Plaquemines Parish New Oil Terminal Cancelled

 

Tallgrass Energy Partners is now going back to the drawing board to discuss different options for the property in Plaquemines Parish that was slated to become an oil export terminal and pipeline. The Midwest energy company called off the $2.5 billion project last month as they felt the world is going another way away from oil and gas.

The property which is located on 200-acres up the Mississippi River from Ironton is owned by the Plaquemines Port Harbor & Transit District. Tallgrass is leasing the property from the port and both companies are discussing "other ways to develop its Ironton property." Some of the discussions were using it for a distribution center or warehousing.

After a study conducted, the company sees that the market is changing. Many are swaying away from oil and gas and looking into other alternatives. If the project had been completed, the terminal would have been able to store around 20 million barrels of oil.

The site which was part of the St. Rosalie Plantation is part of the communities history. In fact, many residents of Ironton descended from slaves who lived at the plantation. Many residents were opposed to the project because it would be built over the plantation's cemetery.

“Integrity and respect are core Tallgrass values,” William Moler, CEO of the Leawood company said. “As part of our PLT permitting process, our cultural survey work identified a cemetery and potential artifacts consistent with what community members shared about the history of the site. Since then, we reduced our development footprint to protect those areas and engaged with the Ironton community and other local stakeholders on an appropriate path toward memorializing them.”

Ironton residences were excited by the news of Tallgrass' decision to stop the project. Residents are still struggling from Hurricane Ida's destruction to Ironton. Many residents moved away from the area after the storm surge flooded most of the community. Those who are still there feel like they have a victory.

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Five Things Not To Do When Venting Your Attic

 

A good environment for your attic is very important. Your attic ventilation system should work together and not against each other so it is important to make sure the system is balanced. Below are five mistakes not to do when it comes to your attic ventilation.

1. Placing Intake Vents Too High or Exhaust Vents Too Low

You want a balanced system that brings in fresh, cool air at the lowest part of the attic space and sends out the warm, moist air at the highest point of the attic space.

If the vents are placed in the wrong spots, the airflow will not work correctly. This will hinder the attic vent system's effectiveness. If they are too low on the roof, they can disrupt or short circuit the system. Remember the rule of thumb is to place the intake vent should sit at the lowest possible point on the roof which lines up with the lowest part of the attic space. Exhaust vents should be placed at the highest possible point. This point aligns with the highest part of the attic space.

2. Mixing Exhaust Products within the Same Attic Space

Doing this can short circuit the airflow. Also mixing exhaust products can allow for weather and leaves and debris to come into the home through the attic.

Always use the same type of exhaust vent in your attic space. Also, make sure that the vents meet the NFVA (net free ventilating area) requirements. This will allow continuous airflow through the attic space.

3. Cutting the Ridge Vent Opening Too Long

Sometimes homeowners want to put a ridge vent along the entire ridge for looks but this is doesn't mean you have to cut open the entire air slot on the ridge below the vent. Doing this can disrupt the airflow of the whole system.

An example of the correct installation can help with understanding the process. If a homeowner has an attic space that must have 288 square inches of exhaust and a 4ft plastic ridge vent is used with an 18 square inch per lineal foot of NFVA, then only 16 ft of the 40-foot ridge needs to be cut open.

4. Clogged or Blocked Intake Vents

Weather and debris such as paint, dirt, dust or even spiderwebs can clog your intake vents even if they are installed correctly. Check your intake vents and clean them by removing the debris. Remember to never install attic insulation from the inside over the vent, and make sure to check to see if the hole in the vent has been properly cut.

5. Having Missing or Inadequate Intake

This is the most important component of the attic ventilation system. If there is no air coming in through the intake or not enough, an exhaust vent will not function correctly. The powered exhaust vents will also overrun and burn the power vent's motor. Remember always check that you have a balanced attic ventilation system with the proper amount of intake and exhaust ventilation for the attic space being ventilated.

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Will Supply-Chain Problems Affect Housing Affordability?

 

Although the hot market and buyer demand have pushed up home prices, the market still shows steady housing affordability. Even though home prices have risen, they are offset by the record low mortgage rates. According to reports, the housing market is not all smooth sailing. The ongoing supply-chain problems around the world have disrupted new construction and renovations.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) reported that 56.6% of both new and existing homes that were sold between July 2021 and September 2021 were affordable for U.S. families earning a median income of $79,900. This is the lowest affordability level since the first quarter of 2012!

The HOI also revealed that the U.S. national median home price rose to a record $355,000 in the third quarter. This is a rise of $5,000 from the second quarter of 2021 and a $35,000 increase from the first quarter of 2021. Buyers did not feel the rise because the average mortgage rates dropped by 14 basis points to 2.95% at the same time.

This is good news but there are some setbacks to the market. It has been hard to get materials and product is increasing in price at a fast pace.

“Persistent building material supply chain bottlenecks and tariffs on Canadian lumber and Chinese steel and aluminum continue to place upward pressure on construction costs and home prices,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “Policymakers must fix supply chain vulnerabilities that are disrupting and delaying construction projects and hurting housing affordability.”

“Interest rates are anticipated to gradually rise in the coming months as the Fed begins to taper its monthly bond and mortgage-backed securities purchases,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “To keep affordability problems from worsening in the future, policymakers need to tackle supply-chain challenges that are hindering new home production. Helping builders boost output will also slow the rapid rise in home prices that has occurred over the past year.”

The five most affordable housing markets around the country currently are Lansing-East Lansing, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN, Scranton-Wilkers-Barre-Hazleton, PA and Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA. The five least affordable major housing markets are Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA, Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, CA/San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA tied for second, San Diego-Carlsbad, CA and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.

For the small housing markets, the five most affordable are Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-ILL, Monroe, MI, Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ, Fairbanks, AL and Wheeling, WV-OH. The least affordable small housing are Corvallis, OR, Salinas, CA, Napa, CA, Santa-Cruz-Watsonville, CA and San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA.

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Home Sale Both Existing and Pending Are Strong the Month of October

 

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) pending home and existing home sales rose in the month of October 2021. This is surprisingly good news considering the low inventory and rising home prices.

As of October 2021, the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) rose from 116.5 to 125.2 which is an increase of 7.5%. Existing home sales were at the highest level since January 2021 at an adjusted annual rate of 6.34 million which was an 0.8% increase.

