Braden L Smith - REALTOR

08/04/2026

🏡 Major Updates, Hurricane Ready & Incredible Value on the Westbank!

If you've been searching for a well-maintained home where many of the expensive upgrades have already been completed, this property deserves a look.

📍 2605 Breton Drive, Marrero, LA

This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,888 square feet of living space and includes numerous features that provide long-term value and peace of mind.

Highlights include:

✅ HVAC system replaced approximately 2 years ago

✅ Tankless water heater

✅ Replacement windows throughout

✅ Whole-house generator

✅ Hurricane window protection for added storm preparedness

✅ Wood-burning fireplace

✅ Large den with plenty of living space

✅ Covered rear patio

✅ Attached garage with covered side access

✅ Permanent detached workshop/storage building

✅ Spacious backyard

Located in an established neighborhood with convenient access to shopping, restaurants, schools, parks, and the Westbank Expressway, this home offers both comfort and convenience.

One of this home's biggest advantages is that many of the costly mechanical upgrades have already been completed. Buyers can move in with confidence, enjoy the home's major improvements, and personalize cosmetic updates over time to fit their own style.

💲 Now offered at $249,900

If you're looking for a solid home that offers exceptional value, practical upgrades, and features designed for Louisiana living, schedule your private showing today!

1-504-821-2825 https://gnorealty.com 2605 Breton Drive , Louisiana 70072Move-in ready and exceptionally well maintained, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. The inviting living area features a cozy fireplace, while major updates include an HVAC system replaced...

07/25/2026

🏡 Could mortgage rates climb back to 7%?

That's the question many buyers are asking after mortgage rates reached their highest level of 2026.

Here's what's important to understand:

📈 Mortgage rates don't move simply because the Federal Reserve changes interest rates. They are heavily influenced by the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been climbing recently.

The article explains that rising Treasury yields, driven in part by inflation concerns and higher energy prices, have pushed mortgage rates higher.

But before anyone panics...

Most economists quoted in the article are not predicting that 7% mortgage rates are inevitable. They simply acknowledge that it's possible if Treasury yields continue to rise.

The bigger takeaway is this:

🏠 Affordability continues to be the biggest challenge for buyers.

Mortgage rates matter, but so do home prices, insurance costs, taxes, and overall inflation. Buyers today need to look at the complete financial picture, not just one number.

If you're thinking about buying or selling, it's more important than ever to understand what's happening in today's market rather than relying on headlines.

What are your thoughts? Do you think mortgage rates move back toward 7%, or do you think they'll remain closer to current levels?

Article:

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up to its highest level of 2026.

07/24/2026

Many people across Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are asking the same question right now:

“Should I keep renting, or is it finally time to buy a home?”

The answer isn’t the same for everyone. And, many people make decisions based on assumptions rather than actual numbers.

Here are a few things most renters don’t realize:

🏡 Rent increases don’t build equity
Monthly rent payments go directly to a landlord, with no long-term return.

📈 Homeownership builds long-term value
Even in shifting markets, homeowners are building equity over time instead of absorbing rising rent costs.

💰 Buying isn’t just about the monthly payment
Many buyers are surprised to learn that ownership can be more stable long-term than renting when taxes, insurance, and rent trends are considered together.

📊 Timing matters less than preparation
Most successful buyers don’t “wait for the perfect time”. They focus on understanding their budget, credit, and options first.

In markets like Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities, we’re seeing many renters begin exploring ownership simply because long-term rent costs continue to rise.

If you’re unsure whether renting or buying makes more sense for your situation, getting clear information is the first step.

💬 Are you currently renting and considering buying, or are you happy where you are right now?

07/16/2026

🏡 More inventory. Fewer contracts. So what's really happening in today's housing market?

One of the biggest misconceptions I'm seeing is that because home sales have slowed, the housing market must be in trouble.

The latest data from the National Association of REALTORS® paints a much more nuanced picture.

