Virginia Multifamily Market Report Q1 2026: Hampton Roads vs. Richmond — Where Should Investors Put Their Money?By Justin Ferguson | First Vice President of Investments, Marcus & Millichap Data Source: CoStar Group, licensed to Marcus & Millichap, March 7, 2026Most investors look at Virginia multifamily and see two markets. I see two different problems — and two completely different opportunities.Hampton Roads is performing. Richmond is recovering. Both will reward disciplined investors who understand what the data is actually saying. But the thesis, the timing, and the execution look nothing alike.Here's the full institutional-grade breakdown of both markets as of Q1 2026 — vacancy, rent, construction, sales comps, and the investment strategy that actually makes sense right now.

Richmond Apartment Sales Volume: Active in a Constrained MarketRichmond multifamily sales activity totaled approximately $558 million in 2025 across 31 transactions — a meaningful increase from $442 million (37 deals) in 2024, though still well below the market's 10-year annual average of $644 million and 60 deals. Year-to-date in 2026, five transactions have closed totaling $119.6 million, including two significant Class A trades in January and February.

Most investors blame the market when deals go wrong.The market didn't take your money. A decision you made quietly, confidently, and completely wrong — long before anything looked like a problem — did

We kick off by examining a curious case: why does a property with an identical floor plan lag 20% behind a nearby competitor?

High-Yield Multifamily Opportunity: The Harrisonburg Portfolio (8.08% Pro-Forma CAP)**

This video clarifies Virginia's landlord tenant law, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal procedure to avoid common errors that lead to case dismissals. We discuss the complexities of evicting tenants and the critical role of proper notice to vacate. Learn how to navigate the court process effectively and protect your interests

The Flats at Gum Drive | Portsmouth VA Multifamily Investment The "Rent Gap" is your profit. Portsmouth, Virginia, is undergoing a generational economic transformation with $5B+ in active infrastructure projects.

Deltha Gardens is a stabilized 7-unit multifamily opportunity located in the high-demand shipbuilding hub of Newport News, Virginia. Built in 1969, the property features a strategic mix of two- and four-bedroom units that cater to the region's diverse workforce. Offered at $650,000, the asset provides an attractive entry point into a market bolstered by billions in infrastructure projects and a massive military industrial presence

20-Unit Multifamily Opportunity | Norfolk, VA | 7.80% Pro-Forma CAP

The Bottom Line2026 is a year of transition. While concerns about inflation and tariffs remain, the fundamentals—dwindling supply and increasing demand—point toward a recovery. As transaction activity rises, we expect to see a rebound in job openings and growth across the brokerage, lending, and investment sectors.

The New Rules: How Multifamily Underwriting Has Changed in 2026The multifamily landscape is shifting rapidly. If you’re still using the same underwriting assumptions from a few years ago, you’re likely miscalculating the risks—and the potential—of today’s deals.In 2026, "standard practice" has been redefined. From record-high supply levels to a "topped-out" consumer, the metrics that matter most have changed. Here are the five biggest shifts in multifamily underwriting and what they mean for your investment strategy.

In this video, we share a compelling story about a client facing a significant financial downturn, highlighting the critical importance of a robust loss recovery strategy. This narrative underscores how proactive market analysis and diverse investment strategies are vital for property owners. Stay informed with our real estate tips to avoid similar pitfalls and safeguard your investments.

This video reveals a pattern that has consistently predicted every major market crash before it happened, providing invaluable insights for real estate developers, investors, and anyone looking to make informed property investment decisions. By analyzing market trends and historical data, we can identify key indicators that signal an impending crash, allowing investors to adjust their real estate investing strategies and protect their assets. Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or just starting to explore the world of property investment, this pattern can help you make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. With expert market analysis, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that influence real estate development and the overall market, enabling you to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By applying this knowledge, you can minimize risk and maximize returns on your real estate investments, ensuring long-term success in the ever-changing market landscape.

Discover the critical gap between perceived performance and market realities in commercial real estate, especially concerning real estate underwriting. This video reveals how a $60,000 per unit discrepancy can impact even experienced operators. Learn to navigate these challenges and make informed investing decisions, understanding the nuances of cap rate real estate to avoid common pitfalls.

The Richmond, Virginia multifamily apartment market is experiencing a pivotal transition in late 2025, presenting compelling investment opportunities as supply pressure begins to normalize following an extended period of elevated construction activity. With 9.0% vacancy, 107,687 total apartment units, and 5,202 units currently under construction, Richmond's apartment market demonstrates both near-term absorption challenges and strong long-term fundamentals driven by superior economic and demographic growth.

This isn't about left or right. It's about leverage, liquidity, and lag time. It's about understanding what happens when the rules rewrite themselves in 18 months—and your deal was underwritten for 30 years. Policy is noise. Operations are signal. Hold what's real. Let everything else breathe.

**Investment Insights:** This video reveals why Hampton Roads is positioning for strong performance in 2026-2027 as supply undershoots demand and debt costs normalize. Perfect for multifamily investors, commercial real estate brokers, and operators evaluating acquisition opportunities at below replacement cost.

Many believe they own their commercial real estate, but high leverage means you bear all the risk. When the numbers stop making sense, it's the investor, not the banks, who suffers. Smart real estate investing requires understanding the true cost of capital and the dangers of over-reliance on leverage, especially in multifamily investing.

Explore how **real estate investing** has evolved from simple property ownership to complex financial instruments. Discover **investment strategies** to achieve **financial independence** through **passive income**. Understand **capital growth** in the current **real estate market** and the nuances of modern **property investment**.

There's a massive pricing disconnect destroying multifamily deals in Hampton Roads right now. Sellers want $120K/unit based on 2022 valuations. Buyers are offering $90K based on today's 6.5-7% cap rate requirements. Same properties. Same market. Completely different math.In this video, I break down exactly where deals are ACTUALLY closing in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton — not where sellers wish they were closing. I'll show you the real cap rates, actual sales comps, and why insurance cost explosions are forcing valuations down 15-20% from peak pricing.