It is still a concern that first-time and young home buyers will be priced out of the market. The first-time buyer share fell to 29% in October, up from 28% in September and down from 32% a year ago. The October inventory level declined from 1.26 to 1.25 million units and is still down from 1.42 million units a year ago.

There is good news for new home construction. The supply of resales is very low. October 2021 reported that unsold inventory was sitting at a 2.4-month supply. This is down from the 2.5-month supply reported in October 2020.

Although the supply was down from October 2020, the average days on market were down in October 2021 to 18 days. It was reported that 82% of homes sold in October 2021 were on the market for just one month. Out of these transactions, 24% were all-cash which was also up from 19% reported last year in October.

The low inventory does continue to bump up home prices. The median home price reported for October 2021 was up 13.1% at 353,900 from a year ago. This is the 116th consecutive month of year-over-year increases making it the longest-running streak recorded.

If you are in the market for a new or existing home, now is still a good time to buy. Contact a local professional Realtor to help you with your search and purchase of a new home.

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September's State-Level Analysis on Employment

Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia saw a payroll employment increase in September compared to August. There was no change in Wisconsin and 16 states lost jobs during September. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was a 194,000 increase during September.

Broken down by states the top nonfarm employment month-over-month increase was the strongest in Texas with 95,800 jobs added, Florida with 84,500 jobs and California with 65,000 jobs. The biggest decrease was seen in Louisiana with 29,500 jobs lost which were part of the sixteen states with a total of 65,000 jobs lost across the country.

Year-over-year ending in September, 5.7 million jobs have been recovered marking the economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic induced recession.  All states and the District of Columbia added jobs. The highest was seen in California with 795,800 jobs added and the lowest was seen in Wyoming with only 1,700 jobs added.

The construction sector saw an increase in 30 states with 22,000 jobs added. This included both residential and nonresidential construction. Two states, Iowa and Kansas, saw no change while Texas add the highest with 8,900 construction jobs. Tennessee saw the biggest loss with 2,800 jobs gone.

Across the country, there was a 191,000 increase year-over-year with a 2.6% increase compared to September 2020. The largest gain was in California with 35,600 jobs while New York saw the largest decrease with 11,700 jobs lost.

As far as percentages reported, month-over-month saw an increase in Florida at 1.0% and a decrease in Lousiana of 1.6%. Year-over-year Hawaii saw an increase of 12.9% and Wyoming saw the smallest increase of 0.6%.

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New Orleans Home Prices Future Outlook and Effect on the Economy

 

National industry leaders say that the housing market might slow down soon affecting the home price increases. Although this report looks negative, local New Orleans real estate specialists are confident the market will not go cold soon.

"I don't think weakness is the right word for what we'll see; I think it's going to be more a shift in gears," Missy Whittington, CEO of NOMAR, said.

The New Orleans housing market saw a considerable rise in the number of homes for sale this summer but the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR) September housing-market report predicted an increase in inventory which might bring a slow down in the market. This trend would slow down the price increase, which has not stopped rising in 114 months.

"A lot of buyers got beat up and decided to take a break," Local Agent Katie Witry said. "Now, we're about two weeks behind what is typically the secondbusiest time of year and we'll see how they react when the inventory comes onto the market. It's still a strong market but I see signs that prices are cooling a bit."

Due to Hurricane Ida and buyers frustrated with being priced out of the market, there was a pause in listings coming on the market. The hurricane could have driven some residents away from the area. Local experts feel that this was awash with some residents moving out due to the storms while others moved in.

"After a big storm there's always some people leaving and some moving in," said Witry, speaking on the sidelines of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtor's annual forecasting symposium.

According to forecasters, New Orleans metro area real estate has seen a 13% jump in single-family home prices this past year. They feel this push has been due to the pandemic wave. This has been seen through the residential real estate market nationwide. This has been due to the lack of inventory and buyer demand.

"The fundamentals of the market have not changed," said Paul Richard, broker at Latter & Blum who co-chaired this year's symposium. "If there is a headwind into 2022 it will be inflation and an uptick in interest rates, but then the jobs market has been improving and even most of the hospitality jobs are back."

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Tips To Take To Get a Higher Value on Your Home

 One of the first rooms a buyer looks at is the kitchen. The kitchen has become the heart of a home, and its functionality and appearance are important. This is the reason why kitchens are the most popular room for renovations. Remodeling a kitchen can be very expensive and a lot of work, but will add value to your home. Here are six tips to follow if you want to spruce up your current kitchen.

1. Paint or refinish your kitchen cabinets

This is a simple or cost-effective way to update your kitchen space. Outdated or dingy cabinets can harm a kitchen's look. If you decide to change the color of your kitchen cabinets, make sure to choose a color that blends with the color scheme of your home. Another simple idea to update your outdated cabinets is to replace the hardware.

2. Add a kitchen island

Every buyer loves more counter space. A kitchen island not only gives extra counter space but storage as well. A kitchen island can drastically open up the room by offering depth and making more efficient use of the space. Kitchen islands not only are a great place to prep food but also can be a great place for additional seating. A nice kitchen island can cost upward of thousands depending on the size, materials, and accessories. If you are on a tight budget, a nice freestanding table can make a great kitchen island.

3. Install new energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient appliances are a great way to save energy and cut down costs on utilities. Switching your existing appliances to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to start. When purchasing new appliances look for the Energy Star label.

4. Consider updating your kitchen floor

Kitchen floors get the brunt of the mess in a kitchen. They take a beating from hot food spills, foot traffic, and appliances being moved across the floor. Replacing your old flooring can give your kitchen a facelift. Remember to choose durable and easy-to-clean flooring. Great materials include tile flooring, hardwoods, or artificial wood alternatives.

5. Install a backsplash

A backsplash behind an oven is a great way to protect from harsh spills and build-ups. It also makes it easier to clean them up. Having a backsplash above the kitchen countertops can add dimension and color to your kitchen.

6. Update lighting

Poor lighting in any space is a no-no. A kitchen can look very dingy with poor lighting. Try updating your lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs. These will not only brighten up your kitchen but will also add to your energy savings. Adding track lighting and dimmers are another great idea to add ambiance to the space.

A major remodel or a minor remodel with both do wonders for your kitchen and adds value to your home. A Realtor can help you determine how much value can be added.

