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In 2020, when the COVID-19 shutdown orders were issued, many were stuck at home, including Martha Taylor. Additionally, rent was rising, leaving her in what felt like an impossible situation.
During that time, Martha decided she wanted to own a home. She had rented her entire life and wanted to invest in something that was truly hers. Martha started researching and came across Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and its Housing Counseling Program.
Over the years, Martha participated in YNDC’s program to better understand her budget and the homebuying process. With her dedication and YNDC’s support, she felt ready, but she had one last thing to work on. “I was already primed. Things were already in motion, but YNDC had done the biggest part of it, which was getting my credit in order."
Her credit was her biggest hurdle. She needed to improve her credit and eliminate her credit card debt. She said it was with Alex’s guidance that she was able to pay off her credit cards faster than she imagined. “I thought to pay off the larger ones first, and then work on the smaller ones, but Alex said it was better to get the smaller ones out of the way and then focus on the larger ones. Within a six-month period, I paid off five credit cards.”
Once her credit cards were paid off, Martha said God had guided her to buying a home. “I believe it was God who led me to it, because I was looking at a mortgage calculator and it popped up. I was like, ‘What in the world is this?’ I went to it, applied, and all the while, I still had Alex giving me counsel on what I should do.”
After six years, Martha found her home and moved in. “I’m relieved to be in my own home. This whole place is mine. I’m so glad I’m no longer renting, too. Rent was actually getting close to double the mortgage. I truly believe God led me to this house.”
Martha says she recommends the counseling program to any homebuyer. “In the long run, it helps you get your finances in order and look at your finances differently than how you did before.”
To enroll in the Housing Counseling Program, call 330.480.0423.