Quality customer service in my market is sort of like the Mumps. Rare, but you know it when you see it. Frankly my service expectations were pretty low. I simply needed to run into the store and buy a book on the way home.  The evening did not begin on a positive note. On my way into the grocery store I had to navigate through a group of employees smoking near the interest. Nothing screams I don't give a dam like blowing 2nd hand smoke all over the customer. Just a quick jog into the bookstore and my evening shopping would be done.  Then I met Shanequia. How do I know her name? She greeted my wife and I as we entered! After making our selections she motioned us over to the snack bar. While other reps tried to hide from us, Shanequia sought us out.  And she is an amazing sales person. ... 10/09/2011

Homes for Sale In Bayou Oaks Subdivision Alexandria LA--   Located off Twin Bridges road, Bayou Oaks Subdivision is within minutes of shopping, major employers, and Alexandria International Airport.  Residents of Bayou Oaks Subdivision enjoy newer homes on large, spacious lots. The neighborhood is enclosed, resulting in zero through traffic. This make the neighborhood perfect for walkers or anyone wishing to avoid the noise of a busy street.    So how much does this peaceful lifestyle cost? Currently there are three homes for sale in Bayou Oaks Subdivision. Prices range from 169000-178500. With low interest rates owning a home is cheaper than renting an apartment in the area! Most of the homes also qualify for 100% Rural Development Financing.  Ready to explore what Bayou Oaks Subdivisi... 10/06/2011

Alexandria, La Townhomes-- The Village At Versailles  Searching for condos and townhomes in Alexandria, Louisiana? If so the Village At Versailles is a must see!  Located off Jackson Street Extension, these townhomes are close to the action in Alexandria. Shopping, work, and entertainment venues are minutes from your private garage. Yes that's right, the Village at Versailles features private garages!   While your car is snug in the private garage, whip up a dazzling meal in this gourmet kitchen! Who says townhome living must involve sacrifice? The development features both 2 and 3 bedroom units, giving buyers a certain degree of flexibility. Pricing for a two bedroom start around 140k and a 3 bedroom recently closed for 174,500.  What happens when aggressive pricing and high-end featur... 10/04/2011

 The Facebook greetings started coming in at 5am (Who's on Facebook at 5am anyway), by 830 my daughters had made me an "interesting" breakfast. Thank goodness for extra strength Pepto-Bismal!  Today marks the start of my 37th year on Earth. I have a great wife, four amazing daughters, and a pug that likes belly rubs. All in all not a bad life by any measure.  Business wise things are going well enough. At the beginning of the year I left my franchise brokerage and opened a firm with a partner. Though at times stressful, we stay busy enough to pay the bills. In this market I take that as a win.  What do I want from my 37th year? More of the same family wise, frankly I am blessed in that regard. Business wise I am thinking expansion. Perhaps we will bring on another agent? That market ju... 10/01/2011

Potential Red Flags When Searching For Alexandria Foreclosures--  Smart buyers realize the inherent value in purchasing an Alexandria Foreclosure. With distressed pricing, such property can turn into a great long term rental. Some investors even purchase these homes, rehab, and then flip for potential profit. Like anything else in life, opportunity does not come without risk. Here are some potential red flags when searching for Alexandria foreclosures... 1) No Property condition history-- In a traditional purchase the seller has to disclose any past issues with the home (structural, electrical, plumbing,etc...). With Alexandria foreclosures such vital history is missing. 2) The inability to do a proper home inspection-- With a traditional property, all utilities are turned on for the ho... 09/30/2011

Looking for a home in Good Earth Subdivision?  If so 5617 Demeter Street should be on your must see list! With large rooms, a fenced back yard, and great school zones this is one of the best buys in Alexandria Louisiana. Nobody wants to feel cramped in their home. This property in Good Earth Subdivision features large living areas. Plenty of room for all your furniture.  Residents of Good Earth Subdivision enjoy large lots with mature landscaping. Even "Sweety" gives it her approval.  Need two full bathrooms for your growing herd? 5617 Demeter in Good Earth features two large bathrooms, including a private one in the master.  Think Good Earth Subdivision in Alexandria Louisiana might be right for you? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today at (318) 613-1994. Click www.Louis... 09/23/2011

The Alexandria Louisiana Housing market is ripe for the first time buyer.    With low interest rates and affordable prices, now is a great time to buy a home. Let's take a closer look at how the Alexandria, Louisiana housing market is performing. Currently there are 115 homes for sale between 75k-155k. Within the last 30 days 11 homes have sold in this range with an average sales price of 114k. The average time on the market is only 89 days! For reference, anything under 180 days is considered a strong market.  With interest rates hovering around 4% buying usually is far cheaper than renting! Many smart buyers are purchasing a home and then renting out the spare bedroom. Such income is usually enough to almost cover the note. What beats living in a home for free?  Ready to take the next... 09/20/2011

