Your Story is My Story, From Homework to Homeowner

Preparation + Strategy = Keys in Hand. I recently had the privilege of helping a newly married couple, Emily and Brandon Coffin, purchase their first home. I met Emily a year ago at one of my Open Houses. At the time, they weren’t quite ready to buy. Like many first-time buyers, they were “doing their homework”, exploring neighborhoods, learning the market, and figuring out their timeline. She shared they hoped to be ready to buy by the end of the year or early 2026. I stayed in touch with them and as we got closer to their timeline, I encouraged them to get pre-approved. I always tell my buyers: your pre-approval is your ticket to making an offer, I can’t submit an offer without pre-approval and proof of funds. You need to be ready when the right home comes along, not scrambling around last minute to submit documents for your lender at the last minute.
By November, Anna Shaterkin and her team at Peregrine Financial Services had their pre-approval in place. In early January, I received the call: “We’re ready! We just received a 60-day notice on our place, and we need to move fast!” Because they were prepared, we quickly identified a four-bedroom home in Lake Balboa that had been on the market for 30 days. After viewing it, they loved it and asked whether they should offer less. My response is always, “I’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with, but every situation is different. I need to get to work for you.” I contacted the listing agent, reviewed comparable sales, and determined the home was well-priced, possibly even slightly under market value with other offers coming in. I advised them to offer full price, request no credits, and keep the offer clean. We submitted a strong offer, and I’m happy to say it was accepted immediately without a counter. Because Emily and Brandon had done their homework, secured their pre-approval, stayed on top of every document by reviewing and signing promptly, escrow went smoothly and we even closed early. Thank you to Anna Shaterkin and her team for guiding my first-time home buyers every step of the way. I surround myself with the best, most dedicated professionals that truly care about my clients. For me, everything is about my clients. I loved helping Emily and Brandon buy their first home, it is the best feeling in the world.
Anna, my trusted lender and I would be delighted to assist you if you’re contemplating buying a new home, selling your current one or have questions regarding financing. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Contact Holly Hanlin of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesCalifornia Properties at 661-645-1334 or contact Anna Shaterkin of Peregrine Financial, Inc. at 818- 512-9926.