Homes in New Orleans and even more broadly across the South are known for their charm and warmth, whether defined by historic architecture—like a New Orleans shotgun house—or by its interior style and décor. Making a home your own is one of the great joys of home ownership, and there are plenty of ways to start down that path if you’re not an owner already. Resources abound for those interested in regional real estate, from experienced real estate agents and brokers to planned communities and home design experts. Whether you’re looking to sell and relocate or start fresh with your first home-buying adventure, the following professionals may be able to offer some guidance or even show you the winning property that suits your family’s needs and lifestyle. Explore the options below for agents and brokers, available properties, home design experts, and lenders.
Agents & Brokers
In many ways, New Orleans and Houston are sister cities, each with unique neighborhoods rich with southern hospitality and cultural flair. Whether due to job requirements or family needs, many New Orleans families find themselves moving to Houston. When moving between these sister cities, Rhett Ross and Ashley Day are the sisters to know. Both New Orleans natives and now Houston residents, Rhett and Ashley are experienced real estate agents with Compass Real Estate who know how to find familiar New Orleans charm within the comforts of Texas.
“We call Houston ‘Louisiana West,’” says Rhett. “There are so many Louisiana natives that live here—you’ll see Saints and LSU bumper stickers, and you can always find good crawfish during the season.” “And,” adds Ashley, “we’re even able to find head-on shrimp and delicious French bread—the little things.”
Consistently both Top Producers, Ashley and Rhett work in all Houston neighborhoods with primary focus in West University, Houston Heights, Bellaire, Spring Branch, Braes Heights, Montrose, and Memorial. To find your Houston home, call Rhett (832-483-0756) or Ashley (504-237-6535) or visit Compass.com.
Picture the following beautiful home for both relaxing and entertaining. First, walk in to a large foyer with custom-made, impressive steel doors with insulated window panels that can swing open on those beautiful, breezy spring days. Enter into the large gourmet kitchen with its six-burner gas stove and extra-large pantry with butcher’s shelf and cabinets.
Downstairs, explore the master bedroom and separate bedroom. Upstairs, in addition to two bedrooms with balconies, is a stocked game room complete with pool table, foosball table, and card table. Additionally, an exercise room and large open space is available for your own customization. As if this weren’t enough, the outdoors offers a large oasis with a pool, water fall, natural-gas fire pit, and seating area, along with an outdoor kitchen, patios, and surround sound.
For more information or a showing, call an agent who loves what she does, Cecelia S. Buras, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. Cecelia loves working with all types of buyers—first time, move up, relocation, and senior downsizing. She lists all types of residential properties. For more information, feel free to call or text at 504-583-2902.
With a real passion for connecting individuals and families with their future homes, Glennda Bach, Latter & Blum REALTOR®, often hears phrases like, “We can see your love for this property,” when showing her curated list of well-researched, potential properties to clients.
“I am driven by my passion and for what I can do for my clients,” says Glennda, who takes a thorough approach to her work on behalf of clients. In the top one percent of realtors in New Orleans, Glennda sold over $18.4M in February of 2020, a record amount for Latter & Blum. As a Diamond Award Winner and Top Producer, she enjoys working with people from all walks of life, from NBA and NFL players to professionals and community members of all kinds.
“Once I meet someone for the first time, I’m usually pretty good at knowing exactly what they are looking for, and I truly believe in fate,” she says.
For more information and to begin the search for your next New Orleans home, call Glennda at 504-866-2758. To view Latter & Blum listings, visit Latter-Blum.com.
Local realtor and Uptown resident Rae M. Bryan has been helping people find their dream homes and vacation properties for over 16 years in the New Orleans area. Working as a top tier producer with buyers, sellers, and investors, she is well regarded for her success in offering a smooth transaction and unparalleled service to her clients. With a prior career in banking and finance, Rae is qualified to help clients with the full spectrum of their real estate transaction and financial aspects.
Rae joined Reve Realtors in 2019 and has created a team with member Breck Robinson to expand marketing proficiency and advancement in the competitive market. Unique historic properties are also one of many things about New Orleans that Rae takes interest in and has become a registered Historic House Specialist to pursue her involvement. Should you need to sell, buy, invest, reach out to Rae for local realty expertise at 504-300-0700 or visit Rae.ReveRealtors.com.
Perennial top producer Fred Buras and his executive assistant Christopher Aguglia form Fred Buras Group, a client-focused group of realtors® utilizing decades’ experience to assist in achieving any and all of their clients’ real estate needs—from complex estate sales to investment products and finding their dream home. A vast network of vetted resources assures both sellers and buyers are provided all the tools needed to navigate their transaction smoothly.
