Lisa's New Orleans West Bank Blog

New Orleans LA West Bank Real Estate: April 2009 Home Sales

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:58:10 -0500

The April 2009 home sale market reports and real estate trends for the West Bank of New Orleans are now available at West Bank Living:

Algiers 70131

Terrytown and Gretna 70056

Belle Chasse LA 70037

Harvey LA 70058

Marrero LA 70072

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City LA 70094

Are you considering buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans? The West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military personnel relocating to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. It would be our pleasure to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Belle Chasse LA: April 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:09:06 -0500

Current real estate statistics for Belle Chasse LA:

55 homes for sale in Belle Chasse

High list price: $1,700,000
Low list price: $125,000
Average list price: $413,070
Median list price: $325,000

15 pending sales, priced from $85,000 to $439,900

The average home listed in Belle Chasse has been on the market for 132 days

Based on the number of homes sold in April (5), there is an 11 month supply of homes for sale

Belle Chasse LA – Number of homes sold – April 2009

Sales are slow but steady in Belle Chasse this year, with 15 homes sold year to date.

A breakdown of April homes sales:

Financing – 3 conventional loans, 1 FHA loan and 1 VA loan
Size – 3 three bedroom homes, 1 four bedroom and 1 five bedroom
Seller concessions – 2 sellers paid for home warranties and 1 seller provided $10,000 in closing cost assistance to the purchaser

Buyers in Belle Chasse continued to choose newer construction in April, with 4 of the 5 homes sold less than 10 years old. Sellers of older homes might consider some small updating or renovation projects to make their homes more competitive with the “younger” homes on the market.

Read: Home Selling Tips

Belle Chasse LA – Average Home Sale Price – April 2009

The average home sale price in Belle Chasse dropped from March to April, bringing the year to date average to $265,006, down about 20% from the 2008 average. Sellers would be wise to review their pricing, since 35 of the 55 homes for sale are priced above the average.

Luxury homes will always take longer to sell, but if your house is in the $275-$300k range, consider how much it will cost you to hold out for a higher price vs the immediate gain of a sale at a slightly lower price.

Find out what's going on in your Belle Chasse neighborhood with a free online market analysis

All information is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Related Reading:

Belle Chasse homes for sale

Belle Chasse Real Estate Market Reports

The West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. It would be our pleasure to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Waterfront Lot for Sale in North Shore Beach | Slidell LA

Fri, 08 May 2009 10:21:26 -0500

Beautiful waterfront lot for sale on North Shore Beach in Slidell, LA

This is waterfront living at it's finest...just minutes by boat to the open waters of Lake Pontchartrain, or walk across the street (yep, the lot extends to both sides of the street) and launch into the bayou for a lazy day of floating a line in the water.

Beautiful lake and bayou views...sunrises...sunsets...all waiting for you to come build your little piece of paradise on.

The bulkhead is already in place and a peek up and down the waterway will give you plenty of ideas for docks, launches and more. There is so much new construction and renovation going on in the neighborhood - at only $140,000, it's easy to become a part of the North Shore Beach community today!

For more information about this property, visit 175 Carr Drive Slidell LA

When you are ready to make a move, the West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. It would be our pleasure to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Sunday on the West Bank at the 2009 N'Awlins Air Show

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:04:07 -0500

We spent Sunday in Belle Chasse at the 2009 N’Awlins Air Show and it was AMAZING!

I haven’t been to an air show since I was in high school and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. We started out early in the morning, stopping for breakfast before heading over to NAS JRB New Orleans. Even before 9 am, people were streaming through the gates and spreading out over the huge area next to the runway that the show took place on.

The Virtual Army Experience was on hand, so we all signed up for our “mission” and took our places in a Humvee. Virtual reality took over and we were transported right into another place and time – charged with taking out the enemies along the way. If being in combat is even a half a hair as loud and confusing as this was, we should all shake the hand of the next soldier we meet. (Actually, you should probably do that anyway)

After the VAE, we took a walk around the grounds, exploring all of the displays and meeting the proud men and women who were showing off their planes, jets, helicopters and more. There were so many different planes and jets display that I don’t know the names of, but here are some photos I took along the way.

The weather was slightly overcast and very windy, so the planned paratrooper jump was taken off of the schedule, but all of the remaining acts were top notch. There were acrobatic displays where the pilots made planes do things I didn’t think were possible. Just watching some of the stunts made my stomach drop, so I’m not sure how they managed to do it all without losing their lunch…

Then came the Raptor with an incredible display of speed and stealth. This jet moved so fast that it was past us before we ever heard the booming sound of the engines…

The main attraction for many at the show, however, was the appearance of the Navy Blue Angels. The jets were lined up along the runway all day…just waiting for the appearance of the 6 pilots who were the closing act of the air show.

