Locally Made, Locally Proud: Rêve’s Commitment To The New Orleans & Baton Rouge Community and Beyond

At Rêve Realtors, our motto, “people smart, home savvy,” is not only a fact but our way of life. Our commitment to the New Orleans and Baton Rouge communities is the cornerstone of our identity, shaping the way we operate and interact with our clients. In a world where larger real estate firms often dominate, we pride ourselves on being a local brokerage that truly understands the unique needs and values of Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Deep Community Ties Rêve Realtors was founded with a vision to be more than just a real estate brokerage. We wanted to create a company that would actively contribute to the growth and well-being of communities we’re a part of. Our team members are not just agents, they are your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. This local presence gives us a profound understanding of the neighborhoods we serve, allowing us to offer insights and advice that are deeply informed by personal experience. Personalized Service One of the significant advantages of working with a local brokerage like Rêve is the personalized service we provide. Unlike larger firms where clients can feel like just another number, we take the time to get to know you, your needs, and your dreams. This personalized approach means we can tailor our services to match your unique requirements, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying real estate experience. Supporting Local Economy Choosing Rêve Realtors means supporting the local economy. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years. Our business practices are designed to reinvest in local initiatives, whether through partnerships with local businesses, sponsoring community events, or participating in neighborhood improvement projects. When you work with Rêve, you're not just buying or selling a home, you're contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Expertise In Local Market Trends Real estate is inherently local, and no one understands the local market better than a local brokerage. Our agents have their fingers on the pulse of the community, keeping up with the latest trends, developments, and opportunities. This local expertise allows us to provide our clients with up-to-date and accurate information, helping them make informed decisions. Whether you're looking to buy your dream home or sell your property at the best price, our intimate knowledge of the local market gives you a distinct advantage. Building Long-Term Relationships At Rêve Realtors, we believe in building relationships that last. Our commitment to the community goes beyond transactions. We believe in creating lasting connections and contributing to the long-term success of our clients. We are here to support you through every stage of your real estate journey, offering guidance, resources, and a trusted partnership that you can rely on. Rêve Realtors' commitment to being locally made and locally proud sets us apart as a brokerage. Our deep community ties, personalized service, support for the local economy, expertise in local market trends, and focus on building long-term relationships make us the best choice for your real estate needs. By choosing Rêve, you are choosing a partner who is dedicated to the success and well-being of our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant, thriving community that we are all proud to call home. *Written by Deveney Marshall of themaraagency.com

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Moving To New Orleans: What You Need To Know About Local Culture

