No one in her family owned a house for generations — when she did, her family's reaction went viral

Owning a home is a profound achievement that creates a different sense of satisfaction and pride. Unfortunately, for varied reasons, many people, including families, are unable to buy a home of their own even after generations have passed. A 31-year-old publicist named Alexis Johnson–who goes by @alexis_nikohl on TikTok–was one part of this group. Her family had never owned a home for generations, per Newsweek. However, when she bought a house with her hard work and surprised her family, each of their reactions was priceless and heart-melting. A year later, Johnson still holds dear the day she surprised her family, remembering their precious joy. 

The homeownership rate in the United States by the second quarter of 2024 was 65.6%, per Bank Rate. There has been a decline in the number of people purchasing homes for many reasons. The top factor is the high cost of purchase and living, which has hindered the dream of owning a home for many generations. According to data from REMAX News, 63% of Gen Z and millennials are eager to become homeowners. It is an important milestone on the agenda of many, but is held back due to high costs. For Johnson, having her own house was a crucial dream she had set in her heart for a long time. 

"We hadn't had a centralized family home since my great-grandmother passed away when I was young. It was a goal I'd had for years, and it was a life-changing experience,” she remarked. Johnson informed only one cousin that she would be buying her home, and the duo kept it secret until they surprised the entire family. The video captured Johnson's grandparents, parents, aunt, cousins and others entering a new home without knowing where they were stepping. As soon as they came in, they spotted the “Welcome home” banner and walked into Johnson, standing upstairs, announcing the news as a proud owner.

The news was met with shrieks and gasps of disbelief, immediately turning into a rollercoaster of emotions. The entire family dispersed, yelling in amazement and checking out the home. They even touched the railings and walls to ensure they weren’t dreaming. After generations, Johnson had fulfilled not just her dream but the dream of her elders, who had been holding it in their hearts for decades. Her mom stood by the wall, taking support from it, unable to control herself. Her grandma had to sit down on the stairs and let out a sigh of relief.

The grandpa stepped out of the home, stood in the yard with his hands folded and kept shaking his head in disbelief. “You had to come out to cry, huh?” one of the family members asked him. One year into the purchase, Johnson still finds it one of the most life-altering decisions. "It's been an honor to bring my family together under one roof and be able to spend more time with my grandparents. The laughs and memories have been endless, and it's brought me so much peace,” she jovially said. @pni_shira added, “That’s a strong, happy family right there.” @thefeliciakelly noted, “The way he’s shaking his head like everything he went through was worth it.”

You can follow Alexis Johnson (@alexis_nikohl) on TikTok for more content on family and relationships.