RNGD to Move Headquarters to Jefferson Parish, Creating 130 Jobs

RNGD, formerly Palmisano Construction, is investing $25 million to relocate its corporate headquarters to Jefferson Parish, consolidating its manufacturing and training operations. This move will create 130 new jobs, retain over 240 current positions, and generate 250 construction jobs at its peak. The company will expand its prefabrication factory in the Labarre Business Park, with construction starting on July 1 and completing by January. Louisiana Economic Development has offered RNGD a $500,000 performance-based award for facility and utility upgrades, pending approval.

"This announcement represents a significant economic investment in Jefferson Parish," said Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission President & CEO Jerry Bologna. "We are proud to retain RNGD in the region and substantially expand their footprint in Jefferson Parish through competitive incentive offerings at both the state and local levels."

The decision to move follows a period of consideration, with The Times-Picayune reporting last month that RNGD was evaluating the relocation and expansion plans. RNGD has operated a factory in the Labarre Business Park since 2022, and the new development aims to bolster the company's capacity and operational efficiency.

The incentives package from Louisiana Economic Development is designed to support the expansion, which is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The project underscores Jefferson Parish's appeal as a business hub, offering competitive advantages and support for growing companies.

RNGD's move and expansion reflect a strategic investment in the region, enhancing job opportunities and economic growth in Jefferson Parish.

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Port NOLA Acquires New Logistics Facility and Secures Strategic Lease with The Kearney Companies

Port NOLA has purchased a logistics facility for $6.6 million from Access World, a Switzerland-based logistics firm. This acquisition is part of a long-term strategy to enhance import and export growth. The port has leased the facility to The Kearney Companies, a New Orleans-based third-party logistics firm founded in the mid-1990s and acquired by Pittsburgh-based Precision Terminal Logistics in 2021. David Kearney continues to serve as president of the company.

Strategic Lease Agreement and Investments

The 10-year lease agreement marks the culmination of a multi-year effort between Port NOLA and Access World. As part of the lease, The Kearney Companies has committed to making capital investments approved by Port NOLA, which will create 15 new full-time jobs at the facility. These investments will include facility upgrades and improvements to ensure its long-term viability and support increased import and export activities.

Expansion and Continued Collaboration

In a similar deal signed in April, Kearney extended its lease of 286,000 square feet of warehouse space at the France Road and Jourdan Road facilities for 10 years. This deal included a $450,000 investment in dock doors, levelers, paving projects, and LED lighting conversions, with an option to invest up to an additional $1 million to increase rail capacity on site.

Enhanced Operations and Rail Capacity

With the new agreement, Kearney's operations in collaboration with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which is also owned by Port NOLA, have reached 3,000 carloads per year and nearly 20,000 containers. This increased capacity underscores the importance of the partnership between Port NOLA and The Kearney Companies in driving economic growth and enhancing the region's logistical capabilities.

Addressing Long-Term Challenges

David Kearney highlighted that the lease agreement took years to negotiate due to the need to address several long-term maintenance issues and future capital investments. These efforts are crucial to ensuring the facility's future viability and operational efficiency. Kearney also noted plans to work with customers from the Chicago and London metals exchanges who have traditionally used the facility, while also seeking new users to further expand its reach.

Future Outlook

The strategic investments and enhanced operations resulting from this agreement are expected to bolster the region's economic development and logistical capabilities. By improving infrastructure and expanding capacity, Port NOLA and The Kearney Companies are positioning themselves to better serve both current and future clients, supporting the continued growth of import and export activities in New Orleans.

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Investor Home Purchases Surge for the First Time in Two Years

Consumers facing high housing prices often point to private equity as a contributing factor. However, experts suggest that while the housing market has multiple issues, determining whether real estate investor activity is truly deterring homeownership across the U.S. is challenging.

In the first quarter of 2024, real estate investors purchased about 44,000 U.S. homes, up 0.5% from a year ago, according to Redfin. This marks the first increase since Q2 2022. The data tracks investor activity, which includes people or entities buying properties to sell or rent without intending to live there themselves. In the first quarter of 2024, investors accounted for 19% of home purchases, implying that around 81% of homes are bought by individuals likely making them their primary residences.

Institutional operators, or real estate investors who own at least 1,000 single-family homes, own about 1% of the total U.S. housing stock, according to an analysis from ResiClub, based on data from Parcl Labs.

