Lauren Dunaway Real Estate

🏡Has home buying changed forever??? 🤯

Let’s break down the NAR Settlement that went into effect on August 17th (it’s actually pretty simple)

Buying a home ✨before✨:
- Commissions for your agent were typically included in MLS listings.
- You didn’t need to sign an agreement with your agent before seeing homes.

Buying a home ✨after✨:
- Commission details are now negotiated separately, not shown on MLS.
- You’ll need to sign an agreement with your agent outlining their compensation before they start working for you.

There’s some fine print you definitely want to know... Thinking of buying or selling? Message me “CONSULT” to schedule a free consultation.

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🏡POV: You’re scrolling Zillow, favoriting every third historic bungalow, daydreaming about how you’d lay out the living room furniture... and then the DJ interrupts the track.

The dream is gone before you can even click “contact listing agent.”

What happened?

The universe (and the market) waits for no one. And closing the gap between ‘just looking’ and ‘actively buying’ means partnering with an agent and getting that pre-approval letter in hand.

I don’t want you to miss out on your daydream.

If you’re thinking about exploring homeownership more seriously, schedule a no-strings-attached buyer consult at the link in my bio.

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🏡The riskiest thing about a real estate investing?

It’s the possibility that it flops.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed several successful real estate investors in our city.

Here’s what they mastered before signing on the dotted line:

1) Know your borrowing options
Work with a lender who specializes in investment properties & understand the loans available to you.

For example: A hard money loan is best for investors needing quick funds for short-term projects. Beware though, these loans are a higher-interest option.

2) Know the loopholes & tax implications
Profits from homes flipped within a year are taxed as ordinary income, which could be as high as 37% depending on your tax bracket.

However, if you hold the property for more than a year, the profits may be taxed as long-term capital gains, which is typically lower (0%, 15%, or 20%). Lean on a tax professional here!

3) Work with an experienced agent
An agent with investment experience can help you locate off-market & well priced opportunities.

Plus, depending on the agent, they can help you assess the deal for profitability and share their rolodex of local contractors.

Want to chat more about investment properties? Send me a DM!

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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✨JUST LISTED✨

Experience the epitome of luxury living in the exquisite Turtle Creek Subdivision with this modern masterpiece that’s only 3 years old. Set on an oversized lot, this stunning home offers 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, including 3 ensuite bedrooms, each with spacious walk-in closets.

📍514 S. Caleb Drive
Turtle Creek Subdivision, Slidell, La
4 🛏️ | 4.5 🛁 | +office | + game room
oversized lot | saltwater pool | putting green
3,871 sqft living | 3 car garage
$1,300,000

✔️Open floor plan with beautiful brick accents and a large fireplace in the living room with built-in shelving
✔️Chef’s kitchen with oversized island with seating and storage, walk-in pantry with wood shelving and barn door, stainless steel appliances, separate breakfast nook and bar area with wine cooler
✔️Large office with beautiful wooden doors and closet with wooden shelving
✔️Exquisite dining room with custom coffered ceiling
✔️Large primary ensuite with linear electric fireplace and luxurious primary bathroom and custom walk in closet that leads to the laundry room
✔️Wall of windows in the living room overlooking the private oasis with grand covered sitting area and outdoor kitchen, adorned with a custom cypress ceiling and a large fan, soaring 20 feet high.
✔️One of the largest lots in the neighborhood .59 acres
✔️Step outside to your own private paradise, complete with a custom heated and chilled gunite pool with a tranquil waterfall and hot tub along with gas fire bowls for the ultimate setting. Pool comes equipped with an automatic cleaner.
✔️White Firestone tile around the pool and patio decking
✔️Putting green with turf
✔️Large open play area with custom swing set and certified zoysia grass
✔️Lush landscaping along with irrigation system, strategic dusk to dawn lighting, non-evasive bamboo creates the ultimate privacy along the entire fence line.
✔️State of the art subsurface drainage system goes around the entire house
✔️Water cooler full house generator with seamless CPU backup - will power the entire house along with two RV’s if needed.

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!

✨PRICE IMPROVEMENT✨
🚨ASSUMABLE 2.99% INTEREST RATE🚨

Discover this immaculate, better-than-new construction home that exudes modern elegance and comfort. Featuring an open floor plan with upgrades better than your average spec home!!

