Stacy Howell, REALTOR

09/05/2026

Have you been wondering what I have been up to?

You may or may not know that I partnered with someone and opened a brokerage in Baton Rouge. We are in our second your of our brokerage Realty Plus.

While building the brokerage, I have still been working with buyers, sellers and investors. And also learning!! Learning new ways to assist my clients. There are so many new things coming out almost daily to assist me with real estate, whether it be for advertising, marketing, keeping in contact with people or helping to make a transaction go a little smoother.

Here is one of those things I have been working on and learning to use. I hope you enjoy this little jingle and seeing the great home in the process.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

08/02/2026

I see homeowners do this. They spend $20,000 to $40,000 on brand-new countertops and custom cabinets right before listing, thinking it will double their profit.

Here is the cold, hard truth.......
According to national remodeling data, a major kitchen overhaul usually only brings back about 30% to 50% of its cost at resale.
Worse yet? You might pick a style or color palette that the actual buyer hates, and they’ll end up factoring the cost to tear it out into their offer anyway.

Instead of spending five figures on a full remodel, do these three high-ROI micro-updates instead:
🪛 Swap the hardware: Modern matte black or brushed brass pulls cost a few hundred bucks but instantly modernize old cabinets.
🎨 Paint it neutral: A fresh coat of bright, neutral paint on the walls (and cabinets, if they are dated wood) gives a massive visual lift for cheap.
💡Upgrade the lighting: Swap out old, yellow-tinged light fixtures for bright, modern LED pendants.

Curious about what updates will actually move the needle in your home? Drop an emoji below or shoot us a DM with your neighborhood, and we’ll send you a quick list of what local buyers are actually looking for right now.

What do you think? Would you rather buy a house with a brand-new kitchen you didn't pick, or get a credit to design your own?

Let me know in the comments! 👇

07/22/2026

Most homeowners I talk to are shocked to find out how much equity they are siting on. If you want a quick, no-obligation check of what your specific location is doing right now, drop a 🏡 in the comments or shoot us a message.

07/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ae1naoXZs/

🔑 Demystifying the Home Buying Process: A Q&A for First-Time Homebuyers 🔑

Taking the leap into homeownership is incredibly exciting, but the financial jargon can quickly make your head spin. If you’re trying to figure out how much money you actually need down or what loan fits your budget, you are not alone!
Below are the most common questions first-time buyers are asking right now about loan types and downpayment assistance (DPA).

🙋‍♂️ Do I really need a 20% down payment to buy a house?
A: Absolutely not! The "20% down" rule is a total myth. While putting 20% down allows you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), the average first-time homebuyer puts down much less—frequently between 3% and 5%. Some loan types even allow for 0% down!

🙋‍♀️ What are the main loan types I should look into?
A: Depending on your credit score, savings, and where you want to live, you'll generally choose from these four core options:
▪Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible: These are standard loans that allow qualified first-time buyers to put down as little as 3%. The best part? Once you reach 20% equity in your home, your monthly mortgage insurance drops off automatically.
▪FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these are incredibly popular because they require just 3.5% down and have much more flexible credit score and debt-to-income requirements.
▪USDA Loans: If you are looking at suburban or rural areas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a 0% down payment loan for income-qualified buyers.
▪VA Loans: Active-duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses qualify for this incredible benefit which features 0% down, competitive rates, and no monthly mortgage insurance.

🙋‍♂️ What is Downpayment Assistance (DPA) and how does it work?
A: Downpayment assistance programs are designed to bridge the gap between your savings and the upfront cash needed to close on a home. They are usually offered by state housing finance agencies (like the Louisiana Housing Corporation locally), city governments, or non-profits.

They typically come in three structures:
▪Grants: Pure gift money used toward your down payment or closing costs that never has to be repaid.
▪Forgivable Second Mortgages: A second loan that has 0% interest and is completely forgiven if you stay in the home for a specific period (usually 5 to 10 years).
▪Deferred-Payment Loans: A second loan where you don't make monthly payments, but you pay the balance back whenever you eventually sell or refinance the home.

