How New Lafayette Developments Are Shaping Our Community (And What It Means for Your Property Value)
Big changes are coming to Lafayette, Louisiana—and if you own property (or want to), you’ll want to pay attention. With game-changing developments like Buc-ee’s setting up shop and major infrastructure upgrades on the horizon, our city is leveling up in a big way. For homeowners, that means rising property values and new opportunities. For buyers? More choices—but also more competition.
If you’re wondering how these projects could impact your next move, we’ve got the inside scoop.
Ready to make your move in Lafayette? Let Shelby Brignac, Realtor & Design guide you through it—no fluff, just expert advice.
Lafayette, Louisiana, is buzzing with growth—and if you’re a homeowner (or thinking about becoming one), now is the time to pay attention. From exciting commercial projects to major infrastructure upgrades, new developments are reshaping our city and boosting property values along the way.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or considering a move to Acadiana, these changes could directly impact your home’s value and your quality of life. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in Lafayette and why it matters if you’re buying or selling real estate.
1. The Arrival of Buc-ee’s: Big Business, Bigger Property Values?
One of the most talked-about projects in Lafayette is the arrival of Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based travel center. With plans underway to open a massive new location near the I-10 and I-49 interchange, this development is expected to bring a surge of economic activity to the area.
So, what does this mean for local homeowners?
• Increased Property Demand: With more visitors and new jobs, homes near major commercial hubs typically see a bump in value. If you own property near the new Buc-ee’s location, you may already be sitting on a goldmine.
• Neighborhood Revitalization: Big businesses often attract additional restaurants, retail shops, and other amenities—making surrounding neighborhoods more desirable for families and investors alike.
Thinking about selling? Now might be the perfect time to capitalize on rising property values in this high-demand corridor.
2. New Residential Developments: More Options for Buyers
Lafayette’s housing supply is getting a much-needed boost with new residential developments popping up across the city. From modern townhomes to master-planned communities, these projects are creating fresh opportunities for buyers while driving competition for sellers.
Here’s what you need to know:
• More Inventory = More Choices: Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to a larger home, these new builds offer modern amenities, energy efficiency, and customizable options.
• Increased Competition for Sellers: More inventory also means sellers need to be strategic. Staging your home and pricing it competitively will be key in a growing market.
If you’re unsure whether to sell now or wait, a local market analysis can help you decide—and I’m happy to provide one for free.
3. Infrastructure Improvements: Making Lafayette More Connected
Lafayette’s city planners are investing in critical infrastructure upgrades to support our growing population. Projects like the I-49 Connector and local road expansions will improve traffic flow and increase accessibility across the region.
For homeowners, better infrastructure usually means:
• Higher Property Values: Improved transportation makes areas more desirable, especially for commuters.
• New Investment Opportunities: With easier access to key areas, previously overlooked neighborhoods could become prime real estate hotspots.
Pro tip: If you’re considering buying, look at areas near planned infrastructure upgrades for long-term value appreciation.
4. What Does This Mean for Lafayette’s Real Estate Market?
In short—now is a great time to invest in Lafayette real estate.
New developments are making our community more attractive to both residents and businesses. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, staying informed about these changes can give you a competitive edge.
Ready to Make a Move? Let’s Talk.
The Lafayette real estate market is evolving fast—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re looking to sell your home for top dollar or find your dream property, I’m here to help!
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and discover how these new developments could impact your next real estate move.
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Let’s make your real estate goals a reality—right here in the heart of Acadiana.
Snow Day in LA?!
authentic cajun gumbo recipe to keep you warm in these rare Louisiana freezing temps
Coming Soon Listing at 121 Beverly Drive in Bendel Gardens (mls #25000219)
Here’s my gumbo recipe to keep y’all warm!
Gumbo à la Shelby
roux beginning
Don’t forget: stir your roux constantly to prevent from burning!
Ready Roux!
By the end (~30-45 minutes that your stirring arm will swear was a full weekend) your roux should be deep caramel in color.
stay warm! XX
Snow days are fun, but freezing weather can be detrimental to an ill prepared home. If your pipes do end up freezing, don’t hesitate to reach out—I'd be happy to connect you with a trusted plumber who can help!
New Year, New Rates, New Home?
As we step into the new year, exciting changes are already making their mark on the real estate market! The hottest development on everyone’s mind is the recent drastic drop in interest rates. For potential homebuyers and current homeowners, this brings a wave of opportunities and considerations to the forefront.
