Marissa made my dreams of home ownership come true. It all started with a phone call and her one question that changed my life.
I was outgrowing the small mother-in-law house I had rented for the past 3 years and was calling around to see if there were any real estate agents who handled house rentals in my neighborhood. Marissa called and left a message, offering her services, so I connected with her. After going over how much I was willing to spend on a rental, Marissa asked the key question that changed my life. "Have you thought about buying a house?"
I was taken abac by her question. Of course, I had definitely fantasized about owning a house in Seattle. But with the competition being at an all time high in spite of a pandemic, I thought owning in the city was the stuff of dreams - or at the very least something that you needed briefcases of gold or a rich partner and maybe a winning lottery ticket.
In her first phone call with me, Marissa helped me see what I could afford and the benefits of owning vs renting as well as government programs that offered assistance. We hopped on a zoom call and she showed me properties. I only had a 12 block radius I was willing to look at on North Beacon Hill, and that was it. I wanted a single family house. My requirements were tough, especially given that I am a single mom and had absolutely nothing saved for a down payment, and am not rich, by any means. But Marissa pushed on. She was positive the entire time, saying nothing was impossible.
And just like that, a few weeks into the search, a house came on the market that was exactly what I had dreamed of. Marissa put me in touch with someone who pre-approved me for a loan and we were ready to make an offer! But, after 3 days, someone put in an offer, the listing went 'pending' and my hopes were dashed. But Marissa suggested we put in a back-up offer. After the original offer fell through a week later, I found myself front and center as the potential buyer of this house. Marissa handled all of the heavy work - negotiating, making sure my needs were met, seeing what we could do in order to make this dream house a reality.
I never once felt alone in the process. Marissa met every question and concern I had - and I had a lot as a first time home buyer! There were some ups and downs in the stressful process of buying, but Marissa plays hard ball for her clients and I honestly felt extremely confident after every phone call with her. 40 days later, I closed on the house and I am in a home I never thought could be, in my neighborhood and area of my choice!
Marissa is a fantastic realtor, advocate and friend. She goes to bat for you, helps you see what is possible, and is extremely knowledgeable in her field. She's with you every single step of the way through the buying process, and also beyond the papers being signed and keys handed over. I have the highest respect for, and cannot recommend Marissa enough! read more