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! 

Weinberg House Renovation Brings New Life to Senior Living

By Vickie Mills • June 2, 2026
Exciting, the final renovations of the last two units are underway at Weinberg House, a long-standing affordable senior living community in Fredrick, Maryland. Originally built in 1994, the property provided safe, stable housing for older adults for decades. Renovations began on May 1, 2023. At that time, they had a total of 23 units to renovate. The renovations included freshly painted walls, new carpet in the bedrooms, new flooring in the other rooms, new cabinets in the bathroom, as well as new kitchen cupboards, fixtures and new appliances. The final two units will be ready for lease up June 15, 2026. The renovation of Weinberg House represents a meaningful investment in both people and place. By modernizing the property while protecting its mission, this project will help ensure that affordable, welcoming housing remains available for seniors for years to come. It is an encouraging example of how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities and honor the residents who call them home.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce three funding awards during the last quarter from our community partners.

By Rachel Gardner • June 2, 2026
In March 2026, IHA was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Frederick County Government’s Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART). These one-time operational funds were awarded to mitigate the effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history. This grant has allowed IHA to continue providing essential programs and services to Frederick County residents despite challenges at the federal level. IHA was also awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Frederick through the Community Promotion Grant program. This grant supports aging in place and youth development needs among City residents through IHA’s Supportive Services. The program serves residents of IHA’s senior and multi-family affordable rental communities at 222 Broadway Street (Weinberg House) and 520 N. Market Street, respectively. In April 2026, IHA was also awarded a $25,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County Government. This grant supports IHA’s full range of Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, including our homeownership and financial education programming. IHA’s Purchase-Repair Program provides an avenue to homeownership for those who otherwise would not qualify for a traditional home loan. In Credit Café, participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp helps participants improve their skills in budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial goal setting. The Frederick Affordable Housing Incubator (FAHI) brings multiple sectors together to increase the affordable housing inventory in Frederick County.

36 Years of Building Stability, Opportunity, and Hope

By Lacy Ames • June 2, 2026
For 36 years, the Interfaith Housing Alliance has stood beside individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. What began as a mission rooted in compassion and community partnership has grown into an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across our region, helping families find stability, build financial confidence, and create brighter futures. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are not only reflecting on where we have been, but also recognizing the incredible growth, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape IHA today. Over the past 36 years, IHA has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while remaining committed to the same core belief: everyone deserves access to safe housing, financial education, and the opportunity to thrive. Through housing counseling, financial education workshops, community partnerships, and affordable housing initiatives, IHA has empowered thousands of individuals and families with the tools, support, and stability needed to move forward with confidence. Beyond education and counseling services, IHA’s long-standing commitment to affordable housing development has helped create lasting impact throughout the community. Over the years, IHA has developed, built, and managed affordable housing units that have provided safe, stable homes for countless individuals and families. These housing initiatives represent more than buildings, they represent opportunity, dignity, and the foundation for stronger futures. The growth and preservation of affordable housing remains a vital part of IHA’s legacy and ongoing mission. Behind every program, every workshop, and every success story is a community of people who believe in the work we do. Our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters have played an essential role in helping IHA grow over the last three and a half decades. Their dedication and belief in our mission continue to fuel the impact we are able to make every day. Most importantly, we celebrate the individuals and families who have trusted IHA to be part of their journey. Every financial goal reached, every housing challenge overcome, and every moment of renewed confidence is a reminder of why this work matters. As we look ahead, we remain focused on continuing to innovate, educate, and advocate for stronger communities. The need for affordable housing resources and financial empowerment remains as important as ever, and IHA is committed to meeting that need with the same compassion and determination that has defined the organization for the past 36 years.  Thank you for being part of the Interfaith Housing Alliance story. Together, we celebrate 36 years of impact and look forward to the many more lives we will continue to support in the years ahead.
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