Your Real Estate BFF

Carol Riggles • May 31, 2022

Who is the Best Friend of a Home Buyer?

Your Real Estate Agent

From the moment you become qualified by a lender for a mortgage, your real estate agent takes you by the hand and guides you through the entire process of finding and purchasing the perfect home for you and your family. 

Here is what you can expect from your agent: 

• Become completely familiar with your needs, wants and budget 

• Send listings to you that fit your needs 

• Set up showings for homes that you are interested in looking at 

• When you are ready to make an offer, your agent should help you to determine what the offer should be based on your budget and knowledge of the current market 

• Write up contract offer that fully protects you if you need to cancel based on inspections 

• Schedule and coordinate all required inspections 

• Help you choose a settlement company 

• Schedule and attend final walk-thru before settlement 

• Attend settlement to make sure all paperwork matches contract agreement 

 

Oftentimes, this relationship can span over the course of an entire year and can involve a lot of stress and heartbreak.  A great agent, like a great friend, will understand what an emotional roller coaster ride buying a home can be, especially if it is your first time. 


Choosing the right agent is essential so here are some tips from industry experts: (Excerpted from www.forbes.com) 

 

Choose The Person, Not The Experience 

“I am a firm believer in choosing an agent who works for you and with you. Don't choose an agent based solely on experience. Although it’s good to have, it's not everything. You will be spending a lot of time with that agent and you need to mesh. Choose someone relatable and real. Choose for you, not for the house. Choose someone good at talking and negotiating.” 

 

Remember Chemistry Is Key 

“It's best to interview at least three agents before picking the one you work with. Focus on neighborhood expertise; look for hyperlocal. Ask yourself, "Is their marketing about them or their properties?" Also, can you trust them, are they honest? Chemistry is the key.” 

 

Find Someone Who Has Your Best Interests At Heart 

“Ask yourself, "Does my real estate agent have my best interests at heart?" Be honest and transparent about what you’re looking for, and if an agent isn’t bringing you the right options, it’s likely they aren’t looking for houses for you but rather to benefit themselves. Ask questions upfront and don’t be afraid to move on to someone else if the relationship doesn’t feel right.” 

 

Go With Your Gut Feeling 

“Your brain uses logic and emotion when making a decision, and that specific feeling you get when doing so is your intuition — your gut feeling. If you're interviewing a real estate agent for the job, first look to see that they do a lot of business and have a lot of raving fans. Second, go with your gut feeling. If it feels right, he's the guy or gal for the job.” 

 

Find An Agent You Can Trust 

“As the client, you begin the dialogue — but pay close attention to the agent or broker and how he/she listens and asks YOU questions. Most successful agents have access to the technology it takes to find options for purchase, but it takes a human being to understand and work to achieve your specific goals. Take time to find a human you respect and trust.” 

 

Find A Compassionate Agent Who Understands You 

“Let’s face it — buying a house is a stressful task, especially if you are facing a divorce, having a baby, mourning the death of a spouse, etc. You need an agent who is patient with you and your circumstances. Interview an agent or broker and see if they have the same emotions, outlook on life, personality, as you do.” 

 

Seek Clear Lines Of Communication 

“First and foremost, you need to feel completely comfortable talking and communicating with the real estate agent. If it feels awkward or if there is undue pressure placed on you by a real estate agent, this is not the right fit.” 

 

Seek Referrals From Other Homeowners 

“Despite the technology that seems to take over much of the searching for a home, the right real estate agent is still a human-to-human choice. Referral is best. There's no bigger compliment to an agent than a referral from a past client. Ask homeowners who they would recommend. If you know the area you want to purchase in or sell your home in, there will be an expert in that area.” 

 

This last recommendation is my favorite!  IHA’s Purchase Repair Homeownership Program has been around since 2012, and two agents have really stepped up and embraced the program and the low-income clients that qualify. 


Kelly Losquadro has been working with our clients since 2014 and has successfully helped 22 of them become homeowners! 


Here is what they have to say about Kelly: 

“Kelly Losquadro is absolutely the best realtor and best to have when purchasing a home through the program. She knows all the ins and outs about the program. I loved everything about her from her bubbly personality to listening to what her client was looking for and finding that perfect home. I still feel that I didn’t thank her enough! Awesome lady to say the least and we are so in love with our forever home that she went to bat for me!” 


