Tip of the Day - Work with a Buyer's Agent All you buyers out there...have you considered working with a buyer's agent? The current real estate market allows for buyers to work with a buyer's agent. This means that your agent will help you find a house, take you through the process, and get you to a closing. You will be represented by that agent and your interests will be protected. So instead of calling the agent on every for sale sign in New Orleans that you see, consider working with one buyer's agent and have that person show you all of the listings that you would like to see. I wrote a longer blog post about this subject before. Click here to read. You may also be interested in: New Orleans Real Estate - The Definitive Blog __________________________________________________________... 08/26/2008

Tip of the Day - Reasons to Choose a Listing Agent For all of you sellers out there, I would like to give you a bit of advice..a tip!  Do not choose your agent based on the listing price that they give you.  Most agents will give you advice on the price point but will ultimately list it at whatever price you choose.  You should choose your real estate agent based on what they are going to do to actually sell your property! What kind of marketing plan are they going to put in place? Are they going to make sure that your property is adequately marketed on the Internet? Do they only put up sings? You should choose an agent that will best market your home...not the agent that claims they will be able to get you some outrageous price. You may also be interested in: New Orleans Real Estate -... 08/26/2008

There is more exciting news for the Algiers business community! The Algiers Community Foundation and the Algiers Economic Development Foundation will be awarding a total of $50,000 in grants to business owners along General Meyer Avenue in Algiers in a project that has been named Operation Facelift. Individual grants of up to $2,500 are being offered to improve exteriors and facades including: Windows Landscaping Signs Doors Exterior lighting Awnings Exterior paint Other improvements designed to enhance the appearance of the business With the proposed Federal City moving one step closer to reality in Algiers, this is a great opportunity for business owners in the area to use their new and improved appearance to entice new customers to come in and take a look around. Interested business ... 08/25/2008

Though Jane and I are primarily residential agents in New Orleans, I occasionally do serve commercial clients and that is how I spent today. I've been out of the commercial scene for several months and was certainly having fun with the fast pace and challenging negotiations. Dealing with a lot of out-of-towners today made me realize how many folks still don't understand that we are not just recovering, but exceeding pre-Katrina conditions on many fronts, and that millions and millions of dollars are pouring into our market. I had to post just a bit on a few of the many things going on in the commercial world that will have direct impacts on the residential real estate market here. These large projects are changing the look of the city and what we have to offer the world. Here are just s... 08/25/2008

IN HONOR OF THIS WEEK, A RECOUNTING OF EVACUATING NEW ORLEANS 3 YEARS AGO: "HOW I GOT THE GAS TO GET TO TEXAS" Once New Orleans flooded, and it was apparent returning was not an option I took out my atlas and eyed my quarter tank of gas. We had ridden out the storm in Chattawa, MS at a convent; Renee's aunt is a nun. Like everyone in the region they too had lost power and were running out of food. Staying with my dad in Mandeville wasn't really an option. Again, no power or food. So we set out for Austin, TX. My mom lives just outside in Lakeway in a home way too big for her and Renee and I had lived in the city proper for years where we could assume our old lives, as it were.Setting out Southbound back into LA to hit IH-10 West it was a Tuesday, the 30th. I had my wife and our two daug... 08/24/2008

    New Orleans rarely gets cold but can get hot. You do not need a large sapce to grow things but small areas.  I guess that is why courtyards were developed to contain the growth and manage nature. Once we hit Feburary it time to think Spring. The leaves fall sometime in December and many time the new leaves are soming as the old leaves are falling. We do have seasons like hot, hotter and cool.  However humid cool can easily become cold.     Weather in South Louisiana is great for growing things.  Plants, insects and fish are all included.  However I fool with the plant part.  Most of the time you never have to water here with 60 plus inches of rain per year.  You rarely have to worry about freezing during the day.  Snow comes every 20 years or so, the most was in 1964 so its been a w... 08/24/2008

I have seen the future.  And it is laced with cold Abita, mint juleps and sazeracs as one stumbles down a reborn Freret corridor.  Okay, maybe not so stereotypical on the regional alternative beverages, but you get the idea. This year will witness a third Freret bar open its doors, this one located on the corner of Upperline and Freret.  Rumor has it, it is called Cure, The Cure, or Cur - or some variation therein.  Taking over the old formerly white brick two story building that once advertised legal and/or notary services.  I think originally it may've been home to a fire dept, but I'll have to confirm that. Once this 3rd bar opens, Freret will offer a trinity of watering holes, the others being The Box Office and Friar Tuck's.  Somehow I think each bar will be just fine insofar as ca... 08/22/2008

