ZillowVERIFIEDMelissa, was not the first person who worked with us. Actually we got her by "accident". I am a very friendly, professional but also a very intentional person; a strong type A. The first agent who worked with us was "mousy", "invasive too soon" and was unable to deliver. On a day that I was to meet with our ORIGINAL agent, the person canceled with short notice and asked if I still wanted to meet with another agent in stead. I acquiesced. Frustrated and annoyed, I showed up to the listing and Melissa was waiting for me. She was direct, pointed with her questions directed to the other agent and 'knowledgeable' about which questions to ask BEFORE I even opened my mouth to speak. I am a Veteran so I called USAA (movers advantage) and spoke with them about my concerns and my desire to work with Melissa. The first encounter with Melissa was only 15-20 minutes at most. I knew what I wanted in an agent to represent me and she was it. After the first meeting, we spoke, she asked me specific questions, found out what I was looking for in a home and helped me narrow down areas within my search. Initially, what you want in a home, where you ideally want to live and what you can afford don't always align. You have to be very realistic with what you want and what you are willing to give to a "home purchase". Even though I was very direct with what I wanted, Melissa was in-tune to what I could not see. The area for example may not have been safe. Melissa was certain to indicate that was not a safe consideration. If I wanted to do renovations, she talked to me and asked me honest questions to determine my view of REAL demolition work verses a few brush strokes of paint. Melissa and I had HONEST discussions about the home I really wanted and what my expectations were. What made Melissa stand out is that she connected with me. Being a strong type A and in my profession, I am use to being in charge - what needs to get done and how the task is executed. Melissa understood my personality and allowed me to lead when I wanted and guided me when I was unsure. As we continued the search, Melissa advised of areas that were unsafe and discussed the potential for negative resell value of homes. There was one house that we initially (actually two houses) put an offer on before we purchased our current home. That house Melissa found out was a "flip" house and the seller's realtor wasn't certain of the appraisal value of the home. I know about "flip" sales through 30-60 minute HGTV shows; that's it. Melissa talked to me and explained the downfall we may experience should we buy the house. The second house we placed an offer on... Melissa asked me frankly, "do you really want that house?" and "can you see yourself here 10, 15 years down the line?" As quickly as I wanted to move, I had to be honest with myself...my answer was "no" - that was not the house I wanted. I did not want to deal with certain features a townhouse had verses a stand alone house. These questions are necessary for a buyer to determine if "THE HOUSE" is right for them. During the process, Melissa knew when to speak to me and what to advise me about the status of the house. She held my hand at times and others, she let me 'walk alone'. While this was not my first purchase, this is the first time I walked away with a new home and a friend. Melissa is a gem and she knows, if I didn't honestly mean what I said about her, I would never write this review. She honestly cares about what your needs are above getting a commission at the close. The commission is good, but she wants to ensure you get what you deserve in the type of home you want. Thanks again Melissa.
