I never would have imagined in a million years that homeownership would be a dream and not my reality. I always just thought that I would live the picture-perfect dream. A great marriage, beautiful family, large home with the white picket fence, the whole nine yards. But as we know, life never goes according to plan, and I became that woman I had always felt sorry for ... a divorced, single mom with an 8-month-old baby girl. I felt like my life had completely crumbled in front of me, and at times, I barely felt like I could keep my head above water. Scrimping and saving every single penny earned to pay our bills, and provide the necessities for my daughter and l.
Home Ownership Seemed Impossible
Homeownership seemed next to impossible. Yet, all I could think about was purchasing a home and providing a roof to put over our heads. Over the next 14 months, I made it my mission to do everything I could do in my power to set myself up to eventually one day be able to purchase a home. I felt like I needed to prove to myself I could do it all on my own, but I had no clue where to start.
Thankfully, a very dear family friend was a mortgage broker, so, shame and all, I picked up the phone to call Teresa to pick her brain about qualifying for a mortgage. I slowly learnt that there was no reason to feel shame. Everyone has to start somewhere, and that was my day! Teresa educated me on building my credit (yes, I didn’t have a credit card up to this point in my life!). As well as what it would take for me to one day be able to qualify for a mortgage on my own.
With the love and support of my parents, sister, and best friend, I was able to work two jobs and countless hours to be able to set my dreams into motion. With all my blood, sweat, and lots and lots of tears later, I nervously picked up the phone again and called Teresa. Still seeming so far out of reach, I wanted to know how close I actually was to being able to qualify for a mortgage.
Finding Our Home
A couple of days later, my phone rang, and it was Teresa – I could barely believe the news!!!!! I had done it! I was able to qualify for a mortgage all on my own!
Stunned by the most exciting news, the dreams of a large, fancy home came rushing through my mind. Little did I know the actual costs of homes. Was I ever in for a big shocker!!!!
After sitting down with my realtor, Ramona, I couldn’t help but start to feel the sheer disappointment. The large, fancy home I had been dreaming about for the last 14 months was not in my cards. After looking at a couple of condos and townhomes, I slowly started to realize that I didn’t need anything fancy. I would be just as content, perhaps even happier, in a quaint, cozy little condo or townhome. A house is just a house, and all I was really looking for after all this time was my own 4 walls. I wanted somewhere to make a home, somewhere I could start to rebuild a life for K and I. Somewhere to start fresh, wipe the slate clean, somewhere to start making memories just the two of us.
After what felt like an eternity, I eventually bought us a home! It was somewhere for K and I to hang our hats after a long day, somewhere to cozy up on the couch watching countless Disney movies on a rainy Sunday afternoon. This home of mine was a tiny little stacked townhome in the West end of the city. Little did I know that this little townhome was my dream home, my fresh start in life. 49 Rhonda Rd will forever hold a very dear place in my heart.
