Under a threatening sky, the Lady gators took the field. Don't let the ponytails and bubblegum fool you these girls mean business.  Katie, our star pitcher, hitter, runner, leader takes a moment to model our team uniforms. Apparently the lime green strikes fear in the competition as night approaches. At least that's what the sales lady told me...  That's my daughter Ashley at bat. She gave it three good swings but failed to connect. Isn't that what life is about? Taking tough swings and coming back again if things don't work out. These kids learn valuable life lessons on the field.  My niece Makayla connected with the ball. Unfortunately she "connected" with her rib cage! But she made it to base either way.  The water bottles were a hit. It's always good when an only child requests an... 03/30/2012

 With positive news on the employment front and continued low interest rates, the Pineville Louisiana housing market remains strong. Let's take a closer look at our market. Homes Currently For Sale   There are 113 Active single family homes for sale in the greater Pineville market. With an average list price just north of 160k, these properties are attractive to a wide range of buyers. Homes Sold in the Last 90 Days   Buyers closed on 59 single family properties in the last three months alone! Within this group the average transaction price was only 151k! And this was after a brief 68 days on the market!! What the numbers suggest Bucking the national trend, the Pineville Louisiana market favors sellers. Properties new to market often face multiple offers within the first few days. A ho... 03/25/2012

 I will never forget getting sneezed on as a kid. I turned the hall corner just as my principle let out a giant sneeze. While riding out Hurricane Gustav a few years back this memory surfaced. Not sure which event got me more wet...  In both instances the coverage was total. There was no doubt that I was a different person after each event. Much like hurricane winds (or snot) our attitude can change those around us. With all the craziness in real estate world, we need to treat those around us with good cheer.  I have seen a simple kind gesture change a person's entire demeanor. Once I held a door open for an elderly lady at dinner. She stopped and said that was the only good thing that had happened to her all day. Consider that for a moment. Your kind gesture or smile might be the only... 03/22/2012

 Three days after placing my order, Borino's expired listing kit hit the doorstep. Fast delivery is always a postive sign in my book!  The kit contains everything an agent needs to develop an expired listing campaign. Included were 1) A success guide 2) A step by step workbook 3) 2 DVDs 4) A personal coaching session with Borino 5) And a surprise gift that I will not disclose!  This post will focus on the success guide. Being an impatient fellow, I almost skipped this and went straight for the scripts. So glad I took the time to do it right!  The success guide focuses on mental roadblocks to real estate success (not limited to expireds). I found both the content and exercises rewarding. Essentially this is a "clear your mind so you will be ready for training" unit. This workbook alone ... 03/21/2012

 Bayou Properties Realty would like to welcome home Amanda and Scott Spurlock. Today this young couple signed papers on 132 Legacy Loop in Pineville.  Don't let the smiles fool you, this couple has been going non-stop in March. After a lovely plantation wedding they were off to Hawaii for the honeymoon. A brave soul, Amanda took on wedding, honeymoon, and house hunt planning all at the same time. And like all great husbands, Scoot tackled much of the behind the scenes work himself. Put them together and you have a couple that can get stuff done!  I tried to get them to kiss for the camera, but you can't win them all. Wanna see their new home???  Now that's what I call curb appeal!  Ready to find your dream home? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today (318) 613-1994. Prefer... 03/15/2012

 Last night I dreamed about a house. It was an older two story on a nice lot that needed updating. After weeks of elbow grease and many trips to Lowe's the home was a showpiece. I woke up with a smile on my face.  Maybe it was the fact that I moved around a lot as a kid. For me our family house was a source of stability. Regardless of how far we lived from extended family, our house was our anchor. Even when we were going to live in a town short term, father insisted on purchasing a home. He understood the real value of "The Rogers' House".  In other industries that I have toiled in a love of product was not necessary. My time at the railroad was not due to a love of trains. Likewise, in the mid-1990's I thought cell phones were stupid even though I earned a commission on each on sold.... 03/11/2012

3 Bedroom Home For Rent in Pineville,La,71360  Looking for a 3 bedroom home for rent in Pineville, La? If so 618 Lallah Street needs to be on your must see list!  Tired of carpet that collects all sorts of germs and odors? This home for rent in Pineville features original hardwood floors and new vinyl in the kitchen. No carpet here! Even in a old home with character people want new appliances. 618 Lallah has brand new kitchen appliances! Say goodbye to nasty old stoves and dishwashers from the Nixon era.  The spacious back yard is perfect for entertaining! Plenty of room for all your toys! Ready to tour 618 Lallah? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today!   03/10/2012

