Here it goes, one more milestone blog post clogging the system...But I must say I am proud of those 300,000 points. True they are not dollars, but some of them LEAD to dollars. Other posts helped advertise my listings, and some where in pure fun.  But most of all the 300,000 points have introduced me to some great professionals around the country. For my paltry membership fee, I am able to learn from agents and other real estate professionals. Their experience can then become my education.  And that my friends trumps even Google Juice. One hour on ActiveRain each day is far more valuable than the formal continuing education I am forced to endure each year.  Thanks to all the staff and members who make ActiveRain such a pleasant place. Now it's off to 400k!   03/22/2012

 Paying for two households at once is not fun. Between two mortgages, taxes, insurance, lawn maintenance, and utilities it is only natural for cash-strapped sellers to try and cut expenses. Let's take a moment and explore why turning off the utilities is not a good place to cut. 1) Without light your home's selling features cannot be seen-- Even during the day natural light is not sharp enough to highlight unique crown molding, nice paint, or interesting fixtures. 2) No Light reduces the number of hours a day your home can be shown-- In the winter it is dark by the time buyers get off work. I have personally scratched homes off the show list due a lack of lighting. No show=no offer. 3) It is HOT in Louisiana-- With the air off, your home turns into a 2,000 square foot Dutch Oven. Any s... 03/19/2012

 In his defense, the new car was sweet. A Car and Driver 10Best, the BMW 3 series was worth a second glance. The exterior was a work of art, and the interior had enough leather to make a cow nervous. So why did this pretty car cause my stomach to turn? Because my pre-approved buyers just pulled up in it!  Last summer I spent a couple of weeks touring homes with this family. The budget would be tight, but they could manage to buy a nice home in their target area. Then they buy a Bimmer...  The roughly 650 dollar payment destroyed their debt ratios (debt/income). Due to the car purchase they then qualified for a far more modest home. We essentially went from looking at granite to old Formica. Any agent will tell you this is a tough transition.  The sad part is the car dealer told them th... 03/18/2012

 I had a buddy in high school who was the real deal. Smart, outgoing, and considered by the ladies to be good looking. In retrospect I think he hung out with me out of pity, but that's another blog post.  He would come to school most mornings complaining about all the phone calls. "Why, no sooner would I hang up the phone another girl would dial my number". But amongst all this complaining I noticed a twinkle in his eye. The attention was a nice ego boost for my friend.  In our business the quickest way to flatter another agent is to invite them to work with you. Even when I had no intention of leaving my firm, a quick "if you ever get the itch" was enough to put some pep back in my step.  Now that I own my own company, of course agent recruiting is a part of my week. Like an ice cold ... 03/17/2012

 Most folks thought we were crazy for opening up a real estate company during the Great Recession. After all, in times like these isn't it better to work for a large company? In realty, there were a few days along the way when I thought "they" might have been correct. But as I sit here drinking my last cup of morning coffee, Bayou Properties Realty has SIX transaction sides closing today! 28 Philadelphia Road  Located in Pineville, our firm represented the sellers in this transaction. The family that sold this home is buying a larger home in the community. Which leads us to... 54 Gunter Road My firm represented the buyer and seller on this transaction. On three acres of land, this property had a flurry of activity prior to going under contract. 119 Suzy Drive We represented the buyers ... 03/15/2012

 Bayou Properties Realty would like to extend a hardy congratulations to Ms. Erika Lauderdale. Before most people were at working this morning, she was getting the keys to her first home!  After touring homes in West Alexandria for a few weeks we came across a nice three bedroom home near Brasher Elementary School. Erika is the type of person that knows what she wants. Before we made it to the kitchen she was ready to write up an offer!  As this was an Alexandria short sale, closing did take close to 90 days. But the good news is she got the home for 8,000 dollars LESS than what it sold for in 2010.  With the last form signed, Ms Lauderdale became Alexandria's newest home owner. There is already talk of improvements, including a new wood fence. That home is blessed with a wonderful new... 03/13/2012

 A recent listing appointment turned awkward when it came time for the sellers to complete the home condition disclosure. In Louisiana sellers must complete a property condition statement at the time of listing. This form simple asks the sellers to disclose any defects they are aware of.  Apparently one spouse was more aware of the home's blemishes than the other. The husband was racing through the form checking "no defect" at the speed of light. As is usual the case the wife was the voice of reason. "Honey, don't you remember that the pipe under the house leaks. You were under there just last week". The look on his face was priceless! Let's examine what might have happened had the sellers not truthfully disclosed the defect... 1) Possibly nothing-- There is a chance the new owners wou... 03/11/2012

