Three years of dedicated saving paid off. By August 2023, Sydnee was ready to embark on the homebuying journey. Though she'd completed a first-time homebuyer's course, navigating realtors and mortgage representatives was challenging. "It was frustrating," Sydnee admits, "figuring things out and not always knowing the right questions to ask."

Rising housing costs added another hurdle. Sydnee had to broaden her search area to find a home. Yet, her perseverance prevailed. Combining her nearly $14,000 savings, including her FSS savings, with a grant from the Welcome Home Fund, she achieved her goal. The Welcome Home Fund provides no-strings-attached downpayment assistance grants for Compass FSS participants in the Greater Boston area. 

The grant not only helped her purchase the home, but also covered essential repairs to the roof and boiler. While Sydnee tackled most of the process independently, her FSS financial coach provided support with paperwork.

Just before Christmas 2023, Sydnee and her family finally moved into their new home in Franklin, Massachusetts.

"We really enjoy the new neighborhood and spacious yard," Sydnee shares, "It feels great to finally have a place of our own."

Congratulations Sydnee on working hard to achieve this amazing milestone!

Sydnee with her husband and granddaughters outside their new home. Photography by Leah LaRiccia Photography.