Lisa's New Orleans West Bank Blog

West Bank Weekend Events - May 16-18, 2008

2008-05-15T11:36:55Z

Don't forget about the Gatsby Dog Second Line Parade in Algiers Point! The fun starts this evening at 5:30 at the Algiers Ferry Landing, with a doggie and owner costumed second line parade through the Point. A benefit for the Louisiana SPCA, there will be food, music, kids activities and more.

West Bank Theatre

Joey & Mary's Irish Italian Wedding continues its run at the Teatro Wego Dinner Theatre. Audience participation is encouraged during this comedic wedding and reception with a whole cast of characters. Shows at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and a matinee performance on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Visit the Jefferson Performing Arts site for more information and tickets.

Gretna Farmer's Market

Rain or shine, you can always count on the farmer's market for your fresh, locally grown produce every Saturday from 8:30-12:30. Under the covered market on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Saturday Crafts at the West Bank Regional Library

Looking for something to keep the kids busy? Visit the West Bank Regional Library on Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey for the weekly kids craft activities - every Saturday morning at 10:30 in the Children's Wing of the library.

Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit

Sunday at noon at the Impression Nightclub and Cafe in Gretna. Sponsored by the Westbank Social and Marching Club and the Sassy Katz Social and Marching Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation benefit will have music, karaoke, a water slide and kiddie pool, dunking for apples, drawings, raffles, auctions and more. Head on out and help support these West Bank non-profits as they attempt to help others.

Mid-May Meatball Madness

I have to give credit to St. Martha's Church for coming up with such a catchy theme for their spaghetti dinner this Sunday. Starting at 10:30 am, dinners will be for sale at 2555 Apollo Drive in Harvey. Adult plates are $8 and children plates are only $5.

Upcoming Events:

Plaquemines Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival, May 23rd and 24th at the Medal of Honor Park on Barriere Road in Belle Chasse. Live music, carnival rides, helicopter rides and more. Visit the fair's website for more information.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed,

Are Foreclosures Up on the West Bank of New Orleans?

2008-05-14T14:32:11Z

A recent article in City Business magazine states that foreclosures in the Louisiana real estate market rose 70% from the 4th quarter of 2007 to the 1st quarter of 2008.

One in every 944 households in Louisiana received a foreclosure filing in the first three months of this year. That’s well below the U.S. rate of one in every 194 households, according to an online foreclosure database.

Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac’s first-quarter 2008 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report lists 1,938 Louisiana properties with foreclosure filings, an increase of 70 percent from the fourth quarter of 2007 and 31 percent from the first quarter of 2007.

Read the rest of the article here.

Although this is a drastic increase, Louisiana is still ranked #37 in the nation for foreclosures. (Finally, a low ranking that we want). The article made me realize that I haven't taken a look at the foreclosures on the West Bank for quite awhile and that it's time to see how this shift is affecting our neighborhoods.

Back in February 2008, there were a total of 77 bank owned or foreclosed properties on the West Bank listed for sale in the New Orleans Multiple Listing System (MLS). As of today, there are 69 active bank owned or foreclosed properties for sale on the West Bank.

While this may sound like it contradicts the City Business article, it is important to realize that when a bank starts the foreclosure process on a property, it does not list the home for sale right away. It takes time to go through the legal process of foreclosure...time during which the property is typically not well maintained and is often without utilities. With our long, hot, humid summers, a lack of air conditioning can cause a home to deteriorate very quickly, making repairs to it even more extensive AND expensive. Additionally, some disgruntled and frustrated owners are stripping their homes of everything they can, leaving behind a shell of a house when forced to move out by the bank.

I've received several inquiries recently from people who are convinced that the best deals to be had on the West Bank are in foreclosures. And that may be true for some. But many of these homes need more tender loving care than a first time home buyer or amateur investor is prepared to put into them in terms of time, money and effort.

There are more homes for sale on the West Bank than we have seen in years in many areas.

