Joyce Guidroz's Blog

Pleanty of Great Homes for Sale in the New Orleans, Gretna, St. Bernard area!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:17:33 -0700

Your Clear Advantage!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:25:14 -0700

Your Clear Advantage!
My service, experience and dedication provide motivated Sellers and Buyers with a clear marketing advantage. I know that the only way to succeed in real estate is to provide more service than you can get anywhere else. And you will get that kind of service when you work with me.

I will provide you with the personal service you deserve. Put my professional image, reputation, and business ethics to work for you.

Let's talk today! Call for a consultation.

http://joyceguidroz.homesandland.com

Looking for the PERFECT Real Estate Professional?

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:24:10 -0700

Buying a home can be one of life's most exciting experiences - and one of the most challenging.

I can guide you through each step of the process and help you select a home that's right for you. I offer:

Unsurpassed knowledge of the market area
Access to over thousands of properties through the Multiple Listing Service
Internet access
Membership in a variety of Real Estate Associations
Strong relationships with local lenders
Knowledge of available financing programs
I am a full-time realtor, dedicated to providing full-time service to all my clients.
I am a life-long resident of the New Orleans Metropolitain area.
Well educated in the Real Estate market in St. Bernard and surrounding area.
Member of the National Association of Realtors.
Member of the Louisiana Association of Realtors.
Member of the New Orleans Board of Realtors.
Member of the Womens Council Of Real Estate.

Financing Solutions! Credit issues? Your lender can help

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:16:04 -0700

We frequently hear we're supposed to regularly check our credit reports. And staying on top of this is especially important when starting to shop for a new home. There are three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These bureaus store consumer credit histories by the millions, and hundreds of thousands of businesses tap these bureaus for their data about you. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen. Especially if you're not the only "Bob Johnson" or "Susan Smith" who lives in St. Louis.

Let's say you receive a copy of your credit report and find a mistake-what do you do? What if there's an old collection account showing as unpaid when you have the paid receipt and a letter stating that the account has been settled?

Your credit report will show which of the three credit bureaus are reporting the error, and you'll get a toll-free number to call. But if you have ever called one of these numbers, you know to expect anything but friendly service. You know the drill, "Press 1 for English, Press 2 if you are a consumer, Press 3 if you'd like to enroll in our..." and so on. It's likely you'll either leave a voicemail or listen to some sales pitch for a credit protection service. But all you want is to get your credit fixed so you can clean up your report.

You'll be asked to fax your documentation, fill out some forms and then wait for the bureau to fix the report and update your file. This can take time, sometimes weeks. Luckily, there is an easier way: let your loan officer handle it for you.

That's right. You can give that very same documentation to your loan officer and they can have the offending item removed from your credit report in minutes. How can they do it so quickly?

Mortgage lenders use credit reporting agencies. Often. And those same agencies hire customer service representatives to make sales calls to all those mortgage companies. One of their services allows the lender to provide the corrected documentation showing the collection account as having been paid to the credit agency, who will then update the credit report almost immediately. What once showed up as an "unpaid" collection account now rightly shows as "paid." It's that easy.

It's important to regularly check your credit, and if you do find yourself in a situation where your credit report has an error on it, don't go to the bureaus directly. Instead, take advantage of the relationship your lender has with the credit agencies. Your mortgage specialist can fix things much quicker than you can.

HOME OWNERSHIP!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:28:13 -0700

There's nothing quite like purchasing your first home. You're on your own. You have a

substantial financial investment. And now you're thinking of the tax breaks.

Your largest tax write-off is probably going to be the interest you paid on your mortgage.

This is a particularly valuable tax break in the early years of a home loan, when most of

your monthly payments go toward interest charges. Just make sure you count all of it,

whether it was paid to an institutional lender or it was a private loan.

A common private home loan is one obtained through seller financing. Interest

paid to the seller is deductible, as long as the loan is established using the same guidelines

as for a conventional bank mortgage. The same is true if you borrow money from

a relative for your house purchase. Again, you need to be sure the loan is documented

properly (it's probably a good idea to have an experienced real estate lawyer help you

set up this arrangement) and that an appropriate interest rate is charged. But as

long as the money is secured by the house, it's a mortgage, and the interest is deductible.

CREDIT SCORE!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:03:28 -0700

What Credit Score do your clients need ?

720-800 Superb!

