Lakyyah Holmes

The first step I always recommend to any buyer is to speak with a lender and set up a solid game plan. If you’re financing, you’ll want to get pre-approved as soon as possible — that shows sellers you’re serious and helps guide your budget. If you’re buying with cash, make sure you have proof of funds ready to go. Once that’s in place, the next step is finding the right real estate agent. Don’t be afraid to interview agents and be clear about your goals, preferences, and expectations. It’s important to build a strong relationship and set boundaries so that both you and your agent are on the same page throughout the entire process. When you have the right team in place, the home-buying experience becomes much smoother and more rewarding.

My advice to any seller would be to speak with a real estate professional before making any major decisions — even if you’re considering going the For Sale By Owner route. Many sellers attempt to list their home on their own, but often end up turning to an agent for support down the line. The first step should be getting a clear understanding of your home’s market value. A real estate agent can provide a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you price your home accurately based on recent sales and market trends. This is crucial to attracting serious buyers and avoiding price reductions later. Once you’ve reviewed the numbers and understand what you’re likely to net, the next step is discussing the marketing strategy. A qualified agent will know how to position your home to reach the right audience and generate strong interest through professional marketing tools, MLS exposure, online platforms, and more. Even if you ultimately decide to sell on your own, getting expert insight from the start can help you make smarter, more confident decisions throughout the process.

I primarily work with first-time homebuyers and people who are curious about how to begin the home-buying process. I truly enjoy educating buyers and helping them feel confident and informed every step of the way. I also work with For Sale By Owners, offering guidance and support to help them navigate the market more effectively — whether they decide to list with an agent or not. New construction is another area I really enjoy, especially helping buyers understand the builder process and incentives. I’m also starting to work more with clients who are relocating to Florida and need someone they can trust on the ground to guide them through the transition. While I plan to branch into the luxury market in the future, my current niche is helping first-time buyers and relocation clients find their perfect place to call home.

One of the transactions I’m most proud of was helping my mother become a homeowner in 2025. The experience was incredibly special — not only because I was able to guide her through the entire process, but because we found a home that was truly perfect for her. Seeing her close on her dream home, knowing I played a key role in making that happen, was unforgettable. It reminded me why I do what I do — helping people reach goals they once thought were out of reach. Not everyone gets to say they helped their own mother become a homeowner, and I’ll carry that experience with me throughout my entire real estate career.

I’ve always had a strong interest in real estate — even before I became an agent, I found myself fascinated by how homes are built, how neighborhoods develop, and how people find the right place to call home. I loved looking at interiors, exteriors, market data, and just learning about the process of buying and moving into a home. Eventually, I decided to stop watching from the sidelines and turn that curiosity into a career. I took the leap, got licensed, and never looked back. Now I get to help others navigate the journey I’ve always admired — and I truly love what I do.

While I may not come from a traditional real estate background, I bring years of experience working in customer service and call centers — and that has shaped how I serve my clients in a powerful way. In that field, I learned the importance of truly listening to people, understanding their needs, and putting their goals above my own. I approach every client relationship with that same mindset. My job isn’t just to open doors — it’s to be the person they can trust to solve problems, guide them through challenges, and make them feel supported every step of the way. I want my clients to walk away feeling like their needs were heard, their questions were answered, and their best interest was always the priority.