Homeward Bound: The Journey to Home Ownership Through United Way of the National Capital Area Financial Empowerment Centers

Jan 09, 2020

by United Way NCA

 

 
 Stepping into the world a young graduate from Towson University, Randel was ready to build his dream life. Counter to the trend of many millennials in his generation, Randel has set out to buy his first home and launch his own business. With an ever-increasing amount of young people choosing to rent property over own it, Randel was navigating the housing market alone.

In anyone’s life, buying a first home is a monumental milestone. A home is not only a place to raise a family, but it’s also a large investment that can be tricky to navigate. If one lacks a thorough understanding of how to maximize the investment of purchasing a home, first-time home buyers stand to lose thousands of dollars if they aren’t careful. Luckily,United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA)funded Financial Empowerment Centers(FEC)offer workshops and mentorships on home buying 101.

“Coming from a background of renting for the most part, and going into the field of owning your home, there’re a lot of tools and different things you’re not aware of,” shares Randel.

Through the FEC at Prince George’s County Community College, Randel got access to a series of workshops targeted at coaching first-time homebuyers through the process of making an educated purchase. During the program, participants are taught about selecting mortgages, interest rates, and handling property taxes that fit within their financial situation.

The workshops and financial coaching offered at the FEC are geared at getting first-time home buyers like Randel the resources and information they need to make smart choices when it comes to housing. The FEC’s services are open to all individuals who seek them regardless of income bracket for no cost. Among workshops like first-time home buying, United Way NCA Financial Empowerment Centers offer business ownership workshops, financial coaching, tax preparation, and workforce development.

Visit a United Way NCA Financial Empowerment Center today.

Recent Posts

related post thumbnail
Feb 06, 2023

blog

Analyzing Digital Equity in Cities Around the U.S.

As online learning, telehealth and remote work continue to grow in popularity throughout the U.S., questions of digital equity and bridging the digital divide arise. For those who have access […]
related post thumbnail
Jan 25, 2023

blog

Vacant Homes vs. Homelessness in Cities Around the U.S.

For many Americans, finding affordable housing continues to be a challenge, whether you’re renting or buying. In today’s real estate market, many overpriced homes sit vacant while populations experiencing homelessness […]
related post thumbnail
Jan 03, 2023

blog

Highest Graduation Rates by State & Metro Counties

At United Way, we see firsthand how much a quality education can have a major lifelong effect on the lives of children in their communities. That’s one of many reasons […]

Stay Connected to United Way NCA

Sign up for our newsletter

Our quarterly newsletter, Community Matters, keeps you informed on all things United Way NCA, including volunteer opportunities, news, upcoming events to attend, a letter from our president & CEO, Rosie Allen-Herring, and so much more.