📍30217 Brownstone Drive
Lacombe, La 70445
3 🛏️ | 2 🛁 | 1,844 sqft living |
2 car garage + large office
$316,900

✔️Only 3 years old with only one owner
✔️Open floor plan
✔️Chef’s kitchen with large island, walk-in pantry with wood shelving, upgraded cabinets, faucet, hardware, stainless steel appliances and 3cm granite countertops throughout!
✔️TWO walk-in primary closets
✔️Large office
✔️Separate dining room
✔️Computer nook
✔️High ceilings
✔️Decked attic
✔️Custom blinds on the windows throughout
✔️LED canned lighting
✔️One of the largest lots in the neighborhood 75x120
✔️Wall of windows in the living room overlooking the covered patio and large backyard
✔️Concrete patio extension with well constructed custom wooden pergola
✔️Luxury vinyl plank throughout the home except for the bedrooms for added comfort
✔️Wooden fence
✔️Gutters around the home
✔️All new light fixtures, fans and dimmers
✔️Flood zone C
✔️HOA is only $92/month which covers your water bill and HOA maintenance of the community park, upkeep of the private entrance to the St. Tammany Trace, etc.
✔️Energy efficient windows, insulation, tankless hot water heater and lighting!
✔️HVAC system and garage door are controlled by an app on your phone!
✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨
Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]
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🏡POV: You’re settled into your new home with time to spare this fall for bonfires, football & hosting for the holidays.

All is right in the world.

So what needs to happen to make this a reality?
- August: Reach out to an agent and connect with a lender
- September: Make your wants vs. needs list. Then, you and your agent can start touring homes that meet your criteria
- October: With the help of your agent, write strong offers, and go under contract
- November: Move into home sweet home and break out the s’mores

Curious how to make the transition from your current place? I’ve got the playbook for a seamless move, complete with the latest listings, neighborhood profiles, local intel, and service professionals to help you move. Send me a message if making a move by fall is on your mind.

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🏡What I’d tell myself if I was on the house hunt right now...

✨What matters most:
✓ Structural integrity: I’d look for a home with a sound foundation, roof, and well sealed exterior
✓ System ages: I’d find out the age and maintenance needs of systems like HVAC, roofing, and plumbing.
✓ Neighborhood fit: Finding the right area will shape my daily life. I’d want a good blend of ambiance and practicality.
✓ Commute times: The toil of long commutes wears on you (financially, physically & mentally). Location and proximity to work would be front and center.
✓ Functional layout: I’d look for a floor plan that complements my lifestyle, knowing that in some cases we can make modifications.
✓ Growth Potential: A home that can adapt to life - I’d be looking at extra rooms or flexible spaces for kids or guests.

✨What matters less:
✓ Current decor: Wallpaper and paint colors are easily changed. I’d look past what’s superficial.
✓ Furnished vs. unfurnished: Furniture arrangements and styling are personal choices that I can make later.
✓ Landscaping: While curb appeal is nice, it’s the lot, not its current state, that matters more.
✓ Light fixtures & hardware: These
are simple, relatively inexpensive changes that won’t deter me from the right home.
✓ Appliances: While shiny and new might be appealing, appliances are replaceable and don’t make or break a home’s value for me.

What’s on your ‘matters most’ list? Share your dealbreakers below.

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🚨ASSUMABLE 2.99% INTEREST RATE🚨

✨Broker Tour and Open House✨
Wednesday, July 31st 11-1pm

✨Join us for donuts, mimosas 🥂and door prizes🛍️

Discover this immaculate, better-than-new construction home that exudes modern elegance and comfort. Featuring an open floor plan with upgrades better than your average spec home!!

