At just 23 years old, a young Cuban woman living in Oklahoma achieved what many migrants still consider a distant goal: buying her first home in the United States. And not only that, but she accomplished it in less than two years since arriving in the country.
The protagonist is @yeialvarez45, who shared her experience on TikTok and quickly went viral. In one of her videos, she responded to those who doubted her story: “I’m sorry to say that I managed to buy my house in 1 year and 9 months that I have been in this country. My husband and I. We have both been here the same amount of time. And I’ll give you an extra piece of information: I am 23 years old and my husband is 26,” she said with determination.
For weeks now, Yei has been sharing his experience on social media about his life in Oklahoma. In another video, he explained why he decided to settle in that state instead of Florida, like many other Cubans.
“I am Cuban, and the first question they ask me when they find out is: what are you doing living here instead of in Florida?” she shared. Her response was straightforward: “For me, what matters is work. There are many opportunities here, rents are affordable, gasoline, food, car insurance… The city is peaceful. Florida is beautiful, but for me, it’s a place to vacation, not to live.”
But her success story soon sparked mixed reactions. Many congratulated her. Others, however, questioned whether it was possible to buy a house in such a short time, arguing that it is "impossible" without several years of tax history, impeccable credit, or a very high income.
Yei no se quedó callada: “Primero: todos los estados no son iguales. Segundo: mi crédito está por encima de 720. No entiendo por qué se les hace tan imposible eso. ¿Cómo vive la gente en este país?”, respondió.
"I prefer to pay for my house rather than throw money away on rent."
One of the most common criticisms was that the house isn't "really yours" because it's on credit. She sees it differently: "Your rent won't be yours either. You have to learn to live with that. I'd rather pay for my house than throw my money away on rent. And if you’re smart, a house is an investment. Everyone invests in real estate!"
And what had the most impact was his powerful final message: “We did not come to this country to eat garbage. We came to focus and achieve our goals.”
Reactions: criticism, support, and a lot of inspiration
As expected, her testimony sparked a storm of comments. Some users questioned her without reservation: “That will never be yours, it will always belong to the bank,” “You need to have at least two years of taxes for that,” or “You bought a debt, not a house.”
But he also received a lot of support: "I bought mine before I was two years old too," "In Florida, it's harder, but I managed it in 2 years and 7 months," or "I bought in Texas and pay less than when I was renting."
To everyone, Yei replied in his straightforward and drama-free style: "Yes, it can be done. And this house is in my name."
His case demonstrates that, with clear goals and focus, many dreams that seem distant can be closer than one believes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yei Alvarez's Experience in the U.S.
How did Yei Alvarez manage to buy a house in just 1 year and 9 months?
Yei Alvarez and her husband managed to purchase a house in the U.S. in just 1 year and 9 months thanks to their focus and financial discipline. Despite some doubts from others, Yei emphasized that her credit score is above 720, which made the buying process easier. They also chose to live in Oklahoma, where the cost of living is more affordable compared to other states like Florida.
Why did Yei Alvarez choose to live in Oklahoma instead of Florida?
Yei Alvarez chose Oklahoma for the job opportunities and lower cost of living compared to Florida. In her videos, she explains that rent, gas, and food are more affordable in Oklahoma, allowing her and her husband to save more and achieve their goals faster.
What has Yei Alvarez said about the criticism received for purchasing his house on credit?
Yei Alvarez defends that it is better to pay for one's own home than to spend on rent. Although some criticize that the house is not "truly theirs" because it is financed, Yei argues that even rent does not offer ownership and that a house is a smart long-term investment.
What monthly expenses does Yei Alvarez have living in Oklahoma?
Yei Alvarez spends approximately $2,370 monthly living in Oklahoma. His expenses include $1,500 for mortgage, $80 for electricity, $75 for gas, $80 for car insurance, between $400 and $500 for groceries, and $70 for phone, in addition to between $200 and $300 in extra expenses or family support.
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