In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, few names resonate as powerfully as Dr. Benaisha Poole-Watson. As the Owner and CEO of Prime One Home Loans, Prime One Lending Group, and Central One Lending Group, Dr. Poole-Watson stands at the forefront of the industry, guiding clients and communities towards financial empowerment and generational wealth.
Prime One Home Loans, a Direct Lending (Non-Depository) Bank, specializes in funding Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Business Funding, and Aviation Funding, with transaction capabilities of up to $650 million. With over 1,000 loan programs under her leadership, Dr. Poole-Watson is on a mission to educate, empower, and provide people of color with unprecedented access to capital.
Her influence doesn’t stop at financing. As the CEO of The Bailey Watson Real Estate Group, she leads a team of over 250 licensed Realtors nationwide, placing her in the top 1% of Realtors in the country. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation is evident through her real estate and financial literacy classes, taught weekly in high schools. Dr. Poole-Watson has also established a full real estate scholarship for graduating students, paired with a mentorship program to ensure their success.
Dr. Poole-Watson’s academic and professional background is as diverse as it is impressive. Graduating from high school with honors at just 17, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Double Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Political Management, a Law Degree in International Security, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Dr. Poole-Watson served for nine years and has since been featured on major platforms such as Fox News, Yahoo Finance, and Essence. Her expertise has made her a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences around the globe.
Why Now is the Right Time to Purchase Real Estate
The benefits of owning real estate are numerous, with building equity being a leading factor in creating generational wealth. As rents continue to rise, it’s crucial to recognize that while renters may think they are avoiding the housing market, they are actually contributing to their landlord’s equity—not their own. With interest rates on the decline in 2024, currently holding steady at around 6.2% with potential lows of 5.5% at Prime One Home Loans, now is a strategic time to enter the market. Renting offers a 0% return on investment, lacking both equity-building opportunities and tax benefits.
The current housing market is also marked by a shortage of available homes, driven by investors converting owner-occupied homes into rentals and fewer new constructions over the past decade. With demand high and supply low, home prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports a median sale price of $426,900 in the U.S., making it essential to act now to avoid being priced out of the market.
Advice for New Homeowners
Dr. Poole-Watson advises new homeowners to ensure they are financially prepared, with savings set aside for unexpected repairs. Owning a home is likely to be the largest purchase in one’s life, and the responsibility for maintenance falls squarely on the homeowner. She also stresses the importance of getting credit in order, with a score of 700 or above positioning buyers to secure the best interest rates. For those lacking a down payment, Dr. Poole-Watson recommends exploring loan programs offering incentives like $0 down payment, available through Prime One Home Loans for those with a minimum credit score of 600, a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 56%, and at least two years of consistent employment.
The Case for International Real Estate
For those priced out of the U.S. housing market or looking to diversify their investment portfolios, Dr. Poole-Watson advocates considering international real estate. Countries like Ghana, Bali, and the Dominican Republic offer luxurious homes ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, often with features sought after in the U.S., such as vaulted ceilings and granite countertops. These markets are typically more stable than the U.S., providing a safer investment during turbulent times. Through Central One Lending Group, Dr. Poole-Watson’s International Division, buyers have access to competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms, making the process of purchasing international properties smoother than working with foreign banks.
Dr. Benaisha Poole-Watson’s expertise and dedication to empowering communities of color make her a trailblazer in the world of real estate. Whether through domestic or international investments, her guidance is helping to build a more equitable future—one home at a time.
