Sherry Yates, 77, of Coolidge, Arizona, has realized what many believe to be the pinnacle of the American Dream: home ownership. Despite the hurdles and losses she faced, Yates never lost up on her dream of owning her own home. After years of renting and dealing with the uncertainties that come with it, Yates now enjoys the security and satisfaction of owning her own home.
According to WLBT, Yates’ path to homeownership was not easy. Since arriving to Arizona in 2007, she has rented residences in Glendale, Avondale, and central Phoenix, frequently sharing space with many generations of her family. The numerous relocations, compounded by rising rental rates and even a foreclosure, taught her that the only constant in her life was change. Despite these hurdles, Yates was determined to locate a permanent home for herself and her family.
When Yates met Beckah Stiasny, a counselor from New Oakwood Homes, her life took a new direction. Stiasny guided Yates through the stressful process of buying and even building a home. Yates, who had previously struggled with her credit score, received assistance from Stiasny’s staff in improving her credit and determining how to save for the $12,000 down payment needed for her $300,000 property.
After nearly a year in her new house, Yates reflects on its enormous impact on her life. She considers her new home, which has 1,700 square feet, four bedrooms, a two-car garage, and enough space for her mother, husband, and two children, as ideal. Yates is quite proud of her home, and there isn’t one thing she would change about it.
Yates feels a sense of success and security as a result of her newfound homeownership. She now accommodates visitors on a regular basis, enjoying the opportunity to share her beautiful home with loved ones. Yates jokes that owning her property has given her a newfound sense of vitality, as she feels 35 years old at times.
Yates considers her mortgage more than a financial obligation; it is a privilege. She prioritizes her mortgage payments above everything else, seeing them as proof of her dedication and the realization of a cherished desire. Her tale serves as a poignant reminder that it is never too late to pursue the American Dream, regardless of the challenges.