Buying a first home is a big experience. Dee Southerland of Williams and Stuart Real Estate lives it every day. A broker associate at the Cranston firm, she specializes in working with first-time homebuyers.
For her work, Rhode Island Housing honored her with its Realtor of the Quarter award. The award recognizes an agent who has connected the most first-time homebuyers with the Rhode Island Housing Loan Center.
Southerland recently took some time to discuss the award and her work with first-time buyers.
PBN: How does it feel to be recognized by Rhode Island Housing?
SOUTHERLAND: I feel truly honored for being recognized by Rhode Island Housing for doing what I love to do!
Every day we work together, hand in hand, to help first time homebuyers achieve the dream of home ownership. All of the “behind the scenes” elements that we encounter day in and day out to get our buyers to the closing table takes the dedication, persistence and most importantly, the team effort put forth by both myself, and the amazing staff at Rhode Island Housing.
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PBN: What are some of the unique issues that first-time homebuyers face? How are they behaving during this economic downturn?
SOUTHERLAND: First-time homebuyers are unique, simply because they are experiencing the entire process for the first time, and they require a tremendous amount of support and guidance, both emotionally and professionally.
I must say that today’s buyers are more educated than ever, however there are many steps that are incorporated throughout the entire home buying process.
I feel that as far as the marketplace today, many buyers lack confidence with the fear of there being a “better deal” out there. And just the uncertainty of all that’s involved in buying your first home. That is why I feel it is essential for all buyers, but especially first-timers, to work with an agent who represents them exclusively and advocates on their behalf.
PBN: What’s the attraction of working with Rhode Island Housing? Couldn’t you send buyers other places for loans?
SOUTHERLAND: I could send buyers to other lending institutions, but why would I? Rhode Island Housing offers more programs and incentives to first-time homebuyers than anyone else in the marketplace.
I work directly with Sales Manager Margy Thurber and together we are the dream team. We have worked endlessly to place these buyers in homes, when most people would have left them behind.
Because of programs like the First Homes 100 and First Homes 100 Plus, and the Closing Cost Assistance Loan, buyers who would not be able to obtain traditional financing still have a shot at home ownership. Rhode Island Housing is the only game in town that can offer these income qualified incentives.
PBN: Buying your first home is generally considered a stressful experience. How do you help homeowners manage the stress? How do you manage the stress of helping so many people with such a big decision?
SOUTHERLAND: I consider this a beautiful stress that I share with all of my buyers. I am fully emerged into the transaction with my buyers, sharing, and filtering the stresses as they come down the pike.
Nothing worthwhile is easy, and buying your first home is no exception. There is a collision of excitement and stress from the day you go out on your first house-hunt until the day you sign the closing documents and get the keys.
It is a privilege and a huge responsibility to take on the biggest financial decision of a person’s life, and one that I take very seriously. I have experienced many a sleepless night awaiting an accepted offer, right along side my buyer. I always maintain control of the emotions and then guide the buyer safely to the closing table.
PBN: After the deal closes, do you find yourself emotionally connected to the experience?
SOUTHERLAND: Of course. How could you not be? I have been part of “the experience” and the journey from the beginning. Everyone remembers buying their first home; it is a marquee moment, a special time where people have hope and joy.
It is so rewarding working with first-time homebuyers for this reason. I have been to weddings, celebrated births, been invited to cookouts in the backyard, and have always been appreciated by my buyers, long after the deal is done and that is why I love what I do.
