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.

In 2018, I started investing in real estate with $40K and a lot of conviction. By 25, I owned over 20 rental properties. By 30, I’d navigated fix-and-flips, multi-family properties, short-term rentals, student housing, assignment sales, and BRRRR — through both strong markets and challenging ones. In 2022, I left corporate finance to go all-in on mortgage strategy and real estate investing full-time. Today, I’m a licensed Mortgage Agent with Vine Group, where I’ve built my practice around one core belief: your mortgage should be building your wealth — not just getting you into a home. I’m Smith Manoeuvre Certified and work with clients across Canada on advanced strategies like the Smith Manoeuvre, cash damming, and debt restructuring — helping high-income earners convert non-deductible mortgage interest into tax-deductible investment debt. I also founded RISE Network in 2019, which has grown into one of Ontario’s largest free real estate communities with over 7,300 members — no sales pitches, no gatekeeping, just people helping each other build. Along the way, I’ve been featured in Toronto Life, Yahoo, and Canvas, and host a real estate podcast with over 300,000 downloads, where I break down strategies, market insights, and real-world investing experiences.

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.

John Gardepe is a real estate strategist, systems architect, and the Co-founder of The Best Cash Home Buyer, a leading investment firm specializing in accelerated property acquisitions across the Greater Tampa Bay market. With over a decade of experience and more than 150 successful transactions, John has established himself as an expert in navigating the complexities of off-market real estate and distressed asset management. As a Co-founder of Banyan Residential Group, John brings a sophisticated, institutional-grade approach to the "we buy houses" sector. His professional focus is centered on the intersection of real estate and technology—specifically the development of system architectures that streamline the transaction process for both individual homeowners and large-scale investors. This data-driven methodology allows The Best Cash Home Buyer to provide homeowners with rapid, transparent solutions while maintaining the operational agility required to thrive in a competitive marketplace. John’s expertise is frequently sought in industry discussions regarding market liquidity, the mechanics of off-market deal sourcing, and the implementation of vertically integrated systems in small-to-midsize real estate firms. He is committed to a collaborative leadership style, believing that clear communication and ethical business practices are the foundation of long-term success in the investment world. Beyond his professional achievements, John is a dedicated member of the Tampa community and a passionate sports enthusiast. An avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, he balances his career with a commitment to fitness and spending quality time with his family. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14WLH93AVfg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I am Adam New, the Principal Owner of The Cash Offer Company based in Virginia. My mission involves simplifying real estate for homeowners. I purchase properties directly to ensure a rapid, stress-free experience. Through years of industry immersion, I have mastered the art of fair acquisitions, renovation and money management. My main objective is to help through the complicated process of selling property so that my clients can make this decision confidently.

Kimberly Schmidt is a San Diego real estate expert and team lead of Kimberly Schmidt & Associates at Compass, known for providing strategic guidance to buyers and sellers navigating San Diego’s dynamic housing market. With over 19 years of experience and more than 500 successful transactions, Kimberly has built a results-driven business rooted in precision, market knowledge, and a highly personalized approach. Her team is consistently ranked among the top 1.5% of small teams nationwide by Real Trends, reflecting both performance and consistency at a high level. Kimberly is frequently quoted in national publications including CBS News, Travel + Leisure, House Beautiful, Bankrate, and House Digest, where she provides insight on housing trends, buyer and seller behavior, and navigating changing market conditions. She also serves as a TV host for American Dream San Diego, highlighting the lifestyle and communities that define the region. As a San Diego real estate expert, Kimberly works across a range of property types and client needs, including luxury homes, coastal properties, relocations, trust and probate sales, and 1031 exchanges. Her approach is both strategic and detail-oriented, with a focus on pricing, negotiation, and positioning homes to stand out in competitive conditions. Clients value Kimberly for her clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and ability to navigate complex transactions with confidence. Whether buying, selling, or investing in San Diego real estate, she provides a level of service that is both highly personalized and results-focused. CA DRE#01781140

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