Finally, the time had come…

Precision was evident from the moment they stepped onto the runway, lined up and walked in unison, each pilot breaking off to climb into his jet. Wheel blocks were removed from each plane at the same time, and the crew that was assisting them continued the precise execution of every move.

My hat is off to these talented pilots and I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to put on this year’s show. Since there is no show scheduled for 2010, I consider myself lucky to have been able to spend such a glorious day on the West Bank taking part in it.

If you don’t see the video above, click here

For more photos from the 2009 N’Awlins Air Show, you can visit my flickr photo page.

Do you want to be a part of the West Bank community? When you are ready to make a move, the West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. It would be our pleasure to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Algiers Point LA: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Reports

Fri, 01 May 2009 08:31:26 -0500

Current real estate market activity in Algiers Point (single family homes):

20 homes for sale (active listings)

High list price $699,000
Low list price $169,000
Average list price $330,340
Median list price $304,950

5 pending sales, priced from $129,900 to $269,900

Based on the number of homes sold in March (1), there is a 20 month supply of homes for sale in Algiers Point, one of the highest inventories on the West Bank of New Orleans.

Algiers Point – Number of Homes Sold in March 2009

As of the 1st quarter of 2009, there have been only 3 sales of single family homes in Algiers Point, compared to 4 at the same time last year. With so few sales, I’ll just go ahead and give a complete list of them:

541 Atlantic (fair condition) sold for $70,000
315 Eliza (excellent condition) sold for $251,000
422 Alix (excellent condition) sold for $370,000

For all of the owners of multi-family properties in Algiers Point who are interested in how their market is performing, please note that there has been only 1 sale so far this year (a 3 plex that sold for $330,000)

Algiers Point – Average Home Sale Price in March 2009

Year to date, the average sale price is just a smidge higher than the 2008 average, but with so few sales that number could swing drastically in the upcoming months.

I really, really wish I had a crystal ball to understand why houses in this beautiful, historic neighborhood are not selling, but I don’t.

The important thing for home sellers in the area to remember is that the competition for those few buyers is fierce and you have to be the best value in the best condition in order to even have a shot at a sale in today’s market.

Getting Your Home Sold in This Market - 10 Steps to Success According to Professional Home Stagers

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Algiers homes for sale

Find out what's going on in your West Bank neighborhood with a free online market analysis

Algiers LA 70131: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Reports

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:30:34 -0500

Current real estate activity in Algiers LA 70131:

163 homes for sale (active listings)

High list price $950,000
Low list price $27,900
Average list price $209,156
Median list price $175,000

51 pending sales, priced from $33,250 to $299,000

Based on the number of homes sold in March (21) there is a 7.76 month supply of homes for sale in Algiers

Algiers LA 70131 – Number of Homes Sold in March 2009

The number of homes sold in Algiers 70131 more than doubled from February to March 2009, bringing the year to date sales to 38 (compared to 46 at the same time last year).

Who is buying in Algiers?

Buyers with conventional financing: 3, at an average price of $168,333
Cash buyers: 6, at an average price of $132,416
FHA buyers: 12, at an average price of $146,291

That large percentage of FHA buyers should be a flag to sellers that assistance with closing costs is a typical part of getting these deals done. In March 2009, 38% of the closed sales had the sellers providing an average of $4,361 in assistance to the buyers. Before you get all upset at the buyer asking for assistance, read Keep Your Eye on the Bottom Line.

Algiers LA 70131 – Average Home Sale Price in March 2009

While the number of homes selling is rising, the average sale prices in Algiers 70131 are decreasing, ending March at $145,476 and bringing the year to date average to $150,516 (down almost 8% from the 2008 average).

What’s selling in Algiers?

1 home in FAIR condition, at a price of $35,500
5 homes in AVERAGE condition, at an average sales price of $84,600
2 homes in VERY GOOD condition, at an average sales price of $123,500
13 homes in EXCELLENT condition, at an average sales price of $180,730

Note: these sale prices are not adjusted for any assistance the sellers may have provided to the buyers. When pricing your home or determining if an offer you’ve received is fair, it’s important to take into account any adjustments to the sale price. Be sure that your West Bank real estate agent knows the ins and outs of the sales in your neighborhood and can give you the details you need to make an informed decision.

All data provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Related Reading:

Algiers homes for sale

2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ

Welcome to Algiers

Algiers LA 70114: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:46:59 -0500

Current real estate statistics for Algiers LA 70114:

79 homes are currently for sale (active listings)

High list price $699,000
Low list price $23,000
Average list price $171,143
Median list price $135,000

18 sales are pending, priced from $19,900 to $269,900

Based on the March sales (7), there is a 11 month supply of homes for sale in zip code 70114

Algiers LA 70114 – Number of Homes Sold in March 2009

March saw another increase in the number of homes sold in the 70114 zip code of Algiers LA, bringing the year to date number of sales to 14 (compared to 20 at this same time last year).