Gauging Investor Impact

A report from Moody's Analytics examined the relationship between investors' share of sales and homeownership rates on a metro-by-metro level. "It looks like there's a pretty weak relationship between the two," said Matthew Walsh, assistant director and economist at Moody's Analytics, indicating that investors aren't significantly crowding out traditional homebuyers.

In some areas, investors bought existing homes at high rates, sometimes representing up to a third of purchases. However, this doesn't necessarily mean consumer homebuyers are being crowded out, according to Moody's analysts. "Answering that question is really, really complicated," said Redfin's Zhao, noting that straightforward data analysis alone isn't sufficient.

Part of the recent increase in real estate investor activity is due to seasonal factors, with more homes typically sold in spring, Walsh explained. Additionally, lower mortgage interest rates at the start of 2024, which later rose in April, also played a role.

Implications for Buyers and Renters

For consumers buying homes, competing against investors adds another layer of competition. Investors often rent out single-family homes, which can boost rental supply—a positive sign for renters, Zhao noted. Additionally, some investors buy uninhabitable properties, fix them, and add them back into the housing supply, ultimately benefiting the market.

"It's very much a nuanced argument when you're thinking about, what does investor activity mean for the housing market," Zhao said. While investor purchases can present challenges for homebuyers, they also contribute positively by increasing rental supply and rehabilitating uninhabitable properties.

Understanding the full impact of investor activity on the housing market is complex and multifaceted. While it presents challenges for homebuyers, it also offers advantages for renters and the overall housing supply.

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Five Essential Summer Home Maintenance Tips

While winter nights may seem distant, early summer is the ideal time to plan for those early evening darkness moments by adding or updating landscape lighting. Solar lights are energy-efficient and easy to install but may underperform on dark or snowy days. For consistent lighting, consider electric options.

Clean Your House's Siding

Preventive maintenance can keep your home's siding clean and trouble-free for up to 50 years. Use a soft cloth or a long-handled, soft-bristle brush, starting at the bottom and working up, rinsing completely before it dries to avoid streaks.

Inspect Your Foundation

June's warm, dry weather is perfect for inspecting your foundation. Look for crumbling mortar, stucco cracks, or damp spots under faucets. Address any issues promptly to prevent emergencies.

Seal Your Driveway Asphalt

Your driveway endures daily wear from weather, sunlight, and traffic. Protect it by sealing it in June when temperatures are above 50 degrees for optimal adhesion.

Take Advantage of Tool Deals

June is a great month for purchasing tools, thanks to Father's Day sales. Save on power tools, hand tools, and accessories at big box stores and online retailers like Amazon.

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Celebrate Spring with Simple Landscaping Updates

No matter where you live, spring is the perfect time to freshen up your yard with some easy landscaping changes. You don't need to invest a lot of time or money to make a significant impact. Here are four simple ideas to give your yard a charming upgrade this spring.

1. Plant Just One Tree

Planting a single tree is a small effort that yields lasting results. A well-chosen tree can add color, shape, and texture to your landscape, boosting your yard's appeal for decades with minimal maintenance. Japanese maples are an excellent choice because they thrive in most climates and offer vibrant colors and unique forms.

2. Add a Color Punch with Mulch

Mulch is an easy way to introduce color and texture to your yard. "Next to a green lawn, coffee bean-colored mulch provides a striking contrast," says Paul Fraynd, owner of Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, Nebraska. Mulch comes in various colors like red, black, gold, and cedar-toned, allowing you to customize your landscape. For something unique, consider using pine cones, which add a knotty texture that breaks up the monotony of flat lawns and shrubs. Just be sure to keep mulch away from wood or siding to prevent rot and insect attraction.

3. Add Some Edging

Define walkways or garden beds with creative edging materials. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), you can use personal or found items like colored hockey sticks or wine bottles planted neck down in the soil. If you prefer a plant-based solution, low-maintenance ground covers like lily of the valley, vinca, lamb's ears, or pachysandra make excellent edging choices, adding both color and texture.

4. Create a Personalized Focal Point

Use your passions and memories as inspiration to create a unique focal point in your yard. Transform an old toy truck, tricycle, or wagon into a colorful planter. Alternatively, use hard materials that contrast with the greenery, such as an oversized flower pot or lobster trap filled with items that represent your interests—golf balls, sea shells—and cover it with a wood or glass top. These personalized touches can spark conversations and give your yard a distinct personality.

Make Your Yard a Reflection of You

Your yard should reflect your individuality. By incorporating these simple yet effective landscaping ideas, you can create a space that's not only beautiful but also uniquely yours.

