Tips to reduce energy consumption during holidays

Trying to make your home eco-friendly through the holidays doesn't have to be a burden.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The smell of pine and cinnamon, cookies baking

in the oven, lights twinkling inside and outside your home, and… An enormous electric bill.

Ouch...

If you're thinking about having a greener holiday season, try the following tips:

Use Better Lights

Try LED or energy-efficient bulbs instead of traditional ones. Incandescent lights draw up to

90% more watts than LED lights, so switching to LED strands—or going with wreaths, bows

and lawn ornaments that don't use energy—can save you a ton.

Use Smart Plugs

It's easy to forget to unplug decorations and lights, but doing so can make a real ding in your

monthly budget. That's where smart plugs come in handy. Some smart plugs can also be

programmed to run on a timer or manually from an app on your smart device. When you're

toasty in bed, you can turn off your lights to save on energy. Plus, if you're away on vacation,

you can pull a "Home Alone" and make it look like you're home, which can help deter holiday theft.

Cook Wisely and in Batches

Holiday cooking is one of the best parts of the season. This season, when you're making lots

of cookies, roasts and goodies, remember to bake in batches so you don't waste energy heating

and re-heating the oven.

Also, use appropriately-sized cookware. Glass or ceramic pots and pans can be heated to 25 degrees

less than recipes recommend, and cast iron retains heat easier, making these types of cookware

a good option to help you save more on energy costs. And don't forget that the oven will act as

a temporary space heater when you're cooking, so be sure to turn down your thermostat.

  

Carols around the fireplace, anyone?

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

Designing The Outdoors

We all love outdoor spaces, and if you have a large backyard, your possibilities may be endless. What happens when all you have is a balcony? Guess what: it can be transformed into a functional area! Here are a few tips:

Depending on the square footage of your outdoor area, consider what you will be using it for. Smaller spaces can be tricky, so try to find furniture that can double as storage, like a bench with space beneath or a table with drawers or an extra shelf. For larger spaces, consider separating areas by using potted plants to establish borders between the dining and lounging spaces.

Consider what your focal point will be to help determine your color scheme. If your outdoor space overlooks a beautiful landscape, then choosing neutral materials will create fewer distractions from the view. Alternatively, if you’re working with an urban setting, bring in a bit of color with potted plants and vibrant seat cushions or pillows.

Selecting the right outdoor furniture can be tough. If your space gets a lot of direct sunlight, metal furniture may not be your best choice as it can get hot and uncomfortable to touch. Additionally, if humidity is high it can be harsh on metal surfaces and require additional treatment and cleaning to maintain. Plastic, resin, or wicker furniture can be a bit lighter weight than other materials and easier to put away for the off season.

For smaller spaces, less can be much more. Bistro tables can be an excellent fit for city balconies and smaller patios as they don’t take up too much space and can be easily moved around. Forcing too much furniture into a small space will make it feel even smaller and may deter you from enjoying it.

Is your outdoor dining space for you and your spouse, or do you have a large family or entertain frequently? If you pride yourself as the host with the most, make sure your outdoor dining layout allows for a smooth cooking and entertaining experience. If your grill is the primary cooking space, make sure it is safely separated from the crowd, but also close enough that you can cook and entertain at the same time.

There are a million different ways to design an outdoor space and it really just boils down to your own personal style.

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Ready to shop for a home? Know loan types!

Before you go mortgage shopping, know loan types.Conventional Loans:

Conventional mortgages are ideal for borrowers with good or excellent credit. Conventional mortgages follow fairly conservative guidelines for:

—Borrower credit scores.
—Minimum down payments.
—Debt-to-income ratios.

What is “Debt-to-Income Ratio”?

Percentage of monthly income that is spent on debt payments, including mortgages, student loans, auto loans, minimum credit card payments and child support.

Closing costs, down payments, mortgage insurance and points can mean that the conventional borrower has to show up at closing with a sizable sum of money out of pocket.

What’s good: Conventional mortgages generally pose fewer hurdles than Federal Housing Administration or Veterans Affairs mortgages, which may take longer to process.

