Blog Layout

Your Real Estate BFF

Carol Riggles • May 31, 2022

Who is the Best Friend of a Home Buyer?

Your Real Estate Agent

From the moment you become qualified by a lender for a mortgage, your real estate agent takes you by the hand and guides you through the entire process of finding and purchasing the perfect home for you and your family. 

Here is what you can expect from your agent: 

• Become completely familiar with your needs, wants and budget 

• Send listings to you that fit your needs 

• Set up showings for homes that you are interested in looking at 

• When you are ready to make an offer, your agent should help you to determine what the offer should be based on your budget and knowledge of the current market 

• Write up contract offer that fully protects you if you need to cancel based on inspections 

• Schedule and coordinate all required inspections 

• Help you choose a settlement company 

• Schedule and attend final walk-thru before settlement 

• Attend settlement to make sure all paperwork matches contract agreement 

 

Oftentimes, this relationship can span over the course of an entire year and can involve a lot of stress and heartbreak.  A great agent, like a great friend, will understand what an emotional roller coaster ride buying a home can be, especially if it is your first time. 


Choosing the right agent is essential so here are some tips from industry experts: (Excerpted from www.forbes.com) 

 

Choose The Person, Not The Experience 

“I am a firm believer in choosing an agent who works for you and with you. Don't choose an agent based solely on experience. Although it’s good to have, it's not everything. You will be spending a lot of time with that agent and you need to mesh. Choose someone relatable and real. Choose for you, not for the house. Choose someone good at talking and negotiating.” 

 

Remember Chemistry Is Key 

“It's best to interview at least three agents before picking the one you work with. Focus on neighborhood expertise; look for hyperlocal. Ask yourself, "Is their marketing about them or their properties?" Also, can you trust them, are they honest? Chemistry is the key.” 

 

Find Someone Who Has Your Best Interests At Heart 

“Ask yourself, "Does my real estate agent have my best interests at heart?" Be honest and transparent about what you’re looking for, and if an agent isn’t bringing you the right options, it’s likely they aren’t looking for houses for you but rather to benefit themselves. Ask questions upfront and don’t be afraid to move on to someone else if the relationship doesn’t feel right.” 

 

Go With Your Gut Feeling 

“Your brain uses logic and emotion when making a decision, and that specific feeling you get when doing so is your intuition — your gut feeling. If you're interviewing a real estate agent for the job, first look to see that they do a lot of business and have a lot of raving fans. Second, go with your gut feeling. If it feels right, he's the guy or gal for the job.” 

 

Find An Agent You Can Trust 

“As the client, you begin the dialogue — but pay close attention to the agent or broker and how he/she listens and asks YOU questions. Most successful agents have access to the technology it takes to find options for purchase, but it takes a human being to understand and work to achieve your specific goals. Take time to find a human you respect and trust.” 

 

Find A Compassionate Agent Who Understands You 

“Let’s face it — buying a house is a stressful task, especially if you are facing a divorce, having a baby, mourning the death of a spouse, etc. You need an agent who is patient with you and your circumstances. Interview an agent or broker and see if they have the same emotions, outlook on life, personality, as you do.” 

 

Seek Clear Lines Of Communication 

“First and foremost, you need to feel completely comfortable talking and communicating with the real estate agent. If it feels awkward or if there is undue pressure placed on you by a real estate agent, this is not the right fit.” 

 

Seek Referrals From Other Homeowners 

“Despite the technology that seems to take over much of the searching for a home, the right real estate agent is still a human-to-human choice. Referral is best. There's no bigger compliment to an agent than a referral from a past client. Ask homeowners who they would recommend. If you know the area you want to purchase in or sell your home in, there will be an expert in that area.” 

 

This last recommendation is my favorite!  IHA’s Purchase Repair Homeownership Program has been around since 2012, and two agents have really stepped up and embraced the program and the low-income clients that qualify. 


Kelly Losquadro has been working with our clients since 2014 and has successfully helped 22 of them become homeowners! 


Here is what they have to say about Kelly: 

“Kelly Losquadro is absolutely the best realtor and best to have when purchasing a home through the program. She knows all the ins and outs about the program. I loved everything about her from her bubbly personality to listening to what her client was looking for and finding that perfect home. I still feel that I didn’t thank her enough! Awesome lady to say the least and we are so in love with our forever home that she went to bat for me!” 


