After renting for nearly two decades, Lesli knew it was time to make a change. She was ready to invest in something of her own—and in September 2024, she officially became a homeowner in Beloit.
With the help of Acts Housing’s homebuyer coaching and financial guidance, Lesli closed on her home on September 5th, 2024.
Now, Lesli and her two adult sons are settling into their new home, and for the first time, she feels the security and pride that comes with having a place that’s truly hers.
Getting Mortgage-Ready with Acts
Lesli started her journey with a simple decision—to get serious about her finances. Through Acts Housing’s coaching, she focused on budgeting, reducing unnecessary spending, avoiding credit card debt, and paying bills on time.
“I had to stay focused on what I needed, not what I wanted,” she said. “It took discipline, but it was worth it.”
That discipline paid off. Once Lesli was mortgage-ready, she qualified for down payment assistance—something Acts Housing helps families apply for and access.
In a tight housing market, that assistance gave her the ability to make a strong, competitive offer when it counted.“I couldn’t have done it without the down payment support,” she said. “It made the numbers work.”
Creating Her Own Space
One of Lesli’s favorite parts of homeownership is having the freedom to make the space her own—especially outdoors.
A nature lover at heart, she’s spent countless hours building out her backyard: planting flowers, arranging pots, and relaxing on her porch with her hands in the dirt and her mind at ease.
“I love being able to just walk outside and enjoy something I’ve built,” she said. “It feels good to put energy into something that’s mine.”
Her garden is more than a hobby—it’s a reflection of the independence and pride that comes with owning a home.
Advice for Others Starting the Journey
While the process wasn’t always easy, Lesli says the goal of homeownership kept her going—even on tough days.
“I’d been renting for 17 years,” she said. “I reminded myself that if I wanted something different, I had to stick with it.”
Now, she encourages others to get started—and she’s already referred another family to Acts Housing so they can start their own journey.
“You have to be consistent. You have to put in the work. But it’s possible. Acts helped me get there.”
Why This Matters
Lesli’s story is one of many we see every year at Acts Housing. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when families have access to tools, support, and a clear path to ownership.
Homeownership brings stability—not just to individuals, but to neighborhoods and communities. In places like Beloit, where affordable homeownership can be life-changing, Acts Housing plays a critical role in helping families like Lesli’s make that leap.
If you believe in expanding access to homeownership, here’s how you can help:
- Donate to support our financial coaching, education, and down payment assistance programs
- Partner with us to expand our reach in Beloit and Milwaukee
- Want to start the homebuying process? Start Here