700-719 Wonderful. You should get top rates.

680-699 Good. Good rates and good terms.

660-679 All right. Pay a little higher costs and rates.

640-659 Okay score if you have a good income.

620-639 Weak. You need a good income and good downpayment.

600-619 Poor. Use creative loan broker and pay more loan costs.

580-599 Almost impossible without large downpayment.

Under 580 Work of fixing credit without delay

Tips to Raise Credit Scores

Reduce your credit card balances.
Pay off small loans (car, student loans, etc) before making application for a house loan.
Pay all your credit cards and loans on time each month.
Avoid unnecessary inquiries for new credit.
Remove expired negative records (collections, bankruptcy) from credit reports by submitting all information pertaining to your credit in a letter.
Identify &remove negative fraudulent records from your credit reports.
Most updates take 30-60 days to appear on your credit reports. Watch your credit reports with a monitoring service to track improvements and check your credit scores often.

DO YOU KNOW!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:48:03 -0700

DO YOU KNOW?

How much inventory is on the market and how to calculate the months on the market!

Through calculation with the absorption rate you determine just how much in months of inventory.

There is over $2 billion worth of inventory for the Southshore.

Over $335 million on the Westbank with 7898 and 1560 units respectfully (active properties).

We also determined that there were 641 properties sold in areas 1-85, and 141 40-55, (Westbank), specifically in the last 30 days. Divide 7898/641, and 1560/141, which equals 12.32 and 11.06.

This tells us that there is over 12 months of inventory on the Southshore, and 11 months on the Westbank.

GETTING YOUR HOUSE READY TO SELL!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:03:51 -0700

1. De-Clutter!

Make sure you pick up all those little items that are only there to take up space and make a room look small.

2. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.

Make sure to clean out all closets and cabinets. It make you look tiddy and make them look spacious.

3. Rent a Storage Unit.

If you have more furniture than you house, PLEASE, rent a storage unit and put most of your belongings in there until you get your BIGGER house.

4. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.

If the mirror in the bathroom or the light fixtures in the dining room belonged to your grandmother then take them down and replace them with nice replacements.

5. Make Minor Repairs.

The minor repairs are what will kill a deal. FIX IT!

6. Make the House Sparkle!

Make sure your home is CLEAN! CLEAN!

7. Check Curb Appeal.

Make sure your landscaping is BEAUTIFUL!

8. Then call Joyce Guidroz to list your house! 504-390-7651

BOND MONEY AVAILABLE!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:40:19 -0700

Looking to buy your dream home? Well, state and Jefferson Parish bond money is available. State had a waiting listing, but Jefferson Parish has 13 million available now. For more information or to find out how to get your share of the bond money to buy your dream home, please, call Joyce Guidroz with Keller Williams Realty at, 504-390-7651.

There is also programs available for home buyer's that are looking in St. Bernard Parish, St. Tammany Parish and Plaquamines Parish. Let me help you find the perfect home!

I will provide you with the personal service you deserve. Put my professional image, reputation, and business ethics to work for you.

Let's talk today! Call for a consultation.
Joyce Guidroz 504-390-7651

NEW ORLEANS IS COMING BACK!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:06:36 -0700

In its June issue, Money Magazine predicted that New Orleans would outshine all but five other major metro area in the price gains homeowners could expect to record over the coming year.

The magazine's Top 10 list seemed, in other words, to reflect the dramatic declines in places like California, Florida and Nevada more than any sudden run-up in home prices. New Orleans made the cut with a gain of only 1 percent in 2007 and a predicted gain of 2.2 percent in the year ahead.

Foreclosure rates in Louisianan are among the lowest of any state, partly because lenders showed patience with storm victims whose mortgage payments were delinquent, partly because insurance proceeds kept others from falling behind. Home prices have also remained stable.

The Money article gauged the buoyancy of home prices, not volume of home sales, and it therefore says little about how easy or difficult it will be to sell a home in New Orleans in the next few months. Rea Estate agents still have a large inventory of homes on their hands, though the number of owners looking to unload property has started to drop, especially in the New Orleans Metro area.

HOW MUCH HOUSE CAN I AFFORD!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:02:50 -0700

Deciding how much house you can afford.

Before you start house hunting, you need to determine how much house you can afford, which will entail getting either prequalified or preapproved for a home loan. A real estate agent can help you find a mortgage broker to begin the process. While getting preapproved is a more in-depth process, a preapproval letter lets both real estate agents and sellers know that you're a serious shopper who means business.

