Michelle LaBanca -Associate Broker

04/11/2026

Just listed in New Orleans: a 2019-built contemporary at 1617 Arts Street featuring a Carrara marble kitchen, raised foundation, primary suite with soaking tub, and a fenced rear yard with hot tub — priced at $375,000.

Take a full tour of this 1,897 sq ft home in the St. Roch neighborhood, minutes from the French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater.

PROPERTY DETAILS
Address: 1617 Arts St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Price: $375,000
MLS #: 2550789
Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
Square Footage: 1,897 sq ft Year Built: 2019 Architectural Style: Contemporary Foundation: Raised Roof: Metal Siding: HardiPlank
HIGHLIGHTS
Open-concept living and dining
Chef's kitchen: Carrara marble countertops, waterfall island, stainless steel appliances, full wall of cabinetry
Primary suite: walk-in closet, oversized marble shower, soaking tub
Two additional bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath
Full appliance package included (washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, ice maker)
Two covered porches
Fenced rear yard with hot tub
Two off-street parking spaces
Central air and heat
Natural gas
Minutes from the French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater

SCHEDULE A SHOWING
Interested in touring this property?
Contact me directly: 📞 504.206.8066
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.michellelabanca.com
Follow me for more New Orleans real estate listings:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelabanca/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/-realtor

Welcome to my YouTube channel! I’m Michelle LaBana, a licensed real estate broker with a background in interior design, historic preservation, and over a decade of experience in the real estate industry. My goal is two-fold, to I help agents and clients navigate complex transactions with ease, off...

04/11/2026

New listing in Paris Oaks, and this one was thought through!

OPEN HOUSE TODAY - Saturday, April 11 12- 2pm

The floor plan separates the primary suite from the other three bedrooms, so everyone has their space. There's a wood-burning fireplace in the living area, a kitchen with extra-tall cabinets and a center island, and new vinyl floors throughout the whole house. Less than a mile from the bayou in Paris Oaks, with a detached two-car garage.

Every major system has been replaced in the last four years: new roof (2022), new AC (2023), new water heater (2024), new floors (2026). The foundation was lifted in 9 areas last year and now carries a lifetime warranty. In New Orleans, that matters.
The yard has about 40 native Louisiana plant species across the front and back, certified by the Louisiana Native Plant Society. Low maintenance by design, beautiful by nature.

4BR / 2BA. 1,447 sq ft. $235,000. MLS # 2552285. DM me or comment below to schedule a showing.

4BR/2BA home for sale in New Orleans, LA 70122 | $235,000 | MLS # 2552285 | 4301 Jeanne Marie Place, Paris OaksTour this four-bedroom, two-bath ranch home in ...

01/14/2026

The New Orleans Metro housing market has officially normalized—and that’s not a bad thing.
Inventory is tightening, prices are holding with modest growth, and negotiation is once again part of the process. Buyers have more time and flexibility than in recent years, while sellers still benefit from steady demand and fewer competing listings. The key difference in today’s market? Strategy matters more than timing.
I’ve broken down what the latest data really means for home buyers, home sellers, and anyone planning a move in 2026—without the hype, and with practical guidance you can actually use.
👉 Read the full analysis on my Substack
📬 Subscribe to stay in touch and receive future market updates
Clarity beats guesswork—especially in real estate.
https://lnkd.in/enUQ2dQt

What normalization really means for home buyers and home sellers

01/09/2026

Late last year, I stepped down from a leadership role within my local REALTOR® association after years of service. This wasn’t about workload. It was about governance, fiduciary duty, and knowing when your voice is no longer being heard. I wrote openly about what led to that decision and why it matters for our profession.

👉 Read the full reflection on Substack and weigh in.

