The house buying process was a long and crazy process. Meeting Amanda was the best thing that could have happened to us. My fiance, Gabriel, and I are first time home buyers and had no idea what to expect. With Amanda's help and guidence she was able to find us the perfect home. Not only was she a tremoundous help, she looked out for our best interest and always had our backs. She went above and beyond what we believed the title of a "realtor" would do. At times, I believe Amanda was our sanity and convinced us we could get through it. We will forever be grateful for how accommodating and sweet Amanda is. On closing day I truly felt like Amanda was part of our "team" trying to get us into our home.
Cathryn
Monday, October 14, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
It's My Pleasure...
Back in January my husband and I, alongside our closest friends, I decided to look for a two-family home to rent together for a season while we all saved up to own our own homes one day. While at the time it seemed like a daunting task, Amanda Cole immediately made it seem not only possible, but likely that we could figure out a situation that would work for us all. Amanda helped us manage our expectations (and change them up a little if necessary!) and she also helped us manage the dirty details, all the information regarding a lease, what we should expect from the people we were renting from, what we should plan to do during the process, etc. We had hoped to be moved into a home by May but were so thrilled when we got to move in to one even sooner, April 15th! We are LOVING our situation -- the house we are in works so well for our two families... we both have our own space but still get to see one another and spend time together when we want to. We cannot thank Amanda enough for her help in not only guiding us to homes for rent but also in taking care of the "not-so-fun" details instead of having us deal with them ourselves in our inexperience. I will definitely be seeking out Amanda's help again in the future with any real-estate decisions and we would 100% recommend Amanda's services to anyone! She really is the best.
Abs and Kevin
Abs and Kevin
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Thank you for Blessing Me with Your Friendship -
About three years ago my wife and I decided to move out of our little basement apartment and find a "real house." The basement worked fine for our first few months of marriage, but we needed to upgrade to more space. We had been friends with Amanda for some time and she had helped us with budgeting and financial advice, so we turned to her for help getting into a new house.
It wasn't long before Amanda's search process found us a great town home option. We went one day and looked at the place that would be our home for two and half years. As soon as we walked in I had the sense that "this is it." Turns out I was right. We were very grateful for all of Amanda's diligent work in the process to find us a place that fit all of our needs.
At the beginning of this year, we decided that we wanted to make another change and once again talked to Amanda about our options. We were expecting our first baby and our needs had changed for that reason. Amanda immediately went to work on finding us yet another place to live.
After a few weeks of searching, we found yet another place that had the immediate feeling of home when we walked in. It was the perfect layout for our needs, a great area and a nice yard. We knew that with God's help and Amanda's expertise we had a good shot at getting this wonderful house. So we prayed and waited for something to happen.
What was different about this second place was that the agency listing the home were far less professional in their processes than our previous management company, so there were several hiccups in the process. In spite of all the difficulties and hurdles, Amanda consistently went to bat for us to make sure that we were informed, well covered, and got the correct lease and deal that we needed. We got the house after what seemed like a long struggle.
We have now been in that house for over a month and couldn't be happier. It has provided for us the space, peace and privacy that we needed. Our daughter's room is almost ready, and we are enjoying every day of preparation.
Throughout all of our dealings with Amanda, we know that she makes good, godly decisions using the wisdom God provides. We know that she prays for her clients to find the right place, and trusts God's provision throughout the whole process, even through extreme frustration and uncertainty. That is why we are so thankful for Amanda's role in our lives as our real estate agent, our financial advisor, and our very good friend. We have seen God work in so many ways through her ministry, not just for us but for many of our friends as well. I know that she will continue to bless so many families through all that she does. Thank you Amanda for serving God and for serving others so well. We love you!
Jonathan & Aubrey
It wasn't long before Amanda's search process found us a great town home option. We went one day and looked at the place that would be our home for two and half years. As soon as we walked in I had the sense that "this is it." Turns out I was right. We were very grateful for all of Amanda's diligent work in the process to find us a place that fit all of our needs.
At the beginning of this year, we decided that we wanted to make another change and once again talked to Amanda about our options. We were expecting our first baby and our needs had changed for that reason. Amanda immediately went to work on finding us yet another place to live.
After a few weeks of searching, we found yet another place that had the immediate feeling of home when we walked in. It was the perfect layout for our needs, a great area and a nice yard. We knew that with God's help and Amanda's expertise we had a good shot at getting this wonderful house. So we prayed and waited for something to happen.
