4 Benefits of Living in an Historic Neighborhood

Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a nice place to settle down, neighborhoods with a rich

historical background carry many benefits for yourself and for children that grow up there. Here are

some of the great things that you may experience by living in a history-rich neighborhood:

Potentially Lower Crime Rates

Finding a neighborhood that's safe is important to anyone seeking a new home. Neighborhoods with

a rich historical background have clearly been around for a very long time, often resulting in older,

lifelong residents that are invested in the maintenance of their neighborhood. Regular maintenance

of the streets, as well as implementation of effective crime-prevention programs by the local police,

are all something that these folks may have voted for in local elections.

More Educational Opportunities

Another benefit of living in a well-established, historical neighborhood is that the schools tend to

be better funded. Generally, residents have been there for a long time, allowing them to build up

financial stability that would contribute to taxes that fund public programs like schools, libraries

and parks. They may also have local events held to celebrate the heritage of the neighborhood,

giving you and your family a peek into history and a greater understanding of the place you

live in now.

Improved Neighborhood Dynamics

Homes for sale in established neighborhoods are often more sought-after because of the ability

to form connections with your neighbors. Tight-knit neighborhoods can be safer in general because,

if a disaster hits, you'll be surrounded by friends who know you and will help you through hard times.

This can also give you greater peace of mind when allowing your children to play in the

neighborhood on their own, because you know the people living in it. With the decreased turnover,

you have the opportunity to form lasting friendships with your neighbors, and be a part of a familiar

community and culture that'll really feel like home.

Grand Architecture

An established neighborhood tends to have a higher density of older homes maintained to preserve

their historical appearance. Depending on the area and history, these homes are likely to have

arching ceilings, pillars, decorative awnings, towers, balconies and other features that will make even

a small home feel like something out of a storybook. Living in an artistic structure will remind you on

a daily basis of the history of your home and neighborhood, as well as give you greater satisfaction

in general in regard to your living situation.

If you're considering moving to a historically-rich neighborhood, whether alone or with a family in tow,

you'll reap many benefits from the culture and the stability that comes with it. Don't turn away a home

solely based on the year it was built, but rather, consider the possibilities that come with superior

architectural design and living in a safe and stable neighborhood.

No matter where you live, your house is only a home if it's where you love to be.

For more information go to https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Inheriting a House can be Challenging

If your loved one passed away, and there is real estate left, the process of dissolving the estate could become
very complicated.

Family feuds and other problems can potentially result when inheritance portions aren't clearly defined,
or when an executor may be in over their head. Many newfound executors can face uncertainty and feel stress.
In the wake of a family tragedy or death, being the executor of an estate can be especially challenging.
And the biggest asset in an estate—and the most difficult to resolve—is usually a house.

Here's a list of important decisions an executor may face when a house is part of an inheritance:

Keep, rent or sell? Caught in the middle, the executor has to ask the heirs to keep their emotions under
control and put the rational facts on the table. Selling is often the best decision if medical bills, tax issues or
other reasons require cashing out, and it produces a specific amount that can be divided equally.

Can you manage a property investment? When considering keeping the property in the family, the executor
needs to be objective about the beneficiaries' dependability. Would you choose the other beneficiaries to be your
partners in any long-term investment? Could they get divorced, go bankrupt or bring other entanglements? If you
decide to rent the property, there are issues to consider, such as the local market for rentals and your ability
to maintain the property.

Establishing value of the property. If one heir or beneficiary wants to buy the house, the estate must determine
the market value and get a fair price for the heirs and beneficiaries. One way is to get two appraisals, or ask
an experienced Realtor for help. Alternatively, the executor can put the property on the market with the expressed
provision that one of the heirs has the right of first refusal to match the highest offer.

Repair and renovate? The executor must make sure the house is maintained in good condition, necessary
repairs are carried out, and that it's kept insured. An executor can be personally liable for failure to maintain
a property that results in losses for the heirs. How much work is worthwhile before putting a home on the market?
That's a big question that depends on the property and circumstances.

Furnished or unfurnished? It's not unusual for an inherited home to be filled with a 30-year accumulation of stuff.
In most cases, when the property goes on the market, thinning out the furnishings will help it show better.
Nine out of 10 buyers first see the home in online photos.

Being an executor is a high-responsibility, time-consuming, and often thankless job that people often take on
while grieving. It's up to the executor to assess not only the physical assets of an estate, but also the people
and emotions involved.

For more helpful information visit https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Planning an Exciting Move to a New City

If you accepted a job offer in a new city, or you just decided that now was the time to make a drastic change, uprooting your life isn't an easy feat—yet, it's exciting and new. You'll get to explore a whole new place and all that that new place has to offer! There'll be new activities, new restaurants, new neighbors, new parks, and more.

