SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) – The pandemic and ensuing economic turmoil has prompted some low-income home buyers to be cautious about pursuing their dream of homeownership. Yet when there is chaos there is opportunity.

It’s a big commitment to buy a house in a county where the median price is $ 1.4 million. It gave teacher David Wulff and his wife Karina Gallardo, a stay-at-home mom, a reason to consider leaving to pursue their dream, given their modest income.

BUILD A BETTER BAY ZONE: The change of accommodation

However, they moved into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in San Jose two weeks ago, thanks to a special program for teachers, first responders and service workers. Seven-year-old Kaira and five-year-old Joel couldn’t be happier.

“How do you like your new home? We asked them. They both answered “very well”.

Housing Trust Silicon Valley administers the loan program, called Empower. The pandemic has given cold to some potential candidates.

“There is probably a quarter who say no, we are waiting, and the other quarter say no, because of the pandemic, we are going to move forward,” said Julie Mahowald, chief financial officer and interim general manager. of Housing Confidence.

VIDEO: San Francisco become a ghost town? This is how empty the city really is

The Wulff-Gallardo family had saved 3% for a 20% deposit. Empower fills the void with a 17% loan, funded by a bond measure passed by voters four years ago.

“A lot of people have told us now is not the time to do it, and you know, like you’ve heard a lot of comments and opinions,” said Karina Gallardo. “But for us, it was a sacrifice we were going to make for our children.”

The pandemic may have helped in one regard. There is a limit of $ 800,000 on the purchase price. This posed a challenge during boom times, but it’s not as difficult now. A Zillow search for homes priced from $ 400,000 to $ 800,000 yielded 20 listings in a single San Jose neighborhood.

Home ownership is a major commitment, but one that has had a positive impact on the Wulff-Gallardo family.

RELATED: 7 On Your Side answers housing questions for renters and landlords

“We were in an apartment on the second floor,” said David Wulff, physical education teacher and trainer. “We always felt like we were disturbing the neighbors below us, and we felt like the kids shouldn’t be doing it, we didn’t want them to play because of the noise. to take away their childhood. “

Kaira and Joel have a yard to play and practice folk dancing. Mom and Dad won’t have to pay off the Empower Loan until later, when they sell or refinance.