I Didn't Sell The House, But Did Get Stung By This! - 03/31/12 03:07 PM

 The showing had been uneventful, just another Saturday foreclosure tour with my best client. But as we were heading home my hand felt like it was on fire. Soon what appeared to be mosquito welts started to appear. Yet they were perfectly spaced in two rows. How was this possible?
 Imagine my surprise to find this little critter crawling up my back! After a scream that would make Michael Jackson proud, I dispatched him to the afterlife. Thankfully my daughters are resourceful. Apparently toothpaste helps soothe the sting.
 So as I type my left hand is covered in Crest, … (11 comments)

3 Bedroom foreclosure in Alexandria Louisiana 71303 - 03/31/12 01:11 PM
3 Bedroom foreclosure in Alexandria Louisiana 71303--

 Searching for foreclosures in Alexandria, Louisiana? 1819 Shannon street needs to be on your must see list. This 3 bedroom home would make a great investment property.

1819 Shannon features an open floor plan with plenty of built in storage. With fresh paint and new fixtures, this home would make a great rental.

 The living room is large and has multiple windows that allow ample natural lighting. With a minimal amount of work, 1819 Shannon would shine!

 This property features not one but TWO mature oak trees. These historic beauties … (0 comments)

Introducing The Lady Gators--Bayou Properties Realty's Official Softball Team! - 03/30/12 08:05 AM

 Under a threatening sky, the Lady gators took the field. Don't let the ponytails and bubblegum fool you these girls mean business.

 Katie, our star pitcher, hitter, runner, leader takes a moment to model our team uniforms. Apparently the lime green strikes fear in the competition as night approaches. At least that's what the sales lady told me...

 That's my daughter Ashley at bat. She gave it three good swings but failed to connect. Isn't that what life is about? Taking tough swings and coming back again if things don't work out. These kids learn valuable life lessons … (1 comments)

Pay Heed To The Early Signs of Buyer Remorse - 03/28/12 05:35 PM

 Buying a home can be stressful for even the most seasoned investor. But for owner occupants (especially first timers) the process can be nerve wracking. A wise agent understands to pay attention to the following tell tale indicators:
1) The sudden appearance of mystery relatives--You have never met Uncle George. Suddenly on day nine of the inspection period he shows up to offer his professional guidance. He is a high school band director after all...
2) An increase in call volume-- Buyers have many questions, rightfully so. But when the one call a day client starts dialing every other hour … (3 comments)

Listening To The National Media Can Cost You Thousands in Your Local Market - 03/28/12 07:49 AM

 We all hear tales of doom and gloom from the national media. If you believe the bleach blonde or aging pretty boy behind the news desk, housing is about to fall off the cliff. Buying a home would seem to be more risky than cooking meth in your crock pot. The truth is all housing is local. What happens in Seattle has little impact on Pineville, LA. Let's examine some national media claims and use LOCAL data to shed some light on the situation.
1) Owners would be crazy to sell in this market-- After all, who wants to list … (9 comments)

A Snap Shot of the Alexandria Louisiana Housing Market Spring 2012 - 03/26/12 01:09 PM

 Located in the heart of Louisiana, Alexandria continues to benefit from its geographic location and healthy employment base. Combine this with low interest rates and you have a healthy housing market.
Homes Currently For Sale In Alexandria
In the popular 75k-250k range we have 154 active single family homes for sale. Worried about your monthly payment? With an average asking price of only 152,789 in most cases owning is cheaper than renting!
Home Sales Activity
In the past 90 days 56 single family homes have closed. With an average closing price of 160,500 these properties offer much bang for … (0 comments)

For Sale By Owner Advice--When Do I Know it Is Time to Hire A Professional? - 03/26/12 07:30 AM

 These days every penny counts. As the father of four daughters I certainly understand the need to save a buck. Owners who try to sell without representation have my support. If it works out, then good for you.
 But what if the home lingers? How does an owner decide enough is enough, I'm calling in the professionals! Let's examine what a professional agency can do for your situation:
1) Security-- This is often overlooked. Most "buyers" will find a FSBO from the signs. You would be surprised what sort of people will show up on your door step. Some of … (54 comments)

Pineville Louisiana 71360 Housing Report Spring 2012 - 03/25/12 06:13 PM

 With positive news on the employment front and continued low interest rates, the Pineville Louisiana housing market remains strong. Let's take a closer look at our market.
Homes Currently For Sale
  There are 113 Active single family homes for sale in the greater Pineville market. With an average list price just north of 160k, these properties are attractive to a wide range of buyers.
Homes Sold in the Last 90 Days
  Buyers closed on 59 single family properties in the last three months alone! Within this group the average transaction price was only 151k! And this was after … (1 comments)

