For over two decades, Carl Fanaro has built NOLA Buys Houses into a trusted and reputable home-buying business in the New Orleans real estate market. Through economic fluctuations, natural disasters, and shifting industry trends, Carl has remained steadfast in his mission to provide homeowners with a seamless and stress-free selling experience. In this exclusive interview, he shares the challenges he has faced, the lessons he has learned, and his advice for aspiring real estate professionals looking to build a lasting business.
Q: What inspired you to start NOLA Buys Houses?
Carl Fanaro: I’ve always had a passion for problem-solving and helping people. Real estate affords both. I saw firsthand how difficult it could be for homeowners to sell properties, especially when they were dealing with financial hardships, inherited homes, or properties in distress. I wanted to create a solution that was straightforward, fair, and fast—something that removed the uncertainty from the selling process. That’s how NOLA Buys Houses was born back in 2005. The goal was to provide homeowners with a trusted, transparent option to sell without the headaches of traditional real estate transactions.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days?
Carl Fanaro: In the beginning, building trust was a major hurdle. Homeowners weren’t always familiar with the concept of direct cash sales, and there was skepticism about how the process worked. It took a lot of time, effort, and consistency to establish a reputation as a company that genuinely cares about people and delivers on its promises.
Another challenge was navigating the 2008 housing crisis. It was a tough time for the industry, but it reinforced the importance of adaptability. By focusing on creative solutions, maintaining strong relationships with sellers, and staying financially disciplined, we were able to weather the storm and keep growing.
Q: The New Orleans market has unique challenges, from hurricanes to fluctuating property values. How have you adapted over the years?
Carl Fanaro: New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind market. Between historic properties, flood zones, and unexpected natural disasters, you have to be prepared for anything. After Hurricane Katrina, the real estate landscape changed overnight. Many homeowners needed to sell quickly, and we were able to provide solutions that helped them move forward.
Since then, we’ve remained flexible, always adjusting to the needs of homeowners and the market. Whether it’s updating our approach to property valuations, expanding our services to include multi-family and commercial properties, or staying ahead of industry trends, adaptability has been key.
Q: What do you think sets NOLA Buys Houses apart from other home-buying companies?
Carl Fanaro: Our people-first approach. Like our website says, our approach is unique because it consultative. For us, it’s not just about buying houses—it’s about understanding homeowners’ needs and giving them the best possible solution. Whether that means selling to us or not. We take time to listen, explain options, and ensure sellers feel comfortable every step of the way. Plus, we operate with complete transparency—no hidden fees, no last-minute changes, just fair and honest transactions.
We also reinvest in the community. Every home we purchase gets revitalized, either through renovations or by turning it into quality rental housing. On top of that, we donate $100 to Children’s Hospital with every home we buy. Giving back is part of who we are.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in real estate investing?
Carl Fanaro: First and foremost, be patient. Real estate is not a get-rich-quick industry. It takes time to build experience, make the right connections, and understand market trends.
Second, always prioritize relationships over transactions. Whether you’re dealing with sellers, contractors, or business partners, trust and integrity will take you further than any single deal ever could.
Finally, stay adaptable. The market is always changing, and you have to be willing to learn, pivot, and adjust your strategies to succeed long-term.
Q: What’s next for NOLA Buys Houses?
Carl Fanaro: We’re always looking for ways to grow while staying true to our values. That means expanding our ability to help more homeowners, improving our renovation projects, and continuing to build strong relationships in the community.
No matter what the future holds, one thing will always remain the same: our commitment to making real estate transactions easier, fairer, and more accessible for New Orleans homeowners.