How to Make your Home Look Expensive on a Budget

You want your home to look luxe, but your bank account has other ideas, know that

you don't have to spend a lot to make it look like you did.

Splurge on Focal Pieces. You may not be able to break the bank on every item in your

home, but consider splurging on attention-grabbing pieces.

Layer Rugs. Rugs are a cost-effective way to add warmth and style to a room. To create

a custom look, layer rugs beneath a furniture grouping.

Employ Trim. There's no way around it. Wainscoting, crown moldings and other types

of custom millwork make a home look elegant.

Use Paint to Your Advantage. Not only is paint affordable, but it is transformative.

Simply painting walls a sophisticated color will achieve the high-end look you desire.

Paint can also transform thrift-store furniture and decor. With many types of paint readily

available, you can easily alter textures within your design scheme. Use chalk paint to

distress a vintage table or a metallic spray paint to refresh picture frames.

Paint Front Doors. Set the tone from the moment a guest arrives at your house. Paint your

front door a color that complements your home’s interior. The door's color will anchor your

home while adding drama and style to your entryway.

Opt for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Love the look of hardwood, but can't afford the

price tag? Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an affordable alternative. You can probably install it

yourself, which means you don't have to pay labor costs.

Fake It 'til You Make It. Expensive homes often have soaring ceilings. Your home's ceilings

may be decidedly lower, but you can make them look higher. Just hang your curtains closer

to the ceiling than the window frame. This creates an optical illusion that makes the room

seem taller.

Embrace Your Artistic Side. Large artwork is a great way to set your home apart, but it's

usually pricey. Try to make it yourself. Simply buy a huge, white canvas and create a masterpiece.

Display your art prominently in your home. When friends ask about it, just tell them you had

the piece commissioned by an up-and-coming artist!

 

Making your home look like a million bucks doesn't have to cost a fortune. You can achieve

a high-end look for less using some creativity and these tips.

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

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/

How to Sell your Home in No Time

Here are four top tips for getting your house ready to list for a ton of interest and potential bids:

Give Your Yard Attention

Cleaning up your yard and making it look welcoming will attract more potential buyers; curb appeal can add as much as 5 percent value to your home—and there are many improvements that can give you a large return on investment. Some of the best options are upgrading your mailbox, fixing your siding and adding walkways.

 Paint Inside and Out

Buyers want to see a fresh, clean space when they visit your home. By painting inside and out, you have the chance to apply a neutral tone throughout the home. Agents often tell sellers to use a bold color on the front door to add appeal and draw the eye to the entrance. Consider hiring a professional painter to help ease the process.

 Price Your Home Intelligently

The right sales price for your home is often the best way to sell your home quickly. If priced too high, you may scare buyers away before they even come to an open house, but, if priced too low, you may lose out on money. Work with your agent to price your home appropriately for your location! 

 Depersonalize the Space

Buyers want to look at a home as if they are moving in. Staging experts suggest that you rent a storage room and pack up everything that shows your family, pets or lifestyle until the home sells. Another idea is to hire a professional staging company to give you some tips.  They will provide insight into the colors, accent walls and accessories that'll play up the characteristics of your home, making for a great house showing. If you follow these tips, you should be on the road to selling your home in no time!

To Search for homes visit https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Buying a Home Today is More Affordable Than Renting

If you are renting but have been thinking about buying a home for awhile, here is a great article published by RISMEDIA that might help you make the right choice:

http://rismedia.com/rrein/22267/1023666/5079737/84283?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

To search for homes in the Greater New Orleans Area 

go to

http://www.homesalesneworleans.com/

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/ 

Are you planning to sell your home?

Are you one of the home owners that are planning to sell in 2016?

Whether it's a pending relocation or a thoughtfully planned downsizing that can occur at your own pace, it's a seller's market out there right now. Regardless of that, it never hurts to take proactive measures to ensure your home sells as quickly as possible and for the best price!

