At just 23 years old, a determined young Cuban woman residing in Oklahoma has accomplished what remains a distant dream for many migrants: purchasing her first home in the United States. Remarkably, she achieved this milestone in less than two years after her arrival. The story of @yeialvarez45 has captivated audiences on TikTok, where she shared her journey and quickly went viral. Responding to skeptics in one of her videos, she asserted, "I'm sorry to say, but I managed to buy my house in just 1 year and 9 months since I've been in this country. My husband and I both arrived at the same time. And just so you know, I'm 23 and my husband is 26," she declared confidently.
In recent weeks, Yei has been detailing her life in Oklahoma on social media. She explained her decision to settle there instead of Florida, a popular choice among fellow Cubans. "Being Cuban, the first question I'm often asked is: why are you living here and not in Florida?" she shared. Her straightforward answer was, "For me, work is the priority. There are plenty of job opportunities here, and the cost of living—rent, gas, food, car insurance—is affordable. The city is peaceful. Florida is beautiful, but for me, it's a vacation spot, not a place to live."
Overcoming Doubts and Defying Criticism
Her inspiring journey has sparked mixed reactions. While many congratulated her, others doubted her ability to purchase a home so quickly, suggesting it was "impossible" without several years of tax history, perfect credit, or a high income. Yei addressed these doubts head-on: "First of all, not all states are the same. Secondly, my credit score is over 720. I don't understand why that's so hard to believe. How do people live in this country?" she questioned.
She also tackled the common critique that her house isn't "truly hers" because it's financed. "Your rent won't be yours either. You have to learn to live with that. I'd rather pay for my house than throw money away on rent. And if you're smart, a house is an investment. Everyone invests in real estate!" she emphasized.
A Message of Focus and Determination
What resonated most with her audience was her powerful closing message: "We didn't come to this country to waste time. We came to stay focused and achieve our goals."
The online reaction to her story was swift and varied. Some users bluntly challenged her: "It will never be yours, it will always belong to the bank," "You need at least two years of taxes for that," or "You bought a debt, not a house." Yet, she also received a wave of support: "I also bought mine before two years," "It's tougher in Florida, but I did it in 2 years and 7 months," and "I bought in Texas and pay less than I did for rent."
Yei responded to all feedback with her trademark straightforwardness and calm: "Yes, it's possible. And this house is under my name." Her story underscores that with clear goals and determination, dreams that seem out of reach might be closer than they appear.
FAQs on Homeownership for New Immigrants in the U.S.
Is it possible for new immigrants to buy a house in the U.S. quickly?
Yes, it is possible for new immigrants to purchase a home in the U.S. relatively quickly, especially if they have a good credit score and find the right location with affordable housing options.
What are the challenges faced by immigrants when buying a house in the U.S.?
Immigrants often face challenges such as establishing a credit history, providing sufficient documentation of income and tax returns, and finding affordable housing in desired locations.
How important is credit score in buying a home in the U.S.?
A good credit score is crucial in purchasing a home in the U.S. as it affects the ability to secure a loan and the interest rate offered by lenders.