     The New Orleans French Quarter is like a little city within a larger city.  The historic nature of the French Quarter has a lot to do with the neighborhood.  Many of the current residents live in condos which is relatively new idea since the 1950'S.      The Quarter is a small, small section of New Orleans but its the oldest part being the center of the Spanish and French Rule in their colonies before the founding of America. It still remains a treasure for all of us locals and tourist to enjoy. It is also a great place to take photos with all the colors and historic buildings.  It is much more than Bourbon Street as many people still live in the Quarter among the local shops.  There are few malls in New Orleans but Royal Street may have been a mall before chain stores were develop... 08/22/2008

Despite our awesome heat, ever present humidity, and daily afternoon teeny rainstorms, it is otherwise the end of summer.  Lazy, lazy summer.  Sad, really.  So my kids will be back on a schedule and re-start their academic ascension.  Rentals and sales will receive more routine attention.  And traffic.  Woeful, ridiculous traffic.  Will everyone stop driving already?  New Orleans is a pedestrian town! True, I drive more often than I should, but then you'll see me pedaling on any old bicycle about town too.  Colleagues and acquaintances that spot me tend to do a doubletake.  "Is that Jean-Paul riding carelessly down Freret?"  Yes, it's me. Some question things may not be going so good for me; they say the same thing when they see my truck.  I say, things are great, couldn't be better, et... 08/21/2008

From West Bank Living come the most recent absorption reports detailing supply and demand for real estate on the West Bank of New Orleans.  Algiers Algiers LA 70131 Home Sales and Real Estate Absorption Rates for August 2008 Algiers LA 70114 Homes for Sale and Real Estate Absorption Report for August 2008 English Turn Home Sales and Real Estate Absorption Rates for August 2008 Algiers Point Home Sales and Real Estate Absorption Rates for August 2008   Gretna and Terrytown City of Gretna LA 70053 Home Sales and Real Estate Absorption Rates for August 2008 Terrytown and Gretna LA 70056 Home Sales and Real Estate Absorption Rates for August 2008     Other West Bank Communities Belle Chasse LA Home Sales and Real Estate Absorption Report for August 2008 Harvey LA Home Sales and Real Estate ... 08/18/2008

Drive, Putt, Chip & Junior Tournament Event I spent last Saturday with my son. He competed in the Second Annual Drive Putt Chip & Junior Tournament Event. This golfing event was held at the TPC of Louisiana. This is the home of the Zurich Classic. I am proud that my son participates in The New Orleans chapter of The First Tee. This is a fine organization which promotes more than just golf. Visit your local chapter. The local chapter board members and volunteers really believe in their commitment to help kids. My son placed second in the putting contest. He was really excited with his placement. The driving portion he did well but the chipping well let's just say he has a lot of work in front of him on the up and down. For more information on how you can participate in this fine organiza... 08/18/2008

I can't begin to express how pleased I am that the proposed Federal City in Algiers seems to be moving forward!                              What is the Federal City?  Scheduled to open on the existing Naval Support Activity in Algiers, the City is expected to house multiple military offices, with 2,000 Marine personnel to be transferred to the installation and the eventual addition of other federal, state and local offices.  The plan was developed when the NSA facility was slated for closure as part of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure).  I'm actually already seeing the results of BRAC in other states with many new military families being transferred to NAS JRB in Belle Chasse recently and more scheduled by the end of the year. As a resident, I'm thrilled at the prospect of the positi... 08/15/2008

Are you a jazz fan looking for a new dining spot on the West Bank of New Orleans? Look no further than right here in Algiers and check out The Suite Jazz Cafe, a jazz and supper club offering dinner and Sunday brunches. I had the chance to drop in and visit with the owner last week and check it out at the end of the brunch. With a glass of the best sweet tea I've ever had right in front of me, Dr. Camacia Ross (an Algiers resident, she's also running for a position on the school board) allowed me to take a few photos to share with you. The brunch menu changes each Sunday, but it is built around "home cooking". The fried catfish I saw on a few plates looked delicious! There is a full bar, with happy hour on weekday evenings and live music on Friday and Saturday and during the Sunday brun... 08/13/2008

