Melissa Guthrie

A lot of buyers look for online advise, and that is GREAT! but online advise is not location specific, what is true for one area of the country is not true in another. Real Estate is hyper local- get connected to a local expert at the beginning of your journey. They will help you develop a plan to be in the BEST position to get the right home for you! I personally have worked with buyers for as long as 5 years to help them be the strongest buyer possible and get the home of their dreams.

It is important to get an agent who will tell you the truth about YOUR market and YOUR home-I believe you need an agent who is up front about the challenges a specific home may face in the market and will give you accurate information based on experience in the marketplace. I understand that seller's are making financial decisions based on the information they are told- as I do not take that responsibility lightly. Get your agent involved early in the process- there is no point in spending money and time on updates or upgrades that will not bring you a good return.

I have worked with a wide variety of client, from selling homes that have been in the family for generations, first time sellers scared of the process, new buyers with all of the excitement of a new start, investors looking for rental or flip ROI, and out our town buyers and sellers- I have done it all! I also cover a very large area in Hamoton Roads, Gloucester, Peninsula, Southside, Smithfield, Toano- Pretty much anything in an hour radius.

I always am particularly happy when I am helping someone who has really struggled to become a homebuyer and finally make that dream a reality. One of my clients bought her first home while in her late 60's. She was so proud and I was thrilled to be part of it. I also get very excited when an out of town buyer sees the home they have already bought for the first time and simply love it! It's such a joy to help make someone's transition to the area smooth and easy!

I was a teacher for 20 years; during that time I start buying investment properties. Once my daughters went off to college- I had the time to begin a career where I could be flexible, help people, and make a real living for myself and my husband. It is because of my teaching background that I am so passionate about making sure my clients really understand the process.

I am designated as a broker, have extensive knowledge in renovation due to my own real estate investing, and as a Child of a military professional I am extremely aware of the stressors for families moving cross country.