When we’re starting out with our teaching careers, we’re overwhelmed with all of the details that go into being a teacher that we often neglect to take care of ourselves. I’m sure you’ve seen so many posts, websites, programs, and even CONFERENCES dedicated to teacher self-care. But part of taking care of yourself is making sure that you and your family are safe and secure. It goes without saying that if you didn’t have to worry so much about your finances, your home, your health, and the well-being of your family, you’d have more mental energy and space to tackle teaching. If there was a way to feel even a little bit better about some aspect of your personal life, then teaching just seems less overwhelming. I know it sounds cliche to say that, but so many people think that homeownership is so impossible that it’s not the American dream anymore. However, after talking to my good friend and real estate agent Tonya Spivey and her friend and loan officer Wes Shaw, I realized that there are AMAZING programs out there to help people - particularly teachers - get into a home of their own. So even if you’re super skeptical and think it’s out of the question, give this episode a listen so that you at least know your options. Have an open mind and envision yourself moving into your own first home. And when the time is right, you’ll be educated and prepared to dive head first into the process. Love this show? Become an AWESOME SUPPORTER!   How to contact Wes: (858)888-5270, wes.shaw@movement.com Wes Shaw NMLS # 272036 / CA-DBO272036 | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by "CA Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act"# 4131054. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707. How to contact Tonya: (619)302-9891, tonyaspivey@gmail.com Keller Williams SD Metro CALBRE#02059804 Broker CalBRE #01295699 The four programs we discuss: School program My Home Zero Interest Program (ZIP) Golden State Funding Authority for Veterans Be sure to visit downpaymentresource.com to find out what programs are available for your address Some vocabulary in our discussion: conventional financing - A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not guaranteed or insured by any government agency, including the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is typically fixed in its terms and rate. FICO score - A FICO Score is one of many types of credit scores, which are three-digit numbers that summarize your credit history, management and behavior. Your FICO Score is the credit score generated by Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO), a leading financial analytics company. FICO Scores range from 300 to 850. simple interest - interest that is paid on the principal amount borrowed. It is considered the best type of interest for a borrower because it is not compounded. lien on title - A lien is a legal claim or a right against property. Liens provide security, allowing a person or organization to take property or take other legal action to satisfy debts and obligations. Liens are often part of the public record, informing potential creditors and others about existing debts. lien in secondary position - Second lien debt refers to loans that are reimbursed only after loan balances on senior debts (lien on title) are repaid in full following a default. Due to the subordinated claim on assets, if a borrower defaults on a secured loan, the senior lien holder may receive 100% on the loan balance from the sale of the underlying collateral, while the second lien hold