Living Smart: What to Do about that Neighbor's Pesky Tree

If roots or branches of a neighbor’s tree pose problems for you, it’s likely you have the right to take action, even if the neighbor won’t.

Tree laws vary widely, but most permit homeowners to trim overhanging branches or overreaching roots that cause damage, create danger or obstruct a view, according to highly rated tree service providers and an expert on tree and neighbor law.

The right carries some limitations. One of the main ones is that whatever action you take to remedy the problem can’t lead to permanent damage to the tree. Also, some communities have ordinances restricting which trees can be cut or removed, regardless of whose property they’re on.

Talk to your neighbors before hiring a tree company. Not only is it simple courtesy, it may make the job easier for your professional.

Make sure you know for sure who owns the tree. If the full trunk is in your neighbor’s yard, the neighbor owns the tree, no matter how many branches or roots grow on your side of the property line. If the trunk rests on multiple properties, all owners must agree to trimming or removal.

Be sure you know your local laws, ordinances and restrictions. The bottom line in nearly every area is that any trimming efforts must not cause the tree permanent damage. Be aware that in many places, you’re responsible for paying for damage caused if a neighbor’s tree falls on your property. The case may be different if the neighbor’s tree is dead.

Consult a certified arborist and, possibly, a real estate attorney. If you have any questions about tree ownership or the potential effects of trimming or cutting, it’s best to get expert advice from a qualified professional.

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Happy Holidays!

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Five Winter Festivals in Louisiana

Louisiana is a great place for a festival. Known for its excellent food and happy-go-lucky atmosphere, the state does have a few festivals happening, even in the dead of winter. Here's a listing of five festivals taking place in Louisiana this winter.

New Year's Eve, New Orleans

For New Year's Eve, consider coming to the French Quarter. In Jackson Square and along the riverfront, revelers are treated to a spectacular fireworks show to ring in the New Year. There is often a stage set up in Jackson Square featuring live music. This event is not suggested for children, as the revelers can be rowdy and the crowds can be so thick it may become frightening, unsafe or inappropriate for young ones. For adults, it's a great way to ring in 2014. 

 Louisiana Children's Museum Countdown to Noon, New Orleans

For kids, the New Year can be celebrated at the Louisiana Children's Museum. There, the countdown will not be at midnight ... it's scheduled for a child-friendly noon. Kids can ring in the New Year with balloons, games, entertainment and hands-on learning. 

 Christmas in the District, New Orleans

At the turn of the New Year, be sure to catch the tail end of one of the city's biggest holiday displays. Christmas in the District features holiday lights that are coordinated to music. The lights can be seen downtown near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on the neutral ground along Convention Center Boulevard between Poydras and Julia. The display will be available for viewing through Jan. 5. 

Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Cameron

The Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival is billed as "one of the oldest and coldest festivals in Louisiana." Taking place on Jan. 10 and 11, the festival honors the hunting and wildlife industries. There will be pageants, entertainment, vendors, a gumbo cook-off, and much more. 

Battle of New Orleans Commemoration, Chalmette

On Jan. 10 and 11, re-enactors will dramatize the famous battle of New Orleans, which took place in St. Bernard Parish's Chalmette Battlefield on Jan. 8, 1812. The event will feature musket and cannon fire demonstrations, historical presentations and lantern tours. Period re-enactors will be in full costume to represent the actual clothing and lifestyles of the times. Guides and volunteers will be available for true-to-the-times demonstrations and questions.

Housing Predictions: How 2014 Will be Different

Next year looks to be the year of the repeat home buyer, as worsening affordability discourages first timers and investors; also, the buying process will be less frenzied. Hot markets to watch are primarily in the South, Plains, and Mountain states. Rental activity will swing back toward urban apartments, away from single-family homes.

1.      Housing Affordability Worsens. Buying a home will be more expensive in 2014 than in 2013. Although home-price increases should slow from this year’s unsustainably fast pace (see #4, below), prices will still rise faster than both incomes and rents. Also, mortgage rates will be higher in 2014 than in 2013, thanks both to the strengthening economy (rates tend to rise in recoveries) and to Fed tapering, whenever it comes.

2.      The Home-Buying Process Gets Less Frenzied. Home buyers in 2014 might kick themselves for not buying in 2013 or 2012, when mortgage rates and prices were lower, but they’ll take some comfort in the fact that the process won’t be as frenzied. There will be more inventory on the market next year, partly due to new construction, but primarily because higher prices will encourage more homeowners to sell – including those who are no longer underwater.  Also, buyers looking for a home for themselves will face less competition from investors who are scaling back their home purchases (see #3, below).