“Kelly Losquadro can best be described as wonderful in every way. She Is extremely knowledgeable and is highly motivated to do everything she can possibly do for her client. As a first time home buyer, I simply cannot imagine having to going through the entire process without her. I highly recommend Kelly and am certainly hoping to work with her again in the future.”

  

“I can’t say enough good things about Kelly. She is awesome she listens to her clients and goes out of her way to make sure she finds the very best for them. She is such a sweetheart and I always recommend her to anyone that is looking for an agent. And I always tell them if you want someone who listens and is understanding and goes the extra mile you want Kelly. When I go to sell my home it will be with Kelly hands down.” 


Just  

Love Kelly  

Thank you 😊  

Patricia Galloway purchased her home through our program in 2014, then began volunteering with IHA to help others achieve the same goal.  Patricia was so enamored with the program she decided to become a real estate agent herself and has helped 11 of our clients purchase a home. 


Here is what our clients have to say about Patricia: 

“Patricia was very professional during the whole process of buying my home. Always looking after me, very respectful, punctual, it felt like she was the one buying her own home, very invested in my case. I’m forever grateful with Patricia and IHA, for helping me getting my own house.  I 100% recommend Patricia!!!” 


“Patricia is so easy to work with and she really listens to her client's needs.” 


“I would like to share why Patricia was amazing!  First of all from the moment I reached out to her she was attentive supportive and professional.  Before we went to look at any homes she sent me a portal of available homes based on my preference.  She was extremely knowledgeable about the homes that were in my preference and I could call at almost any time and ask any questions about the homes we looked at or were planning to look at.  Her schedule was extremely versatile.  What I appreciated most is how patient and calm she was!  When I was anxious and nervous she did her best to try and explain what was going on in the house buying process. She also told me to make sure I love the house because I was the one who’s got to live in it … All in all, Ms. Patricia Galloway was amazing and for sure a pleasure to work with and would recommend to anyone!!!!!” 

Together, these two incredible agents have served 30% of our Purchase Repair Homeownership Program home buyers! 

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Community Impact

By Cole Larkins • December 4, 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, IHA reflects on our continued commitment to making homeownership attainable and affordable for families at or below a median income. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and impactful community partnerships. A Personal Note from Cole Larkins I joined IHA as the Frederick County Property Manager just over a year ago, bringing with me a diverse background in property and portfolio management, residential mortgage finance, and entrepreneurship. Following a pivotal moment in my life in late 2021, I chose to leave a successful career in Baltimore’s finance sector to pursue a path that aligned more deeply with my faith and values—a path focused on uplifting others and creating meaningful change. This journey led me to IHA, where I have found profound fulfillment in serving our community and advancing our mission of affordable housing and homeownership. Celebrating the New Homeownership Program For more than a decade, IHA’s purchase & repair program has been a cornerstone of affordable homeownership in our region. In 2024, we have worked to sustain the availability of USDA-funded direct loans while also broadening our lending capacity within USDA guidelines. These efforts are designed to expand the scope of our services, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our communities. We very much look forward to our continued facilitation of USDA loans in 2025. We are also thrilled to announce a new initiative aimed at pairing households with community banks, lenders, and other resources outside the scope of USDA funding. This expansion reflects our commitment to empowering families with diverse financing options and creating pathways to sustainable homeownership. Community Partnerships Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. A special thanks to Danielle Adams of the Frederick County Building Industry Association for her invaluable support in fostering connections with local financial institutions. Dani’s efforts, alongside those of our community partners, have been instrumental in advancing affordable homeownership. We also extend our gratitude to the following community partners and their team members:  Woodsboro Bank: Richard Ohnmacht, Thomas Ramsay, and Erin E. Dietrich Patriot Federal Credit Union: Tricia Wareham Sandy Spring Bank: Kelly Vita and Houston Darling ACNB: Art Rathell Nymeo Federal Credit Union: Gwen Farrell, Marie Zinnert, and Jason Ambrose MLend: Chuck Via Building the Future Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities for new housing developments and deeper collaborations with regional nonprofits who share our mission of affordable homeownership. Technological advancements are also driving our efforts, as we fully integrate Salesforce and AI into our administrative processes to better serve our clients and community. An Entire Team Effort – Thank You Team! Our success reflects the dedication and collaboration of our incredible team: Program Leadership & Team: I am grateful for the guidance of Jodie Ostoich, our President and CEO, Rachel Gardner, our Programs and Grants Director, and Lacy Allen, our Financial Health and Digital Engagement Manager. Their leadership inspires our mission and fuels our success particularly in the homeownership program. Finance Leadership & Team: A special thank-you to Anna Rini and her exceptional team for their expertise and support throughout my transition into the homeownership program. Technical Assistance Partners: Frank Datillo and Jill Lordan of NeighborGood Partners have provided invaluable expert guidance, helping us navigate and strengthen our programs. Property Management Leadership & Team: Crystal Thomas and her team have done an outstanding job at the Residences at Railroad Square in Brunswick, MD, ensuring families have a beautiful place to call home. Their hard work and collaboration have helped me grow and thrive at IHA. A Season of Gratitude As I celebrate my first anniversary at IHA, which I marked on November 14, 2024, I feel immense pride and gratitude for the work we have accomplished together. This year has been a true labor of love, and I look forward to the continued growth and impact we will achieve in the years ahead. From all of us at IHA, we wish you a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous holiday season and new year. Warm regards, Cole Larkins Homeownership Program Manager

