Christina Kahler: Welcome to The Vault by FNBO, where we unlock stories that matter. I'm your host for today's episode, Christina Kahler.

June is Homeownership Month, and we're talking about something that goes far beyond buying a house. It's about stability, opportunity and what it means to truly have a place to call home. Homeownership may seem out of reach for many, but organizations like Habitat for Humanity of Omaha are helping to make it happen every single day. I'm joined today by Amanda Brewer, CEO of Habitat for humanity of Omaha, the number one Habitat in the country. She and her team are doing incredible work every day around affordable homeownership and building our community in so many ways.

We're thrilled to have you here today! Thank you for joining us on The Vault!

Amanda Brewer: Oh, thank you for having me, Christina. I'm honored to be here.

Christina Kahler: Yes, it's so great to have you here. You've been such a tremendous partner to the bank and friend, and your work is changing the face of our community.

To get us started, it's Homeownership Month. So, when you think about homeownership and the families that you serve, what comes to mind?

Amanda Brewer: Well, homeownership is really a powerful thing. That's why we call it the American dream. You know, achieving homeownership used to be easy. If you had a job, you could buy a house, and it's just not that way anymore. So, my hope today is to help your guests, your customers see that homeownership is within reach. And for your viewers who already own a home that there are ways that they can help others achieve the American dream.

Christina Kahler: You know, housing is a challenge right now. Just the market is a challenge. You know, what are you seeing?

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, there's a lot of forces affecting us now and nobody's surprised. I'm not going to be saying anything that people aren't feeling themselves. One look at Zillow and either on a home that you own or if you're trying to buy a house, and you realize that the price of houses has doubled in the last 5 years.

Christina Kahler: Yeah, it's soared.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, it's just it's crazy. I mean that's good for people that already own a home because their property values have risen. But for those who don't own a home and wish for that first chance at homeownership, it really can feel daunting and can feel out of reach. That's one of the reasons we absolutely love partnering with you, FNBO, is because you understand the value of homeownership. And that's why I'm so grateful to be here today on your show to help your viewers understand that homeownership is possible, even if there are a lot of barriers. Never give up because the dream of homeownership is attainable.

Christina Kahler: And we love that you share that message and give people hope and help them achieve homeownership. So, in working to achieve homeownership, there can be a lot of barriers and we don't want to focus on the negative. But what are some of those things that you see are coming up as barriers that people need to work through?

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, and I don't like to focus on the negative either, but in order to overcome a barrier, it has to be identified. And sometimes that can be scary for folks. So, they don't, they're like, oh, that's so scary or, oh, oh, my credit's terrible, I'm never going to be able to get that fixed. And to those folks, I would say it is possible.

Of course, Habitat for Humanity, we build and renovate houses, and that's what so many people think of when they think of Habitat is a group volunteers coming together, swinging a hammer, working side by side with the new home buyers to make a difference and rebuild our community. And absolutely, that is still what Habitat for Humanity does. But one thing that's really changed is our efforts to educating and preparing people to become first-time homebuyers.

If you don't own a home, but your parents have never owned a home, you might not have that knowledge or that expertise to ask someone what's the first step I need to take. And so, we work side by side with people who just really desire that stability of owning a home, to remove barriers, such as credit, credits really a big one. Income can be a barrier. Sometimes people don't realize Maybe they just need a dollar or two more an hour and then that would make them qualify.

Christina Kahler: Make the difference.

Amanda Brewer: It makes a difference. And a woman applied to become a Habitat homeowner, and unfortunately, she didn't make quite enough money, but as I said, we're now working with people to see what those barriers are and what action steps need to happen. You said, oh, if you could just earn, you know, two to three dollars more an hour.

Well, at that same time, she had an opportunity for continuing education through her work. And she was in, she's in the medical field and, um, she took, took these classes that were paid for by her employer and went from being a receptionist to being uh, certified LPN.

Christina Kahler: Ohm that's great.

Amanda Brewer: And, and now she owns her house. And she said it wouldn't have been possible, um, without someone giving her that courage to go for it. And it was all her. It had nothing to do with us. But it's almost like she needed, just a little boost.

