Sarah Coleman
Founder & CEO
Colombo 03–07
Our story
Built by a first-time buyer,
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.
"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.
James Mendis
Senior Buyer's Agent
Colombo 06–10
Amara Silva
Mortgage Specialist
All areas
Tom Ratnapala
Buyer's Agent
Suburbs