When My Tenants Became My Clients

I meet clients in all sorts of interesting ways. Alex and Gabby happened to be my tenants for several years before becoming my clients. They got to know and trust me as their landlord. So, when it came time to put down roots in the city that they love, they turned to me for help and advice to buy a home in New Orleans.

No Rush, No Pressure

While they had previously purchased a house in California, their experience had been stressful and challenging. Explains Gabby, “Working with a realtor we weren’t in sync with wasn’t great.” 

This time around, the most important thing to Alex and Gabby was that they didn’t want to be rushed or pressured to act quickly. They were intent on finding the perfect thing, and I was on board – doing my research and being attuned to their best interests.

Their list of “must-haves” included an old house made from natural materials, being near the water, and having a sizable amount of land. As you might expect, this took a good bit of time to find. We looked at about ten properties over a year and a half before finding the perfect spot for them.

A Totally Different Experience

Notes Gabby, “The process was like day and night from what we had experienced with our previous realtor in California. Tracey looked out for us and told us her honest opinion. I think it’s probably a tricky thing for a realtor because you really have to be neutral while also protecting your client. If done right, it’s quite a nuanced job! Tracey did a lot of communicating for us with the seller and did so in a way that really advocated for us. She listened and was always patient. And I knew that there was no question that she wouldn’t be able to answer.”

As I’ve worked with many other clients who’ve bought old homes, I guided Gabby and Alex through the inspection process, sharing both the big picture and the details about caring for an older home in the right way, with the right vendors.

They love their new (old) home and wouldn’t trade it for the world!

I’m grateful that both Gabby and Alex had this to say about working with me:

“We always asked Tracey what she thought, and she told us. Some realtors are just so eager to make a sale, they’ll withhold their true feelings, or they’ll push you in a direction that’s not really what you want. She respected us, and we respected her. She also didn’t discriminate or judge us or the sellers that we engaged with. Living in such a divisive time, particularly in the South, it was important for us to work with Tracey as a forward-thinking, equal-opportunity human. She works hard and is honest and loving. Could not recommend her more, and we are so grateful to have her in our lives.” – Gabby S.

“We knew Tracey was an honest, hard working person who knew the city like the back of her hand and all the magical people in it. We were truly thankful to have an agent of her caliber who never pressured us, always gave us straight, real feedback, and went above and beyond to make sure we never settled. We are proud to call Tracey and the Reve team, family.” - Alex S.

Interested in buying, selling, or investing? Feel free to get in touch.