Understanding Impacts of Dropping Interest Rates on the Real Estate Market
As we step into the new year, exciting changes are already making their mark on the real estate market! The hottest development on everyone’s mind is the recent drastic drop in interest rates. For potential homebuyers and current homeowners, this brings a wave of opportunities and considerations to the forefront.
I’m a Homebuyer, What Does this Mean for Me?
Dropping interest rates can translate to considerable savings for homebuyers. With lower interest rates, the cost of borrowing money to finance a home purchase decreases. This essentially means more affordable monthly mortgage payments and the potential for significant long-term savings. Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news for homebuyers. As rates drop, especially in markets like ours where inventory is still considerably low, we should expect list prices to climb similarly to the market in 2020 and 2021. If you have been on the fence about purchasing any real estate, now may be the time to pull the trigger.
I Bought When Rates Were Sky High! Am I SOL?
For existing homeowners, dropping interest rates present an enticing opportunity to consider refinancing their current mortgage. By securing a new loan at a lower interest rate, homeowners can potentially reduce their monthly payments, shorten the term of their loan, and get rid of PMI payments (if they have a conventional mortgage and have reached 20% equity in their home based on today’s appraisal value). This strategy may provide substantial financial relief and help homeowners build equity at an accelerated pace. Refinancing does come with it’s own set of closing costs, so be sure to talk to your lender and find out what these fees will look like, and if it’s worth refinancing now or waiting for a more significant rate drop. Rachel Guidry of Edge Mortgage in Lafayette advises homeowners to wait until today’s qualified rate is at lease 1 percentage point lower than your current mortgage rate as a general rule of thumb. She further explained that “it also depends on what circumstances are surrounding the refinance. Sometimes .50% is great if you’re doing a cash out refi to pay off debts with higher interest rates. We take a look at the options to see what the break even point is and that will tell us if a refinance is a positive financial decision.”
What Happens Next?
While the current drop in interest rates may contribute to an advantageous climate for real estate, it's essential to recognize that these conditions are subject to change. Economic factors, geopolitical events, and other external influences could prompt fluctuations in interest rates. As such, those considering buying a new home or refinancing should remain attentive to evolving market dynamics, and keep an open and constant line of communication with your Realtor. If your trusted real estate professionals know the facts about your financial situation, property needs, and priorities, trust them to tell you if now is not the best time for you to make your move. Remember, no one truly knows for certain if and when rates will drop more, or when they will skyrocket again. The best thing to do is shop until you find a home that suits your needs with a payment you are comfortable with, and leave the rest to the pros!
TLDR: Rates are Low, but Talk to your Realtor
In closing, the recent drop in interest rates holds significant implications for the real estate landscape. Whether you are a prospective homebuyer or an existing homeowner, understanding and leveraging this trend could lead to substantial benefits. As always, it is best to consult with a qualified real estate professional (aka me!) to explore how these changes may specifically impact your real estate aspirations.
Questions? Ready to embark on your real estate journey? Click the link below to connect with Rachel Guidry at Edge Mortgage, or fill out the form below to connect with me!
The Secret about Buying in High Interest Rate Markets
Rates are high, does that mean I should pump the brakes on my search?
Rates are high, does that mean I should pump the brakes on my search?
The real estate market is ever-changing, and with it, so are interest rates. While low-interest rates have their own charms, there might be unique buying opportunities when interest rates are soaring. As a homebuyer or seller, it's essential to understand how to navigate the real estate market in every interest climate.
1. Do Your Homework: Market Research is Key
Before diving into the real estate market during high-interest rate periods, do a little research so you can begin to understand what is going on with the state of your local economy. Stay updated on current economic conditions, market trends, and interest rate projections. Tools such as market reports, reputable news articles, and expert analysis can provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. This does NOT take precedent over advise from your Realtor, Mortgage Officer, and trusted financial professionals. The knowledge you gain will merely help you to understand the greater picture painted by these trusted professionals. Be sure to focus on the market research for the area where you are trying to buy. National averages will usually differ wildly from what you can expect in your area.
2. Determine Your Budget
High-interest rates inevitably impact your purchasing power, therefore, it becomes crucial to reassess your budget and financial goals. Have a Loan Officer calculate your monthly mortgage payments considering the higher interest rate scenario. This exercise will give you a realistic idea of what you can afford and prevent any surprises down the road. As usual, it’s a good idea to provide all of your financial and credit information to a loan officer before you even consider looking at properties and acquire a pre-approval. Pro-tip, have your loan officer generate a few pre-approvals at different price points, and ask them to give you an estimated monthly payment with each.
