Dylan LaRue knew immediately when he found the home meant for him. With an expansive living room and wide backyard, Dylan immediately envisioned the place as a haven—not only for himself but for his cats.

“It was filled with cherished memories waiting to be made,” he said.

Dylan had dreamt of buying his first home for a long time. After learning about the housing loans for first-time home buyers offered by USDA Rural Development, he decided to explore further and contact Michele Joe, USDA Rural Development’s Housing Programs Loan Specialist.

From their first conversation, said Dylan, “I knew I was in good hands.”

Dylan explored house after house before he found the one. He recalled vividly the “days” and “weeks” he spent “anxiously checking email and phone for updates.” When the loan was approved, he described “a wave of excitement and accomplishment washing over him,” as he realized that he would soon be a homeowner.

Dylan credits Michele for making the closing process on the loan painless and easy for him. Said Dylan, “She meticulously reviewed the paperwork, ensuring that everything was in order. Her attention to detail eased my mind.”

Before he knew it, he received the keys to her home and walked through the front door of her house for the first time.

“I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions – excitement, pride, a little fear and lots gratitude for the journey that had led me to this moment,” said Dylan. “This home represents not just a physical space, but a symbol of my hard work, determination, and the beginning of a new chapter in my life.”