3.      Repeat Buyers Take Center Stage. 2013 was the year of the investor, but 2014 will be the year of the repeat home buyer. Investors buy less as prices rise: higher prices mean that the return on investment falls, and there’s less room for future price appreciation. Who will fill the gap? Not first-time buyers: saving for a down payment and having a stable job remain significant burdens, and declining affordability is also a big hurdle for first-timers. Who’s left? Repeat buyers: they’re less discouraged by rising prices than either investors or first-time buyers because the home they already own has also risen in value. Also, the down payment is less of a challenge for repeat buyers if they have equity in their current home.

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Take precaution when igniting your drinks.

Flaming drinks are a great way to start a party or entertain guests. Igniting your drink can actually enhance the flavor.

Here is just one recipe to try:

Flaming Russian

Flaming Cocktail Recipe 2/3 Shot of vodka 1/3 Shot of Rum Pour vodka in shot glass, carefully layer rum on top. Ignite rum and serve.   

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Maximalism as it pertains to interior design.

A new philosophy is taking hold in interior design, and it puts the onus on style without clutter. The recession has finally dwindled and people are yearning for all of the sumptuousness, texture, and good looks that they can get. This exciting new movement is being called “maximalism.” So many of us were attracted toward the bare, simplistic movement often referred to as “minimalism” in the last several years. But this new idea of maximalism looks to break that mold and go after the bright, bold, detailed accents that are connected to this new ideal.

During the recession everyone took it down a notch and gravitated toward repurposing. Many people were downsizing and reusing and recycling. The new maximalism means that the recession is almost over, and people are spending again. It’s the place where “more is more” and less is most definitely a bore.

It’s not about  accumulating things. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Maximalism as it pertains to interior design is about having elegance and sophistication in materials but striking a delicate balance between style and keeping disorder at bay.

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What to Expect in 2014

Freddie Mac recently released its U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for November showing that the major shift for the coming year will be a transition from a refinance-dominated mortgage market to the first purchase-dominated market the industry has seen since 2000.

Interest rates are expected to rise gradually throughout 2014 with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ending the year near 5 percent with affordability still strong in most markets. However, rising rates will hinder affordability in high-priced markets.

Projecting housing starts to rise to a 1.15 million pace in 2014, which should help to create around 700,000 new jobs and quicken the pace of economic growth.

Gains in home sales will be limited by continuing tight inventory in many markets, but anticipate sales to rise about 5 to 6 percent in 2014 from 2013 levels.

Expect home values to continue rising but at a more moderate pace, around 5 to 6 percent annualized. And expect multifamily property investments to continue to be relatively attractive as we enter 2014, compared with the first decade of the 2000s, based on the Freddie Mac Multifamily Investment Index.

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Date Night Ideas in Louisiana

With the cooling weather, there is no better time to schedule a romantic date night with someone you love. Here are a few fun ideas you may want to consider for a date night in Louisiana.

 A Reveillon Dinner (New Orleans)

If your special date night happens to take place on Christmas Eve, you can't beat the romance of a traditional French Reveillon Dinner. The Reveillon is a Creole New Orleans feast that takes place in the hours after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Culinary extravagance is the hallmark of this unique and romantic dining experience. Offered at several dozen fine restaurants throughout the city, a Reveillon Dinner date is one that will never be forgotten; it's a great way to welcome the wee morning hours of Christmas.

 Holiday ballet (Baton Rouge)

Nothing makes a date more romantic than a little bit of culture. Immerse your date in beauty in an entertaining and romantic way by getting tickets to The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. Heralded as one of the more uniqueNutcracker productions, this beautiful ballet is a holiday favorite featuring the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Performances take place on Dec. 21 and 22. Afterward, take your date out for a romantic dinner for two at an area restaurant.

 Romantic carriage ride (Lake Charles)

For a special date night, consider planning a romantic carriage ride. Arrange for a New Orleans-style carriage pulled by beautiful Belgian mules to transport you and your special someone to dinner and on a tour through the historic district of Lake Charles. You can cuddle in the carriage and have an unforgettable evening.

 A very electric date (New Orleans)

Consider a night of theater for you and your loved one, followed by a stroll through the French Quarter. Throughout December, the Joy Theater — located on Canal Street, right on the edge of the romantic French Quarter — is featuring a special holiday production, Lightwire: A Very Electric Christmas. Holiday music and unique "electroluminiscent" puppeteers will start your evening off with a warm holiday glow.

 The romance of lights (Natchitoches)

Last but not at all least, consider a romantic night visit to the Festival of Lights, held each year in Natchitoches. Whether you are taking in events and entertainment as a couple or just walking hand in hand to enjoy the twinkling lights of the state's premier holiday display, you are sure to have a memorable evening together in this quaint Southern city.