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Reports Show an Increase in Steel Prices While Lumber and Concrete Prices Fall

 

Good news in the residential construction industry. Both lumber and concrete products have dipped in price. This has caused prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy decreased 0.8% in September (not seasonally adjusted), according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The price index of services input to residential construction also saw a dip in pricing in September. This was caused by smaller gross profit margins of building materials retailers.

Even with the decrease in pricing, building materials are still 13% higher than a year earlier and 11.3 higher than reported this January 2021. Service inputs also are up but did not increase as much. There was only a 9.5% increase in the first nine months of 2021 which dropped from the 11.9% increase in the first nine months of 2020.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for softwood lumber shown seasonally adjusted went down 3.5% in September. This is calculated by taking a survey of the prices paid for goods shipped during the month. The industry leaders predict there will be an increase in softwood lumber prices due to the FLCP (Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price) rising 36% since August 2021.

As for ready-mix concrete (RMC), the PPI went down slightly to 0.5% in September. This is the first decline seen since January 2021. Over the past 12 months, RMC has increased 3% and year-to-date 4.1% in September 2021. The largest decline was seen in the West at 2%, in the Northeast and South at 1% and increased 0.2 in the Midwest.

Gypsum products rose 1% in September making it the seventh consecutive monthly increase. The PPI year-to-date in 2021 increased 16.6% and 22.6% over the past 12 months in September. Gypsum products did see a decrease last year between January and September 2020 of 2.8%.

Steel products rose in pricing 5% in September which followed a 5.1% in August 2021. The monthly change in the steel mill products PPI increased by more than 10% only three times (in 1947, 1948, and 2008) over the 80-year period ending in 2020. Monthly increases have exceeded that mark four times in 2021.

Luckily the prices of services declined 2.7% in September which followed a decrease of 5.7% in August 2021. The monthly decline of 3.7% in trade services input pushed this decline.

If you are in the market for a new construction single-family home now is a good time to contact a local Realtor or local custom builder who can help you with your needs. Leave it to a professional as they are able to navigate this boisterous current housing market.

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Suburban and Exubran Communities See The Fastest Home Building Activity

 

The pandemic has not only changed buyers' perspectives on what they want in a home but also where they want their home to be located. More and more buyers are searching in the suburbs away from crowded urban areas. Surprisingly the multifamily sector is seeing more new home starts in the suburbs and lower-cost markets.

According to the NAHB's current Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) multifamily construction saw double-digit percentage gains in suburban areas in the second quarter of 2021. Large metro areas saw a decline in multifamily new starts. Multifamily residential construction rose 14.3% in small metro urban cores and 25.5% in small metro suburban areas while large metro core areas saw a 0.5% decline.

“The trend of construction shifting from high-density metro areas to more affordable regions, which accelerated at the beginning of the pandemic early last year, appears to be continuing,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “Lower land and labor costs, and lower regulatory burdens in suburban and exurban markets make it more appealing to build in these communities. And workers are increasingly flocking to these areas due to expanded teleworking practices and lower housing costs.”

If you are in the market to purchase a home, now is the time. Get in touch with a Realtor in your local community who can help you with the process.

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A Positive Employment Report for August

The NAHB Eye on Housing reported an increase in nonfarm payroll employment from July to August this year. Nonfarm payroll employment increased to 31 states in August with 235,000. This was at a slower rate than seen in July with an increase of 1,053,000.

August saw a strong increase on a month-over-month basis in California where 104,300 jobs were created, in Texas 39,300 and New York 23,500 were created. Nineteen of the states and the District of Columbia saw a decline with a loss of 64,100 jobs.

Out of the 48 states which reported construction sector job information, 24 of those states saw an increase in both residential and non-residential construction jobs. Colorado, South Dakota and Utah saw no changes while Nevada added 3,000 construction jobs. There was a 4.4% increase in New Hampshire but a 3.7% in Kansas between July and August.

The construction sector jobs also saw an increase of 2.7% by 193,000 jobs on a year-over-year basis. California again came in at the top with 35,900 construction sector jobs while New York lost the most at 11,700 jobs. In percentage comparisons, Rhode Island had the highest growth at 13.9 which Wyoming at the worst at a decline of 7.7%.

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Hilcorp Might Purchase Phillips 66 Refinery in Belle Chasse

This can be both good news and bad news for Belle Chasse and Plaquemines Parish. Phillips 66, which is based out of Houston wants to sell its Alliance Refinery in Belle Chasse. The good news is that Hilcorp Energy Co. is considering purchasing the refinery but the bad news is over 850 workers and contractors who are employed at the current refinery will be out of a job.

Hilcorp would have to shut down Alliance to be able to convert the refinery which is located on the lower Mississippi River into an oil export terminal. Hilcorp feels the refinery is a possibility to be incorporated into Hilcorp's growth strategy. In 2020 the company acquired BP PLC's in all of Alaska adding it to the already huge Hilcorp Alaska private oil and gas operator.

Hilcorp is also based out of Houston and was founded in 1989. It is the largest privately-owned oil and natural gas producer in the country. They provide oil, petrol and natural gas.

The Alliance Refinery is about 25 miles south of New Orleans. The refinery gets its crude oil from the Gulf of Mexico by pipeline and U.S. tight oil by barge. Most of the refined products from the refinery are distributed around the eastern United States. It is distributed through the major common-carrier pipelines and by barge.

The refinery, built in 1971, sits on 2,400 acres in Belle Chasse and has a capacity to process 255,600 barrels of crude oil each day, most of which is refined into gasoline. This sale could see a potential of $500 million.

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Patios Are Now Built on Over Half of New Homes

The National Association of Home Builders reported that over 60% of new homes built in 2020 have patios. This is the first time since the Census Bureau's 2005 survey that patios have been on over 50% of new homes. There were around 990,000 single-family homes started in 2020 and 61.4% of these homes had patios.

The shares of new homes with patios started to dip in 2007 from 50.4% in 2006 to 48.8% in 2007. The shares did not begin on the upwards trend again until 2011. The big increase from 2019 at 59.6% to 2020 at 61.4% was due to buyers' change in desires in what they want in a home. The pandemic caused us to rethink what is important when it comes to a home. Having a private place to spend outdoors became very important.

The nine US Census divisions also saw a drastic change across the board. Surprisingly the Mountain division was the highest at 74%, next was West South Central at 73%, the South Atlantic at 67%, and the Pacific at 59% all at over 50%. The remaining regions were all under 50% with the East North Central coming in at 47%, the West North Central and East South Central at 41%, New England at 21% and Middle Atlantic at 19%.