Here is a breakdown of sales in the area for March 2009:

2 homes in FAIR condition were sold, with an average sale price of $48,500
1 home in AVERAGE condition was sold for $105,000
2 homes in VERY GOOD condition were sold, with an average sale price $109,250
2 homes in EXCELLENT condition were sold, with an average sale price of $155,500

Obviously, the condition of a home has a huge impact on the selling price. With all of the competition for qualified buyers, it is important that your home is in the best shape possible before putting it on the market. For tips on preparing your home for sale, read Getting Your Home Sold in This Market - 10 Steps to Success According to Professional Home Stagers

Algiers LA 70114 – Average Home Sale Price in March 2009

The average sale price for zip code 70114 dropped off from $122k in February to $104,500 in March, bringing the year to date average to $107,678. The area is unique however, because the higher end homes in Algiers Point are included in the mix. You can review separate reports for Algiers Point home sales.

Seller assistance 3 of the homes sold in March had the sellers providing closing cost assistance to the buyers. The average amount of assistance provided was $4,847.

When pricing your Algiers home to sell, it’s important to take into account the adjustments that may need to be made to the selling prices of comparable properties. Be sure that your West Bank real estate professional knows all of the details on sales in the neighborhood.

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

More information:

Algiers homes for sale

All Algiers Real Estate Market Reports

Find out what's going on in your West Bank neighborhood with a free online market analysis

The West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to NAS JRB New Orleans. It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Contact us with any questions you may have about buying or selling in today’s market.

1334 Monroe Street Gretna LA 70053 | Gretna Lousiana Home for Sale | NEW PRICE!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:45:28 -0500

It just keeps getting better and better....

Now priced at only $114,900, 1334 Monroe Street is a bargain in the City of Gretna housing market. Don't forget about the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit and how it can help you.

Historic Gretna LA Shotgun Home for Sale

1334 Monroe Street, Gretna, LA 70053 View Map

Precious renovated shotgun single on corner lot in the McDonoghville area of the historic City of Gretna, LA. Walking distance to McDonogh Park and playground and just a few blocks from shopping and restaurants. Quick and easy access to the Crescent City Connection and downtown New Orleans or to the Algiers Ferry landing to Canal Street.

Easy care laminate flooring in the living, kitchen, laundry and hall and an open floorplan that's easy to move around in.

High ceilings throughout, with ceiling fans in the living room and both bedrooms.

Ceramic tile in the light, spacious and updated bathroom.

Rear yard access and inside utility room. Transferrable termite contract.

Details

Asking Price:

$114,900

MLS:

778213

Lot Size:

18.2x128

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

McDonoghville

Year Built:

1948

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Lisa Heindel
Louisiana REALTOR

Main 504-207-2007
Dir 504-616-6262
Email | Website

3901 Red Cypress Drive - Terrific 3 bedroom home for sale in Harvey LA 70058

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:20:45 -0500

One of the fastest growing areas on the West Bank of New Orleans, the community of Harvey is in high demand and so are well priced and well maintained homes.

Look no further than 3901 Red Cypress Drive, new on the market at only $165,000.

3 bedrooms
2 full baths
Eat-in kitchen, plus a formal dining room
Spacious living room with wood burning fireplace
Sun room
Inside laundry
One year home warranty

For more information or to schedule a showing, please contact the West Bank Living Team.

The West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transfers to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs.

March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Trends for Marrero LA 70072

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:46:46 -0500

Current real estate activity in Marrero LA 70072:

199 homes for sale
Low list price $16,900
High list price $1,600,000
Average list price $179,604
Median list price $148,500

74 pending sales, priced from $31,000 to $399,900

Based on the number of homes sold in March (34), there is a 5.85 month supply of homes for sale (one of the most balanced markets on the West Bank of New Orleans at this time)

Marrero LA 70072 – Number of Homes Sold March 2009

Marrero ended the month with 34 closed sales, bringing the year to date total to 91. The 2009 sales are down from 102 sold at the same time last year. Given that there are 74 pending sales at this time, I would expect to see a fairly significant increase in sales for April, depending on how inspections and financing work out for the buyers.

Here is a breakdown of the 34 sales in March:

3 homes were in Fair condition with an average sale price of $69,466
7 homes were in Average condition with an average sale price of $88,192
4 homes were in Very Good condition with an average sale price of $141,250
17 homes were in Excellent condition with an average sale price of $162,826
3 homes were New construction with an average sale price of $217,886

Obviously, the condition of a property has a strong impact on the price that buyers are willing to pay. Do you need help getting your home ready to sell? Read Getting Your Home Sold in This Market - 10 Steps to Success According to Professional Home Stagers

Marrero LA 70072 – Average Home Sale Prices March 2009

The average year to date home sale price in Marrero is $138,307. The median year to date price (half of the sales were higher and half were lower) is $125,000. Average Marrero home sale prices are down about 11% from 2008.