Welcome to New Orleans! Known for its rich culture and warm community, settling here is thrilling and demanding. But we’re here to ease your transition by highlighting the essentials for newcomers. Moving to New Orleans involves embracing its diverse cultural experiences—from music and food to local festivities. The city's rhythms, from its unique neighborhoods to engaging with community events, are all worthwhile. So, immerse yourself in everything New Orleans offers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your new life in this distinctive place. Navigating Your Move Planning your relocation, particularly from a completely different area, like the Sunshine State, means understanding the logistics involved. We’re talking about vastly different environments and legislations, so having the proper grasp on them might be too much without some outside assistance. So, when moving here from Florida, hiring interstate movers is the best solution. Select a company experienced in navigating the challenges of long-distance transportation. Getting expert help when moving to Louisiana can streamline this transition significantly. Additionally, it's important to discuss timelines and packing strategies with your movers to guarantee that your belongings are packed, transported and delivered efficiently and safely. Addressing these details upfront will help mitigate any potential setbacks during your relocation process. Overall, selecting the proper help will ensure you start your New Orleans experience on a positive note. The Heartbeat of the City: Music and Festivals New Orleans thrives on its musical roots and festive spirit. It’s synonymous with jazz, but its musical landscape extends far beyond. Local bars, streets, and venues pulse with blues, funk, and more. Engage with the scene by visiting famed spots like Preservation Hall or the Maple Leaf Bar. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and showcases local talent nearly every night of the week. From the world-famous Mardi Gras to the soul-soothing Jazz Fest, New Orleans hosts festivals that draw global audiences and celebrate diverse traditions. Participating in these events can help you connect with the community and experience the city's full cultural richness as a newcomer. Each festival has its own history and customs, such as the colorful parades of Mardi Gras or the food stalls of the Po-Boy Festival. Attending these can offer a deeper appreciation of the city's heritage. Getting involved in local festivals involves understanding and respecting the customs behind them. For instance, dressing up for Mardi Gras or sharing food during the Jazz Fest is common. Engaging respectfully with these traditions allows for a more authentic and enjoyable experience and helps build lasting connections with residents. Cuisine: More Than Just Food Moving to New Orleans means experiencing a cuisine that reflects its history and cultural diversity, making dining here a significant aspect of local life. If you’re coming here from Florida, bear in mind that the food here draws heavily from French, African, and Spanish traditions. The fusion creates unique dishes such as gumbo, a rich stew with a thick roux base, and jambalaya, a hearty rice dish mixed with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Sampling these dishes provides insight into the city's multicultural roots. For newcomers, it's essential to try: Gumbo: Often featuring shrimp, sausage, and okra. Jambalaya: Known for its bold flavors and satisfying mix of ingredients. Beignets: These French-style doughnuts dusted with sugar are a sweet treat not to be missed. Eating out in New Orleans is both an opportunity to engage with locals and a good way to explore unique and popular spots. But you should follow a few tips: Tip generously, as it reflects an appreciation for service. Be open to recommendations from locals; they know where to find the best meals. Enjoy meals slowly to appreciate the flavors and the company. Art and Architecture: A Visual Journey New Orleans' visual landscape tells the story of its historical and cultural depth through art and architecture. The Big Easy houses a variety of architectural styles, reflecting its rich history. The French Quarter, known for its Spanish colonial architecture, contrasts sharply with the Creole cottages in the Marigny neighborhood. Walking through the city, you'll see antebellum mansions alongside modern homes, showing a timeline of design that spans centuries. Here’s just a tiny sample of what it has to offer: Street Art: The vibrant street art scene can be seen in areas like Bywater, where murals reflect the city's current social and cultural climate. Galleries: Visit galleries in the Arts District, which is home to contemporary and classic works. St. Louis Cathedral: A prime example of French architecture with a stunning interior. Preservation Hall: Not just a music venue, but a testament to historic preservation.  Community Spirit and Social Etiquette when Moving to New Orleans Understanding and embracing community spirit and social etiquette is crucial for integrating smoothly into life in New Orleans. Here, the sense of community is strong. Residents actively participate in local activities, enhancing the city’s vibrant culture. Engaging in neighborhood initiatives, volunteering at festivals, or joining local clubs can help you form lasting relationships and contribute to the community’s vibrancy. Additionally, in The Big Easy, interactions are warm, and small acts of kindness are the norm. A friendly greeting to a neighbor, offering a hand without being asked, or simply sharing a meal can enrich your connections and help you adjust to the communal lifestyle here. Above all, engaging in local traditions such as second-line parades or neighborhood potlucks connects you to the heart of New Orleans culture.  As you settle into your new life after moving to New Orleans, embracing the local culture is key. From the lively music and festivals to the distinctive cuisine and communal spirit, each aspect offers a chance to connect with the city's heritage and residents. Dive into these experiences with an open mind and respect for traditions. By doing so, you'll find that New Orleans becomes a place where you live and is part of who you are. Welcome home, and enjoy every moment of your adventure in this unique city. *This post was written by a Guest Author.