What was different about this second place was that the agency listing the home were far less professional in their processes than our previous management company, so there were several hiccups in the process. In spite of all the difficulties and hurdles, Amanda consistently went to bat for us to make sure that we were informed, well covered, and got the correct lease and deal that we needed. We got the house after what seemed like a long struggle.
We have now been in that house for over a month and couldn't be happier. It has provided for us the space, peace and privacy that we needed. Our daughter's room is almost ready, and we are enjoying every day of preparation.
Throughout all of our dealings with Amanda, we know that she makes good, godly decisions using the wisdom God provides. We know that she prays for her clients to find the right place, and trusts God's provision throughout the whole process, even through extreme frustration and uncertainty. That is why we are so thankful for Amanda's role in our lives as our real estate agent, our financial advisor, and our very good friend. We have seen God work in so many ways through her ministry, not just for us but for many of our friends as well. I know that she will continue to bless so many families through all that she does. Thank you Amanda for serving God and for serving others so well. We love you!
Jonathan & Aubrey
Monday, April 22, 2013
First there were four and soon there will be five - - - His timing is perfect
My real estate experience: My experience was wonderful! My mind was at ease knowing that Amanda truly had our best interest in mind and continually sought to protect it.
Aubrey
Aubrey
You'll finally made it, congratulations and thank you!
We thoroughly enjoyed our journey working with Amanda to find our new home. She genuinely cares about not only finding her clients the right home, but cares about them as people first or foremost. We began this process with an agent and ended it with a friend. Marijo P.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Mary, you're the bomb!
Hi Amanda!
I just wanted to take time to express my gratitude for the time you've spent to financially coach me.
Last week I paid off one of my student loans. It not only feels GREAT, but it's provided the momentum to keep going strong with it!
Thanks so much for teaching me!
-Mary
I just wanted to take time to express my gratitude for the time you've spent to financially coach me.
Last week I paid off one of my student loans. It not only feels GREAT, but it's provided the momentum to keep going strong with it!
Thanks so much for teaching me!
-Mary
Friday, February 8, 2013
Looking forward to 1/2015 - Great job, you two~
I am Corbett and my husband is. We had a plan set in place and Amanda completely altered our path. This is our story.
Richie and I are currently renting a three bedroom condo with two and half baths at $900 per month all included. Not bad for our first home. However, with the market today, you can buy a house with a mortgage of $900 a month. So we got to thinking, maybe it would be wise to look into the idea of buying our first home. We have several friends who have worked with Amanda and highly recommended her. After I received her information, I contacted her immediately. She required us to complete a few documents to better help her understand how to work with us. This information included: our monthly income, monthly bills, monthly spending, savings, debt and much more. Richie and I had a pretty extensive debt list which included his student loans, my student loans, my car loan, and my credit card and so on. After filling out all the required information for Amanda, we were ready for our first face to face meeting.
My expectations: I was expecting Amanda to have a list of housing options ready for us.
My reality: Not what I expected.
During our meeting with Amanda, she encouraged us to pay off some of our debt by using the snow ball method from Dave Ramsey. She also suggested Richie and I get on the same car insurance in order to save money. We informed Amanda that Richie was thinking about going back to school to receive his master's in Theology. She said that was not wise due to the fact that we both already owe on student loans. She then spoke to us about God's order. Our God is a God of order. Some things require patience, hard work and self control, but the result is golden. She bluntly stated that we have over $50,000 in debt and going back to school is not an option for us. Talk about crushing someone's dreams. House was no longer labeled a "Good" idea and Richie going back to school was out of the picture. By this moment, I did not exemplify the best of attitudes. Amanda said that she needed a week to look over our finances more in depth and that she will meet with us next week.
During the next week, I spent much needed time with the Lord praying. Asking the Lord to show me His order, and what this looks like for Richie and me. Not much clarity, but peace was given which was enough for me. Richie and I were also able to pay off his student loan and my credit card. Things were starting to make since.
Our second meeting with Amanda, she came up with a plan. She said I have to options for you. One, I can get you into a house by June 2013. Two, I can get you debt free by January 2015. Without hesitation, Richie and I looked at each other and said option TWO. I think we were all shocked by our responses. With the debt free option, we had to cut down on some things and pay double to our bills. I started paying double on my student loans. I refinanced my car. My car loan interest rate went from an 11% to 3.75% with USAA, and I started paying double on my car loan. Richie and I got on the same car insurance with USAA. We are also going to move into a basement apartment which will save us $300 month. On top of everything else, Richie and I both received a raise at work. Plus my credit score went from 524 to 703. By January 2015, Richie and I will have paid off $50,000 in debt and be completely debt free.
Conclusion: God has order for our lives. Once we surrender to His order, doors began opening and blessings began to flood.
