Home Sweet Home

Whether it’s time to make a big change or merely spruce things up, local resources can help you achieve the goals you have for your home. Perhaps you’re laying the groundwork for a vacation home outside the city or finally realizing your dream of having your own private courtyard for entertaining and relaxing. Perhaps you’re planning a little maintenance, a restoration of older architectural elements, or signing a contract for termite control to protect your home in the long run. Owning a home requires a fair amount of upkeep and attention, and having a strategic plan for your space with the input of a professional can often make life a little easier down the road. From real estate agents and builders to landscape professionals, designers, and maintenance companies, home experts can help you transform the place where you live into a place that you love. 


Properties & Real Estate

Big Bay Lake

Big Bay Lake is a one-of-a-kind planned community on one of Mississippi’s largest private recreational lakes. Located just outside of Hattiesburg, and only 90 minutes from New Orleans, Big Bay Lake blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Waterfront homesites are available for building custom homes and retreats starting at $100,000, and several resale homes are usually available for immediate purchase. Both the homes and homesites within this community provide unique opportunities to create the perfect home or weekend getaway. 

It’s time to relax, unplug, make memories and create new traditions at Big Bay Lake. Whether you are a boating or fishing enthusiast or just a family who loves to make a big splash, Big Bay Lake is simply about the lure of the water. Come enjoy sun-kissed, fun- filled days at Big Bay Lake, where the little things make life…“Big!” 

Call for a boat tour today at 877-4BIG-BAY, or visit bigbaylake.com.

Home Design & Maintenance

Exterior Designs, Inc.

Tranquil and multifunctional outdoor living areas have become the number one feature homeowners seek today, whether for their current home, a second home, or while in search of a new one.

“A well-manicured outdoor design with improved drainage, mature plants and trees, a functional hard surface, and trickling water can provide a quiet meditation space or a calming atmosphere for entertaining,” says Beverly Katz, landscape designer and owner of Exterior Designs Inc. “We can work in phases to help the homeowner create their ideal outdoor living space within their budget.”

Exterior Designs, Inc., a comprehensive landscape design and build company, is known locally for increasing resale value of homes with landscaping. Beverly Katz creates New Orleans inspired landscapes by blending timeless Spanish and French influences of the city’s architecture with functional solutions for the homeowner that allow Exterior Designs to help them realize their vision for outdoor living.

For a consultation on your property, call 504-866-0276. For design inspiration and additional landscaping tips, visit exteriordesignsbev.com.

The Shedlock Group at French Quarter Realty

Lisa and Ed Shedlock make up The Shedlock Group at French Quarter Realty. This husband and wife team is known for results – their hard work has launched the couple into the top 1% in the field. “Working as a team allows us to communicate constantly about our clients’ needs and cover more territory,” says Lisa. As longtime French Quarter residents, Lisa and Ed certainly have the expertise to advise clients about those unique properties, but they offer “more than the Quarter.” With a second office on Maple Street, the two provide results for clients Uptown and beyond. Their drive and initiative have made The Shedlock Group successful all over Greater New Orleans, on the Northshore, and even in Mississippi. Reach out to Lisa directly at 504-330-8233 or Ed at 504-419-8892. 

Southern Refinishing

Are you considering replacing your worn or stained old bathtub? Restoring/refinishing is likely a better option. With traditional replacement, the biggest issues often arise in removing the old tub. Parts of the bathroom tile, walls and floor must be torn away, and the location of the old plumbing is often incompatible with the new. The cost of the new tub, new floor and wall materials, tiles, lumber, and labor can run into thousands of dollars and mean dirt, noise, and the hassle of days or weeks of work.

With the refinishing/restoration process from Southern Refinishing, your worn out fixtures and tile can be restored to their original luster—or even a new color—in less than a day, sparing you from the downtime and hassle of replacement. The process can save you up to 80 percent of the cost of replacement and give you the bathroom of your dreams.

A local, trusted company, Southern Refinishing has the equipment and expertise to work with any fixture. Get a customized quote today by calling 504-348-1770. Visit SouthernRefinishing.com for a gallery of projects and additional information. 

J&J Exterminating

Termite season is arriving, and Greater New Orleans homeowners can expect swarms late this month and into May. Louisiana is ripe for termites this year thanks to already heavily landscaped swamp areas and recent hurricanes. Now is the time to make sure your property is protected and that your pest control plan is in place.

“Most people in south Louisiana know that our climate contributes to a variety of pest control challenges, and termite services are critical for local property protection,” says Robert Lewis John III, Southeastern Regional Supervisor of J&J Exterminating. Along with termites, J&J Exterminating battles a variety of additional pests, including bed bugs, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, beetles and moths. Additionally, the company can treat for rodents and offers a progressive new TAP pest control insulation.

From humble beginnings in Crowley, Louisiana, J&J Exterminating is now the largest local exterminating company that is third-generation, Louisiana-owned and operated for more than 60 years. Request a free estimate and learn more at jjext.com or by calling 504-833-6305.

Ashley Hall Interiors

With today’s supply chain problems, labor shortages, and other complicating factors, home design projects are proving more challenging than expected for ambitious homeowners who want to renovate or make changes to their homes. Fortunately, experts like Designers Shauna Leftwich and Julie Skiles at Ashley Hall Interiors can help navigate timelines and budgets while also helping realize the dream you have for your space. Experience has proven that creating a master plan together with a design professional can help you avoid wasting time and money, even if you are working within a budget and installing in phases. 

A full-service design firm and retail showroom, Ashley Hall Interiors has been creating luxury interiors for homes and businesses nationally and internationally since 1967. They provide everything from fabric, furniture, drapery, and rugs to wallpapers, paint selections and accessories to design and installation. Visit Ashley Hall Interiors’ studio and showroom at 832 Howard Avenue for design ideas, décor items, furnishings and lighting. Showroom hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 504-524-0196 to schedule a consultation and visit ashleyhallinteriors.com.

 

Financing

Home Bank 

For over 113 years, families have trusted Home Bank with one of life’s biggest purchases. With a full line of mortgage and home loan options, Home Bank can help with your home needs, whether you’re a first-time buyer, future home builder, or fixer-upper looking to renovate. Plus, with options like Home Bank’s one-time close construction loan, homeowners can stay focused on getting into “home sweet home” and not on stacks of paperwork. 

Stop by any Home Bank location and meet their experienced bankers or start a loan application or pre-approval online. Loan approval is subject to Home Bank credit and other criteria. Home Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. (NMLS #483958)

Call Home Bank at 504-378-3190, or visit them online at Home24Bank.com.

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