Love Your Neighbor, Y’all: Rêve’s Commitment to Sustainable Real Estate

At Rêve Realtors, finding you the perfect home is just the beginning—we're dedicated to ensuring that both your home and our community thrive for generations to come. Our motto, “people smart, home savvy,” encapsulates our deep commitment to sustainable real estate. We're elevating the real estate game with a heart for the environment and a love for our neighbors. So, grab your lemonade or sweet tea, and let’s chat about how Rêve is making the world greener, smarter, and kinder, one home at a time. Sustainable Building Practices When it comes to construction, we’re all about reducing that carbon footprint without losing an inch of Southern charm. Our projects incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable design principles. Think solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting systems, and homes that breathe as naturally as a porch swing on a summer evening. We’re building the future, y’all, and it’s greener than a mint julep in May. Our New Sustainable Building We're especially proud to announce that our new office building is a beacon of sustainability. This state-of-the-art facility is designed with the environment in mind, featuring energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and a comprehensive eco-conscious program. It's not just a place of work, it's a testament to our commitment to a greener future. From its green roof that supports local biodiversity to its smart climate control systems that keep energy use to a minimum, our building is as forward-thinking as our real estate practices. Energy Efficiency and Beyond At Rêve, we’re firm believers that energy efficiency isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Our properties boast innovative insulation, smart thermostats, and energy-saving appliances. We don’t stop there, our agents are trained to advise clients on sustainable living practices, helping you reduce waste and live more harmoniously with Mother Earth. Community-Centric Development We’re all about loving our neighbors, and that means creating communities that are walkable, bikeable, and downright delightful. Rêve listings include green spaces, community gardens, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes that encourage a sense of togetherness and well-being. We believe that a happy neighborhood is a healthy one, and we’re here to plant the seeds of connection and care. Innovation in Real Estate Innovation is at the heart of what we do. From virtual tours that save you the gas money and emissions to paperless transactions that save trees, we’re always looking for ways to make the home buying process smarter and greener. Our digital platforms are designed to streamline every step of your journey, all while keeping our environmental impact. Educating and Empowering We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk (preferably in a pair of comfy, eco-friendly shoes). Rêve Realtors are dedicated to educating both our clients and our community about the benefits of sustainable living. We host workshops, webinars, and community events focused on green living, energy savings, and sustainable home improvements. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to empower you to make choices that benefit both your family and the planet. At Rêve Realtors, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a true mission for us. Our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly real estate practices sets us apart, ensuring that our homes are as kind to the environment as they are to their inhabitants. We’re building a future where loving your neighbor means loving our planet too. So, join us in our mission to elevate real estate—because at Rêve, we’re people smart, home savvy, and earth friendly. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we can create a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant community that we’re all proud to call home. *Written by Deveney Marshall of themaraagency.com

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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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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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