The Journal

Real Estate Blog

When a Property Isn’t Selling: What It Really Means

September 15, 2026

When a Property Isn’t Selling: What It Really Means

When a property stays on the market longer than expected, the first reaction is usually emotional. Sellers worry that something must be wrong with the house. Investors assume the numbers must be weak. Buyers start wonde...

Is Fall a Good Time to Buy or Sell Property?

September 1, 2026

Is Fall a Good Time to Buy or Sell Property?

Most people assume that spring and early summer are the only real estate seasons that matter. Listings flood the market, buyers compete, and everything feels fast and chaotic. By September, many think the market slows do...

Flood Zones & Insurance in New Orleans Explained

August 15, 2026

Flood Zones & Insurance in New Orleans Explained

Flood zones are one of the most misunderstood parts of buying and selling property in New Orleans. Some buyers hear the word “flood” and immediately walk away. Others ignore it completely and assume it’s just technical p...

First-Time Buyer Mistakes in New Orleans Real Estate

August 1, 2026

First-Time Buyer Mistakes in New Orleans Real Estate

First-time buyers enter the New Orleans market with excitement, and that’s a good thing. But excitement without preparation can get expensive very quickly. I’ve seen smart, capable buyers make avoidable mistakes not beca...

Second Homes & Short-Term Rentals: NOLA Rules Buyers Must Know

July 15, 2026

Second Homes & Short-Term Rentals: NOLA Rules Buyers Must Know

A lot of buyers enter the New Orleans market with a plan that sounds simple on the surface: buy a second home, rent it short-term when not using it, and let the property help pay for itself. It’s a reasonable strategy, a...

Beyond Orleans Parish Living

July 1, 2026

Beyond Orleans Parish Living

In many markets, “luxury” is treated like a price bracket. Once a home reaches a certain number, it automatically becomes high-end. But in New Orleans real estate, luxury is rarely that simple. A higher price does not au...

Living Outside Orleans Parish: Taxes, Insurance & Lifestyle

June 15, 2026

Living Outside Orleans Parish: Taxes, Insurance & Lifestyle

When buyers start expanding their search outside Orleans Parish, the conversation usually begins with price, but it never ends there. In today’s New Orleans real estate market, smart buyers and investors are looking beyo...

Why More Buyers Are Looking to Metairie, Kenner & the Westbank

June 1, 2026

Why More Buyers Are Looking to Metairie, Kenner & the Westbank

If you’ve been watching the New Orleans housing market, you’ve probably noticed a shift. More buyers who once insisted on living strictly inside Orleans Parish are now exploring areas like Metairie, Kenner, and the Westb...

The True Cost of Homeownership in New Orleans

May 30, 2026

The True Cost of Homeownership in New Orleans

When I first thought about buying a home in New Orleans, I assumed the “cost” was just the price on the listing. I thought, “If I can afford the mortgage, I’m fine.” I quickly learned how wrong that assumption was. Homeo...

Historic Homes vs New Construction: What Buyers Prefer in 2026

May 15, 2026

Historic Homes vs New Construction: What Buyers Prefer in 2026

Walk through almost any neighborhood today, and you’ll notice a clear contrast. On one side, historic homes filled with charm, detail, and stories from decades past. On the other, new construction homes with clean finish...

Preparing Your Home for a Spring Sale Without Over-Renovating

May 1, 2026

Preparing Your Home for a Spring Sale Without Over-Renovating

Spring is one of the busiest times for the housing market, and if you’re thinking of selling your home, you probably feel pressure to renovate, upgrade, and make every corner “perfect.” Trust me, I get it, but here’s the...

From “Just Looking” to Homeowner: My New Orleans Journey

April 30, 2026

From “Just Looking” to Homeowner: My New Orleans Journey

When I first started looking for a home in New Orleans, I was honestly just browsing. I didn’t know which neighborhoods would feel right, how much I could afford, or even how the buying process worked. I kept telling mys...

Primary Home or Rental Property? Building Wealth in NOLA

April 15, 2026

Primary Home or Rental Property? Building Wealth in NOLA

One of the most common conversations I have with buyers sounds something like this: “Should I buy a home to live in, or should I buy something that brings in income?”

Is New Orleans Still a Smart Investment Market in 2026?

April 1, 2026

Is New Orleans Still a Smart Investment Market in 2026?

I get this question a lot, and honestly, it’s a fair one. Between rising insurance costs, shifting buyer behavior, and more cautious lending, many investors and sellers are wondering if New Orleans real estate is still w...