Here are some suggestions:

Exceed buyers' expectations. Get your property into tip-top shape before you put it on the market and you’ll eliminate most buyers’ potential objections. If there is no immediate turnaround pressure, sellers should spend some time figuring out what they can afford to do to make their property appealing and what repairs are necessary. Work with a REALTOR® to gain additional insight, suggestions and advice on what would bring sellers the most “bang for the buck”.
Don’t price your home without a comparative market analysis. Ask an experienced Realtor for a CMA to help you understand what it will take to sell in your neighborhood.

Don’t wait for values to go higher before you put your home on the market. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, new home construction is still lagging behind job growth. Additionally, there are more buyers considering the housing market today, as a result of continued improvements in the job sector.

For more useful information got to http://www.homesalesneworleans.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/

What Attracts Millennials When Buying a Home

Social spaces
Entertaining friends is very important to millennials, the more places in the home that are conducive to socializing, the more attractive it is to younger buyers. Put taller than usual table with bar chairs in the kitchen to give the impression of being a good place for a crowd to place their drinks during a cocktail party. If there is a balcony, try to fit a grill out there if it is allowed, it represents freedom and adulthood more than most other pieces of furniture.

Millennial-preferred amenities
Access to superior technology is important to this demographic, so take the time to research options available for those in your home. Millennials want a place to charge all of their gadgets, so build in shelves right next to electrical outlets as designated charging stations.

Showcase storage
Many millennials in urban areas don’t want to own a car, so their biggest burden is what to do with their bike. In small condos there isn't usually room to store them so they end up taking up space in the living room. One of the solutions is to mount a bike vertically in the wall space behind the entry door.

For more staging tips go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

This Home is Coming On The Market Soon

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

Does Your House Look Haunted?

Are you considering or trying to sell your home? If so, the last thing you want to do is spook buyers with a home that looks like a house out of a ghost town. Before putting your home on the market, rid your digs of these horrifying features.

Smashed windows. Unlike haunted houses, you probably don't have razor-like shards of glass protruding from the windows of your home. But are they drafty? Seal cracks, or consider replacing them altogether.

Neglected yard. Overgrown greenery (or brown-ery) is a sure sign of an abandoned abode.

Peeling paint. Dated wallpaper and worn-out paint are staples in haunted houses. Scrub your walls, patch any holes and roll on a fresh coat of paint in a ghostly neutral shade.

Foul odors. Your house (hopefully!) isn't home to anything decomposing, but remove trash and eliminate musty, stale air by opening the windows.

Creaky floors. Ghouls creep through haunted homes, making the floors creak and sending panicked visitors running out the door.

Cobwebs. Creepy-crawlers seem to love some homes, and pests are a serious turn-off for anyone. If you suspect a problem, call up the Orkin man to have it rectified immediately.

Gloomy rooms.  Avoid triggering childhood fears of the Boogeyman by lighting up dark walkways, dim rooms and shadowy corners.

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

Are Shoffices Coming Here?

Shoffices, or shed-office hybrids, are rapidly becoming a backyard fixture for homes In Great Brittan. A handful of London homeowners have already jumped on the bandwagon, combining a home office and storage shed with the help of some serious space-saving architecture.

Will Americans follow that direction? Maybe, or maybe not, but the idea is interesting.

1.       Working from home is much different than working in an office. Who really wants to work in their home? With a shoffice, you can physically separate yourself from your home life, eliminating all possibility that your mind will start wondering…

2.       Your backyard won’t look like a barren wasteland. If your backyard’s lacking in the landscaping department, a shoffice is the perfect way to enhance it.

3.       Your kids will love it. If you don’t need an office at home, construct a shoffice anyway and let your child’s imagination do the rest. What kid wouldn't love a cave/spaceship to play in?

4.       Your home’s value will go up. Creating usable living space where there was none typically has a positive impact on a home’s value. No matter the seller’s original purpose, an agent or stager can showcase a shoffice as a functional (albeit detached) part of any home.