 I am still reaping benefits from the Raincamp I attended in 2010. Over my professional life I have attended dozens of conventions. Sadly, most were forgotten not long after my plane landed at Alexandria International Airport. There was always a nagging sense of regret for spending so much money for so little in return.  Raincamp was just the opposite. The speakers were great, and the information was first rate. I remember watching the clock with dread that afternoon realizing the training would soon come to an end.  Due to logistical/financial constraints Raincamp had to go virtual. And while I did benefit from the seminar, nothing beats the real thing. How about one mega camp once a year?  Frankly I would probably attend a yearly raincamp over NAR. The training is just that good. Wha... 03/09/2012

 Even though real estate can be challenging at times, I am blessed with the best clients in the world. A seller called yesterday needing to talk "face to face" right away. For those in the industry, you know such calls are rarely a good thing!  Imagine my surprise when the client handed me 6 quarts of farm fresh Louisiana Strawberries! As late as Thursday these babies were on the vine just outside Hammond, Louisiana. During the late Winter/ early Spring me client sells these delicious gems. Needless to say, residents of Alexandria scoop them off the shelf. In fact, he typically runs out of strawberries before noon.  Why the tiny picture? Needless to say my four kids jumped on them as soon as they hit the door. And a neighbor who I haven't spoken to in over a year "popped in" to say hi ... 03/02/2012

 Can you believe that in some cultures they use these treasures as bait? Down in Alexandria, Louisiana we understand that these little critters make a handsome meal. Here are some common questions outsiders have when faced with a tray of pleasure. 1) How Are They cooked-- Though you can get them fried or in etouffee (think a thick soup), true Alexandria natives know crawfish were made to be boiled. 2) Are they hot-- Depends on the seasoning blend your crawfish chef uses. Normally the crawfish get more spicy the closer you get to the bottom of the tray. Those babies have been soaking up all the yummy juices. 3) How Much Do They cost-- Who cares? Yes they are that good... 4) How Much Should I Order--Anywhere between 4-6lbs depending on how much you enjoy life. 5) How Do I peel them-- The... 02/29/2012

 I met Brent in line at the dorm cafeteria waaay back in the day. "Hello, my name is Brent and I'm from Vernon,Texas. Where you from"? How could I not became friends with someone like that? We became fast friends and had more fun in those few years than most folks have in a lifetime.  Sadly, our time at Stephen F Austin State University soon came to a close. By some miracle, both of us left town with a degree! I went East he went West and we soon lost touch. Fast forward 16 years...   About a month ago I got a Facebook request from him out of the blue. There on my computer screen was my partner in crime from the mid-1990's! He sure got old! My guess is he was thinking the same thing about me!  After a few Facebook messages we were finally able to talk on the phone tonight. And wouldn't... 02/28/2012

 At the end of the year we all sit back and plan our course for the new year. Like runners waiting for the starting gun, we await January with much eagerness. After all, the new year is a great time to start fresh.  As February winds down, we are 1/6th way through 2012. The new year's excitement has faded and most of us have settled into the grind.  Are you happy with the year thus far? Do those late December goals still seem reasonable?  So far I am cautiously optimistic. Business is steady, and there are deals in the pipeline. Lending is still tough, and my small market is never more than one factory closing away from stagnation. So onward we go. With any luck 2012 will be fine. And if things get rough, I will just grin and work harder. How about you?   02/27/2012

 Making the decision to sell your home is a big step. Once you are committed to moving it is time to get the house in show condition. Here are some areas of concern that need to be addressed when prepping your home. 1)Your Language-- This property is no longer "your home", the place where so many memories were made. Henceforth this unit is known as a "house" or object impeding you from the next phase of your life. Seriously, this step is crucial. 2) Curb Appeal-- Thanks to the internet most buyers will drive by on a scouting trip prior to touring the property. If the lawn looks like a rain forest, most buyers will move on. 3) Remove any odors--Your house has a distinct smell. Get rid of it. ASAP. When the buyer walks in the front door the first thing they will notice are any smells. I'... 02/27/2012

