In theory the plan sounds like a winner. Can't get the price you want for your home? Why not rent the property for a year or two? Make enough money to pay the mortgage, start a savings account, and have a enough left over each month to cook the family carne asada. Let's examine why renting may not be a viable alternative. 1) Rental rates are governed by the same market conditions as selling-- Folks will only pay what the market will support. "We need enough for..." has nothing to do with what real people will pay. 2) Have you shared the "good news" with your insurance company-- Our insurance friends get a little jumpy when you start talking about leasing your primary residence. Why? Do you remember how you treated that apartment back in college? Renting will be "our little secret" mi... 05/01/2012

Mid-Century Modern Home For Sale in Alexandria Louisiana--  Looking for an Alexandria home with character? Tired of cookie-cutter suburban homes that most folks cannot tell apart? Take a trip back in time and see what a more sophisticated age had to offer.  The Mid-Century design sought to bring outdoor spaces inside. Homes such as 505 Kimball feature large rows of windows and transition smoothly from room to room.  Built in storage means plenty of room for all your books. It's easy to see why two professors have owned 505 Kimball! Fancy books not included.  The original owner had the foresight to build this Mid-Century Modern on an extra large lot. Plenty of room for garden parties.  Ready for a private tour of this Mid-Century Modern for sale in Alexandria Louisiana? Call Doug Rogers ... 05/01/2012

 A seller remaining at home during a showing is about as welcome as a great white shark at the local beach. Both have the potential to end terribly and neither end in a contract.  This week I showed two homes where the owner remained. In the first case the owner was recovering from surgery. Even so, she stepped outside and did nothing to get in our way. That home is now under contract and we should close prior to Memorial Day... For some reason at the other property the gentleman was home in the middle of the day. I got the impression he had taken off work to meet with us in person. He started the tour by saying how crazy some "women Realtors" are. Did I mention one of my buyers is a woman?  As the tour progressed he mentioned that the house recently appraised for 10k UNDER his asking ... 04/28/2012

 With a foreclosure specialist on staff, my company gets daily calls from would-be buyers. Thanks to our internet advertising, many of these prospects will call from the front yard wanting to get inside. Let's examine why I can't give you the lock box code over the phone... 1) You may not really be a buyer-- Like a front porch light, foreclosures attract all sorts of critters. Some are legitimate buyers, others are looking for plunder. With only a cell phone call I can't determine which category you belong. 2) There may be safety concerns-- Think about it, if the owner is not paying the mortgage do you think they are keeping the property in top condition? I have seen holes in the floor, falling ceiling tiles, and mold just to name a few. Sure there is a property preservation company to... 04/25/2012

Buyers will often call "the name on the sign" in the hopes of securing a better deal. After all, who knows more inside information about a home than the listing agent? In theory the logic is sound, but let's take a moment to see how this logic falters in practice... 1) The Listing agent represents the seller-- We have a contract to secure the highest price, and best terms for our seller clients. In fact, we have to put the seller's needs ahead of our own. If we are advocating "best terms" for our seller, guess who is advocating for you? 2) Agents typically cannot negotiate commission-- Prior to becoming an agent, I fell for this logic myself. After all, the agent can cut part of his/her commission to make the deal work, right? Sellers agree to a certain commission with the Sponsoring B... 04/24/2012

Mobile Homes For Sale in Alexandria Louisiana--  With a lower cost per square foot than traditional properties, mobile homes are an option for buyers seeking the lowest possible entry price. Let's take a look at what mobile homes in Alexandria Louisiana are selling for. Active Listings There are currently 24 mobile homes for sale in greater Alexandria Louisiana. This amount includes units located in Grant parish. Values are all over the board, but the average list price is 86,441 or a little over 59 dollars per square foot. Recent Sales History In the past 12 months 16 mobile homes in Alexandria Louisiana have been sold. Here is where the numbers get interesting...The average sales price was 52,993 FAR BELOW the average asking price. When properly priced though, these units are selling ... 04/22/2012

 When I started in the business I would often toss around the pros and cons of listings verses buyers. Listings got your name out to the community and put those shiny new signs to work. Buyers on the other hand were a direct path to a check. All you had to do was find the right house and head to closing!  Thanks to good mentoring and blind luck I made it through that first year. Buyers a direct path to a check? Not the ones I was working with! And nobody told me that gas costs money. Touring folks around with gas over 3 bucks a gallon gets expensive in a hurry.   So then I decided to focus on listings...Let those other agents drive unrealistic buyers around. I'll plant my sign and conduct marketing from the office, where the air conditioning is free! Then the phone started ringing.  Pr... 04/16/2012

