Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Top Landscape & Fence Company in Youngsville, LA: Southern Scapes: Spotlight

In the heart of South Louisiana, where outdoor living is a way of life, one company has made a name for turning ordinary yards into personalized outdoor sanctuaries — Southern Scapes Landscape & Fence.

Locally owned and operated, Southern Scapes is more than just a landscaping company. They're outdoor design specialists, helping homeowners and businesses across Youngsville, LA and surrounding areas elevate their curb appeal, privacy, and functionality — one custom project at a time.


Checkout Southern Scapes portfolio: 
Southern Scapes Official Website

More Than Just Landscaping

What sets Southern Scapes apart is their wide range of services and true craftsmanship. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing backyard oasis or just need to boost your property’s curb appeal, they offer:

  • Custom Fencing Solutions: From classic wood privacy fences to modern horizontal slat styles, Southern Scapes builds durable, beautiful fences tailored to your space and style. They also offer aluminum, chain link, and custom gates.

  • Professional Landscape Design & Installation: Whether you're going for lush, tropical greenery or a clean, low-maintenance look, they bring both vision and execution. Their landscape designs are built for beauty and South Louisiana weather.

  • Irrigation Systems: A healthy yard starts with smart watering. Southern Scapes installs efficient irrigation systems to keep your lawn and beds thriving without the hassle.

  • Outdoor Lighting: Extend your enjoyment of your outdoor space well past sunset. Their lighting designs add both ambiance and safety, making your yard come alive at night.

  • Drainage Solutions: Poor drainage? They tackle those soggy yard headaches with professional grading and French drain installation that keeps your foundation and lawn dry.


What Customers Are Saying

The team at Southern Scapes doesn’t just talk about quality — their customers do. Here are just a few glowing reviews from local homeowners:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had a wonderful experience with Southern Scapes. They came out quickly, gave us a fair quote, and did an excellent job installing our new fence. Great communication and excellent craftsmanship!”
Tina F.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“From start to finish, this company was professional, responsive, and efficient. They took my vision and brought it to life better than I imagined. The crew was friendly, respectful, and hardworking.”
Mark D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Southern Scapes handled our backyard makeover and knocked it out of the park. We now have a space we’re proud to host friends and family in — truly top-notch service.”
Alyssa R.

These are just a few of many satisfied clients who’ve seen their outdoor spaces transformed with Southern Scapes.


Why Homeowners Trust Southern Scapes

Southern Scapes brings a hands-on, local touch to every project. Their team takes the time to understand each client's goals and turns ideas into real-life spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. It's this personalized service — paired with quality work and a strong local reputation — that has homeowners across Youngsville and nearby communities calling them again and again.


Location & Contact:
📍 Youngsville, LA
📞 (225) 333-9680
🌐 https://southernscapeslaf.com

Whether you're tackling a full backyard renovation or just looking to add privacy with a new fence, Southern Scapes is a name you can trust. They don’t just work in Acadiana — they live here, too. And it shows in every project they complete.











Tramonte’s: Baton Rouge’s Best-Kept Secret for Food, Spirits, & Southern Hospitality

Not super tucked away in Baton Rouge is a local treasure that’s been serving up flavor, tradition, and top-tier service for years — Tramonte’s Meat & Seafood Market. If you’ve never been, let this be your sign to check out one of the city’s best-kept secret.

"A few of my favorite things at Tramonte's are the following, but certainly not limited to:

Hot boiled crawfish, their Choice Rib Po-Boy makes my mouth water just mentioning it, they have a quarterly meat sale that I ALWAYS stock up on to load down my deep freezer, selections of spirits, last minute sides to go with any meal we are making, and Tramonte's makes Thanksgiving annually the least stressful holiday!" - Tyler Terrebonne REALTOR


Checkout tramontes.com for their full menu & all that they offer!

