Eight Years in the Making — A First-Time Homebuyer’s Big Win

Because It Really Takes a Village — or in This Case, a Town

On a typical Florida summer day, Rebecca experienced anything but a typical Thursday. She was waiting, with excitement and a touch of nervous anticipation, to find out: Would this be the day she finally became a homeowner?

Her journey to that moment was eight years in the making. During that time, she diligently saved, built her credit score into the 800s, and searched for a quality home within her means. As a dedicated VA employee caring for those who have served our nation — and a single parent — Rebecca’s dream was not just about owning a house, but about creating lasting stability for her daughter.

A coworker first introduced her to the Community Land Trust of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. One email to Christina, our Housing Manager, began a clear and helpful conversation about the application process. While waiting for another housing project to open, Rebecca learned about three homes created through the Town of Jupiter’s Workforce Housing Ordinance — each reserved for first-time buyers in specific income categories.

The location was ideal: close to her workplace, within her daughter’s school zone, and in a welcoming neighborhood. Rebecca acted quickly, submitting her lender package the same day. When her loan qualification was approved first, she had the privilege of choosing her preferred home — and yard.

Today, Rebecca and her daughter are settling into a home that offers both security and opportunity. With stability in place, she can focus on personal goals: giving her daughter the dream blue bedroom she’s always wanted, planting a garden, and setting up a home gym. Most importantly, she looks forward to the peace that comes from knowing they’ll never have to move again.

Because It Takes a Village:

• Fair Housing Center of the Palm Beaches – Closing Cost Assistance
• Cornerstone – Developer and Builder
• Town of Jupiter – Workforce Housing Program
• City National Bank – Mortgage Lender and Closing Cost Assistance Provider for Homebuyer
• Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County – Pro Bono Legal Services