Tips for the Trauma Survivor Buying a Home
One of life’s biggest milestones is buying a home, but when you come from a background of trauma where financial abuse was prevalent, having good credit was never taught to you as a child, and many other issues that could make it seem as though you could never qualify for a home, it can seem like a distant dream.
This part of the blog is written by me, Dana. I had the absolute privilege of meeting with Kayla Buckson, a realtor who has a mission to empower people to achieve their goal of homeownership. We all know I love a good challenge to overcome, and in my 38 years on this earth, I have never owned my own house. I am not quite ready yet to purchase, but for so long, I have been too scared to even have the conversation. I decided to be brave and let it rip.
I walked into what I can call my dream home. It was so beautiful, had the perfect amount of space for a family of my size, and was in a fantastic location. Of course, I went straight to the closet in the master bedroom, and I was overcome with the feeling of giddiness and sheer joy. I recollected myself and sat down to what normally would feel like my moment of disappointment and rejection. As a trauma survivor, I often struggle with bracing for impact and siking myself out to prepare myself for what “normally” happens, the worst outcome. I was pleasantly surprised when Kayla gave basic but powerful tips that made my future goal of owning a home seem like something that I could actually do one day!
Because she is so very knowledgeable at this, and I clearly am not the woman for the job, I am going to give this next part of the blog to her. You are welcome.
Hi everyone! I want to introduce myself. My name is Kayla Buckson, and as Dana said, I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Tampa. When Dana reached out to speak with me and all of you about my tips for the trauma survivor buying a home, I was excited to help ease the fears of people who have been through so much and want to fulfill this dream. It’s my passion to not just provide these tips but to empower you with hope that you can walk into a home and call it your own.
Here are just some of my basic affirmations and insights that I like to tell my clients who need some extra love and care.
You have to start somewhere!
One of the biggest hurdles you will have to work through is simply starting the process. If you don’t begin at Point A, how do you know how to get to Point B, C, or beyond?
Don’t disqualify yourself before you do your homework.
Many will say, “there’s no way I will be able to buy a home” before they research their options. The first step is to talk with a lender to get some basic, but important information, such as:
- Your purchasing power
- Help with credit score
- Down Payment Assistance Programs available
- First Time Home Buyer Programs available
Find a buyer’s agent.
Working with a buyer’s agent ensures someone has YOUR back in the home buying transaction. In working for you, a buyer’s agent will:
- Educate you about the market
- Analyze your specific needs and desires
- Steer you towards homes that fit your criteria
- Work to solve problems that arise
- Coordinate work of other professionals in the process
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Help you to secure financing that fits your circumstances
Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home.
I think this is such an important concept to remember because as mentioned previously, you have to start somewhere.
You might find that right now isn’t the best time to buy the home of your dreams, but it doesn’t mean you have to say no to homebuying altogether. If you are looking to stop renting, maybe start with a home that can be a stepping stone to that future forever home.
Final piece of advice.
Buying a home doesn’t have to be scary. With the support and guidance of the right people, you can reach your goals and call yourself a homeowner no matter what you have walked through in life. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
If you’re eager to learn how to get one step closer to your dream of owning a home, please reach out. I’d love to strategize with you and give you some action steps to achieve that dream if it isn’t right now.
Kayla Buckson | Realtor®
C: 813-956-5840 | O: 813-444-8277
The Rutherford Group, Keller Williams