Christina Kahler: Yeah, someone believing in her.

Amanda Brewer: Some of it is just coaching and walking alongside people. But a third barrier is the down payment.

Christina Kahler: Sure.

Amanda Brewer: A lot of people think, well, I'll never be able to afford a down payment. I know, I'm sure that FNBO has products, um, that helps with that for your customers.

Christina Kahler: We do.

Amanda Brewer: And that's part of what Habitat for Humanity does. Our down payment is very small. It's $500. And, um, and then because of our partnership, the interest rate is very low.

Christina Kahler: Yeah, which is wonderful and makes it, you know, available to so many more people.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah.

Christina Kahler: So, tell us a little bit about Habitat's model.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah.

Christina Kahler: What makes it so unique?

Amanda Brewer: It goes back to removing barriers. A barrier that comes up for people when they're renting is needing to move unexpectedly. And that's what homeownership overcomes. You know, they're renting a house and they're paying on time and then all of a sudden the house gets sold out from under them and you have to move!

Amanda Brewer: So challenging.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah and you know, think about all the times you've moved in your life and it's stressful.

Christina Kahler: Very disruptive, yes.

Amanda Brewer: Even when you're planning it. And then to suddenly have to move when you weren't planning it, it can be very stressful.

Christina Kahler: Yes.

Amanda Brewer: So that's where homeownership creates that stability for family.

Christina Kahler: I hadn't thought about it that way, but I could absolutely see how challenging that is.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah. I think another barrier that people can create for themselves is, well, I want to get married first, or I don't know for sure if I'm going to stay in Omaha. And to that, I would say, you don't have to have your whole life planned out to become a homeowner because, um, guess what? You can sell the house and then walk away with some money.

Christina Kahler: Yeah, that's great.

Amanda Brewer: And that's part of the model and is that building of equity. I mean, it's not our model. It's why it's the American Dream.

Christina Kahler: Sure.

Amanda Brewer: You create that investment through homeownership. And then when you sell the home, you have money to buy the next house or to move. And so that's why it works. It works because homeownership works.

Now, our model, which you asked about, has changed. In addition to building and renovating, we are also helping prepare people for homeownership.

Christina Kahler: Doing that kind of coaching, planning…

Amanda Brewer: But then we're thinking about the whole lifecycle of homeownership and what people need along the way. And so, our home repair program, where we offer zero percent loans, for up to 10 years.

Christina Kahler: So great.

Amanda Brewer: So, someone can, maybe, who wouldn't qualify for a loan from a regular bank or First National. A lot of times seniors, maybe, that have a fixed income would qualify for our home repair program. We do new roofs and siding, windows, fixing driveways.

Christina Kahler: So great. When you think about habitat's model, what makes it so impactful and sustainable?

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, there's two things. One is the pay it forward model. So as each borrower, each family, each new homeowner makes their monthly mortgage payment that helps build the next house.

But the second thing is homeownership itself. Habitat didn't invent homeownership. We are maybe just homeownership's biggest cheerleader and homeownership by nature creates stability and sustainability.

Christina Kahler: Homeowners play a special role at Habitat.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah.

Christina Kahler: Can you tell us a bit about their involvement in the process?

Amanda Brewer: Yeah. The number one misconception is that we give away houses for free. And I thought that before I became involved. I'm like, oh, someone needs a house, is it just a giveaway? I didn't know any different. That is still today the number one misconception. And it is absolutely not that way. In fact, we like to say that we offer a hand up, not a handout. We offer an opportunity. Our homebuyers pay the full price of the house, but where it becomes affordable is through the interest rate, because of our partnership and others in the community, we're able to offer a low interest rate of 2.625.

Christina Kahler: Yes.

Amanda Brewer: And that's what helps make it affordable. In addition, because we're not a financial institution, we don't have to charge PMI. And that costs money and one other thing that could put it out of reach.

Christina Kahler: Definitely be a barrier. It can be very expensive.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, and then all the coaching that we do to help people see how to improve their credit score so that, um, you know, they can even buy the house to begin with. But again, it's the full price of a house, but there's other tools we have to make it affordable.

