Who We Are

Working For You

We believe that people should be treated more than just a bottom line, a Facebook like, or a number on a spreadsheet.  Those numbers don’t tell the stories that have happened throughout the years.  Whether it be a house that has been in the family for generations or a house that was bought only a year or two ago we realize unseen circumstances occur such as foreclosure, an expensive repair, bad tenants, a house stuck in probate, a divorce, or inherited properties. These problems can disrupt not only your near plans but a big part of your future as well.

Tracy

I first became interested in real estate as a young man working at the fire department in Columbia, SC. I would work on my days off doing rehab work on houses for investors. I got my Real Estate License but in 1982 interest rates were upward of 18% and the fees were unmanageable. So I turned in my license and I began to see a lot of creative real estate transactions develop in front of me.

As the interest rates came down, I became more interested in learning what it actually took to buy, to fix up, and to resell houses. I noticed that only a lucky few could walk into a mortgage company and get a loan to buy a house. The majority of people were stuck renting.

I kept asking questions and learning from investors that I was working with and eventually, I was able to buy a house with no money down. To fix and list with a realtor meant paying all of those fees. I knew that I wanted more so I figured out how to sell my house using the method of “rent to own.” Immediately, I had a number of people that really needed the opportunity to get a home of their own. As fast as I could find a home to buy and fix up, I had people with good jobs and down payments ready to move in! Some were willing to work to make their situation better and eventually purchase this home. 

I continued learning and searching for ways that clients can end up with a home of their own. Along the way, I have discovered many options to help both sellers and buyers. Now we have a “Path to Homeownership” anyone can join to start their journey towards The American Dream. Along the way, I have realized that every person has a different situation and a different story to tell. I take pride in working with clients to solve their problems and accomplish their goals.

Joe

Hey everyone I’m Joe, my story and real estate beginnings started in Connecticut. I recently moved to Charleston (I know, like everyone else) and I love it here. I was very fortunate to have a great upbringing I was taught the value of hard work at an early age. I became heavily involved with the boy scout program and achieved the rank of eagle scout. During that period, I learned a lot about community and what it means to give back.

Fast forward a couple of years through multiple construction jobs and an engineering degree to 20 year old me sitting in a bank applying for my first real estate loan. I was more than certain I’d be approved. I had just started a great job and I had over 20% to put down on a property. To my surprise, I was declined. I didn’t fit all their boxes! I worked hard, I paid everything in cash, but I had no credit. I was infuriated, it wasn’t fair.

After jumping through hoops to acquire a property, I personally know how hard a real estate situation can be. When I heard what certified affordable housing providers offer to people, I was all in. There are so many ways we can help people save their credit, get into homes, and sell their troubled properties. (It’s amazing what a couple of missed house payments can do to a credit score!) The best part of working for Live Oak Home Buyers is the fulfillment of seeing people’s housing dreams come true. Whether it be helping people into a house or out of one, I promise to do my best to help you.

We are more than happy to talk about all options when it comes to selling your home even if they don’t include us. Thank you for taking the time to read about our company and the core values that drive us, we look forward to working hard for you.