Helping buyers, sellers, landlords and renters navigate the New Orleans real estate market with confidence.
Historic New Orleans · Uptown
Not just an agent. A neighbor who loves this city.
About Cameron
Before real estate, I spent more than 20 years helping some of the world's largest companies tell their stories. Working in marketing and communications for Fortune 100 organizations taught me how much the right message matters. I bring that same discipline to every home I represent.
I'm a Broadmoor resident restoring my own 1920s bungalow, so I understand firsthand the craftsmanship and responsibility that come with a historic New Orleans home. For more than two decades I've been fascinated by the architecture, neighborhoods, and culture that define this city — the century-old shotgun, the Creole cottage, the classic Uptown double-gallery. Each one has a story, and telling it well is most of the work.
A perfect Saturday looks like coffee in Broadmoor, a few hours in the garden, then wandering estate sales and historic blocks to study the renovations and architecture that make the city what it is. The day ends with good food, good conversation, and the easy joy of life you only find here. That's the New Orleans I help people find their place in — backed by Keller Williams Realty New Orleans.
What I Do
New Orleans isn't one market — it's dozens of micro-markets, and each property needs its own plan. Here's where I focus, and how I position a home so it stands out to the right buyer or tenant.
I start with what makes your home different — its architecture, history, and neighborhood — then build a strategy around that story: professional photography, thoughtful descriptions, targeted digital promotion, and broad agent outreach so the right buyers actually see it.
See how I market homesI help buyers understand the lifestyle and neighborhood that come with a home, not only the square footage. We start with your goals, preferred neighborhoods, budget, and timeline so you can move through the market efficiently and with confidence.
See how I work with buyersFor owner-occupied duplexes and rental portfolios, I treat a lease like a marketing challenge to solve: competitive pricing, rental criteria, professional photography and video, listing syndication, and direct outreach to prospective renters to reduce vacancy time.
Read the rental investing guideMy Marketing Approach
Every property is different — especially in New Orleans, where architecture, history, and neighborhood character drive a buyer's decision. I identify what makes a property unique, develop a marketing strategy around it, and present it in a way that resonates with the right buyers.
The goal is simple: make sure your home stands out in a crowded market and reaches the widest possible audience of qualified buyers.
How I Work
The first day is about listening, understanding your goals, and building a strategy. Whatever the transaction, you should leave that first conversation with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and a partner who's already moving.
I start by learning what success looks like for you and identifying any unique considerations around the property or the transaction. The plan is built around your goals — not a template.
We assess the home, discuss pricing strategy, review market conditions, and pin down what makes the property stand out. I begin a marketing plan immediately — photography, messaging, digital promotion, and a timeline to market.
We look at the property's rental potential, rental criteria, pricing strategy, and leasing goals — then position it competitively to quickly fill vacancies.
We clarify your goals, preferred neighborhoods, budget, and timeline so we can navigate the market efficiently. I make sure you understand the buying process and what to expect as we move forward.
Where I Work
Generic marketing and generic advice rarely work here. Understanding the story of a neighborhood is often just as important as understanding the square footage of a home.
Typical range · $250K–$550K
Historic architecture, a strong sense of community, and an unbeatable central location.
This is home for me — I'm restoring my own 1920s bungalow here, so I know the neighborhood from the inside out. Broadmoor sits right in the geographic heart of the city, which makes almost everything a short drive: Uptown, Mid-City, the universities, and downtown are all within easy reach.
The housing stock is what draws people in — Craftsman bungalows, raised-basement homes, Spanish-revival cottages, and double shotguns, many from the 1910s through the 1930s. Prices generally run from the $250s into the $500s depending on condition and how much restoration has been done, which makes it one of the better values for buyers who want character without an Uptown price tag.
Broadmoor rewards owners who care about a home's history. It's a neighborhood of people who walk their dogs, know their neighbors, and take pride in bringing old houses back to life. If you want a central address, a real community, and a home with a story, this is one of the most compelling places in New Orleans to land.
Typical range · $400K–$2M+
Tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a rare blend of character and everyday livability.
