Realtor Spotlight: Derek Silas, Sweet HOMElife Real Estate, Mount Olive

February 03, 2020

Although he may be a relative newbie in the real estate industry, Derek Silas is already making his mark. Silas began his career in real estate when he joined Sweet HOMElife in 2018. He won the Heavy Hitter Award for his office last year. He was also a Top 3 producer and Top 5 in units sold.

Q: How did you hear about AHFA programs? 
A: Through workshops initially, but Iast year I partnered up with Tracy Causey at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation as my main lender. (Tracy has been recognized as an AHFA quarterly Leading Lender several times.) She further educated me about AHFA programs during our adventures in working to get clients approved for home loans.

Q: What do you think is the biggest benefit of AHFA programs?
A: Definitely the down payment assistance. I can get many more buyers into homes due to the minimum credit score which gives them more options that they normally wouldn't have. AHFA programs allow buyers to get into homes without a lot of money out of pocket, and this helps them turn the page for a new chapter in life.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: As an agent that specializes in first time homebuyers and helping people rebuild their credit, it is so rewarding to see people get into a home of their own when they thought they would have to rent for years to come. Everyone has a story, and it is great that I get to play a small part in such a monumental chapter in their book of life.

Q: What do you think makes you stand out as a Realtor?
A: My parents struggled my entire childhood with finances and credit. This is a career where I get to reach out to people sharing similar experiences at various points in their life and normalize their situation, and give them the help and guidance my parents never really had. I surround myself with a team of people that share the same views so we can provide the best home buying experience for our clients each and every time.