# Richmond Apartment Market Intelligence: What Every Virginia Multifamily Owner Needs to Know in 2025 If you own apartments in Virginia—particularly in Richmond or Hampton Roads—the market intelligence you're relying on might already be outdated. And in today's rapidly shifting multifamily landscape, old information isn't just inconvenient—it's costing you money. I'm Justin Ferguson, a commercial real estate broker specializing in multifamily properties across Virginia. After brokering tens of millions of dollars in apartment transactions, I've learned one critical truth: **the owners who win aren't the ones with the most capital. They're the ones who move first.** ## The Problem with Quarterly Market Reports Most apartment owners rely on quarterly reports from major firms or wait for their broker to call with listings. By the time you read these reports, the market has already moved. New supply has been permitted. Lender appetites have shifted. Transaction pricing has changed. You're making million-dollar decisions with three-month-old data. ## Real-Time Richmond Apartment Market Intelligence I'm releasing what I track every single month as a commercial real estate professional active in this market: construction pipeline analysis, transaction data, debt market updates, and operational insights that directly impact your property's performance and value. Over the next month, I'm publishing a four-part Richmond Apartment Intelligence series covering the most pressing issues facing Virginia multifamily owners right now. ### Coming in the Series: ## 1. The Richmond Construction Pipeline: 1,847 Units Landing in 18 Months **The headline:** 1,847 apartment units are hitting Richmond in the next eighteen months, and 60% of them are concentrated in just three ZIP codes. If you own property in 23204, 23220, or 23229, your renewal strategy needs to change immediately. When 1,200 Class A units start leasing with two months free rent and upgraded finishes, your Class B property holding at $1.20 per square foot is suddenly competing with brand-new product at effective rents of $1.30. **What I'll cover:** - Exact locations of new supply (with heat maps) - Impact analysis by asset class (Class A, Class B, and 1970s vintage) - Three tactical moves you can make in the next 60 days ## 2. Transaction Timing: Why Owners Are Leaving $200K on the Table The buyer mix in Richmond has fundamentally shifted over the past six months. Private buyers are pulling back and waiting. Institutional capital is acquiring stabilized assets at price-per-unit numbers that look attractive but are actually trailing indicators. Many owners are selling based on comps that closed 90 days ago, not realizing the bid-ask spread is widening in real time. **What I'll reveal:** - Price per unit and cap rate trends by quarter - Two common timing mistakes costing sellers six figures - The specific scenario where waiting six months increases net proceeds by 15-20% If you're considering a sale in the next twelve months, this analysis could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to your bottom line. ## 3. The Debt Landscape: New DSCR Requirements You Need to Know **The rules changed in the last 60 days**, and most Virginia apartment owners haven't caught up yet. Regional banks that were offering 75% LTV at 1.30 DSCR six months ago? They're now at 70% LTV, 1.35 DSCR, with larger reserve requirements. Committee lenders that previously approved cash-out refinances are now requiring full appraisals, updated rent rolls, and stress-testing your trailing twelve months at higher exit cap rates. Debt funds are still lending, but they want 1.40 DSCR and they're pricing 200 basis points higher than a year ago. **What you'll learn:** - Which lenders are still active in Virginia multifamily - Current actual requirements (not advertised rates) - Refinance timing strategies: when to lock versus when to wait If you have a loan maturing in the next eighteen months and you wait until month ten to start talking to lenders, you'll get one quote and take it because you're out of time. ## 4. The $40,000 Lease Clause Almost Nobody Catches After reviewing over 500 multifamily leases across Virginia, I've identified a clause that appears in roughly 80% of leases—and it's costing owners between $30,000 and $50,000 annually in lost NOI. It's usually buried in the utilities section or common area addendum. It's completely fixable. And almost nobody catches it. **What I'll show you:** - The exact clause and where to find it - The math behind the NOI impact - How to fix it in your next renewal cycle - The five-year NPV impact on your property value If you haven't done a lease audit in the last two years, you're leaving money on the table. ## Get Your Free Richmond Apartment Intelligence Brief I publish a comprehensive market intelligence brief every month, completely free. Here's what's included: **1. Supply Map and Analysis** Every multifamily project permitted or delivered in the last 6-12 months, with locations, unit counts, and expected delivery timelines. **2. Transaction Snapshot** Recent deals with price per unit, cap rates, implied NOI assumptions, and buyer types—so you can see what's actually trading and at what basis. **3. Debt Market Update** Current LTV ranges, DSCR requirements, spreads over SOFR, and which lenders are still offering interest-only periods. Real lender names. Real terms. **4. 90-Day Market Outlook** Forward-looking analysis on where the Richmond apartment market is heading next quarter based on current activity. ## Request Your Custom Property Snapshot The monthly brief gives you the market-level view. But if you want intelligence specific to your property, I'll create a custom one-page snapshot showing: - Where your property sits on the supply heat map - What comparable properties are currently trading at - Your debt refinance window and options - Three actionable moves for the next 90 days **No obligation. No sales pitch.** Just intelligence you can use to make better decisions. ## Who This Is For This intelligence series is designed for apartment owners and operators with 20-200 units in Richmond and Hampton Roads who want to: - Understand market dynamics before they become crises - Make decisions with current data, not last quarter's headlines - Protect occupancy and renewals from new supply pressure - Optimize refinance timing and debt strategy - Identify operational improvements that directly impact NOI ## The Bottom Line The Richmond and Virginia multifamily market is moving fast. New supply is landing. Transaction pricing is shifting. Debt markets are tightening. Operational inefficiencies are compounding. The owners who thrive in this environment are the ones who see what's coming 60-90 days out and adjust before it becomes a problem. This intelligence series gives you that edge. --- *Justin Ferguson is a commercial real estate broker specializing in multifamily properties in Richmond and Hampton Roads, Virginia. He has brokered tens of millions of dollars in apartment transactions and works with private owners, small syndicators, and institutional buyers across the state.* **Ready to get started?** Download the free Richmond Apartment Intelligence Brief or request your custom property snapshot today.

Most operators are still using 2021 underwriting models to justify 2025 deals. The result? Properties that can't refinance, can't sell, and drain cash for years.

Richmond Multifamily Investment Guide: The 3 Best Submarkets to Buy in 2025 Richmond's 8.2% vacancy rate tells an incomplete story. Vacancy ranges from 1.7% in Sussex County to 19.3% in the West End—a 1,100% difference that separates winning investments from value traps. In this data-driven analysis, I reveal the three Richmond submarkets where institutional capital is accumulating positions (Chesterfield County, Eastern Henrico, and Prince George County), and the two areas where oversupply has created occupancy nightmares (West End and Midlothian). You'll learn: - Why Chesterfield County's zero construction pipeline makes it the defensive play - How Eastern Henrico's $200/unit rent gap creates value-add opportunities - Why Prince George County delivers 13.3% rent growth despite only 590 total units - The exact 60/25/15 capital allocation framework I use for Richmond investments - Which submarkets have 4:1 supply-to-demand ratios (and why to avoid them)

Everyone’s talking about a housing crash—but the data tells a very different story.

