After serving in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Emerson Sosa returned to his hometown of San Francisco, determined to make a difference in his community.
Emerson, who is a Clinical Operations Manager at the University of California, San Francisco, where he manages diabetes, allergy, and other auto-immune disease clinical studies, also wanted to live in the city where he grew up.
“I love the energy of big cities — it’s so invigorating!” he said. “The idea of being a stone’s throw away from that energy, rather than having to drive was a huge driving force for me.”
Emerson heard about Landed at work, and while he didn’t need a down payment partner, he was excited to learn Landed could also connect him with a vetted Landed partner agent to help an essential professional like him find a great place.
As a first-time buyer, he was nervous about picking the right neighborhood. But after touring about a dozen condos, he found one that stood out: an updated condo in an amenity-filled complex right next to the San Francisco Giant’s Oracle Park and near the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors.
Plus, it was a step up from his former digs — a 12x8 shed he converted into a tiny apartment and placed in his parent’s backyard, where he lived while saving for a down payment. It was a simple, practical space, but he wasn’t particularly sad to leave it behind once he saw his new home.
“I was amazed by the condo,” he said. “The swimming pool, gym, amazing rooftop, cinema — it was just like MTV Cribs. As the child of immigrants, these are things I didn’t have access to as a kid.”
Emerson preparing a meal in his new home in South Beach, San Francisco.
Emerson said the best part of his Landed experience was being connected to his Landed partner agent, who in addition to real estate expertise, had a law background, too.
“Her background made her a great partner on the legal hurdles and paperwork. And she was always available,” he said. “I’m really grateful.”
Emerson said he also learned the value of having honest conversations with your lender and agent. For example, don’t hesitate to ask questions, such as whether it’s a smart buy to purchase a home in a certain neighborhood. In short, use their expertise.
“I’d encourage people who aren’t real estate experts to do their own research and get as informed as possible,” he said. “Then have frank conversations with your agent and lender to learn more. I shared my story with them and they really went the extra mile to make sure I got my dream home.”
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