What do I do to get prequalified?

A prequalification can be done online or over the phone and does not require your submitting financial documents. You will be asked to provide basic information about your finances - for instance, your household income versus your debt load. With this information, the lender will estimate what your maximum loan amount could be if you were to apply.

What about getting preapproved?

A preapproval is more involved and a real estate agent can help you prepare your documentation. The lender will perform an extensive review of your finances, requiring pay stubs, tax records, credit accounts, bank statements and more. This figure will not only be a more reliable estimate of what you can afford, but your preapproval also indicates that a lender is willing to do business with you, pending the purchase price, market appraisal and the underwriting process.

What should I ask when shopping for a lender?

Your real estate agent should have a mortgage broker they are willing to put you in contact with - this lender will be someone they have done business with in the past, and feel comfortable recommending. However, if you decide to do a little comparison shopping and look for a lender on your own, here are a few important questions to ask.

What loan programs do you offer and which one do you think is best for me?

How long will the loan approval process take?

What line items of the loan agreement - if any - are negotiable?

What is your policy for locking in interest rates, and will you honor a lower rate if it declines during the lock-in period?

Are there fees for prepaying on my loan?

WHY BUY NOW!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:38:06 -0700

The old saying is certainly worthy of this subject: There is a first time for everything. And now seems the time for that first home. Local Realtors and housing experts agree, the timing to make the move into that first house is one of the best in decades.

Property professionals encourage acting now to capitalize on the present buyer's market. Inventory of homes throughout the area is strong, with buyers having multiple options from which to select.

Anyone looking to purchase a home at this time can do themselves a huge favor with a bit of preparation before they begin the search for a place to settle. Realtors and lenders encourage anyone thinking about a new place to live should take the early steps to prequalify for a mortgage. This simple step is a huge leap forward in the process.

Your Clear Advantage!
My service, experience and dedication provide motivated Sellers and Buyers with a clear marketing advantage. I know that the only way to succeed in real estate is to provide more service than you can get anywhere else. And you will get that kind of service when you work with me.

I will provide you with the personal service you deserve. Put my professional image, reputation, and business ethics to work for you.

Let's talk today! Call for a consultation.
Joyce Guidroz 504-390-7651

Are you prepared for Hurricane Season? It is HERE!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:35:15 -0700

Jun

Hurricane Season 2008 began Sunday June 1. FEMA wants residents living in hurricane prone area to get serious and be prepared now. Prepare a disaster kit for your home: Stock up on non-perishable food and water to sustain you and your family for up to 72 hours or longer. Ensure you have all your important paper (e.g. insurance, identifification), first aid kit, and a supply of all prescription meds. and any other specialty items you will need. It is always better to be over prepared than under prepared.

Loans are out there for your buyers. 100% finacing is available!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:06:16 -0700

If you have anyone looking in Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany or St. Bernard Parish with ok credit they can get 100% financing.

Come Home to St. Bernard!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:12:09 -0700

Welcome to a place with a rich heritage and tradition that maintains it's sense of community and small town charm on the edge of the city.

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana - is a sportsmans paradise offering some of the best fishing and hunting in the country. Boaters, skiers, anglers and hunters are served by many marinas and many public boat launches.

St. Bernard offers an assortment of attractions that reveal its rich history such as; The Chalmette National Battle field and Cemetery, The San Bernado Scenic Byway, Islenos Musemu, Ducros Museum, St. Bernard State Park, and many other memorable sites.

Prior to hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish, with close access to the Central Business District of New Orleans (only five miles from the Orleans Parish line at Arabi), low crime rates and one of the areas best performing public school systems, offered the best home values in the New Orleans Metro region. According to the 2000 census St. Bernard Parish offered the most cost effective housing value in the region.

For information on homes for sale in St. Bernard Parish, please, visit my website at: joyceguidroz.com or your kellerwilliamsrealtor.com.

BUYING THE PERFECT HOME WITH THE PERFECT AGENT!

Joyce Guidroz (Keller Williams CCWBP) — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:37:31 -0700

When you're ready to make one of the most important purchases of a lifetime, you want the perfect balance of design, value, and service...the right combination of style and quality, in the best locations. A home that fits your comfort zone.