Before becoming a full-time real estate associate, I spent over 4 years originating loans, the majority of that time with HomeFirst Mortgage - a lender/broker licensed to originate in 25 States and the District of Columbia.  It is based in Alexandria, VA and has 6 satellite offices.

I began working with HFM in Dec 2003 while in Northern Virginia.  Most of us LOs work virtual office so in late 2004 I packed my bags and moved to South Florida with my girlfriend and we do not regret our decision.  Other than occasional hurricanes, we enjoy  the great weather.

Upon arriving here I went through the Floridian rite of passage:  obtained my Real Estate License.  Who in Florida does not have one of those?  There are probably more licensed agents than there are licensed drivers.  I originally earned mine for the purpose of investing and to get a finger on the pulse of South Florida real estate.  But now I've made the transition to real estate. 

Given the professional and highly ethical nature of HomeFirst Mortgage, I have not given up loan origination, I've merely cut back in order to focus on real estate.  I originate exclusively for Frankly Real Estate (AR member) in Northern Virginia and for past clients and their referrals.  As far as real estate goes, my license is with Elite Coastal Properties - a firm less than 2 years old - which is the premier brokerage in the Hollywood Lakes area.

Outside of work I enjoy travel and sports.  I'm a big fan of the Washington, DC area teams and fly home for Redskins games (only when it's warm).  I play flag-football for several coed teams in DC - my University of Virginia alum team which has won 2 championships(2003, 2005) and for LB which just won 3 consecutive league championships.  I also play on an 8-man Ineligible team Nitro/Dream Team based in Colorado Springs.  We meet several times each year at various tournaments.  Great people on all those teams.

I am primarily a Buyers Agent with Elite Coastal Properties and l focus on Hollywood, Hallandale and Dania, though I do have listings as far south as downtown Miami and as far north as Plantation.  We are the top sellers in the Hollywood Lakes area.  I take the time to listen to the needs of my client and do my best to find homes that fit their criteria.

All my clients are treated the same.  You will not get less service because the home you're purchasing or loan size is only $100k and you will not get preferential treatment for your $1M purchase or loan.  I work hard for all of my clients regardless of income and ability to buy.  In addition, I will tailor my approach depending on your needs.  Some need hand-holding and detailed explanations which I'm happy to give, while others only request the basics.

I have found that many LOs in South Florida do not close loans by the scheduled settlement dates.  In Virginia one is expected to close on time - even if complications occur along the way.  It is my dedication to meeting purchase timelines that has won me favor with several settlement companies down here.  I have parlayed that into my real estate career where I make sure purchase deadlines are met.

I have numerous testimonials that I can email to any interested parties.

It is my intent to eventually load testimonials to a webpage so that potential clients can download.

One of my favorite testimonials was an email written to me by a young lady who did not use me as her loan officer.  Most people will ask why I would want to use such a testimonial or how that shows my ability.  The background is that she began working with a lender who had a special program that she qualified for.  She was referred to me because she wasn't happy with the service she was receiving.  In the end, she did get a slightly better deal (wholesalers did not have access to the program).  This is the email she wrote me:

Thank you Tchaka!  You really are thorough, fair and really much more efficient than the lady I am working with and she is making me tear my hair out, but this loan seemed to be the best and was less stressful for me since I had started it all with her.

Thank you again and I do appreciate your honesty. 

My objective is to provide honest ethical service and I sincerely appreciate it when it is recognized. 

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This next email excerpt is from a closer in Memphis:

Congratulations!!  You are my absolute FIRST broker that believes in doing things legal and correct!!!!!  Thank  you for renewing my faith in mortgage brokers!  ;)

 
Coming from a settlement company, that says a lot to me!  Again, it pleases me to no end to be recognized for doing things the way they're supposed to be done.

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This last one is music to my ears!

You are our real estate Muse. 

Dr. Charles Rollison, Grand Blanc, MI.

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Here's another compliment that came in the form of a gift certificate (GC).  In September 06 I met with a potential client named Ian Robinson who was in the market for a home.  I noticed that both he and his girlfriend had iPods (she worked for Apple) and  by coincidence I'd been thinking about getting one.  After getting the whole rundown on the devices I began leaning towards a purchase.  At closing he gave me a $50 Apple GC (and a $15 iTunes GC)!!!  What a cool gift.  Next thing my girlfriend buys me an Apple GC, then Frank LLosa (Active Rain member) gives me a GC.  This past week I took delivery of my iPod Video 30.  I'd been non-commital until my client jump-started everything with his generous gift.  I don't normally receive gifts from clients so I must have done something right during the loan process.  Ian, thank you and you're on my list of testimonials.