In Search of New Orleans Charm, A Newcomer Finds That and More

In July of 2020, Rêve agent Jeri Wheeler helped Konrad Young-Raine find his dream home in Algiers Point.

Why Konrad Chose Jeri Wheeler as His Agent

A respiratory therapist and ventilator specialist, Konrad moved to New Orleans to start a new job in the summer of 2019 and needed an apartment. His manager at work referred him to Rêve agent Jeri Wheeler, who was happy to help — even though she usually works with buyers. Looking back on it now, Konrad laughs about the fact that that he was nervous to find something quickly and thought he wanted new construction. Instead, Jeri told him, “You don’t move to New Orleans for the ‘burbs” and wouldn’t let him jump on the first thing he saw. Relieved to rely on her knowledge of the area and her steady guidance, Konrad says she found him an attractive apartment in the Fountainebleau/Carrollton area. “I loved Jeri instantly — and told her that when I was ready to buy, I’d come back to her,” noting that he likes to support local, minority-owned businesses, whether they’re female-owned, Black-owned, or LGBTQ-owned.

What He Was Looking For

Quickly falling in love with the city, Konrad knew within a month that he wanted to stay. When it came time to buy a house, he sent Jeri a list of must-haves, a price range, and the areas he was interested in. Admitting with a chuckle that he “watches way too much HGTV”, he was looking for all the bells and whistles – specifically, New Orleans charm in the form of gas lamps, a porch, and shutters, plus hardwood floors, a free standing shower, a soaking tub, a white kitchen, and more. He liked both the Uptown and Mid-City neighborhoods and didn’t want anything that felt cookie-cutter.

How Jeri Finally Hit the Nail on the Head

Jeri showed Konrad a lot of nice houses, but nothing was quite right. He felt badly that he might be wasting her time, but she reassured him by repeating her mantra: “Don’t worry, you’ll know it when you see it.” Because of that, he didn’t feel pressure. Says Konrad, “There are a lot of agents out there who just want to get a commission and move on. But not Jeri. Over a year of looking, she got to know me, guided me, and just wanted me to find something I’d love!”

One day, Jeri suggested that they check out Algiers Point. Even though the neighborhood wasn’t on his original list, she was convinced he’d appreciate its old world charm and vibe. And she was right.

After looking at a few listings, Jeri mentioned a nearby spec home that fellow Rêve agent Cody Stringer and his wife had designed and developed. It wasn’t on the market yet, but she had a feeling it might be ‘the one’. Konrad jokes that as soon as he walked into the house, he stopped listening to what Jeri and Cody were saying — because it was love at first sight, and he was in a fog. The house was perfect, move-in ready, and Konrad didn’t want to change a thing. Once he snapped out of it, he really appreciated hearing about the design choices Cody and his wife made and the finishes they had chosen. “Jeri was right,” notes Konrad. “I knew it as soon as I saw it. And the funny thing is, I’d say I got about 90% of what was on my list!” Right after seeing the house, he asked Jeri to please call the lender she’d recommended, because he was ready to buy.

Konrad is convinced that during a pandemic, people like Jeri are essential workers – out there helping people find homes. “And that’s important,” notes Konrad. “You can tell when people love their city. Jeri and Cody love New Orleans and want their clients to fall in love with it, too.”

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.

Photo credit: Zack Smith Photography