Not Just a Meat Market

While Tramonte’s is known by many for its high-quality meats and seafood, it’s so much more than just a butcher shop. Step inside and you’ll find:

  • A Full Lunch Menu: From hearty daily plate lunches to po'boys stacked high and fresh-off-the-grill specials, their lunch offerings hit the spot every time. Perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying mid-day meal.

  • Catering for Events: Hosting a gathering? Let Tramonte’s handle the food. Their catering menu is packed with Louisiana favorites and customizable options for everything from corporate lunches to family reunions.

  • Legendary Crawfish Boils: When crawfish season rolls around, Tramonte’s is the place to be. They boil up spicy, flavorful crawfish that locals rave about — complete with all the fixins.

  • Wild Game Processing: For Louisiana’s hunting community, Tramonte’s offers professional wild game processing. From deer sausage to specialty cuts, they treat your harvest with care and precision.

  • Spirits, Wine & More: Did we mention they have a full selection of spirits? Whether you're stocking up for the weekend or grabbing a bottle for a gift, they’ve got a surprisingly wide selection right in-store.

  • Frozen Southern Sides: Take the taste of home on the go. Their freezer section is stocked with classic sides — think mac & cheese, green bean casserole, and more — all ready to heat and serve.

  • Holiday Favorites: During the holidays, Tramonte’s takes it up a notch. From fully cooked turkeys to scratch-made cornbread dressing, they make Thanksgiving (and Christmas) stress-free and delicious.

Why Locals Love It

Tramonte’s blends the feel of an old-school neighborhood market with the convenience of modern offerings. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your name, your kids run into someone they know, and you leave with more than just groceries — you leave with everything you need, drinks, and a reminder of what makes Baton Rouge special.


Location:
📍 12451 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
📞 (225) 751-7665

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop that serves up food, flavor, and friendly service, Tramonte’s should be at the top of your list. Whether you're grabbing lunch, planning a party, or stocking your freezer, this hidden gem delivers every time.

                                         https://tramontes.com/







Monday, July 28, 2025

Real Estate & Market Update – Week of July 28, 2025

 


💬 Quote of the Week

“A person always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason, and the real one.”
— J.P. Morgan

📊 National Housing Market Snapshot

🏡 New Home Sales:
June brought a slight bump in new single-family home sales, kicking off summer on a positive note. Even better—median home prices are down nearly 3% from last year, and nearly 13% below their 2022 peak, making homes a bit more affordable.

🏘️ Existing Homes:
Sales of existing single-family homes dipped slightly, while condo/co-op sales held steady. Inventory is on the rise, up almost 16% year-over-year, and nearing the 5-month supply that signals a balanced market.

💵 Mortgage Applications:
More buyers are entering the market—purchase mortgage applications are up 4% week-over-week, and a strong 22% above last year’s numbers.

Search new Homes in your area Here

📈 Review of Last Week: Bullish Momentum

Wall Street stayed hot 🔥 last week:

  • S&P 500 and Nasdaq extended record highs.

  • A trade deal with Japan cut tariffs and secured $550 billion in investment.

  • Solid labor market data and a growing services sector boosted investor confidence.

Market Performance:

  • Dow: ▲ 1.3% → 44,902

  • S&P 500: ▲ 1.5% → 6,389

  • Nasdaq: ▲ 1.0% → 21,108

  • 30-Year Mortgage Rates: Down slightly, and lower than a year ago

💡 Did You Know?
Buyers now have more choices and stronger negotiating power. In June, Zillow listings hit a 5-year high, and 27% of listings had price cuts—the highest share since 2018.