“Kelly Losquadro can best be described as wonderful in every way. She Is extremely knowledgeable and is highly motivated to do everything she can possibly do for her client. As a first time home buyer, I simply cannot imagine having to going through the entire process without her. I highly recommend Kelly and am certainly hoping to work with her again in the future.”

  

“I can’t say enough good things about Kelly. She is awesome she listens to her clients and goes out of her way to make sure she finds the very best for them. She is such a sweetheart and I always recommend her to anyone that is looking for an agent. And I always tell them if you want someone who listens and is understanding and goes the extra mile you want Kelly. When I go to sell my home it will be with Kelly hands down.” 


Just  

Love Kelly  

Thank you 😊  

Patricia Galloway purchased her home through our program in 2014, then began volunteering with IHA to help others achieve the same goal.  Patricia was so enamored with the program she decided to become a real estate agent herself and has helped 11 of our clients purchase a home. 


Here is what our clients have to say about Patricia: 

“Patricia was very professional during the whole process of buying my home. Always looking after me, very respectful, punctual, it felt like she was the one buying her own home, very invested in my case. I’m forever grateful with Patricia and IHA, for helping me getting my own house.  I 100% recommend Patricia!!!” 


“Patricia is so easy to work with and she really listens to her client's needs.” 


“I would like to share why Patricia was amazing!  First of all from the moment I reached out to her she was attentive supportive and professional.  Before we went to look at any homes she sent me a portal of available homes based on my preference.  She was extremely knowledgeable about the homes that were in my preference and I could call at almost any time and ask any questions about the homes we looked at or were planning to look at.  Her schedule was extremely versatile.  What I appreciated most is how patient and calm she was!  When I was anxious and nervous she did her best to try and explain what was going on in the house buying process. She also told me to make sure I love the house because I was the one who’s got to live in it … All in all, Ms. Patricia Galloway was amazing and for sure a pleasure to work with and would recommend to anyone!!!!!” 

Together, these two incredible agents have served 30% of our Purchase Repair Homeownership Program home buyers! 

Volunteer Spotlight

By Vickie Mills • March 4, 2026
Veridian Capital Partners Brightens Weinberg House with Hands-On Volunteer Work On Friday February 20, 2026, the team from Veridian Capital Partners, led by founding partners Brian Runkles, CFP, Chandru Ramachandran, CFP, and Brian Williamson, CFP, brought a splash of color—and a lot of heart—to Weinberg House. The group dedicated their time and resources to repaint the hallway rails and residents’ doors, transforming the spaces leading into each apartment. Built in 1995, Weinberg House has long been a warm and supportive home for its residents. The recent makeover not only lifted the spirits of the IHA staff and residents, but also gave the building a refreshed, welcoming appearance that reflects the care and community within its walls. “It’s incredible to see the space come alive with new color, and the joy it brings to our residents is priceless,” said a member of the Weinberg House staff. Thanks to the generosity and hands-on effort of Veridian Capital Partners, Weinberg House is now brighter, more inviting, and a testament to the power of community collaboration.