Year to date, there have been 21 sales with conventional financing, 17 cash sales, 43 FHA sales, 4 VA sales and 7 other types of financing. With such a large percentage of FHA sales (47%), many buyers are asking for and receiving assistance from the seller when purchasing a home.

In March, 12 of the 34 sales (35%) had sellers providing an average of $4,518 in closing cost assistance to the purchasers. This is an important number to know when pricing your home! Be sure that your agent can provide you with adjusted sales numbers to get a true picture of what homes are selling for in your neighborhood.

All data provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

More about West Bank real estate:

The West Bank Living Team provides professional, local real estate services for buyers, sellers and military relocations to NAS JRB New Orleans. Please feel free to contact us with your real estate needs.

Gretna and Terrytown LA 70056: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Report

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:23:48 -0500

Current real estate activity in Terrytown and Gretna LA 70056:

168 active listings

High list price $1.590,000
Low list price $62,900
Average list price $250,151
Median list price $186,500

42 pending sales, priced from $56,900 to $499,900

Based on the number of March sales (21), there is a 8 month supply of homes for sale in the 70056 zip code

Terrytown and Gretna LA – Number of Homes Sold March 2009

Sales in the 70056 zip code rose again in March 2009, ending the quarter with 48 homes sold year to date, compared to 59 at this same time last year.

The majority of the homes sold in the area in March were in Excellent condition, so potential sellers should be sure that they have prepared and priced their home well before going on the market since buyers in the community are looking for the best move-in values around.

Most of the sales were financed with FHA loans and 43% of the sellers provided some sort of assistance to the buyers with closing costs and pre-paids. If you are considering selling a home in the area, be sure to choose an agent who can provide you with adjusted sales prices to account for these types of assistance and their impact on selling prices and your bottom line.

Terrytown and Gretna LA 70056 – Average Home Sale Price March 2009

Average home prices rose in March, but the year to date average is still about 4% below the 2008 average. Remember, these sale prices have not been adjusted for any seller assistance provided to buyers. In March, the average amount of seller assistance provided to buyers in Terrytown and Gretna was $6,097.

All data provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

For more information about buying or selling a home in Terrytown or Gretna LA, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

The West Bank Living Team provides local, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to NAS JRB New Orleans. Please feel free to call on us for help with any of your real estate needs.

City of Gretna LA 70053: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Report

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:14:09 -0500

Current real estate activity in Gretna LA 70053:

57 active listings

High list price $359,000
Low list price $42,900
Average list price $158,380
Median list price $148,000

16 pending sales, priced from $19,900 to $250,000

Based on the number of homes sold in March (5), there is a 10 month supply of homes for sale in Gretna

Gretna LA 70053 – Number of Homes Sold March 2009

The City of Gretna recorded 5 closed sales in March, bringing the year to date total to 12, compared to 16 at the same time last year. Sales were across every spectrum, from new construction to properties in poor condition that need complete rehab.

The loan of choice for March was conventional, with 60% of the sales being financed that way. Since conventional loans are the hardest to get right now, these were well qualified buyers.

What did these buyers choose? 1 two bedroom home, 3 three bedroom homes and 1 four bedroom home were sold. Days on market ranged from 0 to 362, with an average of 137 days.

Gretna LA 70053 – Average Home Sale Price March 2009

The average home sale price in Gretna for March was $158,600, but this was impacted by the sale of a property in poor condition for $42,000. The median sale price (half sold for more, half sold for less) was $185,000. Year to date, the average sale price if $151,451, up 4% from the 2008 average.

Have we seen the bottom?

We won’t know that for sure until we continue to experience higher sale prices, but we have had buyers miss out on the homes they chose recently because there were competing, higher offers received on the properties at the same time. Between the low interest rates, the first time buyer tax credit and the bargain prices, it’s time to get off the fence and find that new home!

All data provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Considering buying or selling a home in Gretna LA? Contact the West Bank Living Team. We provide local, professional real estate services with both buyer and seller specialists dedicated to meeting your real estate goals. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

Belle Chasse LA: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:57:51 -0500

Current real estate activity for Belle Chasse LA:

51 active listings

High list price $1,700,000
Low list price $85,000
Average list price $414,827
Median list price $305,000

12 pending sales, priced from $140,000 to $415,000

Based on March sales (3), there is a 17 month supply of homes for sale in Belle Chasse

Belle Chasse LA – Number of Homes Sold March 2009

Year to date, there have been 10 homes sold in Belle Chasse, compared to 23 at this same time last year. New and newer construction is moving much faster than older homes, with the homes sold in March all coming in at or under 7 years old.

