3 Things to Look for when Making an Offer - 09/30/10 12:05 PM
Great Advice!  With as many people looking to invest in real estate right now with property values so low I think this is great information to help you get started...
David
Via Karen Rittenhouse (Triad Residential Solutions):
3 Things to Look for when Making an Offer
 
As an investor, how do you make your offers? There are so many deals out there today but, are they really deals? If so, why hasn’t someone else snatched them up?
Here are some beginning pieces to consider when you’re ready to buy:
1 – Equity:  Will it have any? Most homes today are selling … (0 comments)

Are Your Clients Ready to Buy a Home? - 09/30/10 12:00 PM

Great Information!  I think that its our job as professional to make sure and guide out clients in the right direction for them.  We have no emotionals involved in them buying a home however it is our obligation to advise and want the best for our client
David
Via David Reinholtz (Loan Officer School):
When people have the approval in their possession, the approval for a home loan, common sense and practicality can often slip right out the window. Some people hold their collective breath waiting for word, others wonder what they will be approved for, and still others wonder about … (0 comments)

Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate - 09/30/10 11:24 AM
Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate
When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain - the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations.How to Calculate GainIn real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis. To calculate, follow these steps:1. Purchase price: _______________________The purchase price of the home is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.2. … (0 comments)

Is Your Buyer Qualified? - 09/30/10 11:17 AM
Is Your Buyer Qualified?
Unless the buyer who makes an offer on your home has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may not really have a sale. If possible, try to determine a buyer's financial status before signing the contract. Ask the following:1. Has the buyer been prequalified or preapproved (even better) for a mortgage? Such buyers will be in a much better position to obtain a mortgage promptly.2. Does the buyer have enough money to make a downpayment and cover closing costs? Ideally, a buyer should have 20 percent of the home's price as a downpayment and between … (0 comments)

How to Prepare for the Open House - 09/30/10 10:59 AM
How to Prepare for the Open House
Advertise your open house. Ideally you should advertise both the weekend before and the weekend of the open house. Check with the local paper to see when their ad closing deadlines are. Create a property summary sheet. This sheet gives prospective buyers an overview of your home. Include dimensions for each room, copies of a property survey, summaries of utility costs and property taxes, and a list of when capital items such as roofs and furnace were added. Develop a sign-in form for prospects' addresses. You'll ideally want both phone numbers and e-mail addresses … (2 comments)

Open House Safety Tips - 09/30/10 10:56 AM
Open House Safety Tips
An open house can be a great sales tool, but it also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Stay safe by practicing these guidelines.
Call the local police department and ask them to have a squad care drive by during your open-house hours. Check your cell phone's strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial. Carry an extra, fully charged cell phone battery. Determine several "escape" routes that you can use in case of an emergency. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a … (2 comments)

5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell - 09/30/10 10:52 AM
5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell
To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the "mouth of chi" (chi is the "life force" of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It's also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around … (0 comments)

12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor - 09/30/10 10:47 AM
12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
1. Get at least three written estimates.2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won't lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed … (0 comments)

Prepare Your Home for a Virtual Tour - 09/30/10 10:33 AM
Prepare Your Home for a Virtual Tour
With more buyers shopping for homes on the Web, photos and virtual tours are a must. There are many things you can do make your home shine on camera.1. Understand the camera's perspective. The camera's eye is very different from the human eye. It magnifies clutter and poor furniture arrangement. To make a home shine in a virtual tour or video presentation, cater to the lens.2. Make the home "Q-tip clean." Because the camera magnifies grime, each room must be spotless. Don't forget floor coverings and walls; a discolored spot on the rug might … (0 comments)

Short Sales Tips for Sellers - 09/30/10 10:28 AM
Short Sales Tips for Sellers
If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it.
… (1 comments)

What is Appraised Value? - 09/30/10 10:22 AM
What is Appraised Value?
Appraisals provide an objective opinion of value, but it's not an exact science so appraisals may differ. For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value - what the property could probably be sold for. Other types of value include insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes. Appraised value is not a constant number. Changes in market conditions can dramatically alter appraised value. Appraised value doesn't take into account special considerations, like the need to sell rapidly. Lenders usually use either the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is … (0 comments)