Pending home sales, which measure signed purchase contracts, declined 5.4% in June compared to May and were down just 0.3% from a year ago. At the same time, closed existing-home sales remained approximately 3% higher than they were one year ago.

📉 Demand hasn't disappeared. Affordability remains the biggest challenge.

According to NAR, elevated mortgage rates, record-high home prices, and limited housing inventory continue to make it difficult for many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers.

There are some encouraging signs. Mortgage rates are lower than they were a year ago, wage growth is now outpacing home price appreciation, and housing affordability has improved modestly. But for many buyers, affordability remains the biggest obstacle.

🏠 More inventory doesn't automatically mean more sales.

Inventory has increased slightly compared to last year, but according to NAR, the increase has been modest and isn't enough to significantly improve affordability in many markets.

Simply put, having more homes available doesn't matter if buyers can't comfortably afford the total monthly cost of ownership.

🌊 Here in Louisiana, there's another factor that doesn't get enough attention: insurance.

National reports typically focus on mortgage rates, home prices, and inventory.

In Louisiana, buyers also have to factor in homeowners insurance and, in many cases, flood insurance. Those costs can have a significant impact on monthly affordability.

That's one of the reasons I've started encouraging my buyer clients to obtain a homeowners insurance quote before making an offer whenever possible. If the insurance premium is substantially higher than expected, it may affect both the monthly payment and the amount they're willing to offer for the property.

💡 The purchase price is only one part of the equation.

When buying a home, it's important to look at the total cost of ownership, including:

• Mortgage payment
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Flood insurance (when applicable)
• HOA dues
• Maintenance and repairs

Understanding the complete financial picture helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid surprises after going under contract.

I don't believe today's housing market is weak. I believe it's constrained by affordability. Buyers are taking more time, doing more research, and making more deliberate decisions than they did a few years ago. In my opinion, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's simply a different market that requires a different approach.

🤔 What are you seeing in your area? If you've been shopping for a home recently, what has been your biggest challenge: home prices, mortgage rates, insurance costs, inventory, or something else?

📖 Full article from the National Association of REALTORS®:

NAR’s latest housing data shows that pending home sales fell in June, as ongoing market challenges continue to hold many buyers back.

07/02/2026

🏡 NATIONAL HOME LISTING PRICES JUST POSTED THEIR BIGGEST DECLINE ON RECORD

According to Realtor.com's June 2026 Housing Report, the national median listing price fell 2.5% year over year to $430,000, the largest annual decline in their data going back to 2017.

📉 This also marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year list price declines.

A few important takeaways:

✅ Sellers are becoming more realistic with pricing from the start instead of relying on multiple price reductions later.

✅ Inventory continues to improve, giving buyers more options and creating a more balanced market in many areas.

✅ Affordability remains a challenge, but softer pricing is helping some buyers re-enter the market despite mortgage rates remaining elevated.

Of course, real estate is always local. National trends provide valuable context, but every market has its own unique dynamics.

Here in Southeast Louisiana, buyers are still being selective. Proper pricing, good presentation, and realistic expectations remain critical for sellers who want to maximize their results.

What trends are you seeing in your local market?

🔗 https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/home-listing-prices-record-decline-affordability-buyers-june-2026-housing-report/

Driven by dropping listing prices and stabilizing mortgage rates, the June housing market saw pending sales rise for the seventh straight month.

07/01/2026

🏡 Ever notice how some homes sell in a weekend while others sit for months? 👀

A lot of people assume it’s just about the market. But usually it comes down to a few key factors:

📸 Presentation
→ Buyers decide FAST online. Great photos and a well-prepared home make a huge difference.

💰 Pricing strategy
→ The right price creates interest. Overpricing usually creates hesitation.

📍 Location & competition
→ Buyers compare homes side-by-side, especially in competitive price ranges.

🛋️ Condition & overall feel
→ Clean, bright, move-in-ready homes tend to create stronger emotional reactions.

📢 Marketing
→ Exposure matters. The more eyes on your home, the better the opportunity to attract the right buyer.

