Happy Halloween - 10/31/07 03:35 PM
I know not everyone looks at Halloween as a holiday or as a day to celebrate.  I have noticed some churches calling today a Fall fling.  What ever you choose to call it be safe and have fun doing it.  I will take my son to neighbors homes and make it a short evening.  Please don't let your young ones out on their own.  Once again have fun. … (2 comments)

100 Dollar A Barrell of Oil - 10/30/07 12:20 PM
Have you noticed the recent sharp spike in oil prices.  If not take a look.  This impacts everything we do.  From having affordable houses to food.  I know peoples salaries haven't kept pace with these increases over the past couple of years.  We may get lower interest rates this week, but this could be more than offset by gas prices and peoples expectations for the future.  Where this will end, I don't know. … (6 comments)

Bond For Deed - 10/30/07 10:06 AM
I wrote about the above subject two or three days ago.  Some comments from readers led me to believe not all understood how it worked.  The one I am most familiar with is adding the buyer with the owners name.  This can be recorded or not.  We allow about fifteen months before the buyer gets financing to actually buy the property.  The reason for this is, it takes thirteen months before they consider it seasoned funds.  Once the buyer actually does this then it is his or hers.  The seller then receives their money.  Basically the buyer is renting the property … (5 comments)

Bond for deed - 10/28/07 07:11 PM
My broker sold a house today using unusual techniques today.  The owner of the house is willing to do bond for deed.  He says the problem with selling homes right now are the banks.  Everyone working to him can afford a house if they can get by the banks.  This person had bad credit and will move in tomorrow if she wants.
If you have listings and can't sell them.  Try to get the sellers to do something unconventional to make it work.
… (10 comments)

Arabi Louisiana - 10/27/07 07:56 PM
Come on back to the parish.  We will have several agents in Arabi tomorrow from 12-3.  We have many homes totally redone and ready to moved into.  These homes are beautiful and have attractive financing available.  The owners are making deal that you wouldn't believe.  I will be at 2300 Mehle Avenue.  Don't miss your chance to be a home owner.
… (1 comments)

Positive Waves - 10/26/07 03:43 PM
I don't know how many of you are familiar with the movie Kelly's Heroes?  It happens to be one of my all time favorite movies of all time.  I can't stop chuckling at the continuous contrast of personalities of Oddball, the tank commander and his mechanic.  The mechanic always gripped about something, never positive, never happy.  On the other hand the Commander was always optimistic and forward looking.  I think we can relate to this with the current real estate market.  I believe those who are positive and forward looking will come out stronger than they were before all this started.  … (2 comments)

110 Lakelawn Dr Slidell LA 70458 Eden Isles - 10/25/07 04:36 PM
Just wanted to show the best priced house in the neighborhood.  This home was completely redone after Katrina.  Features an excellent view of the Oak Harbor Golf Course 7th green.  The home also overlooks the lagoon on the golf course.
Home features a split level floor plan, bulkhead and wrought iron fence yard along with security system.  Motivated owner wants to sell.
… (2 comments)

Best Buyers Market in Years - 10/24/07 06:09 PM
This is undoubtedly the best market for a home buyer in years.  There is an multitude of homes to look at and choose from, both new and existing.  Also the prices aren't sky high like in years past.  However these same buyers may not qualify for loans now.  The newer restrictions placed on borrowers may make them unable to get loans,  Where this will finally end nobody knows. … (3 comments)

209 Whispering Lane Madisonville Louisiana 70447 - 10/23/07 03:07 PM
Lovely Acadian in Madisonville Louisiana.  Home is located in The Whispering Timbers Subdivision of only 20 homes.  This house sits on over an acre of land and offers plenty of privacy.   Features include: Chatanooga brick outside and inside.  The kitchen and den are all brick floors with transom over the doorways.  White oak floors in the master with attached office.  Plenty of custom made cypress cabinets in large kitchen, perfect for entertaining.
There is a large two car garage with plenty of storage space.  Also inground sprinkler system and real working cypress shutters.  This home has a lot to offer.
Did I mention the … (0 comments)

Who's the real culprit - 10/23/07 01:48 PM
I had a closing today on some rental property I was selling.  After we had finished the paperwork we got talking to the closing attorney about business.  Seems he has been very slow also.  I asked him what he thought was the problem  His answer kind of surprised me.  He thinks the credit companies are being to tight with credit all of a sudden.  I thought it was maybe prices etc.  I wonder how long this will last.  The mortgage companies can't grow earnings without making loans. … (7 comments)

View from a diferent market - 10/22/07 09:10 AM
My family and I were in Tampa Florida this past weekend looking at colleges for my daughter.  we did quite a bit of driving around the area.  I noticed plenty of for sale signs in the area.  I also noticed these houses were very pricey.  I don't believe i could afford a house similar to what i live in now down there.  I also read in the paper where they were cancelling a planned large condominium complex do to the shift in markets.  I just wonder how the agents in the area are faring. … (2 comments)

PMI - 10/18/07 06:49 AM
How does one rid themselves of PMI with falling home values.
1 You have to be in the home two years.
2 You will need an appraiser to appraise your home.
3 You will need 20% equity.  If you know you don't have this don't get an appraisal yet.
4 Point out any thing you added since you purchased your property.  This could include new appliances, air conditioners, ceramic, wood floors etc.
Good luck with this.  These prices will have a floor, I just don't know where it is.
… (2 comments)