I Didn't Sell A House, But I Did Break 300,000 Points Today! - 03/22/12 01:43 PM

 Here it goes, one more milestone blog post clogging the system...But I must say I am proud of those 300,000 points. True they are not dollars, but some of them LEAD to dollars. Other posts helped advertise my listings, and some where in pure fun.
 But most of all the 300,000 points have introduced me to some great professionals around the country. For my paltry membership fee, I am able to learn from agents and other real estate professionals. Their experience can then become my education.
 And that my friends trumps even Google Juice. One hour on ActiveRain each day … (4 comments)

Have You Sneezed On Someone Today? - 03/22/12 01:16 PM

 I will never forget getting sneezed on as a kid. I turned the hall corner just as my principle let out a giant sneeze. While riding out Hurricane Gustav a few years back this memory surfaced. Not sure which event got me more wet...
 In both instances the coverage was total. There was no doubt that I was a different person after each event. Much like hurricane winds (or snot) our attitude can change those around us. With all the craziness in real estate world, we need to treat those around us with good cheer.
 I have seen a simple … (3 comments)

My Experience With Borino's Expired Listing Progam: Part Two The Arrival - 03/21/12 09:51 AM

 Three days after placing my order, Borino's expired listing kit hit the doorstep. Fast delivery is always a postive sign in my book!
 The kit contains everything an agent needs to develop an expired listing campaign. Included were 1) A success guide 2) A step by step workbook 3) 2 DVDs 4) A personal coaching session with Borino 5) And a surprise gift that I will not disclose!
 This post will focus on the success guide. Being an impatient fellow, I almost skipped this and went straight for the scripts. So glad I took the time to do it right!
… (5 comments)

Why Should I Leave The Utilities On When My House is Vacant? - 03/19/12 08:50 AM

 Paying for two households at once is not fun. Between two mortgages, taxes, insurance, lawn maintenance, and utilities it is only natural for cash-strapped sellers to try and cut expenses. Let's take a moment and explore why turning off the utilities is not a good place to cut.
1) Without light your home's selling features cannot be seen-- Even during the day natural light is not sharp enough to highlight unique crown molding, nice paint, or interesting fixtures.
2) No Light reduces the number of hours a day your home can be shown-- In the winter it is dark … (4 comments)

That New Car Cost You A New House - 03/18/12 08:31 AM

 In his defense, the new car was sweet. A Car and Driver 10Best, the BMW 3 series was worth a second glance. The exterior was a work of art, and the interior had enough leather to make a cow nervous. So why did this pretty car cause my stomach to turn? Because my pre-approved buyers just pulled up in it!
 Last summer I spent a couple of weeks touring homes with this family. The budget would be tight, but they could manage to buy a nice home in their target area. Then they buy a Bimmer...
 The roughly 650 dollar … (72 comments)

Want To Compliment A Fellow Agent? Recruit Them! - 03/17/12 07:24 PM

 I had a buddy in high school who was the real deal. Smart, outgoing, and considered by the ladies to be good looking. In retrospect I think he hung out with me out of pity, but that's another blog post.
 He would come to school most mornings complaining about all the phone calls. "Why, no sooner would I hang up the phone another girl would dial my number". But amongst all this complaining I noticed a twinkle in his eye. The attention was a nice ego boost for my friend.
 In our business the quickest way to flatter another agent … (33 comments)

Allow Me To Toot The Company Horn - 03/16/12 06:47 AM

 Most folks thought we were crazy for opening up a real estate company during the Great Recession. After all, in times like these isn't it better to work for a large company? In realty, there were a few days along the way when I thought "they" might have been correct. But as I sit here drinking my last cup of morning coffee, Bayou Properties Realty has SIX transaction sides closing today!
28 Philadelphia Road

 Located in Pineville, our firm represented the sellers in this transaction. The family that sold this home is buying a larger home in the community. … (6 comments)

Another Happy Pineville Closing! - 03/15/12 08:01 PM

 Bayou Properties Realty would like to welcome home Amanda and Scott Spurlock. Today this young couple signed papers on 132 Legacy Loop in Pineville.
 Don't let the smiles fool you, this couple has been going non-stop in March. After a lovely plantation wedding they were off to Hawaii for the honeymoon. A brave soul, Amanda took on wedding, honeymoon, and house hunt planning all at the same time. And like all great husbands, Scoot tackled much of the behind the scenes work himself. Put them together and you have a couple that can get stuff done!
 I tried to get … (2 comments)