Streetcar Access: Why It Still Matters in New Orleans Real Estate

March 15, 2026

Streetcar Access: Why It Still Matters in New Orleans Real Estate

When it comes to New Orleans real estate, location is everything, but there’s one factor I see many buyers and investors underestimate: the streetcar line. Being close to a stop isn’t just about convenience or charm; it ...

Uptown, Mid-City, or Gentilly? Find Which Neighborhood Fits You

March 1, 2026

Uptown, Mid-City, or Gentilly? Find Which Neighborhood Fits You

When you consider purchasing a home in New Orleans, it would always be my first question to my clients: What kind of neighborhood is your lifestyle? Since, frankly speaking, a house is not just a wall and floors. It is ...

Where Locals Are Buying Homes in New Orleans in 2026

February 15, 2026

Where Locals Are Buying Homes in New Orleans in 2026

People always enquire with me about where to purchase in New Orleans every year. The Headlines aim at the tendencies and prices, yet locals make choices depending on what really matters: convenience, lifestyle, and long...

2026 New Orleans Real Estate: Sellers & Investors Guide

February 1, 2026

2026 New Orleans Real Estate: Sellers & Investors Guide

The 2026 New Orleans real estate market is shaping up to be strategic, steady, and full of opportunities for both sellers and investors. While headlines may make it seem overwhelming, the reality on the ground is much mo...

The Financial Glow Up for Homebuyers

December 17, 2025

The Financial Glow Up for Homebuyers

So, you’ve decided to buy a home. Congratulations! Now comes the fun part—getting your finances in shape. I know, I know, “fun” might not be the first word you’d use to describe budgets and credit scores, but stick with ...

The Joy of Hosting in Your Own  Home

November 12, 2025

The Joy of Hosting in Your Own Home

There’s something magical about the holiday season that makes a house feel more like a home. The twinkle of lights, the smell of freshly baked cookies, and the sound of laughter from friends and family gathered together ...

No Tricks, Just Treats: Overcoming the "Frights" of Homeownership

October 30, 2025

No Tricks, Just Treats: Overcoming the "Frights" of Homeownership

Buying a home is one of life’s most transformative moments. It’s a chance to build your own space, create memories, and invest in a future filled with stability and pride. For many in New Orleans and surrounding areas, h...

Home Buying: Anxiety is Real: How to Beat it

October 15, 2025

Home Buying: Anxiety is Real: How to Beat it

If you’ve ever found yourself sweating over mortgage math, losing sleep about inspections, or feeling like the only one who doesn't have it all figured out—take a breath. Homebuying anxiety is 100% real, and you are defi...

Overwhelmed but Still Owning It: How to Buy a Home Without Losing

October 8, 2025

Overwhelmed but Still Owning It: How to Buy a Home Without Losing

Let’s be real—adulting is already a full-time job. Add in mortgage calculators, credit reports, open houses, and suddenly buying a home feels like one more thing you just don’t have the bandwidth for. If your to-do list ...

Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready.

September 15, 2025

Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready.

Mortgage Rates Are Dropping – Are You Ready?

Why Autumn is the New Power Season for Homebuyers

September 3, 2025

Why Autumn is the New Power Season for Homebuyers

Spring might get all the hype, but savvy buyers know fall is where the real opportunities live. While everyone else is sipping pumpkin spice and slowing down, you could be locking in a smoother, smarter homebuying experi...

Big Changes in the Lower Ninth Ward: Opportunity or Overreach?

August 18, 2025

Big Changes in the Lower Ninth Ward: Opportunity or Overreach?

The Lower Ninth Ward is back in the spotlight—but this time, it’s not because of hurricanes or recovery efforts. A proposed grain terminal at the historic Alabo Street Wharf has stirred community-wide debate, reigniting ...

August 2025 Real Estate Update: Late Summer Opportunities

August 6, 2025

August 2025 Real Estate Update: Late Summer Opportunities

As summer winds down, the real estate market is still full of opportunity. While some buyers and sellers pause to settle into fall routines, this is actually a great moment to make a move—especially before seasonal shif...

Is Your Home Overvalued? What Local Sellers Need to Know

August 4, 2025

Is Your Home Overvalued? What Local Sellers Need to Know

The New Orleans housing market has shifted, and sellers need to shift with it.

🏡 💊Pharmacist Home Loan: What You Should Know

July 25, 2025

🏡 💊Pharmacist Home Loan: What You Should Know

As pharmacists, we’re used to making things work—whether it’s solving a prior auth issue, catching a dangerous interaction, or staying focused through long shifts. But when it comes to milestones like buying a home, the ...

Glow Up Your Finances to Buy a Home

July 16, 2025

Glow Up Your Finances to Buy a Home

So, you’ve decided to buy a home. Congratulations! Now comes the fun part—getting your finances in shape. I know, I know, “fun” might not be the first word you’d use to describe budgets and credit scores, but stick with ...

