EDUARDO

Eduardo and Estefany have always worked hard to give their children the best possible future. Eduardo works in construction, Estefany is a teacher, and together they were raising their two children (ages six and eight) in a rental home. Like many working families, they were doing everything “right,” yet still felt vulnerable to rising housing costs. 

In the summer of 2025, that vulnerability became very real when their landlord announced a significant rent increase. Even with both parents employed full time, the increase simply wasn’t sustainable for their family. They began to wonder if there was another option, one that could offer more stability and long-term security. 

A conversation with a friend led them to UCC’s Homebuyer Counseling Program. Unsure if homeownership was within reach, Eduardo and Estefany decided to explore the possibility. They began by attending two group homebuyer information sessions, where they learned about budgeting, credit, and the complete homebuying process. There, they discovered that with just a few adjustments (such as lowering their credit card balances to improve their credit score) they were much closer to being mortgage-ready than they had imagined. They also learned they qualified for multiple down-payment assistance programs. 

From there, the family began working one-on-one with Francis, their UCC Homebuyer Counselor. Francis guided them step by step, helping them strengthen their finances, understand their options, and feel confident navigating what had once felt like an overwhelming process. With her support, Eduardo and Estefany moved forward with clarity and confidence. 

In December 2025, Eduardo and Estefany closed on their first home in the 53214 neighborhood. With $15,000 in down-payment assistance, they purchased a three-bedroom home where their children can grow, learn, and thrive. Even more impactful, their monthly mortgage payment is less than the rent increase they were facing, turning a moment of housing uncertainty into long-term stability. 

Reflecting on their experience, the family shared, “As first-time homebuyers, the process felt overwhelming at first, but the guidance and support we received made a big difference.”  

Eduardo and Estefany’s story is a powerful example of how UCC’s Homebuyer Counseling Program helps working families turn challenges into opportunities and transforms rising housing costs into a foundation for lasting stability and success.