Occasionally, when dealing with the first time homebuyer programs that are administered by the government or a non-profit, the process can be 'a tad bit' aggravating. However, most of the time, these are the best financing deals in town. As an agent, I have learned to keep things in perspective, remember the eventual goal, and keep calm when working on a transaction that involves these programs. And I love that my clients remembered to 'Keep Calm, and Carry On.
Here is a lovely referral from my clients- TL and ND.
When my partner and I met Atieno, I was just starting to warm up to the idea of purchasing a home—it seemed like such a big responsibility. And, we had some serious hurdles to jump: our liquid assets were minimal after paying off debts; we didn't want a lot of out-of-pocket expenses at closing to ensure we had a buffer should something go wrong; we had a price range that was a squeeze considering our very specific needs including a central location in the DuPont/Logan/U St area; my partner's wants were very different than mine, if not contradictory; and, we were scared to leave our home and neighborhood in the West End after four years of residence.
These were just some of our many concerns. Ati took on us and all of our challenges—I would be the first to say how scary it must have been. She dedicated the time up-front to learn about all of our needs and wants. As a result, the first condo on our second day out, she hit the nail on the head. She found a place on which my partner and I somehow both agreed, which lived up to our picky expectations. And, it had several bonuses: a wood burning fireplace, a courtyard, a private back patio, and an extra 250 sq ft.
When the real problems cropped up with financing(we were looking to get a complicated loan in the midst of the largest financial crisis of our lives), my partner and I were tense and frustrated trying to keep things moving along—trying to manage tight deadlines, our landlord, work responsibilities, and a week-long trip out of the country. Ati worked through our many complications and even our own meltdowns as we tried to figure it all out. It wasn't long before she kept repeating the somewhat unknown motto of King George VI during World War II, "keep calm and carry on". She lightened things up in the midst of drama, maintaining her wits, humor and calm while providing an ear to listen and words of wisdom.
In the end, it all worked out near seamlessly. The seller paid our closing costs. Through the DC Bond program Ati suggested, we were able to obtain a down payment. We kept our cash in hand. Now, just two short months from where this all started, we have settled into our gorgeous new condo in Logan. We have already begun to make it our own. Our Chihuahua puppy is enjoying the courtyard. We are looking forward to utilizing the fireplace throughout the winter and the private patio in the summer. The neighbors are friendly and welcoming. We couldn't be happier!
We have Ati to thank for changing our lives for the better. She not only walked us through the seemingly impossible process, she nudged us when we had trouble making decisions. She listened to our concerns. She made sure we were always comfortable. And, most importantly, she got us a home and investment for our future. I am pleased to consider Ati not only my agent and real estate mentor, but my friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment