Our Success Stories...   Over 3.9 million dollars in grant funds received! Please join us in celebrating their success and ours!  At Guardian Financial Network we are committed to making the dream of home ownership a reality- for everyone.  In January 2006, Guardian Financial Network founded the Real Estate, Education And Community Housing organization REACH a Florida non-profit designed to act as a spring board to State & County Grant Assistance Programs. Since it's inception REACH has assisted 79 families in Palm Beach County by obtaining 3.9 million dollars is grant assistance.   In February 2008 REACH received a nomination for Oustanding Nonprofit of the Year by the Palm Beach Chapter of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The 11th Annual Truinfo Awards Ceremony will be held in The Kravis Center Cohen Pavillion on March 7, 2008! For more information please - click here.             Congratulations to the Bobb Family... Marima Bobb was out for her morning walk through the neighborhood when she noticed an unusual sign in a neighbors yard... This property qualifies for a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant up to $75,000. Do You? Skeptical but determined Marima contacted the The Al Dana Team immediately and learned that not only did her family qualify... they could purchase a home anywhere in Palm Beach County! Marima Bobb was out for her morning walk through the neighborhood when she noticed an unusual sign in a neighbors yard... This property qualifies for a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant up to $75,000.  Do You? Skeptical but determined Marima contacted the  The Al Dana Team  immediately and learned that not only did her family qualify... they could purchase a home anywhere in Palm Beach County!   " We had been through this before... and failed with so many others(Lenders/  Realtors).  We were prepared for the same with Guardian but they were so different.  We knew it wasn't an easy process but they got all the paperwork together, handled everything and they actually made it look EASY.  It's possible, we just want everyone to know - it's a good program and it's possible."                                                                                                                - The Bobb Family (The Bobb Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant in the amount of $37,100.)      Congratulations to the Brown Family... We sat down with the Brown Family shortly after they moved into their brand new townhouse.  The best part about home ownership?  "We're free! Living with family is tough you know? "  After scrimping and saving while living with relatives it was the PBC Purchase Assistance Program and R.E.A.C.H. that made home ownership for this family a reality.  " I worked with a lady whose daughter, Christina Hamm ( See Christina's story below) had purchased a home through a grant program.  I was skeptical at first but hey- she did it.  Every time I would talk about our struggle to get into a home her Mom would tell me - you need to call the people at Guardian Financial Network.  "I know it sounds to good to be true- but I own my own home in a good neighborhood and I still have enough money each month to pay my bills."                                                                                       - Early Brown, Home Owner (The Brown Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant in the amount of $55,500.)  Congratulations to Deborah Kerr and Family...   "A friend at work told me about Pat Tracey of  Guardian Financial Network and the work they did to help people buy houses.  It was a long process but I know that as a single mom- I could not have done it without them."                                     -Deborah Kerr, Home Owner (Deborah Kerr received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant in the amount of $ 65,400.00)  Congratulations To Amy Lucera... Like most PBC teachers we work with,  Amy Lucera was surprised to learn about the programs and grants designed to help her become a homeowner.  We met Amy at the last Home Buyer Expo @ Atlantic High School and she had this to say about her success.  "I was surprised to find out about the Purchase Assistance Program.  It's awesome!  Most people just don't know about the program and when they hear about how I was able to buy my home you can see they think it's just too good to be true.  But I was able to own my own home, in the neighborhood of my choice, for less than I could have rented it.  I can't say enough about My Planner, Jon Williams was just on top of everything. Why doesn't every teacher in Palm Beach County know about this program?"                                                               -Amy Lucera- Home Owner (Amy Lucera received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant in the amount of $ 39,000.00)  Congratulations to The Dookhantie Family... "A friend of ours had gone through the SHIP program on their own about 4 years ago and was still very discouraged by the experience.  So we kinda knew what we were in for. But   working with the people at R.E.A.C.H. was a completely different experience.  Having someone take you through the process... just makes you feel so much more comfortable.  Plus the Home Buyer Workshop really prepares you." - M/M Dookhantie, Homeowner (The Dookhantie family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $ 6,650.00.)  Congratulation to Holly Hughes... " OK, I work in education so you know how much I make... I'm not going to get rich - but I thought I would at least like to be able to afford to live here."     It's the sentiment expressed to us by most if not all of the teachers we work with.  It's not them. With a medium income of $61,200 it's well below the $75,000 needed to qualify for an "affordable" $400,000 home. Not to worry- that's where we come in... " You know I don't know how people do it.  If it hadn't been for my R.E.A.C.H. Planner, I would have given up.  