What’s not as good: You’ll need excellent credit to qualify for the best interest rates.FHA Loans:
 

Federal Housing Administration mortgages have flexible lending standards to benefit:

—People whose house payments will be a big chunk of take-home pay.
—Borrowers with low credit scores.
—Homebuyers with small down payments.

The Federal Housing Administration does not lend money. It insures mortgages.

The FHA allows borrowers to spend up to 56 percent or 57 percent of their income on monthly debt obligations, such as mortgage, credit cards, student loans and car loans. In contrast, conventional mortgage guidelines tend to cap debt-to-income ratios at around 45 percent and sometimes less.

For many FHA borrowers, the minimum down payment is 3.5 percent. Borrowers can qualify for FHA loans with credit scores of 580 and even lower.

Cost: Each FHA loan has 2 mortgage insurance premiums:

—An annual premium that varies from a low of 0.45 percent to a high of 0.85 percent. This premium is rolled into the monthly mortgage payment for the life of the loan. See how the premiums vary by loan term and amount of equity.

—An upfront premium of 1.75 percent of the loan amount, paid at closing.

What’s good: FHA loans are often the only option for borrowers with high debt-to-income ratios and low credit scores.

What’s not as good: FHA mortgage insurance premiums usually are higher than premiums for private mortgage insurance. To get rid of FHA premiums, you must refinance the loan.
 VA Loans:

Who they’re for: Most active-duty military and veterans qualify for Veterans Affairs mortgages. Many reservists and National Guard members are eligible. Spouses of military members who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability may also apply.

How they work: No down payment is required from qualified borrowers buying primary residences. The VA does not lend money but guarantees loans made by private lenders.

Cost: The VA charges an upfront VA funding fee, which can be rolled into the loan or paid by the seller. The funding fee varies from 1.25 percent to 3.3 percent of the loan amount.

The VA allows sellers to pay closing costs but doesn’t require them to. So the buyer might need money for closing costs. Borrowers may also need money for the earnest-money deposit.

What’s good: VA borrowers can qualify for 100 percent financing. Veterans do not have to be first-time buyers and may reuse their benefit.

What’s not as good: There are limits on loan amounts. The limits vary by county.
 
For more useful information or To Search for Homes go to http://www.homesalesneworleans.com/ 

Should you refinance?

Have you thought of refinancing? The option is becoming more of a possibility for many borrowers as housing values across the country continue to increase. The real question is whether homeowners should follow through with the cash out refinancing option.

A cash-out refinance means you refinance your mortgage for more than the current outstanding balance and keep the difference between the old and new loans. For instance, you want $25,000 to start a business. But you still owe $100,000 on a $200,000 house. You can refinance the mortgage at $125,000 and use the $25,000 in equity you pulled out for your business venture. Depending on the rate you started with, you could end up with a lower rate and a lower payment on the new mortgage, too.

Here are some Pros of Cash-Out Refinances:

— Satisfy big expenses: A cash-out refi is a way to access money to pay off big bills such as college tuition, medical expenses, new business funding or home improvements. It often comes at a more attractive interest rate than those on unsecured personal loans, student loans or credit cards.
— Improve your debt profile: Using a refinance to reduce or consolidate credit card debt is also considered a cash-out refinance and is a popular option.
— More stable rate: Many of borrowers choose to do a cash-out refinance for home improvement projects because they want a steady interest rate instead of an adjustable rate that comes with home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs.

Here are Cons of Cash-Out Refinances

— Worse terms: While you may get a lower interest rate than your current mortgage, your cash-out refi rate will be higher than a regular refinance at market rate. Even with a credit score is 800, you will pay a little more, usually an eighth of a percentage point higher, than the market rate on a regular loan.
— Cumbersome, and sometimes pricey, process: Gathering many of the same documents you did when you first got your home loan: past two years of tax returns; past two years of W-2 forms; 30 days’ worth of pay stubs; two most recent bank statements; and possibly more, depending on your situation.
— You’ll also have to pay closing costs at the end of the refinance, which can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on a variety of factors.
— Home at greater risk: Taking out equity puts you at greater risk of owing more than your home is worth when housing values go down.