These are only a few ideas for you and your special someone to enjoy this December. The holidays present many opportunities for warm cuddles in front of the fireplace and walks outside to enjoy the falling leaves and finally crisp Southern air.

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Handing Down a Family Vacation Home

Vacation homes are often places where happy family memories are made. Unfortunately, they can also be the source of headaches and disputes when heirs disagree about how to manage them.

So, as many second homeowners are closing up their family retreats for the season, it might be a good idea for those at or nearing retirement age to think about how they might pass the asset down to the next generation — especially when multiple children and their spouses will be entering into joint ownership.

Create a Master Plan: Before anything else, have honest conversations about whether there’s an interest in keeping the home. After crunching the numbers, it might not be desirable or feasible. Even if there is no mortgage, there are taxes and maintenance costs. Plus, there’s the cost of traveling to and from the home to use it.

If everyone is still game, create a master plan for the home, detailing its long-term future and how it will be handed down. For example, decide if the home is to be a place of solitude or used for frequent entertaining. Discuss any plans to develop the property further.

Also, it might be a good idea to discuss the idea of renting out the home when it’s not in use. A recent report from HomeAway, an online marketplace for vacation rentals, found that vacation rental owners were able to make, on average, $1,778 for a weekly rental over this summer. If all this planning feels like you’re treating the home like a business, you’re on the right track. This mission statement should be formal and set some structure for how the home will be used.

When there are multiple people who will gain ownership of the property, it’s also best to appoint someone as manager. That person will pay the insurance premiums, utility bills or repair the roof in the case of an emergency, she said. Sometimes the role of manager is rotated every couple of years, and it often comes with a reward of an extra time slot at the vacation home or a longer or a more desirable slot.

House Rules: By establishing house rules, everyone is clear about how time slots to use the vacation home are chosen, and how they need to leave the home once they’re done. Some families create a checklist to ensure towels are washed, folded and put away; the dishwasher is empty; and perishables are removed from the refrigerator. Failure to follow the rules can bring consequences, such as having your next use period shortened by a day or having the last pick of time slot next season. Or, if a professional cleaner has to come to tidy up after you, you might have to pick up the bill.

It’s also important to create rules on how someone can get rid of their share of the home — especially if they don’t have the means to pay expenses.

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Avoid Gobbling Up Energy on Thanksgiving

A few days before Thanksgiving

1. Install a dimmer switch for the dining room chandelier. Every time you dim a bulb’s brightness by 10%, you’ll double the bulb’s lifespan. Most CFLs don’t work with dimmers, but you can create mood lighting with incandescents and LEDs. The dimmer switch will cost you about $10.

2. Plan side dishes that can cook simultaneously with the turkey. If you cook dishes at the same temperature at the same time, you’ll reduce the amount of time the oven has to be running — it’s easier for the cook and saves energy, too.

When you start cooking

3. Lower your house thermostat a few degrees. The oven will keep the house warm. You also can turn on your ceiling fan so it sucks air up, distributing heat throughout the room.

4. Use ceramic or glass pans — you can turn down the oven’s temp by up to 25 degrees and get the same results. That’s because these materials retain heat so well, they’ll continue cooking food even after being removed from the oven.

5. Use your oven’s convection feature. When heated air is circulated around the food, it reduces the required temperature and cooking time. You’ll cut your energy use by about 20%.

6. Cook in the microwave whenever possible. Ditto slow cookers. Microwaves get the job done quickly, and although slow cookers take much longer, they still use less energy than the oven. Resist the urge to peek inside your slow cooker: Each time you remove the lid, it releases heat and can add about 25 minutes of cooking time to your dish.

7. Use lids on pots to retain heat. The food you’re cooking on the stove-top will heat up faster when you use lids.

When it’s cleanup time

8. Scrape plates instead of rinsing with hot water. Unless food is really caked on there, your dishwasher should get the dishes clean without a pre-rinse. Compost your non-meat food waste. Check out these other Thanksgiving clean-up tips.

9. Use your dishwasher. It saves energy and water, so only hand-wash things that aren't dishwasher-safe. Wait until you’ve got a full load before starting the dishwasher. Be sure to stop the appliance before the heated dry cycle; just open the door and let your dishes air-dry.

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REAL ESTATE, NEW ORLEANS : How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

REAL ESTATE, NEW ORLEANS : How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests: Is your home ready for holiday visits from friends and family? Here’s how to prepare for the invasion. Some preparations for holiday g...

How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

Is your home ready for holiday visits from friends and family? Here’s how to prepare for the invasion.

