Bodee and his wife Alexandria were anxious to plant roots for their growing family. With a young son, and another one the way, they were ready to have a space of their own. The couple had never owned their own home, moving from rental to rental in Natrona County.

“Homeownership to me epitomizes the American dream to have something to show for all the hard work and sweat that you put into working whatever job you have. Having the ability to hang your hat somewhere you can call yours,” Bodee said.

They considered many options for a home loan, learning about application processes and interest rates. Even as an Army veteran, Bodee had a challenging time finding the right financing package for his family. With Bodee being a full-time security guard and Alexandria a stay-at-home mom, they had a strict budget to adhere to.

“Renting feels like we’re putting our money in someone else’s pocket,” Bodee said.

The Wyoming Single Family Housing staff walked Bodee and Alexandria through the process, listening to their needs and determining their eligibility. They finally found a home that checked off all the boxes on their list, and they secured a direct home loan through USDA Rural Development.

“Owning our own home just makes more sense for us. Our mortgage now is almost half of what we were previously paying to rent a place, and we have room for the kids and dogs to roam and play,” Bodee said.

To learn more about the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program, visit the website.