Winning our 2007 Homeownership Contest was just one of the many great things that have happened for Elena “Elle” Borneman, 33, and her twin daughters, Elizabeth and Victoria, 14, in recent years.

Since her win, Elle has changed careers and become a certified personal trainer. Last year she conducted a free boot camp for at-risk women, which empowered and changed their lives. Her daughters graduated at the top of their class from Tarpon Springs Middle School this past June and have been accepted into the Culinary Arts magnet program and the Leadership Conservatory Arts program at Tarpon Springs High School. They’ve also been invited to participate in the People to People International Exchange Program.

Elle faced a minor crisis shortly after she bought her home—she found herself searching for new employment like thousands of others in this economy. Fortunately, she had enough savings to tide her over until she found new employment. “Every now and then things get a monkey wrench thrown into them, but that’s when I get more focused and develop an action plan to deal with the situation,” she says.

Elle recommends a multistep plan for first-time home buyers:
•    Get information on first-time home buyer and down payment assistance programs in your area
•    Meet with a HUD-certified counselor to figure out how much house you can afford
•    Take a financial literacy and home buyer education class
•    Meet with a mortgage loan officer to get pre qualified for a loan
•    Find a friends and family-recommended realtor, give them your criteria, and let them do the legwork