Uptown New Orleans is one of the city's most iconic and desirable neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and strong sense of community. The area features an extraordinary mix of homes, from grand Greek Revival and Victorian residences to charming shotguns, Creole cottages, and early 20th-century bungalows.
Residents enjoy walkable access to neighborhood restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and the shops and streetcar line along Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. For many buyers, Uptown offers a rare combination of historic character, architectural beauty, and everyday livability, making it one of the most sought-after places to call home in New Orleans.
Typical range · $400K–$850K
Rich history, colorful architecture, and old New Orleans character in a walkable setting.
The Irish Channel runs between Magazine Street and the river, tucked just below the Garden District — close enough to share the oaks and the streetcar, but with its own working-class roots and unmistakable personality. You'll find brightly painted shotguns, Creole cottages, and Victorian doubles standing shoulder to shoulder on narrow blocks.
It's one of the most walkable parts of the city. Magazine Street's restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques are a few steps away, and the river and Crescent Park are close by. That walkability, plus the density of historic homes, keeps demand strong and steady.
Pricing typically lands between the low $400s and the high $800s, with renovated singles and income-producing doubles at the top of the range. The Channel suits buyers who want character and a true neighborhood feel — and it's a strong spot for owner-occupied duplexes, where one side helps carry the mortgage while you live in the other.
Typical range · $200K–$450K
A neighborhood where historic homes, neighborhood pride, and investment opportunity come together.
Tucked just beyond the Oak Street corridor, Leonidas has quietly become one of Uptown's most interesting neighborhoods. Originally part of historic Carrollton, it offers many of the same architectural characteristics and neighborhood charm while remaining one of the area's more approachable housing markets.
The neighborhood is known for its mix of traditional New Orleans cottages, doubles, duplexes, and early twentieth-century homes. Many properties have been thoughtfully renovated while others present opportunities for buyers looking to personalize a home or build long-term equity.
Its proximity to Oak Street's restaurants and cafés, the Carrollton streetcar line, nearby parks, and local universities makes Leonidas appealing to both owner-occupants and investors. Multifamily properties remain especially attractive for buyers interested in rental income or house hacking, creating a healthy mix of homeowners and long-term investment activity.
Leonidas isn't defined by luxury; it's defined by authenticity. It's a neighborhood where people put down roots, restore older homes, and appreciate the character that makes New Orleans unique. My role is helping buyers and sellers understand what makes each property stand out and positioning it to appeal to the people most likely to appreciate it.
Typical range · $150K–$450K
Historic homes, creative energy, and some of the most compelling value opportunities close to downtown.
Located in New Orleans' historic 7th Ward, St. Roch attracts buyers looking for character, affordability, and a strong sense of place. Just minutes from the Marigny, Bywater, French Quarter, and downtown, it offers convenient access to many of the city's most popular destinations.
The housing stock is part of the appeal — traditional doubles, shotgun homes, Creole cottages, and historic properties dating back more than a century. Prices generally remain more approachable than many nearby neighborhoods, making St. Roch worth considering for first-time buyers, historic-home enthusiasts, and buyers searching for duplex or house-hack opportunities.
What I like most about St. Roch is that you'll find beautifully restored homes alongside properties waiting for their next chapter. For buyers who appreciate authenticity, character, and potential, it's one of the more interesting neighborhoods to explore in New Orleans.
Typical range · $350K–$750K
Creative energy, an eclectic mix of historic homes, and distinctive architectural gems.
Downriver from the Marigny, the Bywater is where the city's creative spirit is most visible — painted cottages, murals, galleries, and some of the best independent restaurants and music in town. The architecture is a mix of Creole cottages, shotguns, and the occasional larger Victorian, often on deep lots with room for a garden or a studio out back.
It's a neighborhood that rewards imagination. Many homes are candidates for thoughtful renovation, and buyers here tend to value originality over polish. Prices generally run from the mid $300s to the mid $700s, depending on condition, lot size, and proximity to Crescent Park and St. Claude.
The Bywater suits artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants a home with personality and a walkable, bike-friendly lifestyle. For sellers, that creative character is the story — and telling it well is what separates a listing that lingers from one that draws a crowd.
