“From Fear to Freedom: How Stacie Teal-Locust Empowers First-Time Homebuyers to Take the Leap!”

 

Meet Stacie Teal-Locust, the Baltimore Real Estate expert. With unparalleled industry knowledge, experience, and local expertise, She is the Baltimore Real Estate expert you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re buying or selling, she can help you get the best deal.  Stacie L. Teal-Locust is the owner of The Real Estate Store of Maryland.  

The Real Estate Store of Maryland, A Limited Liability Company, was established in October 2007. They are an established local brokerage that is double minority-owned. Stacie L. Teal-Locust, a TRIPPLE Multi-Million Dollar Producer with weathered experience in Residential & Commercial Real Estate, is the Broker of record.  

“I’ve learned that time is a marvelous thing- One must dare not assume you’ll always have enough of it. All “time” deserves a sense of urgency. It seems to be one of those things that there is not much of.” Said Stacie Teal-Locust. 

Shelly Shell:  How did you become interested in the real estate industry, and what inspired you to become a broker? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  Well, I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, and at the time, I believed that law school was not an option for me because I had just started a family. During the

process of buying my 1st home, I did not have a REALTOR representing me. I had

a consultant that really took advantage of me. I didn’t know at the time you

had to have a license to sell real estate and collect a commission. Needless to

say, as I investigated my situation and then discovered the details of my

transaction and where it was lacking … I  fell in love with contracts and

the art of negotiations that are required in real estate as it is valued in the courtroom.

 

Shelly Shell:  What are the first steps in buying a home?  

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  Know your “WHY.” This will empower you to go on the course that will lead you to home ownership. It will not be easy. It will not be free; It will not happen in 30 days. For you, IT MUST BE WORTH THE WORK AND the WAIT.

 

Shelly Shell:  How do you help your clients overcome their fears and hesitations when it comes to purchasing a home? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  Never lie to them or fluff things as we move along. Sometimes the truth hurts, but accepting certain trusts is rewarding. I specifically believe in being upfront.

 

I have a “steps to a smooth settlement” class that EVERY new client must have, details,

step by step, every facet of buying the home. It discloses all costs upfront.

It gives hints to emotional gauges at certain phases.  It’s best when

people understand what is happening now and what will happen next.

Shelly Shell:  Can you tell us about a time when you helped someone find the courage to purchase a house? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  Yes, It was very hurtful to me. By reflection, years ago – I was once asked what the best way to save a person who was drowning? Option (a) do you jump in to save them, or Option (b) do you cast a rope and yell to them to swim to the rope, and you can pull them into safety?

 

Well, I was the type of person – that would execute option (a). I believed I would

jump in and try to rescue them, but from experience, that is not the best

course of action. As explained by a 1st responder, In many cases, when people

are anxious or fearing for their life, they are not rational, and by themselves

fighting to survive, they fight against the person attempting to save their

life. Many people have to find the courage on their own – similarly, like the

person drowning -financial stability can be a sink-or-swim situation. 

 

Shelly Shell:  What are some common fears or obstacles that

you see people facing when considering buying a house, and how do you help them overcome those fears? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  The overall encompassing fear is THE

FEAR OF REJECTION.  Fearing the loan will be denied, the offer to purchase

will be denied, finding the perfect home will be denied, and my friends and

family will deny my right to be happy with buying a home. My boyfriend or

cousin won’t like it. And then there is self-fear – will I lose my job or a

whole bunch of negative what-ifs…  I always advise my clients that the

experts that they select to help them – work for them. If you get responses

that are not favorable from the bank – like your loan was denied, that denial

comes with an explanation- which is rewarding. At that point, you know what you

need to do to move forward. Never be afraid of a “No”- if there is an

opportunity to try again if you have to. Nothing can keep you from it, and

you’ll learn valuable lessons and meet amazing people along the way. That’s a guarantee.

 

Shelly Shell:  How do you approach working with clients who come from backgrounds where buying a house was not common or encouraged practice? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  As there is generational wealth, there

too is generational poverty. I’m no GURU to greatness, for you are correct –

these mindsets do exist. The sorrow lies in the fact that in many cases, those

who have not received support or permission (one might say ) to do things

differently-THEY never approach me, and from afar, they stay stuck or blame

others ( Im no judge, just making an observation). But still – IF they approach

me- I immediately welcome the multitude of questions and swiftly offer opportunities to try at least and see what buying power the person holds.

 

Shelly Shell:  How does your team at The Real Estate Store of

Maryland work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for clients who are new to the home-buying process? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  We listen and serve. We have curated an

intimate space where clients feel comfortable speaking freely and are eager to

state what their desires truly are. We have developed trusting relationships

with other experts in the field that have pledged to be upright and honest in

their dealings. It’s a great time, and as they say … Its a vibe! Home Ownership Happens Here – for sure!

 

Shelly Shell:  What role do you think courage plays in the home-buying process, and how do you help clients develop that courage? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  When  I state courage, I really mean the willingness to fight for what you want. I think that means everything – especially if you want to buy. You must accept that there are rules in place. Once you learn the rules and agree to play by those rules – you can then and only then win !!! 

 

Shelly Shell:  Can you share a success story of a client who overcame their fears and purchased a home with your guidance? 

 

Stacie Teal-Locust:  Mrs. W was a referral from another client – She came to me telling me the horror story she had with some other firm. Yes – she had a lot of challenges. To put it plainly –  she had to organize her financials.  And she did. she came back to me in 60 days. Everything was cleaned up. It was CRAZY. 

 

But Mrs. W. Never quit – she said, Im gonna get this house.  She knew her why-   at 50 years old, she was not gonna sleep on her mother’s couch another night.  It was worth it to Mrs. W.  Needless to say, 12 months went by; she got a call from the lender that she was approved.  She is now a proud home Owner and working towards buying an investment property. It was worth the work for her – She never quit!

 Ready to buy in Maryland?  Visit https://www.baltimorerealestatestore.com/  ”Equal Housing Opportunity“