 Let's face it. These days money is tight. Home buyers in Pineville are taking a close look at every charge associated with their home purchase.  Frankly that 400-500 home warranty fee LOOKS like a nice place to skimp. After all, what are the odds of something breaking in the first year of ownership? Based on the service reply cards I get from my past clients, pretty high.  Each time a client makes a claim, the warranty company sends me a courtesy card. I would post a picture, but the numbers might scare you...One client had 1,800 dollars worth of AC work done, TWO MONTHS into ownership! You better believe they were happy for the coverage.  As a buyer's agent in Pineville, I first try to get the seller to pay for the warranty. This works most of the time. But when we are unable to nego... 03/09/2012

We all know real estate sales can be a grind. Every now and then it is important to take time to relax and give something back to the community. On Friday, Prince the Parrot dropped in at JI Barron Elementary School to check on things.  Specifically, Prince was interested in the 4th grade gifted kids of Ms. Dryden's class. After some small talk, treats were exchanged, grapes were consumed and he got a chance to hold some of the kids! At this time Prince would like to offer his deepest regrets for "bombing" one student. Apparently it is considered rude in some cultures to poop on a friend. Oh well, when in Rome...  All too soon it was time for the kids to get back to work. In the near future Prince hopes to inspect Ms. Smith's kindergarten class. Now that should be an interesting blog!   03/02/2012

Even the best kept property will need a little TLC prior to moving in. Buyers need to decide how much "sweat equity" they are willing to invest in their new home. Even though that "fixer-upper" seems cheap, once repairs are factored in the real price may not be so sweet. Let's examine three categories of home repairs: 1) Mandated Repairs-- Popular low money down loans come with strings attached. The subject property needs to be in good condition to qualify for this loan family. Missing roof shingles, peeling paint, or non-functioning appliances can put the brakes on your home purchase. Such items will need to be fixed or repaired prior to a loan funding. This is why foreclosures typically are not a good idea for 1st time buyers. 2) Deferred Maintenance-- One of the joys of home ownersh... 02/25/2012

 Thanks to your realistic pricing from the beginning, you now have an acceptable offer on the table. Before I go any further, let me offer my congratulations! Getting a workable offer can be tough, but you did it! Now, about those boxes...  In Louisiana occupancy is assumed to be at closing. As such, the seller needs to be COMPLETELY out of the home AT CLOSING. Some markets are different, but in my fair state this is the case. The good news is you have a deadline, which is great for motivating action. My clients find it helpful to conceptualize the move as occurring in distinct phases: 1) Get your ducks in a row-- Once you are under contract, start the planning in earnest. Get written bids if using professional movers, or secure a moving truck with a credit card. Beware, that during pe... 02/20/2012

Home For Sale In Pineville, La, 71360, Price Reduced--  Looking for an affordable home  in Pineville, La? Not will to compromise on the "finer things" just to make the budget work. If so, take a look at 18 Stokes Road. For only 85,000 dollars, you can own your own home!  This kitchen would not be out of place in a home costing three times as much. Buyers in the Pineville, La market rarely find such amenities under 150,000 dollars. The living room and dining area are bright and open, perfect for entertaining. For less than your friends pay in rent, YOU can own this Pineville home!  This large tub can hold an entire flock of rubber duckies! Are the troubles of everyday life any match for a warm bubble bath?  Ready to begin enjoying the good life at 18 Stokes Road? If so call Doug Rogers w... 02/16/2012

 Buying a home for the first time is a major life event. Here are "Ten Commandments" that can help you through the process. 1)I Am Your New Home, Put No Other Purchases Before Me-- Credit regulations are pretty strict these days. Buy nothing major on credit, or open new credit lines until the home closes. 2) Honor Thy Mother and Father, But Purchase The House YOU Want-- Family will offer advice in the hope of helping their children out. But odds are they don't buy and sell real estate every day. Find an agent that you trust, and pick the house that meets your needs. 3) Thou Shall Not Take The Seller's Name In Vain-- Buying a home can be stressful, and the negotiations intense. Agents are the buffer designed to keep things civil. 4) Remember The Sabbath Day and Keep It Holy-- Even the L... 02/09/2012