Why Work With Me
A landlord once called the Brokerage asking for an aggressive agent to lease a duplex in St. Roch. They were worried about vacancy and how fast we could find a qualified tenant. Rather than put it on the MLS and wait, I built a full plan: professional photography, a video walkthrough, syndication, social promotion, agent outreach, and direct engagement with renters.
I stayed in close communication the whole way, adjusted the approach when it needed adjusting, and focused on solving the problem rather than just advertising the property. After we secured a tenant, the owner told me the proactive approach was exactly why they'd chosen me — I'd treated the property as a marketing challenge to solve, not another listing to post.
That's the through-line in everything I do. Clients hire me to create a strategy, execute it professionally, and stay actively engaged until the job is done.
Start the conversationWhat I Believe
New Orleans isn't one real estate market. It's dozens of micro-markets.
Broadmoor, Uptown, Carrollton, the Irish Channel, the Garden District, and the Bywater all attract different buyers for different reasons. Generic marketing and generic advice rarely work here. Understanding the story of a neighborhood is often just as important as understanding the square footage of a home — and pricing, presentation, and outreach should all change from one block to the next.
That conviction shapes every plan I build. The right strategy in the Garden District is the wrong strategy in the Bywater, and treating them the same is how good homes get overlooked.
From the Blog
Practical articles on selling, leasing, and investing in New Orleans — read online, or have any article sent to your inbox as a PDF.
See where smart buyers are finding value in New Orleans right now.
Read the article →
The decision that actually determines what your home sells for comes before paint and staging — defining who your home is for.
Read the article →
The opportunities — and important considerations — behind buying an owner-occupied duplex in New Orleans.
Read the article →In Their Words
"I called Keller Williams New Orleans and asked for an aggressive real estate agent to help me get one of my properties rented. I found that in Cameron. He brings a combination of creativity, professionalism, and strategic thinking to the process. He approaches challenges thoughtfully, communicates clearly, and genuinely feels like a partner throughout the experience rather than just someone handling a transaction. I would absolutely recommend him to others."
"Cameron was incredibly helpful throughout our rental search process in New Orleans. He provided us with solid options, great strategic recommendations, and valuable local insight into different neighborhoods and properties. We really appreciated how thoughtful, responsive, and knowledgeable he was throughout the process and would absolutely recommend working with him."
"Cameron was very helpful and professional throughout our search. He worked hard on our behalf, communicated clearly, and provided thoughtful guidance at every stage. We always felt like he had our best interests in mind, and we truly appreciated his dedication and professionalism."
"I've known Cameron personally, and he'd be a great person to have on your side during a real estate transaction. He's smart, honest, and incredibly easy to talk to. He listens well, communicates clearly, and has a natural ability to connect with people. Whether you're a first-time buyer or have been through the process before, Cameron is the kind of person who will make you feel comfortable asking questions and will take the time to help you understand every step. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him."
"If you're looking for a New Orleans REALTOR® who genuinely understands historic homes and renovation, Cameron Smith is your guy. He's restoring a 1920s bungalow in Broadmoor himself and working with him on that project has been a pleasure. He asks the right questions, appreciates quality craftsmanship, and understands that doing it right matters more than doing it fast. His passion for historic renovation is genuine and it shows."
Questions, Answered
For Buyers
The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage so you know exactly what you can afford before you start touring homes. From there, we'll clarify your target neighborhoods, must-haves, and timeline, then build a search strategy around your goals. New Orleans has several distinct micro-markets, and understanding where you want to live is often just as important as what you want in a home. Book a consult and we'll map it out in a single conversation.
The median home price in New Orleans varies significantly by neighborhood. Broadmoor typically runs $250K-$550K, Uptown from $400K into the $2M+ range, the Irish Channel from the low $400s to the high $800s, Leonidas from $200K-$450K, St. Roch from $150K-$450K, and Bywater from the mid $300s to the mid $700s. The market in 2026 favors buyers, with increased inventory and more negotiating room than we've seen in recent years.