🔮 What to Watch This Week

  • Home Price Indexes (May) – Continued moderation expected

  • Pending Home Sales (June) – Projected increase in signed contracts

  • Construction Spending – Positive outlook, especially in residential

  • Jobs Report (June) – Modest payroll growth anticipated

  • PCE Inflation Data – Forecasted to show stable price growth

  • Federal Reserve Meeting (July 30) – No rate cut expected this month

🏦 Federal Reserve Watch

📉 Interest Rate Outlook:
No rate cut expected in July, but watch for possible changes in September. Current rate: 4.25%–4.50%

FOMC Meeting DateExpected RateChance of Rate Cut
July 304.25%–4.50%3.1%
September 174.00%–4.25%61.7%
October 294.00%–4.25%30.0%

💡 Business Tip of the Week

You don’t need to do more—you need to do what matters more intentionally.
When you pause to focus on your goals instead of just your tasks, you operate with purpose—not pressure.

“Where your attention goes, your energy flows.”

Curious to see what your loan approval may be? Contact Nate Tallo 


 

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Shopping for a Home in Greater Baton Rouge? Start Here.

If you're starting your home search in the Baton Rouge area, you're in a great position. Whether you're leaning toward new construction or open to the charm and value of resale homes, there are great options across the region—and I can help you find the one that fits.

🔗 Start browsing now


🔍 What's Available Right Now? 

🏘️ New Construction 


  • Modern designs, warranties, energy efficiency

  • Often located in developing communities with HOAs

  • Popular areas:

    • Geismar & Prairieville (Dutchtown schools)

    • Central (Central Community Schools)

    • Denham Springs (Watson area, Live Oak schools)

    • Zachary (Zachary Community Schools)

🏡 Resale Homes 


  • Established neighborhoods with mature trees, larger lots

  • Often lower price per square foot

  • Great picks in:

    • Baton Rouge (Broadmoor, Sherwood Forest, Southdowns, Garden District)

    • Baker & Brownfields (more space, lower taxes)

    • Ascension Parish for top-rated schools


💰 Common Price Points

Buyer TypePrice RangeAreas to Consider
First-Time Buyer$175K – $275KDenham Springs, North Baton Rouge, Watson, Baker
Move-Up Buyer$300K – $450KPrairieville, Zachary, South Baton Rouge
Luxury Buyer$500K+University Club, Lexington Estates, Rouzan, Shenandoah Estates

🎓 Top School Districts People Ask For

  • Zachary Community Schools – consistently top-rated

  • Central Community Schools – small-town feel, great facilities

  • Dutchtown / Ascension Parish Schools – strong academic rep, highly requested

  • Live Oak Schools (Watson area) – very popular with young families


✅ How I Help

  • Curate homes based on your budget, school preference, and location goals

  • Give you insight into resale vs. new build pros/cons

  • Help you win offers in this competitive market

🗓 Thinking of buying in the next 3–6 months? Let’s talk strategy and get you ahead of the game.

👉 Browse homes or request a custom list:
🔗 Search Homes in Greater Baton Rouge

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Waiting for 6% Interest Rates? Sounds Crowded--Here's Why

Over 550,000 buyers are waiting for interest rates to hit 6%… 👀

But here’s the catch:
when that happens, it won’t just be cheaper
—it’ll be crowded.


More demand = more competition,
bidding wars, and rising prices. 📈



True story, when rates were sub 5.5%, I’ve personally represented buyer clients that we were 1 of 17 buyers that put their hands in the pot of 1 single property. 

One time, one buyer outbid all of us by $100,000--> Literally




If you’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ rate,
be ready for a surge of others doing the same. 
🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ 🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️


Sometimes the best move is before the crowd shows up. 
💯🤠

Ever opt for the cheaper ticket, end up in the crowd, wish you would have just spent a little more for the more premium section at a concert or festival? 🎶🎸
Me too!
Regret it every time!


Dad always taught me the 5-P’s

Proper 
Preparation 
Prevents 
Poor 
Performance












Let’s get a gameplan in place, check on the desired budget, and see what makes sense.

If it doesn’t make sense for you & your family to ever move or invest, then don’t.

But don’t do this, just wait around for the headlines to post less doom & gloom & not know what the numbers need to look like for it to make sense for ya!

