Ask an Agent

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On Windermere’s “Ask An Agent” Instagram Live series, radio personality and Windermere client Carla Marie talks with our agents about all things real estate, answering audience questions to simplify the complexities of home ownership.

Episode 1: Jessica James – Watch it here

The agent-client duo of Jessica James and Carla Marie kicked off Our Ask An Agent Instagram Live series on August 4, 2020. Jessica worked with Carla Marie last year to buy her first home. Recounting their experience working together, Carla Marie addressed her concerns heading into her home purchase and touched on the balance of knowing what you want in a home but staying openminded. They also talked through the common misconception that a down payment must be 20% of the home’s price and how talking through options with your lender can lead you to a monthly payment you’re comfortable with.   

Episode 2: Ashley Abolafia – Watch it here

On the second episode of Ask An Agent, our own Ashley Abolafia brought both her real estate expertise and financial background to the table. Their conversation began with a common homebuying inquiry—If I want to buy a home, where do I start? “Pre-approval, pre-approval, pre-approval. A house can go from a blessing to a curse really fast if you don’t honor the financial constraints that work for you,” said Abolafia. A timely discussion followed about how changes to employment and credit scores during the COVID-19 pandemic play into homebuying strategies.

Episode 3: Gervon Simon – Watch it here

The most recent Ask An Agent episode saw Carla Marie in conversation with Gervon Simon, whose interest in real estate began during his Junior year at West Point Academy, and whose first days as an agent were when he was still on active duty in the Army. Although his real estate knowledge is far-ranging, Gervon specializes in educating his clients on the use of VA loans. “Not only are the VA loan rates lower than conventional mortgage rates, but there is zero down payment on the purchase price and there is no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance),” Simon explained. The dialogue shifted to questions about when to get in touch with a lender during the home buying process. Carla Marie expanded on this by discussing the benefits of working with an agent and lender who know and trust each other.

The second half of the Ask An Agent series will be back this fall with new Windermere agents, new questions, and new discoveries about all things home ownership. Follow our Instagram page (@Windermere) for updates on future episodes and follow Carla Marie (@thecarlamarie) to watch any episodes you may have missed.