From $0 to Homeowners: Gabriel & Zerimar’s 10-Year Journey to Buying Their First Home
TL;DR
After moving from Puerto Rico in 2015 with no savings and limited credit history, Gabriel Santiago and Zerimar spent nearly 10 years building stable employment, improving their credit, saving money, and staying focused. Despite setbacks and rejected offers, they achieved their goal of homeownership through perseverance, budgeting, faith, and teamwork.
Starting From Scratch in the United States
In 2015, Gabriel Santiago and Zerimar arrived in the United States from Puerto Rico searching for greater opportunity. Like many families, they came with hope and very little else.
The first years were not easy. Adjusting to a new environment, colder winters, and a different financial system required resilience. But their long-term goal was clear: one day, they would buy a home.
When we first connected about five years ago, they wanted to purchase but they were not financially ready yet. Instead of forcing the process, they made a strategic decision: prepare first, then buy.
That decision changed everything.
The Real Foundation: Credit, Stability, and Savings
Buying a home did not happen overnight. It required intentional preparation.
They focused on three critical pillars:
Stable Employment – Maintaining consistent, reliable income.
Credit Improvement – Building and repairing their credit history.
Savings Discipline – Setting aside money consistently for down payment and reserves.
They understood something many first-time buyers overlook: desire alone is not enough. Financial readiness matters.
There were obstacles. Offers were submitted on properties that did not get accepted. Disappointment became part of the journey. But instead of quitting, they stayed disciplined.
Why They Wanted to Buy
For Gabriel and Zerimar, the motivation was clear: their children.
They wanted stability. A better neighborhood. A place their kids could grow safely. A long-term investment instead of paying rent that was comparable to a mortgage payment.
They asked themselves a simple but powerful question:
If we’re already paying over $2,500 in rent, why not invest that money into our own future?
That mindset shift is often what moves renters into homeowners.
Financial Strategy: Being Realistic, Not Emotional
One of the most important lessons in their journey was budgeting.
Before moving forward, they made sure:
Their vehicle loans were paid off.
Their monthly obligations were manageable.
They had room in their budget for emergencies.
They did not overextend beyond their comfort zone.
They could have purchased at a higher price point — but chose not to. They wanted breathing room. As they put it, “Make sure there’s still money left for the small things in life.”
That type of discipline creates long-term success.
The Emotional Side of the Process
After experiencing rejected offers, they learned to manage expectations. They kept their plans quiet until things became solid.
When this property came along, it felt different. The yard, the layout, and the vision of their children playing all aligned. It felt meant to be.
Even then, they stayed calm until closing day.
Because homeownership is not official until the keys are in your hands.
Teamwork, Faith, and Focus
Throughout the process, communication was essential. Mortgage documentation required patience. Additional paperwork was requested. Timing was sometimes frustrating.
But they stayed responsive, proactive, and engaged.
Outside of finances, they also worked on personal growth. Gabriel shared how he committed to a major lifestyle change, losing 100 pounds through discipline and consistency. The same mindset applied to buying their home:
Focus on one goal at a time.
Eliminate distractions.
Stay aligned as a couple.
Keep faith during uncertainty.
Union, perseverance, and belief in the process became their common denominator.
The Biggest Takeaway
When asked what advice they would give others, their message was simple:
If you have the opportunity, take the step.
Be prepared. Be realistic. Surround yourself with the right team. And understand that rejection does not mean failure — it means preparation.
Their journey proves that starting with nothing does not determine where you finish.
Ten years later, they are homeowners.
Final Thoughts
Homeownership is rarely an instant achievement. It is built over time through discipline, preparation, and resilience.
Gabriel and Zerimar’s story reflects what is possible when long-term vision meets consistent action.
Every successful purchase has a story behind it and this one is a testament to perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long did it take Gabriel and Zerimar to buy their home?
A: It took nearly 10 years from their arrival in the United States to becoming financially ready to purchase.
Q: What were the main obstacles they faced?
A: Credit history, income stability, savings, and rejected offers before finding the right property.
Q: Why is credit so important when buying a home?
A: Credit affects loan approval, interest rates, and purchasing power. Improving credit can significantly strengthen a buyer’s position.
Q: What financial steps did they take before buying?
A: They paid off vehicle loans, stabilized income, improved credit, and maintained strict budgeting discipline.
Q: What advice did they give future buyers?
A: Stay focused, be realistic with finances, remain patient, and do not be discouraged by setbacks.
By Alex Parmenidez, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty
Alex Parmenidez | Realtor® Licensed CT-MA-RI | Coldwell Banker Realty
196 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02906
C: (401) 426-4825 | O: (401) 351-2017
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