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Alexandria, LA Real Estate News

By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Deal Killers 2024 Edition And How To Prevent (sometimes)During my sixteen years I have seen it all. Of course no sooner than I type this there will be a newly flavored "real estate lesson." That said, deal killers in the real estate industry seem to follow common (and repeated) themes. For the purpose of our post, let's assume the buyer and sellers have agreed to terms and are cruising toward the closing table. What could possible go sideways???1) Home inspection issues--Fan of the horror movie genre? Everyone is happy and relaxing by the campfire, then suddenly Jason appears in the distance...First time sellers often assume that a signed contract means their house is SOLD. Nope, Let's see what the professional home inspector (and the buyer's father in law) has to say.Cheat CodeSellers ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How To Manage Stress From Real Estate SalesIn my 16 years in the sales business I have worked up markets, down markets, and a few flat ones. The one common thread? There is ALWAYS stress in the day to day practice. Here are some ways I learned to manage stress...1) Separate yourself from the transaction--This is a tough one due to the fact that agents typically get paid at closing. The deal dies the night before? No money for you! What this arrangement breeds is the agent sharing the same emotions as the buyer or seller. Our power comes not being connected to the deal. People in a sinking boat have a tough time teaching others how to swim. 2) Have ample savings-- Try to keep at least 90 days worth of bill money in the bank. This will help keep you for stressing out over every deal. 3) E...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Alexandria Louisiana Real Estate Report-- Late Spring 2013 As we near the half way point of 2013, the Alexandria La continues to show signs of health. Lets take a closer look at recent trends from our local MLS. Got a particular question concerning your Alexandria La home? Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994 or click Alexandria Louisiana real estate for an appointment. Homes Currently For Sale  As of June 5th, there are 207 homes for sale in Alexandria La, priced from 75k-309k. Homes priced below this range are typically considered investment properties. Whereas  a home priced North of 310k would be considered a luxury home in this area. The average list price is 171,400 dollars. Thanks to historically low interest rates such properties appeal to a wide range of buyers. Recent Homes That Ha...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
3 Bedroom Home For Sale in The Alexandria La Garden District Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Alexandria La real estate expert. Located at 2311 Hill Street, this home has been extensively updated inside and out. What to compare how 2311 Hill Street stacks up to the local competition? Click Alexandria Real Estate to view other homes for sale in the Garden District. Why 2311 Hill Street ? Stunning hardwood floors Multiple living areas Private fenced backyard Man-cave just off the kitchen Fresh interior/exterior paint Garden District Home Overview Maps Photos $122,500 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 1,965 sqft Location 2311 Hill StreetAlexandria, LA 71301USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" butto...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Real Estate Lessons From The Car Lot After eight years of loyal service, it became time to retire the beloved Liberty. She served with distinction (got me through the bulk of the Great Recession with no car note), but facing a busy summer I decided to go with something new.  The Honda Pilot had caught my eye, so with pricing research in hand I headed to the local dealer. Thankfully the dealer matched an out of town price so I was able to buy local. In addition to four years of debt, I was able to pick up some real estate lessons from the dealer... 1) Successful car sales folks arrive early-- The "ten deal a month club" get to work before 8am. 2) There was no middle class-- In speaking with my sales guy there are two groups at the dealer. 1) the ten deal gang, and 2) the broke folks. Mor...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
4 Bedroom Home For Sale Alexandria La--104 Magnolia Ridge Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Alexandria La real estate expert. Located at 104 Magnolia Ridge (Just past Tunks Cypress Inn), this four bedroom home has been recently reduced to 269,000 dollars. Click Alexandria La Real Estate to see how this home compares to the competition. Why 104 Magnolia Road? Located near Kincaid Lake Three FULL bathrooms Spacious kitchen with ample storage/cabinetry Multiple living areas Large Home Near Kincaid Lake Overview Maps Photos Video $269,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,421 sqftLot: 0.75 acre(s) Location 104 Magnolia RidgeBoyce, LA 71409USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Roge...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Do You Think The Great Recession Is Finally Over? I started in the real estate industry in 2008, just as things we tanking. So admittedly, all I have know in my real estate career are "interesting times". Short sales, REO, low appraisals. strict lending. Heck, it was not considered a "real" deal until 2-3 MAJOR problems were solved.  But this year things seem to be different. In my market 2012 was a productive year. But 2013 seems to have more optimism in the air. Houses are making appraisal, Fewer financing issues creep up at the last minute (perhaps due to a better pre-approval process), and overall deals are closing. Yes, there are still storm clouds on the horizon. The debt is out of control, hiring is weak, and the health care debacle over the next few years should be "fun". But pe...