In an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, 77-year-old Sherry Yates from Coolidge, Arizona, has become a first-time homeowner, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Despite the obstacles and challenges that could have easily derailed her journey, Yates never wavered in her commitment to one day owning her own home.
After years of renting and facing financial uncertainty, Yates now proudly holds the keys to her very own place—a testament to her resilience and unshakeable belief in the power of persistence.
Yates’ road to homeownership was anything but smooth. Since moving to Arizona in 2007, she rented homes in Glendale, Avondale, and Phoenix, sharing living spaces with multiple generations of her family.
Over time, the constant moving, skyrocketing rental costs, and even a foreclosure took their toll, but they also strengthened Yates’ resolve to secure a permanent place she could call her own.
A turning point in Yates’ journey came when she connected with Beckah Stiasny, a counselor from New Oakwood Homes, who guided her through the intimidating process of purchasing a home.
With Stiasny’s help, Yates improved her credit score and saved for the $12,000 down payment needed to buy her $300,000 home. The support and advice she received were instrumental in transforming her dream into a reality.
Now settled in her new 1,700-square-foot home, which features four bedrooms, a two-car garage, and plenty of space for her mother, husband, and two children, Yates beams with pride. Reflecting on her achievement, she describes her home as “perfect” and says there isn’t a single thing she would change.
The joy and stability that come with owning a home have brought renewed energy and a sense of fulfillment into Yates’ life, with her humorously noting that she sometimes feels 35 years old again.
Yates now relishes the opportunity to host family and friends in her beautiful space, embracing the sense of community and comfort that homeownership offers.
For her, paying her mortgage is more than just meeting a financial commitment—it’s a badge of honor, symbolizing decades of hard work and determination.
Her story is a shining example that it’s never too late to reach your goals, no matter how many years it may take.
Sherry Yates’ journey to homeownership is a powerful reminder that dreams, no matter how long they take to achieve, are worth every step of the way.