What should you? What research should you do ahead of time to ensure you relocate to a place you'll be comfortable living in?

Look Up the Neighborhoods Before Buying (or Renting)

The neighborhood makes your home what it is. Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages to each—it can help make the decision easier. If your kids are in school, you'll likely want a school facility close by. Do you want them to attend a private or public school? Is there one close by? What about grocery shopping? Is it easy to get to? Do you like to have a gym you can walk to? Are there parks in the neighborhood? Ask yourself these questions ahead of time. Determine their importance to you and your family.

Research the Local Big Activities and Events

With a new city comes a new list of annual events and festivals. Find out what big attractions take place. Finding activities and fun events to look forward to can lessen the impact of a move, such as moving far away from friends and family. It's exciting, but it can also be really tough. Make the best out of it!

Research the Costs of Your New City

This is a big one. Cities come with different price tags. For example, housing prices in the downtown of a large city like New York are going to be far more than a small town, such as Cold Spring, N.Y. Make sure you know what you'll be spending before you commit. Even grocery prices tend to change. The worst thing that could happen is you move and find out you can't afford your new city. Financial planning makes all the difference, and it can help you avoid future panic or crises.

Moving to a new city can be a great change of pace. Enjoy it!

To search for homes for sale and for rent visit https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Building wealth flipping homes

Flipping homes can be good way to build wealth, but there are many pitfalls to consider before plunging into a project.

Always be mindful of what can be expected.

Prepare for the worst. Make sure you include all potential costs into your budget assumptions. Add a minimum 10 percent margin for error. Here are just some of the costs that flippers need to calculate before purchasing:

• Repairs
• Holding costs (taxes and insurance)
• Debt service
• City fees (permits and deposits)
• Sales costs (title, escrow and sales commissions)
• Income taxes
• Price fluctuation (potential 5-10 percent change in either direction).

If you start to see price declines, increased inventory levels or longer days on market, be cautious. It could take longer to sell your property, which would increase your holding costs and eat up your profit. Plus, your final price could end up lower than you initially calculated. Always have plenty of reserves on hand to cover the possibility of extended holding costs.

Research your local city regulations. Nothing can kill a deal faster than a slow permitting process. You've got to understand what the local municipality will demand of you. If you try to do the work without permits, you could be held liable if you don't disclose it to the buyer. You most likely will not pass inspections if you don’t comply with the code enforcement requirements.

Anticipate higher costs. Calculate higher costs of building supplies from recent tariffs, higher labor costs due to a shortage of skilled construction workers, higher permit fees due to increased regulations, higher interest rates, higher gas prices and higher acquisition costs.  

Budget your time. If you have a full-time job, make sure you have enough time left over to manage the purchase, renovation and sale of your flip. Otherwise, partner with someone who has both time and experience to get the job done right.

Know your tax liability. If you're in a high tax bracket, nearly half of your flip profits may go to Uncle Sam.  Consider putting the property in an LLC for both asset protection purposes and increased tax deductions. Always talk to your CPA before making any investment.

Smart investors can certainly make a good amount of money flipping homes today. Those who succeed have systems in place. If you're just starting out, make sure you have an experienced expert/mentor to help you, even if you pay for their time.

For more good information or to search for homes go to https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Planning to Sell your Home Without a Realtor

There are quite a few home owners who believe they can sell their home without the help of a real estate agent. Some are trying to save money, while others simply want greater control over the process. However, they often experience more stress than those that hire an agent. Here are some challenges people face when they try to sell their home on their own:

Getting the highest price based on market conditions. Many homeowners due to their feelings and emotional attachment to the house, are unable to price their home objectively, often valuing it for more than it's worth. When the price is too high, fewer buyers will be interested and the sale will take much longer. Statistically For Sale By Owners net considerably less than what their home is worth.

 Understanding and Executing Paperwork. Selling a home requires more paperwork than most homeowners think. Some of it can be difficult to understand and complete. A real estate agent has the training to comprehend all the legalese and explain it to you. Plus, they can remove this unnecessary stressor from the selling process.

 Preparing and Fixing a Home for Sale. Addressing deficiencies, creating curb appeal and staging a home is an essential step that most homeowners overlook when selling on their own. Potential buyers judge the house by the photos posted with the ad, and if the photos don't show a clean and beautiful home, they will keep on scrolling.

 There are so many more obstacles that come with selling your home if you choose to do it on your own. Make selling real estate easier and stress-free by working with a real estate agent!

For more information visit https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Approaching Homebuying with Swagger

Would you agree that there are many among us thinking about buying a home and not taking the first step because they heard of many complications that their friends or family members encountered?