So, is it for you?

To search for homes or for more useful information go tohttp://www.homesalesneworleans.com/

What Drives Home Buyers Nuts

It's not a secret that some sellers do things that drive buyers nuts. Here are just some:

1. Many sellers don’t want to accept the fact that their home is worth substantially less than they paid, or what they thought it was worth. Some sellers base the asking price on what they “need” (like the balance left on their mortgage). Or they calculate the price they paid, plus the cost of renovations or sweat equity. The problem is that none of those factors has the slightest relation to what a house is worth. As a result the sellers set an unrealistic price, and that drives buyers nuts.

2. Occasionally you see ads that read “cash or conventional preferred.” Or the more flagrant version: “No FHA or VA “. Some sellers may mistakenly believe closing on a government-secured loan will take longer, when in truth, some conventional loans can be harder to close. A few sellers may suspect their homes won’t pass the more stringent inspection conducted by an independent, government-certified professional. Those restrictions drive buyers nuts.

3. “Silent treatment” is another one! You look at the asking price (which is a little high), study the comparables and make a solid offer. And you’re met with … silence. Instead of seeing your well-researched bid as a place to start negotiations, the sellers act offended. Whether the seller’s “offense” is strategic or genuine, it’s not smart to ignore an offer.

4. Covering up flaws is the next pet peeve. From employing strategically placed carpets to concealing unpleasant facts about the home, attempts at deception drive buyers batty. Advice to sellers: disclose everything, no matter how minor.

5. What drives a buyer crazy? Falling in love with a house that’s not really for sale. That's called “Playing Mind Games”. Or falling in love with one that has problems that a seller refuses to fix. Sellers who refuse to make needed repairs believe the buyers are hooked. And for buyers who decide to go ahead with the purchase the big question becomes: “Where’s that money for repairs going to come from down the road?”

To search MLS go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

What makes buyers decide which house to chose

If you have ever wondered what drives a home buyer to select a particular home look no further. Here is an interesting article by RISMEDIA that provides a great insight http://rismedia.com/rrein/20904/1023666/5079737/79678?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

To search MLS for homes go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/ 

Should You Buy a Home Today???

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? Will it help to wait till you save more for down payment? Are the prices too high, and if so, should you wait till they come down? Questions, questions, questions... Accordingly to the recent research, waiting can be costly, and here is why:

http://rismedia.com/rrein/20128/1023666/5079737/76988?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

To search for homes go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

Housing Prices Went Up Again in April

While spring is typically the setting for a strong market, low inventories and growing sales may be the culprit of rocketing prices. Home prices continued their upward climb in April, with a 2.7 percent monthly advance, moving the year-on-year gain up to 6.8 percent. This forward motion represents 38 months of consecutive year-over-year increases in home prices. 

Old-fashion supply and demand, fueled by historically low mortgage rates and improving consumer finances and confidence, continue to push home prices up. Including distressed sales, 30 states plus the District of Columbia were at or within 10 percent of their peak prices in April. Included among these states are Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, Tennessee, Texas, Nebraska and New York. Selected markets such as the urban cores of Tampa and St. Petersburg; South Tampa; North East St.Pete; and the beaches, are extremely hot. All are at pre-recession levels with very low supplies.

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

Home Sales on the Rebound despite Affordability Concerns

Accordingly to Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales are expected to finish the year at their highest pace since 2006, but accelerating price growth and rising mortgage rates have the potential to slow sales. Existing-home sales are measurably higher than a year ago, and strengthened in March when more buyers entered the market as the spring buying season got underway. The sustained job growth and interest rates below 4 percent have been the catalyst behind the improvement in sales.