While welcoming clients all over the New Orleans area, Fred Buras Group primarily services the Uptown/Garden District markets with their innate knowledge of the specifics that drive home values. Specializing in the luxury market and historical homes, proof of their dedication to superlative service is illustrated through their 150+ happy clients and $100+ million in transactions in just the past five years. Real estate is their passion; give them a call when you’re ready to experience the service you deserve.
For info visit FredBurasGroup.com and/or call directly at 504-427-6292.
Stacie Carubba is known for getting results. A top-producing real estate agent in neighborhoods such as Lakeview, Gentilly, Mid-City and Old Metairie, Stacie has been Athena Real Estate’s #1 agent three years in row and was recently named in the top 100 agents in the city as well as a Rising Star for New Orleans Real Producers Magazine. Whether she’s working with first-time buyers, luxury listings or larger commercial properties, Carubba goes the extra mile to deliver the best results for her clients.
A dynamic agent with a contemporary approach to real estate and real estate marketing, Carubba has cultivated a robust online following and is well versed in the most up-to-date sales and communication strategies. She is an excellent and skilled negotiator motivated by a genuine interest that keeps her in constant pursuit of the latest market trends, statistics, and tactics.
“I’m confident in my ability to find the home of your dreams and promise to be by your side, every step of the way, to make sure that you get it on the right terms,” says Stacie.
For more information, call Stacie at 504-434-SOLD or visit StacieCarubba.com.
Properties
The brand new Bella Ridge South Apartments in River Ridge offers another level of luxury with peace-of-mind living, better pricing, larger floor plans, and a free direct-access parking garage. This brand new community is only a 15-minute drive to downtown New Orleans.
From uniquely curated one- and two-bedroom apartments to thoughtfully selected amenities, Bella South has it all. Inside the apartments, 10-foot ceilings enlarge gourmet kitchens with custom-cut granite countertops and many more designer finishes. Combine these luxuries with a soaking tub and separate shower in the master bathroom and expansive closets and you’re all set.
Within the community, residents can reserve cabanas at the pool and get poolside food delivery. Additionally, they can enjoy working out in the state-of-the-art Strength & Wellness Center with free bike rentals. From there, residents can take their pups to the Bella Bark and Bath Park, featuring a cabana with phone charging ports, hoops and loops, and a dog wash station. Finally, residents can sprawl out in the outdoor relaxation space perfect for unwinding.
To learn even more about Bella Ridge South, call 855-400-5104 or visit 1stLake.com/Apartments/Bella-Ridge-South.
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 $70,000 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 Resources
Are you considering selling your home in the near future? It’s a little-known secret but one potential sellers should consider—landscaping increases your property value. According to Beverly Katz, Landscape Designer & Owner of Exterior Designs Inc., among the top things buyers seek in a new home is a well-manicured outdoor design and large, mature plants and trees.
“Home buyers typically understand the costs associated with creating a new landscape, and many are willing to pay more for one that’s already established,” says Beverly.
Exterior Designs, Inc., a comprehensive landscape design and build company, is known locally for helping homeowners increase the value of their 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 modern homeowner. She has an exceptional ability to transform even the largest landscapes into intimate spaces perfect for entertaining and relaxing.
For a consultation on your property and how Exterior Designs can help increase its value, call 504-866-0276. For design inspiration and additional landscaping tips, visit ExteriorDesignsBev.com.
At Nola Rugs, Owner Sharon Schenck and her team strive to bring you the most beautiful rugs in the world with over 2,000 examples in stock, acquired with close attention to both quality and affordability from all international weaving areas. With over 46 years of experience as a direct importer, Schenck’s goal is to provide clients with options ranging from century-old antiques, European-inspired and classic Orientals, to the cutting edge in contemporary and modern rugs. Each is handmade, exhibiting both the skill and magic of the human hand.
“At NOLA Rugs, we offer our extensive experience, integrity, and service,” says Schenck. “Finding the correct rug can sometimes be confusing, and our goal is to make your experience as easy and fun as possible. Having a store like ours with such a huge inventory in New Orleans and being able to see our rugs in person is a wonderful advantage,” she says.
If you need a rug and wish to learn more, please visit Nola Rugs’ new location at 300 Jefferson Highway, Suite #401 in New Orleans.
Home Loans
For over 111 years, families have trusted Home Bank, and with 40 locations across south Louisiana and western Mississippi, there’s a banker right around the corner ready to help. With a full line of mortgage and home loan options, Home Bank is poised to 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, home owners 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 866-401-9440 or visit them online at Home24Bank.com.