In reality, if you have a great Realtor by your side, and if you are willing to start the journey, it can be a very pleasant one. Here is the great article by RISMEDIA that can help you to approach the home buying process with swagger: http://rismedia.com/rrein/20128/1023666/5079737/76986?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

To start the home buying process go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

and call me 504-610-7415

Is Refinancing Home Equity Line Of Credit Good For You?

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, has two stages. First is the draw period, which usually lasts 10 years but can be as long as 20 years. Monthly payments are applied only to the interest during the draw period.

After the draw period ends, the second stage begins: The HELOC goes into the amortization period when you have to pay principal as well as interest. Monthly payments go up. If you still owe a lot, the payments rise abruptly. That’s why some homeowners look for ways to refinance their HELOCs. Usually somewhere between six to 12 months before the end of the draw period, banks are beginning to reach out to clients reminding them that a decision they made 10 or 15 years ago is about to come due.

There are three options if you want to cushion the amortization period of a HELOC:
Refinance the HELOC. When you refinance a home equity line of credit, you start over with a new HELOC, with its own interest-only draw period. With this approach, you still have access to a credit line to deal with future needs. You will still have to pay off the balance someday. You should remember that most of HELOCs have variable rate, and nobody knows what rates will do in theirfuture.
Pay off the HELOC with a home equity loan. A home equity loan is for a fixed amount with a fixed rate. The payments remain the same through the life of the loan.
Refinance the HELOC and the first mortgage into a new primary mortgage. By refinancing the HELOC into a new primary mortgage, you could take advantage of a fixed interest rate that’s still low by historical standards. Consider refinancing into a 15- or 20-year mortgage to reduce total interest payments.

While interest rates on primary mortgages are favorable, you have to take higher closing costs into account when you take this approach. It’s best if you keep the house long enough for the cumulative monthly savings to outweigh the costs of refinancing.

For more information go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

The color of a home can be a decisive factor when selling

The first thing a buyer will see and comment on is your home’s exterior color. When preparing a home for the market, the most recommended shades are within the sage, tan or gray color families.

Understated browns (including the aforementioned tan) signal security. Homes painted in sandy or mushroom hues read comfort and warmth. Colors like taupe, which falls somewhere between brown and gray, call to mind traditional values. Earthy tones like sage, laurel green or artichoke can not only highlight a verdant landscape, but also evoke a sense of tranquility.

Homes in other colors may sell successfully – our retinas tend to register yellow before any other color, so a buttery yellow exterior could be an attractive option for buyers – but non-traditional colors, like oranges and purples, appeal to very specific personalities and can significantly shrink the pool of interested buyers.

It’s important for sellers to consider the home in relation to the neighborhood before swapping out the exterior color or refreshing an existing paint job. Do nearby homes share a distinct color scheme? Is each home uniquely colored? Evaluating the home’s surroundings can help sellers determine what’s most popular in their market.

For more tips visit http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

FRENCH QUARTER HOMES AND CONDOS, BY RAISA!: Are You The Host With The Most for Thanksgiving?

FRENCH QUARTER HOMES AND CONDOS, BY RAISA!: Are You The Host With The Most for Thanksgiving?: Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays. Having family and friends over, and being thankful for all the wonderful things in life is w...

Are You The Host With The Most for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays. Having family and friends over, and being thankful for all the wonderful things in life is what it’s all about.

Now, cleaning up after is a different story. Here are some tips that'll make your Thanksgiving kitchen cleanup faster and easier.

Cut down on cleanup by selecting cookware that can go from oven to table to freezer.

Before beginning Thanksgiving prep, pick up depressing home clutter and clean out your fridge to make room for ingredients and leftovers.

Plan a potluck: Let your guests share the fun and bring dishes to share. Then make sure they take home their serving bowls and platters, which will cut down on dishes to wash and put away.

 You won't have to clean what you don’t get dirty. So line your turkey roasting pans with heavy-duty aluminum foil, or cook the bird in a bag.

Double- or triple-line garbage cans, which saves time when the cleaning campaign begins. After you toss a trash bag, there’s another waiting for action.

Soak pots and pans as soon as you transfer food to platters. Designate a small trashcan as the soaking spot, fill it will soapy water and dirty pots, and hide it under a sink or in a mudroom. That way, your sink is free throughout the evening to clean as you go and rinse dishes on the way to the dishwasher.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Must Know!

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Top Five Ice Cream Shops in Louisiana

Have you ever had an unconquerable craving for some delicious ice cream? The best way to satisfy the craving is to bypass the grocery store and go instead to a fun ice cream shop. Here are some of the best places to get ice cream in Louisiana.