Yun expects home sales to steadily improve, ending up at a pace around 5.30 million (the highest since 2006) this year and 5.5 million in 2016. Yun also expects the national median existing-home price to rise to around 6 percent this year (5.7 percent in 2014) before moderating to 4 percent in 2016.
On the topic of home prices, Yun says increasing demand in recent months, without meaningful gains of new and existing-homes available for sale, is starting to negatively impact affordability and is pushing price growth to unhealthier levels.
Unlike the existing-home market, demand for single-family new home construction remains weak. Yun is forecasting housing starts to come in around 1.1 million this year and reach 1.4 million in 2016, which he says is still below the 1.5 million needed each year to keep up with the underlying demand. New-home sales are likely to total 570,000 this year, and increase to 720,000 next year.

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

Downsizing Tips

If you are planning to downsize is in the foreseeable future, idea of paring down the possessions might seem daunting. But if the home will be placed on the market, you’ll likely have to cut clutter nonetheless. Here are some tips:

1. Plan backwards from moving day. If you have a clear idea when you plan to move, start downsizing three months prior. Sorting through one room at a time is best.

2. OHIO rule. “Only handle it once.” Avoid placing items in “maybe” piles. Ask yourself if you would replace the item if it disappeared – this will make the process feel much less like a trashing of beloved possessions.

3. More isn’t always better. Don’t be afraid to purge duplicates. The same applies to clothing – avoid holding on to garments that no longer fit, but might “one day.”

4. Scale back collections. Cutting a collection can be upsetting for anyone, downsizing or not. Approach the process as gently and practically as possible. Ask yourself which items are favored more than others, or limit the amount based on display space.

5. Get cash for your castoffs. If you’re planning to sell an item, start early – some things may not move as quickly as you’d like, and you don’t want to be stuck with items you no longer want come moving day. Garage sale, E-Bay, Craigslist, Auctioneers -you are to determine what will work best.

6. Donate. Donating items to charitable organizations can make parting with possessions much more manageable. The Salvation Army will transport big-ticket items like furniture or appliances. Other items can be donated to Goodwill or a local charity of your choice.

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

Home Buying Rules

What's good for a buyer in a real estate transaction:

1.If you made an appointment to see a property don't cancel it.
To prepare for a showing, a smart seller spends time clearing up clutter and making the home shine, then grabs the kids and/or pets and vacates for a few hours so buyers can tour in peace.
 Respect that.

2. Remember “house rules”: don't crank up the heat or air conditioning, or let your kids run wild, bounce on the furniture, and borrow toys. Sellers are allowed to set some ground rules ("no shoes" is a popular one), be respectful of that.

3. Never nitpick. Complaining about small issues, like carpet and paint colors, is not a good negotiating strategy, focus on the big-picture items, like location and light level instead. Sellers don't care why you're discounting the house. They're looking at that bottom-line number. Include a roll call of defects and the question becomes, "Why do you want this place?"

4. Requesting multiple “visits” before closing can compromize succesful sale. Buyers want to bring in decorators, architects, family, while the seller is getting repairs done, accommodating inspectors, packing and moving. Arranging to visit while the inspector is there will be the best solution.

5. Never try to renegotiate after striking a deal. There are buyers who agree on a price, only to repeatedly demand concessions and discounts. It's extremely awkward and insulting.

6. Don't rush the closing date. Even in the best of circumstances, it's hard to leave a home for good. The date should be comfortable for all parties.

For more good advise visit http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/ 

Neighborhood on the Upswing

It’s hardly surprising potential home buyers often overlook transitional properties in favor of prime real estate. Purchasing a home in a neighborhood on the upswing is likely to be more affordable and add value to your quality of life and bottom line over time. As you go house hunting, keep in mind these six signs of a neighborhood on the upswing to find a great deal:

1. Neat Neighbors
The signs should be immediately apparent—in the form of trimmed lawns, pruned bushes, unbroken fences, nice flowerbeds, well-kept yards, absence of litter on the sidewalk/streets and local committees responsible for the area’s upkeep.

2. Quiet Streets
Nothing wreaks havoc on a homeowner’s experience more than the noise of traffic, industry or a commercial thoroughfare. If you want to sleep well at night in your new home, make sure your potential residence is located far from major highways, railroad tracks and airports.