Buyers should not let the media focus on foreclosures give you tunnel vision when shopping for your next home, causing you to pass up some of the great deals that can be had on properties that don't require the repairs that a bank owned property may need.

In the meantime, sellers need to keep a close eye on the number of foreclosed properties for sale. When the number of bank owned homes in an area increases, it can have a negative affect on the prices of ALL of the homes in a neighborhood as buyers seek out the best perceived value for their mortgage dollars. Staying up to date with your neighborhood competition just became more important than ever.

Get a market snapshot of home listings and sales in your neighborhood delivered to your email every month - FREE. Sign up here.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. List Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed,

139 Alix St. New Orleans, LA 70114

2008-05-14T10:36:18Z

Here is your chance to have the convenience of walking to the ferry, to local restaurants and cafes or even taking a stroll along the levee while enjoying a skyline view of the city. Or, you could sit and relax on the front or back porch and listen to the sounds of river...the distant notes of a steamboat calliope or the refrain of ships passing through the city.

While everyone else is working on keeping their home in shape or updating it, you'll have the freedom to enjoy your leisure time with this newly built home in a historic neighborhood that is just a mile or so from the Naval Support Activity in Algiers. It's a perfect location for incoming military transfers!

139 Alix Street in Algiers Point is now available for only $289,000

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths

1,866 square feet living area

Off street parking

One year builder's warranty

Don't let the exterior fool you - the inside is bright, open and airy...perfect for today's lifestyle and entertaining with ease.

High ceilings, recessed lighting, bamboo flooring and crown molding all lend a modern touch to a old-fashioned community, where people still know their neighbors.

A kitchen for any cook, with granite countertops and breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, custom backsplash and plenty of work and storage space.

Front and rear porches - perfect for relaxing on at the end of a long day...

Come be a part of the Algiers Point community...contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR® for your private showing or more information today.

Algiers Point Association

New Orleans Public School Information

New Orleans Parochial School Information

Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed,

What Happens If My West Bank Home Doesn't Appraise?

2008-05-09T12:16:21Z

The real estate market on the West Bank of New Orleans has been in a state of flux since Hurricane Katrina. Prior to August 2005, we were seeing a slow, but steady, increase in values across the entire West Bank. Since flooding was limited to just a few affected areas in Jefferson Parish, there was a rush to purchase homes on the West Bank as people began to return to the city...pushing both rents and home prices up very quickly.

After the initial spike in the market, these increases in value have been difficult, if not impossible, to maintain over the long term. An unfortunate side affect is that many people who purchased a non-flooded home in 2006 paid a premium for it. As these homes are coming back on the market for sale, some sellers are finding that they are upside down - they owe more than their house is appraised for.

The standard Louisiana purchase agreement allows the purchaser to make their offer contingent (conditioned) upon an appraisal that is equal to or greater than the purchase price. Financing is usually a contingency as well, with the buyer's mortgage company requiring an approved appraiser inspect your home and determine the current value based on recent comparable sales in the area. Recent means just that. It doesn't matter what price your neighbor got for his house when he sold a year ago. An appraiser will be researching sales within the last 6 months and prefers sales within the last 90 days.

What can you do if your West Bank home appraises for less than the agreed upon sale price?

Cry. Go ahead, I'll pass you tissues and hold your hand until the moment passes.
Yell. You are welcome to vent about the qualifications (of lack thereof) of the appraiser, but please don't yell AT me.
Have the buyer pay the difference between the contract price and the appraised value. Take your best shot, but I've never seen this happen except in the buying frenzy post Katrina. Those days are long gone. Stop and think...Would you pay more for a house than it's worth?
Cancel the sale and go back on the market. Keep in mind that the next appraiser may come up with the exact same numbers. If you are in an area that is seeing declining values, the next appraisal could even be lower.
Reduce the sales price to the appraisal amount. This is the most common (and common sense) solution. Will doing this cause you undue financial hardship? Then it's time to take the sign down and settle back into your home until the market turns. Please remember that my crystal ball is on the fritz again, so I cannot tell you when that might be.