I've read all of the warnings.  I even put it on my to-do list, but pesky little things like life and business kept getting in the way all of the time.  So it got pushed off....put on the back burner...insert your favorite procrastination cliche here... Until this morning. I woke up, hit the power button and then wandered into the kitchen to pour my first cup of coffee.  Steaming cup in hand, I headed back into my home office, pulled out my chair and.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Please don't put off backing up all of your important data. p.s.  If I had your email address, it has been eaten by the blue screen of death.  I'd love to hear from you as I begin the slow, tortuous process of recreating my mailbox :) ~ Lisa   08/12/2008

New Orleans Real Estate - "A Pathway to Homeownership" I just read about a fantastic new housing assistance program here in New Orleans. The Finance Authority of New Orleans has teamed up with the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the City of New Orleans, and the State Office of Community Development to create this new program. It is specifically intended to help potential home buyers purchase a home and also help current homeowners who need help to renovate their homes in the Housing Opportunity Zones in Orleans Parish. Click here to see the "zones" where this new program applies. According to the website: The ‘Pathway to Homeownership' Soft-Second Mortgage Loan Program offers soft-second home mortgage loans through participating lenders up to $65,000 at 0% interest with payments on the lo... 08/12/2008

Choosing the right agent to list and sell your New Orleans West Bank home has become more important than ever.  Inventory rates are at historic highs in some neighborhoods and choosing the person who is responsible for helping you move on to the next phase of your life should NOT be based on: The fact that they charge the lowest commission The fact that they are your sister-in-law's cousin twice removed who just got their license and could use the business The fact that you've seen their picture in the newspaper and they just look like a such nice person Instead, here are 4 things that choosing your West Bank REALTOR SHOULD be based on and what you have a right to expect from them: A killer Internet presence.  According to the National Association of Realtors, over 84% of home buyers b... 08/11/2008

People who are moving because of a job change or transfer usually have a specific time frame for when they need to be in their new city. Jobs have a report to work date, kids may need to be enrolled in school and you'll need time to find a place to live in your new city or town. Relocating is a big deal with a lot work that goes along with it, even for those who have done it over and over again. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to plan far enough ahead. Sometimes a dream job drops in your lap or a big lifestyle change happens without notice. Have you considered how long it might take to sell your current home if you find yourself in the position of relocating? One good indicator is the average days on market in your area. With the current inventory of West Bank homes for sale, t... 08/11/2008

     The Warehouse Condos have fallen out of favor that need updating.  If they are priced accordingly you can, if willing and able to update come out fine.  You can give the condo the touches and that little extra that a developer cannot do.  You just have to do it and do the things that people want.  A large portion of this can be sweat equity and planning the upgrades in the most efficient manner.  You should also get the equity that come with taking a chance.     One of my clients Anne Pierson took that chance and now has a great second home and or corporate apartment to rent out.  Check out how the unit now looks as a condo that is very polished and very updated.  She has a flare for the remodel.  Anne's Corp Condo Site .  Compare these early photos of her condo and how it looks no... 08/10/2008

Bocage is a well established neighborhood in Algiers, on the West Bank of New Orleans. Conveniently located off of General de Gaulle, it provides easy access to the CBD, shopping, schools and churches. Streets named for French mademoiselles are lined with mature oak trees, providing a peaceful atmosphere and the perfect place for an early evening stroll through the neighborhood.Homes in Bocage Houses are typically 3 or 4 bedrooms with a range of styles from traditional and ranch to sidewinders, with both single and 2 story homes available. The majority of the homes in the area have garages, attached and detached. Square footage ranges from approximately 1,900 square feet to over 3,000 square feet of living area Other things to know about Bocage Active homeowners association with no requ... 08/09/2008

This past Saturday, just like the first Saturday of every August, was White Linen Night in the Arts District of New Orleans. I haven't seen such a crowd for a long time and although the weather was hot, hot, hot, it didn't appear to keep anyone from coming out, cruising through the art galleries and enjoying food and drinks all along Julia Street.   My husband and I are lucky enough to have friends who live in a great loft near Julia Street, so we parked by the Piazza d'Italia and headed up 3 flights of stairs to enjoy the rooftop view, some great company and a little wine before taking to the streets with the throngs. People were packed into the streets and some of the lucky early arrivals managed to grab the tables that were set up along the way. Not all linen, but white was the color... 08/07/2008