3. Proximity to Vital Services
The best real estate locations are neighborhoods that provide easy access to these vital services:
• Schools
• Doctors and hospitals
• Public transportation and major highways
• Grocery stores and shopping centers
• Entertainment and recreational facilities
• Safe outdoor parks and nature spots

4. Picture Perfect Views
The view has a major impact on a property’s appeal. Indeed, properties facing mountain views, greenbelts, water views and sweeping city views fetch up to 20 percent more in market value over second-rate views or no views at all. High views are worth more than low views, so if you own a penthouse, you could strike gold when you decide to sell.

5. Safe Stats
• Check local crime rates. Also peruse the area’s Megan’s Law website to see if sex offenders live in the area.
• Look for well-lit roads and sidewalks, as well as working streetlamps that deter crime.
• Walls covered in graffiti can indicate the presence of gangs or a low-income area.
• Private parking spaces in front of the home or in a private garage are safer than parking on the street or in a public garage.
• Safe homes in an upswing neighborhood feature high-end security systems, strong door locks with deadbolts, well-lit driveways and fenced-in gardens.

6. Tips from a Neighborhood Specialist
Real estate agents who have up-to-date, hands-on knowledge of a particular area can be a big help in identifying a good neighborhood. They can provide
• Current home market values
• Appreciation/depreciation trends in the area
• History of the home and of the neighborhood
• Neighborhood amenities
• Neighborhood detractors and hazards

Home prices will fluctuate in any market, but a house in a neighborhood on the upswing is more likely to have hidden value than one in an already-popular area. As the upswing neighborhood grows into something sought-after, your home will attract greater numbers of prospective home buyers when it comes time for resale.

For more information go to findneworleansproperties.com

Fun Date Ideas

IF YOU’RE FEELING FUN!

1. MARIGNY BRASSERIE

Located right at the corner of Royal Street and Frenchmen, Marigny is some nice digs without the stuffiness of a formal atmosphere. They have outdoor seating if you want to see all the people on Frenchmen street or listen to the music. There couches for relaxing, white tablecloths, glassware and there’s always a great band playing. The food is a little pricier but definitely a great date spot. And afterwards, you can walk through the Frenchmen spots and get your dance on!

2.FULTON ALLEY

Considered “boutique bowling” Fulton Alley is where you can have a some good old fashion fun but still feel classy about it. With lovely chandeliers, a fully stocked bar, plus craft beers and yummy food, any date here would be fun. After you let the other win, you can stroll through the Alley or head to the Quarter, the night is yours!

3. OGDEN AFTER HOURS

I actually just found out about this recently and I’m so bummed that I didn’t know sooner. At the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, every Thursday evening from 6-8, there is free live music inside the museum for only $10! That’s so wonderful. You can enjoy the beautiful art and music before heading to dinner or just as a first date, this one will impress your more intellectual dates.

4. THE JEAN LAFITTE NATURE WALK

Sick of the usual bar and restaurant scene? Try a nature walk! You can go through the City Park nature trail or you could go through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. They have amazing trails, hiking, canoeing, and tours. Bring a nice picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Go at dusk and you see the fireflies lighting up the night air. Two warnings: bring bug spray and be sure to tell your date to dress appropriately.

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

That's Living in NOLA!

Open This Link:
http://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/new-orleans/the-25-new-orleans-commandments

 
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Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

First impressions count — not just for your friends, relatives, and the UPS guy, but for yourself. Whether it’s on an urban stoop or a Victorian front porch, your front door and the area leading up to it should extend a warm welcome to all comers — and needn’t cost a bundle.

Here’s what you can do to make welcoming happen on the cheap.

1.    Clear the way for curb appeal. The path to your front door should be at least 3 feet wide so people can walk shoulder-to-shoulder, with an unobstructed view and no stumbling hazards. So get out those loppers and cut back any overhanging branches or encroaching shrubs. 

2. Light the route. Landscape lighting makes it easy to get around at night. Solar-powered LED lights you can just stick in the ground, requiring no wiring, are suprisingly inexpensive. 

