April Brown, REALTOR® Broker / Owner
After 18 years as a real estate agent, April Brown did what a lot of others did during the pandemic—took a step back and self-reflected. During the height of COVID-19, she took the leap from her big brand rea estate brokerage firm and opened her own firm, Hospitality Realty. Her vision was to create a realtor firm with welcoming hospitality that assists everyone from the first-time home buyer to the experienced investor. When asked what was the uniqueness of Hospitality Realty, April replied, “We pride ourselves with the patience, care and concern for each client in providing exceptional service from the first interaction to beyond the closing table.”
Now, just two years later, April, along with her husband Keith Brown, have been joined by a team of nine agents who serve Metairie and the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area. Hospitality Realty’s favorable customer reviews are telling, and the vision is working, as April takes the time to personally respond to every review, reaffirming her humble hospitality.
In addition to April’s pleasant and professional demeanor, she credits Hospitality Realty’s success to their full-service 3% total commission model. The total 3% commission listing includes everything from professional photography, drone photography, floor plan images, open houses, broker tours, Advocate spotlights, and social media impressions, with the ultimate goal of professional mass visibility across the market. Of course, the seller can choose the amount of visibility of their asset, including a listing in the Advocate’s enviable addresses. Hospitality Realty’s reduced commission structure benefits sellers by allowing them to retain more home equity while listing the asset at a market competitive price. Alternatively, these savings can be used to assist buyers with additional concessions, such as closing costs, prepaid expenses, and inspections. These incentives can broaden the purchasing power of buyers in this ever-changing real estate market, making the purchase of the home of their dreams a reality.
What is unique about Hospitality Realty’s model is that regardless of the type or size of the property, for example, a teardown or multimillion-dollar property, the commission structure remains a total of 3%. With $20 million in sales under their belt in the first year, and continuing with $20 million in sales in their second year, Hospitality Realty expects to exceed this mark 2023
Last year, April’s most memorable moment was when Hospitality Realty was asked to list the legendary Canal Street Ronald McDonald House so that the nonprofit could move to a larger house on State Street. Considering this opportunity an honor to give back to the community, Hospitality Realty listed the notable asset which sold in 35 days. April prides herself on giving back to the community and has previously served as a CASA
(Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Jefferson Parish.
When she left a bigger brand brokerage, April was once asked why people would do business with you when you don't have the backing of a bigger brand. Her response was classic, "people do business with people, regardless of the industry. "
Hospitality Realty is located in Metairie at 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 116.