Let’s chat. Hmu @agentterrebonne on all social platforms.
📲 225-341-0081

Tyler Terrebonne REALTOR ®



ENGEL & VÖLKERS Baton Rouge
Tyler.Terrebonne@evrealestate.com
Tylerterrebonne.evgeaux.com
(M) 225-341-0081
0) 225-331-8011

Each office Is independently owned & operated.
Licensed in Louisiana


Tuesday, July 22, 2025

5 Must-Do Home Improvements Before Selling Your Home

If you're thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably wondered: What repairs or improvements will help me sell faster — and for more money?

The good news? You don’t need a full-scale renovation to impress buyers. Instead, focus your time and money on these five high-impact areas. These are the projects that make the biggest difference when it comes to first impressions, inspections, and ultimately, offers.

1️⃣ Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions aren’t just important — they’re everything. Buyers form an opinion within seconds of pulling up, and a tidy, well-maintained exterior sets the tone for the entire showing.

Easy Wins for Curb Appeal:
✔️ Pressure wash the driveway, siding, and front porch
✔️ Freshen up landscaping with mulch, trimmed bushes, and clean flower beds
✔️ Repaint the front door and update house numbers if needed
✔️ Clean or replace light fixtures and mailbox

Pro Tip: Even small details, like a new doormat, can help your home feel inviting right from the curb.


 2️⃣ Deep Clean & Declutter

A clean home signals “well cared for,” while a cluttered space feels smaller and more chaotic. Decluttering and deep cleaning are absolutely non-negotiable when listing your home.

Focus Areas:
✔️ Wash windows inside and out
✔️ Clean vents, baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
✔️ Remove excess furniture and personal items to create open, airy spaces
✔️ Neutralize any odors — pets, smoke, or strong cooking smells

Remember: Clean homes photograph better and often appraise higher.


 3️⃣ Fresh Paint = Fresh Start

Paint is hands-down one of the most affordable, high-ROI projects you can tackle before selling. A fresh coat of neutral paint brightens spaces, hides imperfections, and helps buyers mentally “move in.”

Where to Focus:
✔️ Walls in living spaces, hallways, and bedrooms
✔️ Trim, baseboards, doors
✔️ Consider painting over bold accent walls or outdated colors

Best Colors for Selling: Soft whites, light grays, and warm beiges help homes feel modern, spacious, and universally appealing.


 4️⃣ Address the Basics: HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical

Buyers love homes that feel move-in ready — and inspectors will flag even minor issues. Tackle these ahead of time to avoid price reductions or last-minute repairs during escrow.

Quick Maintenance Checklist:
✔️ Service the HVAC and replace filters
✔️ Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, or slow drains
✔️ Check outlets, switches, lights, and smoke detectors
✔️ Replace any burned-out bulbs or damaged fixtures

Tip: A clean home inspection means less stress (and fewer surprises) later.


 5️⃣ Refresh Kitchens & Bathrooms

You don’t need a full renovation to make these high-traffic areas shine. Small updates can dramatically improve a buyer’s perception of value.

Budget-Friendly Upgrades:
✔️ Re-grout or re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks
✔️ Swap out old cabinet hardware for modern finishes
✔️ Update light fixtures or faucets
✔️ Deep clean appliances until they sparkle

Why it matters: Kitchens and bathrooms are the two spaces buyers scrutinize most closely.


 🔑 Final Thought

Selling a home is about making buyers feel confident and inspired. Focusing on these five key areas ensures your home shows its absolute best — helping you sell faster and likely for a higher price.

If you'd like help creating a customized pre-listing plan specific to your home and market, I’d be happy to help. Just reach out!

Contact Me Here at My Link

Monday, July 21, 2025

The Truth Behind the Headlines: A Real Look at Louisiana's Housing Market

 A Real Look at Louisiana’s Housing Market Right Now

If you've spent any time online lately, you've probably seen the usual headlines popping up:

"Housing Crash Coming!"
"Real Estate Bubble About to Burst!"