There is one other option when an appraisal comes in low, and that is for your REALTOR® to provide additional comparable sales for consideration by the appraiser. Occasionally, this additional information will be considered and result in an adjusted value, but it is the exception, not the norm.

The best way to keep from being surprised with a low appraisal is to hire an experienced West Bank REALTOR® who will keep you informed about market changes during the time your home is listed. A monthly update of neighborhood sales keeps you on top of things and allows you to adjust your price as needed. If you need more information about setting the right price for your West Bank home, please contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®. I'd be happy to go over the real numbers with you.

West Bank Weekend Events - May 9-11, 2008

2008-05-08T19:24:22Z

You'll need a little magic to take everything in this weekend...Saturday is jam packed with West Bank activities for the entire family to enjoy!

UNO Alumni Scholarship Golf Classic

Friday at Stonebridge Golf Club
Check in and lunch at 11 am, scramble format shotgun start at 12:30 pm
$125 registration includes cart fees, lunch, an ice chest with soft drinks, water and beer at each hole, snacks throughout play and entrance to the 19th Hold dinner at 5:30 pm
Chef Emile cooking at the 19th hole

Gretna Farmer's Market

Saturday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, rain or shine at the Gretna Market, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Arts and Crafts Festival

Saturday, Huey P. Long Avenue at 6th Street in Gretna. Kick the morning off with a stroke awareness walk at 8:15 am. The walk will be followed by the Arts and Crafts festival from 9am-3pm sponsored by the Gretna Art Walk and the Gretna Economic Development Association.

More than 50 vendors are expected to participate in selling art, crafts, candles and some terrific Mother's Day Gifts. Face painting for the kids, a German Beer Garden, and lots of food including one of my favorites - funnel cakes!

International Migratory Bird Day

A bird count will be held Saturday at the Woodlands Trail and Park in Belle Chasse. Volunteers are welcome to participate with this non-profit organization that is dedicated to increasing the awareness of birds and their conservation in the Western Hemisphere.

Spring Festival

The annual Eisenhower School Spring Fair is taking place on Saturday from 10am-4 pm with games, food and fun for the entire family.

Eisenhower Elementary School, 3700 Tall Pines Drive in the Tall Timbers subdivision in Algiers.

View the Sun at Bayou Segnette State Park

The park has a couple of fun events scheduled for Saturday. From 1-2 pm, kids are invited to make a Mother's Day craft.

Then, from 5 pm - 10 pm, the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society will have a special telescope set up to view the sun, along with telescopes for star gazing after sunset. No registration is required and the only cost is the $1 park admission fee. How cool is that, to get to view the sun through a telescope!

Of course, Sunday is Mother's Day and I hope each and every mom out there has a fabulous day. The family is taking me and my mother-in-law to brunch at the downtown Sheraton and I hear the menu is wonderful! Anytime I don't have to cook, I'm thrilled.

Upcoming Events:

May 12-May 18th is Children's Book Week. Take the time to visit your local bookstore or library and encourage a love of reading in your little ones.

2nd Annual Gatsby Dog Second Line Parade and Celebration - A human and canine second line parade to benefit the Louisiana SPCA will take place at 6:30 pm on May 15th at the Algiers Ferry Landing. (Registration starts at 5:30 pm behind the Algiers Courthouse)

It's only $5 to register and the first 75 participants will get a pair of special 2008 Gatsby Dog beads. Wrap things up at the Old Point Bar and Warren's Corner with food, music, pet photos and treats, and lots of activities for the young and young at heart. The Dry Dock Cafe will be selling a special Gatsby Dog drink, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Louisiana SPCA.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

The Residence at Park Avenue: West Bank Neighborhood Real Estate Update

2008-05-05T19:25:46Z

It's been awhile since I posted about The Residence at Park Avenue, one of my favorite townhouse communities on the West Bank of New Orleans. Boy, has the market changed!

