Realtor Spotlight: Amy LaCount, Bone Realty, Gadsden

June 01, 2018

Amy LaCount has a long history of educating her clients about AHFA programs. She began her career in real estate more than 12 years ago and has been with Bone Realty in their Gadsden office since 2012. LaCount is regularly recognized for surpassing sale goals for the area.

Q: How did you hear about AHFA programs? 

A: Erika Westcott with First Federal is a trusted lender who I love working with. She told me about the programs, and we have worked together to make many, many homeowner's dreams happen due in large part to the Step Up Program. 

Q: What do you think is the greatest benefit of Step Up?

A: I think the greatest benefit is the fact that people who have good credit and good job history can own a home for less than they're paying in rent, without having much of a down payment. Having the ability to just essentially include their down payment into their mortgage only increases their payment a few dollars per month, and that is so much easier than trying to save thousands of dollars to pay down at one time. In most cases, even with the down payment added back in, the buyer is still paying less than they would pay in rent for a comparable property. I think AHFA programs are invaluable to so many people and an excellent way to get people into a home and start owning instead of renting! 

Q: What do you like most about the Step Up program? 

A: The thing I like most is that, obviously, it helps people who don't have a large down payment, gift of down payment funds, or co-borrower, etc., to be able to purchase a home. I also like the training that goes along with the program that helps buyers understand the process and what they are promising the lender in terms of repayment, etc.  

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your job? 

A: I absolutely love helping people who never thought they could buy, but who have a steady work history and make a decent living, who just haven't had the opportunity to really save a good bit of money. It is even more gratifying when they are the first people in their family to own their own home. I also find it rewarding to help people who don't have a clue when they first call me. They just know they want to buy a house. I like putting the puzzle pieces together for them on what they need to qualify, lenders they need to speak to, how the prequalification process works, and walking them through the process of buying.