It’s the kind of fear-driven content that gets clicks but rarely reflects the reality of what’s happening — especially here in Louisiana. So, is there any truth to it? Or is the market just shifting in a way that’s healthy after years of extreme highs?

Let’s look at the numbers for Louisiana housing in mid-2025, so you can make decisions based on facts, not fear.

Link to Search New Listings in Louisiana

📊 Louisiana Housing Prices: Cooling, Not Crashing

According to Louisiana Realtors® and Greater Baton Rouge MLS data as of June 2025:

  • Median home price statewide: $239,000

  • That’s a 0.8% increase year-over-year, far from a collapse.

  • In key metro areas like Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Lake Charles, prices have largely plateaued since late 2024, following a historic surge between 2020-2023.

What’s driving this stability?

  • Local demand remains steady due to job growth, particularly in healthcare, petrochemicals, and education sectors.

  • Out-of-state migration to Louisiana (especially from pricier Texas and Florida markets) continues at a moderate pace.

  • Affordability pressures from higher mortgage rates are keeping prices from rising sharply but haven’t triggered declines.


🏠
Inventory in Louisiana is Rebuilding, Not Flooding

Inventory has been one of the biggest shifts in 2025 — and that’s good news for buyers.

  • Active listings across Louisiana are up 15% from this time last year.

  • Baton Rouge and Lafayette have seen new construction inventory rise significantly — especially in subdivisions priced under $350,000.

  • However, we’re still well below the pre-pandemic norm, which helps keep prices stable.

Completed New Homes: Builders in Acadiana and Greater Baton Rouge report the highest inventory of finished homes since 2009, per U.S. Census data. This creates opportunity, not risk.

Link to Search New Listings in Louisiana

🏦 Mortgage Rates: A Louisiana Reality Check

While national headlines scream about mortgage rates, here’s where Louisiana sits:

  • 30-year fixed rates are averaging 6.65%-6.85% locally, depending on credit and lender.

  • Many local lenders are now offering temporary buydowns and incentives to help buyers manage payments.

  • The Federal Reserve has hinted at potential rate cuts later this year, which would further ease pressure.

Locally, most buyers have already adjusted expectations — people are still buying, just more cautiously.

💡 Louisiana Experts Say: No Crash, Just a Return to Normal

  • Louisiana Realtors® report steady buyer traffic and realistic seller pricing.

  • Homes are taking longer to sell — averaging 52 days on market vs. 39 last year — but they’re still selling.

  • Price reductions are more common, but not dramatic. Sellers are adjusting, not panicking.


📉
Why Louisiana Isn't Facing a 2008-Style Collapse

Here’s why this market isn’t like the crash of the past:

  • Strong homeowner equity across Louisiana. Homeowners aren’t over-leveraged.

  • Lending remains strict. There’s no bubble of risky loans.

  • Foreclosures are down 7% statewide from 2024 (ATTOM Data).

  • Demand remains steady thanks to job growth and relatively affordable home prices compared to national averages.

🔑 Bottom Line: For Louisiana, This Is a Shift — Not a Crash

What we’re seeing isn’t a bubble bursting. It’s the market finding balance:
✅ More inventory
✅ Slightly longer market times
✅ Slight price softening in some areas
✅ Real opportunities for prepared buyers

📲 Thinking About Buying or Selling in Louisiana This Year?

Don’t let fear headlines drive your decisions. I’m here to provide:

  • Personalized market insights for your neighborhood

  • Accurate home valuations

  • Strategies to buy or sell smart in this evolving market

Reach out today for a no-obligation consultation.

Tyler Terrebonne local Realtor & investment advisor

Halloween in the Bayou: Your Guide to Frights & Fun

Halloween is creeping up, and Louisiana is ready to celebrate in style!  From spine-chilling haunted houses to family-friendly pumpkin patch...