Secrets to Finding a Home in Any Type of Housing Market

 The ever-changing housing market will always keep the buyer and seller guessing. If you are a buyer, it is always nice if the market is a buyer’s market. Even when the market is up, down, or somewhere in between, professionals in the industry have some tips on how to buy a home in any market.

1. Help Your Offer Stand Out

In a seller’s market, there will almost always be multiple offers on the home you are making an offer on. To get ahead of the game, it is a good idea to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will give you a rough estimate of how much you can afford. To ensure that you are able to purchase the home you want to make an offer on, get a verified approval letter from your lender. This will let a seller know that you are a serious contender and you can go through with the offer.

2. Partner With an Experienced Agent

A local real estate agent will be able to battle for you in any kind of market. They have extensive knowledge in the local market and can also refer you to a local lender. You can go into a home showing with the knowledge of the comparable property selling prices in the area and an agent can get you into pocket listings. Pocket listings are usually sold privately and are not listed on MLS. Agents also keep up with one another, so your agent can get the scoop and help you make an informed decision on which way to go.

3. Check Out Affordable Alternatives

Your budget might not be in line with your dream home, so you may want to shift your focus. Focus on your must haves and share these with your real estate agent. If you can move into another area that is cheaper, that can also be a way to get the home of your dreams. To check out other areas, use a cost-of-living calculator which can help you compare housing costs, and other factors in different areas.

4. Sweeten Your Offer

You want to get your offer a second glance, so you want it to stand out. You don’t just have to work with the purchase price on a counter offer, you can also negotiate other factors. An example would be if a seller is still shopping for a home, you can rent back their home after you purchase it. This will make your offer more attractive over others.

Remember purchasing a home is a big deal no matter what kind of housing market we are in. Be sure to choose a lender and a real estate agent who will help you with the home buying process from start to finish.

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Jefferson Parish West Bank Might Get A New Movie Production Studio

 The old Celotex building in Marrero might have a new purpose in Jefferson Parish. There are talks that the old eye sore will be revitalized into a movie production studio. The building on Fourth Street has been purchased by Maple Marrero LLC.

The site includes 67 acres with around 400,000 square feet of warehouse space. “We could have one of the biggest movie studios in Louisiana and still have over 200,000 square feet of vacant warehouse space, said partner Andrew Duncan.

Celotex’s Marrero plant opened its doors in the 1920’s and employed over 1,000 workers. The plant remained open until it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and closed its doors in 2009.

Coincidentally the property has been a set for several films and television projects throughout the years. The Hollywood writers and actors strike has set the plans back.
“As soon as the film and TV industry activates again, the place will become active as a filming location. We can start that in 30 seconds,” replies Duncan.

For the next couple of months, the new owners are going to spruce the landscape on the site. “Like many industrial sites along the river, the Celotex site has fallen into disrepair and been underutilized for a number of years,” Duncan said.

“I’m hopeful that in the next couple of years, that eyesore will no longer be an eyesore and instead will be something that contributes to the economy of Jefferson Parish, ” said Jerry Bologna of JEDCO.

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U.S. Home Builders Beat Expectations for July

 According to data from the Census Bureau home building increased 3.9% in July from June. This stems from the buyers’ interest in new homes since the market is so low on existing home inventory. New home starts bumped up to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.452 million which beat out the expectation from the Census Bureau of 1.448 million.

Single-family homes rose 6.7% in July with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 983,000. This makes the number of units started up to 5.9% from July of last year.

“Buyers embraced new homes in the first half of this year as a welcome alternative to the massive shortage of existing homes. Homebuilders responded to the rebound in demand by ramping up production in the first five months of 2023 and rolling out incentives. The latest readings show activity skewing noticeably toward the single-family space,” said George Ratiu.

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Are the Home Prices Dropping Faster Than We Expected?

 Village Aurora Shopping Center opened its doors in the 80’s to its 250,000-square-foot center. Around ten years ago, the shopping complex was renovated and expanded. The shopping center has been purchased by a Los Angeles-based investor, Moisce Belinow. The purchase price set the California investor back $35 million. Belinow believes that the local property is a good investment with upside potential. The current shopping center houses a Winn-Dixie and a Chick-fil-A.

“Our occupancy is 98%, which is attractive. New Orleans doesn’t have a lot of vacancy for high-quality centers, which gives me a lot of comfort about investing in a high-quality property like this,” says Belinow.

The roof needs attention now and the outside needs a facelift. Belinow will sink $1 million into the immediate improvements. The Winn-Dixie will also make some upgrades to its supermarket located in the shopping plaza. Future plans for the shopping center will include a new retail building.

“We focus on adding values to our properties which means renovating, new construction, adding extra pads,” explains Belinow.

“These guys are used to much higher prices on the West Coast, and this is a deal for someone who is willing to take the risk into a tertiary market. There’s a much better return on your investment than you would get for the same asset in Dallas or Houston or Atlanta,” says Steve Reising with SRSA Commercial Real Estate.

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Algiers Shopping Center Purchased by California Investor

 Village Aurora Shopping Center opened its doors in the 80’s to its 250,000-square-foot center. Around ten years ago, the shopping complex was renovated and expanded. The shopping center has been purchased by a Los Angeles-based investor, Moisce Belinow. The purchase price set the California investor back $35 million. Belinow believes that the local property is a good investment with upside potential. The current shopping center houses a Winn-Dixie and a Chick-fil-A.

