Alexandria Garden District Home 71301--Under Contract After a brief 73 days on the market, this Alexandria Garden District home will soon have a new owner. Thanks to an aggressive marketing plan and a motivated owner this home beat the market average by almost a full month!    With refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint, and high ceilings is it any wonder why this Century 21Millennium listing is a winner? The new owner of 2308 Marye Street has secured a fine Garden District home! Need to sell your Alexandria Garden District home? Don't hire any old agent. Hire a local expert with the teeth to get the job done. Call Doug Rogers with Century 21 Millennium (318) 613-1994 today for your private home assessment. 08/18/2012

Thanks To My Office Team I Sold A House From Bourbon Street!  With school starting back tomorrow, this was the final chance to sneak down to New Orleans for a quick family get away. But with listings to sell, what's a po-boy agent to do? rely on his office of course! With the Century 21 Millennium Family, I mean office, backing me up the Rogers family was off to New Orleans!  With fine dining and plenty of shopping we had a blast on Canal Street. No sooner than arriving, one of my sellers had an emergency. Cancel the trip and head home? Thanks to my broker, Paige Walker, the sellers received first class service and are back on track. While the family toured the Audubon Aquarium, the office administrator took care of advertising my broker open house and answering phones. Who needs websit... 08/16/2012

Large Alexandria La Home For Sale 71301, Price Reduced--  Need a large home in Alexandria, Louisiana with plenty of room for all your toys? If so, 505 Kimball should be on your must see list. For only 114,000, you can own this Alexandria Garden District home. This Mid-Century Modern home features large windows, a smooth flow from room to room, and interesting lines. 505 Kimball features more charm per square foot than most homes in Alexandria! This Alexandria Garden District home has a much larger back yard than normally seen. Beyond the tree line there is a fence for added privacy.  Call Doug Rogers with Century 21 Millennium (318) 613-1994 for your private tour today. At only 114,000 This Garden District home will soon have a new owner. Why not you?  Searching for a top real estate ag... 08/12/2012

Alexandria Garden District Home For Sale- Open House Sunday 2-4pm-- Searching for a three bedroom home in the Alexandria Garden District? Is so, come by 2308 Marye Street Sunday August 12, 2012 from 2-4pm and see what this home has to offer. The recently refinished wood floors and fresh paint make this Garden District charmer one to remember. And take a look at that period fireplace! The owners of this Alexandria Garden District home did not cut any corners on this kitchen remodel. Enjoy a modern kitchen in a historic Garden District home. The best of both worlds! For under 130,000 dollars 2308 Marye Street could be your new home! Can't wait until Sunday? Call Doug Rogers with Century 21 Millennium (318) 613-1994 today! Searching for a top real estate agent in Alexandria, Louisiana? Nee... 08/10/2012

Recently I had a pleasant conversation with an individual who just enrolled in real estate school. With a straight face and clean conscience I told her real estate sales is a wonderful career. And I believe this, even on the bad days. But in the spirit of equal air time, let me share some lessons they don't teach people in real estate class. 1) Don't add extra days to the sales contract to pad for delays-- As a newbie I thought I was doing everyone a favor by adding 15 days or so to the sales contract, just in case. After all, who likes extension requests? But what I learned the hard way is the deals with "time padding" get placed on the back-burner while more pressing files are processed. Now I write my contracts 35 days out. If we need an extension so be it. 2) If the house don't sel... 08/10/2012

Does The End Of Summer Mean The End Of The Housing Market?  This time of year sellers start to get nervous. With children returning to school, the dog days of summer will soon end. Does the end of 95 degree days mean that home buying will come to an abrupt stop? Nope, let's examine why August should make school kids sad, but not necessarily home sellers. 1) Buyers have been distracted with back to school--As the parent of four kids, I can tell you the end of July/ early August is a blur. Uniforms, hair cuts, open houses, last minute trips, parents are simply busy. August is typically one of my slower months in the business. 2) The only "heat" will be in the home prices-- I showed houses most days in July. Touring properties in 100 degree heat is no fun. Let the temperatures drop just a ... 08/08/2012

Condos For Sale In Alexandria Louisiana 71303--  It's too darn hot for yard work. Tired of back breaking labor only to have the August sun vaporize the lawn? Consider the benefits of owning a Condo in Alexandria Louisiana. 1. Let someone else take care of the grounds-- Most condos in our area have owner associations that contract out lawn work and grounds keeping. Take that mower over to Cajun Pawn Stars and let the good times roll! 2. Small space means less  house to clean-- Tired of spending Fridays cleaning house only to have it messy by Sunday? Alexandria condo owners enjoy the benefits possible by not having to maintain a massive home. 3. There's an Alexandria, La condo for every budget-- Pictured above is a three bedroom corner unit at Village at Versailles. This West Alexandria c... 08/06/2012

