First-Time Homebuyer Experts 2025

Douglas Hoven is a licensed real estate agent with the award-winning Ron Sawyer Team at RE/MAX Prime, where he brings a unique blend of military discipline, engineering expertise, and community-focused leadership to his clients. A U.S. Navy veteran, Douglas served eight years on submarines before spending nearly a decade as a Lead Test Engineer in government service. He later transitioned to the automotive industry as a General Manager, where his passion for customer care deepened and ultimately led him to real estate. For more than eighteen years, Douglas has called Hampton Roads home, giving him extensive knowledge of its neighborhoods and communities. His hands-on experience in home renovations provides clients with practical insights to make confident decisions in buying or selling their homes. Douglas is known for his personalized approach, guiding clients with integrity, attention to detail, and steadfast advocacy. Backed by an award-winning team, he is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a seamless real estate experience. Outside of work, Douglas enjoys cycling through Isle of Wight and Southampton County, woodworking, homesteading, and spending time with his five children.

Shannon Beatty, the esteemed and compassionate founder of House Buying Girls, brings over 20 years of real estate expertise to her firm. With a diverse portfolio of hundreds of successful residential and commercial deals across Texas, Shannon is renowned for providing fair, transparent cash offers. As a licensed real estate agent in TX, she is also able to offer additional selling strategies that other investors cannot. Shannon's heartfelt commitment to her client's well-being and personable approach has made her a trusted figure in the Texas real estate community.

Real Estate Investing - Andy has been investing in real estate since 1990, and in 2006 formed an educational company called Regular Riches and travels the country teaching the “Buy Low, Rent Smart, Sell High” investing model. Andy and his real estate partner have authored two best-selling real estate investment books, and the “Buy Low, Rent Smart, Sell High” model was profiled and recommended by Fortune Magazine. . His first book was featured and profiled by Fortune Magazine. Andy is an expert in REOs, foreclosures, land-lording, investment financing, rehabbing, and lease-options.

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

I am an attorney and owner of Alpine Mortgage. As a seasoned mortgage banker and real estate attorney for over 20 years I can offer insights into real estate finance and law. Throughout my career, I have been committed to making the mortgage process clear and understandable so my clients are informed and confident in their financial decisions. My deep understanding of both the financial and legal side of real estate transactions allows me to contribute unique perspectives on mortgage trends to property laws. As a passionate advocate for transparent and ethical practices in the real estate industry, I am eager to share my knowledge and experiences through engaging articles that inform and empower readers on real estate and mortgage finance. Whether you're looking for expert commentary on mortgage trends, real estate market analysis or insights into property law, I offer practical advice from my years of real estate transactions and legal consultations.

I’m Erica Diaz, founder of the Erica Diaz Team, a top-producing real estate group based in Winter Garden, Florida. Over the years, I’ve helped guide hundreds of families through the buying and selling process across Central Florida, from Winter Garden and Windermere to Clermont, Winter Park, and beyond. My team and I recently reached a milestone of more than $300 million in closed sales, a reflection of the trust clients place in us and the results we consistently deliver. Recognized as a Zillow Premier Agent and named one of Central Florida’s top real estate groups by the Orlando Business Journal, my work has also been validated by over 750 verified five-star Google reviews from buyers and sellers who have experienced our commitment firsthand. Beyond sales volume, I pride myself on bringing deep local knowledge, honest guidance, and premium marketing strategies such as video walkthroughs, 360° tours, professional staging, and photography that help my clients stand out in today’s competitive market. As a longtime Winter Garden resident and community advocate, I understand not only the numbers behind Central Florida’s housing market but also the lifestyle that makes this region so desirable. Whether it is helping a first-time buyer find the right neighborhood, assisting a family relocating for work, or positioning a luxury listing for maximum exposure, I focus on making every real estate transaction as smooth and successful as possible.

