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Our story

Built by a first-time buyer,
for first-time buyers.

HomeFirst Realty was born from frustration. Our founder Sarah Coleman spent months confused, misled, and overwhelmed during her own first home purchase. She decided the experience had to be better — so she built it.

Sarah Coleman, founder of HomeFirst Realty, smiling in a bright office

"Nobody should feel like a stranger in the process of buying their own home. We exist to change that."

— Sarah Coleman, Founder & CEO

Meet our founder

Sarah Coleman

In 2010, Sarah spent 8 months trying to buy her first home in Colombo. She was a first-generation buyer — no family advice, no insider knowledge. She felt misled by agents who had their commission in mind, not her interests.

After finally closing on her first home (the hard way), Sarah earned her real estate licence and spent five years at a traditional brokerage before founding HomeFirst Realty in 2015 with a single mission: build the company she wished had existed when she was buying.

Today, HomeFirst has helped over 1,200 first-time buyers across Colombo and suburbs — and every single one of them worked with an agent who started with listening, not selling.

Licensed

Since 2012

Speciality

First-time buyers

Transactions

1,200+

Team members

12 agents

What guides us

Our values

Every decision at HomeFirst comes back to these six principles. They're not wall art — they're how we work every day.

Radical Transparency

We tell you the truth about a property even when it's inconvenient. Always — because it's your money and your life.

Buyer-First

Your interests come before our commission. We'll recommend waiting or walking away if it's in your best interest.

Education Over Pressure

An informed buyer is a confident buyer. We explain until you understand — no rush, no sales tactics.

Human Connection

We remember your name, your dog's name, and what you said matters most in a home. Technology assists us — it doesn't replace us.

Results

Warmth without results is nice conversation. We close deals — and we negotiate hard on your behalf every time.

Respect for Time

We respond within 2 hours. We show up early. We don't waste yours — and we'll never reschedule without a good reason.

The people behind the promise

Meet our team

Every HomeFirst agent is a first-time buyer specialist. No generalists — just people who know this journey inside out.

Sarah Coleman, founder and CEO

Sarah Coleman

Founder & CEO

Colombo 03–07

James Mendis, senior buyer's agent

James Mendis

Senior Buyer's Agent

Colombo 06–10

Amara Silva, mortgage specialist

Amara Silva

Mortgage Specialist

All areas

Tom Ratnapala, buyer's agent for suburbs

Tom Ratnapala

Buyer's Agent

Suburbs

Start with a conversation.

No commitment, no pressure. Just 30 minutes to talk about your goals and how we can help.

Book a free chat