 The first step in the home buying process is speaking with a reputable lender. Once your financials are in order the lender will issue a pre-approval letter. This document will spell out up to what amount the buyer can purchase. The key element here is the phrase "up to".  Many first time buyers will want to START their search at this "up-to" amount. After all, if you are approved for "up-to" 150,000 dollars why look at a 145,000 dollar house? Let's examine why staying under your limit is a good idea... 1) Your car is older than two states-- The bank looks at your current debt/income ratio. If you do not currently have an auto loan this amount is not factored in. What happens in three months when you need a new car? 2) You take vacations like a rap star-- If any part of your vacation ... 02/06/2012

 With the confidence that comes from writing a full price offer, the buyers assumed the house was "in the bag". After all, who would turn done a full price offer in this market? The rejection came as a greater shock than a Dallas Cowboy's Super Bowl victory. Let's examine some factors other than price that can cause an offer to be rejected. 1) A truckload of closing costs--Most sellers in the Pineville Louisiana real estate market expect to pay a portion of  the buyer's closing cost. Paying points or giant origination fees will typically cause sellers to pause. 2) Requesting improvements over repairs-- During the inspection it is discovered that the 300 dollar dishwasher is about to give up its ghost. In its place should go a similar style/quality appliance. Demanding a silent, stainle... 02/04/2012

 Nothing good has ever come from a committee. The Ford Pinto? Approved by a committee. American Idol has a committee. How many of the previous nine "Idol" winners can you name off hand? I can only name two without the Internet.   Committees cause ration individuals to make horrible group decisions. Home shopping is no different. Add too many heads and you will soon have a giant headache. Uncle Bob loves gas fireplaces, Aunt Pearl would NEVER live in a home with a gas fireplace. You then begin to wonder how they have been married for twenty five years!   One of the joys of home ownership is the ability to customize YOUR home. After years of living under a rental agreement, now is the time to make YOUR mark.   After working hard and living responsibly the pleasures of home ownership are ... 02/03/2012

 Finding a buyer for your Pineville home is simply the first step. Most sellers understand the importance of buyer loan approval, home inspections, and title work. A "surprise" in one of these areas can bring the escrow process to a halt. Yet there is one more that sellers often overlook, the dreaded home appraisal!   Before a bank will sign off on a loan, the property must pass an independent home appraisal. This service is designed to protect the bank's interest, not the buyers. As such the house must meet be worth the asking price, AND meet certain condition requirements. Price is simple enough either the home is worth the asking figure or it is not. Condition can get a little tricky. Here are some items that can "red flag" a home appraisal. 1) Peeling Paint-- No, the home does not ... 01/31/2012

Home For Sale In Sherwood Forest, Pineville, La, 71360--  Located just outside Pineville, La, Sherwood Forest is popular with residents seeking country living close to the city. 77 Robin Hood features 1.8 acres of land in a nice neighborhood setting.  Residents of Sherwood Forest subdivision enjoy secluded living thanks to the absence of busy thru streets. Shopping, work, and educational institutions are only minutes away thanks to the Pineville expressway.  Ready to enjoy the Sherwood Forest lifestyle? If so call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty at (318) 613-1994. 01/25/2012

 Doug, I think we've all had these discussions with sellers, but somehow they do 'forget.' I really like your idea of having them sign a list of "don'ts and do's."  Wonder why I've never though to do that? ;)  Congrats on your new star. Debb Janes, EcoBroker Camas, Washington EcoBroker (The Carl Group, LLC)  This was my 3,000th comment that I have received on ActiveRain. Prior to dancing in the Rain, I was "busting a move" by myself in cyberspace. Not even my own mother would read my blog!  Just a couple of years later and my ActiveRain blog posts are a hit on Facebook. If I go more than a couple of days without blogging, my Facebook friends begin ribbing me about slacking off. And it all started with a couple of comments...  Early on what fueled my desire to blog (and improve) were th... 01/21/2012

3 bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville, La, 71360 Price Reduced!  Looking for a 3 bedroom home in Pineville La? Tired of living too close to nosy neighbors? If so 54 Gunter Road should be on your list.   The property features 3.5 acres of land that have been partially cleared. Buy now and be ready for that Spring garden!  What will a 3 bedroom brick home with 3.5 acres of land cost you? The price has just been reduced to 124,500! For less than most people pay in rent you could own this 3 bedroom home in Pineville La. Ready to tour 54 Gunter Road? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today (318) 613-1994. 01/20/2012