I am a veteran and highly productive real estate agent & team-lead in San Diego, CA who has been selling since 2006. I have personally closed hundreds of real estate transactions, and have been ranked in the top 1.5% of small teams in the nation by the Wall Street Journal's Real Trends every year since 2020. I am also a Certified Trust and Probate Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), and Certified Buyer's Representative (CBR). A significant portion of my business is helping heirs list and sell their inherited properties, either via a trust or probate. I also help traditional sellers & buyers; investors doing 1031 exchanges; and during the financial crisis, I handled more short sales than I care to remember. ***I never use AI,*** and am always happy to expand, adjust, etc. based on the journalist's needs. Feel free to reach out.

Devin Todd Ramsey is a licensed REALTOR® and a lifelong Berea, KY resident, bringing deep community knowledge and a client-centric approach to every transaction. Since becoming licensed in 2019, she has closed 90+ transactions, specializing in first-time buyers, relocations, move-ups, and downsizing. Affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Foster Realtors, Devin combines local expertise with professional designations—including ABR, AHWD, e-PRO, PSA, CREN, and C2EX—to provide a seamless and data-driven home buying and selling experience. Her commitment to excellence has earned numerous accolades, including Top 2 Agents in Kentucky (Q2 2025), Newcomer of the Year awards from Weichert Realtors Ford Brothers (2020), Berea Chamber of Commerce (2021), and BHHS Foster Realtors (2024), as well as the Unsung Hero of Madison County (2020) and the Connie Lawson Community Champion Award (2025). Devin’s consistent 5.0-star ratings on Google (67), Zillow (25), Realtor.com (10), and FastExpert (23) demonstrate her unwavering dedication, responsiveness, and professionalism. As a Tom Ferry elite coaching client, Devin combines cutting-edge strategies with a holistic service model to guide clients through complex transactions in a fast-moving market. Her deep roots in Berea allow her to provide insider knowledge on neighborhoods, school systems, and community trends, making her a trusted advocate for buyers and sellers alike. For anyone navigating the Berea real estate market, Devin Todd Ramsey represents a proven, knowledgeable, and highly respected partner.

Kris Alban, AIF®, is a Financial Planner at BSG Advisers, a fiduciary-based financial planning firm headquartered in Apex, North Carolina. With a background in financial technology and a passion for simplifying complex financial topics, Kris brings a unique blend of innovation and personalized service to his clients. He specializes in long-term wealth planning, retirement strategies, and financial wellness education, helping individuals and families navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence. Kris is also a contributor to industry publication. where he shares insights on financial wellness and retirement planning. Prior to joining BSG Advisers, Kris co-founded iGrad, a San Diego-based financial technology company that provides AI-powered financial wellness solutions to employers, financial institutions, and educational institutions. As Executive Vice President, he played a pivotal role in developing the Enrich Financial Wellness platform, which serves over 20,000 employers and more than 300 financial institutions.

As a Senior Mortgage Advisor and owner of MacLagan Home Loans, I guide homebuyers, homeowners, and investors through the mortgage process with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Known to many as Alex The Mortgage Doctor, I break down complex lending guidelines into simple, actionable steps so clients always understand their options and feel empowered in their decisions. My background as a real estate investor—having participated in more than 100 renovation projects and building my own rental portfolio, gives me a unique ability to structure loans with both short-term affordability and long-term wealth in mind. I work with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, self-employed clients, and real estate investors, offering everything from conventional and FHA/VA loans to DSCR, fix & flip, and other specialized financing. My mission is to deliver a smooth, strategic mortgage experience rooted in education, transparency, and advocacy. Whether someone is buying their first home or expanding their investment portfolio, I ensure they receive honest guidance, competitive options, and a process they can trust from start to finish.

I’m Amanda New, the Founder and CEO of Cash For Houses Girl, which is based in Richmond, VA. I have been in the real estate industry for more than 12 years now and during this time, I've successfully bought and sold hundreds of properties. I have learned much from this journey and, therefore, I am really interested in sharing my thoughts and experiences with you.

Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®) specialist with a reputation for delivering straight answers in high-stakes real estate situations. He’s helped homeowners, investors, and distressed property owners navigate tough markets with clarity, speed, and zero fluff. With deep experience in distressed property transactions, he brings practical insight into market trends, lender negotiations, and asset recovery strategies, all grounded in a client-first approach that prioritizes results over rhetoric.

I am privileged to do work that I love, helping people meet mortgage financing needs. I am a problem solver and can get creative when the situation calls for it. My business has been built on a high level of service and solutions for over 20 years. I hate saying no and believe (almost) anything can be done.As a divorce lending professional, I'm involved at all stages, helping to "split" the marital property(s) and obtain new home financing as needed. I work closely with attorneys, CPAs, agents, and all professionals on the divorce team to obtain optimal outcomes.I am also a volunteer, an entrepreneur, a nature and animal lover, and an author. I never tire of exploring and have an unquenchable thirst for learning and paying it forward. I'm happy to have you in my network and am open to collaborate any time.

Real estate investing industry expert and digital strategist.Investing | Investor…

I am a life long lover of all things real estate and construction since I was a young man building all kinds of forts. At 53yo, today we specialize in many exit strategies in both residential and commercial real estate investing. I love what I do and sharing the knowledge is my way of paying it forward!

With a focus on the unique dynamics of the Coachella Valley housing market, - including Indian lease land properties, seasonal buyer activity, and retiree-driven demand - Michael Glenner provides financing solutions that require specialized underwriting knowledge not typically found at large national lenders. He works with homebuyers, retirees, investors and real estate professionals across the State of California

Kevin Rodriguez is the Founder & Broker of MortgageToday LLC, a modern, tech-forward mortgage brokerage built around the mission of delivering Borderless Mortgages and Modern Lending Solutions. After spending several years as a digital nomad and now living abroad as an expat in Bangkok, Kevin built his company on the belief that the mortgage industry must evolve to serve the borrowers of today—not yesterday. He specializes in alternative underwriting, DSCR strategies, and Non-QM lending, with a focus on innovative, technology-driven mortgage solutions. Kevin frequently provides commentary on modern lending trends, the future of mortgage technology, and the shift away from traditional underwriting. MortgageToday’s philosophy is simple: We find a “Yes” when others say “No.” NMLS #1959152 | #2727066

Hi, I'm Robert Kirkland, your go-to real estate agent right here in Central Florida! I specialize in Volusia County – Port Orange, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and all the amazing communities in between. Whether you're a first-time buyer ready to turn that dream home into reality, a seller looking to get top dollar, or an investor hunting for the next great opportunity along our beautiful coast, I’ve got you covered. What sets me apart? I truly love what I do. From that first friendly “hello” at an open house to handing over the keys on closing day, my goal is to make the entire process smooth, stress-free, and even fun. I’m big on clear communication, personalized attention, and building relationships that last long after the deal is done. I stay on top of the latest tech and marketing tools (you’ll see me all over Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn) so your property gets maximum exposure and we find the perfect match for buyers fast. Born and raised with a deep love for this area, I know these neighborhoods inside and out—the hidden gems, the best schools, the up-and-coming spots, and everything that makes living here so special.

I am a full-time real estate investor specializing in house flipping and rental conversions. I am the owner of Hamilton House Buyers a home buying company based out of Hamilton, ON, Canada. My approach combines strategic investment, efficient project management, and a deep understanding of local real estate trends to ensure profitable outcomes. By leveraging my expertise, I aim to create lasting value for both buyers and renters, ensuring each project is handled with precision and care.

Data-driven growth marketing leader specializing in high-growth B2C/B2B fintech, marketplace, and SaaS startups. Demonstrated success in spearheading GTM strategies and maximizing revenue through innovative growth experiments and demand generation initiatives.Specialties: Growth marketing strategy, go-to-market strategy, demand generation strategy, lifecycle marketing & automation, and customer activation & retention.