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Every Seller. Every Friday. No Exceptions The best ideas are the ones we boldly steal from our friends. Late in 2012 I started systematically calling on expired listings. Very quickly I noticed a common complaint with sellers. "That agent stuck the sign in the ground, then disappeared". Tales of going 4-6 weeks with ZERO communication was not uncommon.  Delayed client communication is like constipation, neither get better with time. In talking to my friend and fellow agent, David Beckham, I learned that he communicates with his sellers once a week. Faster than he could say, "you owe me lunch", I adopted his idea and made it my own. Now my sellers get a call on Friday afternoon regardless of circumstances. Just like lead generation, this time is untouchable. And I must say my life has go...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Avoid The "I skipped The Professional Home Inspection" Blues In life sometimes we take risks. After a careful calculation of the odds, we take that perilous leap of faith. On occasion our gambles pay off, other times not so much. Ever wondered how casinos stay in business with so many people gambling? Because most of the time the house wins!  In the housing game, sometimes buys will spin the fate bottle and skip the professional home inspection. Let's take a look at some common reasons consumers take the leap of faith... We can't afford the home inspection-- In Alexandria/Pineville home inspections are generally under 400 bucks. Don't have the cash? Borrow from a friend or family member. Still can't come up with the money? Then let's wait another month to find you a home. Yes, it's that...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Responding To A Low-Ball Offer The euphoria of a new offer is quickly crushed by the writing on the paper. Dreams of a quick closing and moving on with your life are soon dashed by terms that would make even a rascal blush. So what now? Reject the offer and hope for something better? Perhaps take the home of the market and wish for better days? Before you sign that termination agreement, let's examine how to properly respond to a low ball offer... Remove emotion from the transaction-- Don't get caught up in buyer request for update allowances, closing costs, or other considerations. Focus on the bottom line. Determine how much you will net from the offer and go from there. Avoid atempts to "teach the buyer a lesson"-- I have had sellers want to counter OVER their initial asking price, j...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Alexandria La Open Houses--104 Magnolia Ridge April 21 2pm-4pm Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994 for more information regarding this great Alexandria La open house. Located near Tunks Cypress Inn minutes from Kincaid lake, this home is perfect for someone who demands the outdoor lifestyle and close proximity to Alexandria. For only 276,500 dollars this home represents a great housing value. Stop in Sunday and see for yourself! Large Home Near Kincaid Lake Overview Maps Photos Video $276,500 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,421 sqftLot: 0.75 acre(s) Location 104 Magnolia RidgeBoyce, LA 71409USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(318) 640-2121dougsoldit@gm...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Is Your "Great Home For Active Family" A Fair Housing Violation? I'm not an attorney, nor do I play one on TV. I did represent myself once while pleading a speeding ticket. By the time the proceeding was done I was facing the death penalty. So I am slooow to give legal advice but... I cringe while reading agent descriptions on the MLS. A new listing today proudly stated, "Great home for the active family". I guess slothful singles need to keep looking. Once one ad mentioned the home being in a "safe" neighborhood. Good thing it was in one of the many "dangerous" neighborhoods in our fair city. Why should I care what other agents write? Recently an agent in Florida got sued due to a listing on his website. Was it his listing? Nope, this came straight from an MLS feed that he had zero con...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How Far Can ActiveRain Take you? All the way to the Chicago Tribune You never know where love or ActiveRain will take you. Consider the similarities...1) both cost money (but less as the relationship matures), 2) With love and blogging it pays to keep harsh words to yourself, and 3) both require consistent effort over time. But enough about romance, why the Chicago Tribune snip? Apparently one of my blog posts was picked up by the Chicago Tribune! Along with a couple of other ActiveRain members, my thoughts were included in an article on home upgrades.  My sphere may forget I am a real estate agent, but they won't forget that I was mentioned in a national newspaper. As soon as copyright issues are worked out, I'm getting a Tribune tattoo on my back. On second thought, perhaps I should s...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
My First Venture Into BlogTalkRadio-Introducing The Real Estate jungle In our business nothing is static. What was cutting edge in 2012 looks "Little House on the Prairie esq" in 2013. With that in mind I would like to introduce my first attempt at Blogtalkradio. I was introduced to this forum by a sales manger in Baton Rouge. In our field replication is the sincerest form of flattery. Yes the audio is a little rough for the first 22 seconds. Silly me thought this would be easy to clip and fix. Nope. But like my coach says,"If you wait for perfection, nothing gets done. Here goes! Listen to internet radio with The Real Estate Jungle on Blog Talk Radio
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Burning Up Your Home's Equity, One Cigarette At A Time Besides the healthy risks to smoking, lighting up can be hazardous your home's equity as well. Got a home to sell in Pineville La that has been smoked in? Here are some steps to help reduce the damage. Stop smoking inside ASAP-- This means RIGHT NOW, 100% of the time. Even when it is cold outside, go outside to enjoy that smooth tobacco flavor. "Containing" the smoke in one room is about as effective as "low-Tar" cigarettes. Remember them? Replace or Remove All drapes and bedding-- That fabric has served as a "smoke sponge" the last twenty years. And grandma's couch? Better put it to the curb as well... Allow the house to breathe-- Weather permitting, open all windows and doors every day. Paint interior walls--Ever removed a paintin...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
