In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Jada Hudgins, a 26-year-old first-time homeowner, reflected on her journey towards purchasing her first property alongside her fiancé, Justin, aged 25. The couple’s decision to invest in a home came as a direct response to the staggering £20,000 they were spending annually on rent for a two-bedroom townhouse in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
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The couple’s frustrations with renting soon became evident. Living in a rental property, they felt constrained; unable to freely redecorate or personalise their space without penalty. This dissatisfaction led to a pivotal discussion about their financial future and whether they could benefit from investing in a property of their own. Hudgins explained how it was a simple revelation: “We realised that homeowners in our area, occupying larger units, were paying less monthly on their mortgages than we were for our townhouse.”
By May 2026, their discussions had shifted into action, marking the beginning of their serious home search. Initially, they aimed to keep their budget under £285,000. However, after consulting with Autumn Drayton, their realtor at Drayton Realty Co., and undergoing the mortgage pre-approval process, their outlook quickly changed. They started to tour properties in the low-to-mid £300,000 range, truly stepping into the market.
Their house-hunting experience accelerated, and within a week, the couple viewed around five properties. They swiftly made an offer on a five-bedroom, three-bathroom new build, which was accepted the very same day. On July 14, they officially closed the deal on the property, which also featured a two-car garage. Although Hudgins initially favoured older homes with character, she was ultimately won over by the generous space and builder incentives associated with their new home.
Hudgins and Justin managed to purchase the home, originally listed at £368,000, for £344,000, securing a 4.99% interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage from the builder’s lender. This choice allowed them to secure a manageable monthly mortgage payment of approximately £2,400, an appealing option compared to the other FHA financing solutions they had considered.
However, the couple faced some unexpected costs before closing. Hudgins admitted she was caught off guard by the realization that the expenses would extend far beyond just the down payment. She said, “When I realised that we had a lot more to pay for than the down payment, it definitely made me doubt if we would actually be able to afford to buy a house.”
Notably, they encountered a surprise initial homeowners association (HOA) contribution of £1,500, in addition to the quarterly fees they had anticipated. Moreover, they were required to contribute additional funds for escrow at closing, which would be used to pay property taxes and insurance. Purchasing a new build also introduced additional considerations, including the potential for property taxes to rise once the completed house and plot were assessed. Their realtor was proactive in preparing them for the possibility of a higher tax bill down the line.
In response to her experiences, Hudgins recently took to TikTok to share insights and advice for other first-time buyers. Her video highlighted the down payment, closing costs, and various financing options, emphasising that the sticker price of a home is merely one piece of the overall financial puzzle. She hopes her story will resonate, particularly with young individuals contemplating homeownership.
Hudgins passionately believes that owning a home in one’s twenties is achievable with the right financial planning and support. “Homeownership is not unmanageable in your 20s,” she affirmed. “With the right knowledge, anyone can navigate this process and turn their dreams into reality.” Her story serves as both inspiration and a lesson to those considering their own paths to homeownership, urging them to ask questions and seek guidance rather than shying away from this significant milestone.