What $250K Gets You in New Orleans Neighborhoods (2025 Edition)

July 14, 2025

What $250K Gets You in New Orleans Neighborhoods (2025 Edition)

Shopping for a home in New Orleans with a $250,000 budget? Good news—you still have solid options in several neighborhoods, especially if you’re open to a little renovation or prioritizing value over square footage. From...

New Orleans Real Estate Update: Is It a Buyer’s Market?

June 27, 2025

New Orleans Real Estate Update: Is It a Buyer’s Market?

As we move into the heart of summer, the New Orleans real estate market is showing signs that it may be shifting in favor of buyers — and if you’ve been waiting to make a move, now might be the perfect time to act.

House Hacking This Spring: Live Smart, Build Wealth

June 18, 2025

House Hacking This Spring: Live Smart, Build Wealth

Let’s talk strategy — because owning a home shouldn’t just be about where you live. It can also be your first (or next) smart money move.

Student Loans, Champagne Taste, and a Shotgun House: Buying Smart

June 18, 2025

Student Loans, Champagne Taste, and a Shotgun House: Buying Smart

Let’s be honest: buying a home when you’ve got student loan debt and a taste for quartz countertops and open floor plans can feel like trying to sip Dom Pérignon on a ramen noodle budget. But don’t worry—owning a slice o...

June 2025 Real Estate Update: The Summer Sweet Spot

June 4, 2025

June 2025 Real Estate Update: The Summer Sweet Spot

With longer days and a steady pulse of activity, June is one of the best months for real estate in. Buyers are serious, families are looking to move before the new school year, and sellers are eager to close deals before...

Homebuyer Hurdle: Understanding Your Loan Options

May 21, 2025

Homebuyer Hurdle: Understanding Your Loan Options

One of the biggest keys to successful homebuying is choosing the right loan. Not all mortgages are created equal, and the best fit depends on your financial picture, home location, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown...

May 2025 Real Estate Update: Spring Market Gaining Momentum

May 14, 2025

May 2025 Real Estate Update: Spring Market Gaining Momentum

As the flowers bloom and festival season kicks into high gear, New Orleans comes alive—and so does its real estate market. May marks a noticeable shift in buyer activity, with more foot traffic at open houses and new lis...

Homebuyer Hurdle: Managing Student Loans While Buying a Home

April 30, 2025

Homebuyer Hurdle: Managing Student Loans While Buying a Home

Worried your student loans will hold you back from becoming a homeowner? You’re not alone—but the good news is, it’s absolutely possible. Many first-time buyers are in the same boat, and lenders don’t just look at your s...

Spring Into Action! Now is the Perfect Time to Buy or Sell Home

April 17, 2025

Spring Into Action! Now is the Perfect Time to Buy or Sell Home

Spring is more than just blooming flowers and warmer weather—it's one of the busiest (and best!) times of year for real estate. Whether you're thinking of buying your first home, upgrading your space, or selling your cur...

Homebuyer Hurdle: Understanding Your Loan Options

April 16, 2025

Homebuyer Hurdle: Understanding Your Loan Options

One of the biggest keys to successful homebuying is choosing the right loan. Not all mortgages are created equal, and the best fit depends on your financial picture, home location, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown...

Don’t Be Afraid of Commitment—Homeownership is a Love Story

February 14, 2025

Don’t Be Afraid of Commitment—Homeownership is a Love Story

In a world where everything moves fast—relationships, careers, trends—it’s easy to feel hesitant about making a long-term commitment. But just like in love, the best things in life require dedication, trust, and the will...

New Year, New Home: Make 2025 the Year You Become a Homeowner

January 5, 2025

New Year, New Home: Make 2025 the Year You Become a Homeowner

The new year isn’t just a change on the calendar—it’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and the perfect time to start working toward your biggest dreams. For many, homeownership is one of those dreams. Maybe you’ve thought a...

From Polls to Properties: Start Your Home Journey

November 6, 2024

From Polls to Properties: Start Your Home Journey

As the dust settles from the recent presidential election, many prospective homebuyers may wonder how the results might impact their path to homeownership. Historically, election outcomes can bring shifts in economic pol...

How to Use the Fall Market to Get Ahead of the Competition

October 27, 2024

How to Use the Fall Market to Get Ahead of the Competition

While winter may not seem like the most popular time to buy a home, it actually presents some unique opportunities for smart buyers to get ahead of the competition. With fewer buyers in the market, winter can be the perf...

Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Right for You?

October 16, 2024

Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Right for You?

Deciding between renting and buying is one of the biggest financial choices many people face. Both have their perks, but which is right for you? Let’s break it down.