Note from Bill Facker, chairman Public Relations Committee, Kauai Board of Realtors: I am privileged to know Leah Ragsac and fortunate to enjoy her volunteer presence on the Public Relations Committee of the Kauai Board of Realtors. After reading my
Note from Bill Facker, chairman Public Relations Committee, Kauai Board of Realtors:
I am privileged to know Leah Ragsac and fortunate to enjoy her volunteer presence on the Public Relations Committee of the Kauai Board of Realtors. After reading my last article in The Garden Island concerning empowerment of Kauai’s youth and the possibility of home ownership, Leah came to me and shared her personal story. I was so moved that I asked if she would consider sharing her story with our entire island home. Thankfully, Leah has done just that. The following is Leah’s story, in Leah’s words, giving her firsthand account to the people of Kauai. Mahalo, Leah, for this beautifully worded testimony of achievement, which will surely inspire hope in other young citizens that they too can realize their dreams on our island home.
If I reflect back on my life, I can say there are a few people that changed my life forever. To name a few .. my lifelong partner Bryson, my three beautiful children, my mentor, and my Realtor. Yes my Realtor! I was in my early 20s when I met my Realtor. I lived a common life here on Kauai, children and marriage at a young age, living with my in-laws.
Although we were comfortable, finding a place to rent and call our own became the top of our dream list. To become a renter would allow us to be our own family and give us enough room to build our own memories. Homeownership had never crossed my mind. At that time we were happy and decided to make the best life we could here on Kauai. Bryson worked in the hotel industry and saved every dollar he could and I went to school part time and opened my own retail shop.
In the meantime, we were house hunting for a place to rent. Of all the places we applied to, no one was calling us back. The life changing moment happened when a lady walked into my shop, chatted with me and took an interest in me. I can’t remember all the details of our conversation but I know by the end of the day a seed was planted in my heart for homeownership.
From that time on my Realtor became my friend and she would stop in and talk to me about what was new on the market, drop off fliers of different properties, and bring us to open houses. She landed us on a house in Lihue. It was bad. Graffiti decorated the walls, you didn’t want to take your shoes off and we probably should have worn a mask.
Bryson is very handy, we had vision, and we wanted it. We put in an offer and someone else came in with cash and above asking price. That house was not meant for us. Buying a home is not a fast and easy process. Luckily we had a great Realtor that led us every step of the way.
From getting financing, finding the right neighborhood, and getting the best deal, she was there.
Long story short, we became homeowners and have investment properties as well. We give thanks to God for orchestrating all these events, but also to my Realtor who placed that dream in my heart and worked crazy hard to see it become a reality. She changed my life for me, my children and generations to come! I get the privilege to work with Old Republic Title and Escrow and see lots of people become homeowners on Kauai.
I work alongside over 500 Realtors that are working hard to place people in homes.
Everyone should have a friend as a Realtor. Whether you are in the stage of living with family, renting, or maybe its time to invest in property, let a realtor become a “dream realizer” for you, too!
