Make A Splash, Not A Laugh When Your Home Hits The Market  Getting ready to put your Alexandria, Louisiana home on the market? One of the most important decisions you will have is asking price. And just like dating, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Let's examine some common pricing strategies... The "This Is What I Need" approach-- Using this strategy, our home owners gather ALL of their bills. The mortgage, credit cards, car notes, heck even start-up costs in their next property, all in one giant mound. That's a lot to ask of a small three bedroom home! What's wrong with this approach? You are not giving the new owner all the junk. In a sense, you asking the new owner to pay for your home AND your lifestyle over the past few years. Even in a hot market this is a tall... 09/14/2014

Alexandria La Real Estate Market Report- September 2014  Searching for a home in Alexandria Louisiana? Or perhaps you are considering listing your home for sale. Either way, market knowledge is a valuable commodity. Let's take a few minutes and see how the Alexandria La housing market is performing. Homes For Sale in Alexandria Louisiana  As of early September, there are 145 homes for sale in the 75k-289k price range. Within this list are single family homes, condos, townhomes, and even a few with acreage. A little something for everyone! Homes That Have Recently Sold in Alexandria Louisiana  More so than existing inventory, recent "sold" data paints a better picture of the local market. Within the last thirty days, 34 homes have successfully closed escrow. That's more than one home a d... 09/08/2014

Historic Garden District Home with Great Finishes!! 3208 Madonna, Alexandria, La Remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Alexandria's Historic Garden District. The property features great finishes like real hardwood flooring and is move in ready. Plus an attractive corner lot with huge privacy fenced backyard. Listing is courtesy of David Beckham, Keller Williams Realty Cenla Partners   David Beckham is licensed by The Louisiana Real Estate Commission, USA Keller Williams Realty Cenla Partners 3600 Jackson Street Suite 123 Alexandria LA 71303 Each Office Independently Owned & Operated Office (318) 619-7796 Fax (318) 619-8719 Direct (318) 528-7171 08/26/2014

3 Bedroom Home For Sale in Alexandria La- 1019 Cinderella Court Searching for a 3 Bedroom home in Alexandria, La? Need space without breaking the bank? If so, 1019 Cinderella Court should be on your must see list. Let's take a minute and see what this 3 bedroom home has to offer. Why 1019 Cinderella Court? Great location near Outlaw's BBQ, medical offices, grocery stores, and Alexandria International Airport. large fenced backyard featuring mature oak trees. Updated with wood laminate floors, fresh paint, and french doors Separate dining room. Utility room located INSIDE the main house Covered patio perfect for entertaining 2 Full bathrooms Modest asking price of 137,500 dollars How To Purchase A home in Alexandria La Understand your budget-- paying cash for 1019 Cinderella Court? If so... 08/21/2014

For most dog lovers pets are not just pets, they are part of your family. If you want to make your outdoor space functional and fun for our four legged friends as well, check out the link below to view tips on pet friendly landscaping. From flea repelling plants to a sand box for digging your sure to walk away some great ideas! http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/landscaping-gardening/landscaping-for-dogs/   08/18/2014

If They Only Knew How Those Closing Brownies Were Made Random Person In My Office Building, "Hey Doug, what is that crazy dance you are doing"? Doug, "It's called the clear to close dance." This file has seen more drama than Joan Crawford. Inspection repairs that make Chinese drywall look sound, appraisal issues that included an appraiser who took a ten day "vacation" from the file, and what's life without a little title drama? There were numerous phone calls, emails that read more like manifestos, and more plot twists than a Spanish telenovela. Without the direct aid of Oreos and Rum this file would have died a month ago. So why am I ironing my dress shirt and cleaning behind my ears? BECAUSE WE ARE CLOSING BABY! Thanks to the hard work of myself and the listing agent, this file will m... 07/22/2014

Coping With Bad Days In Real Estate Sales Perhaps it's the fact that most of us are independent contractors. Or maybe because our compensation only comes at the end of a long and winding escrow road. Either way, real estate practice can be stressful. When stress comes calling, reduced productivity, burnout, and disappointment may soon follow. For newbies especially, unchecked stress can lead to a quick exit from the field. Let's look at some practical ways to manage stress. Get a schedule and stick to it-- Arrive at the same time (early morning, more on that later), start prospecting at the same time, follow-up etc... Be in control of your day to avoid moving from one crisis to the next. Exercise-- Right now it is a cool 95 degrees in Louisiana. But even a brief stroll around the block ... 07/15/2014

