Choosing a Moving Company is Important

Personal belongings are important to you, and, as such, it is important to hire a moving team that will do what you expect. Here are questions to ask any company you're seeking to employ:

Do you have any references?

References or a link to online references are very informative, and will help you to form an opinion of how reliable the service will be.

What specific services do you offer?

Moving companies vary in terms of what they're willing to do for you. There are some companies that might refuse to move large items, such as grand pianos, and only provide the lifting and packing of smaller items. Or you might only want a company to do one or two things for you, such as load up a truck you've rented yourself.

Do you offer in-home estimates?

Knowing what needs to be moved is one thing, but understanding the cost of labor to get the job done is another.

Be sure to get everything in writing and secure the departure and arrival dates to avoid any potential hiccups.

What happens if something is damaged?

You've chosen a company you can trust and afford, but what will the company do if they accidentally break something of yours? Be sure to ask what the company's policy is on this subject.

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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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/

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/

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.

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.   

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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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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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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.

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/

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 

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

CREOLE COTTAGES IN UPTOWN, NEW ORLEANS

In the city of New Orleans the term Creole cottage tends to be more narrowly defined as a one story house with a gabled roof, the ridge of which is parallel to the street.

I love the cottages in New Orleans. Some features of this style of house are thought to be influences from places in France's former colonial empire. The front porches are believed to originate from the Caribbean islands. The high gabled roof is thought to be of French Canadian origin.

HOMES AND CONDOS, NEW ORLEANS, LA