The surge in real estate prices has led to a decline in the American dream of homeownership. Nowadays, the average cost of a home is $300,000 or even higher, depending on the location. It’s important to note that this price doesn’t include additional expenses like closing costs and hidden fees, which can catch buyers off guard. However, Amina Stevens, a former English teacher and a highly respected figure in the real estate industry, has made a significant impact by revolutionizing the way first-time home buyers are assisted.

Through her show, “First Time Buyer’s Club,” she has transformed the lives of numerous individuals who have always aspired to own their own homes. Amina goes beyond simply selling houses; she turns dreams into reality for those who believed homeownership was out of reach. Amina’s primary goal is to educate and inspire clients who feel overwhelmed by the daunting housing market. With her expertise and unwavering support, she is dedicated to making homeownership a mission and a lifelong passion. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Amina about the process of becoming a homeowner.

“I was a teacher before I began as a realtor, teaching English to eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders. Part of that journey was helping seniors figure out their next steps—resumes, college, etc. I realized I was helping them follow their dreams, but I wasn’t following mine,” stated Stevens.

Amina realized that the school system was not meeting her needs. Her passion was using her degree and experience to empower others. in particular, underrepresented groups and minorities. ” I began to consider what other options, outside of the educational system, would provide me with that same sense of purpose. Amina remarked, “The only other thing I have ever been obsessed with is real estate television shows.”


Amina didn’t realize her obsession with real estate would be her mission to help others achieve their dream of becoming homeowners. “There is more to real estate than a house; it’s a journey; it’s a person. I thought about how I could bring my education into real estate and empower minorities and first-time buyers to build wealthy real estate, and that I would feel that same impact or more than I did in the classroom,” stated Stevens.

The American dream of owning a home has been abandoned by many due to the nearly hopeless situation of the economy. Amina gives hope to those who have given up on their ambitions. “As soon as I became interested in real estate, I began learning everything there was to know. such as loan qualification procedures and home ownership basics. I began communicating with my peers in real estate. To educate others about real estate, I began by educating myself.

“A deep investigation revealed that there were initiatives in place to assist minorities in becoming eligible to purchase a home. She qualified them by using her skills and knowledge. Under certain programs, there are no down payments necessary in place of the obligatory ones. Together with grants, there are also cheap interest rates. For first-time home purchasers, let me locate the appropriate resources to change that no into a yes,” stated Stevens.

Amina found out there are programs called portfolio loan programs. This is a loan that a lender will keep in their portfolio instead of selling to the secondary market. “All the different lenders have similar programs like FHA, VA, Conventional, etc. Those are pretty much what anybody can give you. However, a portfolio loan is specific to a particular lender. Certain banks have programs that, if you’re a teacher or make under a certain amount of money, will allow you to get a house with no money down. I make sure I know what my clients qualify for. It’s really about being strategic about what option you’re aware of and aligning that borrowing with the program that will fit their needs,” said Amina.

Amina can be seen in action on the Own Network series “First Time Buyer’s Club,” which is shot all across the Tampa Bay region. Every episode follows Amina as she navigates the many benefits and drawbacks of different homes and locations while meeting and working with a new client. The program debuted on YouTube for free for a short period of time. Tune in this Saturday at 9pm on OWN for an all-new episode.