First-Time Homebuyers Find Dream Home
The house that Branden and Emily Hensel now call home isn’t just special because it’s the first place the couple has purchased together.
Formally owned by a family friend, Branden spent countless hours there as a child. Now, it’s a place the two can picture themselves starting a family of their own.
Dreaming of a Future as First-Time Homeowners
Before finding their home, the Hensels dreamed of settling in Branden’s hometown Princeville, Illinois. They wanted a place close to Branden’s agricultural business, blending the convenience of town life with a rural feel.
“We kind of wanted to have the best of both worlds,” Emily said. “We wanted to get what we love about country living without being in the country.”
But with limited housing options in the area, their search seemed uncertain—until a family friend mentioned her home was available. The couple saw it as a sign.
Compeer’s First-Time Homebuyer Program Eases Financial Pressure
After finding the perfect property, the Hensels knew they needed a lender that understood rural communities. Having already worked with us for his agriculture business, Branden turned to Compeer Financial again.
Through their loan officer Jessica Horsley, the Hensels learned about Compeer’s First-Time Homebuyer Program. Designed for first-time buyers, the program allows eligible clients the option to buy a home without a down payment or mortgage insurance, significantly reducing upfront costs.
“That was such a huge stress reliever. We could have put the money down, but it would have been really, really tight,” Emily said. “And I think it would have stressed us out more so we wouldn’t have enjoyed the process.”
A Rural-Focused Lender with Personalized Support
Because we were already familiar with Branden’s agriculture business, we could tailor the home loan to meet the Hensels’ unique needs.
“For clients like Branden who have worked with us on the ag side, we’re able to understand everything they have going on financially,” Horsley said. “That way we can think about what will suit them going into the future.”
Whether or not you’ve done business with us before, Compeer is here to support you on your unique homebuying journey. To ensure clients feel secure and informed, we offer a free first-time homebuyer online course and share tips for first-time rural homeowners new to country living.
Looking Ahead: A Place to Grow
With the money the Hensels’ saved from the zero percent down payment option, they plan to turn their property into their dream home — a place that might one day house Branden’s business and even a family.
“We’ve both been thinking, ‘In 10 years, what is this place going to look like?’ And that’s brought us a lot of excitement,” Branden said.
For us, supporting clients like Branden and Emily through our First-Time Homebuyer Program is more than business—it’s about investing in the future of rural communities.
“Being able to serve them means helping grow our rural communities, where we are seeing fewer people want to put down roots or come back home,” Horsley said. “We are the grassroots of America, so being able to help them find ways to come back means a lot to me.”
Learn more about how Compeer opens the door to rural homeownership for first-time buyers with our First-Time Homebuyer Program today!