Right on Time: My 5-Year Journey to Homeownership

I thought I’d be in my picket-fence house by now. At 33, I imagined I’d have the dream home with perfectly decorated rooms, a cozy backyard, and maybe even a dog running around. I thought I’d be with my dream man and maybe even having kids by now, too.

But life had other plans. God had other plans.

The House That Wasn’t Meant to Be

Five years ago in 2020, I put in an offer on a house. I was excited, nervous, and convinced that this was it— the moment I had been waiting for. The contract was contingent on the home inspection, and when that report came back, reality hit me like a ton of bricks.

Black mold. A bat infestation. A major basement leak.

Had I gone through with the purchase, my entire savings would have gone into fixing problems I didn’t even know existed. Instead of stepping into a new chapter of homeownership with excitement and stability, I would have been drowning in repairs— physically, emotionally, and financially.

But that house wasn’t the only thing falling apart. The relationship I was in at the time? That wasn’t meant to last either. I didn’t know it then, but the person I thought I’d be building a life with was cheating on me. It’s almost poetic— just like the house was hiding its own damage beneath the surface, so was that relationship.

Looking back now, I realize that God was protecting me. Not just from the house itself, but from a future that wasn’t meant for me. If that house had worked out, I might have been stuck in a place and a life that wasn’t right for me.

That experience was one of my first lessons in trusting the delays.

The Waiting Was Hard

House hunting didn’t stop after that first failed offer. I spent years scrolling through listings, touring homes, and feeling the sting of disappointment when something didn’t work out. Some years, I was more aggressive in my search. Other times, I took a step back— whether because of personal circumstances, financial concerns, or just feeling emotionally drained by the process.

I watched friends and acquaintances buy homes, move in with their significant others, get married, and start families. Comparison crept in, hard. It wasn’t jealousy— I was happy for them— but I couldn’t help but wonder: Why not me? Had I missed my window? Was I waiting for something that might never happen?

But deep down, I knew I wasn’t willing to settle— not on a house, not on a relationship, not on my future. Interest rates fluctuated, the market shifted, and every time I thought I was ready, something would hold me back. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I wasn’t missing out. I was being set up for something better.

Finally, My Time Came

And now, after five years of searching, hoping, and trusting— I finally have a place to call my own.

It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.

It’s a home that will soon hold memories of laughter, late-night projects, and cozy mornings. And the best part? I get to remodel it with my dad and my uncles, turning it into something even more special. There’s something deeply meaningful about making a house a home alongside family. Every improvement, every fresh coat of paint, every tiny fix will be a reflection of love, patience, and this journey that led me here.

And, of course, every house has its quirks. Mine? The dishwasher is directly under the kitchen sink. I have truly never seen anything like it before, and it deserves its own never-before-seen pictures, just so we can all appreciate the level of creativity (or insanity?) that went into this design choice.

But more than just a house, this will be a home— a place for friends and family to visit and stay a while. My fridge will always be stocked with your favorite drinks, and there will always be snacks waiting. You’re always welcome to stop by. Whether it’s for a quick chat, a movie night, or just to catch up on life, my door is open. This home isn’t just for me— it’s for the people I love, too.

Gratitude for the People Who Stuck By Me

I have to give a huge shoutout to Lauren Smith, my incredible realtor, who has been with me on this journey from the very beginning. I chose her five years ago because we graduated from the same high school, and I’m so grateful I did. Through every offer, every disappointment, every market shift, Lauren stuck by me, offering her expertise, patience, and support. Finding a house wasn’t always easy, but having the right people in my corner made all the difference.

I can’t forget my brother, who has been my financial guru through this entire process. From answering my (many) questions to helping me make smart decisions, he made what could have been overwhelming feel manageable. Having someone I trust walk me through the numbers gave me so much peace of mind, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

And of course, my parents, who have been incredibly patient with me and my journey of moving out and moving back home more times than I can count over the last 10 years. My poor dad’s garage has been filled with all of my stuff, and he has been nothing but understanding about it all. Now, he can finally reclaim his space!

A Note That Means the World

There are few moments in life when you get to feel truly seen and loved. One of those moments came when one of my best friends, Amanda, wrote me the sweetest handwritten note before I closed on the house.

I teared up reading it because it reminded me that this journey wasn’t just about a house— it was about stepping into a life that feels right.

The Message I Want to Leave You With

If you’re still waiting for your moment, I see you. I know how frustrating it can be to feel like life is moving forward for everyone else while you’re stuck in the in-between. But please know this: just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t.

God’s timing isn’t late. It’s right on time.

If I had gotten that first house, I would have missed out on this one. If I had settled for the wrong person, I wouldn’t have the chance to step into this next chapter on my own terms.

So if you’re waiting— trust the delays. They might just be protecting you from something that isn’t meant for you, while preparing you for something even greater.

And when your moment finally comes? It will be worth every second of the wait. Until then, keep trusting, keep believing, and know that something amazing is on its way to you.