When Carey Suissa’s landlord notified her of a 25% rent increase in 2023, she thought finding either a comparable rental for what she had been paying or an affordable home in South Florida's expensive housing market would be impossible.
But thanks to TD Bank's Community Lending team and local housing programs, this long-time title company employee is now a proud first-time homeowner with plenty of space for her two grandchildren to come visit and sleep over.
"I never thought I could own a home," Carey said. "I'd been a renter my whole adult life in Florida. The thought of buying seemed out of reach, especially with South Florida's soaring home prices."
The start of her homebuying journey
The turning point came when Carey discovered a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homebuyer program through Broward County. While completing HUD’s required eight-hour online course, she met TD Bank Community Mortgage Sales Manager MaJurial “MJ” Watkins, who presented information about TD's affordable lending programs.
Impressed by MJ's knowledge and enthusiasm, Carey contacted her immediately after the course. In turn, MJ connected her with Alicia Augustin, a TD Bank Community Mortgage Loan Officer who would become not just her loan contact but also her guide and cheerleader throughout the home-buying process.
"The minute I got on the phone with Alicia, I was immediately in love with her," Carey said. "Her energy and authenticity about helping me was amazing. I never felt like a number or transaction; every call was from her heart."
Expert assistance and support with every step
Alicia helped Carey navigate the complexities of combining a $50,000 Broward County grant with TD's Home Access Mortgage program. The latter provided an additional $10,000 in lender credits toward closing costs. By carefully coordinating these programs, she was able to buy a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in the same building she was previously renting for $150,000 with a final mortgage of just $85,000.
Throughout the three-month process, Alicia provided constant support and encouragement.
"She would regularly call me on my way home from work just to ask if I was okay, what I needed, or if I had any questions or concerns," Carey said. "We'd talk about my grandkids, and she'd ask for pictures — I think she was trying to keep me from going over the edge with worry!"
Alicia’s responsive attention proved crucial as Carey waited anxiously to see if grant money would be available.
"I didn't believe it was actually going to happen, especially because the county funds are a fixed amount that’s allocated each year, and it was autumn, so I was concerned the funds might not be there for me," she said. "I was nervous right up until the day before closing. Everything was lining up so perfectly, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop."
“... the best birthday gift ever”
But drop it didn't. Carey closed on her condo on November 30, 2023, just days after her birthday. “It was the best birthday gift ever,” she said. Today, her monthly mortgage payment combined with HOA fees is less than her previous rent — and fixed for the 30-year term of her loan. Better yet, she has already built significant equity in just one year, as similar units in her building are selling for up to $185,000.
The condo has become a true family home, especially for Carey’s grandchildren, ages 8 and 3, who have their own bedroom for overnight stays. The 8-year-old loves to bake in "Mimi's" kitchen, creating specialties like pink flamingo cupcakes, while teaching his 3-year-old sister how to crack eggs and use the mixer. "Because I used to rent another condo in the building, my neighbors all know my grandkids, and the kids love checking in with the neighbors whenever they visit," Carey said. "It really feels like home."
For others dreaming of homeownership but unsure where to start, Carey’s advice is simple: "Call TD Bank! The grant money available for first-time homebuyers can make the difference between home ownership and renting for the rest of your life."
Today, Carey not only has a permanent home she can call her own, but she's building generational wealth – the condo will one day belong to her son, providing rental income or a place to live. "I don't ever have to worry about finding another apartment or my rent going up," she said. "This is my home."
We hope you found this helpful. This article is based on information available in March 2025 and is subject to change. It is provided as a convenience and for general information purposes only. Our content is not intended to provide legal, tax, investment, or financial advice or to indicate that a particular TD Bank or third-party product or service is available or right for you.
For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider speaking with a qualified professional.