This website, houselogic.com gives us a few tips on the most practicle home upgrades you can make today to add value for the future. From energy efficient upgrades, creative storage ideas and lighting up the outdoors, these DIY ideas can really help, especially if you are on a budget!      All homeowners would like to add value to their home, just make sure your getting the best return for your investment. You may want to take a look at Remodeling Magazines 2014 Cost vs. Value Report.         07/09/2014

Dear Seller, We Can't Ignore The Home Inspection  For most sellers, the home inspection is a stressful time. After negotiating an offer, next comes a top to bottom physical checkup of the property. What happens when defects are found? Do we have to fix everything. Here are some key considerations concerning the home inspection. 1) Undressed Defects Can Kill The Transaction-- Unless you disclosed defects in advance, the buyer made the offer assuming the home systems were in working order. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Would you pay top dollar for a home with a defective roof? 2) We Can And Will Get An Expert's Opinion-- Home inspectors are like bird dogs,  they point out potential areas of concern. Before writing a check for the leaking pipes, of course we will get a plumber's opini... 07/08/2014

Home Warranties Don't Replace Professional Home Inspections Getting ready to purchase a home in Alexandria La? If so, take a minute and learn more about a common home buying misconception. Buyer Misconception-- We are getting a home warranty, so why waste money on a real inspection?  At first glance this passes the smell test. But here are some reasons why that milk may be spoiled. Most Warranty Plans Are limited in scope-- Got a cracked slab repair estimate for 30,000 dollars? No worries, we have a home warranty! Wait a minute, most plans exclude the foundation. Need a roof repair? Better check those policy exclusions. Payment limits are common-- A client of mine recently had the AC unit go bad. The good news? She had a home warranty plan. The bad news? They cut her a check for 1,300 d... 07/08/2014

Babies Cry, Puppies Pee, And Your Low-ball Offer Was Rejected "Come on Chloe, you take the blame for this one. You are sick, they can't get mad at you".  Last week I paid 168 dollars to have the carpets cleaned. Was this a planned cleaning? Nope, just a cost associated with having cute puppies. My dogs use the bathroom, most of the time outside. Last Wednesday was not one of those days... Did I get upset? Well, it's hard to be mad at something that is licking your face and his happy when you get home. Random carpet cleanings are simply an expected outcome of owning a pet. What else has this predictability? Having a low-ball offer rejected in a seller's market. Right now homes for sale in Alexandria La are finding a buyer in 88 days. For point of reference, 180 days is seen as a "balance... 07/06/2014

Buying A Home in Alexandria Louisiana- Key Professionals Getting ready to purchase your first home in Alexandria Louisiana? Or perhaps you are getting ready to sell your place, but the last time you were in the market Nixon was President. Either way, let's take a minute an learn more about the professionals who will help get you to the closing table. The Selling Agent-- The name is misleading, but the "selling agent" is the agent who represents the buyer. This licensed agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the buyer he or she represents. The costs of such representation is normally paid by the seller. The Listing Agent--As the name implies, this agent represents the seller. By written contract, they are obligated to look after the interest of the seller. In Louisiana "dual agency" is ... 07/05/2014

Alexandria La Housing Market Report- Early July 2014 Searching for a new home in Alexandria, Louisiana? Ready to enjoy living the good life that Central Louisiana has to offer? If so, take a moment and learn more about our local housing market. Homes Currently For Sale in Alexandria Louisiana As of July 3, there are 150 homes for sale in the 70k-299k price range. Within this group are examples of townhomes, condos, single family properties, and even a few Garden District Charmers. With an average size of 1,987 heated square feet, Alexandria home buyers can secure a nice space for their investment dollar. Homes That Have Recently Sold in Alexandria Louisiana In the past 90 days, 112 homes have successfully closed escrow. That is more than one property gone, every day of the week! How lon... 07/03/2014