Investment Property For Sale In Alexandria Louisiana The past decade has seen a surge of real estate investors nationally. This has become a lucrative business both nationally and locally. David Beckham and Keller Williams Realty Cenla Partners is the only local real estate firm in Alexandria, Louisiana that has carved out the niche market of real estate investor guidance and consultation. Buying Investment Property For Sale In Alexandria Louisiana is your best resource for guidance, acquisition and rehab.       What does Investment Property For Sale In Alexandria Louisiana mean? Often people believe investment property to be a very narrow term but it is not. Let's look at what defines an investment property. Key factors to define investment property: Distressed Condition Acquisition Pr... 08/24/2011

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Foreclosure Homes In Alexandria Louisiana   A common misconception is that you can get rich overnight through real estate investing. There are many infomercials almost every night of the week that offer get rich quick schemes but with no reliable results. This is certainly incorrect and impossible but with the right guidance by a true real estate professional investing can be very lucrative. Currently there are many3 Bedroom 2 Bath Foreclosure Homes In Alexandria Louisiana.  Below are some of my top tips for investing in real estate for our local market to make a profit.   Location, Location, Location!! ( This is such a cliche but very true in any market across the country) Do not become emotionally involved in a property purchase. Buy for the right price. Approximately... 08/22/2011

 Making the transition from renter to Alexandria Louisiana homeowner can be confusing. Should I buy in this market? Is owning a home in Alexandria Louisiana a good idea? Making the decision to become a homeowner is not something to be taken lightly. Let's examine the entry level housing market in Alexandria, Louisiana. Number of homes currently for sale-- 108 Average days on the market-- 87 Average transaction price-- 100k Number of sold homes in the past six months--56  In general terms, any fewer than 180 days on the market points to a seller's market. With an average of 87 days on the market, Alexandria Sellers seem to have the upper hand. Thanks to a strong industrial base and regional medical centers Central Louisiana has been sheltered from some of the national economic pain.  Re... 08/09/2011

Looking for a home in Alexandria Louisiana with Historic Charm? Take a minute and examine what 9817 HWY 1 South Outside of Alexandria, Louisiana has to offer. Buyers in Alexandria Louisiana have an alternative to the dull, cookie cutter new construction properties. Homes such as 9817 HWY 1 South display the gracious charm of a by-gone era. Though approximately 80 years old, the fireplace still keeps the home warm during the winter. Think the new construction will still be around in 80 years?  The refinished wood floors guide the owner to three spacious bedrooms and two baths.  Kick back and enjoy a nice cup of Community coffee on those lazy summer mornings.  If you look closely there is a horse grazing in the neighbor's pasture. Yep, your neighbors are that far away!    Homes for sale i... 08/02/2011

  With visions of granite counter tops dancing in their heads, the young couple embark on the house hunting quest. With the sizzle of a habanero pepper, they surf the internet, attend open house events, and tour multiple properties with their real estate agent.  So why is it that six months down the road they are still renting an apartment? With plenty of inventory and low rates home ownership is a no brainer. Yet here we meet our young couple, lugging yet another load of clothes to the laundry mat. Odds are unrealistic expectations soiled the home search.  Like most problems in our society the media is partially to blame. What channel does EVERY house hunter watch? That's right, HGTV. Buyers that seem like them load homes up with high end appliances, fancy flooring, and yes even granit... 05/28/2011

 A better me would have never done something like this. Heck, even a slightly improved Doug would have not pulled the trigger on this scheme. But times are tough...  I stink at taking pictures. Most of my Activerain friends can attest to this. So when a buddy of mine called to get some advice on a career in real estate the wheels in my head started to turn.  You see, my friend teaches photography at Stephen F. Austin State University. Did I mention he lives in another state? "Of course I can tell you all about real estate, but why drive down and EXPERIENCE a day in the life"? It sounded so noble even I started to believe in it.  Did I mention he has a 14,000 dollar camera? And that it was ninety degrees outside?? For the cost of a lunch sized burrito plate my friend took professional p... 05/21/2011

West Pointe Subdivision Homes For Sale In Alexandria Louisiana Looking for a spectacular home in our local market? The are many West Pointe Subdivision Homes For Sale currently. This abundant selection offers many choices for buyers to choose from. The neighborhood features top of the line amenities and a variety of architectural designs to suit even the savviest of tastes. The lot sizes for West Pointe Subdivision Homes are above average and offer plenty of room for additions or a pool. Whether you are looking for top notch new construction or just a large home with all the bells and whistles West Pointe Subdivision has you covered.   Currently there are 17 West Pointe Subdivision Homes For Sale In Alexandria LA List Price Range: $229,900 to $429,900 Average List Price: $302,488 Averag... 04/13/2011