💡 The truth is homes that sell quickly usually don’t get there by accident. There’s almost always a strategy behind it.

📩 If you’re curious what could help your home stand out in today’s market, give me a call and let’s talk strategy!

06/24/2026

🏡 Could This New Housing Bill Help Make Homes More Affordable?

Interesting article: 👇

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-gives-final-approval-to-landmark-housing-bill-aimed-at-lowering-costs

Congress recently passed a major housing bill aimed at addressing affordability by reducing regulatory barriers, encouraging new housing construction, and limiting the influence of large institutional investors in the single-family housing market.

One thing I consistently hear from buyers is that housing has become increasingly difficult to afford. While mortgage rates get most of the attention, housing supply remains a major issue. Simply put, we haven't built enough housing to keep pace with demand.

🤔Will this bill immediately lower home prices or mortgage rates?

👎No.

😃But if it succeeds in increasing housing supply over time, it could help improve affordability for future buyers.

💬 What do you think is the biggest factor impacting affordability today?

🏠 Mortgage rates?
🏠 Insurance costs?
🏠 Property taxes?
🏠 Lack of inventory?
🏠 Construction costs?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The legislation represents one of the most sweeping efforts in decades to increase the supply of housing and bring down prices.

06/02/2026

🏡 Greater New Orleans Housing Market Update

I've been digging through the latest MLS data for the Greater New Orleans area, including New Orleans, Metairie, St. Tammany Parish, and parts of the West Bank. While every market is different, a few clear themes are emerging.

First, the market has generally improved compared to a year ago. Pending sales are up in most areas, inventory remains relatively tight in many markets, and transaction activity has increased.

However, it's important to remember that we're currently in the strongest part of our seasonal cycle.

Historically, the Greater New Orleans market tends to see contract activity peak around May and closed sales peak around June. That's why I believe the real test will come later this year as we move into the slower months. The question isn't whether the market is stronger than it was a year ago. The data suggests that it is. The bigger question is whether that strength continues once the seasonal tailwind fades.

Another trend I'm seeing is that the market has become increasingly bifurcated.

Move-in-ready homes that are updated, well-maintained, and priced appropriately are often selling quickly.

Meanwhile, dated properties, homes with deferred maintenance, or listings that are priced too aggressively are frequently sitting longer, seeing price reductions, or requiring concessions to attract buyers.

Buyers today are far more selective than they were a few years ago.

In many transactions, buyers are asking for closing cost assistance, repairs, rate buy-downs, warranties, or other concessions that we simply weren't seeing as often during the frenzy of 2021 and 2022.

That's why broad statements like "the market is booming" or "the market is crashing" don't really capture what's happening on the ground.

The reality is that the Greater New Orleans housing market is not one market.

New Orleans is behaving differently than Metairie. St. Tammany is behaving differently than parts of the West Bank. Even within the same market, turnkey homes are often performing very differently than homes that need significant updating.

As we move through the second half of the year, I'll be watching inventory levels, months of supply, pending sales, buyer demand, and concession trends closely to see whether the current momentum continues.

What are you seeing in your neighborhood or local market?

05/30/2026

Many Louisiana homeowners are unaware that they may qualify for up to $10,000 in grant funding to strengthen their roof through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.

The program helps homeowners upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard, a construction method designed to better withstand hurricane-force winds, wind-driven rain, and severe weather. These upgrades can help reduce storm damage risk and may also qualify homeowners for insurance discounts.

Some of the improvements include:

✅ Stronger roof edge protection
✅ Sealed roof decks to reduce water intrusion
✅ Improved roof attachment methods using ring-shank nails
✅ Enhanced resistance to high winds and severe weather

The program provides grants of up to $10,000, with funds paid directly to approved contractors once the work is completed and certified.

If you're a Louisiana homeowner, it's worth learning more about the program and checking your eligibility.

Learn more here: https://www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes

Have you already upgraded to a FORTIFIED roof, or are you considering it? I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

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