For sellers of older homes to compete with these younger houses, they need to be updated to offer the same type of amenities that buyers in the area are looking for. Need a little help in understanding how to prepare your West Bank home for sale? Read Getting Your Home Sold in This Market - 10 Steps to Success According to Professional Home Stagers

Belle Chasse LA – Average Home Sale Prices March 2009

The average home sale price in Belle Chasse for March was $388,066 (a reflection of the fact that these were all newer homes). Year to date, the average sale price is $257,670, significantly below the 2008 average. However, with the most active selling months just ahead of us, I would anticipate that the average sale price will increase.

An important factor to remember when selling your Belle Chasse home is that appraisers are reviewing comparable sales for the last 90 days only, which could have a negative impact on your value. If you are selling a unique property, it would be worth the $300-$400 to have it appraised before setting your list price.

I’m still recommending pre-inspections of homes as well – buyers are looking closely at condition and are not afraid to walk away from a property that needs a lot of repairs.

All data provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Belle Chasse LA, please contact the West Bank Living Team. We provide local, professional buyer and seller representation with an emphasis on YOUR needs. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City LA: March 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Report

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:35:22 -0500

Current real estate activity in Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City LA 70094:

126 active listings
High list price $629,000
Low list price $44,900
Average list price $134,241
Median list price $119,000
The average home for sale in zip code 70094 has been on the market for 102 days
There are 29 pending sales, priced from $29,900 to $216,125

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City Home Sales – March 2009

The good news is that the number of home sales in Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City increased again in March, which is typical for the spring housing market. If history holds any clues, we can expect to see a higher number of sales for the next 3 months or so. The first quarter of 2009 saw 35 closed sales, compared to 43 in the first quarter of 2008.

The not so good news is that 8 of the 14 sales for March were of homes in either Poor, Fair or Average condition, so sellers who have a move in ready home are waiting a little longer for those offers, as it appears that the investors and do-it-yourselfers are making up the largest number of buyers in the area right now, with cash buyers making up almost half of the sales.

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City Average Home Sale – March 2009

The year to date average sale price of $90,285 is down 7% from the 2008 average. Again, most of this is caused by the condition of the homes sold, with a lesser condition equating to a lesser sale price. Looking for ways to increase the sale price of your home? Read Getting Your Home Sold in This Market - 10 Steps to Success According to Professional Home Stagers

Homes sold in March were on the market for an average of 95 days before receiving an acceptable offer. To minimize marketing time, sellers need to be prepared, priced right and flexible with showings to attract the attention of qualified buyers.

Home Selling Tips

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Westwego, Avondale or Bridge City, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

The West Bank Living Team provides professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. For answers to your West Bank real estate questions, feel free to contact us.

Barkley Estates Lots for Sale in Gated Harvey LA Neighborhood

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:35:40 -0500

Sometimes you just can’t find the perfect house despite searching high and low. When that happens you can either sit back and wait OR you build a home that perfectly fits your wants and needs.

The West Bank Living Team just listed 2 gorgeous lots in Harvey LA in the gated community of Barkley Estates. One of these could be the right one for you and your house plans.

Sherbrooke Court is a cul-de-sac street with only 6 lots. This cleared and ready to be built on piece of land has enough space to build a custom home with backyard left over. Priced at $120,000, it’s a blank slate waiting for you to color it in.

1801 Turnberry Lane has over 1/4 acre of land for only $92,000 on a winding street in the exclusive Barkley Estates community. Large enough to accommodate the grandest of homes, the lot has been cleared and is ready for the contractors to start work.

Barkley Estates

One of the premier gated communities in Harvey LA, Barkley Estates has an active home owner’s association and beautiful, public green spaces. The quality of life is wonderful, with community activities year round such as the annual Easter Egg extravaganza, community crawfish boils, annual night out against crime block parties, garden of the month awards and more.

If you are interested in living or building a home in Barkley Estates, contact the West Bank Living Team for more information. It would be our pleasure to assist you!

The West Bank Living Team provides local, experienced real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to and from NAS JRB New Orleans. Feel free to call Lisa or Terri for more information about how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.

215 Rhodes Avenue New Orleans LA 70131 | Algiers Home for Sale

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:26:38 -0500

Just listed – the West Bank Living Team has another Algiers LA Home for Sale

Whether you are looking for an investment property or someplace that you can put some of that sweat equity into, this Algiers ranch home for sale will fill the bill.

215 Rhodes Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70131

Bargain priced at only $99,000

Located on a tree lined street in Old Aurora, this home has so much potential and sits squarely on a 1/4 acre lot - where else can you find that within the New Orleans city limits?!?