Garden District Home For Sale Alexandria La, Price Reduced--  Searching for old world charm, but not ready to sacrifice modern living? 1739 Thornton Court features just the right blend of historic charm and modern updates. Most rooms features stunning hardwood flooring and original fixtures. Imagine the grand parties this home must have hosted. With such elegance, odds are this property will have an active social calender! Imagine strolling down the steps to greet your dinner guests. Just like past owners of 1739 Thornton Court have been doing for generations! Don't let the home's elegance fool you. 1739 Thornton Court is built for living. Light colors and high ceilings make for comfortable day to day living.  Now you know why they call it the Garden District! All that's missing is a Mi... 04/16/2012

These are not fun closings. What should be a joyous time turns sour with an unhappy buyer signing papers on their new home. Let's examine what can cause a buyer to dislike their new home before unpacking the first box. 1) Buying the right house in the wrong area-- He REALLY wants to live in the country. She REALLY wants a colonial home. So a colonial home in the country is just what the doctor ordered right? Not so fast... transitioning from suburban life to country living (or vise versa) can be tough. Are you ready for the lifestyle adjustment each will bring? 2) Not ordering a professional home inspection-- When purchasing a home buyers typically get an inspection window at the start of escrow. The temptation is to skip the inspection and save the associated fee. When's the worst tim... 04/13/2012

 While this notion may seem counter-intuitive, let's take a look at how a lower starting price may end up MAKING you money at closing... 1) More buyer interest-- It's all about value these days. And that slightly lower price will appeal to a larger range of buyers. And buyers bring their agents to showings. So even if your home is not a good fit for this buyer, the agent may have someone else in mind! 2) A quicker sale means less carrying costs-- Summer is right around the corner. It does not take long for those 300 dollar utility bills to add up. Not to mention the mortgage you pay every 30 days... 3) A lower starting price means fewer painful cuts later on-- We are all human. A person who lists their home for 225k assumes they will get 225k. But what if the home is overpriced? Expect... 04/12/2012

 Do you have a buyer for my house, was the first thing the seller asked. Even before I could take my coat off (much less sign the listing agreement) the sellers wanted to know if I had a buyer for their home. Who could blame them? After all, our job is to bring buyers and sellers together. But rarely does the process happen that swiftly. Here's why: 1) Motivated buyers act quickly--buyers being relocated often have 1-2 days to find their new home. I have sat down and helped couples develop criteria for their new home. When we find the home that meets the majority of these conditions they purchase it. Most will compromise their selection criteria before moving into temporary housing. 2) Agents represent buyers just like they do sellers-- When I work with a buyer my goal is to find the p... 04/11/2012

 This is the actual view from our condo rental in Destin, Florida. In just under two months the family will see this view in person. Seven days with the tribe will go a long way to charging the real estate battery.  But oh how prices have risen! The past few years I have been spoiled by "recession pricing". Nothing puts pep in the step like getting 25-30% off your rental. Not this year...It seems folks are flocking to the beach (can you blame them?). So, after researching online and communicating with an ActiveRain buddy in Destin I paid full retail for the unit.  As a result between now and the end of May it's go time! Dam the torpedoes, let's sell some dirt! Frankly such motivation may actually MAKE me money. Well, probably not, my girls will surely spend any extra I manage to earn. ... 04/08/2012

 What's the quickest way to turn the American Dream into a nightmare? Buy more house than your CURRENT budget affords. Think a high car note for five years is tough? Try a mortgage payment you can't afford for the next 360 months.  Working with first-time buyers  I hear this logic often. Sure we only make 2,000 a month now but next year I will be due for a fat raise. Once we are earning 3,300 a month this note will be a breeze. Like a cynical old billy goat I ask the obvious question... What happens if you don't get that raise? Prior to real estate I had experience working for both the state and in the private sector. Nothing is more uncertain than a promised raise. Budgets get cut, bosses get fired, departments get slashed, but your sky-high mortgage payment stays the same. Want stres... 04/07/2012