Virginia real estate investing secrets revealed! Wall Street firms like Blackstone, Brookfield, and Apollo are investing $150 billion in Virginia property.

Ready to scale up to your first 8-figure real estate deal? In this comprehensive guide, I break down the EXACT process I use to acquire $10 million multifamily properties - from initial market analysis to closing day and beyond.

Richmond's apartment vacancy just hit 8.2%—but that number is hiding a disaster. The West End is sitting at 19.2% vacancy right now. Nearly one in five units empty in one of Richmond's most expensive submarkets.

Last night's four-course wine dinner featured eight carefully curated pairings showcasing Old World versus New World wines, from Chablis and Finger Lakes Riesling with salmon crudo to Barolo and California Grenache-Syrah with duck confit. Our guests discovered their personal wine preferences while learning about terroir, minerality, and how different regions approach winemaking through direct comparison tastings. The evening proved that wine education doesn't have to be intimidating—just delicious, engaging, and eye-opening. #WineDinner #WinePairing #WineEducation #FoodAndWine

Justin Ferguson has been prominently featured in national and international media for his groundbreaking approach to bridging multifamily real estate with Virginia’s wine industry. His recent press release was distributed across more than 500 outlets with an estimated reach of 44 million readers, including major platforms like AP News, KTIV, WGEM, and KVOA . These articles highlight Ferguson’s nearly decade-long track record as a trusted multifamily real estate advisor, alongside his expertise as a WSET Level 3 sommelier and Wine Director at The Underground Kitchen. Recognized for his innovative strategies, community advocacy, and ability to connect investors with unique opportunities, Ferguson’s dual reputation continues to expand—solidifying him as both a leader in Virginia’s real estate market and a respected voice in wine culture and education

In 2025, with the S&P 500 hitting record highs, investors face the choice of going all-in, waiting for a pullback, or investing gradually. History shows that while short-term volatility is inevitable, disciplined long-term strategies—diversifying across stocks, precious metals, and real estate—consistently build wealth. Smart investors combine steady capital deployment with cash reserves to seize opportunities during downturns.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates at its September 17th meeting, with markets pricing in a 94.9% probability. This shift follows a weak August jobs report and signals potential relief for investors through lower borrowing costs. However, inflation remains elevated, complicating the Fed’s timing and strategy. For multifamily real estate investors, this creates a window of opportunity to reposition before market conditions shift again

Instagram posts are now being indexed by Google, making your Reels, captions, and bio searchable beyond the platform. For commercial real estate brokers, this turns social media into a strategic SEO tool that drives organic visibility and deal flow. I stay consistent on every platform not for vanity metrics, but because each post builds trust before a conversation even starts. In today’s market, your digital presence is no longer optional—it’s your storefront, your résumé, and your pipeline.

REITs have underperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 50% since 2022, but core property fundamentals remain strong across multifamily, industrial, and retail sectors. With public REITs trading at steep NAV discounts and private owners facing variable-rate debt pressure, distressed acquisition opportunities are emerging nationwide. For well-capitalized private investors, this market dislocation offers a rare chance to secure high-quality assets at discounted prices. Virginia multifamily remains especially attractive as supply slows and rent growth stabilizes.

President Trump’s tariff delays are closely tied to movements in the 30-year Treasury yield, and August 7 could be a turning point. For multifamily investors in Virginia, this moment presents a strategic opportunity to monitor bond market signals and prepare for asset repricing. I’m watching the data—not the headlines—and positioning for real assets with long-term yield.

July’s jobs report came in far below expectations, with major revisions to prior months. For real estate investors and economic strategists, this data signals a shift. Here’s what to watch—and how it could impact your investment decisions

Meet Justin Ferguson, certified sommelier and Wine Director at The Underground Kitchen. He’s bringing his deep knowledge and inclusive approach to wine education at Lewis Ginter, offering classes that explore the craft, culture, and history of wine in a welcoming and engaging way. Be the first to know when fall wine classes launch.

Bad underwriting is one of the biggest threats to multifamily investors in Virginia. Learn how to spot red flags, stress test assumptions, and model for today’s market realities.

Looking to defer taxes and scale your multifamily portfolio? Learn how to execute a 1031 exchange in Virginia—plus strategies, deadlines, and market insights for 2025.

How are multifamily investors adapting to today’s high-interest rate environment in Virginia? Explore 5 smart strategies and discover why now is still a winning time to buy.