Consider This My Exit Interview

01/02/2026

https://youtu.be/MAw9_ncA9Js?si=YN-IJ2HOlKilUEEH

Step inside 1311 Elysian Fields Avenue, a beautifully restored historic Creole cottage built prior to 1895 and thoughtfully updated for modern living. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home blends classic New Orleans architecture with everyday comfort, featuring hardwood floors throughout, a bright open-concept living and dining area, and a spacious primary suite with an en-suite bathroom - includes a charming clawfoot tub, a nod to the home’s historic roots.

Outside, enjoy a welcoming front porch, garden beds, and the rare convenience of gated off-street parking with space for up to three vehicles. The raised cottage design, tall windows, and covered gallery reflect the timeless Creole style that defines so much of New Orleans’ architectural history.

Located with easy access to the French Quarter, downtown destinations, restaurants, coffee shops, and local shopping, this home offers both character and convenience.

✨ If you’re looking for a move-in-ready historic home with thoughtful updates and a fantastic location, this one is worth seeing in person.

📞 Schedule your private showing today and experience 1311 Elysian Fields Avenue for yourself.

Step inside 1311 Elysian Fields Avenue, a beautifully restored historic Creole cottage built prior to 1895 and thoughtfully updated for modern living. This 2...

11/14/2025

🏡 OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW | SATURDAY, NOV 15 | 12–1:30 PM
✨ Your next New Orleans opportunity is waiting on Dante Street!

If you've been looking for a property that blends comfort, flexibility, and investment potential, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list. Join me tomorrow to tour this rare multi-unit home—perfect for owner-occupants, investors, or anyone who loves the idea of living smart in New Orleans.

📍 2238–2240 Dante Street, New Orleans
🕛 Saturday, Nov 15 | 12–1:30 PM

What makes this one special:
• 3 total separate living spaces
• Main home: 3BD / 2BA + cozy fireplace + renovated kitchen
• Detached ADU: 2BD / 2BA
• Attached suite: 1BD / 1BA
• Fully fenced yard + mature trees + courtyard
• Off-street parking + brand NEW roof (2025)
• Located on a quiet, tree-lined Carrollton block near the streetcar & Marsalis Harmony Park

💡 Live in one. Rent the others. A smart path toward building equity and easing monthly expenses.

Stop by, explore the layout, ask questions, and picture what life (and income potential!) could look like here.

📲 DM me for details or to schedule a private showing.
See you tomorrow!

11/13/2025

Housing affordability is a huge topic right now, and there’s a new idea being floated that sounds “helpful” on the surface: 40- and 50-year mortgages.

But here’s the truth — stretching a home loan over half a century doesn’t make housing more affordable. It simply locks buyers into decades of extra interest and slows down equity growth in a way that can seriously limit financial freedom.

I just released a new video breaking down:
🔹 Why this idea is resurfacing
🔹 The math behind 30-year vs. 50-year mortgage payments
🔹 How much extra interest you’d pay over time
🔹 Why these long-term loans can be risky for everyday homebuyers
🔹 Better, smarter ways to navigate affordability

If you’re thinking about buying a home, advising others, or just trying to make sense of today’s market, this video is a must-watch.

🎥 Watch here!

As always, if you ever need guidance or have questions about buying, selling, or the mortgage process, I’m here to help.
| MichelleLaBanca.com | 504.206.8066

Are 50-year mortgages the answer to housing affordability? Here’s the math—and the truth.Buying a home is getting harder, and now there’s a new idea being fl...

09/06/2025

Live + Lease Uptown! Duplex Just Off St. Charles Avenue

OPEN HOUSE TODAY 12 - 1:30 PM

One block off St. Charles Avenue, 2521–2523 Carondelet is a classic New Orleans duplex offering flexible living and income potential. Both units are move-in ready, with hardwood floors, high ceilings, and bonus space for an office or guest room. Estimated gross rent ~$3,500/month (buyer to verify). Outdoors you’ll find a pergola, storage shed, and gated parking for multiple vehicles. Low-maintenance yard = more time to enjoy Uptown living!

📍 One Block to the St. Charles streetcar, shops, and dining.
🔑 Ready for occupancy now!

📅 Schedule your private tour today and see why Carondelet is a smart move!

