Westey Adams LaPlante

If I were answering this as a Realtor serving Wake and Johnston Counties, I would say: > **My biggest piece of advice is to prepare before you start shopping.** Meet with a trusted local lender, understand your budget, and have your financing in place so you're ready to act when the right home comes along. The market in Wake and Johnston Counties is still competitive in many price points, but buyers have more choices than they did a few years ago. That means you don't have to rush into a home that isn't the right fit—but you do need to be ready when you find one you love. I also encourage buyers to: * **Focus on monthly affordability, not just the purchase price.** Consider taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and maintenance costs. * **Keep an open mind.** Sometimes the perfect home is in a neighborhood you hadn't considered or needs a few cosmetic updates. * **Don't skip inspections.** Even beautiful homes can have hidden issues, and an inspection provides valuable information before making one of the biggest investments of your life. * **Work with a local expert.** Every market is different, and having someone who understands pricing trends, neighborhoods, and negotiation strategies in Wake and Johnston Counties can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Most importantly, remember that buying a home is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, trust the process, and don't settle for a home that doesn't meet your long-term goals.

As a Realtor serving Wake and Johnston Counties, my advice to sellers is: > **Price your home based on today's market—not yesterday's.** Buyers are more informed than ever, and the homes that are priced correctly from day one tend to generate the most interest and often sell for the best possible price. I also encourage sellers to: * **Make a great first impression.** Declutter, deep clean, touch up paint, and enhance curb appeal before the home hits the market. Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within minutes of walking in. * **Invest in professional marketing.** High-quality photography, video, and a strong online presence are essential since most buyers start their home search online. * **Be prepared for showings.** The more available your home is, the more buyers can see it, increasing your chances of receiving strong offers. * **Listen to market feedback.** If your home isn't getting showings or offers after the first couple of weeks, it may be time to reevaluate the pricing or presentation strategy. * **Choose an agent who has a clear marketing plan and communicates consistently.** Selling a home isn't just about putting a sign in the yard—it's about strategic pricing, expert negotiation, and proactive marketing from start to finish. The goal isn't simply to get your home sold—it's to position it to attract the right buyers, maximize your return, and help you move on to your next chapter with confidence.

Throughout my real estate career, I've had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients, each with unique goals and circumstances. I've helped: * **First-time homebuyers** navigate the buying process with confidence, understand financing options, and achieve the dream of homeownership. * **Move-up buyers** who have outgrown their current home and are looking for more space, better amenities, or a different lifestyle. * **Empty nesters and downsizing sellers** who are ready for their next chapter and want to simplify while maximizing the value of their current home. * **Home sellers** who are relocating, changing life stages, or simply looking to capitalize on the market with a strategic pricing and marketing plan. * **Relocating clients** moving into or out of the Wake and Johnston County areas, helping make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. * **Military families**, understanding the unique timelines, PCS moves, and benefits available through military homeownership programs. No matter the client's situation, my goal is always the same: to provide honest guidance, clear communication, and a personalized strategy that helps them achieve their real estate goals with confidence.

One transaction that will always stand out to me involved helping a widow who felt trapped in her home because she had taken out a reverse mortgage. She was worried she wouldn't have enough equity to sell and feared she might lose everything she had worked so hard for. After carefully reviewing her situation and developing a strategy, we successfully sold her home without her losing money. Even better, the proceeds allowed her to purchase a smaller home that better fit her needs—and she was able to buy it **with cash**, eliminating a monthly mortgage payment. For me, that transaction wasn't just about closing a sale. It was about giving someone peace of mind, financial security, and the opportunity to start a new chapter with confidence. Seeing the relief on her face at the closing table is something I'll never forget and is a reminder of why I love what I do.

I got started in real estate after spending more than 20 years in the food and beverage industry, most recently serving as the Food & Beverage Director at a military base. I truly loved working with the military community and organizing events that brought people together, but after two decades in the industry, I was feeling burned out and knew it was time for a new challenge. One day, on my drive home, I saw a sign about becoming a Realtor. I decided to stop in and speak with the Broker-in-Charge, and that conversation changed the course of my career. She believed in me, hired me, and I earned my real estate license. What made the transition even more meaningful was that I was still able to serve the military community I cared so much about—just in a different way. I helped service members and their families understand their VA loan benefits and guided them through buying and selling homes as they PCS'd into or out of the area. That experience taught me that real estate is about so much more than transactions. It's about helping people through major life transitions and giving them the knowledge and confidence to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. That passion continues to drive me every day.

I have a **Bachelor of Science in Business**, which has given me a strong foundation in finance, marketing, negotiation, and strategic planning. Combined with more than **30 years of customer service experience**, I've learned that success isn't just about the transaction—it's about building relationships, communicating clearly, and truly understanding each client's unique needs. In addition to my education and experience, I've earned several professional certifications and designations that allow me to better serve my clients, including: * **Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)** – Specialized training in representing and advocating for homebuyers. * **Military Relocation Professional (MRP)** – Expertise in helping active-duty military members, veterans, and their families navigate relocations and maximize their VA benefits. * **Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®)** – Knowledge to assist homeowners facing financial hardship or distressed property situations. * **Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist (CREDS)** – Training to guide clients through the complexities of buying or selling a home during divorce. * **Certified Mortgage Originator Expert (CMOE)** – Advanced understanding of mortgage financing and lending practices to better educate and support clients. * **e-PRO® Certification** – Specialized training in digital marketing, technology, and online real estate practices. * **ALLY Certification** – Focused on promoting inclusivity and ensuring every client receives respectful, equitable service. I believe education should never stop. By continuing to invest in professional development, I'm able to provide my clients with knowledgeable guidance, creative solutions, and a higher level of service throughout every step of their real estate journey.