Nobody wants to pay too much for a home. After all, with the economy still uncertain the last thing a family needs is to be burdened with a home they cannot sell.  But in their zest not to get burned, some buyers are left out cold in the home buying process. Generally speaking, similar homes in similar areas sell for similar prices. It's just that easy. The three bedroom ranch at 123 Maple is worth pretty close to the three bedroom ranch at 126 Maple.  So how does a buyer know what to offer? In most cases your agent will provide comparable sales or "comps" for the home in question. Going back up to one year, what have similar homes sold for?  In a steady (that's right, the Cenla market is NOT declining) environment the odds of a similar home selling for much less than the comps sugges... 10/16/2011

 I have awesome clients. Perhaps this has to do with luck, or maybe birds of a feather merely flock together. Either way, I am fortunate to work with some neat people.  One of my sellers called last night to cancel a home showing. Though the market is pretty steady, a showing is not something to dismiss without good reason. Why did she cancel? It seems her family is suffering from a nasty stomach virus!  As the father of four, I am a veteran of many such calamities. Before the virus is gone the whole family gets hit. Between illness and caring for others, families hit by the bug usually miss a week of normal life. This is not something I would wish on my worst enemy!  If only I received a nickle for every home I've toured with sick owners. There is nothing like multiple bottles of NyQu... 10/11/2011

Homes For Sale in Pinebrook Estates Ball, La--     First time buyers are often looking for affordable housing that represents a sound investment. Yes, it is possible to purchase a "cheap" house, but will such accommodations be a sound investment in the long run? Homes for sale in Pinebrook Estate in Ball, La represent a great value for the price.    Homes in Pinebrook Estate vary from 975-1400 heated square feet. The typical floor plan includes three bedrooms and 1 or 1.5 bathrooms. What really makes these homes a great value are their lots. Some lots approach .5 acres! Combine this with mature landscaping and these homes offer a high degree of privacy.  How much do homes for sale in Pinebrook Estates cost? Current homes on the market range from 109,000-118,000. Occasionally a foreclosu... 10/07/2011

When Purchasing A Home in Pineville, LA Don't Forget the Home Warranty--  I like my neighbors, so when they were outside Friday I took the opportunity to say hello. Sadly, all was not right on Woodwind Drive. It seems their AC unit decided that it had enough of this world. In a shower of oil, the unit was no more.  A less than helpful service tech had just delivered the bad news. A little over 6,000 bucks would be required to make their home comfortable again. Imagine spending 6 grand in this economy?  Did I mention they let their home warranty coverage lapse? When purchasing a home in Pineville, La don't forget the home warranty! What could have been a 100 dollar service charge now will be a massive dent in their savings.  Thankfully I know an honest AC Tech who managed to shave 1,300 ... 10/03/2011

Homes For Sale Near Louisiana College--   Since its founding in 1906, Louisiana College has been a vital part of the Central Louisiana Community. Offering a wide range of degree programs in a "distinctly Christan environment", the school draws students from all over the country.  To meet the needs of the campus community, there are a wide variety of homes for sale near Louisiana College.  The Investment Property--Sadly, the cost of higher education continues to rise. Smart parents are starting to buy homes such as this (list price 69k) in lieu of renting an apartment or dorm. Thanks to low interest rates the mortgage will be less than typical rent. Get a roommate and now the parent his making money!! The Starter Home-- Individuals working at the school will be pleased to find many affor... 09/29/2011

Searching for homes for sale in Woodlake Subdivision? Take a closer look at what this neighborhood outside Pineville louisiana has to offer.  Residents of Woodlake Subdivision enjoy nice sized homes (1800-2400 square feet) on large lots. With the phase one homes less than ten years old, owners enjoy all the modern energy efficiency and convenience features. The best part about Woodlake Subdivision? These homes should qualify for 100% Rural Development financing. In most cases people can move into one of these homes for ZERO DOWN!!  As a resident of Woodlake subdivision since 2002, I can attest to the quality of life. The wide streets allow plenty of room for running, walking, or exercising man's best friend. Worried about unsightly power lines? Never fear! All utility lines in Woodlake ... 09/28/2011

Searching for homes for sale in Village Green Subdivision in Pineville Louisiana?    Village Green Subdivision is a great place to call home. With spacious homes, mature landscaping, and great school zones this is one of Pineville's hottest areas. Let's take a look at how homes in Village Green are doing in today's housing market. Active Properties Currently there are only 3 homes for sale in the entire subdivision (did I mention this area is hot). Searching for foreclosures in Village Green? Better hurry, as there is only 1! Prices range from 161,500k-70k Sold Properties In the past year 7 properties have sold in Village Green. The average sales price was 158,000 Homes listed for sale in Village Green spent an average of only 50 days on the market!  Ready to sell your home in Village G... 09/22/2011