08/19/2025

July 2025 Market Snapshot: New Orleans Metro Buyer activity is UP, inventory is DOWN, and homes are taking longer to sell.

Here's what you need to know:

Pending Sales ↑ 21% — buyers are writing offers
New Listings ↓ 8.6% — inventory is tightening
Median Price holding steady at $275,000
Homes sitting longer now averaging 64 days on market
Sellers are still getting 96.9% of asking price

Takeaway: Well-prepped, well-priced homes are still moving—just on a slightly slower timeline. If you’re thinking of selling this fall or buying before prices creep higher, now is the time to plan ahead. DM me for a free market consult or home value estimate.Let’s make your next move a smart one!

07/30/2025

🏡 For Sale in Arabi, Louisiana | Modern 3-Year-Old Home with Custom Features!

Welcome to this beautifully designed home in Arabi, LA, just 3 years young and packed with high-end features! This move-in-ready home blends modern style, functionality, and comfort in one spacious layout—perfect for today’s homeowner.

✨ Property Highlights:
✅ 3 Years Young – Built in 2022
✅ Open Concept Floor Plan with Designer Finishes
✅ Gourmet Kitchen with Stone Countertops & Custom Cabinets
✅ Spa-Inspired Primary Suite: Soaking Tub, Walk-In Shower, Huge Closet
✅ Covered Back Deck – Pre-Wired for TV w/ Ceiling Fan
✅ Custom Hurricane Shutters & Window Guards
✅ Attached 2-Car Garage + Extra Driveway Parking
✅ Large Lot – Great for Entertaining or Relaxing Outdoors
✅VA Assumable loan with a super low interest rate for qualified VA buyers

325 Chinchilla Drive
New Orleans, LA 70032
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
1837 square feet

📍Located in a desirable Arabi neighborhood, surrounded by newer homes and just minutes from Downtown New Orleans!

📞 Schedule your private tour today and don’t miss this chance to own a modern, secure, and stylish home in one of the area’s fastest-growing communities!

🔔 Subscribe for more home tours and hit the bell to get notified when new listings drop.

👍 Like this video? Comment below or DM to schedule a showing!

🏡 For Sale in Arabi, Louisiana | Modern 3-Year-Old Home with Custom Features!Welcome to this beautifully designed home in Arabi, LA, just 3 years young and ...

07/25/2025

OPEN HOUSE DOUBLE FEATURE – SATURDAY, JULY 27TH
✨ Two wildly different homes. One unforgettable day.

If you love unique homes with big potential, clear your Saturday. I’m hosting two open houses—and they couldn’t be more different. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

🏡 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 2238–2240 Dante St, New Orleans
💼 Income-Producing Triplex in the Carrollton Area
Live smart in this rare New Orleans property featuring 3 separate units:

🔹 Main home: 3BD/2BA with cozy fireplace, updated kitchen, & built-ins
🔹 Detached ADU: 2BD/2BA
🔹 Attached suite: 1BD/1BA
🌳 Fenced yard, new roof (2025), off-street parking, and room to grow.

💡 Perfect for multigenerational living, rental income, or owner-occupant investors looking to house hack their way to financial freedom.

📍Close to Marsalis Harmony Park, the streetcar line, and more!

🏊 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | 922 Lamanche St, New Orleans
Indoor Pool Paradise in the Lower 9th!
Yes—you read that right. A HUGE indoor pool and entertainment space awaits in this one-of-a-kind 4,000+ sq ft home.

✨ Highlights include:
✔️ Sparkling indoor pool with bar/lounge & half bath
✔️ Oversized primary suite and spacious living areas
✔️ New roof (2023) + solar panels
✔️ Full security gate, automatic driveway, & 2-car garage

💡 A dream for entertainers, creatives, or anyone craving a personal oasis in the city!

🎯 Two homes. Two totally different lifestyles. One day to explore them both.
📲 DM me to schedule a private tour—or just come by and say hello!