 The buyer was a little miffed. After going over the interior with a Sherlock Holme's detective kit, Mr. buyer prospect was itching to tour the attic. "Hey Doug, may I borrow your flashlight, that attic is going to be dark". Maybe we should save that part of the home inspector I replied, in a cheerful tone of course. You would have thought I had farted at his wedding. Let's examine why this seasoned Alexandria real estate agent does not like his clients climbing in the attic... 1) It's hot as heck up there--During our tour the heat index was 105 degrees, on the ground. How hot do you think a stuffy attic might be? 120-130 degrees, according to my home inspector buddy. And you want to do this for every home on tour? 2) Most attics are not designed for walking-- So what's the plan? Are w... 08/04/2012

 Over the willows and through the woods to my buyer home tour I drove. Near the end I almost put the Jeep into 4 wheel drive, that's how far out we were. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks...  Even before my buyers arrived, I knew this was not the house for them. Move in ready? Perhaps if Sanford and Son decided to open a Louisiana office. Sparkling pool? Honestly the only thing bubbling was the septic system!  Were my buyers upset? Nope, they were the ones who picked this one out. After a quick tour my buyers returned home. I stuck around and took another loop through the house. Why? Did I yearn to see the Elvis plates again?  Nope, the second tour was designed to match the property to another buyer. As a competing agent buddy once told me, "there's a toilet for every butt". I've... 08/02/2012

Does A Home Warranty Mean We Don't Need A Home Inspection?  Consumers love their warranties. Computer acting up? Good thing you bought that extended protection plan. Car smoking like the Cheech and Chong van? That's what the bumper to bumper warranty is for.  So when buyers start searching for homes, that one year home warranty is total peace of mind, right? If we have the "platinum plan" service agreement isn't a home inspection wasted money?  Before you cancel that professional home inspection let's examine some limitations to most warranty plans. 1) Pre-existing damage is usually not covered--  Your dream home had nightmare renters and now the ac is broke. Most warranty companies insist that the equipment WAS functioning when you closed on the property. 2) Most plans exclude big tick... 07/28/2012

Alexandria La Housing Report Summer 2012-- In addition to 100 degree heat, Summer in Alexandria Louisiana means lush lawns (rain permitting of course). Buyer prospects touring homes in July see plenty of green, as in Lawns, trees, and shrubs. Let's see if that green is extending to the housing market. Homes Currently For Sale In the 75k-250k price range there are 166 homes for sale in greater Alexandria LA. With an average list price of 149,950 these properties represent great value for the dollar. There are condos, town homes, single family homes, and homes with acreage within this price range. Home Closings In the Last 90 Days Though a clip slower than May/June, the Alexandria La housing market continues to churn. In the 75k-250k range 77 properties successfully closed escrow. For an ... 07/27/2012

Alexandria Garden District Home For Rent 71301--  Searching for a 3 bedroom home to rent in Alexandria Louisiana? This Garden District charmer has been updated  with newer fixtures, paint, AC, and electrical. If you seek the perfect blend of old time class and modern updates, 2308 Marye Street should be on your tour list.  Hardwood flooring, period fireplace, and large ceilings. For the same price as a nasty apartment, you could live in the Alexandria Garden District!  Old world charm is great, except in the kitchen. 2308 Marye street features a modern kitchen for all your culinary needs! They call it the Garden District for a reason. Laugh at your friends who share a porch with three neighbors! Drink coffee in the morning and listen to the song birds. This is what defines Garden Distri... 07/26/2012

 For sale signs are like chicken pox, one normally makes more appear. Before long the peaceful street resembles the sound stage for House Hunters. With multiple options, how does a buyer make a selection?  Within a subdivision of similar homes, price normally is king. After all, why would a buyer pay more for a home than they need to? Do you pay more for chicken "just because you can"?  But our home has granite squares, thus the laws of human nature are null and void". Granite certainly looks nice, but frankly so does five thousand dollars in savings. I've seen buyers flock to Formica to save a few bucks. Be very wary of updating for profit these days.  Since kindergarten we have been told to "wait our turn". Sadly this does not apply to selling a home. Properties do not sell in the or... 07/22/2012