Christina Kahler: You know, you mentioned partners.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah.

Christina Kahler: And I know community partners are really important to the work that you all do. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Amanda Brewer: Habitat for humanity is only as strong in whatever community, um, that it is in, as the community wants it to be. This is where I would invite your viewers to get involved. And of course, there's always opportunities to come out to the work site, to swing a hammer. But we also look for creative partnerships. I mean, this right here is an example. You're helping us get the word out.

Christina Kahler: You know, our employees absolutely love volunteering in so many ways for your organization. So, the builds are certainly a favorite of many teams. They love going out. They're working hard. They get to bond in a way that's really special and contribute in a way that's different than they do every day. And then we also have people who are, you know, helping with technology in certain ways. And we have just all sorts of examples.

Amanda Brewer: The servicing team.

Christina Kahler: The Mortgage servicing team. Yes, we service your mortgages, which is such wonderful and special work for our mortgage servicing team. But I received a call from a volunteer the other day after your luncheon, and it was just a thank you call, and I thought, what a wonderful way to volunteer, you know?

Amanda Brewer: Oh, that's neat.

Christina Kahler: Something that's so accessible. So, I think that, you know, you are really offering so many ways for people to get involved. So, if they want to get involved with your organization. How would they do that? Or Habitat anywhere across the country?

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, and I think we're going to put the the link in the notes here for this podcast, but really it's just to find the local chapter. Think about the skills and the ways that you could help and figure out how to plug in with the needs that they have. And, I mean, I have to warn you, Christina, I've already recruited this fabulous marketing team here to help us, you know?

So it's about sharing expertise, figuring out, like, what special gifts do you have, um, that you can make a difference? And I really do love that community aspect. I always say if it was just about building houses, we could have, you know, a person with a clipboard, a truck, and a cell phone and get a lot done, but no, it's about building community.

Christina Kahler: Yeah, it's so much more than that.

You've been with Habitat for nearly 30 years.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah.

Christina Kahler: It's amazing!

Amanda Brewer: It is amazing.

Christina Kahler: And I see the team and the passion of the team and how connected they are to the mission. So do you want to tell us a bit about your journey and then just some thoughts on leadership?

Amanda Brewer: Yeah, thank you for that. A reflective question. And, you know, I think about myself as a mom, and I have a 14-year-old daughter. And I think about when I was that age and how my mom took us to the church to paint or to volunteer for the church festival or the PTA. And I always did have that good role modeling. And I know a lot of parents are thinking that today. Like, how can I get my kids involved? And, you know, with Habitat, you do need to be 16, but we are working really hard to get more young people involved and really can be connecting with each other. Um, we have um, opportunities through schools.

Christina Kahler: I love that.

Amanda Brewer: And also through our young professionals group. And that's how I got started. I just decided, um, I actually was working in corporate America in Chicago and said, oh, I want I want to do service. I want to do a year of service. And so, I moved to Georgia and became a full-time volunteer.

Christina Kahler: Amazing.

Amanda Brewer: And it ended up leading to a career. So, um, I would encourage parents, um, or young adults who are watching to, to get involved in that way too, um, because it's a very enriching experience.

Christina Kahler: Absolutely.

Amanda Brewer: And then you asked about my leadership and you know, I hope you can feel because it really, I don't think this is about me at all. It's the people around.

Christina Kahler: It absolutely feels like the team, the strength of the team.

Amanda Brewer: It's all the people doing their little part. We have a sign in our office, it's similar, like a neon sign that says, "It takes all of us," and that's really how I feel.

Christina Kahler: You feel that and everybody really shows up in your organization. I think it's just, it's, it's remarkable to watch and to be a part of it. So, we are very grateful for that.

So, I've heard you talk about tiny miracles before.

Amanda Brewer: Yeah.

Christina Kahler: And you approach this work really with the spirit of gratitude and seeing all the wonderful things. I know you have hundreds of stories that you share and that you've seen, things you've seen over time. Is there anything that stands out to you that really brings this work to life?