Buyers in Louisiana typically pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. On a $350,000 home, that's roughly $7,000-$17,500. Common line items include loan origination fees, appraisal, title search, title insurance, and prepaid insurance and taxes. Your lender will provide a Loan Estimate within three days of your application that breaks everything down.
Flood zone designation is one of the most important factors to understand before buying in New Orleans. Properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA, typically Zone AE) require flood insurance if you have a federally backed mortgage. Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance and adds to your monthly carrying costs. Before making an offer, I always recommend checking the FEMA flood map, requesting an elevation certificate if one exists, and getting a flood insurance quote so there are no surprises at closing.
A shotgun house is one of the most iconic New Orleans housing styles: a narrow, single-story home where rooms are arranged one behind the other with no hallway, so you could theoretically fire a shotgun through the front door and out the back without hitting a wall. They typically date from the late 1800s through the early 1900s and range from modest single-shotguns to wider double-shotguns, which function as duplexes. As investments, they can be excellent, particularly doubles, where one side can be rented to offset your mortgage. Their character and architectural detail also tend to hold value well in New Orleans' market.
It depends on your financial position and risk tolerance. Selling first gives you certainty about your budget and eliminates the risk of carrying two mortgages, but you may need temporary housing between transactions. Buying first lets you move on your timeline but requires qualifying for two loans simultaneously. A third option is a contingency offer, though in competitive markets those can be harder to get accepted. I help clients think through the sequencing based on their specific situation, equity position, and neighborhood dynamics.
You're not legally required to use a REALTOR®, but having representation costs you nothing as a buyer (the seller typically pays agent commissions) and provides significant protection. A buyer's agent negotiates on your behalf, flags issues in the contract, coordinates inspections, and guides you through the Louisiana-specific aspects of the closing process that first-time and out-of-state buyers often find surprising. Going unrepresented primarily benefits the seller's agent, who may then represent both sides.
Broadmoor, St. Roch, Freret Corridor and Leonidas offer some of the strongest value for first-time buyers in New Orleans. They all have good architectural character, strong community ties, and more approachable price points than Uptown or the Irish Channel. The right answer depends on your budget, lifestyle, and whether you're open to a home that needs work.
For Sellers
Online estimates from Zillow or Redfin are a reasonable starting point, but they're often inaccurate in New Orleans because of the city's hyper-local pricing; a renovated home on one block can differ dramatically from a similar home two blocks away. A proper valuation looks at recent comparable sales, current active competition, your home's condition and updates, and neighborhood-level trends. How a home is marketed can influence the final price just as much as where it's priced.
Sellers in Louisiana typically pay between 6% and 10% of the sale price in closing costs. The largest line item is agent commissions, typically 5-6% of the sale price. Additional costs include title fees, deed preparation, prorated property taxes, and any agreed-upon repairs or concessions. On a $400,000 sale, total seller costs often run $25,000-$40,000.
It varies significantly by neighborhood, price point, and how the home is marketed. Well-priced, well-presented homes in strong neighborhoods like Uptown and the Irish Channel can go under contract in days. In softer micro-markets or at higher price points, 30-90 days is more typical. In the current 2026 market, with inventory up and buyer negotiating power stronger than it's been in years, pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
I start by looking at the full buyer experience: from the first photo online to the showing itself. Most listings that fail do so for one of three reasons: overpricing, weak marketing, or poor presentation. I audit all three before building a relaunch plan. My background in marketing means I approach every property as a communications challenge: who is the right buyer for this home, and how do we reach them? That question drives everything from photography and copy to digital promotion and agent outreach.
Not every renovation pays off. Some updates, like fresh paint, landscaping, and refinished floors, consistently improve both price and speed of sale. Others, like full kitchen remodels, often return less than they cost. In New Orleans, buyers of historic homes frequently want to make their own choices about finishes, so over-renovating can actually narrow your buyer pool. I walk sellers through a cost-versus-return analysis before recommending any pre-sale work.
March through June historically sees the strongest buyer activity in New Orleans, with April typically the fastest month to sell and June commanding the highest prices. Hurricane season (June through November) can complicate insurance underwriting and slow some buyers down, so getting to market in spring gives you the best combination of demand and clean conditions. That said, the best time to sell is when your home is ready and the strategy is right; a well-prepared home in October will outperform a poorly prepared home in April every time.
