Lakia Mack

If you're a buyer trying to purchase a home, here are some key pieces of advice to guide you through the process: 1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Why: It shows sellers you're a serious buyer, helps define your budget, and speeds up the offer process. Tip: Shop around for mortgage rates to ensure you get the best deal possible. 2. Define Your Budget Why: Knowing how much you can afford prevents overstretching your finances. Tip: Include not only the mortgage payments but also other costs like property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintenance. 3. Research the Neighborhood Why: Location is critical to your home’s future value and your lifestyle. Consider safety, schools, and amenities. Tip: Visit the area at different times of the day and week to get a feel for the neighborhood. 4. Know Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves Why: This helps narrow down options and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Tip: Create a list and rank them in order of priority, focusing on things that can’t be easily changed, like location and layout. 5. Work with a Real Estate Agent Why: A knowledgeable agent can help navigate the market, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you don’t miss any important details. Tip: Make sure the agent understands your needs and has experience in the area you want to buy. 6. Get a Home Inspection Why: An inspection will uncover any issues with the home, saving you from costly repairs later. Tip: Don’t skip this step, even if you're tempted, especially in a competitive market. 7. Be Ready to Act Fast Why: In competitive markets, homes sell quickly. Being prepared allows you to move swiftly when you find the right property. Tip: Have your financing and documentation ready to make an offer immediately. 8. Don’t Skip the Fine Print Why: The details of your contract, including contingencies, can protect you if anything goes wrong (e.g., financing falls through, or inspection reveals serious issues). Tip: Rely on your agent and attorney (if applicable) to help review the contract. 9. Factor in Closing Costs Why: Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount, and they can add up quickly. Tip: Ask your lender for a detailed breakdown of closing costs to avoid surprises. 10. Be Patient Why: Buying a home is a significant investment, and the process can sometimes take longer than expected. Tip: Avoid rushing into decisions due to pressure; trust the process, and wait for the right home that fits your needs. By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the home-buying process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.

If you're a seller trying to sell your home, here are some key pieces of advice to help you maximize your sale price and sell efficiently: 1. Price Your Home Right Why: Overpricing can turn away buyers, while underpricing can leave money on the table. Tip: Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to price your home competitively based on local sales of similar homes. 2. Boost Curb Appeal Why: First impressions are critical. Buyers often make snap judgments based on a home's exterior. Tip: Simple upgrades like landscaping, fresh paint, and a well-maintained lawn can make a big difference. 3. Declutter and Stage Your Home Why: Buyers want to envision themselves in the space. A clean, neutral, and well-arranged home can help with that. Tip: Remove personal items and excessive furniture to make the home feel spacious. Consider hiring a professional stager if needed. 4. Make Minor Repairs and Updates Why: Small problems can give the impression that the home isn’t well cared for, even if they’re easy to fix. Tip: Fix leaky faucets, replace outdated light fixtures, and repaint rooms in neutral colors. These small upgrades can enhance the home’s appeal without major expenses. 5. Hire a Great Real Estate Agent Why: An experienced agent will help with pricing, marketing, and negotiating offers to get you the best deal. Tip: Look for agents with a track record of selling homes in your area and ask for a detailed marketing plan. 6. Use Professional Photography Why: The vast majority of buyers begin their home search online, and high-quality photos can make your listing stand out. Tip: Hire a professional photographer to capture your home in the best light, showcasing its features and layout. 7. Market Your Home Effectively Why: Reaching the right audience is key to selling quickly and at a good price. Tip: Ensure your agent uses multiple platforms, including online listings (Zillow, Realtor.com), social media, and traditional methods like open houses and flyers. 8. Be Flexible with Showings Why: The more people who see your home, the more likely you are to get offers. Inconvenient showing schedules can reduce buyer interest. Tip: Be accommodating with viewing times, even if it means allowing evening or weekend showings. 9. Prepare for Negotiations Why: Buyers will likely negotiate on price, closing costs, and repairs. Being prepared can help you get the best deal without delays. Tip: Know your bottom line in advance, and be willing to compromise on smaller issues to keep the deal moving forward. 10. Have Realistic Expectations Why: The market can be unpredictable. Setting realistic goals about pricing, time on market, and buyer demands will reduce stress and make the process smoother. Tip: Discuss the current market trends with your agent to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect. 11. Disclose Everything Why: Transparency is crucial in preventing legal issues down the line. Failing to disclose known issues can lead to a failed sale or lawsuits. Tip: Provide full disclosure of any known issues with the property, such as structural problems or past repairs. 12. Consider Timing Why: The real estate market fluctuates throughout the year. Selling at the right time can help you get a better price and sell faster. Tip: Typically, spring and summer are strong selling seasons, but it’s important to factor in local market conditions as well. By following these tips, you’ll position your home to sell more quickly and for the best possible price.

As an investor turned Realtor, I have worked with investors who are interested in flipping properties. I have also worked with first-time homebuyers and others who are selling their homes.

I am currently working with a first-time homebuyer who is excited to be in her home before the holidays. I matched her with the perfect lender who made the process stress-free and seamless. The joy I have experienced with this transaction is indescribable.

I got started in real estate in 2016 as a real estate investor. This gave me experience with property acquisition, market analysis, and investment strategies. After gaining years of hands-on knowledge as an investor, I expanded my expertise and became a real estate agent, officially entering the world of real estate sales and transactions. This transition allowed me to leverage my background in investing to help others buy and sell homes, bringing both practical experience and market insights to my role as an agent.

I have a combination of education and experience that greatly benefits my clients: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology – This education helps me understand clients' motivations, needs, and behaviors, which is invaluable in negotiations, relationship building, and customer service. Paralegal Experience – With decades of experience as a paralegal and operating my own paralegal business for 10 of those years, I am well-versed in legal documentation, contracts, and attention to detail, which is crucial in real estate transactions. My understanding of legal processes ensures that my clients' contracts and agreements are handled with precision. Mediation and Arbitration Expertise – My mediation and arbitration experience equips me with strong negotiation skills, allowing me to advocate for my clients and help resolve conflicts that may arise during real estate deals. Real Estate Investor Experience – Since I have been a real estate investor since 2016, I bring practical knowledge of market trends, property valuation, and investment strategies, which can greatly benefit my clients who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in property. My diverse education and training provide a comprehensive skill set that helps me guide clients through the complexities of real estate transactions, from legal considerations to market strategy and emotional decision-making.