Lawn Care and You!

You bought a home, and now you are deciding how to handle the lawn care. Should you do it yourself? Here are some positives about doing it yourself:

If you love spending time outdoors, doing your own lawn care can be a great way to get some Vitamin D. Spending time outdoors in a garden is a great way for those who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty to care for their home. 

 It also can be a great workout! If you enjoy working up a sweat, doing your own lawn care is a great option in that it provides an extra dose of exercise. Weekly or biweekly mowing burns some calories, and will bring you some pride in owning a home with a well-manicured lawn. 

It can become a source for creative freedom! You can have the ultimate say in every decision that is made when it comes to their outdoor space. You can pick up a plant that you like and add it to your garden without having to consult anyone else. This freedom is great for anyone who may have trouble communicating ideas with a lawn service or for those who take pride in being able to do it themselves.

 Equipment Upkeep can be seen as a negative. It can take a lot of tools and machinery to keep a lawn in tip-top condition. Allowing a lawn service to do the work keeps homeowners from having to purchase lawn mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers. These items can be tricky to maintain, which saves the homeowner from purchasing gas, oil or replacement trimming line.

You might think paying for a lawn service can be quite expensive, but it's a catch 22 of time and money. Choosing a lawn service is the ultimate way to save time and it adds convenience to a busy lifestyle by not having to worry about getting the lawn care done on a weekly basis.

To search for homes visit http://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

2015 is going to be great for the housing market.

There are numerous strong indications that this year housing market will improve even more than in 2014. Click the link and listen for yourself.

For more good information or to search for homes go to

http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

HAPPY 2014!!!!!

Issues Affecting Real Estate

Rising interest and capitalization rates top the list of issues that have future implications for real estate.

Historically low interest rates have driven the economy and real estate markets in recent years, but as rates start to rise, it could raise capitalization rates, the ratio between the income produced by an asset and its cost, which could create anxiety about investing in real estate.

 Healthcare is also an important issue that has implications for real estate. As the population ages, there will be greater demand for senior housing, requiring a change in the configuration and size of available housing, and for greater medical care, resulting in an expansion in medical facilities.

 In commercial markets, transaction volume is up, credit is available, underwriting has loosened and a full range of debt options is back. For residential markets, underwriting remains tougher but rates are near historic lows and affordability remains high.

Future housing demand from echo boomers, the 80 million Americans born between 1982 and 1995, will also impact real estate markets. Echo boomers often prefer a more flexible and active urban lifestyle, and are often willing to trade home size for location. However, the suburbs are fighting back with new bike paths, and repurposed properties to attract more future buyers.

Then there is such factor as globalization, foreign investment and the economies of other countries as variables that will continue to have a greater impact on the U.S. economy and real estate market.

Impact of the Internet on bricks-and-mortar retail stores is also a growing issue. He said retail demand is down across the country due to an increase in Internet sales, which are expected to rise from the current 6.5 percent to nearly 15 percent by 2020.

For more real estate related information http://findneworleansproperties.com/

COMING TO THE JOY THEATRE

Direct from New York, the world's #1 Dinner Show, Tony 'n Tina's Wedding, is coming to New Orleans for an exclusive engagement at the Joy Theater!  Tony 'n Tina's Wedding is the longest running Off-Broadway comedy in history. 

In this hilarious interactive comedy, the audience is part of the show.  As "invited guests," the audience begins with a ceremony followed by a rousing reception.  There's dancing, champagne toasts, a full pasta dinner and a slice of wedding cake...all provided by the Nunzio and Vitale "families."  Don't miss out on the 25th anniversary tour of Tony 'n Tina's Wedding!

More information on what's happening in New Orleans 

The Big Question: To Renovate or Rebuild?

http://findneworleansproperties.com/real-estate-news/the-big-question-to-renovate-or-rebuild

1310 DAUPHINE ST, New Orleans, LA 70116

Classic beauty within a block of Cabrini Park. Masonry two story home with attached service wing constituting a most elegant home with wood floors and Italian stone floors. Currently used as a 2 bedroom 2 bath plus a rear outhouse which has been "chic-ed" up for downstairs half bath usage off of an elegant side garden/patio. Possible parking a plus. Early 1850s architecture.
Now offered for sale.
http://findneworleansproperties.com/

On one of Uptowns most picturesque blocks

New on the market! True New Orleans Charm! Fantastic location!

http://findneworleansproperties.com/listings/13779/1034-joseph-street-new-orleans#.Ujez88asg4s

JULY HOME PRICES SOAR

The housing market continues its march forward, as home prices nationwide increased by 12.4 percent year-over-year in July when compared to a year prior. This boost is the 17th consecutive monthly year-over-year boost, with prices up 1.8 percent between June and July 2013. Excluding distressed sales, home prices increased on a year-over-year basis by 11.4 percent in July 2013 compared to July 2012. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, home prices increased 1.7 percent in July 2013 compared to June 2013. Distressed sales include short sales and real estate owned (REO) transactions.

What could be bringing more buyers into the fold?

Boomerang buyers who are currently renting because they had a short sale or foreclosure in the past 2-3 years but are now eligible to purchase again.

The fact that interest rates are going up a little creates a sense of urgency among buyers. Even though prices have increased 25 percent in the past 12 months, it’s still an affordable market. We’re in a recovering market, but if you wait another year or two, you might be kicking yourself.

For information on buying a home or condo visit FindNewOrleansProperties.com

BUYERS WANT TO BUY BEFORE RATES GO UP!

AREN'T THEY PRETTY?

I love the cottages in New Orleans. Some features of this style of house are thought to be influences from places in France's former colonial empire. The front porches are believed to originate from the Caribbean islands. The high gabled roof is thought to be of French Canadian origin.

To know more about New Orleans Homes and Condos

BUYERS WANT TO BUY BEFORE RATES GO UP!

May Pending Home Sales Highest in Six Years - Buyers   Want to Buy before Rates Go Up!

Pending home sales rose in May to the highest level since late 2006, implying a possible spark as mortgage interest rates began to rise. Contract activity is at the strongest pace since December 2006 when it reached 112.8; pending sales have been above year-ago levels for the past 25 months.

Existing-home sales are projected to increase 8.5 to 9.0 percent, reaching about 5.07 million in 2013, the highest in seven years; it would be slightly above the 5.03 million totals recorded in 2007.
Learn more about buying real estate in New Orleans, New Orleans Homes and Condos

DID YOU KNOW?

The Degas Historic Home, Courtyard, & Inn offers daily tours to give visitors a first hand look into Edgar Degas’ life in New Orleans. The tour includes exploring both houses, the surrounding Creole Neighborhood of Treme, and viewing the award-winning film “Degas in New Orleans, a Creole Sojourn”.