Turning Challenges Into Opportunities For Millennials and Minorities In Real Estate – Marissa Beach
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Marissa Beach!
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 Marissa Beach…
The conversation began with a fill-in-the-blank icebreaker on down payment assistance programs, the easiest way to invest in real estate, and more. Marissa then introduced herself as a volunteer-aholic, constantly devoting her time to various organizations within and outside the realm of real estate. Not only does Marissa enjoy giving back, but she also finds great joy in socializing, learning, and coaching others. Additionally, she nurtures her creative side through writing and teaching, two activities that bring her immense enjoyment.
Marissa is currently focused on serving the Seattle, Washington market, where she has established herself as a real estate professional. Residing south of Seattle, Marissa conveniently caters to clients located in the areas of South King and North Pierce. The region offers a ton of engaging activities, including skiing, hiking, blueberry picking, and more.
Next, Marissa talks about her business, built upon the core values of education and perseverance, which she incorporates into her monthly homebuyer classes. These classes primarily focus on downpayment assistance, but Marissa goes the extra mile by inviting guest speakers from diverse real estate backgrounds to provide additional knowledge. These classes are offered free of charge and play a crucial role in helping participants qualify for state programs that provide financial assistance for downpayments and closing costs. The classes empower buyers by equipping them with essential information about their home-buying journey and the available options. Marissa’s bilingual skills also enable her to connect with a significant portion of the first-time homebuyer population, particularly the Latino community, who often require assistance in achieving homeownership.
In addition to her dedication to real estate, Marissa’s love for stand-up comedy adds a unique aspect to her personality. When asked about the role of humor in her profession, she emphasizes its importance, especially considering the inherent stress associated with the real estate process, particularly moving. She believes that humor can act as a valuable tool to diffuse tension in challenging situations, both with clients and colleagues. Marissa enjoys using humor to create a lighthearted atmosphere, even during the more difficult stages of the home buying process.
Marissa then talks about being on the panel for the Fair Housing Brunch and Learn event, where she engages in discussions on various housing-related topics. When asked about her approach to working with clients who have unique housing needs, such as accessibility requirements, Marissa emphasizes the importance of recognizing that minorities are now the new majority. She acknowledges the intersectionality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within fair housing, which involves addressing historical discrimination and striving for a more equitable market.
As the chair of DEI in Seattle, Marissa has actively coordinated panels on topics like down payment assistance and has been invited to speak at the LGBTQ alliance’s events. She also highlights the significance of the added fields in their local Northwest MLS, which allow listing agents to specify features like wheelchair ramps and wider door openings, ensuring better accessibility information for clients.
When discussing common misconceptions about Fair Housing laws, Marissa notes that some people believe fair housing initiatives place blame solely on certain populations, such as all white people for past wrongdoings against minorities. However, she clarifies that fair housing is about addressing historical factors like redlining and the effects of past governance, which have led to certain populations being confined to specific zip codes. It is not about assigning blame, but rather rectifying systemic inequities.
To actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work, and ensure fair and respectful treatment of all clients, Marissa suggests that real estate professionals utilize resources available on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) website. As the chair of DEI in Seattle, she collaborates with the local association to provide relevant content for their DEI subsection’s webpage, serving different minority realtors and communities. Marissa underscores the value of continuous education and being an active participant in the community to foster an inclusive and equitable real estate environment.
When it comes to millennials facing challenges in entering the housing market, Marissa offers valuable advice on navigating the home buying process and finding affordable options in the Seattle area. She recognizes that for many millennials, the struggle lies in a necessary mindset shift. Some may not fully understand the value of homeownership and perceive it as too expensive compared to renting. However, Marissa emphasizes that in reality, monthly mortgage payments can often be more affordable than high rental costs. She highlights the importance of educating millennials about the various opportunities and options available to help them achieve their goal of owning a home.
The conversation wraps up with Marissa addressing concerns regarding repairs and maintenance, which can be a new responsibility for first-time homebuyers. She contrasts this with the convenience of renting, where tenants can simply call the landlord to address any issues. Marissa advises millennials to consider the long-term benefits of homeownership, such as building equity and having the freedom to personalize their living space.
Check out Marissa Beach:
https://www.facebook.com/beachsellshomes
https://www.instagram.com/beachsellshomes/
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