I am an educated person, I know.. but the pressure was just overwhelming and they were so intimidating at the County.  But my R.E.A.C.H. Planner just kept stepping in and handled everything. My file ended up before the Board Of  County Commissioners for approval and they started talking about changing a " directive".  I remember my Planner jumped up and said -  OK, that's for everyone after Holly Hughes; fighting to protect me.  I could not have done it without the professionals at R.E.A.C.H. Nor would I want to"                                                                 -Ms. Holly Hughes, Homeowner (Ms. Hughes received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $ 46,500.00.)   Congratulations to The Destefano Family... " My brother was talking about how the problems we were having finding an affordable home in West Palm Beach.  That's when Mike Deskin of Guardian Financial Network told him about the PBC Purchase Assistance Program.  I definitely felt more comfortable having my  own representative from R.E.A.C.H.  It's a great program if you get the right people to work with you. "                                                                              -The DeStefano Family, Home Owners (The Destefano Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $53,550.00.)  Congratulations to The Sheiman Family...  " It's just too bad that more people do not know that this type of assistance is available"                     -The Sheiman Family, Home Owners   (The Sheinman Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $34,000.00.)  Congratulations to The Wells-Henley Family...   mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm "We know lots of people who have tried to get a grant, some who are still trying.  We just felt more comfortable with R.E.A.C.H..  They knew the process and were always very well prepared.  Our mortgage payment is the same as our rental payment had been- only our rent kept going up each year."                              - Altoria Wells-Henley, Home Owner  ( The Wells--Henley Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $15,400.00)  Congratulations to The Cepeda Family... "Most people are surprised when I tell them about how we got our home.  Even my family was surprised that you could get money from the county.  I have to say that I definitely felt more comfortable having Jon Williams from R.E.A.C.H. with me.  I saw other people struggling.  I just felt better knowing that there was someone on our side who really knew the process.  Once you know what the rules are...   it isn't that complicated.                                                                                          -Edgar Cepeda, Home Owner (The Cepeda Family received a Palm Beach Purchase Assistance Grant of $ 38,600.00)   Congratulations to Sandy Baldwin! The first thing this High School  Counselor and proud new home owner had to say...  "Why doesn't every teacher in Palm Beach County know about this program!"  After struggling for almost a year on her own,  a friend finally pointed her in the direction of Guardian Financial Network  Loan Officer, Mike Deskin  and R.E.A.C.H. " I would never want to try to do this on my own.  NEVER. Without the education and assistance I received from R.E.A.C.H. the process was just overwhelming.  My R.E.A.C.H. Planner came with me to all of the appointments and kept me informed and prepared- every step."                                                                             -Sandy Baldwin, Home Owner  (Ms. Baldwin received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $37,000.00)  Congratulations to The Gonzalez Family...   The Gonzales family heard about the PBC Purchase Assistance Program from a friend but were skeptical.  Now the proud owners of a spacious 2 story home in a gated community ... "It's just a really, really, really good program."                             - The Gonzalez Family, Home Owners (The Gonzalez Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of  $ 51,000.00.)     Congratulations to Ms. Linda Lawson... I met Deb Morris at a credit counseling class.  I would want people to know that you don't have to have a lot of credit, make a lot of money - or have a lot of money.  "Honey, I was homeless, now I own my own home.  You can't get any more positive than that." - Ms. Linda Lawson, Home Owner (Ms. Lawson received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $16,275.00)   Congratulations to Mihaela G. Corteza When we sat down with Mihalea she was still little stunned.  "It just happened so fast- you know?  Just a couple of months ago I was trying to find a nice apartment - my own home?  Mine?  I just can't believe it!" "Without the help of Mr. Jack Tracey, (R.E.A.C.H. Planner) I would not have been able to understand the whole process.  The Home Buyer Workshop really helped but having someone to go with me to the interviews etc. ...  I wouldn't dare try this without them."                                                                                            - Mihaela G. Corteza, Home Owner  (Ms. Corteza received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of $52,500.00!)   Congratulations to the Wells Family... "People should know that it's not just for the low, low, income family.  There are programs for everyone.  Everyone at Guardian Financial Network was patient and explained the process really well.  Having Jon Williams from R.E.A.C.H gave us credibility when dealing with the county and made the whole process comfortable and not intimidating."                                                           - Stephen Wells, Home Owner  (The Wells Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $43,000.00)    Congratulations to The Suberbi Family...   "It's possible, I know it sounds to good to be true, but it is."- The Suberbi Family, Home Owners   (The Suberbi Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $45,000.00)  Congratulations to The Ellis Family... "I really thought the class was helpful. It prepares you for the process. Our REACH Planner was great.  