ZillowVERIFIEDBefore buying our new home I read. I read a lot. From types of loans, to selecting the right agent, I spent time researching and making sure I would hit this process "out of the park"! Before I selected an agent I interviewed. I started with the agents who marketed the most in Whittier (we all see their signs driving through any major intersection). I had three criteria to base my decision: 1. Knowledge 2. Responsiveness 3. Integrity. For me, these are critical features of an agent. Although I read and have a good understanding of the market and process, I still needed some hand holding during the purchase of my house and boy was I glad I choose the Garcia team to be on my side during this process. To begin, Willie and Anna are extremely knowledgeable. Our initial interview with them consisted of going over the market, the process, what they will do, and establish a report (get to know us). They provided flyers, pamphlets, and did a power point presentation about the Whittier market, in particular, that had us impressed. This really set them apart. Willie knows the market and the ins-and-out of real estate. The Garcia team was EXTREMELY responsive. If I called, they answered (even to let me know they would call me back). I work late hours and Willie and Anna accommodated every call for me. If I called them at 8-10pm they would answer. Weekend? No problem. Early in the morning, "Hello Miguel." I was really impressed. I texted them equally as much as I called. They responded quickly and thoroughly. If i needed further explanation, "lets jump on a call." I felt as if I was their only client (believe me, I was not) but they really made me feel as if I had a team ready to provide support at any point during the process. Lastly, Integrity. Now as context, I came into this home buying process with a bad aftertaste. During the 2008 crash, many people I knew lost their home due to unscrupulous and unethical agents. Before I bought my home I knew the agent who I would choose had to be of integrity and I would question every move they made. The Garcia team are professionals in every sense of the word. They explained every line item in the contract, they were VERY transparent, and were always truthful. If their suggestion was one thing but I wanted to do another, they presented every offer and communicated every message to the other agent, no matter how ridiculous my request was. Not once did I question their professionalism or their integrity, rather, they are model agents with a moral compass that was validated time after time. If you've gotten to this paragraph you've figured out by now how excited and happy I am to have chosen the Garcia team as my agents. The home buying process can be nebulous and scary at times. The Garcia team shinned the light in the dark places and "held my hand" as I learned how to walk during this process. Metaphors aside, I urge you to at least call them. If you are even thinking of buying a home, give them a call. Have a talk. They will make you feel as if you were family from day one!
