Being in my early thirties, I had no idea what to expect when starting to actively search for my…read morefirst home. Like most first-time homeowners, when starting my search I had no clue where to even begin to point that I felt like giving up because everything seemed out of reach. I tried to take this task alone with no hand holding from my parents since I am now a "grown up." Little did I know, I still have a lot to learn.
Luckily, my mother a seasoned pro who invest in purchases income properties was able to help me find a diamond in the rough, Anthony.
To be complete transparent, here is what it was like before finding Anthony through my mother. I prospected several realtors and found out that many of them have similar characteristics that is stereotypical of a "used car salesman," no offense if you are one and reading this. A lot of them had all or a few of the following undesirable traits:
* Sale/Pushy
* Overlooking my needs, my concerns, and realistic budget. Sorry, I am not a multi-billionaire.
* Inexperienced, new to the industry "Um did you just google that information?"
* Greed Driven
* Predator vs. Prey mentality. Realtor being predator, me being the unknowing/uninformed prey.
This search was miserable, and I wanted to give up. I finally caved in for mommy's help and suggested Anthony. When I first met Anthony, there was something that I knew that was different from my previous experiences. First, he knew my name before I told him and greeted me like a friend. To me that says a lot , obviously it may be a sales tactic but it made me feel like he would listen to my needs and understand the reality of my budget. I was wrong, it wasn't a sales tactic it is just how he is.
He gave me the guidance I needed for a first time home buyer, and respected me like a person with a 50 million dollar budget. Trust me I am not even close to that number in terms of purchasing budget. He is highly knowledgeable, professional, and gives a warmth of a true friend who is willing to work for you and not for his bank account.
So the search began, he gave me options of what my budget could afford. He showed me the lowest of my budget first, but informed me with a little TLC I could take the extra saved money to renovate and make a profit on the house. He showed me homes that were at my high end, but never showed me anything that would tempt me to go over budget where I would have to make a lot of sacrifices. He taught me that, going over my budget isn't always the best way to start when you buy your first home and wanted to ensure that I had the best experience with my new home and not have to stress about paying a mortgage I can't afford.
He never pushed me on anything, other than telling me what properties would sell fast. In addition, he always taught me what properties should be negotiated lower than offering price, and was clear to me when something was a true bargain. He guided me and gave me options with great information in order for me to make my decision that is right for my life.
We are currently still searching for the right property, and he says that I will know it when I see it. We stay in contact and he always keeps me up to date on what he finds that meets my long list of must....I know I may have to give some up. However with his help, he gave me the facts I need to know, the reality of what the market is like vs. my budget, and is patient with me on making the commitment to buy.
I highly recommend Anthony as a realtor, especially for people who are new to buying a house. With his knowledge, experience, and his kind and caring personality you can't go wrong.
