James and Kimberly Papillion of Baton Rouge, Louisiana were our first Black Enterprise Homeownership Contest winners in 2005. They had committed to doing whatever it took to become homeowners about a year prior to entering our contest, and their diligence and conviction—along with $10,000 in contest winnings from Black Enterprise—helped them make their dreams of homeownership a reality.

Well, it’s been almost five years since then, and the Papillions’ house in Baton Rouge is still home sweet home. Despite the recession, their property has actually increased in value. “Home prices have gone up and three brand new schools have been built in the area,” says Kimberly. It also helps that both James, 34, and Kimberly, 33, are teachers—relatively recession-proof occupations. They were even able to refinance about a year ago. But the biggest and best thing that has happened to the Papillions since we last spoke with them is the birth of their first child, Kennedy.

For any prospective homeowner out there, the Papillions recommend getting your credit in order. “Get your credit report from all three agencies because a good credit score equals a good interest rate. And save as much as possible,” recommends Kimberly.