Yes it's that time of the Year! Time for the Spring ArtWalk on Friday April 15, 2011 from 4:00 - 8:30 PM in Downtown Alexandria Louisiana! This great way to spend time with your family on this walking tour of artist from our area along with live music. Most of the Downtown area including Green Space, alleys, the Fulton mini park, and elsewhere along 3rd Street beginning at the intersection of 3rd and Jackson streets to the intersection of 3rd and St. James streets. Additionally, Family Playhouse's production of "Evangeline" will be playing at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center and "Scrappers," an independent film about two immigrant metal scavengers in Chicago, will be screened at the Hearn Stage of the Kress Theater.  Both the film and the play will begin at 7 PM. And don't m... 04/05/2011

Great Investment Property in Alexandria, Louisiana   1616 Yale Street ALEXANDRIA, LA Nice rental home in the heart of Alexandria. Close to public transportation and major employers. 3BR/1BA Single Family House $44,900 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,326 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 3,364 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionThough vacant now, home has rented for 525 within the recent past. Property Features FireplaceHardwood floorYard Additional Photos Photo 1Photo 2 Contact Info Doug Rogers 318-613-1994Bayou Properties Realty 5220 Rue Verdun, Suite A, Alexandria, La, 71303SALE.0912123264-ACT(318) 787-6582 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing 03/18/2011

 Selling a house in this market is tough enough, but when sellers introduce barriers the process can become impossible. Here are a few seller gems I have experienced lately. 1) Not Accepting a reasonable showing window-- An agent called the office to schedule a showing between 1-3pm. Naturally the seller though such a range was ridiculous and demanded an exact time. Why do agents ask for a range, because buyers are human. As such, we cannot tell exactly how long a showing will take. They love the house? The showing may be thirty minutes. They hate the house, think five minutes. Both throw a wrench into scheduling. 2) Insisting to be present for all showings--Nobody knows your house better than you. Nobody sells your house better than a Realtor. Buyers tend to clam up when a seller is p... 02/23/2011

The Alexandria episode, titled "Haunted Town" will be seen by an estimated minimum of 3 million viewers in the USA and Canada. The Season Premiere of Ghost Hunters International is Wednesday 2/23/11! The episode "Haunted Towns" was filmed in Alexandria Louisiana and will air at 9/8c time. Their main focus was on Downtown Third Street, The Hotel Bentley, Finnegan's Wake Pub, The City Hall Council Chambers and The Diamond Grill. You can see a 'SNEAK PEAK' of the show here:      And YES you can believe there will be many 'Ghost Hunter Parties' in CenLA! The largest will surely be held at The Diamond Grill where they will be airing the show on a 80" flat screen with several side screens to boot! Since this is one of the locations where the Hunters did find activity it should prove to be a G... 02/22/2011

  In both automobile repair and real estate most folks are willing to offer advice. Got a 1982 Oldsmobile that idles rough? Tell your friends and family! In no time you will be inundated with suggestions. Of course, rarely does any of the advice lead to a smooth running Oldsmobile (if there ever was such a thing).  Likewise, most of your friends and family are experts in the field of real estate. Why? Because they have bought and sold houses, sometimes even two or three! Sadly, following such counsel will often lead to a broken Oldsmobile and a home that won't sell. Here are some "tips" that friends and family have passed to my clients this year. Enjoy! 1) You Should Always Counter an Offer-- Recently a client received a fair CASH offer on their property. Listening to their friend, the... 02/17/2011

  In the past 18 years the Alexandria Mardi Gras Parade has grown to a National Event drawing crowds estimated at over 125,000. Imagine that.....RIGHT HERE IN CENTRAL LOUISIANA!! This year will be no different. Great Times and Memories for everyone who attends. There are 3 parades over the week-end of March 4 - 6, 2011 March 4, 2011 at 4:30 College Cheerleaders and Classic Cars (CCCC) Parade will kick off. Classic Cars are paired with College Cheerleader from Louisiana and Arkansas as well as High School and Junior High Cheerleaders from Rapides Parish. CCCC Parade Route 2011 The Grand Marshal for 2011 is Coach Don Boniol This parade will be followed by the TASTE OF MARDI GRAS event at the Riverfront Convention Center in Alexandria 7-9 PM. March 5, 2011 at 10:45 am 15th Annual Children'... 02/05/2011