Are you a first time home buyer in Pineville Louisiana? If so, take a minute and learn what the local housing market is like here in Pineville.   With all the doom and gloom from the national media one would think the Pineville housing market would be stagnant. Thanks to some key industries and a strong military presence the housing market remains healthy. Consider the following... Currently there are 81 homes active on the market from 75k-155k. Last month 17 homes in this price range sold, with an average transaction price of 119,800k. The most encouraging news? The average days on the market is only 67! For a point of reference, anything under 180 is considered a "sellers market". What do these numbers mean for someone looking to purchase a home in Pineville, Louisiana? While no perso... 09/20/2011

 Real estate is local, most folks understand that concept. What is true for a condo in New York City has little bearing on a ranch in New Mexico. But people tend to forget that real estate is also time sensitive.  On more than one occasion I have went on a vacation only to return to new procedures. Within one week's time the contract we use to buy and sell real estate changed substantially. As a result, I had to adapt the way I wrote offers from that point forward. Never again would the old way work...  What does this have to do with Daddy's? It's simple really, often times well meaning parents will give kids advice based on their experience. In most cases said advice is based on a transaction that occurred decades ago! What worked in 1978 was probably outdated in 1979.  One parent tol... 09/19/2011

Need to clear some land in the Pineville area? Worried about the cost and environmental impact of traditional landscape clearing techniques? If so, Go Green With Goats!  Why break your back (or your wallet) clearing out underbrush around the deer camp this fall? Put one of Mother Nature's landscape artist to work today! Starting around 75 bucks a day Go Green With Goats will supply the goats, predator guard dog, and protective fencing for the billy goat crew.  This crew works diligently from dawn to dusk without taking a break. Can the same be said about the last group you hired? Their hoof prints and "free natural fertilizer" work far better than any dangerous chemical you could buy at a box store.  Any team is only as good as its leader. Take a moment and meet the foreman of Go Green ... 09/16/2011

Thinking of skipping the home inspection when buying a home in Pineville? Take a minute to learn why this is not a good game plan!  The young couple gave me a dirty look. After a three hour inspection, only a few deferred maintenance items were uncovered by the inspector. In this instance the cost of the inspection FAR outpaced the cost of all the maintenance items. But let's examine what a few other home inspections have uncovered this year alone...   1) Toxic Mold--The inspector had some concerns with the lack of ventilation and some spots so he recommended a professional test. 475 dollars later the house tested positive for mold!! The final cost of the repair exceeded NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS! 2) Hail Damaged Roof X3-- So far this year THREE roofs have been replaced as a direct result o... 09/15/2011

Interested in Buying Investment Property in Pineville, Louisiana? The lure of investment property is easy to understand. After all, regardless of how the economy is doing people need a place to live. Individuals who buy investment property in Pineville will likely see years of return on their investment. Lets examine some of the key issues when buying investment property in Pineville. 1) Determine the purpose of the purchase-- Is this going to be a long term rental, or will you fix it up and immediately attempt to sell for profit? Though both approaches are considered investment property, in a practical sense they are two separate actvities. 2) Take care of the financing BEFORE touring properties-- Unless you will purchase with cash, invest a few hours with a competent local banker. Thi... 09/15/2011

Looking for a 3 bedroom 2 bath home for sale in Pineville, Louisiana?  1655 Susek is an updated three bedroom two bath home located in the heart of Pineville. This property features an updated kitchen, large living areas, and a convenient centralized location.  Many buyers in Pineville seek first and foremost an updated kitchen. After all, who wants to prep meals in a dirty, poorly lit space? 1655 Susek features an open kitchen with upgraded granite counters. This is a kitchen any chef would be glad to claim! Living space is pretty important for buyers looking for homes in Pineville. 1655 Susek features three living areas and three bedrooms. Why compromise when every member of the household can have their own space?  With the end of Summer most residents of Pineville venture outdoors. W... 09/14/2011

 Selling your home in Pineville Louisiana?Take a minute to examine one of the "keys" to real estate sales... The economy is pretty tough, funds are tight all around. As such, it is only natural for sellers to seek ways to cut corners.  While there are ways to save a few bucks here and there, the front door is not the place to skimp!  Just like anything else in life, first impressions are critical in real estate sales. Nothing sends out bad vibes quicker than a rusty, hard to open door. In the past I have even had keys break off in the lock! If my buyers can't get in the home there is a 0% chance of them buying it.  While some home improvements can be budget busters, replacing a tricky lock-set should cost under 100 dollars in most markets. This expense pales in comparison to a blown sa... 09/06/2011

