TAMPA — Amina Stevens’ mother waited until she was 50 to become a first-time homeowner.
Part of the holdup was due to upbringing.
“She lived here, but she grew up in Chicago,” said Stevens, 30. “There are a lot of homeowners out there, but there are also a lot of people who prefer to live in apartments.”
But part of the delay was that Stevens’ mother, a teacher and single mother of four, thought such a big purchase would be too much of a financial burden.
Now in her sixth year as a real estate agent, Stevens believes her mother’s concerns may have been misplaced.
“Many people think that on paper they’re too weak to buy a home,” she says. “But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Stevens is now taking that message to television viewers through her new 10-episode reality show, “First Time Buyers Club,” which will premiere Dec. 30 at 9 p.m. on the Oprah Winfrey Network, also known as OWN. I am telling you. The second half-hour episode will air immediately thereafter at 9:30 p.m.
According to OWN, the series is an “authentic and detailed look at the exciting but complex journey of becoming a first-time homeowner, no matter what stage of life you are in…Filmed throughout the Tampa Bay area, each Here’s the episode: Amina meets new clients and works with them while navigating the many pros and cons of different homes and locations. ”
In the first episode, Stevens helps a grandmother of four who is nearing retirement and looking to buy her first home. In her second article, she counsels a young couple torn between a single-family home and an investment opportunity.
Stevens acknowledged that there are a lot of reality shows about the real estate industry, but her show stands out because it focuses on the complexities of buying a home, whereas other shows focus on homes that the average person can’t afford. He said that it often serves as a showcase for people.
“We’re not just focused on homes,” she said. “This is really about the client’s journey. A lot of shows introduce clients and then jump right into their homes. My show explains how we get to that place. .”
Viewers witness nearly every step of the purchase and learn about programs that help people with spotty credit become homeowners.
“There are programs that can help you qualify for a home loan with zero down payment,” Stevens says. “Some people think they need a 700 or 800 credit score…but in reality, most programs go as low as a 580 credit score. Sometimes it’s even cheaper with a larger down payment. .
“I hope that by watching this show, you’ll not only have fun, but you’ll also gain knowledge and inspiration to buy your first home.”
Joining her mother’s journey to becoming a first-time homeowner in 2016 inspired Stevens, who was also a teacher at the time, to become a real estate agent.
“I never thought my family would be homeowners,” said Stevens, who grew up living in four rental homes in four different neighborhoods in Tampa. “I thought it was like a club where you were born or you weren’t born…It was sentimental for my mother, but also a little bittersweet. She wanted us to be children and family.” I think I wish I had done it while I was still here.”
In an attempt to protect her mother from the possibility of financial failure, her mother consulted a real estate agent to understand how the purchase would be financed and what other options she had. Stevens said with a laugh.
“My mom had no idea what to do or how to get through it,” Stevens said. “And this guide and advisor helped her make the biggest financial transaction of her life. It was a lightbulb moment for me. As a real estate agent, I learned how it worked and how I I was able to see how I could enjoy it myself.”
Stevens said she also became a first-time homeowner a little over a year ago.
“I bought the house with no money out of my own pocket,” she said. “We were able to take advantage of some of the programs we use for clients.
“My mom was so excited. It’s within walking distance from her house.”