Unity Campaign 2026

By Lacy Ames • March 4, 2026
Stronger Credit. Stronger Families. Stronger Frederick. The 2026 Unity Campaign & IHA’s Credit Café Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to participate in the 2026 Unity Campaign for Frederick County. What is the Unity Campaign? The Unity Campaign is Frederick County’s annual, fully online giving event that brings together local nonprofits, sponsors, and community members for one powerful purpose: strengthening our community together. Every dollar you donate goes directly to the nonprofit of your choice — and we hope you’ll choose Interfaith Housing Alliance. Why Your Support Matters All nonprofits participating in the Unity Campaign serve ALICE households. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families earn above the Federal Poverty Level, yet still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, transportation, food, and healthcare. In Frederick County, 36% of households fall into the ALICE category. That means more than one in three families in our community are working hard — but still living on the financial edge. It could be your neighbor. Your coworker. Your child’s coach. Your family member. Your donation helps create stability where it’s needed most. Where Your Donation Goes: The Credit Café Workshop Unity Campaign donations directly support IHA’s Credit Café Workshop — a completely free program designed to help individuals build stronger credit and greater financial confidence. Just $94.10 covers the cost of two credit reports for one participant. That one step can open the door to: Safer housing Lower interest rates Reliable transportation Better employment opportunities Credit impacts nearly every major financial decision — from renting an apartment to turning on utilities. When someone improves their credit, they improve their future. How the Credit Café Works The program combines education, personalized strategy, and continued support. Step 1: Group Education Participants attend a one-hour virtual workshop offered multiple times each month. They learn: How credit scores work What impacts their score How to build or repair credit Smart financial habits for long-term stability Step 2: One-on-One Advising Within one week, participants meet virtually with an advisor for a personalized 30-minute session. They receive: A free tri-merged credit report (pulled the day of the session) Help understanding their report A customized action plan with realistic credit goals Step 3: Continued Support Participants don’t navigate the process alone. Advisors follow up at 3 and 6 months (by text, email, or phone — participant’s choice) to check progress and provide guidance. They’re also invited back for: A second advising session An updated credit report The program is currently 100% virtual, with expanding hybrid options. Interpretation services are available at no cost in more than 240 languages. How to Donate There are two easy ways to support IHA through the 2026 Unity Campaign: Visit the campaign donation page and select Interfaith Housing Alliance: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/UnityFC26/team/InterfaithHousing 2. Text the campaign code to donate directly: UnityFC2661 to 71777  Every gift makes a measurable impact. Not Able to Donate? You can still make a difference. Share this campaign. Talk about it. Spread the word. Community awareness fuels community change. Interested in the Credit Café Workshop? Contact Lacy Allen Email: lames@interfaithhousing.org Text: 301-818-5606 Together, we can build stronger credit, stronger families, and a stronger Frederick.

Spring Grant Updates 2026

By Rachel Gardner • March 4, 2026
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce 12 funding awards totaling more than $333k during the last two quarters from our community partners. In September 2025, IHA was awarded two grants that will support the organization’s Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services. IHA received a $30,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Maryland Housing Counseling Fund (MHCF). IHA also received a $10,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation. These grants will support the full spectrum of community programming we offer, including: group educational workshops on financial health; individualized financial coaching and housing counseling; and pathways to homeownership. In October 2025, IHA received a $125,000 grant from Morgan Stanley. This grant supports IHA in its ongoing quest to create and provide affordable housing opportunities for LMI community members. It also allows IHA to continue supporting community members through our Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services.. IHA was also awarded a grant by the Ausherman Family Foundation. This 2:1 matching grant will match up to $30,000 in donations raised from community members and IHA’s Board of Directors during the organization's 2025-2026 annual appeal. Funds will support the full range of IHA’s services and programming. In November 2025 and January 2026, IHA was awarded a total allocation of $45,000 in State tax credits through the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) Program of Maryland’s DHCD. Donors who make contributions of $500 or more to IHA in support of our mission are eligible to earn tax credits equal to 50% of the value of the money, goods, or real property contribution. These tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both Federal and State taxes as a result of the charitable contribution. In November 2025, IHA was awarded a $20,000 grant from Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. This grant supports three of IHA’s programs: Credit Café; Financial Freedom Bootcamp; and the Frederick Affordable Homeownership Incubator (FAHI). Credit Café participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp builds critical foundational skills for financial success. FAHI is a new program in the planning phase that takes a multisectoral approach to affordable housing. IHA also received two funding awards in support of its Credit Café program. IHA’s $10,000 application to participate in United Way of Frederick County’s Annual Unity Campaign was approved. This approval enables IHA to participate in the Spring 2026 Unity Campaign alongside other local nonprofit organizations to collectively raise funds in the Frederick County community. IHA also received a $1,500 Community Grant from the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek (RCCC). Credit Café promotes financial stability among LMI households through group credit education and free, individualized credit advising. Participants partner with a financial coach to create a strategic plan to either build, boost, or improve their report. In addition, IHA received a $1,518.91 designated grant from The PNC Homeownership Fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. These pass-through funds will directly support low- to moderate-income (LMI) households in achieving homeownership in Frederick County. In December 2025, IHA was awarded a $55,676 grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT). This grant supports the rehabilitation of IHA’s Weinberg House. This 23-unit affordable rental community in Frederick, MD was originally built in 1994 and houses senior members of our community ages 62 and older with very low to moderate income. The rehabilitation project includes upgrades to heating, appliances, plumbing, drywall, flooring, lighting, cabinets, and countertops. IHA also received a $5,000 donor-advised grant from The Nicholson Family Fund of Morgan Stanley. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the communities we serve.
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