Buying a home for the first time can be a daunting process. But one local resident says it doesn’t have to be. Brody Beyer shares his experience as a first time homebuyer.

Beyer just graduated from Carroll University a little over a year ago — and now works for Savant as a portfolio accountant.

After learning a few things in the process, he offers up some advice for those looking to get into their first home.

“I knew there were a few grants available to first time homeowners. Pam was able to take the numbers that I make and my network and then apply that to these grants. Depending on those numbers you can qualify for different types of grants,” says Brody.

Brody was referring to mortgage banker Pam Desanti with Northwest Bank, who guided him step-by-step.

Pam Desanti notes, “Illinois housing development authority has awesome programs available, which require amount out of pocket to a buyer. They’re for first time homebuyers.”

People who are eligible for these grants are either first time homeowners or anyone who has not owned a home in three years.

The grants include up to $10,000 in cash assistance for down payment and closing costs and repayment is deferred for 30 years.

“This gives them an opportunity to get down payment money that they might not been able to have. And it requires them to live in the home anywhere from three to ten years. And then that money if forgiven,” says Pam.

Pam even helps break down some myths of home-buying adding, “Some myths are you have to have 20 percent down to buy a house. And that’s not true.”

It was guidance like this that helped make Brody’s dream of digging deeper roots in his hometown of Machesney Park come true.

Brody shares why he wanted to buy a home in the area saying, “I feel really rooted in Rockford. It’s my turn to give back to the community now.”

Brody says he hopes his experience inspires people to look at the Forest City with a fresh set of eyes, so that maybe they’ll opt to stay in the area instead.

“I like the things that Rockford has to offer. As long as everyone can see through the bad and know what this city has to offer. It really is a great city,” says Brody.