Ian was no stranger to struggle during his journey into homeownership. What felt like an impossible dream eventually became a reality, but not without several curveballs and true resilience along the way.
In 2017, Ian’s world turned upside down. His divorce marked the beginning of a challenging chapter, and not long after, his son was diagnosed with cancer. The years that followed were difficult as Ian navigated his son’s treatment and single parenthood.
For a time, Ian struggled to find consistent work. Pursuing his dream of working for himself offered some fulfillment, but it came with its own challenges. Ian and his two children found themselves living in a two-bedroom apartment, making ends meet on a tight budget. At $850 a month, the rent felt steep, and the idea of something better seemed out of reach.
But life has a way of surprising us.
One day, while leaving his apartment, Ian noticed a for sale sign nearby. Just across the street was a modest three-bedroom townhome for sale. Despite working and saving, the idea of a down payment or qualifying for a mortgage felt impossible. “I didn’t even let myself think about it,” Ian shared.
However, Ian was curious. How far away was he from achieving his dream of homeownership? He reached out to his lender at Opportunity Bank who then introduced him to NeighborWorks Montana (NWMT). Through NWMT’s homebuyer education, Ian learned what he needed to do to make homeownership a reality. With guidance and support, Ian secured a home loan with Opportunity Bank and down payment assistance from NeighborWorks Montana, and in late 2020, Ian achieved his impossible dream and purchased the townhome just across the street.
Today, Ian and his two children have a safe, stable place to call home. His kids, now 12 and 16, each have their own rooms – a luxury that once felt impossible. “How can you have 12 and 16-year-olds sharing a bunk bed?” Ian reflected. Their new home offered space to finally have a dog of their own, and most importantly, provided the security they had been missing for so long.
“I am so grateful to this day,” Ian said. “Without NeighborWorks Montana, I don’t even know what we would be doing. This has changed everything for us. We finally have a home.”
If you’re inspired by Ian’s journey and are ready to take your own steps toward homeownership, NWMT is here to help. Visit nwmt.org/homeownership to learn more about our programs and how we can help make homeownership possible for you.