Cody Barker

My biggest advice for buyers, especially first-time home buyers in Lubbock, is to get pre-approved with a trusted local lender before starting the search. Knowing your budget upfront makes the process smoother and gives you an advantage when making an offer. I also tell my clients not to stress over the details — that’s my job. I walk you through every step, from financing and contracts to inspections and closing, so you always know what’s coming next. The key is having the right realtor who will educate you, protect your interests, and make the process as fun and stress-free as possible.

For sellers in Lubbock, my advice is to focus on preparation and pricing. First impressions matter, so a clean, well-presented home paired with professional photos can make a huge difference. Pricing your home correctly is just as important — it positions you to get strong offers quickly. As part of the Jim Archer Team at Steadfast Real Estate, I have the tools, marketing strategies, and local market knowledge to help you sell fast and for top dollar. My job is to handle the details and negotiations so you can focus on your next move with confidence.

I work with a wide range of clients, but my focus has been on helping first-time home buyers and families here in Lubbock. Being local, I know the neighborhoods, schools, and market trends inside and out, which allows me to guide buyers and sellers with confidence. At the same time, I’ve helped people moving in from out of state get settled here in West Texas. I love showing them what makes Lubbock such a great place to call home and making their transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re local or brand new to the area, I have the knowledge and resources to help you every step of the way.

One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a young couple in Lubbock purchase their first home. They had been renting and weren’t sure if buying was the right move, but I walked them through the process, connected them with a great lender, and showed them how owning a home could help them start building long-term wealth. We found them a beautiful house that not only fit their budget but also gave them the space to start their family. Seeing the excitement on their faces at closing reminded me exactly why I love working with first-time buyers — helping people take that huge step from renting to owning and setting them up for a stronger financial future.

I got started in real estate through my broker, Jim Archer, who is also my father-in-law. I’ve been around real estate since college, learning from Jim and seeing firsthand the impact a good agent can have on people’s lives. Joining the family business felt like a natural fit, and it gave me the opportunity to combine what I’d learned with my own passion for helping people. I especially wanted to be a trusted resource for my friends and sphere — people my age who may not understand the home buying process yet. Now, I get to educate first-time buyers, guide them through every step, and make sure they have someone they can rely on to protect their interests.

At Steadfast Real Estate, ongoing training and education are a huge part of how we serve our clients. Our broker, Jim Archer, is a former college professor, and he’s built a culture where learning never stops. We regularly attend national real estate conferences to stay on top of market trends and negotiation strategies, and we also connect locally with lenders, inspectors, appraisers, and even contractors like plumbers so we can understand every part of the process. This broad knowledge means my clients get clear, accurate answers and the most efficient service possible, whether they’re buying their first home or selling in today’s market.