Walking You Through Every Step Of The Real Estate Journey – Laura Lahti
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Laura Lahti!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Laura Lahti…
The conversation began with Laura effortlessly conveying a snapshot of her life beyond the realm of real estate. As a mother, wife, and daughter, she unveils facets of her personal journey, having been adopted and raised in the twin cities before making the pivotal move to Madison in 2001. There, she encountered love, marriage, and the joys of motherhood, albeit tempered by the challenges of divorce. Laura’s trajectory in real estate commenced in 2010, a decision influenced by her hectic schedule and the desire for a more flexible career. Notably, she is also an avid volunteer, dedicated to giving back to the community, and she cherishes opportunities to organize events that foster self-care.
Since obtaining her license in 2010, Laura’s real estate journey has been a testament to resilience and dedication. Balancing multiple jobs and navigating life on food stamps, she transitioned into the real estate sector, gradually establishing herself. Beyond transactions, Laura embraces the importance of in-person consultations, providing clients with informative booklets and patiently addressing their queries. Acting as a reliable guide, she holds her clients’ hands throughout the intricate process of buying or selling homes.
Laura operates in the South Central Wisconsin MLS, specifically in Dane County. Amidst Wisconsin’s chilly climate, where temperatures currently hover around 25 degrees with a snow-covered landscape, her focus extends to landmarks such as Capitol Square, State Street, and the serene lakes. Wisconsin, with its diverse culture and a plethora of options for entertainment, education, and work, provides a dynamic backdrop for Laura’s real estate endeavors.
Navigating the economic landscape of Wisconsin, Laura notes the persistent challenge of low inventory propelling home prices upwards. Sales have seen a notable increase from 270 in January to 5040 in October, though this figure is considered relatively low. The median house price has surged from $387k to $410k, underscoring the competitive nature of the market. Despite these dynamics, the average time on the market remains around 62 days, indicative of a market that demands strategic and prompt decision-making.
Transitioning from receiving state assistance to becoming a successful realtor is a remarkable achievement. Laura leverages her own experiences and struggles to empower her clients, especially those facing similar challenges in their homeownership journey. She serves as a cheerleader and advocate, drawing from personal knowledge to refer clients to lenders capable of helping improve their credit. Laura offers insights on financial priorities, guiding clients on what to pay off and what to save. Drawing on her TV show experience, “The Home Extension,” where she learned home improvement skills, she shares practical remodeling advice with clients.
The idea of the “aha” moment when someone finds their dream home is powerful. Laura recalls instances where clients experience that moment of clarity and excitement, realizing they’ve found the perfect home. Before making an offer, she ensures they’ve had this crucial moment, discussing updated pre-approvals and estimated monthly payments. Laura prioritizes transparent communication about potential cash requirements at the closing table to prevent buyer’s remorse.
Laura’s mission to create a community where everyone feels they belong is commendable. She shares an initiative with AMASIAN, a group for amazing Asians, fostering face-to-face opportunities and information exchange within the Asian community. Recognizing the need for such a group in Madison, Laura, being Korean, took the initiative to create a space where all Asians could connect.
The conversation wraps up with Laura, as an Asian American in real estate, discusses the struggles of homeownership in the Asian American community. She recounts an instance where an Asian American buyer expressed concerns about discrimination due to his name on the offer. Laura reassured him about fair housing laws and emphasized the importance of everyone involved in a transaction putting their best foot forward.
Check out Laura Lahti:
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/teamlahtirealestate
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