Real Estate Advice Should Fit Your Situation
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Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and the right answer isn't the same for everyone.
I'm Lisa Diserens, founder of The Scout4Homes Group and a retired U.S. Navy Chief. I've been working in Metro East real estate since 2009, and I've been through the housing crash and recovery, the COVID market, bidding wars, historically low interest rates, rapidly changing rates, and everything in between.
After approximately 690 transactions, I've learned that experience isn't about having one formula you use over and over again. It's knowing when a client's situation calls for a different approach.
My job is to understand what you're trying to accomplish, help you understand your options, tell you what I really think, and give you the information you need to make the decision that's right for you.
in real estate since
career transactions
retired Chief
Scott AFB & Illinois
Sometimes My Job Is to Tell You No
I love working with buyers, especially first-time buyers, because I love to teach.
When we're looking at houses, I'm not there simply to open the door and point out the pretty kitchen. I want you to understand what you're looking at.
What's cosmetic and easy to change? What could cost you thousands later? What could create a problem with VA or FHA financing? Is the house likely to require expensive repairs before it feels move-in ready? And does the price actually make sense?
Sometimes that means I'll tell you, “I don't think you should buy this house.”
And sometimes I'll tell you that you don't need to spend as much as you're prepared to spend.
REAL CLIENT. REAL ADVICE.
One of my buyers wanted to offer $6,000 over asking on a property. Based on the time it had been on the market, I didn't believe we needed to. They listened, we negotiated, and they ultimately purchased the home for $15,000 below asking.
I've also supported buyers in walking away when a property or transaction was no longer right for them—even when we were only a day away from closing.
My goal isn't simply to get you to closing. It's to help you get to the right home.
Local Experience Means Knowing What You Don't Know Yet
If you're relocating to the Illinois side of the St. Louis area, there may be things about buying here that are completely different from where you're coming from.
Property taxes are paid in arrears, municipal occupancy requirements and local considerations involving VA and FHA financing can all create surprises if no one explains them ahead of time.
I don't expect you to already know those things.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating from another state or haven't bought or sold a home in years, I want you to ask questions.
You don't have to understand real estate before you call me. Teaching you is part of my job.
Selling a Home? Let's Start With Your Situation.
I've helped people sell homes for just about every reason imaginable—military PCS, moving up, downsizing, marriage, divorce, relocation, financial difficulty, the death of a loved one, a move to assisted living, short sales and court-ordered sales.
Those situations don't require the same approach.
Before we talk about price, repairs or marketing, I want to understand why you're selling, what you need to accomplish, your timeline, and what you're realistically able or willing to do to the property.
On my Selling page, I walk through the three numbers I look at with every seller: what your house could sell for today, with necessary repairs, and with a few strategic improvements. You'll also find our seasonal Seller's Guide and a tool for making a market report for your neighborhood.
➡️ See how I help sellers decide
Military Moves Are Different
As a retired U.S. Navy Chief, I understand that a PCS isn't an ordinary move.
Sometimes the most important question isn't which house should I buy?
It's should I buy at this duty station at all?
I want my military clients thinking beyond getting into a house today and considering how today's decision could affect their options when the next set of orders arrives.
➡️ Learn more about military moves
Experience Should Help You Make Better Decisions
I still wouldn't tell you I've seen everything. Real estate has a way of creating new situations.
But experience gives me perspective.
I've represented people with plenty of options and people with very few. I've helped clients through exciting moves and some of the hardest periods of their lives. I've learned when to negotiate harder, when to solve a problem, when spending money makes sense, when it doesn't—and when it's time to walk away.
Most importantly, I've learned to listen before giving advice.
You don't need a Realtor to make your decisions for you. You need one who makes sure you understand the decision you're making.
I'll tell you what I see. I'll explain your options. I'll tell you what I think and why.
The decision is always yours.
When You Hire Me, You Work With Me
I have a team, but my team is here to support my work with you—not replace me.
My full-time administrator handles the important behind-the-scenes work, including paperwork, title coordination, deadlines and marketing support.
I personally handle the parts of the transaction that require your agent's experience and judgment: consultations, property visits and showings, pricing and strategy, offers, negotiations, inspections, repair negotiations, appraisal issues, walkthroughs and the difficult conversations when something isn't going according to plan.
On my listings, I'm also the person writing the property description, meeting the photographer, filming the property and communicating with my sellers about feedback and strategy.
You have a team supporting your transaction. But when you hire me, you get me.
🌟 Meet the Team
Here's who you'll be working with.
Lisa Diserens — Founder, The Scout4Homes Group
📞 618-803-8700
📨 lisa@scout4homes.com
Lisa is retired military with 17 years in real estate. She specializes in PCS moves and has extensive experience helping first-time buyers navigate the process with confidence. Her deep community roots and military background make her the ultimate advocate for families on the move.
Jessica Crockarell — Buyer's Agent | ASL-Fluent
📞 618-219-0358
📨 jessica.crockarell@gmail.com
Jessica brings a millennial perspective and 5+ years of experience, understanding what matters most to today's buyers while building on Lisa's deep industry knowledge. As an ASL-fluent agent, she is proud to serve the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community with the same exceptional care every client deserves.
Buffy Huffman — Buyer's Agent
📞 618-795-5974
📨 buffy@scout4homes.com
Buffy adds energy, dedication, and a client-first mindset — ensuring every detail is handled with care. A Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she brings a background in financial planning and a passion for helping clients protect and build wealth through real estate.
Let's Talk About Your Situation
Whether you're buying your first home, preparing for a PCS, selling a house you've owned for decades, moving up, downsizing or dealing with a situation you never expected, let's start with what you're trying to accomplish.
Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!
