Frequently Asked Questions

About Team Lirette

1. Who is Team Lirette?
   Team Lirette is Phillip and Brooke Lirette, a husband-and-wife real estate team with Keller Williams serving buyers, sellers, and investors across the Greater New Orleans Area. Phillip has called New Orleans home for nearly 20 years, and Brooke is a born-and-raised New Orleans native. This city isn’t just our market. It’s home.
2. What areas does Team Lirette serve?
   We serve buyers, sellers, and investors across the Greater New Orleans Area, including New Orleans, Metairie, Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, and surrounding communities in Southeast Louisiana.
3. What sets Team Lirette apart from other real estate teams?
   When you work with Team Lirette, you get both of us, not an assistant or a showing agent. Us. Every time. We bring complementary specialties to every transaction. Phillip is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative with a passion for first-time homebuyers. Brooke specializes in listings and home presentation with a natural eye for staging and photography prep. Together, we cover every side of the transaction with the same level of care and attention.
4. What does Team Lirette believe about real estate?
   We believe an educated client is a confident client. From the first conversation to closing day, we take the time to explain the market, walk through the process, and make sure nothing catches our clients off guard. Real estate should feel exciting, not overwhelming, and we work hard every day to make that a reality.
5. How do I get started with Team Lirette?
   Simple. Reach out to us at TeamLiretteRE@gmail.com, call or text us at 504-300-9776, or fill out the contact form on our website at TeamLirette.com. No pressure, just a conversation.

Buying

1. What is the first step in the home-buying process?
   The very first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval letter from a lender tells you exactly how much you qualify for and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. Keep in mind that pre-approvals are typically valid for 30 to 90 days, so while you can start talking to lenders early, you’ll want to wait on the actual letter until you’re ready to buy.
2. What should I look for when searching for a home?
   Before you start searching, we recommend creating two lists — a Needs list and a Wants list. Needs are the non-negotiable features your next home must have, things like enough bedrooms, proximity to work, or a yard for your pets. Wants are the features you’d love but can add or change down the road. This keeps your search focused and helps us find the right home faster.
3. How do I make an offer on a home?
   Once you’ve found the one, you’re ready to make an offer. You’ll need your pre-approval letter or proof of funds and a deposit of at least 1 to 2% of the purchase price, which goes toward your closing costs at closing. We’ll write the offer together, negotiate the terms, and guide you through every step.
4. What happens after my offer is accepted?
   Once you’re under contract, the real work begins. You’ll complete your loan application, drop off your deposit, and get homeowners' insurance quotes. We’ll review all the important dates and milestones with you to make sure nothing catches you off guard on the way to closing.
5. Do I really need a home inspection?
   Absolutely yes. During the inspection period, you have the right to hire a professional to inspect the home's condition. If issues arise, the buyer may ask the seller to cover the repairs, reduce the sale price, or fix issues before closing. Never skip an inspection.
6. What is an appraisal, and who pays for it?
   An appraisal is an estimate of the property’s value by a licensed professional appraiser. Your lender orders it, and you pay for it. The goal is to verify the home’s value and protect you from overpaying. If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, we go back to the negotiating table.
7. What should I avoid doing once I’m under contract?
   This is important. Once you’re under contract, do not make major job changes, large purchases, or open new credit cards or lines of credit. Any of these can alter your loan qualifications and jeopardize your closing. When in doubt, ask us before making any significant financial decisions.
8. What happens on closing day?
   Closing day is the finish line. You’ll do a final walk-through of the property to confirm everything is in order, then meet with the title company to sign the closing documents and wire your funds. Once everything is signed and funded, you’ll get your keys. It’s all yours.

Selling

1. How does Team Lirette determine the right price for my home?
   Pricing is one of the most important decisions in the selling process. We thoroughly evaluate the market using recent sales, current inventory, and your home’s specific features to determine the right price. Homes priced correctly from the start typically sell for more in the end. Overpriced homes sit on the market longer and often sell for less after price reductions.
2. How does Team Lirette market my home?
   We use a comprehensive strategy that combines digital and traditional marketing. On the digital side, that includes professional photography, MLS listing with IDX syndication to Zillow, Realtor.com, and Homes.com, targeted social media marketing on Facebook and Instagram, and email campaigns to our buyer database. Traditional marketing includes yard signage, open houses, broker tours, and targeted postcards to neighboring homeowners.
3. Does staging really make a difference?
   It absolutely does. Staged homes spend significantly less time on the market compared to unstaged homes. Brooke has a natural eye for how a home should be presented and works closely with sellers to make sure every room is ready for professional photography and showings. We recommend staging on a case-by-case basis, depending on the property.
4. How does the showing process work?
   Once your home is live, we’ll establish showing parameters together, including preferred dates and times, and notice requirements. The standard notice is 24 hours, with a minimum of 2 hours. Best practices include having the owner step out during showings, securing pets, and utilizing an electronic lockbox. We gather feedback from every showing and share it with you.
5. What happens when I receive an offer?
   We receive and review all offers on your behalf, send them to you for review, and set up a time to discuss them together. We’ll present a net proceeds sheet so you can see exactly what you’d walk away with under each offer’s terms. Then we negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome.
6. What contingencies should I expect from buyers?
   Common contingencies include inspection, appraisal, financing, and home sale. Once we’re under contract, we’ll work through each contingency together and manage all key dates to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
7. Do I have to pay the buyer’s agent commission?
   Sellers are not required to offer buyer's agent compensation, but here's something worth considering. Many buyers, especially first-time buyers, are already managing a down payment and closing costs. Adding a buyer's agent compensation on top of that can create a real financial burden. Sellers who are willing to offer compensation often make transactions smoother and more accessible to a wider range of buyers. We'll walk you through your options and help you make the right decision for your specific situation.