Conversations with Latoyia Bailey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoyia Bailey

Hi Latoyia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I returned home from the military and married my high school sweetheart, we were eager to take that next step in life: finding our first home. But, like many young couples, we hadn’t always made the best financial decisions. We spent without a real plan—no budget, no savings strategy—and when it came time to get pre-approved for a mortgage, the reality check hit us hard. Our credit scores weren’t where they needed to be, and the loan officer gave us an honest breakdown of the steps we’d have to take to reach our goal.

But here’s the beautiful part of the story: that loan officer didn’t just hand us a list of requirements and send us on our way. She became a guiding light, walking us through every step of the process—educating us on improving our credit, managing our debt, and preparing for homeownership. Her kindness and dedication were life-changing for us, and when we finally got those keys, I realized something profound. I wanted to pay that same kindness forward. I wanted to help others navigate what can be one of the most stressful, yet rewarding, decisions of their lives.

My background is in education, and I’ve always had the heart of a teacher. Becoming a realtor gave me the perfect platform to merge my passion for educating and serving others. Now, I consider myself more than just a realtor—I’m a home-buying educator. I believe that knowledge is power, and it’s my mission to ensure that every client, every potential buyer, and even my community understands the process. I want them to feel empowered as they embark on the journey toward homeownership.

For many, buying a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make. It’s where we feel safe, where we build our families, and where we can truly be ourselves. Home is not just a place; it’s a foundation for life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to guide individuals and families through that journey, helping them create the stability, security, and comfort that homeownership provides. To me, there’s no greater reward.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it wasn’t smooth at all, and I think the biggest challenge was feeling completely blindsided. I wasn’t educated about credit—what it takes, what I needed to do, or how it would impact my ability to buy a home. I just assumed we could walk into a bank, apply for a mortgage, and be handed the keys. I had no idea there was so much work involved, and that was a huge wake-up call.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that buying a home requires more than just wanting one. It takes sacrifice, discipline, and a lot of preparation. From understanding credit scores to learning how to manage debt, the journey wasn’t as easy as I had imagined. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but looking back, it was those challenges that really pushed me to grow. And that’s why I’m so passionate about educating others now—I don’t want anyone to feel as unprepared or blindsided as I did.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I serve first-time homebuyers, and while I work with both buyers and sellers, my passion is truly rooted in educating those who are navigating the homebuying process for the first time. I’m known for being a reliable resource, someone my clients can turn to for guidance, especially when it comes to finding solutions that can help them be successful. Whether it’s discovering grants, down payment assistance, or even money-saving hacks, I’m committed to helping my buyers make it to the closing table with as little financial strain as possible.

What I’m most proud of is being able to help people who have been renting for years, who maybe thought homeownership was out of reach, walk through the door of their very first home. There’s nothing quite like that feeling, and it’s an honor to be part of that journey.

What sets me apart is my willingness to put in the work for as long as it takes. Some clients are ready to buy right away, and we make it to the closing table within 30 to 45 days. But for others, it’s a longer road. I’ve worked with clients for months—sometimes even years—to get them to the point where they can buy a home. I never give up on them. Whether it’s credit coaching, finding financial resources, or offering encouragement when they feel stuck, I’m there for them every step of the way. That’s why I love what I do—it’s not just about closing a deal, it’s about helping people achieve something they may have thought was impossible. And when we reach closing day, or as I like to call it, ‘key day,’ it’s an incredible moment for both of us.

How do you think about luck?
This is a funny question because, honestly, I don’t believe in luck. I believe that God has been the one opening doors for me and guiding my path. There have been times when doors have closed, and I trust that it’s because those weren’t the doors I was meant to walk through—and I’m perfectly okay with that. For me, it’s all about faith, trusting the process, and believing that what’s meant for me will always find its way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://g.co/kgs/MS7CBNM
• Instagram: @LatoyiaSellsHamptonRoads
• Facebook: https://fb.me/LatoyiaBaileyRealtor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOes-RzMqNQ7SWOZJ28nqg?view_as=subscriber