In 2011, Telisha Mack was ready to take the leap into homeownership. She put mortgage applications at three different banks, but was not approved because she didn’t have a huge down payment or a co-signer. She lost her chance to purchase two different homes she liked.
As a single mother with three children while working a full-time job, Telisha managed to overcome a number of hurdles to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Accounting, a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources. She maintained good credit and budgeted wisely. She knew she could overcome the hurdle of entering homeownership, but wasn’t sure exactly how or when. Then, she heard from a friend how USDA Rural Development helps families break into the housing market.
“I was skeptical at first, because I didn’t want to go through the pain of being denied again,” Telisha told us, “but I chose to be strong and went ahead and applied. I am so happy that I did, because I heard back from them within a few days and I was prequalified for purchasing a home.”
Within a few weeks, our local USDA Rural Development staff approved her application and issued a Certificate of Eligibility -- meaning she was ready to start house hunting again. Within a few days, she found a home for her family in Brunswick, Georgia, and closed her USDA Direct loan in January.
Yesterday, in recognition of National Homeownership Month, I had the chance to visit with Telisha. She told me that “everyone at the USDA Rural Development Office in Blackshear, Georgia, was very courteous, professional, and made the process comfortable. I appreciate the opportunity that the USDA Rural Development has given me, my family, and others in the community.”
It was our pleasure to work with you. Congratulations, Telisha!
