For years, Jolene did what many single moms do—she stretched every dollar, worked hard to keep a roof over her kids’ heads, and made sure her 16-year-old daughter Jill had what she needed. But after two years in a rental home that was no longer being maintained, she knew it was time for a change.
“Rental prices in our area were out of control,” she said. “It was looking like $1,500 a month just to stay in my daughter’s school district. At that point my boyfriend suggested looking at buying a house, so I did.”
That simple suggestion set Jolene on an unexpected path.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud as I was when I took Jill to the title company to sign. It is so important to set an example for her to show her that she can do this, too.”
As a first-time buyer, the process was overwhelming at times. Jolene was referred to REI Oklahoma’s Down Payment Assistance program through her lender, and she says that that connection changed everything.
At first, Jolene qualified for a USDA loan, which meant no down payment. But just a week before closing, a technicality disqualified her from the program.
“I was crushed,” she said. “I’ve worked so hard for so long to be financially stable and I really didn’t know what I was going to do.”
Her lender quickly pivoted and explored an FHA loan option that was supported by REI Oklahoma’s Down Payment Assistance program. The loan ended up being a great fit for Jolene and they were able to easily transition to it.
“REI Oklahoma’s help with the down payment is what saved us,” Jolene said. “We would not have been able to do it without that support. And to find a program where part of the assistance is a gift—that was such a blessing. I’ve never heard of anything like that before.”
For Jolene, buying a home wasn’t just a financial step—it was a personal milestone.
“Thinking back to my childhood, I don’t think there’s been another woman in my family who’s bought a house completely on her own,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud as I was when I took Jill to the title company to sign. It is so important to set an example for her to show her that she can do this, too.
Since moving in, small things have brought the biggest joy. Their new kitchen is bright and airy—nothing like the outdated space in their last rental. “My daughter told me, ‘Mom, I think I’m going to like cooking in here more,’” Jolene said. “And she’s made the best sugar cookies she’s ever made here.”
More than anything, it’s the peace of mind that’s made the biggest difference. “We feel safe now,” she said. “We don’t have to worry about the water heater going out or the AC not working. We’re just happier. It’s like night and day.”
Jolene says having a stable home has allowed her to focus on the other areas of life she had to set aside. “You just have to have a good home,” she said. “Everything builds from there. When you’re renting, you’re just making a mortgage payment for someone else. Now, we’re building a future for us.”
