When I relocated from Michigan to Louisiana, as a lesbian, buying a home became about more than just square footage and curb appeal—it was about feeling safe, seen, and welcome in a brand-new community. I searched for a local real estate agent who was also part of the LGBTQ+ community, someone I could connect with and trust to understand my family dynamics and unique concerns. But that person didn’t exist at the time.

So now, I’ve become the very agent I once hoped to find.

I’m Melanie VanBuskirk, a full-time REALTOR® proudly serving Shreveport, Bossier City, and the surrounding parishes of Northwest Louisiana. I work with buyers, sellers, and relocating clients—including many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples—who want a real estate experience that feels inclusive, personal, and pressure-free.

I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to move to a new place, especially when you’re unsure how accepting the community will be. That’s why I make it a point to be visible, accessible, and affirming. My goal is simple: to help you feel at home here—before you even find your home.

Whether you’re buying your first house, upgrading, downsizing, or investing, I’ll guide you with honesty, local insight, and a calm, organized approach. I stay focused on what matters to you and make sure you’re informed every step of the way. I’m known for being responsive, professional, but down to earth, and easy to work with—someone who truly listens and shows up for clients in big ways and small.

I also run a YouTube channel called Moving to Shreveport - Bossier - Barksdale, where I share local tours, real estate tips, and community info for people thinking about relocating to the area. If you’re searching for someone who understands the LGBTQ+ experience and knows the local market inside and out—I’m here, and I’d love to help.

Let’s find more than a house—let’s find your place.

LGBTQ+ Client Testimonial For Melanie VanBuskirk, Real Estate Agent

​The first time I bought a home in Shreveport/Bossier City area I searched high and low for someone who could understand me as a human being. I'm a non-binary, alternative, queer individual and I wanted someone who could reflect some, if not all, of those qualities. I was new to the area, I had never lived in the South and I was looking to find someone I could trust and could understand me at my core. Not only did I find that in Melanie, I realized she is an amazing human being, not to mention a killer realt