The Lender Pre-Approval Letter is the Ticket To Your Dream Home-- "Hi Doug, we would like to look at your listing on Hill Street. Can You meet us there are 3pm?" If I only had a penny for every consumer call that started this way... Such a call is only natural, considering that agents advertise houses to the public, not procedure. Let's take a minute to learn why it is important to speak with a lender before searching for your new home. Buying a house has changed greatly in the last few years-- Buying a home 5-10 years ago meant well, finding a home to purchase. Financing was far more relaxed. These days lenders take a close look at your purchasing power. It's good practice to speak with a lender early on, just in case there are some "credit wrinkles" that require ironing... Online Mort...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Purchasing A Home in Alexandria La--The Buyer Consultation Ready to buy a home in Alexandria La? If so, jump on my local website Alexandria Homes and explore what properties are available in our market. Find a few that you like? Then it is time for the buyer consultation. Let's examine what happens at this "meeting of the minds". We will go over your bank financing. Not approved for a loan? I will reccomend a few LOCAL lenders. I will help you develope your "Must"--things that are deal breakers, and "Want" features that would be nice lists. Regardless of price range, compromise is usually necessary. There is no perfect house. I will share my "top three" properties in your given price range! We will examine recent "Sold" properties in your area/ price range. This helps the buyer understa...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Advice For AR Newbies-Avoid Post Feature Paralysis --  My last ActiveRain post has received 137 comments, 21 re-blogs, and 8,450 clicks. People who I don't know are providing a virtual pat on the back and congratulating me on a job well done. Sounds nice, right? But how does one follow a gold star laced featured post? In my early days in the rain a featured post would have been a mixed blessing. Sure, the recognition is great, but how to follow such success? Won't my next sub-par post allow the readers to "see right through me"? If my next post is NOT featured doesn't this prove I am a fraud? In a word, no.  How do you follow a featured post? Simple, just write another post. My follow-up post concerned a piece of land I put under contract. If the stars align, it will reach 50 clicks jus...
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By David Beckham, Your Louisiana Real Estate Connection
(Realty Executives Bayou Properties)
West Pointe Subdivision Homes In Alexandria LA 6422 Bayou Crossing Alexandria LA 71303 - Custom built 3BR/2.5BA French Provincial home in one of Alexandria's premier areas called West Pointe Subdivision located at the end of Jackson St Extension. Superb open floor plan for entertaining, high ceilings,granite counter tops,wood and ceramic flooring plus many more custom features. West Pointe Subdivision Homes In Alexandria Louisiana                                        
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
We Countered Our Way Out Of A Deal A while back I was blessed with a "hot" listing. Great location, popular schools zones, and smart updates. All this while priced smack in the middle of Alexandria's hottest price range. What could possibly go wrong? Sure enough, an offer came in within days of the listing. The offer was strong (in fact, better than the owner's desired net) and so I was confident when presenting the deal. Good thing I didn't spend that commission check on the way over... It seems my clients had discussed the deal with their friend in Wyoming. "Never take the first offer unless it's full price, you have to give the house time to sell". With a straight face and firm eye contact I explained to them the error in that logic. But wouldn't you know it, they listened to their f...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Updated 3 Bedroom Home For Sale in Alexandria La--2316 Orange Street    Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Alexandria, La real estate authority. What to see how 2316 Orange Street compares to the competition? Click 3 Bedroom Homes For Sale in Alexandria La to search similar properties. Why 2316 Orange Street Located in the Alexandria La Garden District, this home features all the charm that comes with an older home. Worried about the "drama" that can come with such a property? Relax, this home features newer appliances, Wiring, plumbing, and A/C in 2012. Enjoy the charms of yesterday with the conveniences of today! Historic District Home Overview Maps Photos $125,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 1,344 sqft Location 2316 Orange StreetAlexandria...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
A Home Inspection Is Like A Candy Store, You Can't Have Everything-- You can't blame the first time buyer for trying. After paying 300-400 bucks for a home inspection, they want to get their money back by way of repairs. But in hot real estate market, buyers need to be careful when it comes to repair demands. Here some things to consider when completing an inspection response. Did I know about the defect before the inspection-- The purpose of an inspection is to uncover hidden defects. That 30 year old carpet? Take it into consideration when submitting your offer. Can I fix this myself--Are you a plumber by trade? Then perhaps take one for the team and unclog the sink yourself. Is the item a repair or an upgrade-- Asking for GFI outlets in a 40 year old home would be an upgrade, not a r...
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