Crawfish--The Working Man's Lobster - 02/29/12 07:43 PM

 Can you believe that in some cultures they use these treasures as bait? Down in Alexandria, Louisiana we understand that these little critters make a handsome meal. Here are some common questions outsiders have when faced with a tray of pleasure.
1) How Are They cooked-- Though you can get them fried or in etouffee (think a thick soup), true Alexandria natives know crawfish were made to be boiled.
2) Are they hot-- Depends on the seasoning blend your crawfish chef uses. Normally the crawfish get more spicy the closer you get to the bottom of the tray. Those babies … (8 comments)

My Old College Buddy Wants Real Estate Advice From 1,000 Miles Away - 02/28/12 07:47 PM

 I met Brent in line at the dorm cafeteria waaay back in the day. "Hello, my name is Brent and I'm from Vernon,Texas. Where you from"? How could I not became friends with someone like that? We became fast friends and had more fun in those few years than most folks have in a lifetime.
 Sadly, our time at Stephen F Austin State University soon came to a close. By some miracle, both of us left town with a degree! I went East he went West and we soon lost touch. Fast forward 16 years...
  About a month ago … (2 comments)

Are You Still Excited About 2012? - 02/27/12 11:11 AM

 At the end of the year we all sit back and plan our course for the new year. Like runners waiting for the starting gun, we await January with much eagerness. After all, the new year is a great time to start fresh.
 As February winds down, we are 1/6th way through 2012. The new year's excitement has faded and most of us have settled into the grind.
 Are you happy with the year thus far? Do those late December goals still seem reasonable?
 So far I am cautiously optimistic. Business is steady, and there are deals in the pipeline. … (8 comments)

Getting Your Home Ready To Market - 02/27/12 08:22 AM

 Making the decision to sell your home is a big step. Once you are committed to moving it is time to get the house in show condition. Here are some areas of concern that need to be addressed when prepping your home.
1)Your Language-- This property is no longer "your home", the place where so many memories were made. Henceforth this unit is known as a "house" or object impeding you from the next phase of your life. Seriously, this step is crucial.
2) Curb Appeal-- Thanks to the internet most buyers will drive by on a scouting trip prior … (3 comments)

Just What Exactly Are You Willing To Fix? - 02/25/12 07:04 PM

Even the best kept property will need a little TLC prior to moving in. Buyers need to decide how much "sweat equity" they are willing to invest in their new home. Even though that "fixer-upper" seems cheap, once repairs are factored in the real price may not be so sweet. Let's examine three categories of home repairs:
1) Mandated Repairs-- Popular low money down loans come with strings attached. The subject property needs to be in good condition to qualify for this loan family. Missing roof shingles, peeling paint, or non-functioning appliances can put the brakes on your home purchase. … (16 comments)

Please Help Me Name The Newest Member of Bayou Properties Realty - 02/25/12 05:45 PM

 A big-wig broker gave me some business advice a while back. "Doug, what Bayou Properties Realty needs is some office eye candy." I acted promptly, because advice that comes with a chuckle and pat on the back is usually spot on.
 After a nation-wide search we found this Blue-Fronted Amazon in Tampa Florida. Thanks to the good folks at Delta Airlines he joined my family on Tuesday (the pilot actually hand delivered him, kudos to Delta).
 In addition to being eye candy, our amazon will also be the official short sale negotiator. Don't let those pretty feathers fool you, that … (7 comments)

A Funny Thing Happened At Closing Yesterday - 02/22/12 06:58 AM

 I was running a bit late for closing yesterday. One of the few times I will not answer the phone is when I am with a client. Prior to closing, the cell phone is turned completely off.
 Imagine my surprise when my IPhone started proclaiming, "Who Let The Dogs Out?" Thankfully nobody was paying any attention to the documents they were signing for this to interrupt the flow of closing.
 The other agent and I shared a laugh and I put the phone on silent. LITERALLY SECONDS LATER, her phone starts ringing (just an old fashioned ring tone). IT'S THE … (6 comments)