 One crawfish is pointless, a 100 crawfish make a bountiful feast! Thanks to their teamwork and tender white flesh, a group of crawfish can put a smile on any Cajun's face.  Agents can learn a valuable lesson from from these delicious mud bugs. We need to stick together during difficult times.  Unless just know returning for a four year vacation, you are aware of the challenges we face. And hard times do not spare ActiveRain members. Probably an agent (or more) from your blog role is struggling making ends meet. And it only takes a couple of lean months before most agents are in real trouble.  Can we individually do anything to help? Probably not. I for one don't have that kind of money resting in the bank. But together we can make a difference.  Imagine the pep we could return to a be... 04/06/2012

"I can't believe she sold our house in less than a week", exclaimed my out of state friend. This house selling is easy! My hubby is on his way home now with the wine. After a quick congratulations she was off the phone. All the way in Louisiana I could hear her family celebrate...  "I thought our house was sold", you could hear the desperation in my friend's voice. Followup calls a week after contract are never good. Much like an early season hurricane, my friend's buyer fizzled out and disappeared. The details of the disappearance were a bit sketchy, but needless to say the sold home was back on the market.  Clients often fuss at me for not putting a giant SOLD banner on their home once we are under contract. The truth is aggressive marketing should not stop until the day of closing. ... 04/02/2012

3 Bedroom foreclosure in Alexandria Louisiana 71303--  Searching for foreclosures in Alexandria, Louisiana? 1819 Shannon street needs to be on your must see list. This 3 bedroom home would make a great investment property. 1819 Shannon features an open floor plan with plenty of built in storage. With fresh paint and new fixtures, this home would make a great rental.  The living room is large and has multiple windows that allow ample natural lighting. With a minimal amount of work, 1819 Shannon would shine!  This property features not one but TWO mature oak trees. These historic beauties provide shade for back yard summer enjoyment. For only 84,900 you can own this property!  Ready to tour 1819 Shannon Street? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today at (318) 613-1994. Search ... 03/31/2012

 Buying a home can be stressful for even the most seasoned investor. But for owner occupants (especially first timers) the process can be nerve wracking. A wise agent understands to pay attention to the following tell tale indicators: 1) The sudden appearance of mystery relatives--You have never met Uncle George. Suddenly on day nine of the inspection period he shows up to offer his professional guidance. He is a high school band director after all... 2) An increase in call volume-- Buyers have many questions, rightfully so. But when the one call a day client starts dialing every other hour something is going on. 3) Blowing minor issues out of proportion-- I once had a buyer threaten to walk because the owner would not replace a torn window screen. Come to find out he/she was having is... 03/28/2012

 We all hear tales of doom and gloom from the national media. If you believe the bleach blonde or aging pretty boy behind the news desk, housing is about to fall off the cliff. Buying a home would seem to be more risky than cooking meth in your crock pot. The truth is all housing is local. What happens in Seattle has little impact on Pineville, LA. Let's examine some national media claims and use LOCAL data to shed some light on the situation. 1) Owners would be crazy to sell in this market-- After all, who wants to list a home, keep it clean, and then never have a single showing? In Alexandria, La homes are selling in an average of 87 days! Sellers in Pineville are finding buyers in under 60 days! For a point of reference, any fewer than 180 days on market is considered a strong SELLE... 03/28/2012

 Located in the heart of Louisiana, Alexandria continues to benefit from its geographic location and healthy employment base. Combine this with low interest rates and you have a healthy housing market. Homes Currently For Sale In Alexandria In the popular 75k-250k range we have 154 active single family homes for sale. Worried about your monthly payment? With an average asking price of only 152,789 in most cases owning is cheaper than renting! Home Sales Activity In the past 90 days 56 single family homes have closed. With an average closing price of 160,500 these properties offer much bang for the buck. There are condos, Town homes, suburban, and rural properties from which to choose. And good news for sellers as well. Our average days on market is down to 87! Homes priced right from t... 03/26/2012

 These days every penny counts. As the father of four daughters I certainly understand the need to save a buck. Owners who try to sell without representation have my support. If it works out, then good for you.  But what if the home lingers? How does an owner decide enough is enough, I'm calling in the professionals! Let's examine what a professional agency can do for your situation: 1) Security-- This is often overlooked. Most "buyers" will find a FSBO from the signs. You would be surprised what sort of people will show up on your door step. Some of them even want to buy a house. Are you prepared to speak with the person on the other end of the peep hole? 2) Thick Skin-- Let's face it, getting a home loan if FAR more difficult today than a few years back. Are you prepared to ask tough... 03/26/2012