In 2013, as a science teacher earning $35k a year, I thought homeownership wasn’t possible without moving far from where I lived and worked. A friend suggested the Mueller Affordable Homes program, and I was initially nervous about needing a large down payment. But the program’s support and flexibility for first-time homebuyers made it achievable, and I’m so grateful I took the opportunity. It’s been a game-changer, allowing me to stay close to my community while owning a home in an amazing neighborhood.