Real estate has always been a part of Desiree McSwain’s world. Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, her dad worked in real estate development, sparking her early fascination with the industry.
After moving to the U.S. as an au pair, Desiree’s journey took a few twists and turns. She earned her teaching license in New Orleans and spent years teaching on the Westbank. But her dad’s encouragement to reconsider real estate stayed with her. “You should try it,” he’d say, and eventually, she did—discovering a career that lets her combine her love of teaching, her organizational skills, and her natural ability to connect with people.
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“Real estate combines everything I love—teaching, connecting with people, and helping them navigate big decisions,” Desiree says. “It’s about guiding buyers and sellers through what can feel overwhelming and breaking it down step by step.”
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Desiree fell in love with New Orleans for its charm, character, and sense of community. The shotgun houses, Creole cottages, and historic neighborhoods all tell stories, and Desiree loves helping people find their place in those stories. For her, it’s not just about finding a house—it’s about creating a space that feels familiar and welcoming, where life can truly happen.
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When she’s not working, Desiree is passionate about giving back. She serves on the board of The Green Project, a nonprofit that recycles and reuses building materials, keeping waste out of landfills while offering affordable supplies to the community. For Desiree, sustainability and stewardship are as important in her personal life as they are in her work, and she loves being part of a mission that gives back to her new home.
Home Types:
House, MultiFamily, Condo, Lot/Land, Commercial
Years of Experience:
4
