Experience, finesse, results: Go with Kent Fowler!
I wanted to share my experience with Kent Fowler as my realtor. Kent helped me buy my first home in 2009 in DC. At that time I was looking for someone with both real estate and finance experience that understood the DC area markets. I also needed someone who was flexible to work with my schedule and income and someone with whom I would feel comfortable. I found all that and more with Kent Fowler. He was very patient and helpful throughout the process. We encountered several snags along the way, but with Kent at my side, I had confidence we would overcome the obstacles. His expertise and support were invaluable. Due to my income as a social worker, I chose to use the NACA program (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America). There are advantages to using NACA, however, using NACA makes for a long and tedious journey. So here is an overview of the good, the bad and the ugly. The Good: NACA enables purchasers to buy a home with no down payment, no closing costs, no PMI, and no points or fees. It is not just for first time buyers, but purchasers must live in the home for at least 3 years before selling or renting. They also provide money for rehab as well. The Bad: NACA limits the purchase price for each market, and based on your credit, income, and assets, there are limits for much you will be approved. In my case, I qualified for just about the price of the home I bought. The Ugly: Anticipate 6 months or more for just to go through NACA's process. Filling out the application and gathering supporting documents was easy for me. Unfortunately, NACA is very under-staffed and under-resourced. The office I used had major problems with their phone system and it was almost impossible to call and talk to someone by phone. In addition, e-mails were not promptly returned either. But I think my biggest frustration with NACA was being given misinformation along the way and the lack of competence in some of the staff. In my case, I was asked to provide copies of paperwork several times as they were misplaced. Staff also had trouble understanding the notes from the inspector and communicating what needed to be corrected. In addition, there were major lags between NACA's offices and between NACA and the lender. In general, if I was promised something would happen in a week, that usually meant a month. But Kent worked tirelessly to expedite the process as much as possible. In fact, in the midst of all the frustration, my contact at NACA surprised me one day by commenting, "you really have a good agent." For Mr. Fowler to get results from NACA was certainly quite an accomplishment, but to earn their respect along the way was remarkable. A second issue that complicated my purchase was that the home was an estate sale. The previous owner had died and split her estate between her nephew and various charities. Because of that, when there were contract negotiations, they had to be approved by the attorney for the estate, with major items being signed off on by representatives of the charities, which were out-of-state. Kent handled this in stride and navigated some challenging barriers. Kent Fowler is a true professional. He could not only trouble shoot the problems that arose, but he was poised in dealing with some difficult personalities as well. He was even able to handle my parents and all of their questions and concerns. No matter what was thrown his way, he dealt with it calmly and promptly until a resolution was reached. I would whole-heartedly recommend Kent Fowler as a realtor. Especially in this market, you need someone you can trust who will get the job done right. Go with Kent Fowler, and like me, you'll be glad you did!
Finally - a realtor that can get the job done!
After three years of house hunting and three agents later, Kent helped me seal the deal. I mentioned that we needed to find a place in 30 days, and that I hoped he had the time to work with us! My requirements were all over the map-I was looking in all four quadrants of DC, a fixer upper, or not, construction loan or not, short sales to foreclosures, or not. What worked for me: -Kent is a laid back, hard-working and knowledgeable professional -He is flexibilty, will work with your schedule and pace and is efficent with your time -He will share his opinions and experiences with you, but would never pressure you into making a decision-you do that on your own when you find the right property -He is smart and knowledgable, and will get you the information you request and need in a speedy manner-and THIS WAS THE KEY FOR ME. I am a detailed and data oriented person; I realized that the reason why I was able to find my property (in 26 days), and finally made the decision to buy (at the price, location and square footage I wanted), was that Kent provided me with all the information I requested and more, in a timely manner, so that I was able to make the right decision. I am very happy with my purchase and my experiences with Kent.