“Our occupancy is 98%, which is attractive. New Orleans doesn’t have a lot of vacancy for high-quality centers, which gives me a lot of comfort about investing in a high-quality property like this,” says Belinow.

The roof needs attention now and the outside needs a facelift. Belinow will sink $1 million into the immediate improvements. The Winn-Dixie will also make some upgrades to its supermarket located in the shopping plaza. Future plans for the shopping center will include a new retail building.

“We focus on adding values to our properties which means renovating, new construction, adding extra pads,” explains Belinow.

“These guys are used to much higher prices on the West Coast, and this is a deal for someone who is willing to take the risk into a tertiary market. There’s a much better return on your investment than you would get for the same asset in Dallas or Houston or Atlanta,” says Steve Reising with SRSA Commercial Real Estate.

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« Annual Krewe of Boo Parade, October 21 , 2023

Gretna's Big Festival Has All the Headliners

 This October the Gretna Heritage Festival will be held and will have some big name appearances. The three-day event will see live music from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kool and the Gang, Trombone Shorty, and Orleans Avenue and The Temptations just to name a few. The 27th annual festival is located along the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Gretna.

According to Gretna’s Mayor, Belinda Constant, patrons will also enjoy entertainment from Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Luke Nelson and POTR, Trampled by Turtles and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. Saturday along with those mentioned before there will be performances by Lee Brice, JJ Grey and Mofo, Los Lobos, Ashley McBride, Blues Traveler and ZZ Ward. Local performers will include Dumpstaphunk, Iceman Special, Irma Thomas and the Professionals, and Treme Brass Band.

The festival started over 20 years ago with around 500 attending (last year around 50,000 people attended). Last year was the first year that patrons wore wrist bands as their admission.

“The RFID wristbands were new last year, and it took a little time for people to get used to them. But they turned out to be a huge success. Folks really came to appreciate how easy and convenient they made going to the fest,” says Constant.

“Gretna Fest is always such a wonderful event-not only for the city of Gretna but also for the entire New Orleans area,” praises Constant.

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Make Your Front Yard More Appealing Yet Private

 You want to show off your lawn, but you also want privacy when you are enjoying it. A great way to do this is by using natural landscaping along your wall or fence. Here are some ways to enhance your privacy and curb appeal at the same time.

1. Install Light and Airy Decorative Screens

A decorative screen is a nice way to add some privacy without saying keep out to everyone. Strategically placing decorative screens is a common tool used to make your front yard a bit more private. A lattice-style wall is both private yet lets light pass through and does not entirely close off a space. Using a lattice-style wall will allow you to add decorative designs, hang things up or run a vine through the wall.

“Decorative screens are a gem. When positioned right, screens can give you much-needed seclusion. The trick isn’t just about hiding away. Instead it’s about creating privacy stylishly without losing the essence of your space,” explains Brian Pal, CEO of Green Pal.

2. Combine Lush Planting with an Ornamental Gate

Iron gates are a nice touch to any front yard. They are welcoming and look great, especially for a Spanish look. Tropical plants are another way to create a private setting in your front yard. These lush green plants help you feel like you are in a tropical oasis.

“Plant fast growing shrubs (like hydrangeas or weigela) either in the ground or in pots that you can move around. This can help block prying eyes while maintaining the natural appeal of your yard, plus it means you can place them strategically,” says Miguel Camperos with SunVara.

3. Choose Evergreen Hedging for Year Round Screening

Evergreen hedges are a great way to create a private setting. You can decide the height that you want. These are fast growing and include Italian cypress, arborvitae or privet.

“Evergreens are my personal favorites too. They’ve got your back throughout the year. If you’re leaning towards hedges, boxwood or privet can be your green guardians, and they’re super moldable as well,” says Clayton.

4. Put Up a Wire Fence and Grow a Pretty Vine Over It

A tall link fence is a perfect way to create some privacy and enjoy nature. All you have to do is install a tall link fence and intwine a vine through it to cover the fence for privacy. This way the fence will look like it is a part of your natural landscaping.

“Vines are one the best plants to cover a fence as they provide a lot of coverage, can grow quickly, and will provide blooms that attract birds and butterflies. Cross-vine is part of the trumpet creeper family, and a super star for being fast growing and giving great coverage, plus it’s super hardy too,” says Amy Hovis of Eden Design and Barton Springs Nursery.

5. Pair a Smart Hedge with a Picket Fence

Having both is a great idea! If you are adding a hedge to outline your front yard, then pair it with a nice picket fence. Make sure you read up on how big the plant that you choose gets.

“Native plants are useful, if possible, and ‘adapted’ plants offer an alternative option. Use something that has proven successful in your area and utilize local nurseries who can help with selecting plants that need minimum care and are adapted to your soil, climate and watering frequency,” says Mike Teal with SSC Services for Education.

These are some great ideas to make your front yard look natural and welcoming with a little privacy. Call in the experts if you are having a hard time with what works best with your home. Remember, there are plenty of creative solutions to enhance front yard privacy landscaping.

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