From Stress to Success: Real Stories of NOLA Homeowners Moving Forward
At NOLA Buys Houses, we believe every property in New Orleans has a backstory, and behind every door is a person or family navigating one of life’s major transitions. While many see real estate as a game of numbers and zip codes, Carl Fanaro views it through a different lens: the human side.
We’ve documented the real-life experiences of New Orleans homeowners who needed more than just a buyer, they needed a partner. From stopping foreclosures at the eleventh hour to simplifying the “as-is” sale, these are the stories of the neighbors we’ve been honored to serve.
Miss Tarsha’s Story: A Race Against the Clock
Inheriting a family home should be a blessing, but for Miss Tarsha and her mother, it nearly became a crisis. Their property was slipping into foreclosure after the mortgage was sold repeatedly between lenders, leading to a breakdown in communication that left the family feeling powerless.
When Carl met Miss Tarsha, the “Adventure” didn’t start with a sales pitch. It started with advocacy. Carl encouraged them to dig back through their records, asking, “Did they do this right? Did you check this paperwork?” He wanted to ensure they had exhausted every resource before making a move. When it became clear that a sale was the best path forward, the logistics were daunting—family members were scattered across the country. Carl coordinated mobile notaries in multiple states to ensure every signature was captured and every legal “i” was dotted.
The Outcome: Carl stepped in, settled the mortgage and outstanding judgments, and stopped the foreclosure in its tracks. Miss Tarsha and her mother walked away with cash in their pockets and, more importantly, the dignity of a settled situation.
“He was genuinely concerned… it was never about the money, it was about ‘what can I do to help?'” — Miss Tarsha
Source: (NOLA Buys Houses YouTube Channel)
Cheryl’s Story: The Professional Standard
Selling a home is often cited as one of life’s top three stressors. For Cheryl F., the goal was to find a team that prioritized transparency and professionalism over high-pressure tactics. She needed a clear roadmap in a market that can often feel unpredictable.
Cheryl’s adventure with NOLA Buys Houses was defined by clarity. From the initial consultation to the final signatures, Carl provided a “no-surprises” experience. By removing the traditional hurdles of repairs, staging, and realtor fees, the home-buying process became a collaborative effort rather than a stressful transaction.
The Outcome: Cheryl’s experience earned NOLA Buys Houses a 5-star commendation on the Better Business Bureau. She described the journey as “seamless,” proving that even complex real estate deals can be handled with grace and professional ease.
Source: NOLA Buys Houses BBB Profile: Link to BBB Reviews
Britt F.’s Story: The “Big Easy” Way
For many homeowners, the “traditional” way of selling—fixing leaky faucets, painting walls, and waiting months for a bank-approved buyer—is simply not an option. Britt F. was looking for the “Big Easy” approach: a fast, fair, and certain exit.
Britt’s adventure was a “breeze” because it bypassed the rigamarole. There were no “To-Do” lists and no repair contingencies. Carl provided a fair cash offer based on the home’s true potential, allowing Britt to focus on her next chapter rather than her current repairs.
The Outcome: Britt bypassed the months of uncertainty usually found on the open market. She called the decision to work with Carl the “best decision I’ve ever made,” highlighting the speed and simplicity that defines our mission.
Source: NOLA Buys Houses Homepage