Back in January, there were only 3 available units for sale. Since the last sale in this gem of a neighborhood was in 2006, it looked like a great buying opportunity for some lucky somebody.

Well, now there are 9 available units, including 3 that are brand new construction. At least one of the available units has been discounted over $30,000 since the initial listing!

Priced from the low $300s to the upper $500s, there are more choices available to buyers than since the community was initially developed in 2003. Now is the time to consider living in luxury with amenities such as:

Gated, restricted access
Private clubhouse and exercise room
Heated pool and hot tub
Private courtyards
Home owner fees that include lawn care

For your private tour of the The Residence, contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®, a West Bank real estate specialist. I'd love to help you find your next place to call home.

5 Steps to Choosing Your New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Agent

1425 Spanish Oaks Drive Harvey, LA 70058

2008-05-03T21:45:19Z

Imagine opening the front door at the end of a hard day and being greeted with this....

Welcome to 1425 Spanish Oaks Drive! New on the market, this home had an overhaul in 2006.

It's a fabulous, open floor plan with loads of improvements....recessed lighting, new ceiling fans and easy care ceramic tile throughout.

With almost 1,900 square feet of living area, you can entertain to your hearts content then retreat to peace and quiet at the end of the day.

3 bedrooms
2 full baths
Double attached garage
All appliances remain, including washer, dryer and refrigerator

Priced to sell at only $184,000, don't delay in making your appointment!

For more information and photos, visit 1425 Spanish Oaks Drive.

Does Your Agent Have A Client Bill of Rights?

2008-05-03T19:27:03Z

Today required a trip to the urgent care center for my 12 year old son. He has a small abscess on the corner of his mouth that started out looking like a pimple. Nothing worth an emergency room visit, but he was uncomfortable enough to need to see a doctor. When you are 12 and you can't eat pizza, it's time to go to the doctor.

As we were waiting in the exam room to see the physician, I noticed a Patient Bill of Rights posted on the wall, outlining the center's goals for how all patients are to be treated. I have to say that I was impressed by it, and started thinking...do my clients realize that they have something similar when they work with me?

Since I've never put it in writing, they probably don't!

So, with credit to the Gulf Coast Urgent Care Center (thanks Dr. Thompson) for inspiration and the headlines, here is my

West Bank Real Estate Client Bill of Rights

Information Disclosure

You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about buying or selling a home. If you do not understand something, assistance will be provided to you so you can make an informed decision. Communication is critical in real estate transactions. Your REALTOR® must be able to explain the terms of contracts to you, whether it is a listing agreement or a purchase agreement.

Choice of Providers and Plans

You have the right to receive your own professional real estate representation - you don't have to call the name on the sign. You also have the right to negotiate any commission paid to your chosen professional.

Access to ~~Emergency~~ Timely Services

Most real estate "emergencies" can be easily remedied and are not cause for panic. But, everyone wants to know (and quickly) that there is a cure for what ails them. When you are working with a REALTOR®, you have the right to expect a timely response to all of your real estate needs, including returned phone calls, emails and other communications.

Participation in ~~Treatment~~ Real Estate Decisions

You have the right to know all of your real estate options and to participate in decisions about your choices. Your REALTOR® is your partner in the home buying or selling process, but you are in the driver's seat.

As a seller, you have the ultimate say so in choosing to accept, counter or decline any offers received on your property - your REALTOR® is there to educate you about the market and assist you in making the right decision that meets your needs.

As a buyer, it is your call as to which neighborhoods you want to view homes in and what property you would like to purchase. It is your REALTORS® job to educate you about the market and how the buying process works. Additionally, buyers have the right to choose their own providers for financing, home inspections and closings.

Respect and Nondiscrimination

You have the right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your real estate professional. Fair Housing Laws apply to all real estate practitioners, whether they are a member of the National Association of REALTORS® or not. Fair Housing is an important issue, but, in my opinion, if your REALTOR® does not treat you with consideration and respect it's time to find a new one!

