For Ashley Bailey, connecting with the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and Liberty Bank changed her life.

Armed with the knowledge and resources necessary to realize her dream of becoming a homeowner, Bailey purchased her first home in New Haven this summer. Coincidentally, it was where her grandfather and father once lived, making the moment even more special. 

Vacant for 20 years, this historic, multi-family home was targeted by the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, an organization committed to empowering families and revitalizing neighborhoods, for restoration just as Bailey was looking for a place for her and her daughter. 

“Life just came full circle,” Bailey said. “It’s more than just owning a home for me. This was the way it was supposed to go.”

To get to her move-in moment, however, was a process – albeit a rewarding one. It took patience, Bailey said, explaining that she went through the homebuying process, but also had to wait for all the renovation work to be complete. This meant wearing a construction hat and boots as she anxiously monitored the progress on her new home. 

“I’m very happy with the outcome,” she said, explaining that it was always her dream to become a homeowner – and a landlord. “I’ve always wanted to have something to leave behind for my daughter.” 

While Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven helped prepare Bailey for her big moment through homeownership classes and was responsible for the renovation work at Bailey’s new home, it was Liberty Bank that ensured Bailey could afford her purchase. 

“My experience with Liberty was a 10 out of 10,” she said. “They were always there to answer questions.”

Bailey primarily worked with Linda Urbanec, an Affordable Lending Originator at Liberty. Urbanec both processed Bailey’s loan and helped her secure $80,000 in downpayment funds – money that lessened her financial burden. 

At Liberty, Urbanec partners with organizations like Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and works with first-time homeowners to identify and secure financial assistance. In Bailey’s case, money came from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Time to Own Program, the Housing Development Fund, Live Where You Work and Forever Home and Home Ownership Matters grants through the NAACP. “She’s in good shape,” Urbanec said.

“Many people don’t even know these grants exist,” Urbanec said, explaining that she is often known as the grant lady. “I help connect people to resources. It’s really rewarding.”

Connecting with the right people, such as Urbanec, has been an important part of her journey, Bailey said, adding that she is grateful for the help she received. As for her advice to aspiring homeowners, Bailey recommends getting to know the right people and educating yourself about budgeting and the homebuying process.

“Knowledge is power,” she said. “By having knowledge, you are one step ahead.”

If you are interested in learning more about mortgages available through Liberty and any downpayment assistance options, click here. For more information about the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, click here.