Some motivational speakers say to surround yourself with cheerleaders, people who will keep you motivated to achieve your dreams. If you are looking for four motivated, persevering first-time home buyers, you are in the right place. They are Hartford's young and professional, from valley to the city, achieving dreams of homeownership and happiness.

Corey J. Brinson
Age: 26
Occupation: Attorney at Law, Day Pitney LLP
Homeownership Achieved: August 2006
Dwelling: Condo
Location: Hartford, Connecticut

FTHB: Why homeownership?
Corey: No landlord, and it is a tax write-off. Long-term investment--you can sell it for more than you bought it for. If you live in an apartment, that can never happen. You have control, when you own. Paint the walls., hang TVs, change the appliances, if you want, and the cost of ownership is not much more than the cost of an apartment.
FTHB: What made you think you could do it?
Corey: I am an optimistic person, but optimistic because I educated myself on the process. I learned what I had to do to get there, to get from A to B. Interest rates, real estate agent roles, and the overall process. Then I could say, "I can do this because I know what I need to do."  
You can do what you want if you are willing to do what it takes. Ask yourself, "What do I have to do to put myself in the opportunity?" When I was younger I interned at Day, Berry, & Howard, and right there I decided I wanted to work there. I figured out what I needed to do to get there, and then I made it.
FTHB: What hurdles or challenges did you encounter?
Corey: My real estate agent and one of my friends told me not to buy. Once they saw it all fixed up, they said "All right." When you are paying a lot for something, you are the one who has to like it. Yes, you should look at the financial consequences, but with a home, you really have to like it.
FTHB: Any programs or financial help in getting your home?
Corey: The programs for Hartford are great, and without them I would have had more of a financial strain. They want people to live in Hartford. People should take advantage of these programs. There are nice neighborhoods here. Be open to all parts of the region when you are looking.
FTHB: What was your home-buying key to success?
Corey: Optimism and education! People say they can't do it. Don't sit in your living room saying "I can't do it." Don’t let people tell you that you can't.
FTHB: Any tips or advice?
Corey: One hundred percent financing is the way to finance today. Back in the day, that was not the way, but now doing so allows you to have money in savings to pay the mortgage if you lose your job. There will be a cost for furnishing, decorating, and repairs. One hundred percent financing will free you up, so you will not be financially burdened.
FTHB: This place is amazing. You must be very happy.
Corey: Everyday I come home and just relax . . .

Scott Davis
Age: 29
Occupation: Insurance Risk Management Consultant, Hilb Rogal & Hobbs
Tiffany Davis
Age: 26
Occupation: Guidance Counselor, Lewis S. Mills High School
Homeownership Achieved: January 2006
Dwelling: House
Location: Canton, Connecticut

FTHB: Why homeownership?
Scott: Paying rent is a waste of money. Start building equity in your home as soon as you can. Homeownership brings financial stability.
Tiffany: It was a good investment for the area. We wanted to a yard for our dog, wanted to have our own yard, listen to music, not live right next door to other people. Homeownership gives you certain freedoms you that you don't get with an apartment.
Scott: Our  parents don't live near us and we wanted to establish our own homestead in Connecticut. We wanted a house before we had kids.
FTHB: What made you think you could do it?
Scott: We had been married three years and were just coming into our own, career wise. We were just at that stage in life where homeownership made sense.
FTHB: What hurdles or challenges did you encounter?
Scott: Finding a house that was reasonable from a price standpoint. We looked at about thirty to thirty-five houses. We looked at this one three times. We knew it was a bit of a project.
Tiffany: It took a couple of visits to see what we could make of it.
FTHB: What was your home-buying key to success?
Tiffany: Teamwork. When you are a couple, work together.
Scott: I liked one of our homeownership professionals, but Tiffany did not. We both needed to be comfortable, and the real estate agent we ended up getting was great. After we looked at the first twenty houses, we formed a short list of what we wanted and did not want. This saved time on our search.
FTHB: Any post-purchase buyer cautions?
Scott: Be aware of the need for repairs to old homes in New England. Put money aside for such things. Some previous owners might have made repairs that are not as sound as you would like, so be prepared
FTHB: Any advice for our readers?
Scott and Tiffany:
* Know what you are getting.  This will help prevent buyer's remorse
* Do research. There is a lot involved in finding the right professionals you can trust and work with.
* Have patience. Don't buy the first house you fall in love with. We fell in love with five or six houses, but the one we got is the one we love the most.
* See past cosmetic things that are easily fixable. Our house needed paint and some fixing up. Make the house more yours with furnishings and such.
* Do your repairs right the first time, so you don't have to do them over and over again.

TasJuaii S. Moss
Age: 26
Occupation: Sales and Marketing Manager, The Hartford Insurance Group
Homeownership Achieved: November 2006
Dwelling: Condo
Location: Hartford, Connecticut

FTHB: Why homeownership?
TasJuaii: I wanted something to call my own, something I could pass down to the next generation.
FTHB: Why did you move here, and why a condo?
TasJuaii: I don't do yard work. I don't shovel snow. I wanted a condo for the ease of it, and with the neighbors, I know someone is watching my property. I needed to be close to everything I do. Study, play, work, everything I do is in Hartford. The market is on the rise, and I want to be a part of it.
FTHB: What hurdles or challenges did you encounter?
TasJuaii: I started looking one year ago. The market was volatile at that time. I’d look at a property on Sunday, and it was gone the next week. The volatility derailed my plans.
FTHB: Any programs or financial help in getting your home?
TasJuaii: After the first year, this condo was the first I looked at, There were not many hurdles after that. I knew what I wanted, and I went for it. I took advantage of CHFA. I took a first-time home buyer's class. My real estate agent was great. She kept me very informed. A lot of people in the class were not as fortunate and were left in the dark by their agents. Take a class. The three or four hours is worth it, to be sure you know what you are doing.
FTHB: What was your home-buying key to success?
TasJuaii: Be patient. Don't jump because you want to buy. You need to go slow. A house is a big commitment. I waited for the market to change, to get what I wanted. Understand that if things are not going your way, you can trust that something else is out there that will be right for you.
FTHB: Any tips or advice to avoid buyer's remorse?
TasJuaii: I searched hard to find what I wanted, so I would get no surprises. I had a thorough home inspection done, three and a half  hours for the condo. Very important.
FTHB: What made you think you could do it?
TasJuaii: I was taught you can be more if you try, and you get more if you try. I am working on my second master’s degree, an MBA. It is a natural progression: own a car, own a home. Building wealth over time. Instead of paying off someone else’s mortgage by renting, why not work on my own? I want to own other properties.  Homeownership is a great way to gain wealth.
FTHB: Some people just don't or can't believe they can buy a home. What makes you keep going?
TasJuaii: Mom said. "I never thought you would be doing this at twenty-six." Knowing I can do more helps me do it. On this journey I have not stopped.

The First-Time HomeBuyer  would like to thank the HYPE (Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs) members for letting us be inspired by your success and welcoming us into your new homes.