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Don’t Do These 7 Things to Your NOLA Home (According to Experts)

Is there anything more exciting than moving into a new house? Of course, you'll want to put personal touches on your dwelling as soon as you settle in. Homeownership in New Orleans presents a few challenges, though. From working through unruly weather to navigating renovations on a historic structure, making upgrades requires much consideration. Fortunately, it's nothing research, careful planning and expert advice can't help you with. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to town, here are seven things you should avoid when updating a New Orleans home. 1. Ignoring Historic Preservation Rules New Orleans boasts 26 historic districts, covering 40% of the city. It also has 111 historic properties, which give it its beloved and most recognized charm. Ultimately, this may not be the right place for you if you're after ultra-modern decor. Homeowners should avoid significant contemporary renovations, which may clash with the home or neighborhood's historic architecture. Instead, they should look for ways to complement the city's heritage in their upgrades. For example, leave the intricate crown moldings and ironwork. Also, consider seamlessly meshing old and new materials so they don't look out of place. Just be sure to check with the city's Division of Historic Preservation to ensure your renovations align with its standards. 2. Painting Brick Without Proper Preparation Giving a brick home a fresh coat of paint can hide many imperfections and help it stand out on the block. However, brick's porousness and NOLA's humid climate could spell disaster if you don't prepare it properly. Moisture could cause the paint to bubble, crack and eventually peel. If the brick is dirty or unsealed, you may also have difficulty applying the paint evenly. Although it's an extra step, preparing the brick ensures a long-lasting finish you only have to worry about doing once.   3. Neglecting Wrought Iron Many NOLA homes — especially historic ones — have wrought iron features you'll want to highlight. However, when left unmaintained in the heat, humidity and precipitation, these elements can rust and become a safety hazard. You don't want to scrape yourself on corroded surfaces. It's essential to clean the wrought iron regularly with a soft brush and dry it thoroughly with a towel. Low-grit sandpaper can help address rusty spots on fences, balconies and even door hinges. If a corroded hinge pin has caused an old door to become stuck, a 15-minute application of penetrating oil can disintegrate the decay. Occasionally, apply a lubricant to prevent future rusting or a rust-resistant coating to protect outdoor ironworks. 4. Improperly Ventilating the Home The temperature is rising in New Orleans. By mid-June 2024, the city had surpassed record-high temperatures four times, with one day even reaching 97˚ Fahrenheit. This is in addition to seven heat-related deaths from April to June in 2024. You may need to invest in adequate ventilation if you've moved into an old NOLA house. Otherwise, you could experience HVAC problems and mold and mildew growth, posing significant respiratory health problems for household members. 5. Cutting Down Trees Without Permission New Orleans has strict ordinances regarding tree-cutting on private property. For instance, live oaks are a protected species throughout the city. Unless it's within 15 feet of a home, residents of Jefferson Parish cannot remove mature trees, including magnolias and sycamores. If you do remove trees from your property without a permit, you could face hefty fines and need to replant one of the same size in your yard. These rules are in place to preserve and rebuild NOLA's tree canopy.   6. Forgetting Hurricane Shutters It's hard to imagine a city as beautiful as New Orleans in the line of hurricanes. Sadly, major weather events have intensified in recent years in the Gulf Coast. Installing hurricane shutters can protect your windows and belongings from damaging wind and downpours during the rainy season. On average, homeowners spend $3,675 on shutters, but the cost might range from $1,505 to $5,893. Ultimately, it depends on how many windows you have, the type you purchase — accordion, Bahama, colonial or motorized, among others — and labor fees. 7. Landscaping Close to the House Homeowners should exercise caution when sprucing up their property's landscaping. Adding trees and shrubbery too close to the house's foundation could cause moisture buildup and structural damage. The excess dampness can attract pests and termites, which happily feed on rotting wood. It might also pose a fire hazard — drought or a lightning strike could ignite the plants, causing a severe house fire. Select plants carefully and avoid overdoing the garden beds with greenery. You might choose to hardscape some of the yard or include native plants already adapted to the climate. Make Wise Upgrades to Your NOLA Home Living in New Orleans is many people's dream, and you'll enjoy everything the city offers. While upgrading a house requires a different approach than residing elsewhere, the result is a safe, sturdy and comfortable home you'll love for years. *Written by Rose Morrison of renovated.com

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