The end of hot water heaters - 10/17/07 07:27 PM
My broker has quite a few listings in St. Bernard parish in Louisiana.  This area was devastated by Katrina.  You would never know it by the houses that have been redone.  I believe the only original pieces are the slab and the frame.  All new wall, granite countertops, refridgerators, you name it.  The one new appliance that caught my attention was the hot water heater.  Or should I say lack of one.  Seems these houses have the tankless hot water heaters installed.  They heat the water only when you turn on hot water.  You will never run out of water.  Best … (10 comments)

110 Lakelawn Dr Slidell LA 70458 - 10/16/07 08:58 PM
Here is a nice house in the Eden Isles that is gorgeous.  This home has a great view of the 6th green of the Oak Harbor Golf Course.  This home was completely redone after Katrina.  Features an oversize master bedroom located upstairs for complete privacy.  Backyard is bulkheaded and overlooks the golf course lagoon.  Seller will entertain any reasonable offer. … (1 comments)

Darn - 10/15/07 05:42 PM
I have this listing in Eden Islesin Slidell Louisiana.  I have this house priced very well for the area.  I have had several potential buyers go through the house.  Problem is I keep hearing the same thing.  The clients all prefer the higher ceilings instead of the lower ceilings in this house.  Not much I can do about that is there?  I just hope someone loves the view of the Oak Harbor Golf Course and buys it.
… (2 comments)

Activity - 10/14/07 09:15 AM
I have noticed an increase in activity at one of my listings in Eden Isles in Slidell.  This is a nice waterfront community that suffered heavy damage from hurricane Katrina.  Most of the homes have been repaired and are now inhabited.  This community is about 30 miles north of the city of New Orleans.  Anyway I have seen an up-tick in traffic lately and I hope it continues. … (3 comments)

Is it the Agent or the Price - 10/10/07 12:56 PM
I see many homes in my area for sale.  I recognize some of the names as big area producers and others I have never heard of before today.  This brought me to wonder.  What really sells a house, price or the agent.  I truly believe it is the price more than anything.  I know some of you disagree.  But listen to me.  We all have the same add formats, MLS and whatever.  We all dress well enough.  I realize some of us talk a better game than others.  But if a home is overpriced it has little chance of ever selling. … (7 comments)

Jury Duty - 10/08/07 06:05 PM
Yep thats right, jury duty.  I love how they tell you it's your civic duty to serve jury duty.  Yea right.  First thing I did was fill out an index card why I shouldn't be there.  I guess the judge read it, no dice.  Darn what can I do now?  What the heck, time to talk real estate and pass out my cards.  I think I spoke to about ten people.  Seems even though sales are slow people will talk real estate anywhere, anytime.  I was able to generate some leads maybe it was meant to be.
Good news is I don't … (6 comments)

Commissions - 10/07/07 10:12 AM
I am one for some time have really thought you are hurting yourself in the long run by cutting your commissions.  Do you see the owners cutting their prices.  I bet not much.  How are you going to pay for advertising if you don't have a cushion to absorb the costs.  You are never ever going to be able to sell everything you list.  Especially in this market.  When I have a buyer interested in a house I do look at what I can make.  I really think 99% of all Realtors do also.  My point is don't cut your throat … (5 comments)

Open House - 10/05/07 03:51 PM
We are hosting an open house this Sunday in Chalmette and Arabi.  Come and see these beautifully redone homes.  They are better than new.  The prices are unbeatable.  The owners are motivated and many unique financing arrangements are possible.  Some of these homes have pool and granite counter tops.  All of them have tank-less water heaters.  Don't miss this event some and take a look. … (2 comments)

The Housing Market - 10/04/07 11:01 AM
Just wondering is your phone as quiet as mine.  Lately I don't even need a phone to use.  I don't have sellers or buyers calling.  I know this can't and will not last forever.  i just wish I had a crystal ball that I could look into.  Luckily my broker found quite a few listings in Chalmette Louisiana.  This area was devastated by hurricane Katrina.  These houses have been completely redone and the prices are terrific.  People with spotty credit etc. can find deals.  Come and see our open houses this weekend.  Forget about the saints, they aren't the same team … (6 comments)

Investment Property - 10/04/07 08:41 AM
I just wanted to give some of my thoughts on investment property.  I have only been in this business for a few months.  I recently bought a fourplex.  What have I learned?
1.) Don't be in a hurry to fill vacancies.  Evaluate every potential tenant.  Background checks etc. You gut feeling.
2.) Remember you are renting the property.  Don't try to make it look like your house.  It just has to be clean and functional.
3.) Don't be afraid to raise rents 5% or so on existing tenants.  Moving is a hassle and costs them money.
4.) I really believe you have to live close … (2 comments)

BLAH BLAH BLAH - 10/02/07 03:40 PM
Exsiting homes inventory are the highest ever.  Foreclosure rates also highest ever.  Interest rates rising.  Gee how can anyone survive all this positive news from the press.  I may as well drive my truck off a nearby cliff.  Oh forgot, since I live in South Louisiana I might have to drive off a bridge.  I will remain positive.  Yea times are challenging but this bump in the road will pass eventually.  This is why you need to build a cash reserve when times are tough. … (1 comments)

 
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John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana)

Slidell, LA

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Frank Rubi Real Estate

Address: Slidell, La, 70458

Office Phone: (504) 470-3199

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