Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback
Our August 4 First‑Time Homebuyer Bootcamp in Silver City turned into a genuinely productive and encouraging evening for the 14 local attendees who joined us. Designed to help first‑time buyers understand what they need before purchasing a home, the workshop delivered exactly that — clear guidance, practical tips, and plenty of real‑world answers from professionals who know the process inside and out.
Kim Clark opened the evening with a warm welcome and an overview of the night’s roadmap, setting a supportive tone for new buyers. Our lender panel, Carlos Lucero and Patricia Lewis, then walked attendees through affordability, budgeting, and credit basics. Their explanation of PITI, credit scores, and what lenders actually look for ended up being one of the highest‑rated portions of the night, thanks to their ability to make complex topics feel simple and approachable.
Carlos and Patricia continued with a straightforward breakdown of loan types, debt‑to‑income ratios, and pre‑approval. FHA, USDA, VA, and Conventional loans can feel overwhelming to first‑time buyers, but the presenters made each option easy to understand. Attendees appreciated the clarity provided and the relaxed setting that encouraged questions.
A standout moment came when Patricia Lewis introduced Housing NM programs, including FirstHome and FirstDown. Many participants shared that learning about down payment assistance available right here in New Mexico was one of the most valuable parts of the evening. Priscilla Lucero also noted that additional Housing NM programs will be launching soon, giving future buyers even more support.
Next, Cassie Carver offered a practical look at the home search process, writing competitive offers, and negotiating with confidence. She shared tips on defining must‑haves, working with a buyer’s broker, navigating negotiations, and understanding what to expect on closing day — all aimed at helping buyers feel prepared for the steps ahead.
The evening wrapped up with a full‑panel discussion on inspections, appraisals, and closing. Presenters broke down what each step costs, who handles what, and what buyers should expect along the way. The final Q&A session was a crowd favorite, giving attendees the chance to ask honest questions and receive clear, supportive answers from every presenter.
Overall, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Credit basics, Housing NM programs, and the open Q&A ranked as the most helpful topics, and several attendees shared that they left feeling more confident and better prepared for their homebuying journey.
This bootcamp was made possible through the collaboration of the Grant County Housing Partners, including the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments, the Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS®, and the Copper Collaborative — all working together to support accessible, informed homeownership in our community.
More resources and upcoming events can be found at www.housinghubsouthwest.org.
