For The Love of New Orleans

When New Yorkers Jim Brune and Greg Todd, decided it was time to upgrade their New Orleans abode they contacted their favorite Rêve | Realtors agent, Rae Bryan. After owning their home in Uptown New Orleans for five years, the couple wanted a property with more space. Although Jim and Greg loved the atmosphere of Uptown and did not want to move outside of the area, once Rae helped them find the perfect home in Irish Channel, they knew it would be worth the move.

Jim and Greg’s Story.

After visiting New Orleans for several years and viewing the city as a second home, in 2014 Jim and Greg made the decision to plant some roots here and make a purchase. As busy New Yorkers, Jim is the Founder and CEO of BoardPackager a real estate technology company, and Greg who acts as General Counsel for Latin America and Global Head of Regulatory for Bank of America, New Orleans provides a much-needed change of pace from their everyday lives. The couple says, “We love everything about New Orleans, the people, the culture, the atmosphere, and [we] have family in the city, purchasing a home here was a no-brainer.”

Why Jim and Greg Chose Rae Bryan of Rêve | Realtors To Help Them Find Their New Orleans Home.

Five years prior, Rae assisted Jim and Greg with their first New Orleans home purchase. Their experience was so seamless with Rae they knew they wanted to use her as their realtor again. According to Jim and Greg, Rae Bryan is an Uptown New Orleans connoisseur, she has an immense amount of real estate knowledge, and she is committed to prioritizing her clients. “Rae Bryan has a rich history of loving the city, she knows New Orleans, the neighborhoods, the culture. There’s no other New Orleans realtor we would call on.” Says Jim and Greg.

The Type of Home Jim and Greg Were Looking For.

After living Uptown for five years, Jim and Greg fell in love with the neighborhood and wanted to purchase a home that wasn’t too far from their original home. Rae Bryan suggested Jim and Greg look into the Irish Channel neighborhood. The Irish Channel is a historical New Orleans neighborhood that is centrally located and offers a great deal of charm. Most homes in the Irish Channel contain a deep history that dates back to the 1800s. Developers have been able to renovate the properties to meet current world needs while honoring the vintage roots of the area. Jim and Greg loved the ambiance of the Irish channel and immediately knew this is where they wanted to purchase their home. This listing offered the amount of space they were looking for, all while maintaining the comfort of a beautiful home. Jim and Greg said, “Our favorite thing about the property is how gracious it feels, our center hall is so grand it draws you in. We love how huge our front porch is! This home was perfect for where we are now and still allows us the room to add personal touches.”

For The Love of New Orleans.

It’s been two years since Jim and Greg have settled into their new home. Following the 2020 Coronavirus shutdown, Jim and Greg chose to quarantine in New Orleans instead of New York. New Orleans was the better option for the couple since it provided the level of warmth they needed during that tumultuous time. During their quarantine stay, Jim and Greg adopted a puppy from a rescue shelter who they named Philip, after Philip Street. Adding Philip to their family made their home complete. “If you have to shelter in place, there’s nowhere better than New Orleans. We were able to spend our quarantine days on our lovely porch, relaxing and drinking wine. We got a chance to know our neighbors during quarantine, and once it was safe to do so, have quarantine-friendly gatherings with them in our yards. What should have been a terrible time turned out to be okay, and it’s because we were [in New Orleans].” Jim and Greg said.

Although Jim and Greg are currently in New York, the couple says they are anxiously awaiting their return to their New Orleans home. Jim and Greg are anticipating becoming reacquainted with their neighbors and spending time doing all of their favorite New Orleans things.“We’ll be in the city soon for Halloween festivities. We’re looking forward to frequenting our favorite local restaurants and catching up with our family and friends. We also can’t wait to sit on our lovely porch with Philip and enjoy a bottle of wine.” Says Jim and Greg.

Take it from Jim and Greg the Irish Channel is a wonderful place to live. Be sure to look at Irish Channel listings here! 

*Photos | Zach Smith Photography