Confidentiality of ~~Health~~ Financial Information

You have the right to talk in confidence with your real estate professional and to have your information protected. One of the most important duties that a REALTOR® has to a client is a fiduciary duty - this includes loyalty, obedience to lawful instructions, disclosure, confidentiality, reasonable care and diligence and accounting of all funds entrusted to them.

You have a right to copies of all information in your real estate file. Your REALTOR® is required to provide you with copies of all documents you have signed.

Complaints and Appeals

You have the right to a fair and objective review of any complaints you may have against your real estate professional. If you are unable to work your issues out with your REALTOR®, these complaints can be addressed to the managing broker or to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.

New Orleans, LA: April 2008 West Bank Home Sales and Real Estate Market Reports

2008-05-02T09:18:01Z

Charts, charts and more charts. It's time for the monthly recap of the New Orleans West Bank real estate market. I have to say that I was a little disappointed in the performance of a couple of areas (Gretna and Harvey), but pending sales for May have the potential to make up for some of April's shortcomings.

Algiers, LA 70131: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Update

Algiers, LA 70114: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Algiers Point, LA: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Update

English Turn: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

City of Gretna, LA: 70053 April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Gretna and Terrytown, LA: 70056 April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Belle Chasse, LA: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Harvey, LA: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Marrero, LA: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City, LA: April 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Need more information on your West Bank neighborhood? Contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR® for your personalized market report. I'd be happy to help keep you up to date with the changes in the West Bank real estate market.

West Bank Weekend Events - May 2-4, 2008

2008-05-01T09:51:38Z

It's the second weekend of Jazz Fest, but if you don't plan on heading out to the fairgrounds, there's still plenty to do on the West Bank.

Tribute to John McDonough

Growing up in New Orleans, I remember what an honor it was as a student to be chosen to participate in McDonough Day ceremonies. In his will, philanthropist John McDonough donated land for schools to the City of New Orleans with the condition that each year school children would lay flowers on his grave. This year's tribute is on Friday at 9:45 am at the McDonoughville Cemetery on Hancock Street in Gretna. Local leaders will be on hand to speak about the contributions of McDonough and his impact on the local school system. I recently read somewhere that only 1 school still participates in laying flowers at the cemetery now - this is rather sad to me, since I recall dressing up in my white dress and shoes and being thrilled to be a part of this ceremony as a child.

Crafts and Story Time At the Library

The Westwego library is hosting a story time with activities for kids 3-7 on Friday at 10 am. This week's story is Curious George (one of my favorites!). 635 Fourth Street in Westwego.

The Jefferson Parish Regional library has craft projects for kids of all ages on Saturday starting at 10:30 am. 2751 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey.

West Bank Theatre

Are you ready to laugh? Joey and Mary's Irish/Italian Comedy Wedding premieres at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre on Friday night at 7:30. The audience participation show will run through June 1st, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30, matinees on Sundays at 2:00 pm. Be prepared to dance, laugh and mingle with the cast during the show. Visit jpas.org for more information or tickets.

Gretna Farmer's Market

Saturday from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, rain or shine! Head over to the Gretna Market on Huey P. Long Avenue (between 3rd and 4th Street) for fresh produce, local arts and crafts and music and more.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

The Jazz Fest continues Thursday through Sunday at the Fairgrounds with all of the best food, art, crafts, clothing, jewelry and (of course!) another stellar lineup of music. The weather forecast for Saturday is looking a bit wet, but closing day on Sunday should be beautiful!

Music Schedule

Food and Crafts

Ticket Information

Upcoming Events

AEDF Luncheon - The Algiers Economic Development Foundation Luncheon will be held Wednesday, May 7th, at Aurora Swim and Tennis Club in Algiers. This month's topic is the redevelopment of the Village Aurora shopping center which should bring a nice facelift to the General de Gaulle corridor. Reservations are required. Call 362-6436 to RSVP.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

Don't Just Call the Name On the Sign

2008-04-30T21:05:29Z

With several homes for sale on the West Bank of New Orleans, I get a lot of phone calls from potential buyers looking for information. They are driving around a neighborhood, see a sign, grab the cell phone and call from right in front of the house.