Why Rent When You Can Buy? Welcome Home Megan! - 02/21/12 05:11 PM

This nice 3 bedroom home has a new owner as of today. With interest rates under 4%, my buyer made the smart choice of becoming a home owner. For less than the cost of renting, my buyer is making a wise investment in her future.
 Frankly I have not seen a house this clean in a long time. The prevision owners took the time to clean the property prior to closing. Thanks to their efforts, my buyer is able to move right into her new home!
 With a large fenced backyard and wood deck, this property is perfect for year … (6 comments)

My House Is Under Contract, When Should I Start Packing? - 02/20/12 01:43 PM

 Thanks to your realistic pricing from the beginning, you now have an acceptable offer on the table. Before I go any further, let me offer my congratulations! Getting a workable offer can be tough, but you did it! Now, about those boxes...
 In Louisiana occupancy is assumed to be at closing. As such, the seller needs to be COMPLETELY out of the home AT CLOSING. Some markets are different, but in my fair state this is the case. The good news is you have a deadline, which is great for motivating action. My clients find it helpful to conceptualize the … (7 comments)

This is Why I Tolerate ActiveRain Service Interruptions - 02/20/12 12:49 PM

 We are all frustrated with the recent service interruptions. Just this morning I was sipping some Community Coffee (awesome coffee for those not in the South) and complaining about "the lack of rain".
 Sensing a foul mood rolling in, the wife made me go outside and play. Why not give the old Jeep a bath? After all, the last time I washed the Jeep the Yankees were looking good in the post season.
 Just as I was finishing up my cell phone rang. A buyer was calling to get information on one of my listings. "I'm sorry, that home is … (9 comments)

Grieve the dead deal for five minutes, then go get yourself another pay check! - 02/19/12 09:03 AM

 Boy the things they DON'T teach us in real estate school. Frankly if they did most folks would probably drop out (maybe that would be a good thing). I sure wish I would have learned today's lesson earlier in my tenure.
 Real estate practice is all about lost deals. Or put less pessimistically, responding to lost deals. With nervous buyers, scared sellers, and CRAZY loan underwriting some deals are going to die.
 Hang out at any real estate office and the conversation will soon turn to the one that got away. "That check was so close I could smell it". … (5 comments)

Home For Sale In Pineville, La, 71360, Price Reduced! - 02/16/12 12:48 PM
Home For Sale In Pineville, La, 71360, Price Reduced--

 Looking for an affordable home  in Pineville, La? Not will to compromise on the "finer things" just to make the budget work. If so, take a look at 18 Stokes Road. For only 85,000 dollars, you can own your own home!

 This kitchen would not be out of place in a home costing three times as much. Buyers in the Pineville, La market rarely find such amenities under 150,000 dollars.

The living room and dining area are bright and open, perfect for entertaining. For less than your friends pay … (1 comments)

What Happens Once My Offer is Accepted? - 02/14/12 08:27 PM

 A buyer recently posted on Facebook, "wish me luck, I just bought a house!" Had we just returned from the settlement table? Nope, we were one of FOUR people that wrote an offer on a foreclosure. Sadly we did not get the home. In football terms writing a contract would be the equivalent of the end of the first quarter. As Dallas Cowboy fans can sadly tell you, there are four quarters in a game. Let's look at what happens after the offer is accepted.
1) The home inspection-- In Louisiana we negotiate an inspection period. Normally buyers agents request … (3 comments)

I've Given Up Trying To Predict Interest Rates - 02/14/12 03:17 PM

 I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. "Buying this house is a great choice, and you can lock in this low rate for the next 30 years!" What was the rate you ask? Try 6.75%!
 Last Summer I was telling anyone who would listen that rates "under 5% could not last long." For once I was right...My current buyers are locking in 3.75% for thirty years. Where is the bottom? Don't ask me! I will stick to matching buyers with houses. Let the mortgage folks deal with the loan forecasting.

