The UREC Lock & Key Homebuyers Club is a transformative initiative by UREC designed to empower first-time homebuyers with knowledge, tools, and support necessary to navigate the homeownership journey with confidence. Through comprehensive workshops and access to finance and real estate professionals who help them build financial literacy and develop a strategy to get ready for homeownership. UREC offers the Lock & Key Club quarterly with partners from various local banks. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may access various grant and down payment assistance programs.
Baton Rouge resident Khristopher Lewis participated in the program, applied the knowledge learned and recently closed on a new home. He shares how the Lock & Key Club helped him to become a first-time homeowner.
Describe your personal experience with UREC’s Lock & Key Homebuyers Club?
My experience with the Lock & Key program was nothing short of empowering. As a first-time homeowner, I was both excited and overwhelmed, but the program provided me with the knowledge and confidence I needed to succeed. One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity to learn about the entire home buying process—from building credit to understanding the various players involved. What made it even more meaningful was having access to a network of Black professionals, including my realtor, lender, and inspector (the latter two introduced by the program). This created a powerful sense of community and made the journey feel even more special.
In what ways has the Lock & Key Program benefited you personally?
The program’s benefits went far beyond just education. On a personal level, it equipped me with the financial literacy and practical skills I needed to navigate the homebuying process with ease. It also provided me with connections to trusted professionals, such as the inspector introduced during one of the program’s classes, who I ended up using after my offer was accepted. The guidance and support I received at every stage helped turn what could have been a daunting process into an achievable reality.
You recently closed on your home. How did the program help you accomplish this?
Closing on my home was a monumental moment, and I credit the Lock & Key program for helping me get there. The program’s step-by-step approach allowed me to take each stage of the process with confidence, whether it was securing financing or negotiating the final sale. Having a team of professionals that looked like me and understood my journey was deeply inspiring. Knowing that my realtor, lender, and inspector were not only skilled but also shared a similar cultural background made the entire process feel more personal and significant.