With 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a large entry room, eat-in kitchen and 3 separate living spaces, it can be easily reconfigured to fit your lifestyle. A large sun room spans the rear of the house and is just right for hosting BBQs and crawfish boils in.

There is an old workshop at the rear of the property with a foundation issue. Repair it or tear it down to make room for a great garage - vehicle access to the back yard is already in place. The sturdy cinder block construction has stood the test of time and awaits your personal touch.

For more information or to schedule your private showing of 215 Rhodes Avenue, contact the West Bank Living Team.

Interested in the West Bank of New Orleans? The West Bank Living Team provides professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military relocations to NAS JRB New Orleans.

Just have a question? Call Lisa at (504) 616-6262 or Terri at (504) 258-5178. It would be our pleasure to help you!

Relocating to the West Bank? Let's Go Shopping!

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:53:28 -0500

I don’t know about anyone else, but if I was relocating to a new city one of my first questions about getting around would be “where can I buy ____?” Part of getting acclimated is finding out where to shop in your new community and the West Bank has plenty of choices within a short drive of both military bases or wherever else your relocation might land you.

Shopping Mall

Oakwood Center in Terrytown is the only true mall on the West Bank. With department stores Dillard’s, JC Penney’s and Sears as anchors, the mall is still filling spaces left after the extended closure and renovations from hurricane damage. Some of the stores that have returned are Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret and Forever 21. I’m still waiting for someone to figure out that there is a lot of disposable income on the West Bank - until then, if you want a Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn or William-Sonoma, you’ll need to take a 15-20 minute ride to Lakeside Mall in Metairie.

Discount Shopping

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? In addition to Target (on Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey) there are multiple WalMart locations, a Sam’s Club on Manhattan and a KMart on Belle Chasse Highway. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, check out Burlington, Marshall’s, Ross (all on Manhattan) and TJ Maxx on Lapalco Blvd.

Home Improvement Stores

Once you’ve settled into your new West Bank home, you’ll more than likely be making a few changes. Whether it’s painting a room or renovating the entire space, it’s handy to have Lowe’s on Manhattan and 2 Home Depot locations on both the Westbank Expressway (Gretna) and Lapalco Blvd. (Harvey, LA) Of course, if you just need a few small items, look for your neighborhood hardware stores, since they are still alive and well and usually offer the best advice and customer service around.

Home Decorating

Nothing is more satisfying than putting those final touches on a room with the perfect accessories. West Bank choices range from Bed, Bath & Beyond to Pier 1 to World Market, all located on the corner of Manhattan and the Westbank Expressway in Harvey. Then there are the boutique shops that feature decorative items with a local twist. One of my favorites is Frames Inc in Algiers, because they manage to pack a huge number of unique items into a cozy, welcoming shop.

What are you waiting for? Let’s go shopping!

For information about military or other relocations to or from the West Bank of New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you with all of your real estate needs and help you sell your home or find the perfect West Bank Home for Sale. Need to sell your home in another state first? Let us know...we have a network of agent partners across the country that can help!

Sorry, But You've Been REJECTED!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:41:14 -0500

The headlines and newscasts keep repeating doom and gloom for the real estate market from sea to shining sea. Obviously they missed the breaking news that all real estate is local and not every seller is ready and willing to take a rock bottom price for their home.

This week, I received an offer on a great home for sale in Harvey. I have a motivated seller who has looked closely at the market and what homes are selling for in the neighborhood. He then made a deliberate choice to price his home lower than any of the others in order to make it appeal to the largest number of buyers. And it’s working. I’ve had more showings on this home than on almost any other house I have listed, and I’m sure that it will be sold soon since it’s priced right, clean as a whistle and move in ready.

So I really felt sorry for the young couple who came with their agent and fell head over heels in love, only to find out that their very low offer was flat out rejected after we determined it was the most they could afford to pay. It was a waste of time all the way around for everyone involved and it could have easily been avoided.

When working with home buyers, one of the first things we do is arrange a meeting with a local lender who can pre-qualify them. It’s not a hard process…you give them your financial information in exchange for a loan approval and a budget for what you can afford to pay for a house.

Things we do to help you find a home

Find out what type of financing you’ll be using (conventional mortgage, FHA or VA financing)
Determine if you have enough funds for the closing or if you need a little help in that area
Ask a lot of questions about your wants and needs
Use all of our resources to provide you with a list of homes that meet as many of your wants and needs as possible while staying within your budget
Use our market expertise to bring to your attention those homes that may be slightly out of your price range, but that we know are priced too high and probably have room for negotiation

Things we DON’T do to help you find a home

Bring you to a neighborhood that is way out of your price range
Allow you to get excited about living in a home that you can’t afford
Write an offer that we know has a snowball’s chance in hell of being accepted
Set you up for rejection and disappointment

It is your agent’s responsibility to represent your best interests, not to be the cook throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks. Let’s sit down, determine your wants, needs and budget and keep you from getting this response on your next offer…

For professional real estate services across the West Bank of New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to help you buy or sell your next home.