 

The Creole Creamery

Located in New Orleans, the Creole Creamery features all sorts of sundaes and banana splits to choose from. For people who can't eat sugar, this ice cream spot offers a sugar-free special, the "Susie Q." Their motto is: "Eat ice cream, Be happy." The Creole Creamery includes fountain classics, creamery specialties, toppings and beverages. This shop is a great place for all members of the family. For more information, go to http://www.creolecreamery.com.

 

Angelo Brocato

Angelo Brocato's is a New Orleans institution offering traditional Italian ice creams and other desserts. It specializes in cookies, candy, spumoni, cannoli, ice cream and ices. Brocato's can even ship your ice cream and desserts if you are unable to stop by in person. If you have a hankering for a sweet treat while in the Crescent City, there's no better place to go. To find out more, visit http://www.angelobrocatoicecream.com.

 

Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe

In Lafayette, you'll find the last Borden's ice cream shop in the world. At one time there were many Borden's locations; those days are long gone. Borden's offers specialty cones, baked goods and treats, coffee and beverages, and hot dogs and nachos. The shop's simple slogan is, "If it's Borden, it's got to be good!" If you want to go to a place with some history behind it, Borden's is for you. For more information, go to http://www.bordensicecreamshoppe.com.

 

Geauxsicles

In this shop in Shreveport, you can buy delicious ice pops embossed with the iconic symbol of French Louisiana: the fleur de lis. Geauxsicles come in 18 different flavors, and each one is made with real fruit and fresh ingredients. It is a great place for families to have fun while tasting each and every flavor. For more information, go to http://www.geauxsicles.com.

 

Bacio di Roma Gelato Cafe

In Baton Rouge, you can find the Bacio di Roma Gelato Cafe. The shop offers 21 unique flavors, including almond, amaretto, biscotti, cake, caramel, coffee, mango, mint, Nutella, panecotta, pistachio, tiramisu, white chocolate and zabaglione. Bacio di Roma Gelato Cafe also sells coffee and salads. It's an ideal place to go if you're looking for ice cream flavors beyond the usual chocolate or vanilla. For more information, check out http://www.baciodiromabr.com.

For more good information go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/

 

IF YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND A HOME...

                 COME JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY, 4/27/14, 1-2:30 PM!

HOUSING GAINS PREDICTED

More modest gains are likely this year, according to the most recent Kiplinger Letter forecast. The national average of appreciation in home values will be up 4 percent-4.5 percent, compared with a gain over 11 percent in 2013.

The top stated reason for this increase is rising mortgage rates, will increase to 5 percent or so for 30-year fixed rate loans by the end of the year. Another possible is that fewer investors are offering all-cash deals, with bargain prices and.

The Kiplinger letter forecasts that new-home building will accelerate again, helping to offset the construction drought of 2008-2012. Keep an eye out for housing starts this year to climb by 15 percent and top 1 million for the first time since 2007. Sales of new homes are predicted to be a bright spot.

Another prediction: More existing homes will go up for sale, as price hikes pull homeowners out from mortgages that are underwater, making them more willing to sell. Sales will climb by 4 percent, but inventory won’t be as tight.

Affordability, though declining, is still better than the historical norm: A median-price home costing 20 percent of household income. In 2013, it took just 15 percent of income to buy an equivalent home. When mortgage rates rise to 5 percent, it will cost 17 percent of income.

More moderate growth this year is not necessarily bad news, it signals a more sustainable, long-term growth trajectory that will help quell fears that another bubble is arising.

For information that you need to sell or buy a home visit http://findneworleansproperties.com/

ENJOY!

THIS IS AMAZING...

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What a year for home design it’s been! A recovering housing market has led more home owners to spruce up their interiors. As designers take a look forward of what will be trending in 2014, let’s take a look back at the design trends that caught on this year that will likely stick around.

Wooded decors: Natural-looking wood grains showed up in more home décor, particularly the kitchen – from the cabinets to butcher block counters. The greater use of natural-looking wood grains offered a light, modern feel while still adding a homey comfort.

Traditional Kitchen by Salem Photographers Tess Fine

Larger sinks: Farmhouse utility sinks have been gaining popularity over the last few years but really caught on in 2013. The deep, double sink offers up clean lines and a classic use.

Traditional Kitchen by Portland Interior Designers & Decorators Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Flexible furniture: Furniture that can be shifted, moved, and customized gained popularity. For example, kitchen islands that could be expanded like a dining room table for family gatherings. Regardless of small spaces or large, more home owners also looked to incorporate more multifunctional pieces too, such as an ottoman that could also double up as storage.

Craftsman Kitchen by Portland Photographers Whitney Lyons

Tile explosion: The use of nontraditional tile surged in 2013. Tile with a natural touch continued the wood trend, with grain and uneven edges that mimicked boards. Faux wood tile was incorporated throughout the house too – kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and even bedroom walls.

For more information visit http://findneworleansproperties.com/