Understand Agency Relationships - 09/30/10 10:11 AM
Understand Agency Relationships
It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction. Ask what type of agency relationship your agent has with you:Seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent) A seller's agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.Buyer's representative (also known as a buyer's agent)A buyer's agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer's rep works in the … (0 comments)

Working with a Realtor - 09/26/10 10:04 PM
Working with a Realtor (edit/delete)
Working with a REALTOR®
Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.1. You'll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert … (0 comments)

Slidell Homes - New Kingspoint - Seller will pay up to $5,500. of Buyer's Closing Cost! Free Home Warranty! - 09/26/10 10:00 PM
Slidell Homes - New Kingspoint - Seller will pay up to $5,500. of Buyer's Closing Cost! Free Home Warranty! (edit/delete)
Slidell Homes - New Kingspoint - Seller will pay up to $5,500. of Buyer's Closing Cost! Free Home Warranty!
Seller will pay up to $5,500.00 in Buyers Closing Cost! Free Home Warranty!
… (0 comments)

Masters Point Subdivision, Slidell, LA - 09/26/10 09:54 PM

Masters Point Subdivision in Slidell, LA is a gated, golf course community in Oak Harbor.  It is only a 30 minute drive to the city of New Orleans.  Easy access to the Interstate 10 and Hwy 11.  This beautiful community has a mix of french and traditional architecture and the houses are from 2400 - 4600 square feet.   
School District: Abney Elementary/St. Tammany Jr. High/Salmen High School  
For more information about Masters Point Subdivision in Slidell, LA please visit www.realestatepub.com
… (1 comments)

The Fairways Subdivision, Slidell, LA - 09/26/10 09:44 PM

The Fairways Subdivision is located in the Oak Harbor Community, Slidell, LA.  It is a Gated Golf Course Subdivision with magnificent views and beautifully maintained lawns and gardens.  It has mostly traditional and contemporary architecture with houses ranging from approximately 2400 square feet to 4000 square feet.  The Fairways Subdivision is convenient to the I-10 and only a thirty minute drive to the city of New Orleans.For more information on this or any other Slidell Subdivisions check out www.realestatepub.com 
… (1 comments)

Slidell, LA Listing Agents Stewart & Smith "Your Home Team" - 09/26/10 09:38 PM

Re-blogged by 0 agents
Slidell, LA Listing Agents- Stewart & Smith, "Your Home Team" (edit/delete)
Slidell, La Listing Agents - Stewart & Smith, "Your Home Team"
Stewart & Smith, "Your Home Team" 
List with Us!
 
… (0 comments)

Eden Isles Subdivision, Slidell, LA - 09/26/10 09:32 PM
Eden Isles Subdivision in Slidell, LA
Eden Isles Subdivision in Slidell, LA has established itself as on of Slidell's original watefront communities.  With deep water canals that lead to the beautiful Lake Ponchartrain and beyond it is a boaters paradise!  This subdivision is a sailboaters favorite as it provides easy navigation to the lake without having to go under any low bridges!  The architecture is a mix of Acadian, Ranch and Traditional and the houses are approximately 1500-6000 square feet.   
School Districts: Abney Elementary/St. Tammany Jr. High/Salmen High School   For more information about Eden Isles Subdivision check out www.realestatepub.com
… (0 comments)

Clipper Estates - 09/26/10 09:28 PM
Clipper Estates (edit/delete)
Clipper Estates
Clipper Estates in Slidell, La

Clipper Estates Subdivision in Slidell, La is beautiful gated, waterfront subdivision with navigable waterways leading to Lake Pontchartrain and beyond.  The palm tree lined streets of Clipper Estates and beautifully manicured lawns will welcome you as you enter.  The architecture is mostly French and Traditional and the houses range in size from approximately 1900 square feet to 3800 square feet. These homes range from 2-5 bedrooms.  This subdivision has easy access to the Interstate 10 and Hwy 11.  
School District: Abney Elementary/ St. Tammany Jr. High / Salmen High … (0 comments)

