Success Story

Elyria, OH

At just 22 years old Eddie and his wife Julia purchased their first home.

Eddie & Julia contacted the Lorain County Urban League seeking guidance on budgeting, understanding the financial process with lenders, and preparing for a mortgage. They received personalized one-on-one pre-purchase counseling sessions where they discussed budgeting, credit, mortgage readiness, and the homebuying process. The HUD Certified Counselor reviewed their financial situation and provided guidance on navigating lender requirements as well as tools and resources to support long-term financial stability and responsible homeownership.

Eddie and Julia successfully purchased their first home! They gained financial literacy skills, budgeting strategies, and confidence to navigate the mortgage process. They now feel prepared to sustain long-term stability and plan for their growing family.

In a testimony from Eddie, he shared, “Julia and I are proud to say we purchased our first home this year—a huge milestone at 22 years old and as we prepare to start our family. Getting here took the support of the Urban League team.

We were referred to the Urban League by our lender, and it was actually our first time hearing about the organization. From the start, the in-person pre-purchase counseling made a real difference. We learned how the financial process with lenders works, how to budget better, and how to navigate each step of buying a home. Our sessions also confirmed the advice we were already receiving from others, which gave us extra confidence that we were on the right track.

Even after closing on our home, the tools and guidance we received continue to support us. We're using the budgeting strategies we learned to stay on top of things and build long-term stability.

Owning our first home before our first child arrives has given us peace of mind and a sense of stability for our growing family. I'm grateful the Urban League was part of that journey.”