 A big-wig broker gave me some business advice a while back. "Doug, what Bayou Properties Realty needs is some office eye candy." I acted promptly, because advice that comes with a chuckle and pat on the back is usually spot on.  After a nation-wide search we found this Blue-Fronted Amazon in Tampa Florida. Thanks to the good folks at Delta Airlines he joined my family on Tuesday (the pilot actually hand delivered him, kudos to Delta).  In addition to being eye candy, our amazon will also be the official short sale negotiator. Don't let those pretty feathers fool you, that beak means business!  Now we need a name. Suggestions please! 02/25/2012

 I was running a bit late for closing yesterday. One of the few times I will not answer the phone is when I am with a client. Prior to closing, the cell phone is turned completely off.  Imagine my surprise when my IPhone started proclaiming, "Who Let The Dogs Out?" Thankfully nobody was paying any attention to the documents they were signing for this to interrupt the flow of closing.  The other agent and I shared a laugh and I put the phone on silent. LITERALLY SECONDS LATER, her phone starts ringing (just an old fashioned ring tone). IT'S THE SAME NUMBER. The caller is moving to the area and was calling on our real estate book ads.  And that's how long a prospect will wait, just long enough for one verse of "Who Let The Dogs Out". Answer those calls! 02/21/2012

 We are all frustrated with the recent service interruptions. Just this morning I was sipping some Community Coffee (awesome coffee for those not in the South) and complaining about "the lack of rain".  Sensing a foul mood rolling in, the wife made me go outside and play. Why not give the old Jeep a bath? After all, the last time I washed the Jeep the Yankees were looking good in the post season.  Just as I was finishing up my cell phone rang. A buyer was calling to get information on one of my listings. "I'm sorry, that home is under contract, but I would love to help find you another." As the conversation was winding down I asked how she found me. Until this point I assumed this was a sign call. "I found you on the internet, one of your blog posts". And that's why I put up with the o... 02/20/2012

 A buyer recently posted on Facebook, "wish me luck, I just bought a house!" Had we just returned from the settlement table? Nope, we were one of FOUR people that wrote an offer on a foreclosure. Sadly we did not get the home. In football terms writing a contract would be the equivalent of the end of the first quarter. As Dallas Cowboy fans can sadly tell you, there are four quarters in a game. Let's look at what happens after the offer is accepted. 1) The home inspection-- In Louisiana we negotiate an inspection period. Normally buyers agents request between 10-15 days. Nothing else happens before this. That way, if the buyers want to back out no other money has been spent. 2a) Title Work-- It is important that title work start as soon as the inspections are complete. Problems with th... 02/14/2012

 I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. "Buying this house is a great choice, and you can lock in this low rate for the next 30 years!" What was the rate you ask? Try 6.75%!  Last Summer I was telling anyone who would listen that rates "under 5% could not last long." For once I was right...My current buyers are locking in 3.75% for thirty years. Where is the bottom? Don't ask me! I will stick to matching buyers with houses. Let the mortgage folks deal with the loan forecasting. 02/14/2012

Home For Sale in Good Earth Subdivision, Alexandria Louisiana  Searching homes for sale in Good Earth Subdivision? This 3 bedroom 2  bath home on Demeter street is a bargain at only 139,900 dollars!  Good Earth Subdivision is located just off Jackson Street extension in West Alexandria. The kitchen features a nice ceramic tile bar and plenty of workspace.  The living room features a working fireplace and plenty of room for all your furniture. With fresh paint and new carpet this space would look amazing. Thanks to the modest asking price there should be plenty of money for updates!  The fenced backyard is perfect for pets on the go!  Ready to tour this lovely home in Good Earth Subdivision? If so, call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty at (318) 613-1994. 02/08/2012

 The deals are out there, but boy this market is tough. And like all performance based industries, the pain is not equally shared amongst the members. In speaking with other agents you can almost feel the pain in their voice.  "I sure hope this deal closes", "if I can only close this deal everything will be okay", "I was planning on buying my familiy's Christmas with this commission".  Over the past couple of months I have heard these statements and several others that were nor fit to print. There is a sense of dread that I have not picked up on in the past. Do I think the market is getting worse? Not really, I think people are just getting tired of waiting on the recovery.  Like family members waiting on the dock for an over due ship, the collective hope fades as time passes. Many of ... 02/07/2012