Navigating Short Sales: What to Do When the Sale Price Leaves You Short If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it. 1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs t... 02/23/2012

Several Housing Markets Head for Appreciation in 2012 Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, January 03, 2012A boom in farm prices has caused many Midwest cities to emerge as leaders for some of the strongest predictions for housing appreciation in 2012. Kansas City, Kan., came in the top spot in HousingPredictor’s annual survey, forecasting an appreciation of 5.8 percent for this year.  “The recovery is starting in housing with these cities and will eventually spread to other communities throughout the nation as the U.S. recovers from the worst collapse in real estate since the Great Depression,” according to HousingPredictor. Here are the top cities expected to have housing appreciation in 2012 and by how much, according to HousingPredictor’s latest report:  1. Kansas City, Kan.: 5.8% 2. ... 02/23/2012

Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.< Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ... 02/23/2012

The Woods is located in Slidell, LA off of Thompson Rd right out side of the Slidell city limits and close to Northshore Square Mall.  This fantastic Community was developed in the late 1990's, most of the homes are between 10 years old to 15 years old. The setting is private and rural with most lots sizes around half an Acre to a couple of Acres.  Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 1900 to 3000 square feet and are all comprised of mainly traditional and french country in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $150,000  to $300,000. For more information about The Woods or any other community in Slidell please contact David Stewart at 985-710-1728 or dstewart.realestate@gmail.com 01/20/2012

  Natures Way is located in Slidell, LA off of Robert Road right out side of the Slidell city limits and above I-12. This fantastic Community was developed in the early 2000's, most of the homes are 6 years old to new construction. Natures Way is located in flood zone C and above I-12 which makes it a great option for lower flood insurance. The setting is private and rural with gated entry and most lots sizes are around an Acre.  Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 2000 to 3000 square feet and are all comprised of mainly traditional and french country in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $200,000 to $350,000. For more information about Natures Way or any other community in Slidell please contact David S... 01/20/2012

Mossy Oaks is located in Slidell, LA off of Robert Road right out side of the Slidell city limits and above I-12. This fantastic Community was developed in the early 2000's, most of the homes are 6 years old to new construction. Mossy Oaks is located in flood zone C and above I-12 which makes it a great option for lower flood insurance. The setting is private and rural with gated entry.  Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!   For more information about Mossy Oaks or any other community in Slidell please contact David Stewart at 985-710-1728 or dstewart.realestate@gmail.com 01/20/2012

Spartan Trace is located in Slidell, LA on the south side of the city.  It is off of Pontchartrain Blvd and Spartan Drive.  Walking Distance to Salmen High School home of the Spartans, Our Lady of Lourdes & First Baptist Church.  The wonderful community if also close to Cross Gates Health Club and fantastic Restaurants. The homes range in size from 1500 to 2900 square feet and in 2010 the sold prices ranged from $190,000 to $210,000. For more information about Spartan Trace or any other community in Slidell please call David Stewart at 985-710-1728 or dstewart.realestate@gmail.com 01/20/2012

Cypress Lakes Subdivision in Slidell, LA is a gated, golf course subdivision of Oak Harbor.  It is convenient to the Interstate 10 and only a 30 minute drive to the city of New Orleans and the Ms Gulf Coast.  This gorgeous subdivision is mostly new construction (built approximately 2004-2008) and the houses range in size from 1800-3000 square feet.  As you enter the subdivision you will notice the primarily French architecture, beautiful black iron street lights and well manicured landscaping.    School Districts: Abney Elementary/St. Tammany Jr. High/Salmen High School   For more information about Cypress Lakes Subdivision or any other community in Slidell please contact David Stewart at 985-710-1728 or dstewart.realestate@gmail.com   01/20/2012

  Heritage Estates is located in Slidell, LA off of Gause Blvd and Robert Road. This fantastic Community was developed my Miramon in the 1970's. Heritage Estates is located in one of the most desired school districts and just minutes from Slidell Athletic Club, St Margret Mary Church and Slidell Memorial Hospital. Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 1800 to 2800 square feet and are all comprised of mainly ranch and some two stories in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $140,000 to $200,000. For more information about Heritage Estates or any other community in Slidell please call David Stewart at 985-710-1728 or dstewart.realestate@gmail.com   01/20/2012

Local Area Information Below are some local area links with information on Slidell, LA. Here you will find local government information, schools, hospitals, lodging and more... Official Website Of Northshore LouisianaLouisiana's NorthshoreSlidell GovernmentEast St Tammany Chamber of CommerceSlidell City HallSt Tammany Parish GovernmentSt Tammany Parish TaxesFlood Maps Law EnforcementSlidell Police DepartmentSt. Tammany Parish Sheriff's DepartmentHospitalsSlidell Memorial HospitalOchsner NorthshoreLouisiana Heart Hospital SchoolsSt Tammany Parish School BoardElementrayAbney ElementaryAlton Elementary Bayou Woods ElementaryBonne Ecole ElementaryBrock ElementaryCypress Cove ElementaryFlorida Avenue ElementaryHoney Island ElementaryMayfield ElementaryWhispering Forest ElementaryMiddle/ Jun... 01/20/2012