 What? The buyer wants me to pay HIS closing costs? How rude! Why shouldn't I pay the note on his Hyundai just to seal the deal? Some agent you are! The above is a summary of a recent conversation with one of my sellers. Naturally, the thought of paying 3,000-5,000 bucks of BUYER closing costs is not very appealing. And for sellers who bought when 20% down was the norm, such an arrangement can seem down right scandalous!  But facts are facts. The two most popular loan programs are Rural Development and VA. Why? Because they alone offer 100% financing! Get the seller to pay closing costs and the  buyer can get into the home with nothing out of pocket.  Some would argue such programs were part of the housing crisis. After all, without skin in the game are people really owners? Shouldn't ... 07/15/2012

 With visions of granite dancing in their head our buyer enters the housing market. Maybe it's the 100 degree heat, but every showing seems to end in frustration. "If only I could find the perfect house, my troubles would be over"!  Along the way there were a few near misses. The cool ranch home with hardwood flooring, if only the fence weren't chain link! And that french country home that you both loved? Yep, the utility room needed a sink to seal the deal.  Regardless of price point, the home buying game is one of compromise. I had a buyer turn up his nose at a half-million dollar home because the bathroom fixtures were dated. One trip to Home Depot and a plumber service call removed from the perfect home and he decided to keep looking. Last I heard he was still living with his in-la... 07/12/2012

Large Alexandria La Home For Sale 71301--  Looking for a large home for sale in Alexandria, La? 505 Kimball street features 2100 square feet in the main structure AND another 900 square feet in the second unit. All this space for only 124,900 dollars! 505 Kimball is a fine example of the Mid-Century Modern architectural style. Large floor to ceiling windows, easy flow from room to room, and neat built-ins are all hallmarks of this building style. For less than the monthly rent on a run-down apartment, YOU could own this property!   Need to keep someone close, but not too close? This large Alexandria La home features a separate structure with 900 heated square feet. There is a bathroom, living area, and full kitchen all under one roof. What would you do with such space?  Ready to tour 50... 07/09/2012

West Alexandria Condo For Rent 71303--  Searching for a West Alexandria condo to rent? Tired of climbing stars with 50 lbs of groceries? If so, this 2 bedroom unit at Parliament Square should be on your must see list.  This Parliament Square condo features fresh paint, nearly new carpet, and an open floor plan. Sick of writing multiple bills each month? This West Alexandria condo includes water, sewer, trash pickup, and basic cable. Give your checkbook a vacation!  The rooms feature clean lines and ample closest space. Work nights? This unit features "blackout" drapes. Now anytime can be night time!  This is one of the pool areas for Parliament Condo residents to enjoy. Thanks to our sub-tropical climate these facilities can be enjoyed most of the year. And what will it cost you to main... 07/08/2012

Seriously, your agent is calling for feedback? You had three full days notice of our showing and that was the best you could muster? Well, here's the feedback from our showing. Hope you learn something from it... 1) I love Victoria Secret's underwear-- But they belong on humans, preferably on someone you are in a long term committed relationship with. But that thong in the hallway sends the wrong signal... 2) Stop feeding your dog so much corn-- No creature should have that many kernels in their stool. How do I know this? Because there were turds everywhere! On the deck, in the back yard, in the side yard, surrounding the pool, and if I'm not mistaken in the kid's bedroom. At least I hope it was the dog's... 3) Hell hath no fury like your living room-- Your home was dark and probably 8... 07/05/2012

 The buyers reeked of family money. You know the type, odds are the last time anyone from that family worked the Mayflower was being fitted for her topsail!  And they had to see my short sell listing, "right away". Since their schedule was full we had to make an early morning appointment. The tour went well enough, and they seemed interested in the property. Then the ball dropped...  Why are they short selling? Asked the old lady from the Titanic. I mean, one of the buyers. While explaining what a short sell was she cut me off. "I know what a short sell is, we have the internet."  You can imagine how well my, "I'm not able to discuss my client's financial situation went over". "We understand," said Mr Belvedere. They are probably too lazy to work. No sir, in fact they work harder than ... 07/01/2012

 That's not a ZZ Top beard on the air filter. Dirt, pet hair, human skin, bed bugs, and frankly other things I dare not consider are plugging the filter.  While helping an investor prep his rental home I came across this baby. The renter had not changed the filter all year! There was a stack of brand new filters sitting in the closet by the air return. This would have been a 30 second fix not requiring a ladder or any tools. The renter was simply too dam lazy to slap a fresh filter in every now and then.  If you are thinking of renting the family homestead be prepared to watch the property like a hawk. Did I mention this same renter let her German Shepard "make potty" in the guest bedroom? The floor looked like a sausage factory. And the smell? Let's not dwell on that one... 06/30/2012