About
Meet Alicia
Meet
Alicia Lagarde Craig
Since 2006, Alicia has been a dedicated and hardworking Realtor with a passion for learning about real estate. She brings to Athena and our clients industry knowledge of the highest caliber.
Alicia grew up in St. Bernard Parish and demonstrated her love for education early on by graduating from Mount Carmel Academy high school summa cum laude. At the University of New Orleans in 2007, she earned a double major in finance and business administration. She further bolstered her studies with a minor in real estate.
Beginning her career in a tough market—Hurricane Katrina, the subprime mortgage crisis —encouraged her to learn everything she could about the business. She maintains the practice today, regularly attending conferences and taking extra continuing education hours.
In 2010, she was certified as a historic home specialist through the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, a designation in which she takes special pride. "It's really an honor to sell historic homes in New Orleans because there's so much history embedded in each property, some dating back 150 years or more. I feel that when you are able to sell a historic home in New Orleans, you have the honor of passing on a piece of history from one family to another."
When she's not sharpening her skills in real estate, Alicia enjoys getting out on the water with her husband, son, and their dogs soaking up the sun at their home on the lake.
People choose to work with Bernadette knowing that her experience, expertise and ethics will be the leading edge they need when it comes to achieving important real estate goals. Beyond being known for truly excellent service, Bernadette’s customers place high value on her skilled negotiating, high-tech marketing techniques and the personal touch she believes is the cornerstone to success. She believes that real estate goes beyond simply getting to the closing table, and that each transaction must exceed expectations. Always with her customers’ best interests at heart, Bernadette has been awarded the Peak Performance recognition for her outstanding performance the past several years.
At Ansley, Wendy is closely affiliated with Luxury Properties International, the luxury marketing division of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. This affiliation allows us to promote your luxury listing in 70 different countries, to over 4,600 leading real estate offices with exposure to over 130,000 agents, which means more market share in top markets than any other network.
Designations & Certifications
For Bernadette, ongoing professional education has been a key component to her success. She is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and offering the best to her customers. Consistently inspired by the innovation at Michael Saunders & Company, Bernadette is constantly evolving in her approach to the business.
GRI. Graduate of the Real Estate Institute.
Bernadette is a GRI Realtor (Graduate of the Realtor Institute) since 2010 and the advantages are:
- Expertise: GRI Realtors are highly educated in various real estate aspects, providing you with extensive knowledge.
- Market Insights: They understand local markets well, aiding you in making informed decisions.
- Effective Negotiation: GRI Realtors are trained negotiators, ensuring favorable deals.
- Ethical Practices: They uphold strong ethical standards, safeguarding your interests.
- Ongoing Learning: GRI Realtors stay updated with industry changes, benefiting you.
- Diverse Services: Beyond transactions, they offer guidance in property management and investments.
- Strong Network: They connect you with trusted professionals, streamlining processes.
- Tailored Advice: GRI Realtors customize their approach to your unique needs.
- Confidence: Their expertise provides assurance throughout the process.
- Access to Resources: GRI Realtors have valuable market data and resources at their disposal.
In essence, a GRI Realtor brings knowledge, integrity, and resources to enhance your real estate experience.
CLHMS. Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.
Bernadette is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist since 2007 and the advantages are:
- Market Expertise: CLHMS specialists are well-versed in luxury real estate trends and conditions.
- Accurate Pricing: They can accurately value luxury properties despite limited comparables.
- Effective Marketing: CLHMS agents use targeted strategies to reach affluent buyers.
- Strong Network: They have extensive industry contacts for better opportunities.
- Confidentiality: CLHMS pros handle transactions discreetly, respecting privacy.
- Negotiation Skills: Their expertise aids in navigating complex deals favorably.
- Tailored Service: They personalize service to meet the unique needs of luxury clients.
- Insider Insights: CLHMS agents stay updated on market changes, guiding informed decisions.
- Experience: They're experienced in high-value transactions, ensuring a smooth process.
- Professional Certification: CLHMS certification reflects their expertise and professionalism.
