Alexis and Delyann's Homebuying Story

Alexis and Delyann had rented for eight years when in 2024 they made a determined resolution for themselves and their family.

"Back then, having a house was a thought but it wasn't coming through," said Alexis. "Last year I was like no, we are going to do this and by the end of 2025 we are going to have a house, and we stuck to that."

Alexis and Delyann achieved that goal when they and their three young children recently moved into a brand new, four-bedroom home in Holyoke, which was developed by the Holyoke Housing Authority (HHA) with financing from MassHousing.

Alexis and Delyann used a MassHousing Mortgage through USA Mortgage Network, Inc. to make their homebuying dream a reality. Walking through the door for the first time was a joyous moment for the entire family.

"We're so happy. We are still a little star struck that we are in here," said Alexis. "They are loving it," he said of the children. "They feel so empowered to their home right now. They are running up and down the stairs. They are running like no tomorrow. They are ready to dive into the back yard."

Prior to being picked in a lottery by the HHA that allowed them to buy their home, the couple worked to improve their credit scores, lower their debt and took homebuyer education courses.

"We actually did the homebuyer course twice," said Alexis. "Two years passed by after the first one and then we said, you know, we are going to do it again and we're going to do something about" (buying a home this time).

When the couple learned about the Housing Authority's homebuying opportunity, they applied for the lottery process.

"When the lottery date came we went and sat down and we were nervous. It started and the time came for the four-bedroom units, and they called our name. We jumped up and down with joy and my wife was literally screaming 'we got first.' It was an awesome feeling," said Alexis.

The HHA developed 20 brand new homeownership units for purchase by moderate-income, first-time homebuyers in Alexis and Delyann's new neighborhood. MassHousing provided $7.2 million in financing to the project, the HHA provided $5.5 million in construction financing and the City of Holyoke contributed $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act financing.

HHA Executive Director Matt Mainville said, "The Housing Authority has always recognized the need to offer different types of housing to meet the varied needs of the Holyoke community. We have been working hard for some time to make homeownership in South Holyoke a reality. Without partnership from the community and the city, and creative financing programing from MassHousing, the HHA wouldn't have been able to construct 20 new modern homes, and Alexis and Delyann and their family wouldn't be living in a beautiful new home in a neighborhood of their choice. We are so excited that such a deserving family has realized their dreams."

Buying their home with a MassHousing Mortgage with Down Payment Assistance went smoothly, and the couple achieved their goal of moving in before the end of 2025.

"It was awesome, MassHousing did everything they could for us," said Alexis. "It was easy, fast and they kept us informed with everything that was going on. It could not have had a better experience for first-time buyers."

MassHousing is committed to fostering sustainable long-term homeownership. All MassHousing borrowers complete a homebuyer education course prior to purchasing their first home and MassHousing utilizes high-touch, in-house loan servicing. MassHousing mortgages come with MIPlus, a unique mortgage insurance and mortgage payment protection program that provides eligible borrowers with up to six months of principal and interest payments in the event of a job loss.

"We are thrilled for Alexis and Delyann and their family who have put down roots in Holyoke and are enjoying all the benefits of owning their own home," said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. "MassHousing is committed to providing, safe, affordable mortgage financing to first-time buyers like Alexis and Delyann around the Commonwealth so they too can achieve the dream of homeownership."

USA Mortgage Network, Inc. is among a statewide network of MassHousing partners who worked with the couple to complete the purchase of their new home.

Alexis and Delyann had considered moving their family to another state where a relative lived but ultimately wanted to stay in Holyoke.

"There were some beautiful homes down there and you could get a decent home for a decent price and we discussed it, but taking everything away from the kids like their schools and friends was going to be tough for them," said Alexis. "We decided to stay, but if we wanted to stay here in Holyoke we would need to have a really good home. At the time it looked impossible with the size of the home we wanted and what that would cost. If not for this opportunity through the Housing Authority I don't think we would have been able to afford the home we wanted."

Now living in a house with everything they wanted and with a purchase price and mortgage they can afford, Alexis' advice for other would-be homebuyers is "don't be afraid."

As he and Delyann decided they were going to commit themselves to being homeowners, Alexis said, "Let's not be afraid and don't be afraid of the process. Don't be afraid of the commitment. Everyone's process is different and situation is different."

He imparts that advice for people interested in a buying a home along with, "Don't listen to other people. Go for it, don't be afraid. The homebuyer course is very important and showed us the steps we didn't know about."

As the family prepared for its first holiday season in their new home the excitement of what they had accomplished and what their future may bring made for a merry setting.

"It's the first holiday in the new place," said Alexis. "We're going to have a nice dinner; we're getting the place furnished. Even though it looks impossible with the ups and downs and sometimes when life throws rocks at you keep on pushing forward and that's what me and my wife did."