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12 Essential Steps to Take When Settling into Your New Home

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but the to-do list from deciding to move to closing day and beyond can feel overwhelming. A good real estate agent can help ease the burden significantly. Cameron and Adam Geesaman share their expert advice in BeLocal Fishers Noblesville, offering twelve essential steps to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.

1. Change Your Address

Update your address with the post office and all online shopping sites immediately after closing. This prevents the inconvenience of retrieving packages from your old address. Both USPS and Amazon make it easy to update your address online.

2. Change Locks and Reprogram Garage Door Openers

For security, change all the locks and reprogram the garage door openers in your new home. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owner distributed. Home improvement stores offer various options, including Wi-Fi locks with keypads for added convenience.

3. Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

While it might be daunting, especially for introverts, introducing yourself to neighbors helps you get a feel for the neighborhood. You might even find a new friend or the perfect babysitter next door.

4. Confirm Utilities, Cable, and Internet Transfers

Ensure that all utilities, cable, and internet services are transferred to your name before moving in. Double-check with each utility company to avoid any service interruptions.

5. Plan Your Commute

Now that you've moved in, drive around the area to understand the best routes to work. Check for any construction closures and the time it takes to access major highways.

6. Locate Essential Shops and Services

While driving around, locate essential shops and services such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls. Knowing where these are can save time and effort in the future.

7. Join Local Social Groups

Explore your neighborhood's social media pages or community forums to connect with locals. Consider joining a local place of worship or other community groups to expand your social circle.

8. Visit the Town Hall or Visitor Center

For information on local events and community involvement, visit the town hall or visitor center. Farmers markets, concerts, and family-friendly activities are great ways to meet people and learn about your new area.

9. Find New Health Professionals

If you've moved from a different city or state, ask your previous healthcare providers for recommendations in your new area. Your insurance company's website can also help you find local health professionals.

10. Register for a Library Card

Libraries offer more than just books. They provide access to e-books, DVDs, music, public computers, and even 3D printers. They also host social clubs and provide free Wi-Fi.

11. Update Your Driver's License

If you've moved out of state, visit the Bureau (or Department) of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license. Be aware of the time limits for making this change in your new state.

12. Utilize BeLocal for Local Favorites

BeLocal magazine is a great resource for discovering local favorites, from soccer clubs for your kids to the best parks and coffee hotspots. Check it out to find the best your new area has to offer.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition into your new home, making it feel like home in no time.

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The Importance of Pre-Sale Home Inspections in Order to Avoiding Surprises and Stress

Without a professional inspection, sellers cannot accurately gauge the condition of every aspect of their home. Identifying issues like termites early allows the seller to address them in a timely manner. If a seller skips the cost of an inspection and the buyer's inspector uncovers major problems, the seller loses any advantage and faces repair decisions under the threat of the buyer backing out.

However, inspection reports can be overwhelming. The worst approach is to expect the seller to address everything in the report. This turns the process from simple repairs into a full-scale renovation, straining everyone's nerves.

Differentiating Repairs from Renovations

Electrical Work: Fixing a couple of dead outlets is a repair; rewiring the entire house is a renovation. The tipping point is cost and time. If electrical repairs exceed 10% of the total house cost, it's considered a renovation.

Realistic Expectations: Unlike DIY shows where massive projects are completed in 45 minutes, real-life repairs and renovations take time. Be upfront about project timelines to set realistic expectations.

Permits and Governmental Oversight: Once a project requires a permit, it moves beyond a simple repair to a renovation. It's crucial to follow local regulations to avoid complications.

The Advantages of "AS IS" Deals

In my company's listings, "AS IS" means the seller has the property professionally inspected before listing. This eliminates disputes about repairs and how they should be done, providing clarity and reducing stress.

Fully Informed Buyers: Prospective buyers are informed about the condition of the property. They can choose to conduct their own inspections or rely on the seller's inspections and receipts. The seller's terms for repairs are already set.

Simplicity and Transparency: The "AS IS" approach simplifies the transaction, focusing negotiations on price rather than repairs. It avoids the drawn-out process of differentiating between home repairs and renovations.

Calmer Transactions: This method eliminates the drama often associated with inspections and repair negotiations, leading to a smoother and more straightforward sale.

Pre-sale home inspections and the "AS IS" approach streamline the selling process, reducing stress and focusing negotiations on price. By addressing issues early and setting clear expectations, sellers and buyers can avoid the pitfalls of turning a simple home sale into an extensive renovation project.

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