Frequently Asked Questions

The most important first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage — before you fall in love with a listing. A pre-approval letter tells you exactly how much home you can afford and signals to sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer.

At 23 Realty, Aimée Curole walks every buyer through a personalized discovery process. Schedule a free buyer consultation to start your home search on the right foot.

The median home price in Metairie currently sits around $325,000–$350,000. Entry-level homes can be found in the high $200s, while Old Metairie and the lakefront regularly command $500,000+.

Buyers should budget for closing costs of approximately 2–4% of the loan amount. Louisiana is a "notarial closing" state — a licensed notary executes the Act of Sale. Reach out to 23 Realty for a cost breakdown.

Old Metairie (70005) is a perennial favorite — oak-canopied streets, low crime, and acclaimed schools. Pontchartrain Gardens and Bridgedale offer a tight-knit feel near Lafrenière Park at a more accessible price point.

For lakefront living, Bonnabel Place and Pontchartrain Shores offer gorgeous Lake Pontchartrain views ten minutes from downtown New Orleans. Browse current listings or ask Aimée which area fits best.

Working with a buyer's agent is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Louisiana's notarial closing process involves legal nuances that can cost an unrepresented buyer thousands.

23 Realty's commission is typically paid by the seller — you get expert guidance at no cost to you. Let's talk about your home search.

The Louisiana Housing Corporation offers the MRB Home Program with below-market rates plus 5–9% in grant assistance. The Keys for Service program helps teachers and first responders.

The Mortgage Credit Certificate offers a federal tax credit of up to 40% of annual mortgage interest. All programs require a 640+ credit score. Contact 23 Realty to get connected with the right lenders.

Aimée Curole provides a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that evaluates recent sales, active competition, and your home's specific features.

With Metairie's median around $325,000–$350,000 and values up 8–10% year-over-year, now is an excellent time to understand your equity. Request your free home valuation today.

Homes currently average 32–75 days on market depending on price point and neighborhood. Once under contract, closing typically takes 30–45 additional days.

Read what past sellers experienced or connect with Aimée.

Start with curb appeal — power wash, freshen landscaping, and make the front door shine. Inside, focus on the kitchen and primary bathroom.

Make sure your elevation certificate is current and deferred maintenance is addressed. 23 Realty offers renovation consultation services to identify the highest-ROI improvements.

Absolutely — staged homes consistently sell faster and for more money. Staging is one of Aimée's core areas of expertise, including tribute staging for succession and estate sales.

Explore our staging services to see how it transforms listings.

Sellers typically pay agent commissions, documentary transfer taxes, recording fees, title-related fees, pro-rated property taxes, and any negotiated concessions. Total costs (excluding commission) range from 1–2% of the sale price.

Request your seller net sheet today.

Aimée Curole — known warmly by clients as "Amay" — is a New Orleans native and the broker/owner of 23 Realty. She brings local market knowledge, refined design sensibility, and a calm, strategic approach to every transaction.

Meet Aimée and start the conversation.

23 Realty serves the Greater New Orleans metro, with depth in Metairie and Jefferson Parish — ZIP codes 70001, 70002, 70003, and 70005. Also serving Uptown, Mid-City, Lakeview, Mandeville, and Covington.

Explore current listings or tell us where you'd like to be.

23 Realty offers buyer & seller representation, professional home staging (including tribute staging for succession/estate sales), renovation consultation, complimentary CMAs, luxury real estate sales, and investor guidance.

Learn more about our staging services or discuss your needs with Aimée.

At 23 Realty, you hire Aimée Curole directly — no handoffs to junior agents. Every client receives personal involvement from consultation through closing, plus a differentiated skillset in staging and renovations.

See what past clients say about the 23 Realty difference.

Visit our contact page and send a message. Aimée personally responds to every inquiry. Initial consultations are complimentary with zero obligation.

Median home sale price is approximately $325,000–$350,000, up 8–10% year-over-year, with homes averaging 32–75 days on market and a 97–98% list-to-sale ratio.

Visit the 23 Realty blog for real-time updates.

Metairie consistently ranks among Louisiana's most desirable communities — strong schools, lower crime rates, Lakeside Shopping Center, Lafrenière Park, and Mardi Gras parades, all minutes from downtown New Orleans.

Read more about life in Metairie on the 23 Realty blog.

The effective rate is approximately 0.53%, with median annual payment around $1,375. The homestead exemption removes $75,000 of assessed value for owner-occupants.

Get in touch with tax questions.

Yes — flood insurance is strongly recommended and often required. Premiums typically range from $500–$1,500+/year. Most new policies have a 30-day waiting period.

Ask Aimée about flood zone review during your search.

Hurricane season runs June 1–November 30, peaking mid-August to mid-October. Key questions: flood zone designation, roof age, flood history, and insurance quotes.

Post-Katrina construction standards have improved dramatically. Bring your questions to Aimée.