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Welcome to Real Estate Diaries, where we're diving into one of the most exciting—and sometimes intimidating—journeys modern women are facing: homeownership. We're spotlighting incredible women from all walks of life who are making real estate moves—whether it's buying a home with a friend, diving into creative real estate projects, or navigating the world of renting out their properties. Each story will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how they're navigating the process, the challenges they face, and the wins they celebrate along the way. Today, we're sharing the real estate journey of community member Alex Reyna, who just bought a house with her friend Amber after overcoming some major obstacles.
Age: 35
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Her Friends Sign: Scorpio
City: Austin, Texas
Current Profession: Owner of a short-term rental management company, Your Cohost
Fun Fact: She manages my sneaky duplex!
Biggest Hurdle in Buying: Co-signing a loan for her sister, which impacted her credit for years
Why She Bought with a Friend: To overcome financial roadblocks and make homeownership happen faster
Alex’s Journey: Buying a House with a Friend
Three years. That’s how long Alex tried to buy a house on her own. But after co-signing a loan for her sister, her credit took a hit, and homeownership felt out of reach. Alex didn’t let that stop her though. Instead, she found a way to turn things around—by teaming up with her friend Amber.
And here’s the twist: they hadn’t known each other for very long. They met through their love of dancing, saw each other occasionally, and weren’t exactly “best friends.” But when Alex shared her homebuying struggles with Amber, her friend did something amazing: she proposed that they buy a house together.
This idea—buying a house with a friend—might sound risky, but for Alex, it was the perfect solution. Amber approached her with a real plan, and that seriousness made all the difference. “Amber wouldn’t have come to me if she wasn’t 100% sure,” Alex shared on The Open House Podcast. That level of trust and commitment laid the foundation for their successful partnership.
If you’re part of the Open House Education community like Alex, you already know how powerful partnerships can be. We talk about these strategies all the time in our events, and Alex’s story is proof that co-borrowing can make homeownership accessible, even when it feels impossible to do alone.
What Made Their Partnership Work?
Alex and Amber’s partnership worked because they approached it with honesty and open communication. They talked through everything, from financial contributions to exit strategies, to how they would live together. Alex, with her experience managing properties, balanced out Amber’s financial strengths. It wasn’t about who had more money; it was about how they could complement each other’s skills and resources.
As Alex said in her podcast episode, “It’s like a marriage. You have to check in, be transparent about your finances, and be willing to make decisions together.” This is exactly the kind of supportive and empowering dynamic we encourage in our community—finding ways to make homeownership work through collaboration.
Interested in learning more about co-borrowing and partnerships? Our online community has monthly events, including property analysis sessions where members bring deals to the table for feedback, and “friend speed dating” events to connect like-minded women who are ready to take action. Imagine finding your own Amber through these connections!
Key Lessons from Alex’s Story
- Partnerships go beyond money: Both Alex and Amber brought different strengths to the table. This is what we love to see in the community—partnerships that thrive because of complementary skills, not just finances.
- Communication is everything: From dividing equity to handling repairs, Alex emphasized the importance of having those tough conversations early on. In the community, we talk a lot about these real, sometimes tricky conversations and how to navigate them in real estate partnerships.
- There’s no one right way to buy a house: Alex and Amber’s story shows that you don’t have to follow the traditional path. Buying with a friend, co-borrowing, house hacking—there are so many creative strategies, and we’re here to help you explore all of them!
Want to hear more of Alex’s story? Listen to our conversation on The Open House Podcast, where we dive into the realities of co-borrowing, living with a friend, and how to set up partnerships for success. Alex’s story is full of honest insights and practical tips for anyone thinking about buying with a friend.
Join the Open House Education Community
Alex is just one of many women in our community who are shaking up the real estate world by embracing creative homeownership strategies. If her story resonates with you, don’t miss the chance to join us when we open our doors to new members from November 12th-22nd. After that, we won’t reopen again until mid-to-late 2025. So, now’s your chance to dive in!
This is a space where women connect, learn, and support each other as they explore real estate partnerships, co-borrowing, house hacking, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your real estate journey, there’s something for everyone.
We’ve got virtual events, meetups, and discussions led by members like Alex, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it. Join the waitlist now and take the next step toward owning a home—whether it’s with a friend, partner, or through one of the many strategies we explore here.