3. Go glossy. Borrow inspiration from London’s lovely row houses, whose owners assert their individuality by painting their doors in high-gloss colors. The reflective sheen of a royal blue, deep green, crimson, or whatever color you like will ensure your house stands out from the pack.

4. Pretty up the view. A door with lots of glass is a plus for letting light into the front hall -- but if you also want privacy and a bit of decor, check out decorative window film. It’s removable and re-positionable, and comes in innumerable styles and motifs.

A way to get the look of stained glass without doing custom work or buying a whole new door: Mount a decorative panel on the inside of the door behind an existing glass insert, $92 for an Arts and Crafts-style panel 20-inches-high by 11-inches-wide.

5. Replace door hardware. While you’re at it, polish up the handle on the big front door. Or better yet, replace it with a shiny new brass lockset with a secure deadbolt.

6. Please knock. Doorbells may be the norm, but a hefty knocker is a classic that will never run out of battery life, and another opportunity to express yourself (whatever your favorite animal or insect is, there’s a door-knocker in its image). 

7. Ever-greenery. Boxwoods are always tidy-looking, the definition of easy upkeep. A pair on either side of the door is traditional, but a singleton is good, too. About $25 at garden centers.

8. Numbers game. Is your house number clearly visible? That’s of prime importance if you want your guests to arrive and your pizza to be hot. 

9. Foot traffic. A hardworking mat for wiping muddy feet is a must.

10. Go for the glow. Fumbling for keys in the dark isn’t fun. Consider doubling up on porch lights with a pair of lanterns, one on each side of the door, for symmetry and twice the illumination. Many mounted lights are available well under $100.

11. Snail mail. Mailboxes run the gamut from kitschy roadside novelties masquerading as dogs, fish, or what-have-you to sober black lockboxes mounted alongside the front door.

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

Closing Costs: What You Should Expect‏

When it’s time to sign on the dotted line, do you know what costs to expect?

Closing costs are a major part of buying a home. Depending on the cost of the home, they can really add up, too. Typically, a home buyer can expect to pay between 2-5% of the purchase price of a home on closing costs. That’s not an insignificant sum.

What are the closing costs? They are fees related to the purchase of your new home. These are things over and above the amount you’re borrowing for your mortgage and any associated interest charges. In addition to your down payment, there are monies due to your lender and other parties–and it’s important to note that most of these are the responsibility of the buyer (there are some exceptions, like in the case of VA and other such loans).

What You Can Expect To Pay In Closing Costs

·         A fee for running your credit report–this fee is minimal and usually paid at the time the report is run.

·         A loan origination fee, which lenders charge for processing the loan paperwork for you.

·         Attorney’s fees.      

·         Discount points, where applicable, which are fees you pay in exchange for a lower interest rate (be sure to check with your lender).

·         Appraisal fee (charged by your lender).

·         Survey fee, which covers the cost of verifying property lines.

·         Title insurance, which protects the lender (and you!) in case the title isn’t clean.

·         Title search fees, which pay for a background check on the title to make sure there aren’t things such as unpaid mortgages or tax liens or any other such holds on the property.

·         Escrow deposit or earnest money, which may pay for a couple months’ property taxes and private mortgage insurance.

·         Title recording fee, which is paid to a city or county in exchange for recording the new land records.

·         Underwriting fee, which covers the cost of evaluating a mortgage loan application.

We mentioned that closing costs average between 2-5% of the purchase price of your new house. So, if your home cost $150,000, you can expect pay between $3,000 and $7,500 in closing costs. These costs can’t be rolled into your loan, so you should make sure that you have that cash reserved.

Your lender will give you a good faith estimate of what you can expect at closing, but this isn’t an exact figure. Within a day of your closing, you will receive a form HUD-1, which will go over, in detail, all of your closing costs.

Remember: these costs aren’t always set in stone and if they’re too far removed from what you’ve been led to expect, you can always walk away.  As with all matters related to purchasing a home, be educated. The last thing you want is to be taken by surprise.

Have Questions? Need Help? Visit http://findneworleansproperties.com/