📍30217 Brownstone Drive
Lacombe, La 70445

3 🛏️ | 2 🛁 | 1,844 sqft living |
2 car garage + large office
$317,500

✔️Only 3 years old with only one owner
✔️Open floor plan
✔️Chef’s kitchen with large island, walk-in pantry with wood shelving, upgraded cabinets, faucet, hardware, stainless steel appliances and 3cm granite countertops throughout!
✔️TWO walk-in primary closets
✔️Large office
✔️Separate dining room
✔️Computer nook
✔️High ceilings
✔️Decked attic
✔️Custom blinds on the windows throughout
✔️LED canned lighting
✔️One of the largest lots in the neighborhood 75x120
✔️Wall of windows in the living room overlooking the covered patio and large backyard
✔️Concrete patio extension with well constructed custom wooden pergola
✔️Luxury vinyl plank throughout the home except for the bedrooms for added comfort
✔️Wooden fence
✔️Gutters around the home
✔️All new light fixtures, fans and dimmers
✔️Flood zone C
✔️HOA is only $92/month which covers your water bill and HOA maintenance of the community park, upkeep of the private entrance to the St. Tammany Trace, etc.
✔️Energy efficient windows, insulation, tankless hot water heater and lighting!
✔️HVAC system and garage door are controlled by an app on your phone!

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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✨JUST LISTED✨

🚨Open House Saturday, July 27th 11-1pm. Come tour this beauty and enjoy pastries, mimosas and door prizes!!!

Welcome to your future dream home in the prestigious Brier Lake Estates, a designated wildlife sanctuary. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac on almost an acre lot, this meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem offers a perfect blend of comfort, elegance and endless potential. While the home has been lovingly cared for, it presents an excellent opportunity for you to add your personal touches and modern updates. Don’t miss out on this gem that combines comfort, space, and the promise of making it truly your own.

📍61259 Saint James Street
Brier Lake Estates, Lacombe, La
3 🛏️ | 2 🛁 | +office | 2,639 sqft living | .65 acres
$309,900

✔️Situated on a large lot in a quiet cul-de-sac in a highly desirable neighborhood, Brier Lake Estates, a designated wildlife sanctuary.
✔️Expansive living room
✔️Dedicated office
✔️Historic mantle above the large brick fireplace
✔️Separate dining area
✔️Cozy breakfast nook
✔️Large kitchen featuring a double oven, island for storage and space as well as a walk in pantry with wood shelving.
✔️Generous primary suite with a walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom complete with a garden tub and separate shower.
✔️Large covered front and back porches
✔️Two sliding glass doors offers tons of natural light and lead to a serene back patio.
✔️Completely floored attic with two separate entrances
3-car garage with sink, cabinets and shelving for extra storage.
✔️Extra-large driveway so parking is never an issue
✔️Sprinkler system
✔️Wired for surround sound in the living room
✔️Two HVAC units
✔️City water and sewer
✔️X Flood Zone - $930 annually

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🏡🇺🇸Does an election year breed housing market instability?

This is what the data shows...

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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✨MLS ROUNDUP✨
I’ve curated a list of some fab listings that just hit the market!! Swipe to see 👉🏼
Like what you see?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🏡“What are the steps to be in a home by year’s end?”

This is a common question I start to hear this time of year.

Here’s a simple roadmap:

If your 2024 to-do list says “buy house” - you’ve got the perfect amount of time to be settled into a new home by the holidays.

July:
✓ Reach out to an agent for a buyer consultation to make a game plan.

August:
✓ Chat with a lender to nail down your home price range and pre-approval letter - typically good for 90 days. (Send me a DM for my lender recs!)

September:
✓ Fun part: Make a Wants vs. Needs list, browse listings, scope out open houses, and begin your home explorations.

October:
✓ Narrow down favorites and submit your offer(s) with the help of your agent.

November:
✓ Seal the deal on your new place and wrap up paperwork by month’s end.

December:
✓ Move in, deck the halls, and enjoy the holidays in your new spot!

The TL;DR:
Reach out to your Realtor ASAP! You’ve got the perfect amount of time on your hands to be home for the holidays!

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🚨ASSUMABLE 2.99% INTEREST RATE🚨

✨Open House✨
Sunday, July 21st 12-2pm

✨Join us for donuts, mimosas 🥂and door prizes🛍️

Discover this immaculate, better-than-new construction home that exudes modern elegance and comfort. Featuring an open floor plan with upgrades better than your average spec home!!