Another West Alexandria Home Sold. Congratulations Erika Lauderdale! - 03/13/12 07:59 PM

 Bayou Properties Realty would like to extend a hardy congratulations to Ms. Erika Lauderdale. Before most people were at working this morning, she was getting the keys to her first home!
 After touring homes in West Alexandria for a few weeks we came across a nice three bedroom home near Brasher Elementary School. Erika is the type of person that knows what she wants. Before we made it to the kitchen she was ready to write up an offer!
 As this was an Alexandria short sale, closing did take close to 90 days. But the good news is she got … (1 comments)

Do You Like Houses? - 03/11/12 06:27 PM

 Last night I dreamed about a house. It was an older two story on a nice lot that needed updating. After weeks of elbow grease and many trips to Lowe's the home was a showpiece. I woke up with a smile on my face.
 Maybe it was the fact that I moved around a lot as a kid. For me our family house was a source of stability. Regardless of how far we lived from extended family, our house was our anchor. Even when we were going to live in a town short term, father insisted on purchasing a home. … (4 comments)

What Happens If I Don't Disclose A Home Defect? - 03/11/12 12:11 PM

 A recent listing appointment turned awkward when it came time for the sellers to complete the home condition disclosure. In Louisiana sellers must complete a property condition statement at the time of listing. This form simple asks the sellers to disclose any defects they are aware of.
 Apparently one spouse was more aware of the home's blemishes than the other. The husband was racing through the form checking "no defect" at the speed of light. As is usual the case the wife was the voice of reason. "Honey, don't you remember that the pipe under the house leaks. You were … (38 comments)

3 Bedroom Home For Rent in Pineville,La,71360 - 03/10/12 07:16 PM
3 Bedroom Home For Rent in Pineville,La,71360

 Looking for a 3 bedroom home for rent in Pineville, La? If so 618 Lallah Street needs to be on your must see list!

 Tired of carpet that collects all sorts of germs and odors? This home for rent in Pineville features original hardwood floors and new vinyl in the kitchen. No carpet here!

Even in a old home with character people want new appliances. 618 Lallah has brand new kitchen appliances! Say goodbye to nasty old stoves and dishwashers from the Nixon era.

 The spacious back yard is … (1 comments)

Would You Pay to Attend an Old School Raincamp in 2012? - 03/09/12 07:12 PM

 I am still reaping benefits from the Raincamp I attended in 2010. Over my professional life I have attended dozens of conventions. Sadly, most were forgotten not long after my plane landed at Alexandria International Airport. There was always a nagging sense of regret for spending so much money for so little in return.
 Raincamp was just the opposite. The speakers were great, and the information was first rate. I remember watching the clock with dread that afternoon realizing the training would soon come to an end.
 Due to logistical/financial constraints Raincamp had to go virtual. And while I … (3 comments)

Home Owner Warranties: Peace of Mind or Needless Expense - 03/09/12 02:41 PM

 Let's face it. These days money is tight. Home buyers in Pineville are taking a close look at every charge associated with their home purchase.
 Frankly that 400-500 home warranty fee LOOKS like a nice place to skimp. After all, what are the odds of something breaking in the first year of ownership? Based on the service reply cards I get from my past clients, pretty high.
 Each time a client makes a claim, the warranty company sends me a courtesy card. I would post a picture, but the numbers might scare you...One client had 1,800 dollars worth of AC … (6 comments)

Prince the Parrot Visits JI Barron Elementary School - 03/03/12 07:43 AM

We all know real estate sales can be a grind. Every now and then it is important to take time to relax and give something back to the community. On Friday, Prince the Parrot dropped in at JI Barron Elementary School to check on things.
 Specifically, Prince was interested in the 4th grade gifted kids of Ms. Dryden's class. After some small talk, treats were exchanged, grapes were consumed and he got a chance to hold some of the kids!

At this time Prince would like to offer his deepest regrets for "bombing" one student. Apparently it is considered … (4 comments)

Louisiana Strawberries--The Promise of Spring - 03/03/12 07:03 AM

 Even though real estate can be challenging at times, I am blessed with the best clients in the world. A seller called yesterday needing to talk "face to face" right away. For those in the industry, you know such calls are rarely a good thing!
 Imagine my surprise when the client handed me 6 quarts of farm fresh Louisiana Strawberries! As late as Thursday these babies were on the vine just outside Hammond, Louisiana. During the late Winter/ early Spring me client sells these delicious gems. Needless to say, residents of Alexandria scoop them off the shelf. In fact, he … (3 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

Cell Phone: (318) 613-1994

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