Coldwell Banker Hartung Helps First-Time Homebuyer

A personal perspective on how Team Blue helped facilitate a lasting deal

Josef Johnson didn’t believe buying a home was a possibility for him. Team Blue at Coldwell Banker Hartung helped him realize that his dream of homeownership was a very possible reality.

Frustrated by high rent prices, Johnson thought there had to be a better way to not only save some money, but invest it. Unsure where to start, he began taking note of the big blue billboards and advertisements for Coldwell Banker Hartung all around Tallahassee.

He knew the business to be a trusted name and soon found that he knew one of their realtors, Kyle Footman, whom he had attended school with. Footman, who was only six months into the industry at the time, had already made impressive sales, proving to Johnson he was a go-getter who had joined a highly professional team.

“I met with Kyle and then didn’t even consider other realtors or companies,” Johnson said. “He assured me that we could find a house in my budget. It also stood out to me that Coldwell Banker had such a major footprint, so I felt confident trusting a large company.”

Admitting that the homebuying process was not something talked about in school or with his family, Johnson completely entrusted Footman and his team to guide him through the process.

First they talked budget, discussing what monthly payment amount would be comfortable for Johnson. When discussing finances, Footman encouraged Johnson to remember that, as a homeowner, it’s important to keep an emergency fund should any repairs or improvements need to be made.

Once a budget was defined, Footman asked Johnson to make a list of must-haves versus wants in a home. Footman would keep the nonnegotiables top of mind, then wants would be considered during the home search.

Johnson recalled two important suggestions Footman noted — upgrades can be made over time, and your first home isn’t usually your forever home.

While the search took some time, it was well worth it. Johnson purchased a nice two-bedroom townhome. While Footman was right, the home would not be Johnson’s forever home, the investment proved wise. Johnson has purchased another home since, keeping his first home as a rental property.

The positive interaction with Coldwell Banker Hartung and purchasing a home left a lasting impression on Johnson and inspired him to become a mortgage loan originator.

“Coldwell Banker Hartung is a dedicated team that’s about you, not the dollar sign,” Johnson said. “They know their market well and are able to negotiate a smoking deal.”

Coldwell Banker Hartung

3303 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee
(850) 386-6160  |  cbhartung.com