Looking for value-add multifamily deals in Virginia? Learn the three types of value-add, how to spot a real opportunity, and where investors are seeing upside in 2025.

Looking to unlock off-market multifamily deals in Virginia? Learn how savvy investors gain access, why off-market deals outperform, and where to look in 2025.

Looking for a top commercial real estate agent in Virginia? Learn what to look for, how to choose the right partner, and why local expertise is the key to success.

Discover why Virginia commercial real estate is becoming a top destination for investors, developers, and institutional capital. Get expert insights on trends, opportunities, and what’s next.

The #1 Strategy Wealthy Investors Use to Build Generational WealthMost people think commercial real estate is only for the ultra-rich. But what if I told you that’s just a myth?

Unlock the full potential of your wine—starting with the glass. In this cinematic deep dive, I reveal why Josephinenhütte glasses are more than beautiful—they’re engineered for flavor.We explore the science behind the swirl, the power of intentional design, and why most wine glasses are actually holding your wine back. Whether you’re drinking a $15 bottle or a Grand Cru, this one change can elevate every pour.

Learn how institutional investors are underwriting multifamily real estate deals in 2025 using preferred equity, capital stack structuring, DSCR targets, and advanced tax strategies to scale wealth.While most investors are still chasing 5 caps and outdated metrics, institutional buyers have moved on. In this video, I break down the exact strategies, structures, and risk models the smartest investors are using to underwrite and acquire multifamily properties in today’s market.

Richmond, VA’s multifamily market is shifting in 2025. With an 8.4% vacancy rate, rent growth projections, and 4,800 new units under construction, investors must carefully evaluate opportunities. Discover which submarkets are booming, where to exercise caution, and what’s driving the city’s rental demand. Stay informed to make smarter investment decisions in Richmond real estate.

Amid economic uncertainty, the best investment opportunities often emerge. Learn why today’s market shifts give smart investors a unique edge, the common mistake of waiting for clarity, and how commercial real estate is set to thrive in 2024. Don’t wait for others to act—seize the moment.

Multifamily real estate is at a crossroads as institutional investors hold billions in dry powder, poised for the right moment to enter the market. Could 2024-2025 mark a historic wealth transfer in real estate? This video delves into five key warning signs top investors are tracking, reveals why high interest rates aren’t the real concern, uncovers a hidden debt crisis that may spur widespread consolidation, and highlights the top markets attracting institutional capital. Learn how to position yourself to seize the opportunities that come with the impending market reset—don’t repeat the mistakes of 2008.

Explore whether commercial real estate prices are falling, key factors driving market trends, and strategies to seize opportunities in a shifting landscape. Stay informed on office, retail, and industrial sectors.

Are commercial real estate loans fixed or variable? Discover the benefits, risks, and scenarios for each option to make informed decisions in real estate financing.

Are commercial real estate loans assumable or hard to get? Discover detailed insights into assumable loans, challenges in securing financing, and strategies to improve your approval odds. Learn about the complexities of commercial real estate lending.

Learn what it means for commercial real estate loans to be assumable, the benefits and challenges, and the step-by-step process to assume a loan successfully. Content Summary: Explains what an assumable loan is and the types of commercial loans that may qualify. Outlines conditions, benefits, and risks of assumable loans. Details the legal and procedural steps to assume a loan. Provides examples of when assumable loans are advantageous, such as in a rising interest rate environment.

🎙️ **Excited to have joined Sabrina Romanov's podcast to talk about the future of AI in commercial real estate!** We explored how AI is transforming the industry—from streamlining property analysis to optimizing client experiences and decision-making. I shared insights on how these tools can create efficiencies and open doors for more inclusive opportunities in the field. We also touched on my background: starting in the mortgage industry, working with underserved communities, and growing into a top broker in Southern Virginia specializing in the Hampton Roads and Richmond markets. Plus, a little about my passion for fine wine and how it intersects with my real estate career. A big thank you to Sabrina for hosting such a thought-provoking conversation and allowing me to share my journey and vision for where the industry is heading! #PodcastGuest #AIinCRE #CommercialRealEstate #HamptonRoads #RichmondRealEstate #Innovation

Discover the secrets behind balanced tannins, rich flavors, and wines that pair perfectly with hearty dishes. Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Stolo Mountain Syrah, a standout wine with incredible aromas and a flavor profile that will elevate any occasion.

