Joshua Harold

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you do not know where to start. One of the most important first steps is understanding your budget. This means looking beyond just the purchase price and considering your monthly payment, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Getting pre-approved with a lender early on helps set realistic expectations and gives you confidence when you begin shopping. It is also important to focus on your needs, not just your wants. Your first home does not have to be perfect. Think about things that are hard or expensive to change, such as location, lot size, and overall layout. Cosmetic items like paint, flooring, or light fixtures can often be updated over time, but the right location and a functional floor plan will matter for years to come. Another key piece of advice is to surround yourself with the right professionals. A knowledgeable real estate agent and a trusted lender can help guide you through inspections, negotiations, and paperwork while protecting your interests. Do not be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. This is a major financial decision, and understanding the process will help you feel more confident every step of the way. Finally, remember that buying a home is a long-term decision, not a short-term win. Markets go up and down, but purchasing a home you can comfortably afford and plan to live in for several years is usually a smart move. Stay patient, trust the process, and keep your goals in mind. Your first home is not just a purchase, it is the foundation for your next chapter.

When selling a home, first impressions matter more than many sellers realize. Taking time to declutter, clean thoroughly, and make small repairs can significantly impact how buyers perceive your property. Simple improvements like fresh paint, updated lighting, and well-maintained landscaping can help your home feel move-in ready and attract stronger offers. Pricing your home correctly from the start is also critical. An experienced real estate agent can analyze the local market and help you set a price that attracts buyers while maximizing your return. Overpricing often leads to longer days on the market and price reductions, while a well-priced home creates urgency and competition. With the right preparation, pricing strategy, and professional guidance, you can sell your home smoothly and with confidence.

Commercial, seasoned investors, farm, land, single family housing

One transaction that really stands out to me happened recently with a young family buying their first home. They had been looking for months, losing out on a couple of houses, and were starting to feel discouraged. When the right one finally came on the market, we moved quickly, wrote a strong but fair offer, and navigated a few inspection hurdles that could have easily derailed the deal. Watching their stress turn into excitement at the closing table reminded me why I love this business. What made it especially meaningful was how everything came together at the end. The sellers appreciated the professionalism of the process, the buyers felt informed and protected every step of the way, and the closing was smooth for everyone involved. It was one of those transactions where you walk away knowing you helped people move into the next chapter of their lives, and that never gets old.

I have always had a fondness for real estate. Back in the 2010s, I purchased a multifamily property as an investment, and that experience sparked a deeper interest than I ever expected. At the time, I was working in the structural engineering field for heavy industry and later transitioned into a sales engineer role for a manufacturing company. Real estate started as an investment on the side, but it slowly became something I found myself drawn to more and more. Then COVID hit, and like it did for so many people, the world seemed to stand still. After 15 years in engineering, I was burnt out, tired, and knew I needed a change. A family member made a simple suggestion that changed everything: if I enjoyed real estate that much, why not go sell it? I decided to take the leap, earned my real estate license, and quickly realized I had found my stride. My background in construction and engineering became a major advantage. I was able to clearly explain homes, systems, and potential concerns in a way that helped clients feel informed and confident. Before long, I rose to become a top producer in the area. That momentum led me to earn my broker’s license, and eventually, I partnered with another top agent to purchase the brokerage where I had started. That journey has led me to where I am today, helping clients navigate real estate with experience, clarity, and confidence. Being the Broker in Charge, I am fulfilled by helping other agents achieve success in an ever changing real estate industry.