Slidell Golf Course Subdivisions - 09/26/10 09:23 PM
                                  
OAK HARBOR                                                                      CYPRESS LAKES
 
                                  
THE FAIRWAYS                                                                   GRAND CHAMPIONS
 

MASTERS POINT
To view properties for sale in these or other Slidell Subdivisions visit: www.realestatepub.comDavid Stewart- 985-710-1728
… (0 comments)

New Orleans Real Estate Website - 09/26/10 09:14 PM
Buying a home in New Orleans, LA?  Selling a home in New Orleans,  LA? 
Visit www.realestatepub.com  Your Source for New Orleans, LA Real Estate
Website Courtesy of:
David Stewart Jr - RealtorABEK Real EstateEmail: dstewart.realestate@gmail.comCell: 985-710-1728
I'll see you there!
David
… (0 comments)

Stewart & Smith "Your Home Team" - 09/26/10 09:08 PM

Re-blogged by 0 agents
Stewart & Smith "Your Home Team" (edit/delete)
Stewart & Smith, "Your Home Team"

… (0 comments)

"Pre-moving" - the most important thing you can do to prepare to sell. - 09/16/10 12:52 PM
Great advice!  Moving is so stressful that anything that you can do before hand to relieve some of the stress will be helpful...  Use this as a guide
David
Via Coral Gundlach (McEnearney Associates, Arlington Virginia):
Sellers, if you are thinking about selling your Arlington, Virginia house or condo, the #1 most important thing you must do is de-clutter, or what I like to call "pre-move".   Let's face it, you have a move in your future if you are trying to sell your house, or at least that is the end result.  If you sell your house you will be moving.  So … (2 comments)

Top 10 Credit Don’ts During the Loan Process - 09/16/10 12:44 PM
Hey Jerry... Thanks so much for this post!  I think this list is a great for potential clients.  I will be sure and pass this on to anyone that I'm working with!
Via Jerry Wright (Mortgage Advisory Group):
… (2 comments)

Homeowner Tools: What Should Every Homeowner Have On Hand? - 09/16/10 12:37 PM
Thanks For this blog Jason...  I think this is an easy and great list of things to keep handy at your home.  Hopefully most people already have it!
David
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Homeowner Tools: What Should Every Homeowner Have On Hand?
 
While I am enjoy every opportunity to inspect a house, I particularly enjoy inspections for first-timers.
About 99% of the time, I get something close to this question: What kind of tools do I need, at a minimum, to run this house?
Here is my top ten list to that question. This is list is … (0 comments)

Lender Checklist: What You Need for a Mortgage - 09/15/10 11:28 AM
Lender Checklist: What You Need for a Mortgage
W-2 forms - or business tax return forms if you're self-employed - for the last two or three years for everyperson signing the loan. Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan. Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances. Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savingsaccounts. Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans andcar loans. Addresses where you've lived for the last five to … (1 comments)

Loan Types to Consider - 09/15/10 11:24 AM
Loan Types to Consider
Brush up on these mortgage basics to help you determine the loan that will best suit your needs.
Mortgage terms. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. In general, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. However, you pay more interest overall if you borrow for a longer term. Fixed or adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low rate as long as you hold the mortgage and, in general, is usually a good choice if interest rates are low. An adjustable-rate mortgage is designed so that … (0 comments)

Slidell For Sale By Owner - Important Contacts to Make Before Listing Your Home For Sale - 09/13/10 01:46 PM
Getting ready to dive into the world of Real Estate, save some cash and list your home "For Sale By Owner?"  Be sure to shake hands with local vendors who can assist you in your journey. 
Making contacts before you list can make a significant difference in your stress level when that offer to purchase arrives and you hit the ground running.  Preparation is key!  Here's a helpful checklist of important contacts to make, written by Kim Daugherty, Real Estate Checklists and Systems:
Checklist: 17 Service Providers You'll Need When You Sell
Real estate attorney Appraiser Home inspector Mortgage loan officer Environmental … (1 comments)

