Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaray Harvey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. My mom, my sister, and I moved to Orlando in 2011 searching for a better future. I was 10 years old, and even though we didn’t have much, Orlando gave me the safety, opportunities, and support I needed to grow.
I come from a home shaped by a lot of change. My parents separated when I was young, and my mom and stepdad separated before I turned 18. Watching her navigate those transitions while raising us taught me what strength really looks like. It also made me crave stability and a space that felt truly mine.
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming an interior designer. I’ve always been drawn to homes, design, and the idea of creating beautiful, functional spaces. But when I found out my mom had once dreamed of becoming a doctor, I made it my mission to accomplish that dream for her. I put my own interests like fashion and interior design on hold and decided I’d be the first doctor in the family.
I went on to study medical sciences in college, and later switched to architecture when I realized how deeply I still loved design. But juggling full-time work and school made it hard to manage the long studio hours. Some of the projects took nine hours to complete, and it just wasn’t sustainable. I took a step back and asked myself what I truly wanted, and that answer had always been the same: I wanted to own a home.
I had been obsessed with the idea of owning a home since I was young. At 17, I became curious about real estate just to learn how homebuying actually worked. In 2020, I almost got under contract but I backed out because I didn’t feel ready. It would have been an incredible deal with a mortgage around $1,000 a month, but I didn’t have the knowledge or confidence yet.
That same year, someone at my retail job told me I’d make a great agent and even offered to pay for my real estate course. I didn’t take them up on it, but it planted a seed. I finally got licensed in March 2023, and almost immediately, I tried again to buy a home. With a 580 credit score, I was told there wasn’t much that could be done and was referred to a credit repair company that didn’t help. I was frustrated and losing time.
In August 2023, I met Ivan, a loan officer introduced to me by my mentor, Matthew Anderson. Ivan actually took the time to look at my credit, income, and taxes, and built a clear, personalized plan. Just nine months later, in May 2024, my husband and I closed on our first home.
Since getting licensed, I’ve had the honor of helping dozens of people at different stages of their journey. Some were ready to buy or sell right away. Others I’ve helped build a plan to improve their credit, prepare their finances, or understand their timeline. I’ve helped families lease homes, find tenants for their properties, and even work through tough decisions about whether to move or stay. Whether they’ve closed or are still actively searching, every conversation is about empowering people with real guidance and support.
One friend was living in a rental where mold and flooding had become a serious health hazard. She called me in a panic, and I had a condo listing nearby. With Ivan’s help, we secured $40,000 in down payment assistance, and between the seller and myself, we gave her additional closing cost credit. She purchased a beautiful 3-bedroom condo, walked in with $40,000 in equity, and her mortgage is now around $1,800 a month, less than what she was paying in rent.
Another friend was interested in a condo listed at $257,000. I negotiated it down to $242,000 and secured a 3% seller credit of $7,260. That’s $22,260 in total savings. His mortgage came out close to what rent would have been, but now it’s his.
After seeing the impact Ivan had on my life and how we helped others together, I knew I wanted to do more. When he shared that he was planning to retire, I saw a real need for a Spanish-speaking loan officer who could offer real guidance, not just numbers. I studied hard, passed my mortgage licensing exam earlier this year, and officially became a mortgage loan officer.
Now I work side-by-side with buyers to create step-by-step financing plans tailored to their exact situation. Whether it’s improving credit, figuring out which debts to pay off first, or understanding timelines, we walk through it together.
To me, owning a home isn’t just about the transaction. It’s about peace of mind, stability, and pride. It’s knowing you have a space that’s truly yours. I’m beyond grateful that I get to help others build that, especially those who didn’t think it was possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I come from a background of instability. My parents separated when I was young, and my dad left Colombia when I was around 8. My mom went through another separation before I turned 18. We moved around a lot, and I spent most of my childhood craving a sense of stability and belonging.
When we moved to Orlando, I didn’t speak English. That transition was incredibly hard. I remember being in 5th grade and getting bullied simply because I couldn’t express myself or stand up for myself. That experience stuck with me, but it also became one of the first moments that shaped my resilience.
Over the years I struggled with direction. I worked full time while in college, switched majors, and put aside my own dreams to chase what I thought would make my family proud. Even when I tried to buy my first home, I hit roadblocks. I was told my credit score wasn’t enough, handed off to unhelpful companies, and felt like no one was really there to guide me.
In 2022 I was hospitalized from stress while going through an unstable living situation. I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. But even in that moment, something inside me refused to quit. There’s a quote I once heard in an anime that I hold close:
“Whatever you do, don’t give up. Not for a second, not for a moment. Don’t let the doubt creep up. Don’t give up. Don’t back down.”
Someone once told me when I was a teenager, “Build your resilience. Keep getting back up. You don’t have to be a victim of your past your whole life.” And that stuck with me. No matter how many times I’ve fallen, I’ve always stood back up stronger, more focused, and more determined to build the kind of life I’ve always dreamed of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Zaray Harvey Mortgages & Real Estate ?
Zaray Harvey Mortgages & Real Estate is a heart-led real estate and mortgage business built on trust, empowerment, and results. I help first-time buyers, sellers, relocating families, and investors feel confident and cared for through every step of the journey. I specialize in residential real estate, creative financing solutions, and investment strategies across Central Florida.
What makes me different is how personal this is for me. I was once the client who didn’t know where to start. I remember being told my 580 credit score meant there was nothing anyone could do for me. Now I get to be the person who does have a solution. I’ve helped clients secure $40K in down payment assistance, negotiated tens of thousands in seller credits, and guided buyers into homes with instant equity and affordable monthly payments.
I don’t just help people close on homes. I help them build long-term plans, exit strategies, and financial peace of mind. Whether someone is buying, selling, renting, or investing, I bring clarity to the process and help them make smart, empowered decisions.
What I’m most proud of is that people don’t just work with me once. They refer their friends, cousins, and co-workers. They trust me with major milestones. Real estate shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It should feel like someone’s truly in your corner. That’s who I am, and that’s what my brand is all about.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband deserves so much credit. He’s my number one supporter, advocate, business partner, and the person who believes in me more than anyone. He pushed me to get my real estate license and helped me every step of the way when I pursued my loan officer license. He plays a major role in the operational side of my business by helping with driving, placing signs, and handling tasks I can’t always get to while I focus on negotiating deals and marketing.
My mentor Matt Anderson has been a major influence. He’s always pushed me to be the best version of myself. His dedication and consistency have inspired me and taught me so much.
Ivan Grondona, the loan officer who helped me buy my home, later became a business partner and brought me on board at DR Mortgage. He’s been a blessing in my journey and believed in me from the beginning.
Carrie, my transaction coordinator, keeps everything running smoothly. She’s incredibly organized and helpful. I also need to mention Kellie for her constant support since I got licensed.
I’m grateful to my mom Karen and my sister Mia who have been there for me in every season. My whole family, including my aunts Nayibe, Angely, Haydee & Gusa, my cousins, grandparents, nieces and nephews, and the Lopez family, has shown me love and support through everything.
My friends who double as cheerleaders have been such a gift: Bravo, Darnell, Nelly, Kiki, Mariely, Gomera, Smerf, Jessy, Lara, Carlos, Gavi, Steve, Luis, Haydee, Samantha, and Jesli. Whether we talk every day or just check in occasionally, their encouragement means everything. They cheer me on when I see them and show up in small ways that make a big impact. I’m so thankful for the community that surrounds me and lifts me up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/zarayorlandorealtor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarayorlandorealtor?igsh=ejh4dWhrcWdpZXVp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FM4CASLoR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zarayharvey?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
