The Real Estate Ladder - Foundations of Money - Block 1

## ✅ Overview:

Before you can start climbing The Real Estate Ladder and building a property portfolio, you must build a strong financial base.
Block One: Foundations of Money is a focused, action-driven workshop designed to give you the exact tools you need to become loan-ready, credit-strong, and financially confident to buy your first home.
If you've been dreaming about buying real estate but feel stuck because of credit issues, budget fears, or no clear plan—this is where your journey starts.

## 📚 What You’ll Learn:

### 🔹 1. Understanding Credit — The Investor’s Currency

• How credit scores are calculated
• Why credit is the #1 leverage tool in real estate
• How to quickly fix common credit issues
• Action steps to increase your FICO score before applying for a mortgage

### 🔹 2. Designing a Budget That Builds Wealth

• How much home can you really afford?
• The 50/30/20 rule: Structuring your spending for investment readiness
• Setting up a 90-day savings sprint for your down payment and reserves
• Understanding "debt-to-income ratios" and why lenders care

### 🔹 3. Creating an Action Plan to Buy Your First Home

• Building your personalized "First Home Action Plan"
• How to find down payment assistance and low-money-down programs (like CHFA and FHA)
• The realistic timeline: Saving, fixing credit, pre-approval, and shopping
• Staying motivated and avoiding the 3 biggest traps that stop first-time buyers.

🕒 Time: 6PM📍 Location: ONLINE/ZOOM MEETING