Rose and Womble Realty

About Michael White

When Michael White first began his real estate career several years ago, he first saw it as an opportunity to interact with all kinds of people while helping them during one of the most important decisions in their lives, the act of buying or selling a home. Since then, Michael’s career has evolved into much more than just a career, but into an experience he treasures everyday. Armed with a degree in Marketing from Temple University and a graduate degree in Finance from Atlanta University, Michael White has used his extensive training, along with his care and compassion, as one of his main tools in helping clients achieve the most success. The field of real estate business has allowed Michael to accomplish a number of things during the past several years; the chance to better hundreds of people’s lives and the prospect of expanding, influencing and affecting his community as a whole. Follow along with us as Michael White describes his professional beliefs, views and practices in his own words.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
A: Owning a home represents the largest asset and maybe the single largest purchase most people will make and represents approximately 60% of the average American’s net worth.  I want to make sure my clients receive the best guidance, counseling and education throughout the buying and selling process so they don’t make a mistake purchasing a property that is not right for their needs, lifestyle and most importantly their budget.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent?
A: Experiencing the smiles on the faces of my clients when the first open the door to their new home, knowing they are happy and pleased with the process of buying because of my efforts.

Q: In your opinion, what is the most challenging part of buying or selling in this ever-changing market?
A: The most challenging part of this market for buyers is convincing them that this is a great time to buy, if they have a steady income, down payment and good credit.
For those interested in buying, this market can be particularly challenging to obtain financing. For Sellers, obtaining the price they feel their home is worth.  Most Sellers do not understand that there is no relationship to the amount of money they spend upgrading and what the price the market is willing to purchase their home for.  Another particularly difficult issue is seeing Sellers in a “Short Sale” or “Foreclosure” position because they received the wrong type financing.

Q: In your view, how are conditions in your area’s market?
A: Market conditions are good here; this region has experienced stress in the housing market just as the entire country has however there are certain mitigating circumstances here that have caused this market to outperform housing markets in other parts of the country.  The biggest advantage this market experiences is the military. Military families are deployed regardless of the state of the housing market which causes the housing market to hold up better than most markets.  This region did not experience substantial overbuilding as did some markets.  

Q: What is the most important thing a first-time homebuyer should do?
A:  I think first-time homebuyers should first sit down together to discuss their housing wants and needs. I think they should then get the business side of the transaction under control, i.e. read and understand the Purchase Contracts, Consumer Disclosures, types of financing available to them and choose a Realtor.  Once they have digested the business side of the transaction, they can comfortably house hunt.  The reason for getting the business side out of the way is that once they find a house they fall in love with, most people operate from emotions.  Once they are emotionally hooked and excited about their first home, it will be more difficult for them to focus on the business transaction.  I believe this is where a lot of people go wrong and have remorse after signing a contract.

Q: What sets you apart from your competition?
A: I think the training, real estate knowledge and passion along with my attention to detail sets me apart.  I want to make sure my clients understand the transaction because it is something they will have to live with for a long time.  I attempt to handle the business of purchasing while my clients ride an emotional high during the purchasing process.

I think a good agent should care about their clients and possess the knowledge and training to proactively assist their clients.  My motivation for being in the business (aside from feeding my family) is to assist my clients get through the process with little to no “hassle factor” It’s all about my client and not me. I exemplify these traits by making sure my clients housing and financing needs are taken care of above my needs.