Amanda Brewer: One story that comes to mind, it does feel like a tiny miracle, because it sounds tiny, but it wasn't. So, we are at the dedication. Our new homeowner realized who the sponsor was of the house and it was First National Bank. And she was so proud because she's a First National Bank customer. She felt supported, not from just everyone coming together to build the house, but from an institution she had chosen to do banking at, was supporting her in this way she could have never expected.

Christina Kahler: We love that.

Amanda Brewer: Another story that comes to mind is, um, a neighbor in an area where your team has all been very involved and so many people because we did 57 new houses in this area.

Christina Kahler: Incredible.

Amanda Brewer: But when we first started working in the area, she was the only one left living on that street. Every other house was empty, vacant, boarded up or torn down already.

Christina Kahler: Wow.

Amanda Brewer: And she'd lived there 40 years. And, you know, we were trying to acquire land in that area and it was it was challenging. But she knew the kids of the people who own the houses through her daughter on Facebook and she was able to find owners and to figure out how to get the transfers to happen.

Christina Kahler: How wonderful.

Amanda Brewer: And just another example of it taking all of us. She had a special knowledge and skill that we couldn't have had on our own.

Christina Kahler: Wow, that's wonderful. You know, the home dedication days are probably my favorite day of the year. Truly, it is. So FNBO employees work together on a on a habitat home and then at the end of, you know, building the home, we all come together with the family that will now own the home. And it is the most moving, you know, experience.

Amanda Brewer: It's really powerful.

Christina Kahler: Yeah. Can you tell us what's next for habitat, Omaha?

Amand Brewer: Every community is different, and that's what I love about Habitat for Humanity. We're uniquely equipped to be able to respond to specific needs in the community as they are different from community to community. And what's next for us is, um, a response to a specific need. The entry-level homes in Omaha have been snapped up by investors. A lot of times, most often, out of state investors, and we are doing a campaign, really hoping to inspire Omaha and the surrounding counties to sell local. When it's time to sell your house, sell to a homeowner, sell locally, and if it's a house that could be great for a family, a teacher, a nurse, someone who's dreaming for that chance to become a homeowner, call Habitat and sell it to us. And then we will make, you know, the small repairs that need to happen and ensure that the house is sold to a homeowner.

Christina Kahler: Perfect. I know you have some calls to action for our viewers today.

Amanda Brewer: I love a call, a good call to action, right? Because sometimes you list and you're like, oh, there's these things I could do, but where do I start? And this is what people should do. One, if your viewers want to become a homeowner, they should get started today. Because they can take 6 months or a year. So, they don't have to have the whole thing figured out.

The second is if people want to volunteer. Anyone aged 16 and over is welcome to sign up to volunteer. We provide all the teaching, all the safety equipment. I think back to myself, the first time I volunteered on the site, and that is not my area of strength. And I was really nervous and shy and kind of felt insecure. But once I went out, I'm like, oh, what was I so nervous about? Of course there are people to help you. And that's what our staff is hired to do, not to build the house, but to teach people how to build the house.

Christina Kahler: And they do a wonderful job.

Amanda Brewer: Of course, people can always donate. It does take money to do all the things that we're doing. Um, but this is uh, this next thing is really for everybody. We saw that a lot of people worked hard to become homeowners, and they did so because they wanted something to pass along to their children. But there's a step in there, a legal step, that people need to take to ensure that the house transfers to their kids when they pass away. And so many people don't know about this, about half the people I ask don't have a will or estate plan. And we have a free tool where people can get a will done online through our website, that's it's free. It's open to anyone.

Now, should people get a lawyer, if they have a complex estate? Probably, but start here.

Christina Kahler: Yeah.

Amanda Brewer: Just get this done. And it takes ten minutes. Get the placeholder, get it done, and at least you have something, and you have that peace of mind.

Christina Kahler: Wonderful to know and very helpful tools for everyone to take advantage of. So, thank you for sharing and for offering that.

Amanda, thank you so much for joining us today. We appreciate you so much and all the work that you and your team are doing in our community and really inspiring so many people to get involved and to become homeowners. So, thank you.

Amanda Brewer: Thank you.

Christina Kahler: To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, go to habitat.org or habitatomaha.org.

Thank you again for joining us today. It's been great to have you on The Vault.