💡 Pro-Tip: Many DPA programs allow you to stack assistance, meaning you might get a 4% grant from a state program and a closing cost credit from your lender! Keep in mind, most of these programs require a quick, free homebuyer education course to qualify.

📈 Ready to take the first step?
Every buyer’s financial blueprint is unique. The trick is pairing the right loan type with the best assistance program to minimize your out-of-pocket cash.

Want to see what programs you qualify for based on your income and location? Drop a comment below or send a DM and let's map out your path to those keys! 🔑🏡

07/09/2026

☀️ Is it hot out, or is it just Louisiana? 🥵🐊

Let’s be real, y’all: Louisiana summer doesn't just knock on the door; it kicks it down, brings 95% humidity, and turns the air outside into a warm, wet blanket. If you feel like you're swimming just walking to your mailbox, you aren't alone!

While we can't change the weather, we can keep our homes from feeling like a boiling pot of gumbo. Here is your ultimate guide to beating the boot-state heat and keeping your sanctuary cool:

❄️ Show Your AC Unit Some Southern HospitalityYour air conditioner is working harder than a longshoreman right now. Treat it right:The Filter Swap: If you haven’t changed your AC filter lately, consider this your sign. In peak summer, swap it every 30 days. A clogged filter makes your unit sweat harder than you do. Give it a Bath: Head outside and check your outdoor condenser unit. Is it choked with grass clippings, leaves, or pollen? Gently spray it down with a garden hose (no high-pressure power washers!) to clear the debris so it can breathe.The Temperature Sweet Spot: We know it’s tempting to crank the thermostat down to 60°F when you get home, but your AC doesn't cool the house any faster that way—it just runs longer. Aim for 78°F when you're home if you can handle it, or try 75°F for a good compromise. Every degree lower adds a nice little chunk to your Entergy or electric bill!

🏡 Quick Tricks to Trap the Cool AirEmbrace the Darkness: Channel your inner vampire. Close those blinds, curtains, or drapes, especially on the south and west-facing windows during the afternoon. Blocking that direct sunlight blocks a massive amount of heat. Spin Me Right Round: Check your ceiling fans! Make sure they are rotating counter-clockwise at a higher speed. This creates a wind-chill effect that pushes cool air straight down onto you. (Remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the area!).Ditch the Oven: Summer is officially grilling season, microwave season, or "we're having a cold sandwich" season. Turning on your oven or stove is basically inviting an extra heater into your kitchen. Run the Exhausts: When you take a shower or cook, run the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. They don't just clear smells; they actually pull that heavy, moist humidity right out of the house. Stay hydrated, keep the sweet tea flowing, and may your electricity bills be low and your indoor air be crisp! 🧊✨What's your go-to trick for surviving a Louisiana summer? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Guide

07/04/2026

06/23/2026

And thats a WRAP!!

Closed on their perfect home today! It took us a while to find it but when we did, we knew it was the one!

These two have been a hoot to work with. They aren't just clients, they are friends! They told their kids I am Aunt Stacy. LOL! We have already made plans to meet up once they get moved in.

A HUGE thanks to Benchmark Mortgage for supporting my people and getting us here. And Central Title, yall are amazing. Love how Mr Greg goes over everything.

Welcome home you two!!

05/29/2026

Got this one PENDING for my clients!

We have looked and looked, had a wedding, looked some more and we found THE ONE!! Just like they found each other, we found the perfect match for the perfect couple!!

Pre-approved with lender ✔️
Toured homes ✔️
Made an offer ✔️
Offer accepted ✔️
Inspection complete ✔️
Appraisal up next
Closing on the way!

04/01/2026

Wow! This year has gone by fast!
So proud of our brokerage!

For any agents thinking about making a change, contact me so we can talk.

01/12/2026

Thank you so much to all my clients who helped make this award a reality for me. It was such a surprise to receive this award.

I love what I do!