The Road To The American Dream- A First Time Homebuyer's Story

Anny Valdes came to the United States from Cuba. She was 21 years old. She set foot on freedom's soil in the year 2000, a short 12 years ago. 

Anny's grandmother who's name is America arrived in the United States before the rest of the family. She arranged for Anny, Anny's mother and Anny's father to leave Cuba to come to the United States also. 

America, Anny's grandmother began these preperations when Anny was only 9 years old. 

But by the time that all the arrangements could be made Anny had turned 21 years old which meant that she would not be able to come as a minor to the United States. Her father decided to stay behind in Cuba so that Anny would not be left alone. Anny's mother Isabel cam to the United States under the arrangements America had made for the family. 

Anny studied English while she was in Cuba so that she would be better prepared when she arrived here in 2000 when she was 21. 

After coming to the United States of America Anny enrolled in Broward College in South Florida. She graduated with an Associates Degree with highest honors. Because of her diligence and hard work to reach these honors she was rewarded with a full scholarship to Nova. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Nova in accounting in 2010. She continued on with her studies at Nova and recently earned her Master's Degree in March 2012. 

Anny met her husband in South Florida. They are the proud parents of Elizabeth who is now 4 years old. 

Anny's grandmother wanted to name her first daughter Elizabeth when she was born in Cuba but the laws in Cuba did not allow her to name her daughter Elizabeth so she had to name her Isabella. 

In Cuba you are only allowed to name your children Spanish names or Russian names. 

To honor her grandmother Anny named her first daughter born on free soil, Elizabeth. 

While living in Cuba, Anny's grandmother took care of Anny until she was 9 years old when she left for the United States. Anny was not able to see her grandmother for another 12 years. So now Anny's grandmother takes care of Anny's baby girl just as she had taken care of Anny. 

While Anny was going to college she was also working two jobs and had a baby. This shows how people who are so grateful for freedom will do whatever it takes not just to get here to escape communism and dictorships but also what they will do once they are here to add value to our society. The work ethic is amazing. We take for granted what we have in our country. Too many people don't want to work. Too many people don't want to add value. Too many people don't appreciate freedom and liberty. 

Right after Anny earned her Master's Degree she met Julie Locke, one of our awesome buyer agents. Julie had the blessing and privilage of helping Anny and Jhon find their first home. One month after graduation with her Master's Degree Anny and her husband closed on their first home. 

We are so amazed at ALL that Anny has accomplished in 12 years of living her in the United States.

Anny continues to thank Julie over and over again for helping them find their first home. 

We take for granted the opportunity to buy homes here in the United States. When Anny was living in Cuba you were not allowed to buy and sell property. In 2011, 11 years after Anny moved to the United States, Cuba passed a law that allows individuals to buy and sell homes for the first time since the end of the revolution. 

Private property sales were banned by Fidel Castro in 1959. Parents were able to pass their home on to their children but buying and selling was outlawed. This gave rise to a black market and bartering deals involving illegal payments and bribes so the authorities would look the other way. Whenever something is outlawed it feeds a black market if there is a demand for that product or service. 

The new law permits Cubans only to own a maximum of two properties, their main home and a holiday home. Right now, it is not uncommon to find 3 and 4 generations of Cuban families living in one tiny apartment because there is a severe housing shortage. 

Finally with Raul Castro at the helm we are seeing small shifts away from communism. A system of government that has always failed no matter where it is practiced. Raul Castro himself said that the old Soviet style system is not working. Raul still says though, that Cuba will remain a socialist state. 

We salute Anny and her family for striving to live with freedom and liberty and to be producers. 

Anny told Julie, " The United States is a country of opportunity. You must appreciate what you have been given."