Great Ways To Kill A Real Estate Deal Getting ready to sell your home in Alexandria, La? Let's take a moment to consider an important space when selling, the space between your ears! 1) Nobody Paid My Closing Costs, So I'm Not Paying Their Closing Costs-- Housing markets, like a great river, are in a constant state of flux. Today most buyers need closing costs assistance. Still want to stick to your principles? Let's target investors. They generally pay their closing costs. Of course they also offer 50 cents on the dollar... 2) I'm Not Fixing Nothing From The Inspection, The Home is AS/IS-- Home inspections are designed to protect both buyer and seller. Isn't it better to discover a defect now rather than after closing. Ever been to court? And once discovered, defects must be either fix... 07/03/2014

Alexandria La Real Estate Advice- Your Home Is Not SOLD Until Closing Hearty handshakes, hugs, even a few kisses, all because of a signed purchase agreement. But before the party gets out of control, let's understand why these displays of affection may be premature. Fact--Deals can and do fall out of escrow. All the time. Ever seen the sun shine during the rain? That happens when a deal fails to close. Fact-- There can be major issues with the home inspection. Every repaired a cracked slab? Replaced a roof on whim? I have never seen an inspection come back 100% clean. Never. Fact-- Buyers can loose their job. Happens all the time. Remember the Great Recession? Odds are we will tell our grand-kids about it one day. And they will roll their eyes, just like we did... Fact--Title issues can... 07/02/2014

Another Pineville La Home PENDING- 1009 Wells Road  Searching for a new home in Pineville Louisiana? Need a large home with multiple living areas? Sorry, but 1009 Wells Road is already on the way to the closing table! Need your Alexandria La or Pineville La home SOLD FAST? Call Bayou Properties Realty (318) 613-1994 today!   Large Home in Pineville La OverviewMapsPhotos $142,500 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms4 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 3,656 sqft Location 1009 Wells RoadPineville, LA 71360USA Doug Rogers Bayou Properties Realty(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.LouisianaHouseHunter.com   Listed by: Bayou Properties Realty Our recent listings Updated Three Bedroom Home3 Bedroom Pineville La HomeLand For Sale DevilleLarge Home in Pineville La3 Bedro... 07/02/2014

Buying A Home in Alexandria Louisiana- The Final Walk Through Getting ready to buy a home in Alexandria La? If so, take a little time to discover more about the home buying process. Today, we will learn more about a step near the end, the final walk through. Final Walk Through Defined  Simply put, this is when the buyer takes one last tour of the home prior to closing. Though the walk through can be within five days of closing, common practice dictates something closer to the end. What Should Happen All buyers on the contract should attend. Check to ensure all negotiated repairs are complete Determine that the home is in the same or better condition as when the offer was written What The Final Walk Through is NOT An opportunity to renegotiate price. Sadly, I have seen buyers try to do t... 06/28/2014

Homes For Sale in Alexandria La- 150k-175k Searching for a home in Alexandria, Louisiana? Let's take a minute and learn more about what local buyers can expect in the 150k-175k price range. Attributes of Alexandria La homes in the 150k-175k price range Three bedrooms, perhaps four in some cases two full size bathrooms There are homes in subdivisions, properties with 3-5 acres, condos, and even a few Alexandria La Garden District charmers. Move in ready properties. Need more square footage? There are some larger homes that could use a little sweat equity. Great financing options! Rural Development, FHA, VA, and conventional loans are common. Alexandria La housing inventory June 2014 In the 150k-175k price range, there are 35 homes for sale. With an average size of 1,933 heated square fee... 06/23/2014

From showing the exterior of your home some love to energy tax credits, the link below will give you a little insight into ownership related tax deductions, credits and strategies to lower your tax bill.   http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/home-tax-deductions/   David Beckham is licensed by The Louisiana Real Estate Commission, USA Keller Williams Realty Cenla Partners 3600 Jackson Street Suite 123 Alexandria LA 71303 Each Office Independently Owned & Operated Office (318) 619-7796 Fax (318) 619-8719 Direct (318) 528-7171 06/06/2014

  16 Days from Listing to Closing!   Hot Market Right Now!    Wow, this neighborhood is on fire!   I listed this fabulous house and had it under contract in 5 days.  The house closed today already... ready for this... 16 days from start to finish!   Luckily I had some very flexible sellers that were able to handle this timeframe, as it not easy.  Inspection, appraisal, moving quotes, packing and moving were all fit into a 10 day period before the closing date of today.   Needless to say, this is ONE DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD!   Call me if you or anyone you know is ready to sell their West Pointe Home! 05/23/2014