… (6 comments)

Ten Commandments For The First Time Home Buyer - 02/09/12 08:24 PM

 Buying a home for the first time is a major life event. Here are "Ten Commandments" that can help you through the process.
1)I Am Your New Home, Put No Other Purchases Before Me-- Credit regulations are pretty strict these days. Buy nothing major on credit, or open new credit lines until the home closes.
2) Honor Thy Mother and Father, But Purchase The House YOU Want-- Family will offer advice in the hope of helping their children out. But odds are they don't buy and sell real estate every day. Find an agent that you trust, and pick the … (4 comments)

Home For Sale in Good Earth Subdivision, Alexandria Louisiana - 02/08/12 02:07 PM
Home For Sale in Good Earth Subdivision, Alexandria Louisiana

 Searching homes for sale in Good Earth Subdivision? This 3 bedroom 2  bath home on Demeter street is a bargain at only 139,900 dollars!

 Good Earth Subdivision is located just off Jackson Street extension in West Alexandria. The kitchen features a nice ceramic tile bar and plenty of workspace.

 The living room features a working fireplace and plenty of room for all your furniture. With fresh paint and new carpet this space would look amazing. Thanks to the modest asking price there should be plenty of money for updates!
… (0 comments)

One Transaction Away From Poverty - 02/07/12 09:15 PM

 The deals are out there, but boy this market is tough. And like all performance based industries, the pain is not equally shared amongst the members. In speaking with other agents you can almost feel the pain in their voice.
 "I sure hope this deal closes", "if I can only close this deal everything will be okay", "I was planning on buying my familiy's Christmas with this commission".
 Over the past couple of months I have heard these statements and several others that were nor fit to print. There is a sense of dread that I have not picked up … (12 comments)

Should I Buy The Most Expensive House I Qualify For? - 02/06/12 09:59 PM

 The first step in the home buying process is speaking with a reputable lender. Once your financials are in order the lender will issue a pre-approval letter. This document will spell out up to what amount the buyer can purchase. The key element here is the phrase "up to".
 Many first time buyers will want to START their search at this "up-to" amount. After all, if you are approved for "up-to" 150,000 dollars why look at a 145,000 dollar house? Let's examine why staying under your limit is a good idea...
1) Your car is older than two states-- … (11 comments)

Tough Lessons From the Trenches--Cut Drama Clients Sooner Rather Than Later - 02/05/12 10:53 PM

  Lessons in the real estate business are anything but cheap. Some can even be career ending. The purpose of this series is to help the rookie agent benefit from some of my mistakes.
  Without clients real estate agents are nothing more than cheerful people with expensive MLS keys. Even prior to passing their real estate exam most agents understand this theory. So when a "client" comes a long, we often latch on tighter than a hermit crab in a spiffy conch shell.
  While persistence is important in this industry, so is knowing when to cut a client … (10 comments)

Price Is Not The Only Reason Offers Are Rejected - 02/04/12 01:44 PM

 With the confidence that comes from writing a full price offer, the buyers assumed the house was "in the bag". After all, who would turn done a full price offer in this market? The rejection came as a greater shock than a Dallas Cowboy's Super Bowl victory. Let's examine some factors other than price that can cause an offer to be rejected.
1) A truckload of closing costs--Most sellers in the Pineville Louisiana real estate market expect to pay a portion of  the buyer's closing cost. Paying points or giant origination fees will typically cause sellers to pause.
2) Requesting … (86 comments)

Don't Select Your New Home By Committee - 02/03/12 11:51 AM

 Nothing good has ever come from a committee. The Ford Pinto? Approved by a committee. American Idol has a committee. How many of the previous nine "Idol" winners can you name off hand? I can only name two without the Internet.
  Committees cause ration individuals to make horrible group decisions. Home shopping is no different. Add too many heads and you will soon have a giant headache. Uncle Bob loves gas fireplaces, Aunt Pearl would NEVER live in a home with a gas fireplace. You then begin to wonder how they have been married for twenty five years!
  … (8 comments)

 
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Doug Rogers- Your Pineville Louisiana Agent

Pineville, LA

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Century 21 Millennium

Address: 2690 Donahue Ferry Road, Pineville, LA, 71360

Office Phone: (318) 640-2121

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