“I was in my living room looking out of the window at the stars. I was playing a gospel CD, and I began to cry,” recalls Helen Flowers about her first night in the home she closed on in 2006. Flowers, of New Windsor, New York, is the second Black Enterprise Homeownership Contest winner.

 Three years ago, Flowers prepared taxes in addition to holding down a full time job to supplement her income. Today she is planning to start her own tax preparation business, taking classes, and further researching the field. Her parents, who lived with her initially, have since moved out and come visit her about three times a year. Her daughter, Jasmine, is in her last year of high school and her son, Michael, a gospel singer, had a baby girl, Makaiyla, about 10 months ago. Flowers said the best part about being a new homeowner was that she’d finally reached a goal she’d strived for for years. The worst part? “The boxes!” she laughed. “Trying to unpack and make space for things.”

Like many homeowners, Flowers has felt the squeeze of the recession. Her plan to refinance a couple years after purchasing her home ended up being a loan modification. It was a stressful process as she had to hire attorneys to get the companies she was affiliated with to assist her. But it all worked out for the better in the long run. She was able to cut $600 off her mortgage.

Flowers has wise advice for first-time home buyers. “Do your research on the financial institution you’re dealing with and put together a great financial team who will look out for you and not for their own gain. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And make sure you get answers you understand.”