TikTok: A Platform for Change in Affordable Housing
When most people think of TikTok, they envision a whirlwind of catchy dances, comedic skits, and viral challenges. However, one local real estate agent is flipping the script on this perception by using the platform to spotlight a pressing issue: the dire need for safe, affordable housing in Dallas. Realtor Sarah Hamway, known for her signature high heels and mini microphone, is taking viewers on a journey through the lesser-known corners of the city, revealing both the opportunities and challenges that renters face.
A Unique Approach to Real Estate
In one of her engaging TikTok posts, Hamway excitedly shared, "I wasn’t even going to make a video today, and I just found the craziest rental opportunity I have ever heard of in Dallas. This unit in Highland Park is less than $600 a month." With her quirky humor and candid commentary, she provides a raw and honest look at the conditions and amenities of the properties she showcases. For instance, while touring a compact living space, she quipped, "If you don’t have a lot of furniture, that will work to your advantage."
In a city where the median rent hovers around $2,100, Hamway’s videos are a beacon of hope for those struggling to find affordable housing. Her TikTok series featuring 12 apartments under $1,200 a month garnered over a million views in just two weeks, underscoring the urgent demand for affordable options.
Breaking Down Barriers
Hamway’s journey into real estate began during a challenging market, where she quickly learned that many agents dismissed clients with lower budgets. "I was told by other agents when I started that if someone came to me with a budget of $1,600, you can’t help them, and there’s nothing in Dallas for that price," she recalled. However, Hamway was determined to prove them wrong. Her innovative approach has not only helped her earn a living but has also allowed her to carve out a niche that serves an often-overlooked community.
The Reality of Renting
Hamway has seen it all while searching for the best rental options. From mold in air vents to questionable living conditions, she has encountered numerous challenges that renters face. "I’ve seen some really jarring apartments," she described, emphasizing the importance of transparency in her tours. Her candidness resonates with viewers, many of whom are navigating the often-stressful rental market.
Renter Ivan Ochoa shared his experience before meeting Hamway: "I was just checking online, and I feel like I was getting good pictures and stuff, but I wasn’t getting any real information, like when I could move in. Rent is always questionable. I would just get spam." After discovering Hamway on TikTok, he found a rental that fit his budget, significantly reducing his stress.
Building Relationships with Landlords
One of Hamway’s key strategies involves nurturing relationships with smaller private landlords. This approach is crucial for helping individuals who may face challenges such as bad credit or previous evictions. Renter Natalia Lucien, affectionately known as Cookie, shared how Hamway acted as a mediator between her and the property owner. "She was able to tell my story," Cookie said, highlighting the personal touch that Hamway brings to her work.
Cookie’s journey has been particularly challenging; after facing a health crisis with her daughter that led to an eviction, she found herself struggling to secure housing. With Hamway’s assistance, she was able to find a landlord willing to give her a chance. "Now I’m in a better place, and I am actually elevating or growing into something a little more like a two or three-bedroom now," she expressed.
Personal Motivation
Hamway’s commitment to helping others is fueled by her own experiences. "When I was, like, 22 years old, I was paying for an apartment in Downtown Dallas that was, like, $1,400 a month. I ended up getting my car repossessed. I didn’t pay medical bills when I had them because I couldn’t, and I was living paycheck to paycheck just to make my rent payment," she shared. This personal history drives her passion for advocating for affordable housing in a city where the median rent has skyrocketed from $992 in 2017 to over $2,000 in 2024.
A Diverse Audience
As North Texas continues to grow rapidly, Hamway’s TikTok inbox is flooded with messages from individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From recent high school graduates to seniors in their 70s, people are reaching out for help in finding stable housing. "I’m like, you wanted to reach out to me from TikTok? They’re like my grandparents’ age," she noted, emphasizing the widespread need for affordable housing solutions.
The Impact of Affordable Housing
For many of Hamway’s clients, finding a safe and affordable place to live has transformed their lives. Ochoa remarked, "If you’re comfortable, you can probably just do amazing things." Cookie echoed this sentiment, stating, "I feel safe going into my house." Hamway’s dedication to her community is evident in her words: "I am beyond grateful that I get to have this opportunity, and I will continue to serve my community."
Navigating the Commission Landscape
While real estate agents typically earn commissions based on the first month’s rent, Hamway has found that apartments with lower rent often offer smaller percentages. This means she must work harder to help more renters, but she believes the effort is worthwhile. Her commitment to serving her community and advocating for affordable housing continues to make a significant impact in Dallas.