As Told By Naturi Naughton For BrownStyle Magazine
When I first started out, homeownership felt like a big, intimidating dream. While filming Power, I was subletting a one-bedroom in Brooklyn for $3,750 a month. Every time I wrote that rent check, I wondered: If I can pay this much for rent, why can’t I put that money toward my own home?
But the truth was, I was scared. The mortgage process felt invasive, the financial commitment overwhelming, and I didn’t want to make the wrong move. It took me years to build up the courage to take that leap. And once I did, I realized something important: you don’t need to have everything figured out overnight. Homeownership is a journey, not a race.
Pace Yourself And Trust Your Own Timeline
In the beginning, I felt so much pressure to keep up with other people’s milestones. Friends were buying homes, and I thought, Am I behind? But I had to remind myself: my path is my own.
Slowing down gave me space to check my credit, get my finances in order, and prepare myself emotionally for the commitment of purchasing a home. That patience made me a stronger, more confident buyer. And that’s what I tell others now: don’t rush just because someone else hit a milestone before you.
Today, I’m proud to be a homeowner, investor, and a partner with Progressive’s Open the House campaign, which offers free financial tools like the Home Budgeting Toolkit. I love being part of an initiative that gives people the necessary resources and confidence to do what I once thought was impossible.
Keep People Around Who Celebrate Your Wins
One of the biggest lessons I learned is how important your inner circle is. My father, who was a first-generation homeowner in New Jersey, always reminded me that not everyone will clap for you. Some people will bring doubt, negativity, or even jealousy into the mix.
This lesson helped me realize that I had to protect my space and surround myself with people who were genuinely happy for me and celebrated my wins and other milestones in my life.
Reframe Fear Into Action
Initially, I was terrified of the mortgage process. It felt like people were digging into every part of my life and finances, and I kept asking myself: What if I’m not “good enough” for this loan?
Then came the mental shift: If I can pay rent every month, I can pay a mortgage. Every dollar I put toward rent was building someone else’s equity. That understanding gave me the courage to push through the fear and recognize that I wanted to start building equity for myself.
For anyone out there feeling stuck, know that fear is natural, but it can’t be bigger than your goal. Programs like Progressive’s UpPayment, a down payment assistance grant, are designed to help first-time buyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles: stepping through the door with your finances ready.
Partnership Equals Power
Buying my first home on my own was tough. Later, when I bought a second home with my husband, it felt different. While the overall process was still stressful and felt slightly invasive, I felt more confident and empowered to make decisions together.
While two sources of income made the homebuying process more efficient, it also provided me with a sense of safety, security, and support. Partnership may not simplify homeownership, but it creates a stronger foundation — and that strength supports me in every area of life.
Looking back, I realize that my first home wasn’t just about buying property; it was about fostering my own patience and courage, and building something bigger than myself. Homeownership is about legacy, stability, and giving yourself permission to want more.
So here’s what I’ll leave you with: You can do this. Even if you feel nervous, even if others doubt you, trust your gut. Pace yourself. Surround yourself with people who want to see you win. And lean on free tools and resources to make confident, informed decisions.
Your first home might not be perfect, but it can be a powerful first step toward building the life and legacy you deserve.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