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Belle Chasse LA 70037: February 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Reports

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:23:14 -0500

Belle Chasse LA: Current real estate market activity

54 active listings, priced from $85,000 to $1,700,000
Average list price $396,198
Median list price $298,500
5 pending sales, priced from $140,000 to $569,000
Based on the number of homes sold in February (4), there is a 13.5 month supply of homes for sale in Belle Chasse

Belle Chasse LA – Number of Homes Sold February 2009

Belle Chasse is starting 2009 off a little slower than last year, with 7 sales so far compared to 15 at this same time in 2008. The 7 homes sold this year were on the market for an average of 156 days, compared to the average of 106 days in February 2008.

I still anticipate an increase in the number of sales during the peak selling season of spring and early summer as more incoming transfers to NAS JRB New Orleans arrive and choose a place to live, with Belle Chasse always being among their top destinations.

Belle Chasse LA – Average Home Sale Price February 2009

Average home sale prices have dropped significantly from 2008, but much of this can be attributed to a couple of low end sales that skew the average. If those sales are removed, the average goes up to $257,400. While still below the 2008 average, it’s more in line with the mid-range of home prices in the area.

Belle Chasse remains one of the few communities in the metro New Orleans area that still qualifies for 100% USDA financing, allowing home buyers to get moved in without as much money out of their pocket. (Ask us about lenders who offer this financing) Insurance costs continue to remain a factor for many buyers, since Plaquemines is a coastal parish and the rates can be substantially higher than many surrounding towns.

Are you considering buying or selling a home in Belle Chasse? Contact the West Bank Living Team for more information about how to prepare yourself to compete in today’s real estate market. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The West Bank Living Team provides professional real estate services to home buyers and sellers on the West Bank of New Orleans. For answers to your real estate questions, please contact us today.

Avondale, Bridge City and Westwego LA 70094: February 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:03:32 -0500

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City LA – Current real estate market activity

110 active listings, priced from $29,900 to $398,995 (down from 118 last month)
35 pending sales, priced from $29,900 to $216,125 (up from 30 last month)
Based on the number of homes sold in February (11), there is a 10 month supply of homes for sale in the area

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City LA – Number of Homes sold February 2009

Year to date, there have been 22 homes sold in the 70094 zip code, compared to 30 at the same time last year. The investors are out in force, with over 40% of this years sales being paid for in cash.

The interesting data is that only about 1/3 of the contracts being written are closing within 30 days. Part of this is the stricter lending criteria that buyers must meet – lenders are taking longer to approve mortgages and deals are taking longer to close. Another part is that buyers are much more willing to walk away from a home that they find problems with during inspections….yet another reason to have your home ready before putting it on the market.

Are You REALLY Ready to Sell Your West Bank Home?

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City LA – Average Home Sale Price February 2009

Of the 22 sales in 2009, 50% of them have been homes in need of repairs or renovations, holding the year to date average sale price to under $100,000. As you can see in the chart below, there was a dramatic drop in average home sale prices from 2007 to 2008. This trend has continued into 2009.

When selling a home in the 70094 zip code that commands a higher than average price, be sure that you know the 4 Things to Expect From Your Agent When Selling Your West Bank Home.

For more information about buying or selling a home in Avondale, Bridge City or Westwego, contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The West Bank Living Team provides professional representation for home buyers and sellers on the West Bank of New Orleans. For all of your real estate needs, please contact us.

Algiers LA 70114: February 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Report

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:59:09 -0500

Algiers LA 70114: Current real estate market statistics

80 active listings, priced from $23,000 to $699,000
15 pending sales, priced from $39,000 to $269,900
Based on the number of homes sold in February (5), there is a 16 month supply of homes for sale in the area
This report covers the entire 70114 zip code and includes Algiers Point Home Sales

Algiers LA 70114 – Number of Home Sales February 2009

Sales in Algiers 70114 increased from January to February 2009, but the majority of the sales were of properties in need of repairs or remodeling. 3 of the 5 sales were to cash buyers, 1 was conventional financing. No FHA or VA financing was used during the month of February in this area.

The number of sales in the 70114 zip code is 50% lower than at the same time last year (7 year to date 2009 compared to 14 year to date 2008).

Algiers LA 70114 – Average Home Sale Prices February 2009

Home sale prices in the area are substantially below the 2008 average at this point, but part of this is due to an inaccuracy in one of the sales reported in January. I’m trying to get the accurate sale price recorded in the MLS so the true numbers can be reported. Hopefully this will be resolved by the time the 1st quarter numbers are ready.