As for the construction and size of patios, those also differ. The majority of the patios across the board are constructed of poured concrete, followed closely by concrete and brick pavers. The average size across the board for a patio on a new single-family home was reported to be about 278 square feet. The largest were over 350 square feet in the Mid Atlantic, East North Central and Pacific divisions. The smallest which were under 200 square feet were found in the East South Central division.

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New Project Set To Be Constructed on Al Copeland's Lakefront Property

Years ago Al Copeland Sr., founder of Popeyes Fried Chicken, purchased a big piece of lakefront property in Mandeville. His plans for the property, a 30,000 sq. ft. home, horse stables and a helipad never happened. Today, the Copeland family has given the 29-acre property that is worth $7 million to the LSU Health Foundation.

The LSU Health Foundation, a nonprofit, plans to use the land to house a $150 million LSU-affiliated retirement community. The proceeds earned from the land lease will go to benefit cancer research in honor of Al Copeland Sr. who died from rare cancer. The complex will include an age-restricted apartment complex, restaurants, retail stores and a boutique hotel.

Mandeville residents and leaders support the project and believe that it is something the community needs. The project will bring jobs to the community as well as a place for medical students to learn and have hands-on experience.

"To me, it makes great use of that 20- plus acres that's been neglected," City Council member Rick Danielson said.

The first phase of the project will be an apartment complex that sits on the waterfront section along with restaurants, stores and a hotel. The 5-acre parcel that is not waterfront has plans to become an assisted living and memory care center. The center would give LSU Health Sciences Center students an opportunity to work and train in geriatrics.

The age restriction will be set at 55 and older and the number of housing units will follow Mandeville's zoning requirements. The project is in the first stages of land surveys, test pilings and permitting which will take a little over a year.

"None of this would have happened without the
generosity of Al Copeland Jr., " Altier said. Al Copeland Sr. died of a rare cancer, and it was LSU Health Sciences Center doctors who developed a treatment for it. "He has a passion to cure cancer," Altier said of the late
millionaire's son.

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New Orleans’ Housing Market Is Booming Making It Hard for First-Time Homebuyers

 

Across the United States, home prices are on the rise still and inventory is still behind. In New Orleans, this is no different as the lack of inventory and high home prices still remain.

Late spring of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic changed the home market. Sellers were scared to put their homes on the market because of the economic threat the pandemic had put on the nation. Still 16 months into the pandemic and sellers are still wary about listing their homes on the market.

Although the inventory is down, buyers are still out there. Many want to purchase a larger home because of the need for space. Labor shortages have brought on sign-on bonuses and incentives meaning there are more people that can afford a new home.

Around the New Orleans area, the median house price was up 17% in June 2021 compared to the first of 2021. As for the inventory in the Big Easy, there was a 45% decline in listings compared to that of June 2020. Home sales reflected a 12% jump in June 2021. Bidding wars have become the norm and buyers are being very competitive with their offers.

First-time homebuyers in the New Orleans area are having a much harder time finding a home to purchase. The rising home prices and the bidding wars make it nearly impossible. Areas such as St. John the Baptist Parish saw a median home price of $150,000 before the pandemic but in June 2021 the median home price had risen to $205,000.

According to a report by Reinvestment Fund, a public policy consultant, the home prices in New Orleans rose 12% from 2018 to 2020. The average home price across New Orleans rose the same time to $224,600. In some areas such as New Orleans East, the Lower 9th Ward and Algiers the prices close to tripled over the same time period.

"In the greater metro area, new-build houses are going to start in the $250,000-to-$275,000 range, and that is going to be supercompetitive," he said. "So, people in the affordable categories don’t get a shot at those properties, even if they can get together the financing with the help of government said Michael Merideth, CEO of VPG Construction. programs, because market-rate builders are going to go with regular buyers who can close in under 45 days."

"There is a lack of supply of affordable housing, and it is decades from being met if states and communities don't start building" houses that can be afforded by people of lower and moderate incomes, Deborah La Franchi, managing principal of American South Fund Management said.

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U.S. Regions Sees April Single-Family Permit on the Rise

 

The housing market is still booming, the first four months of 2021 the total number of single-family permits that were issued year-to-date among the country rose to 384,196. This makes a 35.6% increase over April 2020's number.

Year-to-date ending April 2021 there was an increase in all U.S. regions in single-family permits. The Midwest had the highest at 49.8%, the Northeast 48.6%, the West 37.7% and the South 30.9%. Multifamily permits were also very healthy. The highest in the Northeast with 45.8%, South 27.7%, West 34.4% and the Midwest 18.4%.

Within the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the increase from April 2020 YTD and April 2021 YTD in single-family permits were seen across the board. The highest rate came in at 332.1% in the District of Columbia. The jump was from 28 single-family permits in April 2020 to 121 single-family permits in April 2021. The ten highest states combined made up 62% of the total single-family permits issued were Alaska, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, Maine, New York, Wyoming and Utah.

The top 10 local metro areas in both single-family permits and multifamily permits were different. Single-family permits were the highest in Houston, Tx, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Tx, Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Az, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga, Austin-Round Rock, Tx, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fl, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, Nc-Sc, Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tn, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fl and Jacksonville, Fl. Multifamily permits were the highest in New York-Newark-Jersey City, Ny-Nj-Pa, Austin-Round Rock, Tx, Dallas-Forth Work-Arlington, Tx, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Ca, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Wa, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, Dc-Va-Md-Wv, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa-Nj-De-Md, Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Mn-Wi, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Tx and Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Co.

Now is a great time to purchase a home. If you are in the market for a new home, contact a local Realtor today.

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formation.

Riverfront Hotel Planned for New Orleans Convention Center Will Still Happen

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has chosen AECOM-Broadmoor to oversee their $557 million project to upgrade the complex. This is the first upgrade project since the convention center was constructed in 1984. The center has already tapped into the budget and spent $115 million on updates through the linear park which runs along the 11 blocks in front of the complex.

"We’re looking forward to digging into this project, collaborating with the entire community of trades and professionals involved to create a highly functional, beautiful, 21st century Morial Convention Center for everyone who visits it," said AECOM-Broadmoor's spokesperson Amy Ferguson.

