Becoming a homeowner was a significant milestone for Nicole Perkins, a 50-year-old mother of three from Baton Rouge. Thanks to UREC’s Lock & Key program, she now proudly owns a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with an open floor plan, den, and living room in a peaceful neighborhood.

Her journey wasn’t easy. After an initial low mortgage approval and a setback with a lost home due to issues between her realtor and lender, Nicole persisted and finally closed on her new home within three weeks. The process was challenging, but she never gave up.

Through it all, UREC’s Lock & Key program provided invaluable support. The classes were enjoyable, with knowledgeable and helpful instructors who made the experience fun. Nicole met great people along the way and appreciated the sense of community. She highly recommends the program to anyone looking to buy a home, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and taking advantage of all available resources.

“Stay determined, learn as much as you can, and don’t leave money on the table,” she shared.

Now, as a proud homeowner, Nicole feels a deep sense of accomplishment. No longer sharing space with family, she’s thrilled to have something of her own and looks forward to making memories with loved ones in her new space.