Matthew Brown
~Realtor ~
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Copa: Where are you from?
Matthew: I was born and raised in Northwest, Washington, DC Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Matthew: I attended Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School in Washington, DC and I completed my bachelor's degree in Business Management at the Elizabeth City State University (HBCU) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Copa: What influenced you to become interested in becoming a realtor?
Matthew: There were two influences for me to start my real estate business. The first major influence was my three daughters. I'm building my business with them in mind as they are in elementary school and at the toddler age now. I would like for them to have the option of running the company when they're old enough to do so if they choose. Another influence for to start my real estate business was the thought of continuing to help individuals and families with life events. Prior to partnering with Keller Williams Capital Properties to start Matthew Brown Homes, I had a 14 year career as a Human Resources Recruiter in the healthcare, civil rights, and public libraries sectors. In that role I coached thousands of job seekers to secure employment and orientate them to their new company/organization. I also helped hundreds of management staff with interviewing and candidate selection. With Matthew Brown Homes, I get to guide individuals and families from all walks of life to accomplish the goal of becoming homeowners and create wealth that grows and supports future generations. |
US Capitol
Map of Washington, DC
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Copa: What are the 2 most important things one must consider when they decide to buy or sell a home?
Matthew: One of the most important things to consider is to think long term or big picture. Investing in a home can open many doors for the property owner themselves or their family members for many years. Another important thing to consider is doing what makes sense for you. We often get steered into doing things that others feel are right for us. For example, if an individual likes to move every two to three years, buying a home may not be the best option for that person. Or if someone inherited a property in a neighborhood that is growing, it may be worth it to think twice about selling it.
Matthew: One of the most important things to consider is to think long term or big picture. Investing in a home can open many doors for the property owner themselves or their family members for many years. Another important thing to consider is doing what makes sense for you. We often get steered into doing things that others feel are right for us. For example, if an individual likes to move every two to three years, buying a home may not be the best option for that person. Or if someone inherited a property in a neighborhood that is growing, it may be worth it to think twice about selling it.
Copa: Would the time of year make a big difference when seeking the right property?
Matthew: Like most industries, real estate has its peak seasons of the year. Buying a home in the spring/summer is ideal for most people because homes look their best and many families have more free time in the summer to tour properties and secure a home before school starts. The average home seller has this in mind so more homes are typically listed for sale during this time. During the fall and winter is a good opportunity to snatch a home off the market as a result of less competition from other buyers. The average person is not up for spending their cold evenings and weekends touring properties, let alone moving all of their belongings during the holidays.
Matthew: Like most industries, real estate has its peak seasons of the year. Buying a home in the spring/summer is ideal for most people because homes look their best and many families have more free time in the summer to tour properties and secure a home before school starts. The average home seller has this in mind so more homes are typically listed for sale during this time. During the fall and winter is a good opportunity to snatch a home off the market as a result of less competition from other buyers. The average person is not up for spending their cold evenings and weekends touring properties, let alone moving all of their belongings during the holidays.
Copa: How do interest rates affect the timing or be an advantage in this big decision?
Matthew: When considering buying a home, the average person will be applying for a mortgage loan to borrow money for the purchase. The interest rate on that loan plays a big part into how much the bank will qualify an individual to borrow as well as impact their monthly payment amount. Low interest rates typically translate to lower monthly payments so in the end, make sure you're comfortable with the monthly payment when making the decision to buy a home because that's what you'll likely be paying for the next 15 - 30 years if you do not refinance the loan.
Matthew: When considering buying a home, the average person will be applying for a mortgage loan to borrow money for the purchase. The interest rate on that loan plays a big part into how much the bank will qualify an individual to borrow as well as impact their monthly payment amount. Low interest rates typically translate to lower monthly payments so in the end, make sure you're comfortable with the monthly payment when making the decision to buy a home because that's what you'll likely be paying for the next 15 - 30 years if you do not refinance the loan.
Copa: Would you be able to guide any prospective home buyers to any good financing solutions?
Matthew: Absolutely. I have several established relationships and connections with many local and national real estate professionals. The professionals include Loan Officers, Mortgage Brokers and even Credit Repair Specialists. These are experts in the financial field that can set many prospective home buyers up for success. One thing to remember is that each buyer's journey is different. For some, they could submit a loan application one day and be preapproved the next day to purchase a home while others may need to build credit scores, save more cash for a down payment, or clean up negative items on their credit history.
Matthew: Absolutely. I have several established relationships and connections with many local and national real estate professionals. The professionals include Loan Officers, Mortgage Brokers and even Credit Repair Specialists. These are experts in the financial field that can set many prospective home buyers up for success. One thing to remember is that each buyer's journey is different. For some, they could submit a loan application one day and be preapproved the next day to purchase a home while others may need to build credit scores, save more cash for a down payment, or clean up negative items on their credit history.
Copa: What are the advantages when choosing an older or newer home?
Matthew: Some advantages to buying an older home are that you'll typically find larger rooms, more yard space and a variety of different floor plans. Older homes also have more character such as crown molding, beautiful original hardwood floors that folks love, and the community has been established for years. With an established community a buyer has the potential to move and immediately feel welcomed by the neighbors. With new construction or newer homes, advantages include the likelihood of less repairs that will be needed in the near future. Newer homes also typically are equipped with energy efficient features to keep your utility bills low and the house quiet. Most home builders keep up with the trends so a newer home will likely have more modern features as well.
Matthew: Some advantages to buying an older home are that you'll typically find larger rooms, more yard space and a variety of different floor plans. Older homes also have more character such as crown molding, beautiful original hardwood floors that folks love, and the community has been established for years. With an established community a buyer has the potential to move and immediately feel welcomed by the neighbors. With new construction or newer homes, advantages include the likelihood of less repairs that will be needed in the near future. Newer homes also typically are equipped with energy efficient features to keep your utility bills low and the house quiet. Most home builders keep up with the trends so a newer home will likely have more modern features as well.
Copa: How can our readers reach you?
Matthew: The best way for your readers to connect with me is directly at (202) 215-9293. I always have my phone with me. They can also reach me online at MatthewBrownHomes.com for valuable information with Buying and Selling and @matthewbrownhomes on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube to take a peek into my business and crazy personal life.
Matthew: The best way for your readers to connect with me is directly at (202) 215-9293. I always have my phone with me. They can also reach me online at MatthewBrownHomes.com for valuable information with Buying and Selling and @matthewbrownhomes on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube to take a peek into my business and crazy personal life.