Financial Freedom Bootcamp – December 2024

By Lacy Ames • December 4, 2024
Are you ready to take charge of your finances and kickstart 2025 with confidence? Starting this January, the Financial Freedom Bootcamp offers a practical, hands-on workshop designed to help you master budgeting, grow your savings, reduce debt, and set achievable financial goals. This program is perfect for anyone looking to make smarter money decisions and build a brighter financial future. The Financial Freedom Bootcamp was developed to revitalize our previous program, Prescription for Financial Health, which was offered via Facebook groups during the onset of COVID. In its earlier format, the workshop operated in person over three months with small working groups. This updated program condenses the same valuable knowledge into a shorter time frame, making it m ore accessible and efficient. Additionally, the new format brings clients back together for hands-on activities and in-person conversations, creating a more engaging and interactive learning experience. Whether you’re new to financial literacy or revisiting your goals, the Bootcamp is a fresh, modern way to take charge of your finances. The Bootcamp begins with Part 1, the Budget & Savings Workshop, held in person on January 8th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Part 2, the Optional Credit Café Workshop, will be held virtually on Zoom on January 15th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Part 3, the Debt Reduction & Goal Setting Workshop, returns in person on January 15th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Finally, Part 4 is a 6-Month Progress Meeting, held virtually on Zoom at a time that works for you, where you’ll review your progress and update your financial plans. Participants in the Bootcamp will gain valuable skills to create and stick to personalized budgets, discover strategies to save effectively, master techniques for debt reduction, and set meaningful financial goals. Plus, everyone will receive a toolkit of worksheets, apps, and virtual resources to keep them on track long after the workshop ends. Registration is required and is completed entirely online. To secure your spot, contact Lacy Allen by emailing Lames@interfaithhousing.org or calling/texting 301-818-5606. Spots are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to transform your financial future. Get ready to take control of your finances and start 2025 on the right foot!

Winter Newsletter Grant Updates

By Rachel Gardner • December 4, 2024
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce 6 funding awards received this quarter from community partners. In August 2024, IHA was awarded a grant by the Ausherman Family Foundation. This 2:1 matching grant will match up to $30,000 in donations raised from community members and IHA’s Board of Directors during our 2024 annual appeal. Funds will support the full range of IHA’s services and programming. In September 2024, IHA was awarded a $30,000 Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This grant supports the continued rehabilitation of IHA’s Weinberg House. This 23-unit affordable rental community in Frederick, MD was originally built in 1994 and houses senior members of our community ages 62 and older with low to moderate income. The rehabilitation project includes upgrades to heating, appliances, plumbing, drywall, flooring, lighting, cabinets, and countertops. In October 2024, IHA received a $1,722 donor-advised grant from T. Rowe Price. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the communities we serve. In November 2024, IHA was awarded a $125,000 grant by Morgan Stanley. This grant supports IHA in its ongoing quest to create and provide affordable housing opportunities for LMI community members. It also allows IHA to continue supporting community members through our Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, which offer individualized and group programming through workshops and access to homeownership opportunities. IHA also received two funding awards in support of its Credit Café program. IHA’s $10,000 application to participate in United Way of Frederick County’s Annual Unity Campaign was approved. This approval will enable IHA to participate in the Spring 2025 Unity Campaign alongside other local nonprofit organizations to collectively raise funds in the Frederick County community. IHA also received a $1,300 Community Grant from the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek (RCCC). Credit Café promotes financial stability among LMI households through group credit education and free, individualized credit advising. Participants partner with a financial coach to create a strategic plan to either build, boost, or improve their report.
Show More
Share by: