Corian or Quartz Countertops, What Is Right for You?

 When renovating your kitchen, your countertops are a big part of it. In fact professionals will tell you that one of the most important design elements in your kitchen is your countertops. It is important to choose something that looks good but also something that is low-maintenance and durable. Corain and Quartz are two popular choices, so which is best? Here are some differences from the experts.

What is Corian and Quartz Materials?

Corian is a brand name and not a type of material, but is is often referred to as the name of a general solid surface material. Corian comes in many colors and the pigments are added to the resin so the color goes all the way through.
“Corian countertops are made of solid surface material, which is a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, offering a seamless, non-porous surface,” explains Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Studio.

Quartz is a bit different from Corian and can actually look a lot like natural stone surfaces such as granite or marble. “Quartz countertops, are engineered from natural quartz crystals and resins, providing exceptional durability and a wide range of colors and patterns,” says Kerrie.

Which Is More Durable?

Quartz is pretty durable and resistant to stains. Quartz will not scratch, mold and mildew like Corian sometimes will. Corain is still durable but is not as resilient. High tempatures will damage Corian so you cannot put a hot pan directly on Corian counters.

“While hot items shouldn’t be placed directly on quartz, it can withstand some heat as compared to Corian, says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design. It can be noisy when placing hard objects on the surface and it can be perceived as hard and cold if you regularly sit at a quartz counter when dining.”

Which Looks Better?

Quartz comes in many more styles and professionals say that is in one of the best countertops for cooking. “Quartz is mostly polished, but there are some options in a matte finish, says Jane. There is a multitude of patterns, colors, and finishes available with quartz, and many that have a layering of colors. Some quartz even has metallic-like gold and silver embedded within them.”

Which Is More Stain-Resistant?

Quartz is more resistant to stain but Corian counters are also resistant. Both are hygienic because there are no seams on the countertops. Both of these types of counters are non-porous and do not have to be sealed. These low maintaince materials do not need to be polished and spills are cleaned off easily.

Which Is Easier To Design With?

Corian is definetly the easier of the two to design with. This material has a higher percentage of binding resins that allows for greater flexibility in terms of shape.  “Corian is very moldable, allowing you to create a seamless sink or rounded corners, says Jane. There truly are no seams, so the opportunities are endless in terms of what length can be used or shape created. It is soft to the touch and relatively quiet when placing dishware or hard items on top. It is matte sheen, making it less of a visual statement than a glossy finish.”

Corian cost between $45 to $65 per square foot and quartz cost from $50 to $200 per square foot. “While Quartz can be more expensive than some other materials and may not withstand high heat as well as natural stone, their resistance to etching and staining is unmatched,” says Kerrie.

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Is the Housing Market Both a Seller’s and a Buyer’s Market?

 The pandemic hit and the housing market went crazy with buyers. In fact, many potential home buyers felt desperate and defeated due to all cash offers and multi-bidding wars. Those in the industry say that this is not the case anymore as the market is starting to become an even playing field.

“Those moments of…..there are 20 offers coming in are gone now. Buyers can take a bit more time . The buyer has a little bit more power or control on their side, ” says Jay Farner with Rocket Mortgage.

This is the 10th month in a row that home sales have dropped due to the rise in the mortgage rates. This has been the longest decline in home sales since around 1999. The market is not as hot as it was during the pandemic for sellers, but still is not a buyer’s market either due to the still historically low housing inventory.

“I’d say it’s an even market. A few years ago, it was clearly a seller’s market. We were doing verified approvals, people were getting a full underwrite within 24 hours to ensure they could present almost like a cash buyer to make an offer on that home. Now, they have a bit more time. They have more homes they can look at…..We’re not seeing 15 offers on one home,” replies Farner.

Even though the home prices are slowing down, they are not dropping. Since the demand is decreasing a bit, so is the supply. Higher mortgage interest rates have caused a slump in the market due to high inflation. The 30-year fixed at the week ending January 12 was around 6.33% which was down from last fall but up from this time a year ago.

“A recession here is on the horizon. People are changing their spending habits, credit card debt is rising, savings and bank accounts are dropping. All of those things tell me that we’ve set the table for a recession here in 2023,” says Farner.

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This Year’s Southern Living 2022 Idea House Is Located in North Carolina

This year Southern Living chose River Dunes which is located in Oriental, North Carolina for their 2022 Idea House.  The community features 14 miles of waterfront on the Pamlico Sound, Intercoastal Waterway and the mouth of the Neuse River.  River Dunes offers wonderful amenities which include a 400-slip marina.

The home represents coastal living at its best and was brought to life by a team including Jordan Maroules of SLD Custom Homes, Charlotte Lucas of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design and William Court of Court Atkins Group.

“Our vision was to create a Southern ‘coastal-inspired’ home that has a strong traditional sense of place-but a slightly more contemporary sense of detail,” says architect William Court.

The home features multiple structures instead of just one which includes a guest home.  The main house sits at 4,125 square feet and includes a wraparound porch for outdoor living.  The porch gives a nice harbor view with great space for outdoor entertainment.  The exteriors are constructed of James Hardie siding which will stand up to the harsh coastal elements.

“While we are blessed with unparalleled beauty in the Southeast, the climate comes with humidity, moisture, salt air and pests. We love using Hardie fiber cement products in southern coastal areas because they hold their own in rain, sleet or snow. This allows us to provide our clients with a great low-maintenance and sustainable alternative to natural wood siding. Anytime we can get the look and feel of natural wood without the headache of ongoing maintenance, that’s a win, ” says Court.

The siding design used on the home is the Artisan shiplap siding by James Hardie.  “In our more contemporary coastal designs, we want to blend the use of historical proportions and familiar colors with unexpected details and clean lines. Our design team relies heavily on the range of products by James Hardie to create realistic historical details, as well as updated contemporary profiles with a sense of weight and proportion. Using the Artisan shiplap siding with mitered corners was a natural choice to get a crisp clean edge-but with an elevated sense of detail,” says Court.

The 2022 Southern Living 2022 house will only be on tour until the end of the month.  Currently the home is decorated for the holidays and can be toured by purchasing a ticket. All the proceeds will go to local charities.

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Steps To Take When Buying A House

They say buying a house is part of the American dream. Buying a house is one of life's biggest events. When you are ready to take the leap, here are some steps you need to take.

What to Consider Beforehand

Make sure you are ready to become a homeowner because it is not always the best decision for everyone, renting might be the best way to go for some. There are a ton of responsibilities that come along with owning a home such as regular maintenance, inspections, taxes, and more.

Another thing to consider is the timing factor. Look at the mortgage rates and home prices are they rising or staying the same? If the rates are starting to take a leap, then you might want to move quickly. Also, the time of the season can also determine the best time for you to start your search. Spring is typically when listings hit the market. This means that there will be more options for you to choose from. On the downside, it is the most competitive season for buyers.

The last and most important thing is are your finances in good shape. Only set out to purchase a home if you are financially stable. Remember you will need to set aside savings for a down payment and closing costs. If your credit score could be higher, pay off some of your debt to boost your score.

How to Plan Your Budget

Budgeting is essential when it comes to buying a home. Set a time frame of how long it will take you to build up a good down payment. Once you have this timeframe, research Realtors in your area and find the best fit for you. Keep in mind that it takes around a couple of days to a couple of months to find your ideal home, then around 30 - 60 days to complete the transaction from contract to close.

Along with finding a real estate agent, you will need to find a mortgage lender. The best bet is to shop around for the best rates and offers. This will also depend on your credit score. Having an established credit history and a high credit score can allow you to get a better rate on a mortgage.

To check your score, obtain a credit report from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. These three credit bureaus allow a free report every 12 months. Lenders typically require a credit score of 620 or higher to be able to obtain a mortgage. If your score is a little iffy, raise it before you apply for a loan.

In order to raise your credit score you will need to pay your bills on time, pay off debt and keep a low balance on your credit cards, and check for any mistakes on your credit report. Lenders want to know they can depend on you to pay you mortgage payment on time.

If you are not able to raise your score or get it over 620, then there are other financing options available. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) only requires a score of 500 with a 10% down payment or 580 with a 3.5% down payment.

How Much House Can I Afford

When buying a home, you are not just paying the listing price, there are hidden costs. When budgeting, allow for a down payment, closing costs, moving and maintenance costs, as well as an emergency fund for any unplanned maintenance.

You will need to set aside at least 20% of the price of the home for a downpayment on a conventional mortgage. Closing costs are another thing you will need to pay out of pocket which can be between 2% and 5% of the home's purchase price. Remember to always factor in closing costs to your budget! You will also need to pay to move and make any necessary repairs before moving in.

Along with your monthly mortgage payment, you will also have monthly expenses such as utilities, transportation, groceries, entertainment, childcare, credit card debt, savings, etc. A good rule of thumb is for your mortgage payment to be below 28% of your monthly income.

Shopping Around for the Right Everything

When purchasing a house, you not only have to shop around for the right home, but also for a Realtor and a mortgage lender. Doing your due diligence on both can save you time, money, and heartache.

There are many lenders out there who offer different rates and terms. Shop around for the best lender who offers better products. There are several different types of loans with different qualifications. A lender can help you choose the right one for you and also get you pre-approved.

A pre-approval letter can sometimes be the golden ticket for the seller. This tells the seller that you are a serious buyer and you have the finances to back it up. In order to get a pre-approval letter, your lender will need to verify your finances and check your credit score.

A Realtor is your saving grace through the entire process. When choosing a Realtor, it is always good to get referrals. You want to make sure the agent your are considering has a good reputation and experience. It is a good idea to interview several agents to see if they are a match and would work well with you.

Once you have a lender and a Realtor you need to find your home. An agent can help narrow your search by finding a home that fits most of your needs and wants. Your agent should have an extensive amount of knowledge about the neighborhoods you are interested in.

Reaching the Finish Line

Once you have found your home, it is time to make an offer. Your Realtor will advise you on the best approach and will negotiate your contract. Once everything is settled such as contingencies, a home inspection, and disclosures, you are ready to close. Remember your Realtor will help you along the way and make sure you get the best deal.

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Plans For A New Subdivision in New Orleans East

 

James Smith of Imperium Estates LLC is a developer which has plans to build a subdivision on 36-acres close to the former Six Flags. The plans include over 116 homes that will be built in several different phases close to the intersection of Interstate 510 and Chef Menteur Highway, just south of the Eastover neighborhood.

“The homes are beautiful,” said Dawn Hebert, chairperson of the East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission, a group that represents several homeowner and neighborhood associations in the east.

The neighborhood has a few obstacles, including the property's current zoning. The city's master plan has the property zoned for an industrial park. Luckily District E Council member Oliver Thomas is backing the idea of changing the zoning to residential. He feels the master plan does not match the needs of New Orleans East development or the wishes of surrounding residents and landowners.

“I just thought it was appropriate in terms of what they wanted to do to fit to where that community was going,” Thomas said. “I haven’t seen or heard of anyone submitting plans for light industrial development out there.”

Herbert explains that the industrial designation for the area was originally placed in 1970. In five decades there has been zero interest or demand for an industrial park.

“I think it’s outdated zoning because, since Katrina, more homes have been built over there,” said Hebert.

“You don't have a long line of people trying to invest out there,” a neighboring property owner, Robert Charbonnet.

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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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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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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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Seven Tips to Make Buying a House Easier

 
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Purchasing a home is in the top five most stressful events. Buying a house can be a complicated process but there are ways to make the process easier. Here are seven things you can do to simplify the process of purchasing a home.

1. Get your paperwork in order

 

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Getting your paperwork in order such as two years’ worth of tax returns, current pay stubs, bank statements for the last three months, cancelled rent checks, or copies of your lease for a loan application is one of the first steps. You will need to be pre-approved for a specific amount. This will help you with how much you can afford on a house. Realtors and sellers both want to see a pre-approval letter that lets them know you can afford the home and you are a serious buyer.

2. Find a real estate agent you can trust

 

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Finding the right sales agent is a very important step in the process of purchasing a home. Before choosing, interview at least three real estate agents. You will not only want to have a good rapport with an agent, but you will want to make sure they are well-rounded in the community you are looking to purchase a home in. You will want to choose an agent with the best track record of sales in your area, the best online or personal recommendations, and the one you like best. Staging, keeping a home show-ready, and listening to tactfully delivered feedback from people who’ve viewed your home means you’re going to be interacting with your agent a lot.

3. Start researching banks, credit unions, and loan officers

 

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Just like choosing the right real estate agent, choosing the right place to apply for a loan for your home is just as important. There are many types of loans and different institutions to choose from. Sometimes it might seem best to use a bank or credit union, but this is not always the case. Many times the banks and credit unions have vested interest and might push you to use certain Realtors, attorneys and home inspectors because they receive a portion of the commissions.

4. Get your financing in order

 

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After you have chosen your mortgage lender, you will need to get pre-approved. As mentioned earlier, you will need to have your paperwork in order along with your finances. The pre-approval letter is your ticket to let sellers know you are a serious buyer who can afford their home.

5. Find a home inspector you can trust

 

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A home inspector is a key factor in the success of your home purchase. You want to choose an inspector you can trust who is looking out for your best interest. In an older home, a trustworthy inspector will point out areas of concern such as problems with termites, water seepage, or shoddy construction. Find an inspector who would not mind if you tag along during the inspection. This is a good time to ask questions and get their advice.

6. Consider investing in title insurance

 

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Purchasing title insurance is a safety net against anything that could pop up on the property such as a lien. Title insurance cost from $1,000 and $3,000 on average, or .05 percent of the purchase price and is worth the cost. In many cases, mortgage lenders will require you to get title insurance.

7. Get your tradespeople lined up

 

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Renovations or repairs are a big part of homeownership. Have tradespeople lined up so that when something does go wrong, you can call on the spot. It is important to make sure they are reliable and honest. Ask around at places such as an independent home supplier. An independent home supplier will usually have the low down on who does sloppy work and who does good work.

Remember never try to purchase a home on your own. Follow these steps to simplify your home buying process. A local real estate agent can guide you through the process.

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What You Shouldn’t Do After Applying for a Mortgage

Applying For a mortgage is a big part of purchasing a new home. This can be an exciting yet daunting task.  Here are a few things you shouldn't do once you have applied for a mortgage.

Speak to your banker or lender before depositing cash into your bank account.  You do not want to deposit a big chunk of cash into your account all of the sudden. During the mortgage process, lenders need to be able to track where your money is coming from and cash is not easy to track. You can deposit cash during your mortgage process but you will need to discuss how to document your transactions with your lender.

Put big purchases on hold until after the application process. Purchasing new furniture or a new car is a big obligation and will bring monthly payments. Lenders take in all monthly expenses when qualifying you for a loan. If new obligations are created then you will need to be reviewed again. A higher debt-to-income ratio will have to be adjusted. Lenders will tell you that higher ratios equal riskier loans.

Hold off on any co-signing for anyone on their loan. Co-signing is just like obligating yourself to someone else's loan. These obligations will also make you have a higher ratio. Although you are just co-signing, a lender looks at this as another expense you are responsible for.

Do not change bank accounts. One of the steps on a mortgage application is to list your bank accounts. Lenders need to be able to see where your money comes from and where it goes. If you were to change bank accounts during the process, this can hinder a lender from sourcing and tracking your assets. If you have no other option but to change bank accounts, speak to your lender.

Now is not the time to apply for a new credit card. Whenever a financial organization runs your credit report, your FICO® sore is affected. The higher your credit score the better interest rate a lender can offer you. Lower credit scores will not only determine your interest rate but can also hinder you from being approved for a mortgage.

Keep your current accounts open. There is a misconception that less is best when it comes to open credit accounts. This is not true, in fact, it helps to have a long list and depth of credit history. Closing a credit account can actually create a negative impact on your score.

Remember to keep an open line of communication with your lender throughout your mortgage application process. If you have a change in income, job or have to move things around you should share all those things with your lender. The best plan is to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature.

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