How a First-Time Homeowner Made A Smart Move

by Clint LaCour

In October of 2018, Rêve agent Erin Hardy helped Kylie Tahana become a first-time homeowner in Broadmoor.

Why Kylie Chose Erin Hardy as Her Agent

Originally from New Zealand and a graduate of a Sacred Heart school, Kylie landed in Louisiana for work and found a built-in sisterhood among a group of women who’d graduated from Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, LA. Erin Hardy was one of those women, and Kylie immediately liked her and trusted her. Kylie, who was interested in becoming a first-time home buyer, appreciated the fact that Erin was an attorney as well as a real estate agent and the fact that Erin had the patience and took the time to explain the entire home buying process.

What She Was Looking For

A corporate recruiter for an IT company, Kylie had been living in apartments for a few years, first in Bywater and then in the Lower Garden District. She was tired of paying rent and interested in buying a home that would generate rental income – more specifically, a renovated double that wasn’t a traditional shotgun-style layout. And she liked the idea of living in a smaller owner’s unit in order to produce more income from a larger rental unit.

How Erin Guided Kylie Through the Process

“I looked at a lot of doubles and shotguns, and I really lucked out with this place,” says Kylie. “Erin was on the ball in terms of knowing what I wanted and the neighborhoods I was interested in, and she explained that when we found the right property, we’d have to act quickly. She found this house, and we put a bid on it the same day it went on the market.” Kylie notes that there were two other parties bidding against her, and she appreciated Erin’s thoughtful and careful, yet assertive manner — guiding Kylie through the bidding process and explaining what they needed to do to get their offer accepted. And it worked.

“I think it takes a certain amount of experience to be on the ball like that, juggling multiple alerts, clients, and wish lists,” says Kylie. “Throughout the process – bidding, inspection, and appraisal — I relied on Erin’s negotiation skills. She explained where we should be flexible and when we should push back. It was more than a transaction to Erin. She really went above and beyond.”

Since the home had been renovated in 2017, Kylie was able to move in and secure tenants without making any home improvements. Says Kylie, “I did add fans to the front porch and planted Star of jasmine for my tenant. It smells amazing.” The rental unit is generously-sized with three bedrooms and two baths, and she’s happy with her tenants, who are professional rugby players with NOLA Gold. The smaller owner’s unit has two bedrooms and one bath, and until recently, Kylie shared it with a roommate. Now, she’s turning the 2^nd bedroom into an office and refinancing the house to take advantage of low interest rates. Kylie says, “It’s time to start adulting. I’m going to spread out and have this side all to myself!”

When you have the right agent, the home buying process should be seamless. Need help with your next real estate move or venture? Contact Rêve Realtors.