Looking for a mobile home for sale in Pineville, Louisiana? Then take an online tour with me and see what 18 Stokes Road has to offer.  Located off Esler Field Road, this 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile home features a modern kitchen, large rooms, and a bonus office. Customers shopping for mobile homes for sale in Pineville often have to compromise. Not the lucky owner of 18 Stokes Road!  A gourmet chef will appreciate the open kitchen with more than enough storage. Say goodbye to the days of using the utility room closet for food storage.  The open floor plan allows everyone a clear view of the television. Watch the LSU Fighting Tigers win the SEC Championship in total comfort.  Are there any problems that bubble bath can't solve? Relax, and let the stress melt away in your private master suit... 09/02/2011

Searching for homes for sale in Woodcliff Subdivision? Take a minute a discover what this Pineville neighborhood has to offer!  Woodcliff subdivision is centrally located in the heart of Pineville. Looking for a home near Cleco, Proctor& Gamble, or Louisiana College? If so Woodcliff subdivision should be on your tour list.  Located on a quiet circle, Woodcliff subdivision is nestled among mature trees and tall pines. Folks living elsewhere face a long drive to experience peace among the pines. Residents of Woodcliff call this slice of natural beauty home!     Schools zones important? Woodcliff is currently zoned for Pineville High, Pineville Middle, and JI Barron Elementary School! From kindergarten through high school children can attend neighborhood institutions minutes from home!  Th... 08/25/2011

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Foreclosure For Sale In Pineville, Louisiana There are lucrative foreclosure deals available in our Central Louisiana real estate market. Securing the correct type of financing for this type of property is imperative. Normally REO (real estate owned) properties are purchased with in house banking loans, credit lines or cash. Once in a while a distressed property can be found that will qualify for FHA or Rural Development financing. If you need a large home currently there is a 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Foreclosure For Sale In Pineville, Louisiana.   This 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Foreclosure For Sale features: 1873 Heated Square Feet 2024 Total Square Feet Situated on 1 Acre of Land Large Bedrooms An Outside Workshop Hardwood, Carpet and Vinyl Flooring Fireplace PRICED AT ONLY $114,900  ... 08/23/2011

 Looking for a place to call home in Pineville Louisiana? Take a moment and discover what Village Green Subdivision has to offer!  Village Green living is all about the lifestyle. In addition to spacious homes on large lots, owners get the benefit of many resort like features!  Kids want a pool but you are worried about the costs? Take a swim in the Village Green community pool. This Olympic sized pool features a lifeguard on duty for added security. Sick of wasting money on the Chucky Cheese birthday experience? Imagine a cookout around this giant pool!    Ready to explore the piney woods? Village Green Subdivision offers an intricate network of green belt trails. Who needs a treadmill when the great outdoors are this close?  Perhaps the greatest testament to Village Green Subdivision... 08/22/2011

  Take a Spring time tour of any Pineville Louisiana neighborhood and you will find families sprucing up their yards. Fresh mulch, neatly trimmed lawns, and colorful flowers will likely greet you.   Sadly, a late Summer tour of the same Pineville Louisiana neighborhood would paint a very different picture. Yellowed-lawns, dead shrubs, and weeds galore become the calling card of most homes. At some point in July most Pineville residents stop struggling with the sun.   The oppressive heat, coupled with a lack of rain, spells doom to most lawns. Sadly as a Pineville Louisiana real estate agent I see many homes on the market that have given up the struggle with mother nature. The picture was taken from an active listing on the market here in Pineville!  Yep, these weeds were two feet from ... 08/18/2011

No Money Down Rural Development Financing in Pineville Louisiana One of the more popular forms of financing in Rapides Parish is the USDA ( United States Department of Agriculture) Rural Development Loan. This program allows the borrow to completely finance all closing costs which allows for true 100% No Money Down Financing. No Money Down Rural Development Financing in Pineville Louisiana is especially popular. In our area Pineville can be a very broad term because this does not generally mean in the city limits. A basic rule for No Money Down Rural Development financing in Pinveille Louisiana is that the property must be outside city limits. Now this does not necessarily mean 20 miles out of town. Great properties can be found near to the city or out in quiet country settings.   Basic... 08/13/2011