New Orleans Real Estate Website - 09/13/10 01:36 PM
Buying a home in New Orleans, LA?  Selling a home in New Orleans,  LA? 
Visit www.realestatepub.com  Your Source for New Orleans, LA Real Estate
Website Courtesy of:
David Stewart - RealtorABEK Real EstateEmail: dstewart.realestate@gmail.comCell: 985-710-1728
I'll see you there!David
… (0 comments)

Military Discounts for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Courtesy of Stewart & Smith, Your Home Team - 09/13/10 01:27 PM
Military Relocation - Military Discounts for Buyers and Sellers
David Stewart
985-710-1728
dstewart.realestate@gmail.com
… (0 comments)

Slidell For Sale By Owner- Is your Buyer Qualified? - 09/13/10 01:19 PM
The decision has been made, the sign is prominently displayed in your front yard, you've posted advertising to all the top search engines including dozens of photos displaying your beautiful home from the most perfect angle and you wait.........But, when that offer comes in there's work to be done,  you must dot your 'i's' and cross your 't's' it's game time!!
Allow me to share with you these following tips regarding Buyer Qualifications courtesy of REALTOR® Magazine:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Is Your Buyer Qualified?
Unless the buyer who makes an offer on your home has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may … (0 comments)

Slidell Relocation - 09/13/10 11:51 AM
Relocating to Slidell, LA?  Find everything you need to know about Slidell, LA on http://www.realestatepub.com.  Here you will find links to helpful information on:
Slidell SchoolsSlidell EventsSlidell Utility CompaniesSlidell Sports and RecreationSlidell Arts and EntertainmentSlidell Local WeatherSlidell Hospital and MedicalSlidell Properties for SaleSlidell Properties for Rent
www.realestatepub.com is courtesy of David Stewart - Realtor with ABEK Real Estate in Slidell, LA.
Contact David atCell: 985-710-1728Email: dstewart.realestate@gmail.com
… (0 comments)

1404 Montgomery Seller paying $5500 in closing cost and free home warranty - 09/13/10 11:15 AM

… (0 comments)

SOLD!!!! 236 Sunvalley Dr - 09/13/10 11:07 AM
SOLD!!!  236 Sunvalley Drive, Slidell, La.
… (1 comments)

Welcome to Slidell, LA - 09/13/10 11:01 AM
Slidell, Louisiana is located in southeastern Louisiana on the northeast shore of Lake Ponchartrain.  It is only a thirty minute drive to the city of New Orleans to the west or the Biloxi Coast and Casinos to the east. 
Slidell, Louisiana is named after John Slidell, a Louisiana Politician who was born in New York and later moved to Slidell in the early 1800's.  The city of Slidell was incorporated in 1888. 
Slidell was originally the home of the N.O.N.E (New Orleans and Northeastern) Railroad building camp and later a shipyard which employed many residents in building aircraft, ships and tanks for WWII.
… (0 comments)

Anthem AZ real estate - Market report August 2010 - 09/11/10 08:32 PM
Thanks for the post quite informative...  Hopefully it will be a little better for September...  I know that I really felt the decrease for August and September.
David
Via Jerry Murphy (Long Real Estate):
The Anthem AZ real estate market has begun to show some signs of cooling off during the hot summer months. The number of homes actively on the market increased a bit more.  And the number of homes that closed in August dipped a bit as well.  This could be due to the end of the first time home buyer tax credit as well as the seasonal end of summer/back … (1 comments)

The Secret Every Seller Should Know - 09/11/10 08:16 PM
What a great blog post! Thanks for sharing this with us.... Most importantly I think the sellers always needs to put themselves in the buyers shoes...    
David
Via Linda Powers (Resort Realty - Duck):
The Secret Every Seller Should Know
Sellers naturally think like, well, sellers. What are my expenses? How much will I net? How long will it take? So, you're asking, "What is the secret every seller should know?"
Sellers also know what the property is worth in terms of sentimental value. While there is nothing wrong with that, if the property was purchased between 2003 and late 2005, then the seller … (0 comments)