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

SHOULD YOU RENT OR BUY YOUR NEXT HOME?

Privacy, proximity to family and friends, ambiance, environment and a sense of community all contribute to the emotional side. Tax breaks, transportation, amenities, and the opportunity to build equity are also factors. But the number one reason people buy homes is the desire to own a home, with the desire for more space a close second.

For most households, renting is less of a financial stretch than buying a home. Even in the best of times, homeowners must come up with a substantial amount of cash to cover the downpayment and closing costs, as well as be prepared for upcoming repairs and maintenance. While renters typically have to pay a security deposit plus the last month's rent, the total outlay is usually more modest than the upfront costs of buying. Equally important, renters who want to move do not incur the steep costs associated with selling a home.

Renting also brings greater certainty to household budgeting because tenants do not have to cover the costs of unexpected but necessary home repairs. Owning a home, however, requires money, time, and skill to manage its upkeep. Renting transfers responsibility for maintenance to a landlord, reducing risk and worry for those who prefer to avoid these obligations.

Beginning in 2009, the edge began to move to homeownership. Due to still-low home prices and rising rents, The Center for Housing Policy predicted that home buyers who purchase can build equity within four years, about the same length of time it takes to recoup closing costs. The reason building equity is important is that you can take money out of the home when you leave, which is not possible for renters.

One of the disadvantages of renting is that rents can go up. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, your costs will stay the same, although hazard insurance and property taxes can rise. However, rental insurance can rise, too.

Renting is a convenience and a great hedge when property prices are spiraling downward, but for long-term gain, tax benefits and equity is a better bet.

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

Privacy, proximity to family and friends, ambiance, environment and a sense of community all contribute to the emotional side. Tax breaks, transportation, amenities, and the opportunity to build equity are also factors. But the number one reason people buy homes is the desire to own a home, with the desire for more space a close second.

For most households, renting is less of a financial stretch than buying a home. Even in the best of times, homeowners must come up with a substantial amount of cash to cover the downpayment and closing costs, as well as be prepared for upcoming repairs and maintenance. While renters typically have to pay a security deposit plus the last month's rent, the total outlay is usually more modest than the upfront costs of buying. Equally important, renters who want to move do not incur the steep costs associated with selling a home.

Renting also brings greater certainty to household budgeting because tenants do not have to cover the costs of unexpected but necessary home repairs. Owning a home, however, requires money, time, and skill to manage its upkeep. Renting transfers responsibility for maintenance to a landlord, reducing risk and worry for those who prefer to avoid these obligations.

Beginning in 2009, the edge began to move to homeownership. Due to still-low home prices and rising rents, The Center for Housing Policy predicted that home buyers who purchase can build equity within four years, about the same length of time it takes 

Add Some Bling To Your Spaces

Grays have been catching on in more interiors this year and so has the color’s “flashier cousin” – silver, which is becoming a popular accent color in 2014. Silver is adding some sparkle to rooms, through shimmering fabrics and reflective glassware to even kitchen backsplashes and furniture.

Silver can be an attention-getting touch to liven up a space’s interior.

Metal tiles gained popularity in the past decade or so with the explosion of stainless steel kitchen appliances, and stainless steel tiles were [and still are] great harmonizers. However, they’ve also made their way out of the kitchen – and all that glitters isn’t always stainless steel. Tiles are available in different metals, including bronze, copper, and titanium, as well as different surfaces, such as brushed, polished, and textured.

Metallic finishes are everywhere from metal-toned lamp shades to the detailing in fabrics and throw pillows. Brass is also making a comeback in the metal arena. But you might want to still hold off on swapping out all those light fixtures for brass and keep the trend reserved to accessories, for now. The trend is evident, though, as more accessories take on a vintage gold look, such as in mirror frames to gold curtain rods.

Some gold and silver touches may just be the modern touch to bring a room more up-to-date.

For more ideas go to 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/