Ray DePlatchett

My name is Ray DePlatchett, most folks call me “Bud”, and I am a local Real Estate Agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.  I wanted to provide a little about me so you can get to know me better before we discuss the advantages of using my services to help you sell your existing home and extract as much value from it as possible, or to find that perfect new home where you can live comfortably, and just simply enjoy every day!

I was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania and moved several times with corporate relocation services for work.  I have lived in the Tidewater area for the last 20 years in Smithfield and the surrounding area.  Currently my wife, Mary, and I are living in our dream home, a small farmhouse in Ivor, VA on 14 acres where we can raise our dogs and have some chickens, goats or other livestock and enjoy the wildlife that abounds in the area.  Our first home in Pennsylvania was in the country and we have wanted to get back to the country ever since!  Mary and I have 3 children and 4 beautiful grandchildren who live all around the country.

I am an avid outdoorsman that enjoys being out in nature, whether it be hunting, fishing or simply walking in the woods or on the beach.  I also enjoy gardening with my wife and developing beautiful, landscaped areas around our home.  I previously worked in the paper industry in various roles, from production to Research and Development, to Technical Sales/Service for 43 years which kept me away from home traveling all of North America as well as other countries.  I was ready to slow down the travel and now here I am in Real Estate!  I have also consulted to a Department of Defense contractor and helped to develop a program that trained Improvised Explosive Device Detection Dogs for the US Marine Corps.  I am immensely proud of my involvement in that program as we saved hundreds, if not thousands, of military and civilian lives in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  I believe my previous professional work life has served me well in Real Estate as I had to deal with all sorts of people and personalities, with attention to detail, sometimes in very stressful and dynamic situations.  This prepared me well for the Real Estate world where negotiations can be stressful and sometimes high pressure and attention to detail is paramount!

I believe strongly in volunteerism and the fact that all individuals have some way to give back.  I have been a blood and plasma donor for over 40 years and was a volunteer soccer coach for 16 years.  I currently volunteer with Freedom Hunters, a nationwide military outreach organization that sends wounded service members, Gold Star family members, as well as active duty and veterans of all eras on no cost outdoor adventures.  I previously volunteered as the US East Coast Coordinator and served as a member of the Board of Directors for Freedom Hunters and now volunteer with them as an Outreach Coordinator.

I hope you will allow me to assist you with your Real Estate needs, and I look forward to talking with you!  My promise to you is that I will give you 100% of my attention, and work hard to provide you with the best possible outcome for your Real Estate transaction!