My First Client – A Wild Adventure!

I’ve been in real estate for many years.  I have always remembered my first real estate client.  It was an unforgettable experience that I would like to share to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might introduce to me.

I helped “Mary” (not her real name) purchase her first home many years ago.  The year was 2004.  She became my first client while I was still in training in the
real estate school provided by my brokerage.  The real estate market was
hot and starting to boil.  Because there was so much competition between
buyers, it seemed every listing that came on the market got sold
immediately.   This became very challenging.  

“Mary” wanted to look in a very specific neighborhood that was in high demand.   However, it was very difficult at that time because she kept getting outbid.  You see, she was preapproved with an FHA (Federal Housing Administration – government backed mortgage) with a very low downpayment, and a seller concession.  (A seller concession means that a percentage of the money paid at closing will go to paying some of the buyer closing costs instead of the seller’s pocket). This is something that was done a lot in a buyers’ market (when there are more sellers than buyers).   However, because of so much buyer competition, sellers were not accepting offers with seller concession and very low downpayment during that market. 

So, I decided we had to strategize and look in other areas.  I started showing her many different houses, including townhomes and condos, and in many different neighborhoods.  I was learning about different neighborhoods and how to work with first time home buyers.   At first, “Mary” was reluctant, but she really wanted to buy something because she was tired of renting and throwing all that money away – and having roommates!

As time went on, I gained experience with other types of buyers, and
closed a few other transactions, while still showing her probably close
to 100 houses!  I’d say it was a character and faith building period for both of us.  We crawled in through open windows, had animated “discussions” with tenants who would not let us in to see a property – after we got appointment confirmation, had the keys that did not work, and I even had a fender bender at one point on my way to show her a home! 

She submitted many offers only to find out that another offer was accepted or that the property had even been sold, and on and on.  Before we knew it, 2 years went by and lo and behold, I showed her the condo that was the perfect size for her, at the right price and at the right location.  Let’s just say, it fit her like
a glove.  

Since then, her property has gone up astronomically in value and “Mary” made a career change and went to training that just so happens to be right across the street from her new home.   She is now thriving in her new career!   Coincidence?  I think not!

So, if you are thinking about buying a house or if you have started but are discouraged because it has not happened the way you thought it would, this is to let you know that it can happen.  Just be patient, get your finances in order, and adjust to whatever market you are in – don’t give up!   It’s okay if it takes longer than you wanted – you will end up where you need to be at the right time.   People buy houses every day – and one of those people could be you! 

If you want to find out more about buying your first home and having your own homebuying adventure and want to get started, Click Here.   Let’s explore this option and see if it is right for you!  😉