my story....

http://www.alamocommunitygroup.org/
http://www.kw.com/kw/agent/x313309