Kent Fowler is the agent you want & need
As a TV news reporter, covering politics, I'm naturally skeptical of "official types" trying to convince me that my best interests -- are their best interests. So when I first talked to Kent Fowler, about possibly representing my real estate interests, I looked at him with a crooked eye. But a telling moment opened my eyes to what Kent is really about. Before hiring him, I figured I'd try him out. So, off we went - touring a few homes in my taste and price range. I'd only been in Washington D.C. a short while. And I thought I knew my way around. One evening, sitting on the passenger's side of Kent's car, I insisted: "No, this way! Turn down this block!" Though Kent was almost sure I was wrong, he turned down the street because of my insistence. So did a police car. We were driving on a one-way street, in the wrong direction. I was obviously wrong, as the police officer pointed out to Kent. But instead of appropriately laying the blame at my feet, Kent told the officer it was solely his mistake - and absorbed the scolding and the penalty. That may sound like a minor story. But it illustrates a major point about Kent: in his mind, the client is always right. That's when I realized Kent had to be my real estate agent - and no one else. Over the months I spent with him -- riding in his car, touring homes, asking questions, and getting answers - I came to understand that Kent is a talented, experienced and compassionate real estate agent. Put another way, he is the agent you want -- whether you're a seasoned home buyer or a nervous novice like I was back then. Besides making his clients' interests his own interests, Kent takes their questions and concerns seriously, no matter how trivial they may be; he has an understanding of the market that was virtually unmatched by the other agents I'd interviewed; his knowledge of the District's real estate laws could rival that of experienced attorneys; and he's the number one advocate for his clients - protecting them from the maze of shady sellers and listings, and pointing clients towards trustworthy real estate professionals like home inspectors, contractors and lawyers. Whatever income Kent earned, after I purchased my home, was truly money well spent. Pretty soon I'll have to move, as I chase politicians across the country. And I'll have to sell or rent my place. Though I'm not yet sure what road I'll take, I am sure who I'll use to drive me in the right direction: Kent Fowler.
Great Agent- I would not use anyone else
Kent worked with me for almost a year to find a property that can be both a residence and a source of rental income. I am extremely happy with the outcome. He was professional, upbeat and fun to work with. Above all he was honest, and that is a not an easy quality to find in this field. He made a difficult process, much easier, more understandable and dare I say enjoyable. I would not hesitate to use his services for my next real estate purchase.
Spectacular at what he does. A first-time buyer's
Simply put: Kent is spectacularly good at what he does. As a first-time buyer, I was incredibly nervous when I began the process. Kent was patient, calm, thorough and encouraging from start to finish. He understood immediately what I was looking for, and only sent listings that matched my aesthetic and my budget. When I found the property I wanted, he guided me step-by-step through the mortgage application process, coaching me on negotiating and ultimately seeing me through to closing. I cannot say enough about his savvy and kindness -- a rare combination. Kent's a gem.
He's Such a Pro That I Have Used His Services Mult
I've known Kent for approximately 10 years and so when it was time for me to buy my first home in 2006, I did not hesitate to use his services. Being a first time home buyer can be an intimidating and confusing process but Kent was there to guide me every step of the way. When I had to move a year and a half later, Kent was there once again to help me figure out whether I should rent or sell. At the end of the day, he helped me find two wonderful tenants and we were able to negotiate rents that were more than others in my building were reciving due to his great marketing abilities. Finally, in October we decided it would be a good time to sell my unit. Not only did Kent have an initial plan regarding pricing, but he had a clever back up plan that ended up working perfectly. My biggest fear was in this market I would sell my home at a loss, but in fact I made a profit! I can't recommend Kent's services enough. He is kind, professional and extremely knowledgeable.
Terrific Agent - Found Us The Perfect Home
My wife and I recently moved to D.C., and wished to buy a home but had limited knowledge of the area. Kent was tremendously knowledgeable of the area and patient with us as we explored several areas of the city. He met us with a smile at every turn. He is responsive, attentive, and selfless in his service. He frequently went out of his way to assist us with questions (via phone and email) at odd hours, and was more than happy to show us a home at any time (day or night). Once we found the perfect home, Kent was very efficient and effective at the business side of home buying; offer, negotiation, closing, etc. We couldn't have been more pleased with our experience!
Kent worked for me
Kent worked with me through very trying conditions for over a year until I finally found the right home. He negotiated thoroughly, and creatively I must add, to get me not only the home I wanted but at the best price. I actually did much better than I thought I would. His knowledge of the city, the various neighborhoods and the 'system' in this area were extremely helpful. I am thrilled with my new 'old' house, it's exactly what I wanted. It wasn't easy to find, but it would have been impossible without Kent. I recommend him without reservation.
High marks for Kent Fowler
I have worked with Kent Fowler for the last 2 years on both purchasing and selling a property in DC. I have found Kent to be very knowledgeable, honest, and professional. Further, he has worked extremely hard for me - to say that he goes the extra mile would be an understatement. I would highly recommend him for both buying and selling a property. On the buy side, his knowledge of the different neighborhoods is invaluable. On the sell side, his guidance on pricing and what buyers are looking for is absolutely right on. I sold my first property in just 3 weeks for top dollar. I'm currently working with him on buying a second property....and plan to do more.