Check out our interview with top New Orleans Realtor, Michael Styles. Michael is an award-winning agent at Engel & Völkers and the host of the popular web series NOLA Lifestyles.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you got involved in real estate?
“I graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Marketing and I worked in the marketing field at the NOLA Media Group. At NOLA Media Group, I learned a lot about print and online advertising, which was very beneficial when I decided to transition to the real estate industry. I saved money and began my career in real estate by being personable, giving out flyers, knocking on doors and inviting people to my first open house. It took awhile for me to get on my feet in the real estate field - it took me 6 to 7 months to get my first sale. However, my initial effort and perseverance paid off, and now the majority of my business comes from referrals."
What is your #1 tip for sellers who are listing their home?
“Use an agent and then let your agent steer your listing in the right direction. Trusting your agent on price and presentation is very important. If you price it closer to market value, you'll actually end up getting more, especially in a sellers market like we are currently experiencing.”
Tell us more about your web series. Why did you start this series, and what do you cover?
“My web series, NOLA Lifestyles, is a neighborhood guide of New Orleans. It is designed to help people who are moving to New Orleans find a neighborhood that fits their needs and lifestyle. In the series, I interview former clients to talk about their neighborhoods and why they live there. It helps me drive referrals for new clients, and positions me as an expert on the local real estate market. Plus, it's very fun!
There are still so many neighborhoods I haven't done like Algiers point. I am doing Lakeview and Old Metairie soon as well."
What other things do you do to set yourself apart from other Realtors in New Orleans?
“I use my personal Facebook page as opposed to a business page. I noticed Facebook kind of drowns out your business page. If you only do business stuff on your personal page, they also drown you out. So I have to balance it out with the algorithm and do a balance of personal and business on my personal Facebook page.”
As you may have seen, IMOTO donates a portion of profits to the ASPCA, and this month we are helping to raise awareness and support for animal shelters in all of our markets. We heard you are a dog lover. Can you tell us more about your pets Boo and Charlie?
“Yes, I’ve got two dogs. Boo is an 8 year old pitbull who I found in a park a long time ago when he was 4 months old. I got Charlie, a mutt, who is a little stunted and he hasn’t grown much. He looks like a yellow lab mixed with a hound.”
What other ways are you involved with the community? Do you volunteer for any causes that are important to you?
“I volunteer for the Covenant House, a youth homeless shelter. They do a “Sleep Out” every year to raise funds for the program. I’ve been participating in the event for 6 years by sleeping in the street in front of the facility in order to raise awareness and funds for the cause. I have raised up to $7,000-8,000 one year!”
To connect with Michael, check out his website at: www.nolastyles.com