Some preparations for holiday guests take only a few minutes; some take a lot longer. Start preparing your home for the holidays now.

Declutter guest rooms and public areas — foyer, kitchen, living room, den, and dining room. Remove anything unnecessary from countertops, coffee tables, and ottomans; if it’s out of sight, keep it out of mind, for now.

Light the way: Even though you can navigate your home blindfolded, your guests can’t. Make sure outside lights are working so they don’t trip on the way to your door. Put motion-activated night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to ensure safe passage after the sun sets.

Child proofing: Ask parents to bring hardware that keeps their small ones safe, such as baby gates and cabinet locks. Transfer toxic cleaners and medicines from base to wall cabinets. Hide matches and lighters.

Entryway upgrades

Your home’s foyer is the first place guests see, so make a good first impression.

·         Upgrade exterior entry doors or give old doors a new coat of paint. Polish and tighten door hardware, and oil hinges to prevent squeaks.

·         Clear out shoes, umbrellas, and other clutter.

Kitchen prep

Your kitchen is command central during the holidays, so make sure it’s ready for guests and extra helpers.

·         Move your coffee station into a family room so guests don’t crowd the kitchen when you’re trying to fix meals.

·         If you like to visit while you’re cooking, place extra stools and chairs around the perimeter of your kitchen so guests can set a spell.

Bathroom storage

Bring toilet paper, towels, and toiletries out of hiding, and place them on open shelves so guests can find them easily.

If you don’t have enough wall space for shelves, place these items in open baskets around the bathroom.

Also, outfit each tub with a bath mat (to avoid falls) and each toilet with a plunger (to avoid embarrassment).

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Living Smart: Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling continues to be one of the most popular home improvement projects.  If you’re moving beyond the imagining stage and are ready to get serious about renovating a bathroom, here are trends and tips to keep in mind.

What you can do with a bathroom depends on its size and who’s using it. Hall bathrooms are commonly used by kids and guests, and an update may be focused more on making the most of a high-traffic, cramped room. Ideas include replacing a mirror with a medicine chest faced with a mirror, or replacing a pedestal sink with a vanity that has cabinet space. A master bathroom, however, is usually larger and more private. It’s a likely candidate for a spa makeover. Some ideas from highly rated remodelers:

—Replace the tub with a luxury shower featuring multiple showerheads and handheld sprayers, or a large rain-style shower head.

—Create a fresh, clean look with a frameless glass shower door.

—Upgrade with granite or solid-surface materials.

—Focus less on the latest design trend or fad, and more on elements, fixtures and colors that will stand the test of time.

—Incorporate universal design — which is intended to ensure that a project is useful for people of all ages, abilities and sizes. Among the ideas: Replace lower toilets or sinks with taller options that require less stooping or bending.

Plan to do your homework before starting the project. Be realistic about your budget. The average cost of bath remodeling in 2013 was $18,538, down slightly from 2012, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Before you start talking to contractors:

—Check websites and magazines for designs and ideas. Research materials and products at showrooms and retail stores. This will help contractors more accurately estimate the time and cost for your project.

—Talk to neighbors, friends and family about their projects. Check contractors’ reviews on a trusted online review site.

—Get multiple bids and ask for and check references. Questions to ask include: Did the contractor meet expectations? Were there delays or miscommunications? How did the contractor handle requested changes?

—Get at least three written estimates that clearly define the project and what materials will be used.

—Make sure you can reach a contractor when you need to.

—Be sure the contractor you hire is appropriately licensed, insured and bonded. Bathroom remodeling work often requires electrical and plumbing work — two of the most often regulated trades.

Michael Jordan to Auction off Chicago Compound

http://www.luxuryportfolio.com/property/highland_park/home_of_basketball_legend_michael_jordan.cfm

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TIPS FOR A GREAT LOOKING HOME THIS FALL!

It’s hard to believe that fall is already upon us. Summer may be over, but now is not the time to neglect a home’s exterior, especially if it’s going to soon be listed for-sale this season. Here are a few tips to help you embrace the fall season and keep your property looking its best:

·     The most obvious tip: rake up leaves on a frequent basis;

·     Inspect your gutters regularly and remove any leaves that get trapped;

·     Carry on weeding garden beds and walkways;

·     Remove all annual flowers that are no longer blooming and plants that are past their “best before” date.  Dead vegetation gives the impression of a home not cared for;

·     Readjust the timers on outdoor lighting displays since it now gets dark earlier;

·     Give your gardens some liveliness by planting fall flowers such as chrysanthemums. Choose a color that compliments the exterior of your home;

·     Redesign your flowers pots – it’s time for a fall theme;

·     Add some vignettes. Sometimes, it’s the little things that produce the most attention.  My personal favorite for generating anticipation in potential buyers is to create a simple fall vignette on the porch. Pumpkins add a punch of color and provide a warm, welcoming look when blended with something interesting like a couple of antique lanterns, for example.  Be careful not to add too many items to the vignette or it will appear too cluttered.