It felt really good to have someone on our side when we were negotiating with the Seller and dealing with the county. The only thing I would tell people is make sure you have a Realtor who really knows the program."               - The Ellis Family, Home Owners (The Ellis Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $38,000.00)     Congratulations to Daniel & Rob Smith... As most of their friends search for affordable rental apartments, Rob & Daniel Smith moved into their first home.  "This is our first house, but everything went really smooth.  Now that we have moved in everything s going perfect. People may not believe it, but it's true."                                       - Daniel & Rob Smith, Home Owners  (Daniel & Rob Smith received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $46,000.00)     Congratulations to The Lott Family... "I just want people to know that it's possible.  It is.  I remember our first night here, William just looked around and said, I never thought that I would be here again.  Own my own home.  We have the opportunity to be a homeowners again because of  Ms. Pat Tracey.  They made it happen for us, they knew exactly what to look for, trouble shot everything and even pointed out things to the County Planner that had been missed.  I can't say enough about them except -  would never want to go through the process without them."                 - Virginia & William Lott , Homeowners (The Lott  Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $39,000.00)     Congratulations to The Fedorko Family... Guardian Financial Network and R.E.A.C.H. really helped us through the process.  I was surprised by all the choices that I had.  "I don't think people realize that you pick the house that you want to buy."  "I didn't think that I could afford a new house.  I just though that if the county gave you money you would have to buy an older house".                                            - Danielle Fedorko, Home Owner   (The Fedorko Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $46,800.00)      Congratulations to Ernest Demeritte... Guardian Financial Network and the people at R.E.A.C.H. they went all out for me.  I received almost $50,000 from the county to buy my home.  My  payment is less the what I was paying in rent- and I live in the same neighborhood! "I can't say enough about what they did for me and my family- Thank you."                                            - Ernest Demeritte,  Home Owner (The Demeritte Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $51,500.00)     Congratulations to the Maldonado Family... Hurricane Katrina devastated more than just the family home.  It also washed away all of the family's important documents- but not their determination.  "I had no credit, none, after Hurricane Katrina.  The people at Guardian Financial Network  helped me establish my credit again.  You know I didn't believe it at first.  Your  going to give  us money  to buy a house?"  "But it's true.  It really is."                          - Luis Maldonado, Lake Worth Homeowner (The Maldonado Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $60,000.00)     Congratulations to Jeff Conte ... At an age when most people are moving into their first apartment Jeff Conte is remodeling his own home.  A purchase made possible by a $45,000 grant from the PBC  "Purchase Assistance Program", the professionals of the Guardian Financial Network and R.E.A.C.H.  " Get all your paper work done in advance, get approved first and everything is much easier.  They (Guardian Financial Network &R.E.A.C.H.) did a great job and even came to the closing with me."  I got $48,000.  I know it sounds to good to be true - but it is. - Jeff Conte  (Jeff Conte received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant for $48,234.00)     Congratulations to the Leyva-Perez Family... The Leyva-Perez Family loved the duplex they had rented with it's yard, open floor plan and beautiful tile floors but believed that home ownership was out of their reach.  Through a grant of $36,000 through the PBC Purchase Assistance Program and the guidance of the professionals at the Guardian Financial Network & R.E.A.C.H. the Leyva-Perez Family now own that duplex.  " It's just a really good program, really good. " Odalis & Javier Leyva-Perez (The Leyva-Perez  Family received a P.B. County Purchase Assistance Grant for $36,000.00)     Congratulations to the Ayers Family... It took 4 years- but the Ayers family were determined. The numbers were daunting... 4 children, 1 paycheck but they did it. "They just wouldn't let us quit. There were times when we just wanted to give up but Pat would sit us down and explain everything. That's what we want to tell everyone. Don't give up... it's possible.  If we can do it- anyone can."                                         -Al & Chiketa Ayers, Home Owners  (The Ayers Family received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of  $ 39,350.00.)   Congratulations to Ryan Taylor... "No one even mentioned the SHIP Program to me.  When I asked about grants-  one Realtor actually discouraged me!  A friend told me about Guardian Financial Network and they helped out tremendously.  I know I could not have done it without them."                                 -Mr. Ryan Taylor- Home Owner (Mr. Taylor received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of  $ 40,000.00.)     Congratulations To Christina Hamm...   "I know I couldn't have done it without them." - Christina Hamm, (age 19) Home Owner   (Ms. Hamm received a Palm Beach County Purchase Assistance Grant of  $ 45,300.00.)  Your Name Here? They each received a grant from the Subsidized Housing Initiative Program.  The SHIP program is a down payment assistance grant available to First Time Home Buyers.  Through the SHIP Program Buyers can receive  up to $75K toward their down payment.   Do You Qualify? Find Out Today!