Amidst the winding roads and one stoplight towns of Southwest Jersey, one mother’s story can be told through determination and dreams fulfilled. Born and raised in this rural corner of the Garden State, her path to achieving this lifelong dream required challenges, resilience, and a touch of fortune.

For thirteen years, Pamela Popso navigated the ebbs and flows of life as a single mother, juggling the demands of parenthood, education, and rebuilding after a life-altering divorce. Renting, while providing stability, increasingly felt like a barrier to where she really wanted to be. The constant rise in rental prices was chipping away at her sense of financial independence.

Driving to and from work brought her through Hainesport, NJ, where she regularly passed by a vacant home – cozy, quaint and inviting. Its presence stirred something within her—a thought that began as a whisper and grew louder with each passing day: "This could be mine."

Eventually, the thought evolved: “This should be mine.”

Fueled by determination, Pamela decided she was ready to take the leap. She connected with eXp Realty, an agency that works alongside USDA Rural Development to turn dreams into addresses. She was assisted by loan officer Alan Anton, whose stacks of expertise helped lead Pamela through the maze that is homebuying. When it came time to sign the dotted line, Maximus Mortgage Advisors powered by EMM loans, LLC – an approved lender since 2008 that regularly partners with and promotes the USDA Guaranteed Program – lent the final touch to cross the finish line.

"It was easier than buying a car!" Pamela laughed, happy to forget the whirlwind of paperwork, inspections, and negotiations.

The realtor’s attention to detail and clear communication made the journey seamless—a testament to the power of dedicated allies in the sometimes-complex world of real estate.

With the support of her extended team, Pamela finished the maze as she was handed the keys to her new Hainesport home in January 2024. The sense of accomplishment was culmination of years spent dreaming, planning, and finally -- achieving.

"I wouldn't have been able to make my dream a reality without the USDA Guaranteed Program," Pamela said, her words laced with gratitude.

The Guaranteed Program – which offers 100% financing -- opened doors that felt locked before. With the stellar customer service from the USDA and her realtor, Pamela found herself not just acquiring a house, but planting roots in a community she deserves to be a part of. To her, this house is more than walls and windows—it's a sanctuary built on determination, support, and a touch of teamwork.

As she settles into her new life, Pamela reflects on the journey that brought her here. It's a story of perseverance and refusing to let circumstances define her dreams. Her advice to others dreaming of their own homes?

"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, you have to create it."

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, healthcare and high-speed internet access in rural, high-poverty areas. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nj