📍30217 Brownstone Drive
Lacombe, La 70445

3 🛏️ | 2 🛁 | 1,844 sqft living |
2 car garage + large office
$317,500

✔️Only 3 years old with only one owner
✔️Open floor plan
✔️Chef’s kitchen with large island, walk-in pantry with wood shelving, upgraded cabinets, faucet, hardware, stainless steel appliances and 3cm granite countertops throughout!
✔️TWO walk-in primary closets
✔️Large office
✔️Separate dining room
✔️Computer nook
✔️High ceilings
✔️Decked attic
✔️Custom blinds on the windows throughout
✔️LED canned lighting
✔️One of the largest lots in the neighborhood 75x120
✔️Wall of windows in the living room overlooking the covered patio and large backyard
✔️Concrete patio extension with well constructed custom wooden pergola
✔️Luxury vinyl plank throughout the home except for the bedrooms for added comfort
✔️Wooden fence
✔️Gutters around the home
✔️All new light fixtures, fans and dimmers
✔️Flood zone C
✔️HOA is only $92/month which covers your water bill and HOA maintenance of the community park, upkeep of the private entrance to the St. Tammany Trace, etc.
✔️Energy efficient windows, insulation, tankless hot water heater and lighting!
✔️HVAC system and garage door are controlled by an app on your phone!

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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Lauren Dunaway Real Estate Real Estate Agent

✨PRICE IMPROVEMENT✨
🚨ASSUMABLE 2.99% INTEREST RATE🚨

Discover this immaculate, better-than-new construction home that exudes modern elegance and comfort. Featuring an open floor plan with upgrades better than your average spec home!!

📍30217 Brownstone Drive
Lacombe, La 70445

3 🛏️ | 2 🛁 | 1,844 sqft living |
2 car garage + large office
$317,500

✔️Only 3 years old with only one owner
✔️Open floor plan
✔️Chef’s kitchen with large island, walk-in pantry with wood shelving, upgraded cabinets, faucet, hardware, stainless steel appliances and 3cm granite countertops throughout!
✔️TWO walk-in primary closets
✔️Large office
✔️Separate dining room
✔️Computer nook
✔️High ceilings
✔️Decked attic
✔️Custom blinds on the windows throughout
✔️LED canned lighting
✔️One of the largest lots in the neighborhood 75x120
✔️Wall of windows in the living room overlooking the covered patio and large backyard
✔️Concrete patio extension with well constructed custom wooden pergola
✔️Luxury vinyl plank throughout the home except for the bedrooms for added comfort
✔️Wooden fence
✔️Gutters around the home
✔️All new light fixtures, fans and dimmers
✔️Flood zone C
✔️HOA is only $92/month which covers your water bill and HOA maintenance of the community park, upkeep of the private entrance to the St. Tammany Trace, etc.
✔️Energy efficient windows, insulation, tankless hot water heater and lighting!
✔️HVAC system and garage door are controlled by an app on your phone!

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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✨PRICE IMPROVEMENT✨
🚨ASSUMABLE 3.6% INTEREST RATE🚨
Located in the charming Spring Lakes neighborhood, this stunning two-story home boasts an inviting open floor plan with five spacious bedrooms, three elegant bathrooms, and a bonus game room for entertainment.

📍298 Saw Grass Loop
Covington, La 70435

5 🛏️ | 3 🛁 | 3,193 sqft living |
Bonus room | situated on the neighborhood retention pond
$484,900

✔️Built to perfection in 2016 - only ONE owner!
✔️Situated on an oversized lot on the neighborhood’s retention pond
✔️Energy Smart Home!
✔️Large open floor plan
✔️Beautiful light granite in kitchen and bathrooms
✔️Maple cabinets
✔️Gas fireplace
✔️Surround sound
✔️Crown molding throughout
✔️Large bonus room with storage/media closet with custom shelving
✔️Tankless hot water heater
✔️Large ensuite primary bedroom
✔️Luxurious primary bathroom with linen closet and large walk-in closet
✔️Garden tub and a separate shower in primary bathroom
✔️Large laundry room that has 2 entrances from the primary suite and the kitchen
✔️2 car + garage + large driveway and rear yard access
✔️Flood zone B!
✔️Community pool, pond, walking path and park with playground for the kids!

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for a private tour✨

Lauren Dunaway
📲Call me (985) 246-9773
📩 [email protected]
laurendunaway.abekrealty.com
Abek Real Estate
1518 Lindberg Drive
Suite A
Slidell, La 70458
Licensed in Louisiana with the LREC

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🏡Feeling like your starter home has become your forever spot?