Dinah Stewart  ABEK Real Estate Would like to welcome Dinah Stewart to there team of great Realtors in the Slidell, LA area.  Dinah has been a resident of St Tammany Parish for the last 35 years.  Although Dinah is new to selling real estate she has been building new construction residential for the last 25 years, so she is quite experienced with the area and new home ownership.  Please contact Dinah or myself for all of your real estate needs.  As always thanks for stopping by!-David   Dinah Cell:      985-960-1103Dinah Email:   Dinah.abek@gmail.com 01/13/2012

Inspectors______________________________ When purchasing a home having it inspected might be one of the most important steps of home ownership.  There are numerous types of inspections but in this area the three most common are a home inspection, termite inspection and a video pipe inspection.  Here are a couple of recommendations amongst many others. Home InspectorCahill Imspections, LLC- John CahillP.O. Box 6844Slidell, LA 70460Cell: 985-285-8287Email: john@cahill-inspections.comWebsite: www.cahill-inspections.com Termite InspectorPro's Pest Control Service, Inc- Roy Provenzano147 Eden Isles Blvd.Slidell, LA 70458Phone: 985-643-7437Cell: 985-640-2121Website: www.prospest.com Video Pipe InspectorHy- Tech Plumbing Video Inspections- Joe Brocata8 Ranier St.Kenner, LA 70065Phone: 504-495... 01/13/2012

Slidell Subdivisions _____________________________________       BelairBelvedere EstatesBreckenridgeClipper EstatesCountry Club EstatesCross GatesCypress LakesEden IslesEastridgeFrench Branch EstatesFrenchmens EstatesHeritage EstatesKensington EstatesLakeshore EstatesMeadow LakeMossy OaksNatures WayPalm LakeQuail RidgeRigolets EstatesEagle PointSpartan TraceStonebridgeSuncrestTanglewoodTanglewood CrossingThe BluffsThe MooringsThe WoodsTreasure IsleTurtle CreekTuscanyWillow Wood 12/30/2011

 5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score: Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history. How much you owe. If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better. The average consumer's oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she has been managing credit for s... 12/21/2011

What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are big factors in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be. So, keep your credit score high by doing the following: Check for and correct any errors in your credit report. Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management. Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month. Transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score. Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit. Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage. You’re penalized less for problems after a year. Don’t order items for your new home on credit — such as appliances and furni... 12/21/2011

Please click the link below to hear what people are saying about David:   Testimonials 52019 After going through agent after agent with no luck, we found David and after talking to him and explaining what we were looking for he brought us ... more 5.0/5.0 by robert0224 50230 David was a GREAT realtor for us. Both my husband and I work and David really went out of his way to show us properties at our convenience, sometimes ... more 5.0/5.0 by kntrahan 46826 David is nothing less than exceptional. He is accessible, pleasant and professional in every aspect of his work. I highly recommend working with ... more 5.0/5.0 by geauxlsu11 My New Orleans Real Estate Listings on Zillow For more information contact David at 985-710-1728 or dstewart.realestate@gmail.comhttp://www.RealEstatePub.com"Yo... 12/13/2011

David Stewart - Realtor www.realestatepub.com "Your Real Estate Connection"DStewart.RealEstate@gmail.comWishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!!  As always, I'm always available for all of your real estate needs.Click to View David's Reviews    12/13/2011

Local Area Information for Slidell, LA Below are some local area links with information on Slidell, LA. Here you will find local government information, schools, hospitals, lodging and more... Official Website Of Northshore LouisianaLouisiana's NorthshoreSlidell GovernmentEast St Tammany Chamber of CommerceSlidell City HallSt Tammany Parish GovernmentSt Tammany Parish TaxesFlood Maps Law EnforcementSlidell Police DepartmentSt. Tammany Parish Sheriff's DepartmentHospitalsSlidell Memorial HospitalOchsner NorthshoreLouisiana Heart Hospital SchoolsSt Tammany Parish School BoardElementrayAbney ElementaryAlton Elementary Bayou Woods ElementaryBonne Ecole ElementaryBrock ElementaryCypress Cove ElementaryFlorida Avenue ElementaryHoney Island ElementaryMayfield ElementaryWhispering Forest Elemen... 12/13/2011

Slidell Waterfront Subdivisions_________________________________ Clipper EstatesEden IslesLakeshore EstatesPalm LakeRigolets EstatesThe MooringsTreasure Isle  11/30/2011

Eden Isles Subdivision in Slidell, LA is one of Slidell's original watefront communities.  It provides deep water access that lead to Lake Ponchartrain.  Most of the subdivision is a quick commute to the lake and great for larger boats since there are no low bridges to go under.  The architecture is a mix of Acadian, Ranch and Traditional and the houses are approximately 1500- 6000 square feet. Its just 30 minutes to the city and very close to shopping, Cross Gates Athletic Club & Salmen High School "Home of the Spartans"   School Districts: Abney Elementary/St. Tammany Jr. High/Salmen High School   For more information about Eden Isles or any other subdivision visit www.realestatepub.com 11/30/2011