In the meantime, it’s important to note that only 1 home has sold over $100,000 in the area this year. So far this year, the most common buyer in the 70114 zip code seems to be an investor.

Need more information about buying or selling a home in Algiers? Contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The West Bank Living Team provides professional real estate services across the West Bank of New Orleans. For answers to your real estate questions, contact us.

Algiers LA 70131: February 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Reports

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:58:00 -0500

Algiers LA – Current real estate market activity

(excluding English Turn – you can find the English Turn home sales here)

184 active listings, priced from $32,000 to $950,000
41 pending sales, priced from $48,552 to $349,900
Based on the number of Algiers homes sold in February (9), there is a 20 month supply of homes for sale in the area

Algiers LA 70131 – Number of Homes Sold February 2009

The number of homes sold in Algiers in February creeped up to 10 from the 7 January sales, putting the total for 2009 at 17 so far. (Compared to the 28 sales at the same time last year)

The most startling number for Algiers has to be the days on market though. In 2008, the average days on market was 119. The 2009 average as of the end of February is 191. Some of the homes that have been on the market for an extended period of time are selling as the owners become more realistic about pricing. In February, sellers received an average of 87% of their asking price, indicating that they were either testing the market or were just priced too high and ended up accepting a lower price after an extended listing period.

The bottom line is that over pricing your home results in a longer marketing time.

Algiers LA – Average Home Sale Price February 2009

Average sale prices in Algiers declined from January to February, following the downward trend that we’ve been watching for the past 4 years.

When deciding on a price for your home, it’s critical to look at what has actually sold in your neighborhood for the last 90-120 days. The price your neighbor got for his house last year may very well be a completely unrealistic number in today’s market, and the high price your other neighbor is asking likely has nothing to do with what the home will actually sell for.

Are You REALLY Ready to Sell Your West Bank Home?

If you need more information about buying or selling a home in Algiers, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The West Bank Living Team provides professional representation for home buyers and sellers across the West Bank of New Orleans. Contact us today for answers to your real estate questions.

Algiers Point LA: February 2009 Home Sales and Real Estate Market Reports

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:58:52 -0500

Algiers Point: Current real estate market activity

There are currently 22 active listings in Algiers Point, priced from $149,900 to $699,000
2 sales are pending, priced at $185,000 and $269,900
Based on the February 2009 sales (2), there is an 11 month supply of homes for sale in Algiers Point.

Algiers Point – February 2009 Number of Homes Sold

February 2009 ended with 2 home sales in Algiers Point, which were also the first recorded for the year in thecommunity. Active listings have remained steady with 19-21 homes on the market for the last 4 months at an average listing price of $281,800 or $126.27 per square foot.

Here is a quick comparison of January and February sales in Algiers Point for the period of 2005-2009:

*# homes sold*	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
January	0	1	3	2	2
February	2	0	1	1	2

Algiers Point – February 2009 Average Home Sale Price

February home sales in Algiers Point ended with an average sale price of $220,000, right on par with the 2008 annual average. Note that this is substantially lower than the current average listing price of $281,800, indicating that some sellers may continue to have their homes priced too high for today’s buyers.

The 22 homes currently on the market have been listed for an average of 135 days, while the homes sold in February were on the market for an average of 49 days. What does this mean? Simply that homes that are priced the most competitively will be the first to sell.

Related Reading: 5 Dos and Don’ts for Home Sellers

If you need more information about buying or selling a home in Algiers Point or would like a professional market analysis of the value of your home, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

All data is provided by GSREIN and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The West Bank Living Team specializes in representing home buyers and sellers on the West Bank of New Orleans. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about buying or selling your West Bank home.

616 Pat Drive Avondale LA 70094 | Avondale LA Short Sale

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:54:21 -0600

New on the market, this Avondale home is being sold subject to the lender’s approval of a short sale. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths and a bonus room above the garage, it’s an opportunity to live in an updated home at a bargain price.

With a cozy living room, a spacious dining room and a huge remodeled kitchen, 616 Pat Drive in Avondale would be great place to call home. Neat, clean and well maintained, the owners hate to leave a place that they have loved living in.

For details, photos or to schedule an appointment, visit 616 Pat Drive Avondale LA 70094.

Whether you are buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, the West Bank Living Team offers professional real estate service and advice. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

36 Seaward Court New Orleans LA | Algiers Home for Sale in Gated Community

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:47:00 -0600

This seller is serious!

Where else will you find a 2 year young home, in a gated community, with a view of the ships passing on the Mississippi River...all for only $299,000?

Take a quick video tour of 36 Seaward Court, and then pick up the phone to schedule your private showing today.

For more more information or to schedule an appointment for this Algiers home for sale, contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

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