Homegrown Homeownership: Taking the First Step Toward Home
09/21/2026
By: Madi Reynolds
Buying a home can feel like a big step, but the process often starts with something simple: a conversation. Understanding your finances, knowing what you can afford and having someone you trust to guide you can make the path to homeownership feel much more manageable.
For Shahnee Holmes, Mortgage Loan Professional at First Federal Bank’s Jerome Branch, and Laura Gonzalez, Mortgage Loan Professional at the Rupert Branch, helping buyers take that first step is about providing guidance, answering questions and helping people understand the opportunities available to them. Laura also speaks Spanish, helping her connect with and serve Spanish-speaking homebuyers.
Start with the Conversation
Before looking at homes, Laura encourages buyers to understand their budget and overall financial picture.
“First step is knowing your budget and understanding your finances,” Laura says.
Shahnee agrees that connecting with a mortgage professional early can help buyers understand what to expect.
“Talking to a loan officer, understanding the steps that would go into the homebuying process and becoming pre-approved” was the first step she took when purchasing her own home.
Knowing your budget can also help prevent buyers from stretching themselves too far. Laura recommends considering expenses beyond the purchase price, including closing costs, property taxes, insurance and ongoing maintenance.
Shahnee also cautions against putting an offer on a home before knowing how much you can comfortably afford.
Know Your Options
Both Laura and Shahnee encourage buyers—especially first-time buyers—to ask questions about available resources.
“Ask about grants, down payment assistance, 100% financing,” Laura says.
Shahnee adds that buyers may not need as much saved as they initially think. Depending on their situation, programs may be available to help with down payment or closing costs.
“There are so many different resources and programs available to home buyers,” Shahnee says. “Every situation is unique, so talk to a loan officer to determine which one may be best for your unique needs.”
Most importantly, buyers don’t have to wait until they feel completely ready to start asking questions.
“Take the first step, and that’s having a conversation with a mortgage professional,” Laura says. “Too many myths and a lot of outside conversations can be discouraging. You may be closer to homeownership than you think!”
Finding a Place to Call Home
Laura has lived in her home for three years and chose it because of its location, low maintenance needs and fit within her budget. Shahnee has lived in her home for three and a half years and saw potential in a property that needed cosmetic updates, giving her the opportunity to make it her own while building equity.
Their own experiences help shape the way they work with local buyers today.
For Laura, one of the most rewarding parts is seeing the security that homeownership can provide and helping someone accomplish an important goal. Shahnee enjoys helping local families create an opportunity to build generational wealth.
And when closing day finally arrives, both appreciate the excitement that comes with it.
“The closing room is filled with all sorts of emotion,” Laura says. “I’m so glad to be a part of that.”
For Shahnee, it’s seeing buyers realize they’ve finally made it into a home they love.
Whether it’s a starter home, a fixer-upper or a forever home, the journey begins by taking that first step and finding someone you trust to help you navigate the way.