Andrew was actually highly recommended by the lender I ended up using for a VA Home Loan--though, they have no business ties other than frequently working with each other through their common industry. I imagine I did not cut the figure of a highly desirable client considering I had zero cash for a sizable down payment, a modest upper limit and no cosigners. I had my doubts that any agent would want to field that call, but from the initial interview, he presented himself as easy to communicate with and interested in what I was looking for in a property. He expressed his desire to help people from all walks of life get into homes that would best serve their needs. An attitude he seems to bring with him from a social service oriented background and one I can appreciate, at least. This underlying motivation would surface time and time again throughout our meetings. The few things that were of paramount importance to me were: - To know that my agent was actually listening to my concerns - To have my best interest at heart in light of those concerns - And to give it to me straight Andrew genuinely put forth effort to be attentive to my budget, deal breakers and compromises. I relied heavily on him to provide his candid assessment of neighborhoods, property conditions, tax jurisdictions, and Pittsburgh real estate-specific foibles. He did not once push any property that would have stretched my budget or been otherwise inappropriate. He even steered me away from properties he believed truly did not meet my criteria when I presented them as possible candidates for viewings. Never once complained about commute distance. In short, Mr. Albright happened to be who I was asking for to walk next to me through the process, make me aware of aspects I had yet to consider, and work behind the scenes to filter through the noise and find a house that we could ultimately call home.