In this video, I discuss the unique aspects of NDA wines and one of the wines that I present is the 2021 Good Decisions Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This wine has amazing characteristics. Starting with its color which is a deep purple, moving on to its aroma that brings black raspberries, vanilla, and mint, combined with mocha, cherries black licorice, spices to a smooth overriding melange that screams complexity. It is a fantastic complement to a NY strip, and it is ready to drink now or mature for cellaring for up to 2032.

🎥 The Truth About Sparkling Wine: What You Should Be Drinking! 🍾 What makes sparkling wine feel so luxurious? Spoiler: it’s not just the bubbles! In this video, we break down the world of sparkling wines and show you what makes each one unique—so you can sip smarter and elevate your wine game.

How to pick a white wine.

AI is revolutionizing the real estate industry by streamlining processes, enhancing accuracy, and providing data-driven insights for professionals and consumers. From predictive analytics to automated workflows, AI empowers real estate professionals to deliver faster, smarter, and more personalized services.

Richmond’s multi-family market remains dynamic, with an 8.4% vacancy rate—one of the highest in Virginia—driven by steady new construction. While rent growth has slowed to 2.8% annually, the region's affordability and strong demand in workforce housing keep its fundamentals solid. With 4,700 units under construction and strong population growth nearly double the national average, Richmond offers opportunities and challenges for real estate stakeholders in 2024

The Norfolk multi-family market offers steady growth with a 6.8% vacancy rate, outperforming the national average, and rental growth stabilizing at 2.8% annually. Key drivers include strong demand from the healthcare and military sectors, coupled with an active pipeline of 810 units under construction. With attractive cap rates and consistent investment activity, Norfolk remains a top choice for real estate stakeholders in 2024

Key 2024 CRE trends include hybrid work models, e-commerce growth, sustainability, and tech integration. Adapt your investments to align with these changes.

Commercial leases vary by type, including gross, net, and percentage leases. Understanding the costs and obligations of each lease type is crucial for landlords and tenants.

Commercial property financing options include traditional loans, SBA loans, and bridge financing. Prepare a strong business plan and credit profile to secure favorable terms.

When investing in commercial real estate, key factors include location, market trends, property type, and tenant quality. Thorough financial analysis and due diligence are essential for success.

To calculate the value of a commercial property, use methods like the income approach, sales comparison, or cost approach. Accurate valuation depends on NOI, cap rates, market conditions, and location.

Cap rates are essential for evaluating commercial real estate investments, offering insights into risk, return, and market value. While higher cap rates indicate greater risk and returns, lower cap rates suggest stability. Use cap rates to compare properties, estimate ROI, and guide investment decisions.

Discover the key differences between commercial and residential real estate. Learn about lease structures, financing options, and which type of property is best for your investment goals."

Delete everything, if you want to fall behind....

I know the value of a mental health day, but I also know the value of making sure I prospect daily. The two can co-exist together.

Let's answer "How is the market?" better than just adjectives.

Sometimes its more than just a title...

A-B-C & A-I-D-A Always Be Closing & Attention Interest Decision Action If you are still following these acronyms, you're already behind. These are old.

Many people like both, but why me, though?

GQ Magazine has a series called “My First Million” - it shows how athletes and other celebrities spent their first one million dollars. While this series is hilarious and sensational, it sometimes makes me cringe.

I didn’t grow up around wine or Commercial Real Estate, but both of these are now a part of who I am.

Before I jump into this topic, let me share my experience with you.I was a Loan Originator & Residential Agent. A person who had to tell prospective buyers they were unable to buy a home due to lending requirements. Sometimes suggesting that someone continues to rent until they can afford a home.

My resolution this year was… no more New Year's resolutions.To expect that I would fall asleep on December 31 and become a different person on January 1st is pure idiocracy.

My pursuit of happiness has been such a long journey, that I do not think I have ever had the time to figure myself out.Until now.The need for higher education was something I felt I had to do. It would make my parents proud and at seventeen years old I saw no other path outside than college.Obviously, I needed a well paying job after school.

My world officially changed forever. My son was born and I immediately felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Requiring me to be a better human, a better husband, and an amazing father to a life that I wanted to bring into this world.

Average. That is the person I would have become if I had not decided to change the trajectory of my life. There are millions of people who have perfected “average,” so why not try something a little different? For so much of my life, I believed in the notion of “keep your head down, work hard, and good things will come.”