What's wrong with this? Too many times, when I ask if they are working with an agent, the response is "No, I'm just calling the names on the signs of houses I like".

Let me get this right...what you are doing is driving aimlessly (wow - have you seen gas prices lately?) and contacting a bunch of different agents who are all working for the seller? OK, let me explain to you why this plan is not in your best interest and show you a better way to find your new home.

When an owner decides to sell their home, they generally interview different agents and choose the one that they feel will work the hardest for them to get their house sold. They sign a contract with the agent that outlines what the marketing plan will be and what the commission fee will be. The agent is contracted to represent the seller in the sale of their home. The home owner is paying for the services of that agent, who has a legal and ethical responsibility to get them the highest and best price for their home. I know - this is exactly what I do for MY clients when I list their home for sale.

Now, you are cruising down the street and see that bright and shiny FOR SALE sign in front of a home that you just know would be the perfect one for you. It's fabulous, it's terrific, it's the one - you've just got to get in and see it right away. Who do you call? The name on the sign or a REALTOR® who is working for YOU, looking out for YOUR best interests?

In Louisiana, the cost of a buyer's agent is paid entirely by the seller - it doesn't cost you a single penny to use a professional to help you buy a home. It is legal for an agent to represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. BUT, in my opinion, this is a fine line to walk. Giving both the buyer and seller confidentiality and superior service is very difficult (if not impossible) for most people to do and relationships are bound to be affected, even if it's not intentional.

Why not take advantage of the services of a professional West Bank REALTOR® to provide your own representation? Many home buyers don't realize that they can interview and choose a REALTOR® just like home sellers do. Read: 5 Steps to Choosing Your New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Agent.

When you are ready to stop surfing the internet for homes and want to sit down and discuss finding your dream home, give me a call. I'll be happy to tell you how I can make buying the right West Bank home easier for you.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Hollywood South in Algiers Point

2008-04-29T20:19:18Z

Have you noticed that more and more frequently there are bright yellow directional signs in Algiers Point with only one word or even just initials on them? Welcome to Hollywood South, what the locals are affectionately calling the metro New Orleans area with all of the star sightings and movie pre-production work happening in our city.

Today, I was popping in to fill the flyer box on a fantastic home for sale at 269 Elmira Avenue in Algiers Point, when I realized that there is yet another movie currently being filmed in the neighborhood. Trucks, crew members, trailer sized generators... all for the work being done on "Patriots, " a film about Marrero basketball coach All Collins (starring Forrest Whitaker) that is currently filming in what seems like every nook and cranny of the Point around the River Road.

Check out all of the action that was happening outside of the Old Point Bar and across the street at Warren's Corner. There was a prop sign on the outside of the building at Warren's, but the police were moving everyone along and I couldn't get a picture of it.

My friend (and client!) that lives in the area was lamenting the fact that the crew had covered up the green street and the painted shamrocks that were left from Algiers Friendship Day last month at the corner of Olivier and Patterson (River Road). But, good news, they have agreed to repaint the entire street when filming is complete...right down to the fire hydrant! The corner just wouldn't be the same without it.

While the city as a whole still has a way to go in the recovery process, how great is it to live on the West Bank and get to witness the local economy being boosted by Hollywood? All I can say is...lights, camera, action!

Interested in living in Algiers Point? Check out these beautiful homes for sale:

269 Elmira Avenue

139 Alix Street

Barkley Estates: April 2008 Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report

2008-04-28T19:05:06Z

Watching the recent activity on my previous posts, it seems that lots of folks are interested in the Barkley Estates sales information, so I thought it would be a good time to do a neighborhood update.