10 Tips for Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor - 09/11/10 08:08 PM
This is all great advice.  Being from New Orleans and living through Hurricane Katrina you would not believe the amount of people that were taken advantage of by "so called contractors"
David
Via Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC):
10 Tips for Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor
RISMEDIA, September 3, 2010-- With the U.S. economy facing the lowest home sale statistics in fifteen years and home values continuing to slide in many regions, it's not surprising to hear that housing trends point towards a large percentage of American homeowners looking to improve and maximize their existing property investment versus … (0 comments)

Tips for Safer Social Networking - 09/10/10 11:56 AM
Great Post!  With as many  social networking sites as there are out there I think this great advise for us as well as our children...  We all need to be careful
David
Via Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County):
Recieved this in an email and thought I would share:
RISMEDIA, September 9, 2010--The popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn is continuing to grow dramatically, but not just with users. Cybercriminals increasingly are targeting these sites and their troves of sensitive, personal information."While many of these sites are great for finding friends and connecting with business partners, users are sharing … (1 comments)

Realtors Negotiate Short Sales, Leave Lawyers Out - 09/10/10 11:48 AM
It seems like today in real estate we are doing more short sales than anything else.  I can't wait for the time to come when they just go aways!
David
Via Kevin L Kauffman:
We are joined today by Bryan Choate, a very special guest with a message to share. Last Friday we renamed our Friday video, "Freaky Friday" with the intention of saying that there are things out there in the short sale business that are scary. We want you to be aware of those things. Bryan has been a broker for a long time and he believes that, as a real … (0 comments)

Is it Worth It to Appeal Your Property Tax? - 09/10/10 11:44 AM
Do it!  Its always worth it.. Like its says you have nothing to loose!  I know in Louisiana the tax assesor is famous for adjusting taxes.
David
Via Ilyce Glink (Think Glink Publishing):
Yes. 

You do not have anything to lose by appealing a property tax, but you could save yourself some serious dough. 
There are several ways to appeal your taxes:
1. Check for tax record errors.
2. Demonstrate the market value.
3. Use the assessment ratio.
4. Take note of environmental factors.
Read more from me: http://real-estate.equifax.com/2010/09/is-it-worth-it-to-appeal-your-property.html
… (1 comments)

Building Your Dream Home - 09/10/10 11:28 AM
Building a home can be scary in this day in time.  To take some of the stress out let me help you find the land you want to build your dream home on as well as fantastic recommendation for a custom home builder.  My father owner of David W Stewart Inc has been building custom homes in the Slidell, Mandeville, Covington area for the last 25 years.  David W Stewart Inc is all about quality over quanity.  He is not a builder that strives to build the most houses possible but instead strives to build the best houses possible.  For a no … (0 comments)

8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search - 09/10/10 11:25 AM
  8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you'd be willing to spend each month for housing. 2. Be realistic. It's OK to be picky, but don't be unrealistic with your expectations. There's no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to … (0 comments)

Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior - 09/10/10 11:21 AM
Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior
Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips: 1. Trim bushes so they don't block windows or architectural details.2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.4. Install new doorknobs on your front door.5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.8. Clear toys from … (1 comments)

Simple Tips for Better Home Showings - 09/10/10 11:05 AM
Simple Tips for Better Home Showings
1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don't forget to clean out the garage, too.2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, … (2 comments)

6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home - 09/10/10 11:02 AM
6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home
1. Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, www.getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, www.hud.gov.2. Explore seller financing. In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you would do with a mortgage.3. Consider a shared-appreciation or shared-equity arrangement. Under … (0 comments)

Tax Benefits of Homeownership - 09/10/10 10:57 AM
Tax Benefits of Homeownership
The tax deductions you're eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here's how it works.
Assume:
$9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-five interest)$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)______$12,577 = Total deduction
Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate.
For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56
$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate) Note: Mortgage interest may … (0 comments)

