I remember when I wanted to buy a house but was not exactly sure how to go about it. There was no internet to begin researching the home buying process. At that time, there really wasn't a home buying process. Buyer agency did not exist; all real estate agents represented the seller. I was pretty sure that if I called a real estate agent they would try to sell me any house they could. At the time, that was probably true - still is of some agents.
This was before cell phones were invented so I would write down the number on the sign and wait until I got home or to work. Then I would take out the piece of paper with the address and phone number and look at it. My hands would actually sweat just thinking about dialing the phone to talk to a real estate agent.
I couldn't bring myself to make the call...for years. LOL I know this may sound crazy but I really didn't like sales people. Most of my friends were in the medical or legal profession. A few were pilots. There were a couple of acquaintances who were in sales but not real estate sales. I would have felt better if I had some information about houses and this mysterious ritual called "Closing" - what an odd term. It sounded kind of final.
My parents weren't a lot of help. Both of my parents were wonderful people but neither really had the background to teach me about finances, business transactions, building wealth or house values. Dad was in the Air Force for 20+ years so I had grown up on base housing provided by the military. Mom was from Dublin, Ireland and told me more about the way things were done in Ireland than here in the U.S.
I finally started buying houses in my 30's. It was a trial by error experience. If only I had had a mentor. If I knew then what I know now... LOL Experience is a great teacher but it's certainly easier on a person to learn from someone else's mistakes than our own.
Long story short: I bought and sold a few houses and commercial properties. Rehabbed a few. Learned more about plumbing than I ever want to practice IRL again. Learned the pitfalls of financing the wrong property the wrong way. Learned that not all real estate agents are the same. Learned that not all mortgage lenders and title companies are the same. Learned what's worth paying more for and what I don't need to pay for at all. Learned about ROI, income and equity. Learned to turn the power off at the breaker before replacing electrical outlets.
During these years, I also learned that I love architecture. That and the 'discovery' that my hobby could actually produce more income than my 'real job' lead me to go back to school for my real estate license. Yes, I am now the real estate agent that I once feared. Well, not exactly... I am the real estate agent that I wish had been there for me when I was just starting out.
The one to help me sort through the houses for sale and decide which one would best meet my needs. The one who would show me the really good deals. The one who would tell me how to go through the buying process. The one who would help me figure out how to finance the purchase of the house. The one who would give me the information I need to make wise decisions in real estate transactions. The one to help me build my real estate empire so that I could afford not to work if I choose.
So, that's why I do what I do.
Maria
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Kansas City Architecture is fascinating in its variety and history. From the early days when Westport was but a trading post, to the development of the Plaza, to the latest in green building techniques, Kansas City is rich in architectural style both old and new.
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Whatever it is that you need in real estate, I'm here to help! Just call when you're ready to take the next step. - Maria Morton 816.560.3758
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