Frequently Asked Questions About Buying & Selling Real Estate in St. Tammany Parish

Local answers from a Mandeville Realtor with 30+ years of community experience.

Buying or selling a home comes with a lot of questions — and I’m here to make the process feel simple, confident, and stress-free. Below are the most common questions I receive as a Mandeville & Northshore Realtor, along with clear answers to help guide your next steps.

Questions Home Buyers Ask

1. How do I start the home-buying process in Mandeville or St. Tammany Parish?

The best first step is a short conversation to understand your goals, budget, and timing. Then we’ll connect you with a trusted local lender for pre-approval and begin narrowing down neighborhoods and homes.

👉 Start here: Buy a Home

2. How much do I need for a down payment?

Many buyers believe they need 20%, but most purchase with 3–5% down, and some loan programs allow 0%. A local lender can help determine your best option.

3. What St. Tammany neighborhoods are best for families?

Mandeville, Madisonville, Covington, and Abita Springs all offer top-rated schools and family-friendly communities. The “best” area depends on schools, lifestyle, commute, and your home wishlist.

👉 Explore communities: Areas Served

4. How competitive is the market right now?

St. Tammany Parish remains a strong demand area. Well-priced homes often move quickly, especially in Mandeville and Madisonville. I’ll help you understand expected timelines for your price range and chosen neighborhoods.

5. Do you work with first-time buyers?

Yes! I love helping first-time buyers. I walk you through pre-approval, home tours, writing an offer, inspections, and closing — step by step, with zero pressure.

6. Can you help me evaluate renovation costs or potential?

Absolutely. With hands-on experience working alongside Total Construction & Renovation and through my own staging and design work with Simply Staged, I help buyers understand the real condition — and real potential — of any home.

My background includes flips, staging, design, and renovation planning, which allows me to clearly explain:

Whether updates are cosmetic or costly
Which improvements actually raise resale value
What to watch out for in older homes
When to negotiate repairs or credits
What upgrades are worth doing before moving in
How to spot layout potential that others might miss

This is one of my biggest strengths and something that gives my buyers a major advantage in today’s market.

Questions Home Sellers Ask

7. How do I know what my home is worth?

Online estimates can be off by tens of thousands. I create a custom home value report using actual local sales, neighborhood demand, condition, school zones, and current market trends.

👉 Get your free valuation: Home Value Report

8. How long does it take to sell a home in St. Tammany Parish?

Most well-priced homes sell within 1–6 weeks, depending on location and condition. Mandeville, Covington, and Madisonville often move faster due to higher buyer demand.

9. Do I need to stage my home?

Staging helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space, which leads to stronger offers. I provide free staging and design guidance to make sure your home photographs beautifully and shows well.

10. What should I fix before listing?

Not every repair is worth doing. I help you prioritize:

High-impact updates
Repairs buyers expect
Improvements that increase value
What to skip

This prevents overspending while maximizing your sale price.

11. How much does it cost to sell a home?

Typical seller costs include:

Realtor commission
Title & closing fees
Optional repairs
Optional staging or improvements

You’ll receive a clear breakdown before listing so there are no surprises.

12. Should I buy or sell first?

This depends on your financial comfort, loan approval, and timing. There are solutions like:

Bridge loans
Extended closings
Lease-back agreements
Contingent offers

We’ll discuss what fits your situation best.

Questions About Working With Alyce

13. What makes you different from other Realtors?

I bring a combination of:

30+ years of life in Mandeville
Deep knowledge of St. Tammany schools & neighborhoods
Experience with flips, renovations, staging, and design
Multi-generational real estate involvement
Investment and creative financing expertise
A personal, family-centered approach with no pressure

My goal is simple: help you confidently make the right move for your family.

14. Do you work with investors or flippers?

Yes. I understand the numbers, renovation costs, resale value, and strategy behind investment properties. Whether BRRRR, rentals, or flips — I can help.

15. Do you have local contractor or lender recommendations?

Yes — I can recommend trusted local:

Lenders
Inspectors
Insurance agents
Contractors & handyman professionals
Stagers & designers

After 30+ years here, I know who delivers quality and consistency.

16. Are you familiar with creative financing and wholesaling?

Yes. I have firsthand experience with:

Subject-to
Seller financing
Assignment deals
Off-market opportunities

If you’re exploring unique buying or selling options, I can guide you safely and honestly.

General Real Estate Questions

17. What’s the best time of year to buy or sell in St. Tammany?

Spring and early summer see the highest activity, but St. Tammany Parish stays strong year-round. Low inventory means good homes sell well in all seasons.

18. How do property taxes work in St. Tammany Parish?

Our taxes are comparatively low, and many homeowners qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces the tax bill. I can help you estimate taxes for any home.

19. Do I need flood insurance?

Some areas require it, some don’t. I’ll help you determine flood zone details for any property and estimate insurance costs.

Still Have Questions? I’m Here to Help.

Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just exploring your options, I’m always happy to answer questions — no pressure, no obligation.

👉 Contact Alyce
👉 Buy a Home
👉 Sell Your Home
👉 Get Your Home Value Report