For Landlords & Investors
New Orleans has strong rental demand driven by a large renter population, several universities including Tulane, Loyola, Xavier, and UNO, a major healthcare sector, and consistent tourism. Owner-occupied duplexes in neighborhoods like the Irish Channel, Leonidas, and St. Roch remain some of the most compelling entry points: you live in one side, rent the other, and offset a significant portion of your mortgage. As with any market, the returns depend heavily on the property, the price paid, and how it's managed.
Most local investors target a cap rate of 6-8% for multifamily properties in New Orleans, which aligns with national benchmarks for small multifamily in secondary markets. Cap rate is calculated by dividing a property's net operating income by its purchase price. Rates below 5% typically indicate a property is priced for appreciation rather than cash flow, while anything above 10% often signals higher risk or deferred maintenance. I run honest cap rate analysis for every investment property I work on.
House hacking means buying a multifamily property, living in one unit, and renting the others to offset your mortgage. New Orleans is one of the better cities in the country for this strategy because of its large inventory of doubles and duplexes, properties designed for exactly this purpose. Many buyers in the Irish Channel, Leonidas, and Bywater use this approach to build equity while keeping their housing costs low. I can walk you through how to evaluate a specific property for house-hack potential.
The leasing process involves more than posting on Zillow. Pricing strategy, rental criteria, tenant screening, lease terms, and presentation all affect the quality of tenant you attract and how quickly you fill the unit. I treat leasing as a marketing challenge: professional photography, listing syndication, direct outreach, and proactive inquiry management, with the goal of reducing vacancy time and placing a qualified tenant who stays.
New Orleans has specific considerations that matter for landlords: flood insurance requirements for properties in certain zones, the city's short-term rental ordinance (which restricts Airbnb-style rentals in many areas), local property tax implications, and the importance of building in reserves for older homes that may need significant maintenance. I help investors understand these dynamics before they buy, not after.
New Orleans-Specific Questions
These are three of the most common historic home styles in New Orleans. A shotgun is a narrow, single-story home with rooms lined up front to back. A camelback is a shotgun with a second story added to the rear, often done by original owners who needed more space without expanding the footprint. A Creole cottage is a more compact, square-ish home with a hipped roof, typically from the early 1800s, often found in the Marigny, Bywater, and Tremé. Each has different renovation considerations, insurance implications, and buyer appeal.
New Orleans operates by its own rules. The city's neighborhoods are hyper-local: price, demand, and buyer profile change dramatically from block to block. Flood zone designations, older housing stock, and the city's unique architectural styles add complexity that national portals like Zillow often don't capture accurately. Historic district regulations can restrict what you're allowed to change on the exterior of a property. And the local culture means buyers here are often buying into a lifestyle and a community as much as a structure, and understanding that context is a big part of what I bring.
The HDLC regulates exterior changes to properties in New Orleans' historic districts, which covers a large portion of the city's desirable neighborhoods. If your home is in a designated historic district, modifications to the exterior (paint color, windows, additions, porches) typically require HDLC approval before work begins. This protects neighborhood character and property values, but it's important to understand before buying, especially if you plan significant renovations. I can help you understand what a property's historic designation means for your plans.
As of early 2026, New Orleans favors buyers. Inventory has increased, more than 74% of homes have seen price reductions, and the sale-to-list ratio sits around 93%, meaning most homes are selling below asking price. This gives buyers more negotiating room than we've seen in recent years. For sellers, it means pricing and presentation are more critical than ever to stand out in a more competitive landscape.
It depends on what you're looking for. Uptown and Broadmoor are popular with families for their strong community feel, proximity to schools, and walkability. Lakeview is known for its quieter, more suburban character while staying inside the city. Mid-City appeals to families who want access to City Park and a central location. It all depends on school preference, commute, lifestyle, and budget.
Let's Talk
Whether you're selling, buying, or leasing a property, the first step is a conversation. Tell me what you're working on and I'll come back with a plan.