Time flies, and sometimes, what was meant to be temporary sticks around longer than expected. But staying put doesn’t have to mean settling. 

Bring back the love for your home with these tweaks:

▪️Splurge on a new piece of furniture, area rug, or art.
▪️Schedule a landscaping consult to bring a fresh take to the front yard or back patio. Yardzen has highly rated virtual consults.
▪️Build a she-shed or man cave. The world of stylish, prefabricated structures is here.
▪️Get creative with storage. Think built-in bookshelves, under bed storage, or reworking closet space.
▪️Update light fixtures and hardware on doors and cabinets throughout the house
▪️Do an interior design consult for a fraction of the cost on platforms like Havenly.

Here’s one more thing I’d say: Sometimes, “trying on” a move to a new home can help reinforce your decision to stay put.

And if instead you’re ready to see what upsizing looks like, send me a message. I’m always here to be a resource.

Looking to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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✨COMMERCIAL SPACE JUST LISTED✨

Are you looking for the perfect spot to launch or expand your business? Look no further! Nestled on a spacious 1.64-acre lot, this prime commercial property backs up to the scenic St. Tammany Trace and right off Main Street in Lacombe, offering a serene yet strategic location. Offering over 200 feet of highway frontage, your business will enjoy unparalleled visibility and easy access for customers.

📍28120 Highway 190
Lacombe, La 70043
1,100 sqft | 1.64 acres | HC3 Zoning
$469,900

✔️Charming 1,100 square foot shotgun cottage
✔️Delightful wrap-around porch
✔️HC3 zoning which supports a wide variety of heavy highway commercial uses, making it an ideal choice for a diverse range of businesses.
✔️High traffic exposure!
✔️Park-like 1.64 acres with gorgeous moss lined oak trees!
✔️X flood zone!

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for a private tour!

Looking for a commercial space or need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🏠✨ Hooray! Another one SOLD! ✨🏠
Big news! This charming house is off the market, thanks to the incredible seller who sealed the deal from miles away! Saying goodbye to a place filled with memories, she’s thrilled for the new adventures ahead with her beloved grandkids by her side.
A huge shoutout to the new homeowners who are eager to add their personal touch to this adorable home. Here’s to new beginnings, joy, and love filling every nook and cranny! 🏠❤️

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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🚨ASSUMABLE 2.99% INTEREST RATE🚨

✨Open House & Broker Tour✨
Wednesday, July 3rd 11-1pm

✨Join us for lunch, mimosas 🥂and enter to win a free gift card sponsored by Bayou Title🛍️

Discover this immaculate, better-than-new construction home that exudes modern elegance and comfort. Featuring an open floor plan with upgrades better than your average spec home!!

📍30217 Brownstone Drive
Lacombe, La 70445

3 🛏️ | 2 🛁 | 1,844 sqft living |
2 car garage + large office
$324,900

✔️Only 3 years old with only one owner
✔️Open floor plan
✔️Chef’s kitchen with large island, walk-in pantry with wood shelving, upgraded cabinets, faucet, hardware, stainless steel appliances and 3cm granite countertops throughout!
✔️TWO walk-in primary closets
✔️Large office
✔️Separate dining room
✔️Computer nook
✔️High ceilings
✔️Decked attic
✔️Custom blinds on the windows throughout
✔️LED canned lighting
✔️One of the largest lots in the neighborhood 75x120
✔️Wall of windows in the living room overlooking the covered patio and large backyard
✔️Concrete patio extension with well constructed custom wooden pergola
✔️Luxury vinyl plank throughout the home except for the bedrooms for added comfort
✔️Wooden fence
✔️Gutters around the home
✔️All new light fixtures, fans and dimmers
✔️Flood zone C
✔️HOA is only $92/month which covers your water bill and HOA maintenance of the community park, upkeep of the private entrance to the St. Tammany Trace, etc.
✔️Energy efficient windows, insulation, tankless hot water heater and lighting!
✔️HVAC system and garage door are controlled by an app on your phone!

✨Plus so much more! Call me today for more info✨

Need to buy or sell?
📲Call me (985) 246-9773!
📩 [email protected]

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