As a dedicated 19-year employee at Aflac, newlywed Jamie Landers was determined to take life by the reins and rebuild. Her previous marriage left her emotionally and financially drained and somewhat afraid to become homeowner again since she had lost a home to foreclosure five years from that marriage. “I have to admit, I was scared – of foreclosure, getting my credit restored, getting out of my current situation and having to deal with the circumstances,” Jamie shared.
Things started to turn around when she remarried her current husband Michael in October 2015 and found out she was pregnant with her first child in the spring of the following year, after being told by doctors that she had 0% of conceiving. Not long after her wedding, Jamie attended an employee Lunch & Learn sponsored by NeighborWorks® Columbus. “The seed was planted although I still didn’t think it was possible,” she admitted. “Homeownership was important to as us an investment because renting was not profitable for us as a family.”
Armed with perseverance, budgeting skills, and an increased credit score, Jamie and her husband completed the Homebuyer Education Program and closed on their new home within a year. Nestled in Harris County, they found the perfect home for their son – a traditional ranch style home with two acres to play and great schools. “The housing counselors were amazing, and Nonie even brought paperwork at the hospital for me to sign after I’d just given birth to my son.” As an added bonus, Jamie received $1,000 toward her home from the Aflac Downpayment Assistance Program.
“I can’t tell you how grateful we are for NeighborWorks® Columbus. We would not be homeowners today if it was not for you all. It makes us very happy knowing this is our home.” – Jamie Landers