3. Evaluate Long-Term Goals
As with any rate climate, it's important to consider your long-term plans. Are you buying a property as an investment or a forever home? If it's an investment, analyze potential rental income and property appreciation. If it's a forever home, think about your lifestyle and whether high-interest rates might be offset by other factors, such as desirable location or long-term stability. One important point I always try to explain to my clients is this: you pay for it somewhere. When rates are low, list prices skyrocket. When rates are high, list prices creep down and buyers tend to have more negotiation power. Remember, many times there is an option to refinance in the future with your lender when rates come down, but you can never renegotiate the list price you pay.
4. Negotiate with Sellers
When interest rates are high, sellers may face challenges in finding buyers due to reduced affordability. This situation can provide you with leverage as a buyer. Negotiate effectively, emphasizing that high-interest rates affect affordability, and come prepared with a strong offer and favorable terms. Sellers may be more inclined to give a rate buydown allowance, cover closing costs, or a combination of the two to make it to the closing table. To everyone who was laughed out of the room in 2020 and 2021 when they asked sellers to pay closing costs: Now is your time to shine.
5. Explore Alternative Financing Options
Although traditional mortgage loans may come with high-interest rates during certain periods, it doesn't mean there aren't alternative financing options available. Research different mortgage products such as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), balloon mortgages, or FHA loans. These alternatives may provide more flexibility and lower interest rates, depending on your financial situation and risk tolerance. Be sure you heed the advice of a trusted lending professional on all of these options. This is not the time to read a Forbes article or two and call yourself an expert.
6. Seek Professional Advice
Navigating the real estate market, especially during high-interest rate periods, can be challenging. Consulting with a licensed Realtor and a good lender are essential to a positive real estate experience. Try to limit outside noise, no matter how many times your friend’s dad or dad’s friend say they “purchased a lot of real estate in their day.” You’ll thank me later!
The Lowdown on Buying Your First Home.
So you’re ready to buy your first home?
So you’re ready to buy your first home.
…or are you?
I guarantee you I’m the last person that’ll talk you out of it, however, navigating the real estate market can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately for you, I understand the importance and complexity of this step and am here to guide you through the process. Here are some essential steps to consider when buying your first home:
1. Assess Your Finances
Before embarking on your home buying journey, it's crucial to evaluate your financial situation. What are you paying currently in rent? Can you afford to flex that number a bit?Take a close look at your savings, credit score, and monthly budget. Understanding where you stand financially will help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a home and secure a mortgage. Seek advice from a financial advisor or mortgage broker to get a clear picture of your financial capabilities. Need a recommendation for a great financial professional? Don’t worry, I gotcha covered there too.
2. Determine Your Needs and Wants
Consider what you are looking for in a home and create a list of your needs and wants. Identify the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’d like, the desired location, and any specific features or amenities. I always like to take these “wants” and split them into “Need,” “Want,” and “Would Be Nice” columns. There is no such thing as “The Perfect House,” and knowing which characteristics we can scratch first is always a huge help.
3. Find the Right Real Estate Agent
If you’re reading this, you’re already a step ahead of the game! Working with an experienced real estate agent is invaluable when buying your first home. Look for an agent who understands your needs, is knowledgeable about the market, and has a proven track record. They will be your trusted advisor and guide you through the entire process, from house-hunting to closing the deal, and (in my case) far beyond. I always say for better or worse during the home buying process, your agent becomes everything from your best friend to your therapist. Choose wisely!
4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential before house-hunting. There’s nothing worse than touring a home, falling in love, only to find out it’s way above budget. In addition to that, you need a pre-approval letter to submit an offer, so it always is smart to have one handy and ready to go in the event of a hot listing that you want to offer on. Work with a reputable lender who will review your financial information, listen to your needs, and work with you to get you the best possible outcome for you and your family.
5. Start House-Hunting!
Now comes the exciting part – exploring potential homes! Armed with your pre-approval letter and a dedicated real estate agent, begin visiting properties that pique your interest. Take your time to thoroughly inspect each house, envisioning yourself living there. Don't hesitate to ask questions and request additional information about the properties you are interested in. Avoid touring TOO many homes, especially as a first time home buyer, because that usually leads to confusion (not to mention can be really overwhelming). With my first time buyers, I like to vet a group of listings very thoroughly and then pick 3-5 to show them. 9 times out of 10 one of those end up being the perfect fit!
6. Make an Offer and Negotiate
Once you've found your dream home, it's time to make an offer! Your agent will mainly take it from here, but know that the hard part is over, and it’s almost time to say “Home Sweet Home!”