Now the once cancelled hotel that was part of the project has been restored. Texas-based Matthews Southwest will take on the 500-room hotel. The hotel is just part of the new additions at the upriver end of the Convention Center. The multi-acre area will include retail, residential and an entertainment district.

The new hotel will include 13-stories along with a 28,000 square-foot festival deck that looks out onto the river. The hotel will sit on the South Front Street side and be connected to the Convention Center. The elevated pedestrian walkway that connects the hotel to the center will include restaurants and retailers.

This is great news for the city of New Orleans as its convention center is the only one in the country that does not have an attached hotel. The new project will definitely help New Orleans compete for event business with other convention centers throughout the country.

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Biden Administration To Cut Payments on Government-Backed Loans

The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt our economy and the well-being of our country tremendously. July 2021 the administration announced that there will be new loan modification options for those who have government-backed home loans. Biden's administration wants to give borrowers the opportunity to catch up or keep paying their mortgage payments due to the struggles the pandemic has caused.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages will be eligible to receive up to a 25% reduction on their principal and interest. You do have to be impacted by COVID-19 in order to receive help. In exchange, borrowers will have the life of their loan extended in order to be able to make lower monthly payments.

Those who have a loan back from the Department of Agriculture will receive up to a 20% reduction on their principal and interest. Ways borrowers can do this is to have an interest rate reduction, term extension and a mortgage recovery advance. Again, borrowers will need to be reviewed to make sure they qualify.

For VA loans there is a new COVID-19 Refund Modification which will have many tools that can help borrowers to obtain up to a 20% savings on their monthly principal and interest.

If you are in the market for a home, now is a good time to purchase. Find a professional Realtor in your area. For more information on any relief, assistance visit consumerfinance.gov/housing.

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A Dozen Must Haves For Today's Buyers

By now everyone has reshaped the way they see a home. The COVID pandemic pushed city dwellers to the suburbs and prices took a sharp turn up with the supply and demand. One thing that has not changed is location. Zillow reports that buyers look for a safe neighborhood, walkable neighborhood, close to shopping, short commute to school and work, sense of community, close to friends and family and preferred school district. Here are the top 12 amenities buyers are still looking for.

1. Updated Kitchens and Baths

These two areas of a home are where homeowners spend a lot of time. In a survey conducted by the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc., 81% of those who were surveyed said that updated kitchens and bathrooms were the most important feature in a home. That means that the majority of buyers who are looking for a home will make a decision based on the kitchen and bathroom conditions.

2. Open Floor Plans

Especially after the stay-at-home orders, an open floor plan is a must-have feature. Open floor plans are less confining and are more versatile. Now that we can all get together again, an open floorplan is great for entertaining because it allows for mingling and a great party flow. If a homeowner is still working from home, an open floor plan can allow for a great space to create a temporary workspace.

3. Air Conditioning

Every region in the county has some sort of change of season whether you live in a warm climate or cold climate. Central systems are a great way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Air conditioning is a great way to maintain humidity in your home's environment.

4. Energy Efficiency

Over the last several years this has become a very important feature in a home. As they say,  the green movement is here to stay. Buyers are looking for homes with energy-efficient windows, insulation, heating systems or solar panels. These are a few features that can help with not only your energy cost but with the planet as well.

5. Low Maintenance Features

Low maintenance and energy efficiency complement one another. These features keep the cost down on a home, especially for a first-time home buyer who is having a hard enough time coming up with a down payment. Every penny counts!

6. Technology

New York City is a place that is very technically savvy but when it comes to living there, people are moving out because of the poor Wi-Fi connections and good cell service. Buyers are looking for more tech-friendly homes nowadays. A strong dependable Wi-Fi connection and good cell service are a must.

7. Curb Appeal

A buyer's first impression is when they drive up to a home. The wow factor has to be there to catch their attention. A good way to accentuate the curb appeal of your home is to add plants, a new front door, new stonework, a new portico or outdoor lighting. You want to do everything you can to enhance your home from the view of the street.

8. Bringing the Outdoors In

Buyers want to be able to enjoy nature and have outdoor spaces. During the pandemic being stuck at home meant you had to have a space outdoors to be able to get outside every once in a while. Buyers are looking for porches where they can sit and eat or have a cocktail party. Stone patios with outdoor kitchens and outdoor furniture have become very popular.

9. Laundry Rooms

Laundry is always piling up, especially with busy lives. A laundry room is a great addition because you can close the door and hide your dirty laundry so to speak. In this day in age, it is very rare anyone has time to do the laundry every day so a place to store it is a must. A laundry room closer to the bedrooms is a plus.

10. Garage Area That Can Work as Storage

Buyers are always looking for storage space. If you have storage space in the garage, this is a bonus. Houses can get cluttered very quickly so having a place in the garage to store items is a very handy must-have.

11. Walk-In Pantry

Most families buy in bulk at stores such as Bj's or Costco, so they need a place to store the large quantities. Buyers want a walk-in pantry. Even if buyers do not shop in bulk, most do not shop on a weekly basis, so they need a place to stock up.

12. General Suitability

A buyer does not want to walk into a house that has bright pink walls in the bedroom or ugly bold colors in the kitchen. Buyers tend to be attracted to homes with neutral coloring, high ceilings for airflow and lots of natural light.

Every home will not fit all a buyer's wants so you will want to prioritize what is most important. A realtor can help you prioritize and negotiate for you when purchasing a home.

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Seven Louisiana Towns To Escape to for a Weekend

 

When Louisianans think of a weekend getaway the Gulf Coast usually comes to mind but there are some perfect getaways throughout the rest of Louisiana. These charming small towns are great places to go for rest and relaxation. Here are seven small towns located in Louisiana that are perfect for nature lovers to main street shoppers.

1. Breaux Bridge

This is a perfect town for those who want to experience some Cajun food and take in some nature. Breaux Bridge has a population of about 8,300 so it is not too small but not too big. There are several local Cajun restaurants to enjoy and the stunning Lake Martin is located here. Nature lovers can spend all weekend exploring Lake Martin.

2. Covington

Located just north of the city of New Orleans, Covington is located in St. Tammany Parish. Downtown Covington has many shops and restaurants to try. On Columbia Street or Lee Lane, you will find local boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants. One of the oldest general stores in Louisiana, H.J. Smith and Sons is located in Covington. This small city has around 10,000 residents but feels like a small town.

