GCAAR, Capital Area Asset Builders Program Helped this D.C. Couple Purchase their First Home

It’s no secret that the housing market is challenging right now, with mortgage rates making it even more important to get your finances in order.

By taking advantage of the financial management webinar series offered by Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) in collaboration with the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR), Sarah and Mario Aguila were able to overcome those challenges to achieve their goal of owning their own home.

Today, they are the newest first-time homeowners who completed the GCAAR/CAAB program.

In September, they settled on a four-bedroom home outside the Beltway, paused to celebrate with champagne – and began moving from their apartment in Washington, D.C.

“I feel very fortunate that we have found such a beautiful house, and it exceeds many of our expectations,” said Sarah as she unpacked another box.

In the spring of 2022, Sarah and Mario had attended the webinar series and immediately put what they learned into practice. They plan to continue following the tips, particularly “pay yourself first,” and create a budget and savings plan.

“GCAAR and CAAB gave us the boost we really needed to make this happen,” Sarah said.

The next “Money Management Skills to Achieve Homeownership” series begins November 14.

Each workshop offers one, hour-long class daily during a five-day period on the following topics:

  • Lesson 1 (November 14, 6-7 p.m.): Understanding Your Financial Relationship
  • Lesson 2 (November 15, 6-7 p.m.): The Art of Budgeting
  • Lesson 3 (November 16, 6-7 p.m.): Take Charge of Your Credit!
  • Lesson 4 (November 17, 6-7 p.m.): Understanding Your Financial Rights
  • Lesson 5 (November 18, 6-7 p.m.): Pay Yourself First

Aspiring homeowners within the community, particularly in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia, are invited to register at: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vrytbvnab&oeidk=a07ejeatvw384f531f7&condition=SO_OVERRIDE.

Learn more about the GCAAR-CAAB partnership.

About GCAAR

The Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®, one of the largest local REALTOR® associations in the U.S., is the voice for REALTORS® in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland. Representing more than 11,000 real estate professionals in the greater capital area, GCAAR provides services vital to its members’ daily business needs and works with lawmakers to ensure public policy that encourages homeownership and supports the real estate industry. For more information, visit www.GCAAR.com

About Capital Area Asset Builders

Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals in the greater DC region to build financial security, savings, and wealth for the future. For more information visit www.caab.org