12 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your REALTOR® - 09/10/10 10:54 AM
12 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your REALTOR®
Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS®, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage … (2 comments)

Short Sales Tips for Sellers - 09/10/10 10:49 AM
Short Sales Tips for Sellers
If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it.
… (0 comments)

7 Reasons to Own Your Home - 09/10/10 10:45 AM
7 Reasons to Own Your Home
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, … (1 comments)

5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes - 09/10/10 10:41 AM
5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes
1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebuying process.4. They don't do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.5. They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems, www.realestatechecklists.com.
This has been Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine … (0 comments)

15 Year Mortgages are on the rise - 09/01/10 12:41 PM
What great information!  I have to say that I agree with you...  I would feel much more secure knowing that I have the flexability to spend more money when I can and cut back when I have to.
David
Via Exit Realty Deaton Group:
15 Year Mortgages are on the Rise
According to a recent article on Yahoo, the volume of 15 years mortgages is on the rise, with refinancing.  It has always been my opinion NOT to recommend a 15 year mortgage to a new buyer, or someone buying their next home.  The main reason being that when you sign up for a … (0 comments)

15 Year Mortgages are on the rise - 09/01/10 12:41 PM
What great information!  I have to say that I agree with you...  I would feel much more secure knowing that I have the flexability to spend more money when I can and vut back when I have to.
David
Via Exit Realty Deaton Group:
15 Year Mortgages are on the Rise
According to a recent article on Yahoo, the volume of 15 years mortgages is on the rise, with refinancing.  It has always been my opinion NOT to recommend a 15 year mortgage to a new buyer, or someone buying their next home.  The main reason being that when you sign up for a … (0 comments)

Slidell Homes - New Kingspoint - Seller will pay up to $5,500. of Buyer's Closing Cost! Free Home Warranty! - 09/01/10 12:15 PM
Fantastic home in New Kingspoint...  Seller already willing to contribute $5500.00  in closing cost and prepaids.  Dont forget you also get a free home warranty.  Where elsecan you find that?
David
Via Karin Smith - Slidell Homes - New Orleans Homes - Listing/Buyers Agent (ABEK Real Estate):
Seller will pay up to $5,500.00 in Buyers Closing Cost! Free Home Warranty! Click to "LIKE" me on facebook:
Karin Smith - Realtor
Looking forward to working with you!-Karin :)
  www.PropertyPromenade.comYour Source for Slidell and New Orleans, La. Real EstatePropertyPromenade.com is a courtesy of Karin Smith - Listing Agent / Selling Agent
Karin Smith - REALTORABEK … (0 comments)

Simple Tips for Better Home Showings - 09/01/10 12:11 PM
This is great information for sellers...  I know for me I feel like there is sometimes a fine line between giving a seller sugestions and possibly insulting them...
David
Via Karin Smith - Slidell Homes - New Orleans Homes - Listing/Buyers Agent (ABEK Real Estate):
1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don't forget to clean out the garage, too.2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into … (0 comments)

Tips for Pricing Your Home - 09/01/10 12:09 PM
I think this is great information that we should all share with out sellers...  I find sometimes it helps coming from an outside source rather than us...
David
Via Karin Smith - Slidell Homes - New Orleans Homes - Listing/Buyers Agent (ABEK Real Estate):
Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities? Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against new homes? Consider your contingencies. Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you'll receive? … (0 comments)

 
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David Stewart- Slidell Homes- New Orleans Homes

Slidell, LA

More about me…

REALTOR, ABEK

Address: 820 Oak Harbor Blvd, Slidell, LA, 70458

Office Phone: (985) 646-2111

Cell Phone: (985) 710-1728

Email Me

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59086
' David Stewart is the perfect Realtor! My husband and I couldn't have ask for a more pleasant experience as a first time home buyer. Going into looking ... more '
5.0/5.0
by gmboyet
57179
' For me this was my first home purchase. At the beginning I was very "green" to the whole home buying process. David was very knowledgable with the ... more '
5.0/5.0
by joshjb
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