ASP/IAHSP. Accredited Staging Partner
Bernadette is an Accredited Staging Professional and a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals since 2016 and the advantages are:
- Expert Staging: Staging professionals enhance your home's appeal with expert interior design skills.
- Higher Sale Price: Staged homes often sell for more, thanks to their improved presentation.
- Faster Sale: Staged properties tend to sell more quickly, reducing time on the market.
- Optimized Space: Staging maximizes space and layout, making rooms feel more inviting.
- Professional Presentation: Staging adds a polished, attractive look to your property.
- Objective Advice: Stagers provide unbiased suggestions to improve your home's marketability.
- Effective Marketing: Well-staged homes capture attention in photos and virtual tours.
- Network Access: Stagers have connections to industry professionals for additional help.
- Cost-Effective: Staging costs less than potential price reductions on an unsold home.
- Reduced Stress: Stagers handle the process, easing the stress of selling your home.
NHCB. New Home Source Professional
Bernadette is a designated New Home Source Professional since 2020 and the advantages are:
- Expertise: They're knowledgeable about new home markets and builders. Move-in ready homes (inventory)
- Access: They have access to exclusive data on new developments. (Floor plans and amenities)
- Negotiation: They can negotiate assist in negotiating incentives effectively.
- Customization: They guide you in selecting upgrades and options.
- Local Insights: They provide information about the area and amenities.
- Process Guidance: They assist you through the building stages and recommend independent inspectors.
- Advocacy: They represent your interests with the builder.
- Time Saver: They curate options that match your preferences.
- Market Insight: They share resale and appreciation insights.
- Paperwork: They guide you through the paperwork and can recommend local real estate attorneys.
SRES. Senior Real Estate Specialist.
Bernadette is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) since 2015, which offers tailored benefits for older adults during real estate transactions:
- Specialized Expertise: SRES agents understand senior housing options, addressing unique needs like downsizing or transitioning to senior communities.
- Sensitive Support: They provide empathy and guidance through emotionally challenging moves.
- Personalized Approach: SRES considers seniors' financial, health, and lifestyle factors to customize solutions.
- Market Insight: Knowledge about local senior-friendly amenities and accessible neighborhoods.
- Professional Network: SRES agents connect seniors with trusted professionals for legal, financial, and moving assistance.
- Downsizing Help: Assistance in decluttering, organizing, and managing downsizing.
- Estate Planning: Collaboration with estate planners for aligned real estate decisions.
- Negotiation Skills: SRES agents negotiate for favorable terms suited to seniors.
- Reverse Mortgage Guidance: Expertise in explaining and navigating reverse mortgage options.
- Stress Reduction: Handling various aspects of the transaction to minimize stress.
- Accessibility Awareness: Understanding of senior-friendly home features.
- Advocacy: SRES agents prioritize seniors' interests and preferences throughout the process
ePRO Realtor
Bernadette is an accredited ePro Realtor since 2010 and the numerous benefits in today's digital age are:
- Tech Expertise: They excel in using digital tools and platforms for efficient transactions.
- Quick Communication: ePro agents respond faster due to digital channels.
- Online Exposure: They maximize property visibility through online listings.
- Virtual Tours: Virtual showings help buyers explore properties remotely.
- Paperless Transactions: They streamline paperwork with digital signatures.
- Data-Driven Insights: ePro agents provide valuable market trends and data.
- Remote Accessibility: They facilitate processes for clients who can't be present.
- Targeted Marketing: They employ effective online marketing strategies.
- Problem Solvers: Proficient at resolving tech-related issues during transactions.
- Adaptability: ePro agents stay current with tech advancements.
Remember, while tech skills matter, an agent's overall expertise remains crucial.
A Real Estate Broker-Associate
To become a Broker Associate, Bernadette first earned her Sales License in 2003. She then had to achieve additional experience, gain a deeper education and pass broker examination to upgrade her license to the broker level, which she did in 2007. Continuing education and delivering expert guidance continues to define her approach to the Real Estate business. She wants to work for and with the best in the industry and finds that place to be Michael Saunders & Company at the Main Street Office.
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