Amanda, I thank you so much for supporting and believing in Richie and me. I can't wait to see what else the Lord has in store for us in the future.
More updates to come.....
Sincerely,
Corbett
Richie and I are currently renting a three bedroom condo with two and half baths at $900 per month all included. Not bad for our first home. However, with the market today, you can buy a house with a mortgage of $900 a month. So we got to thinking, maybe it would be wise to look into the idea of buying our first home. We have several friends who have worked with Amanda and highly recommended her. After I received her information, I contacted her immediately. She required us to complete a few documents to better help her understand how to work with us. This information included: our monthly income, monthly bills, monthly spending, savings, debt and much more. Richie and I had a pretty extensive debt list which included his student loans, my student loans, my car loan, and my credit card and so on. After filling out all the required information for Amanda, we were ready for our first face to face meeting.
My expectations: I was expecting Amanda to have a list of housing options ready for us.
My reality: Not what I expected.
During our meeting with Amanda, she encouraged us to pay off some of our debt by using the snow ball method from Dave Ramsey. She also suggested Richie and I get on the same car insurance in order to save money. We informed Amanda that Richie was thinking about going back to school to receive his master's in Theology. She said that was not wise due to the fact that we both already owe on student loans. She then spoke to us about God's order. Our God is a God of order. Some things require patience, hard work and self control, but the result is golden. She bluntly stated that we have over $50,000 in debt and going back to school is not an option for us. Talk about crushing someone's dreams. House was no longer labeled a "Good" idea and Richie going back to school was out of the picture. By this moment, I did not exemplify the best of attitudes. Amanda said that she needed a week to look over our finances more in depth and that she will meet with us next week.
During the next week, I spent much needed time with the Lord praying. Asking the Lord to show me His order, and what this looks like for Richie and me. Not much clarity, but peace was given which was enough for me. Richie and I were also able to pay off his student loan and my credit card. Things were starting to make since.
Our second meeting with Amanda, she came up with a plan. She said I have to options for you. One, I can get you into a house by June 2013. Two, I can get you debt free by January 2015. Without hesitation, Richie and I looked at each other and said option TWO. I think we were all shocked by our responses. With the debt free option, we had to cut down on some things and pay double to our bills. I started paying double on my student loans. I refinanced my car. My car loan interest rate went from an 11% to 3.75% with USAA, and I started paying double on my car loan. Richie and I got on the same car insurance with USAA. We are also going to move into a basement apartment which will save us $300 month. On top of everything else, Richie and I both received a raise at work. Plus my credit score went from 524 to 703. By January 2015, Richie and I will have paid off $50,000 in debt and be completely debt free.
Conclusion: God has order for our lives. Once we surrender to His order, doors began opening and blessings began to flood.
Amanda, I thank you so much for supporting and believing in Richie and me. I can't wait to see what else the Lord has in store for us in the future.
More updates to come.....
Sincerely,
Corbett
Monday, January 28, 2013
Elaine, You Encourage Me!!! Thank you~
Hi Amanda,
We met with you about a year and a half ago after taking Financial Peace at our church. I wanted to let you know about our progress and how good God is!
We are still in debt, but we are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. At the time of our meetings, we were not able to make more than minimum payments on our credit cards and did not see a way out. Actually, the only way we could even make those payments most months was to withdraw from our savings account which was basically our "income tax refund" account. Every year when we get our refund check back, we put it into savings in order to help with paying our bills.
When we were meeting with you, we were trying to figure out which path to take to start the process of getting out of debt. Then God allowed something wonderful to happen! We were paying my father-in-law $220/month on a debt we owed and still had another year before it would be paid off when he called to say that we didn't have to make any more payments to him. What a blessing! That $220/mo extra was used to pay off a small bill and the rest of a college loan. Then with those two things paid off, it freed up money that we were able to use to pay off our smallest credit card debt. From there, we are continuing to pay on our highest interest credit card by paying an extra $200-$300 a month above the minimum payment.
God has also blessed us by allowing my husband to have a seasonal job and the money earned will be used to pay some of our debt.
We still have a ways to go before we are credit card debt free, but we are on the right track.
Oh, and just last month we were able to refinance our house and bring our payments down $200 a month.
God has truly been good to us.
I wanted to thank you for the time you spent meeting with us, the advice you gave us, and the encouragement to not give up.
Have a blessed day!
Elaine
Happy Home, Meagan & Derik!
Amanda,
There are not enough words to express our gratitude for all you have done for us. You have been a gift from God and an answered prayer for us. Thanks for everything.
Derik and Meagan
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