First, some current statistics in Barkley Estates as of 4/28/2008:

Active listings = 14
Under contract listings = 2
High list price = $589,900
Low list price = $305,900
Average list price = $434,507

All information is from the Gulf South Real Estate Information Network and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

And a look at the recent homes sales in Barkley Estates:

Not only has the number of homes sold increased since the 4th quarter of 2007, but check out that average sold price! Good news for home sellers in Barkley Estates, who are getting about 9% more for their homes in 2008 than they were at the end of 2007. Note the average days on market, though, which indicates that sellers are waiting a little longer to get these prices. I'll be able to update the sales information after my clients close on their new Barkley home soon - get ready to meet your new neighbors!

Remember, this report is for the entire Barkley Estates neighborhood. For an individual market analysis of your West Bank home, please contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®.

Harvey, LA: March 2008 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Update

English Turn: West Bank Neighborhood of the Week

2008-04-27T20:27:50Z

Just 8 miles from the New Orleans Central Business District, there is an exclusive golf community that offers the opportunity to live an enviable, quiet lifestyle within the city limits. English Turn, located in Algiers, is one of the gems of the New Orleans West Bank, a magnificent gated community with all of the amenities you would expect in a luxury subdivision.

What Does English Turn Have to Offer?

Golf - Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the award winning Par 72 Championship course was the site of the 2006 Zurich Classic PGA Tournament. Beautiful greens, stunning lakes and a plantation-style clubhouse are the centerpieces of the English Turn course. Membership in the English Turn Golf Club is limited and is not guaranteed to all home owners in the community.

Garden Club - The English Turn Garden Club is the sponsor of the community Butterfly Garden and is charged with protecting the native plants, trees and birds in the community as well.

Family and Children's Activities - Tot lots and playgrounds for the exclusive use of residents, a swim team, a summer camp program and a Kid's Club that meets twice a month for fun Friday activities.

Green Space - Community parks (including one 6 1/2 acre park) and tot lots with space for a picnic, playground equipment, basketball court, softball diamond and more.

Clubhouse - The English Turn clubhouse is available for private functions and features a stunning view of the golf course from the balconies.

English Turn Homes

Single family homes, villas and golf condominiums are all part of the English Turn community. New construction and resale homes are available starting in the mid $400s and range up to $1.5 million to capture your own piece of paradise. Average sale prices for English Turn are in the mid $600,000 range and average days on market for recently sold homes is about 170 days.

English Turn Lots

Lots in English Turn are available to build your custom home on. Lot sizes range from just under 1/4 acre up to a 1 full acre, some with water views, golf course views or both! Available land is priced from $79,000 to $370,000.

Find Out More About English Turn

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in English Turn, please contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR® for more information on available properties for sale or to receive a personalized marketing plan for your existing home.

5 Dos and Don'ts for Home Sellers

Related Sites:

English Turn Real Estate Market Reports

New Orleans Parochial School Information

New Orleans Public School Information

New Orleans, LA: April 2008 West Bank Real Estate Absorption Reports

2008-04-25T12:56:51Z

Absorption Rate: An estimate of the rate at which home sales can be expected to occur, based on historic sales information.

One of the keys to properly pricing your New Orleans West Bank home to sell is to review the absorption rate for your community. Absorption reports tell you how many homes are for sale in various price ranges, how quickly homes in those ranges are selling and estimates your statistical odds of a sale in the next 90 days.

New Orleans West Bank Absorption Reports:

Algiers, LA: April 2008 Real Estate Market Absorption Rates

City of Gretna, LA: April 2008 Absorption Rates

Terrytown and Gretna, LA: April 2008 Real Estate Absorption Rates

Belle Chasse, LA: April 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Harvey, LA: April 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Marrero, LA: April 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City, LA: April 2008 Real Estate Absorption Rate

While these reports are for the entire zip code or community, it is always a good idea to get a report specific to your neighborhood. An experienced West Bank REALTOR® is the best source to keep you up to date with the real estate market in your area and to assist you with the ins and outs of buying or selling your home. Feel free to contact Lisa Heindel with any of your real estate questions.

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