FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying or selling a home brings up a lot of questions. Here are the ones I hear most. Don’t see yours? Call or text me at 504-301-7606.

Working With Me

How much experience do you have?

I’ve been in real estate for 17+ years, with $300M+ in career sales. I grew up in Jefferson Parish and now live in Mandeville, so I know both sides of the lake well.

Do you help buyers, sellers, or both?

Both. Whether you’re just selling, just buying, or doing both at once, I’ll guide you through every step and make the move feel smooth.

What areas do you serve?

I serve the Northshore and Southshore of Louisiana, plus the Mississippi Gulf Coast. See the full list of towns and neighborhoods on my Areas Served page.

Are you licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi?

Yes. I’m licensed in Louisiana (LA #70759) and Mississippi (MS #59349).

What does it cost to work with you as a buyer?

In most cases, nothing or very little out of pocket for my services. We’ll go over how buyer agent compensation works and sign a simple buyer agreement before we tour homes, so everything is clear from day one.

Buying a Home

Do you work with first-time buyers?

Yes, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the job. Buying your first home is a big step, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Before we ever look at a home, I’ll sit down with you and walk through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect. I’ll connect you with trusted lenders and service providers, explain each step as we go, and help you make an educated, strong offer. You’ll never feel rushed or left guessing.

What should I do first if I’m thinking about buying?

Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. It tells you your real budget and shows sellers you’re serious. Then let’s sit down, talk about what matters most to you, and start touring.

What should I check before I make an offer?

I’ll help you look at flood zone, insurance costs, HOA rules, and recent sales nearby. In Louisiana, flood and insurance costs can vary a lot from one street to the next, so I always check before you fall in love with a house.

I’m relocating to the area. Can you help?

Yes. I help families moving from out of state, including buyers I work with before they ever visit. I’ll help you compare towns, schools and commutes, and I can tour homes with you by video.

Do you help investors?

Yes. I help investors find rentals, flips, and vacant land to build new construction, and I can help you run the numbers before you buy.

Selling a Home

How do I find out what my home is worth?

Call or text me at 504-301-7606. I’ll pull recent nearby sales and give you a value based on your home’s condition and updates.

How fast will my home sell?

It depends on price, condition and the neighborhood. Homes that are prepared and priced right sell fastest. Before we list, I walk through your home with you and give you my Sonnie Do List, a room-by-room plan of what to fix and freshen up so your home shows its best and we get you top dollar.

How will you market my home?

My team handles professional photos, 3D tours, floor plans and marketing across the MLS, top real estate sites and social media. Then I negotiate hard to protect you and your bottom line.

Do I need to make repairs before I sell?

Not always. My Sonnie Do List tells you which fixes are worth the money and which ones aren’t, so you spend only where it pays off.

Do you help with staging?

Yes, and I’m a big believer in real staging. It’s one thing for a home to look pretty online, but it’s a whole other thing for buyers to walk in and feel like they’re already home. Depending on your home, I can bring in decor from my own collection to make it feel warm, cozy, and lived in. If your home needs furniture, we can bring in professional stagers. When in-person staging isn’t an option, I also offer virtual staging so your photos still help buyers picture themselves there.

The Process

What happens after my offer is accepted?

Next come inspections, the appraisal, and your loan approval. I keep track of every deadline, work with the title company and your lender, and keep you updated each step of the way.

What is the act of sale?

In Louisiana, closing is called the act of sale. It’s the signing at the title company where ownership changes hands and you get the keys (or get paid, if you’re selling). I’ll walk you through what to bring and what to expect.

Can I buy and sell at the same time?

Yes, and I do it often. We’ll plan the timing together so you’re not stuck with two homes or none.

How do I reach you?

Call or text 504-301-7606, or email [email protected]. My office is Keller Williams Realty Services, 1522 W Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471 (office 94). Let’s make your next move your best one yet.