K
atie Israel's journey towards recovery from addiction and becoming a homeowner is a testament to her determination and hard work. After hitting rock bottom, Ms. Israel prioritized finding a safe home for her three children. She credits her stint in a recovery house, transitional housing, and a job at ABLE, a local clothing and jewelry company that empowers women, with turning her life around.

    Ms. Israel's first step towards homeownership was getting preapproved for a loan by Bank of Tennessee for $180,000 with zero down payment. She took a homeowners education class to qualify for the program and saved $10,000. However, Nashville's median home price of $460,000 to $475,000 exceeded her budget, so she expanded her search to suburbs within an hour's drive.

    With the help of real estate agent Jessica Tammaro, Ms. Israel considered about 10 homes before narrowing it down to three options that met her criteria: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a yard for her kids, and a reasonable commute to her job. The house they ultimately chose was in Gallatin, Tennessee, with a price tag of $228,000, annual property taxes of $575, and the added expense of separate flood insurance due to its location in a designated flood zone. Despite being farther from her job than she wanted, Ms. Israel felt it was the right fit for her family.