Buying a Vacation Home

Pretty often people returning from vacation trip start thinking about buying a vacation home rather
than paying for a hotel or a rental place. Unless you're fairly wealthy, you'll need to make sure
you can commit to buying a seasonal home before you start shopping around. Ask yourself the
following questions:

1. Can you afford to own a vacation home? If the answer to that question is yes, it is probably
wise to buy. Remember, the purchase price is only part of the cost of owning a vacation home.
You'll have to pay utility bills, maintenance fees and insurance premiums. And depending on
where your home is located, you could also be responsible for paying homeowners association
fees.

To decide whether you have enough money in the bank for a vacation home, ask yourself the
following questions:

• Do you have emergency savings (at least three to six months' worth of take-home pay)?
• Can you make a 20 percent down payment?
• If you have kids, have you already put aside enough money for a college fund?
• Can you still put away enough money for retirement?
• Does it fit in with your long-term investment strategy and financial goals? If you answered
• "Yes" to most of these questions vacation home is right for you!

2. While visiting an area that might become the location of your future home, do your research
and take the time to understand what the surrounding area has to offer. You'll also want to make
sure you visit during different parts of the year. So that you can get a feel for what it's like to live
there during different seasons. For example, when you retire, the amenities included in a vacation
home may take a backseat. Having access to a hospital and activities that improve your overall
health and well-being may be critical.

3.  Buying a seasonal home could be worth considering if you know how you're going to use it.
Maybe you view the home as an investment property that can serve as an additional source of income.
Maybe you've decided that you're going to find guests online through a website like Airbnb or Vacation
Rental by Owner (VRBO). If that is the plan, you'll probably need to hire someone to clean your home
and check for signs of damage and theft before new guests arrive. Keep in mind that rental income
will be taxed, and that you should be prepared to pay taxes.

For many people, the decision to purchase a vacation home is serious. If you decide to take that leap
of faith and you already have homeowners insurance, make sure you find out whether your current
policy will cover a second home. Also, if you intend to rent out the property, consider purchasing rent
loss insurance. It covers the loss of rental income following natural disasters and catastrophic incidents.

To search for homes visit https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.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/

Budget When Buying a House

If you decide to buy a house, there are some important factors to consider. Budgeting is extremely important.  It’s not just how much money you make; it’s also what you plan to do with it.

Try to project what the next five years or so will be like for you and your family. Are you planning to have kids in the next few years? Is your teen graduating from high school? Will they need you to co-sign for a college loan? Are you planning for a wedding?

All these can raise your debt-to-income ratio. Even if you can afford a mortgage with a 40% debt-to-income ratio now, life events like having children can bring that ratio up to and over 50%.

Plan for the house you can afford today—not what you can afford a few years from now when the raise kicks in. Home ownership isn't as simple as paying the mortgage. You can be sure other expenses will pop up. Repairs, general maintenance, condo fees, utilities and buying new furniture for your new home also need to be anticipated.

The more thorough your budgeting, the more comfortable you’ll be when shopping for a home.

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

That's Living in NOLA!

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

 
To read more go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/

This is What Buyers Want in a Home

Home builders across the United States are most likely to focus on “convenience, livability and energy efficiency” when constructing a typical single-family home today, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders.

Beyond those big three features, plenty of other “practical and functional” amenities were cited by the builders in the survey as key selling points, so I found examples of some of them.

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

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/

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.

For more real estate facts visit http://findneworleansproperties.com/

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.   

For more fun tips http://findneworleansproperties.com/

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.

For more real estate related information http://findneworleansproperties.com/ 

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.

For more tips and ideas http://findneworleansproperties.com/ 

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.

For real estate related tips http://findneworleansproperties.com/

Michael Jordan to Auction off Chicago Compound

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

For Real Estate related information visit

http://findneworleansproperties.com/

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!

For more real estate related tips go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/

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.

For information on homes for sale go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/

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
FindNewOrleansProperties.com

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,

or visit FindNewOrleansProperties.com