If there’s a swing or rocking chair on the porch, add cushions with a generous amount of orange in them to tie everything together.  If you pay this much attention to the exterior of your home, buyers will be anxious to see what awaits them behind the front door

Have I missed anything?  Feel free to add your fall tips to the list!

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GREAT SPACES

Celine Dion sold more than 200 million albums worldwide.  She is so amazing  that she built herself her very own private resort, complete with a water park! Who in the world has their own water park!? Celine Dion does, and that $72.5 million compound is now up for grabs.

Dion’s Jupiter Island, Fla., estate sits on nearly six acres and has more than 400 feet of waterfront. Celine designed the compound herself! She purchased the estate’s two homes for $12.5 million and $7 million each back in 2004 and 2008, respectively. Increasing home values, the home’s three pools and water park, as well as the prime oceanfront make up for the price tag. The water park itself includes slides and a lazy river at the bottom, along with a foot bridge for the kids.

Inside, the home continues to boast a Bahamian-style resort feel, with five bedrooms fit for any diva. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet with an automated rack for clothing and shoes. A wrap-around terrace with a hot tub is attached. Celine’s guests have an entirely separate guesthouse to spread out among eight additional bedrooms.

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PRIDE OF HOME OWNERSHIP

In such a depleted real estate market as we see today it’s not often that a really nice home comes up for sale. Here is one that is definitely going to grab buyers’ attention. Listed only a few days ago, it shows the pride of ownership.

2313 Burdette St., New Orleans, LA 70118

For more information on this home or other homes in the Greater New Orleans use this link

or visit 

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Quintessential New Orleans side hall home just listed for sale

This home has been stylishly renovated into a 2 bedroom 2 bath luxury home with a cocktail pool and pool house. Gorgeous white marble kitchen with high end appliances. Outdoor wood burning chimney with arbor and mature grape vine. Perfect location not too far uptown for easy downtown access. Walkable neighborhood. $500,000

For information on homes and condos for sale in New Orleans visit
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NEW DEVELOPMENT ON MAGAZINE STREET

By the end of 2013 construction is expected to begin on a three-story, residential-retail project to be built on a 13,600-square-foot empty lot at 2802 Magazine St. in near the Irish Channel. Developer earned Historic District Landmarks Commission clearance in October to build the mixed-use project. The project would take about 12 to 14 months to complete. The building will be near the corner of Magazine Street and Washington Avenue between Coquette restaurant and Sake Café. It will include about 4,500-square-feet of ground floor retail space for two tenants.

Developers will set up a condo regime for seven units on the second and third floors but initially rent them out as apartments. No decision has been made as to when, or if, developers will sell the units. Six of the seven units will be 1,400 square feet, and a penthouse will be closer to 2,000. All units will have two bedrooms. No prices have been listed for the residential units.

For more information on Real Estate in New Orleans visit FindNewOrleansProperties.com

CRAFTSMANSHIP IS IN THE DETAILS

The exteriors of many Uptown, Midcity and Garden District, New Orleans, homes are absolutely breathtaking. The superbly crafted woodwork is truly amazing. You can tell that the owners carefully selected contractors that are passionate about classical design, and the level of detail and craftsmanship they brings to every project. The step-by-step process of beautifully restoring century old homes is painstakingly and accurately executed to last for generations.

For more information on New Orleans architecture use this link,

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UPTOWN NEW ORLEANS

The Uptown District is a self-contained residential world. It’s a place where late 19th century homes are scrupulously maintained and small scale restaurants and shops reinforce the feeling that you are visiting a village, not a city.

 Today’s Uptown retains many of the grand homes built in the 1890s. On oak-shaded streets frame houses with ample galleries are the norm. Closer to the river, more modest shotguns built to house 19th century workers are steadily being refurbished, insuring that this premier urban residential neighborhood for over a century will continue its legacy of gracious living.

Learn about Homes for Sale in Uptown New Orleans here

Home Prices Continue to Soar in May

Data through May 2013 showed consistent increases in home prices in May versus April. Dallas and Denver reached record levels surpassing their pre-financial crisis peaks set in June 2007 and August 2006, and five cities – Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle – posted monthly gains of over three percent, also a first time event.

The time to buy is NOW!

To buy a home in the Greater New Orleans Area search HERE

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