3. Ville Platte

Definitely a place for a nature lover who wants a quiet relaxing place to stay. Described as a place to get away from it all where you can rent a waterfront cabin at Chicot State Park. The area offers nature trails, canoeing and the Louisiana State Arboretum. This is a state preservation area which is the first state-supported arboretum in the country.

4. Natchitoches

This is one of the larger cities on the list with around 18,000 residence. The downtown area gives you a small-town feel and is loaded with history. In fact, Natchitoches is the oldest city in Louisiana. For those who love to dive into the culture, the 33-block Historic District is the place to be.

5. St. Francisville

This is known to be a sleepy little Louisiana town but the area has a lot to offer for a weekend getaway. All around the town are rolling hills and beautiful ancient oaks. It is also home to one of the country's most haunted plantations called Myrtles Plantation.

6. Grand Isle

Everyone loves the beach and Grand Isle is a perfect beach getaway. There is 10 miles of public beaches on Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island. Visitors can even spend the night on the beach at Grand Isle State Park.

7. Abbeville

Close to Breaux Bridge, Abbeville is another town that is bigger in size but still has a small-town vibe. This is perfect for nature lovers to shoppers to all the in-between. Palmetto Island State Park is located here which has cabins to rent, RV hookups and primitive campsites.

Louisiana is a great place to both live and vacation. The warm climate makes it a nature lovers' dream and the culture throughout the state is like no other.

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This Years New Orleans Parade of Homes Will Be Both Live and Virtual

 Each year the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) hosts the Parade of Homes. This is said to be the biggest official showcase of homes and their latest designs and floor plans in the Greater New Orleans area. Patrons who attend the 2021 Parade of Homes can tour homes in person or via 3D virtual tours.

The Parade of Home is a great way to be introduced to the latest in home design and innovations in building construction and industry trends. Learn and get expert advice from locally trusted builders, designers, lenders and real estate professionals. This year these will include adaptable and multi-purpose layouts, cozy vacation living, combined open-air living spaces, lighting and plumbing finishes, and the newest trends for 2021.

The Parade of Homes will include homes in Lakeview, Bucktown, Colonial Club, Metairie, English Turn, Louisiana Trace, Parks of Plaquemines, Gabriel Estates, Shrewsbury, Algiers Point, and Sugar Ridge in Thibodaux. This year there will be a total of 19 homes that can be toured in person or seen virtually via Matterport’s innovative 3D virtual tour technology. This is the latest app for the Parade of Homes. The app includes all the parade of homes and you can do a 360 tour of each room of each home.

“This year’s in-home and 3D virtual Parade offers a variety of homes in neighborhoods that reflect the diverse tastes and budgets of all potential homebuyers in our community,” said Mary Kelly of Ferguson Enterprises and Chair of the 2021 Parade of Homes. “After a year of missing the company of loved ones, working remotely and homeschooling children, home builders are creating plans with additional space for home offices, playrooms, and entertaining. We are excited and proud to once again showcase the work of our area’s most innovative builders, subcontractors, and vendors who provide inspiration while building strong relationships in the communities in which they serve.”

Visitors will be safe as the Parade of Homes will follow the CDC and governmental guidelines. HBAGNO will provide hand sanitizer and will sanitize frequently touched areas throughout the day. Proceeds will help support St. Jude Dream Home this year.

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Algiers Point Real Estate Changes in the Last Few Years

 Algiers Point is the second oldest neighborhood in the City of New Orleans. Known as the Point by locals, this area of New Orleans offers affordable housing. It is a quiet and quaint neighborhood with the small-town charm just a ferry ride away from downtown.

Algiers Point is across the Mississippi River from downtown. The Point is known for its beautiful Victorian historic homes. Residents and visitors describe it is like stepping back in time to the 1800s. You can see Victorian double shotgun homes as well as Craftsman shotguns and bungalows.

Algiers Point has seen a drastic increase in real estate activity in the past few years. The median sales price rose from $164,318 to $348,335 between 2012 and 2018 in the U.S. In Algiers, there has been a steady price increase since 2011. In 2018 the median sales price in Algiers was $181,776 which is affordable compared to its neighboring community the Garden District which had a median sales price of $510,584 in 2018.

"For the new folks, it's really just kind of the affordability of the community that makes sense," said Kelsey Foster, head of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation. Once new subdivisions started popping up, "that raised our population, and the average median income. And that immediately changes the calculation for grocery stores, restaurants and retail."

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Colonial Country Club In Harahan Might Turn Into A Residential Development

 A revised agreement will go in front of the Harahan city officials and City Council to redevelop Colonial Country Club into a residential development. In last month's meeting which lasted six and a half hours the revised agreement was drafted from the many amendments.

The golf course has been abandoned since it closed in 2012. The 88-acre site that sits between Jefferson Highway and the river in Harahan, is a nice green space according to many local residents. The redevelopment is not what many neighbors want.

The plan the current developers, Danny McKearan and Wayne Ducote have in mind is to build houses along with a 40-acre internal parcel along Colonial Club Drive, close to the river and on 15-acres along Jefferson Highway. Neighbors are concerned about the construction traffic and drainage problems caused by the construction. Another issue is what will happen to the mature oak trees.

To meet those concerns, a plan was devised to build a street exiting on Jefferson Highway, rather than traffic being routed along Colonial Club Drive.  Construction traffic will also be routed down the new road. A retention pond will be added so there will be no drainage concerns. The lots will be laid out to preserve as many of the mature oak trees as possible.

"That property is a whole lot more interesting to what I envision with every tree," McKearan said.

"I think we've got a better agreement than before the meeting started," Councilman Tommy Budde said. "More than likely this project is going to move forward.

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Home Price Boom In New Orleans' Second Oldest Neighborhood

January 2021 brought activity to empty lots in Algiers Point. Close to half a dozen two-story homes were built in Algiers Point, the second oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Homeowners in the area noticed the home building literally overnight in the area.

Natives know Algiers Point as the Point a charming neighborhood that is affordable on the east bank. The community is close-knit and quiet and is a ferry ride to downtown. This has lured developers to the area over the past five years. Although real estate prices are rising all over the city, the Point seems to have an even higher increase.

"For the new folks, it's really just kind of the affordability of the community that makes sense," Kelsey Foster, head of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation said. Once new subdivisions started popping up, "that raised our population, and the average median income. And that immediately changes the calculation for grocery stores, restaurants and retail."

The area has several new subdivisions and development projects currently going on. One is a 40-home development on Patterson Road on land across from the Mississippi River called Patterson Point and another is upriver which is a 20-home Maritimes development. Both projects will feature homes that are replicas of 19th-century architecture. This will be unique to the historic neighborhood because the homes will look historic without the century-old home high maintenance.

Algiers will not only see new subdivisions and homes but also new businesses. Already the area has a new coffee shop and several restaurants. There are plans for a new grocery store, condo and homes that will be a live work-in play on 10 acres on Opelousas Avenue. In fact, Barracuda Taco Stand a New Orleans' favorite is opening a second location at the Point.

"This is like, pour water on seeds and watch it sprout," Barbie Rambo, an Algiers Point homeowner, said. "They did all of that in one fell swoop and just, there you have it."

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The African Pompano Reflected in Search for the Ghosts of the Gulf

 

A Studio in the Woods has been awarded one of the grants given by the National Endowment for the Arts to bring together art and culture in activities that will enlighten and strengthen communities economically, physically and socially. The program which is part of Tulane University's ByWater Institute is using the Our Town funding to support, Search for the Ghosts of the Gulf.

The $75,000 grant will back the project that is headed by A Studio in the Woods, resident artist biologist and environmental activist Brandon Ballengée. A Studio in the Woods is one of the top artistic and academic residency programs in the Gulf South. The studio is located close to Plaquemines Parish along the West Bank of the Mississippi.

With the help of Plaquemines Parish, Brandon Ballengée, will use his community-based residency to study and highlight the at-risk coastal communities in Plaquemines Parish. He will have assistance from local community members, youth and fishermen who will explore missing and endangered fish species in the Gulf of Mexico.

“It is always exciting when Plaquemines Parish can partner with outside organizations to bring grant money into our parish,” said Plaquemines Parish President Kirk M. Lepine. “This project in particular will help us to expand our coastal resilience, which as we know is one of the most
important and pressing issues we face.”

The African Pompano is just one of the many species that will be researched and included in the artwork. The species became endangered when the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill happened. Ballengée made the image and others by chemically clearing and staining species
collected in the Gulf of Mexico after the disaster.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Brandon Ballengée and the Plaquemines Parish government to bring dynamic, accessible and fun programming about environmental change to our neighbors in
Plaquemines Parish,” said Ama Rogan, managing director of A Studio in the Woods. “We hope this project sparks new understandings, conversations and bonds in our communities.”

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Steps To Follow When Buying A Home

 

Purchasing a home is a big life step and with any big life change, it is always best to be prepared and knowledgeable in order to make the right decision. Below are five simple steps to take when buying a home.

1. Organize your finances

The first major task in this step is to save for a downpayment. Most conventional loans require a 5% - 20% downpayment at closing. In fact, a conventional loan will require PMI(private mortgage insurance) if you put less than 20% down. A good incentive is the larger the down payment the better rates a lender will offer. Putting a larger downpayment on a home will allow you to save money over the life of the mortgage loan.

Another factor that will determine your interest rate and the type of loan you qualify for is your credit score. A credit check is required by lenders in order to offer you a mortgage. Remember lenders do perform hard inquiries on your credit report which will impact your credit score. If you are shopping around for mortgage lenders, ask them to do a soft inquiry on your credit check so it will not impact your score.

You will also want to save up for closing costs which will be about 3% of the total home price. These costs include the loan, underwriting, and other fees associated with the purchase.

2. Determine how much house you can afford

When sitting down to determine how much you are able to afford on a house, look at your debt-to-income ratio. A lender looks at your debt-to-income ratio. Basically, this is comparing your income to your debt and usually, it has to fall under 43% to qualify for a mortgage. An example would be if your monthly debt totaled $3,000 and your monthly income is $10,000 your DTI would be 30%.

Not only should you understand your DTI but also how a mortgage payment is calculated. A monthly mortgage payment includes the principal payment (goes toward the amount you borrowed), interest, escrow (property taxes/homeowner's insurance) and if applicable PMI. A mortgage calculator is a great way to become familiar with the cost associated with a mortgage.

3. Understand your mortgage

There are several pieces that lenders use to determine your interest rate. The better your credit score the better your interest rate. Someone with a lower credit score could have a 1% higher interest rate on the same mortgage as someone with a higher credit score. The length of the loan also plays a factor. In some instances choosing a 15-year loan over a 30-year loan will allow you to get a lower interest rate. The Federal fund rate also determines the interest rate. If the federal funds rate is low, it means it does not cost a bank as much to borrow money. Those savings are passed to you from the bank in form of a lower interest rate. Different lenders will offer different rates so shop around for the best rate. A primary residence will also be in favor when it comes to a lower rate. A secondary or vacation home will bump the interest rate up.

Conventional loans have stricter qualifications than an FHA loan. An FHA loan allows for a smaller down payment and less stringent qualifications. This is a great way to go if you are a first-time homebuyer. To compare, a conventional loan minimum credit score is around 620, where an FHA minimum credit score is 500 - 579.

As mentioned before, PMI can increase your monthly payments. If you want to avoid PMI you have to put at least 20% down. If you cannot put 20% down, PMI can be removed off a conventional loan once you have a built-up 20% equity. On an FHA you will either have to pay PMI for 11 years or the life of the loan. This depends on the loan amount, length of the loan and the loan-to-value ratio (LTV). If you do decide to go with an FHA, you will also be required to have Up Front Mortgage Insurance (UFMI). This will be 1.75% of the base loan amount and can be paid at closing or rolled into your monthly mortgage payments.

4. Get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage

There is a difference between getting pre-approved vs pre-qualified for a mortgage. Sellers like to see a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender. This means the buyer is serious and can afford the home.

• Pre-qualification is a quick process that tells you roughly how much you can afford to spend on a home, based on your self-reported income, debts and assets.
• To obtain pre-approval, you’ll have to provide verifiable financial documents to the lender. The lender will review your credit report, financial history, income statements and more to determine how much they would be willing to lend you.

5. Look for a property and make an offer

In today's market, there are more buyers than sellers making it hard for a buyer to sit and think on it overnight. If you like the home and it fits all your criteria, submit an offer.

A Realtor can help you with the process and help you navigate this hot market. They can negotiate your price and terms as well as recommend mortgage brokers, title companies and inspectors. A Realtor will be with you from your search to the closing.

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A $75,000 Our Town Grant Goes to A Studio in the Woods

 

A program of Tulane University’s ByWater Institute called A Studio in the Woods, is receiving a $75,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will be used towards Searching for the Ghosts of the Gulf, a collaborative project with artist and biologist Brandon Ballengée and the Plaquemines Parish Government.

A Studio in the Woods is a retreat for artists, scholars, and the public. It is a place in Lousiana's protected forest along the Mississippi River where patrons can go to relax and focus on their creativity. The organization has built a network of artists interested in works based on southern Louisiana's environment.

Searching for the Ghosts of the Gulf is a project that artist and biologist Brandon Ballengée and the Plaquemines Parish Government are coming together to create. Brandon Ballengée will be a community-based residency at A Studio in the Woods where he will study and explore endangered fish species from the Gulf of Mexico.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Brandon Ballengée and the Plaquemines Parish Government to bring dynamic, accessible, and fun programming about environmental change to our neighbors in Plaquemines Parish,” A Studio in the Woods Managing Director Ama Rogan remarked, “We hope this project sparks new understandings, conversations, and bonds in our communities.”

Ballengée states, “Together we will build resilience for coastal populations using citizen driven art/science research while taking collaborative actions towards a collective future survival.”

Our Town funding is the National Endowment for the Arts grant that will help fund projects such as this at A Studio in the Woods. There are 63 grants like this nationwide which supports projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes; ultimately laying the groundwork for sustainable systems change.

“It is always exciting when Plaquemines Parish can partner with outside organizations to bring grant money into our parish. This project in particular will help us to expand our coastal resilience, which as we know is one of the most important and pressing issues we face,” said Plaquemines Parish President Kirk M. Lepine.

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Belle Chasse Medal of Honor Park Honors War Veterans Will Finally Be Completed

 

The Louisiana Medal of Honor Park is finally going to be finished after construction came to a halt about 18 years ago. Originally the park was created to display over 4,000 medal recipients from the Civil War to present-day conflicts.

The structure was built by Seabees from the neighboring Naval Air Station and Joint Reserve Base. The five large concrete structures that make up the monument have been funded by donors and volunteers throughout the years.

“It’s an ongoing process for sure and the upkeep of it and the maintenance and everything,” park designer and board member Jody Coyne said.

Over the years the park has been short in supply for funding to complete it. Coyne says the park site is a tribute to all those who have served in the military and is a labor of love. It is a special play for Plaquemines Parish’s military community.

The funding to complete the 34-acre tribute will come from a federal grant that is also paying for a new main gate to the Navy base across the street from the park.

“If everything goes right, we should finally have a nice pavilion building with restrooms and stuff for the public, a large playground area in the front and a museum building off to the left side," Coyne said. “We hope we can complete this and dedicate this, have another re-dedication ceremony to honor everyone’s that ever given the ultimate sacrifice.”

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Seven Mistakes On Mortgages That Can Be Dodged

 

Whenever you are making any large financial decisions, due diligence is a must. When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, overlooking these mistakes can cost several thousand. Here are seven mistakes that should not be overlooked when it comes to a mortgage.

Number one is to avoid not shopping around.

Just like with any other consumer product or service, you always want to shop around for the best deal. By doing this, homeowners can save by obtaining lower mortgage rates. According to a study done by Freddie Mac, consumers who obtain five rate offers saved around 16.6 basis points (bps) (or 0.166 percent) on their rate on average.

One myth that can be laid to rest is by shopping around for a mortgage you will lower your credit score. This is not the case. Usually, there are two weeks where you can have additional hard inquiries without penalty. Take your time and shop around do not just take the first offer without making sure it is the best for you.

Number two avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Do not just focus on your mortgage payment, there are additional fees that need to be considered when obtaining a mortgage. Even with no origination fees or lender commissions, there is still some additional cost that cannot be waived. The fees that can be waived are application fees, loan origination fees, loan officer commission and credit report fees.

Number three consider a 15 or 20-year mortgage.

You do save a little with a 30-year mortgage but that is only short-term. Over the life span of the mortgage, you will make payments for a longer period of time adding more interest than you pay to the lender.

With a 15-year mortgage, the monthly payments are higher but you will pay off the principal faster and with less interest paid to the lender. A 15-year mortgage interest rate is lower so you will be paying more towards the principal.

To make sure you make the right decision for you, compare the principal and interest on a 30-year fixed vs a 15-year fixed. If you are obtaining a $250,000 mortgage with a 10% down payment, a 30-year fixed will have a monthly payment of $1,024 with a 3.61% interest rate that totals to $143,719 in interest costs and a 15-year fixed with a rate of 3.13% will have a monthly payment of $1,568 and total interest cost of $57,226.

Number four consider all the cost when it comes to owning a home.

There are tons of hidden and sudden expenses when it comes to owning a home. Your final cost is not just the monthly mortgage payment so do not count on the figure a mortgage calculators give you.

A rule of thumb is to put away at least one percent of your home’s value each year for home maintenance and repair. So for a $360,000 house, you would set aside $3,600 a year or $300 a month.

Number five make sure you have a clear understanding of points and lender credits.

Points on a mortgage are referred to as discount points. When obtaining a mortgage you can pay off a one-time fee or points on top of your normal closing cost to get lower interest rates. Credits are referred to as lender credits. You would pay less in closing costs but have a higher interest rate.

Weigh each option to see which would be the best for you. Ask yourself how long will you hold on to the property? If you are going to keep the property for a long period of time you would benefit from paying discount points. However, if you are only planning to sell or refinance in a couple of years, lender credits are the way to go.

Number six check your credit score prior to obtaining a mortgage.

Your credit score can have a huge impact on approval for a mortgage. Each credit bureau allows a free credit report every year. It is always a good idea to review your credit report annually.

Number seven never leave any information off of your mortgage application.

The mortgage application is the first key step in getting preapproved. Misinformation or omitted information can lead to a non-approval. A common mistake many make is not including child support or alimony payments.

Lenders want to see everything you owe to make sure you can afford your mortgage payments. Even if you incur debt but make little or no payments, it is still owed.

Avoiding these mistakes is just one of the many steps you should take when obtaining a mortgage. When purchasing a home, your Realtor can help you make the right decision on a mortgage lender.

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