In 2023, I began searching for a home after accepting a teaching job in Winterset, IA. I wanted to live in my school district, but finding a house in my price range was challenging. I toured several homes, put in bids, and missed out multiple times. By chance, I drove by and saw a house that said, 'For Sale by Owner'. I contacted my realtor, toured it the next day, and immediately fell in love. It was a fixer-upper with lots of character, and I knew it was the one. Shortly after, I put in an offer and, thanks to the Iowa Finance Authority homeownership programs, I was able to purchase my first home.
Since moving in, I’ve spent the past year painting, renovating, and sharing progress on Facebook and TikTok. I even adopted a dog, Stilly, and our second project was putting up a fence for her. I couldn’t imagine a better experience and am so thankful for the opportunities made possible through the Iowa Finance Authority homeownership programs!
-Sadie Calahan, Homeownership Programs, Winterset