Lindsay Pendleton's Baton Rouge Real Estate Blog

What Does Your Car Say About You?

2008-09-21T18:21:52Z

Oh yes, this has been a very popular topic before and it continues to be popular. What kind of car do you drive?o Do you think it really matters? While some people believe that a car is a car, others believe that it actually says something. Do you think your clients judge you by your car? In this materialistic world, you better believe it!

A now Ladies & Gents...A Story: My ex-fiance owns his own company. A year or so ago, he drove an older model car. Yes, it was a 96 Jimmy. Now, for those of you that drive Jimmy's, please do not get offended. Anywho, one day he ran into an old friend and they went to lunch together. After much conversation, his friend looked at his ride and said "Man, business must be bad". Can you believe that? He actually SAID that! Needless to say, the ex carried his butt to the dealership and came back with a 07 F150, Harley Edition.

So, whether we like it or not...people DO judge a book by it's cover. This isn't to say that you should go out and buy the next Lexus. You should never make a purchase on impulse nor should you really make a purchase to please someone. You know what the best kind of car is? One that is paid off, right? I don't care if that baby is riding on all donuts, if it's paid off....I'll drive it until the wheels fall off.

Here's something to make you think. In Forbes magazine, they actually did an article on what YOUR car says about YOU! See if you can relate to any of these:

Corvettes: Drivers are in control, aggressive and seek adventure.

Monte Carlo: image concious, looking for an acceptable way to be a rebel, self-indulgent

Lexus Sedan: family-oriented, values politeness

Honda Accord: Might possibly like to vaccum out their garage, very clean.

Aston-Martin: You are self-made and not showy.

Bentley: You are more interested in rewarding yourself than making a statement.

Escalade: You speak your mind and are sometimes unapologetic. You enjoy life and do a lot of entertaining.

Mini-van: Target customers are married couples from 35-45.

Viper: You are a man's man. Driving is one of your favorite things to do. You are a business owner/executive/manager.

Honda Civic: Your main hobbies are reading, going to the movies and conversations with friends.

Jeep: You are adventerous and seek excitement. You might like hiking.

Mercedes Benz: Fine dining and domestic travel are your favorite.

Nissan 350Z: You are younger and have a smaller chance of being married.

Porche: You are around 50 years old and are typically a male. You might be a doctor or a lawyer.

Rolls-Royce: You probably own about five homes and six cars.

Volkswagon Jetta: You are more likely to have a job in technology. You are 70% more likely to listen to music in your free time and 40% less likely to be divorced.

Hummer: Strong need to dominate others.

SUV: Soccer Moms

Mini Cooper: Can telegraph a vibe of either arrogance or cuteness.

Ford Explorer: More self-absorbed and less likely to be community oriented.

Of course, all of these are just sterotypes. Gotta love them, right? So, did you go out and buy a new car when you got into real esate? Be honest, now. :)

East Baton Rouge August 2008 Market Report

2008-09-20T11:43:27Z

EBR PARISH	SOLD	NEW
Total	302	469
Total List	$64,824,335	$115,892,871
Total Sold	$62,464,905	n/a
Average List	$214,650	$247,106
Average Sold	$206,837	n/a
Average DOM	72	31
Median Price	$177,000	$195,000
%SP/LP	96%	n/a

Information Gathered From GBRAR MLS.

When Will The Power Be Back On In Denham Springs, Baton Rouge, Walker, Prarieville, Gonzales, Zachary?

2008-09-05T11:57:26Z

Addis: Tomorrow

Baker: later Today

Bocage: 7-10 days

Brownsfield: 3-5 Days

Brusly: Tomorrow

Central: Later Today

Clinton: 7-10 Days

Country Club of La: Monday

Coursey Blvd: Tomorrow

Denham Springs: Tuesday

False River 5-7 Days

Forest Heights Park: 3-5 Days

French Settlement: 21 Days

Geismar: 14-21 Days

Gonzales: Sunday

Goodwood Estates: Friday

Greenwell Springs 3-5 Days

Hickory Ridge: Tomorrow

Hooper Rd: 3-5 Days

Jackson: 7-10 Days

Jefferson Terrace: Tomorrow

Livingston: 10 Days

Livonia 3-5 Days

Lovett Rd: 3-5 Days

North BR: 3-5 Days

Park Forest: Sunday

Plaquemine: 5-7 Days

Port Allen: Tomorrow

Port Vincent: 21 Days

Prairieville: 10-14 Days

Rolling Meadows: Tomorrow

Santa Maria Subd.: 5-7 Days

Satsuma: 10 days

Scotlandville: 7 Days

Sharon Hills: 3-5 Days

Shenandoah: Monday

St. Alphonsus: 7-10 Days

St. Francisville: 7-10 Days

St. Gabriel: 14-21 Days

Sullivan Rd: 3-5 Days

Tara: Friday

Walker: Monday

White Oak: Monday

Zachary: later today

Is your Baton Rouge home not selling? Maybe it's time to rent it out! Renting Your Baton Rouge Denham Springs Home

2008-09-01T13:00:41Z

About PRIME PROPERTIES!!
PRIME PROPERTIES is recognized by our clients for these core strengths:

1) Matching the proper resident to a home as quickly as possible

2) Keeping the total cost of ownership low

3) Educating our clients and their tenants to help achieve a quality rental experience for both

This focus benefits our clients and the tenants who occupy their homes; making it possible for a quality rental experience when leasing a home makes sense. It seldom makes sense to buy a home unless you live in the same house for at least 5 years, so there are many households who are looking for a quality rental property and a suburban lifestyle with the advantages of leasing.

PRIME PROPERTIES was founded in 1987 and presently manages over 2,000 properties. Property owners are comprised of professional real estate investors as well as many homeowners who continue to hold and lease their properties.

PRIME PROPERTIES has adopted a team approach to Property Management. Each member of the team is responsible for those areas of leasing and management for which they are uniquely qualified. This team effort is of great benefit to our clients because it brings the proper expertise to each aspect of Property Management.

The philosophy of PRIME PROPERTIES is to manage and lease your property professionally, economically and efficiently. Our managed houses experience extremely low vacancy rates, often moving new tenants in just days after the old tenants have moved out. The owners of Prime Properties own several rental properties and are sensitive to "cash flow" considerations, managing your property with the same care and concern as they manage their own properties.

PRIME PROPERTIES contracts PRS "Property Repair Services" (a subsidiary corporation) to conduct the majority of the maintenance on the managed properties. Because of the large volume of business done by PRS, it is able to obtain preferred prices on most building products and services including carpet, roofing, paint, heating and air conditioning. Significant savings are passed on to our clients.

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the leasing and property management business.

PRIME PROPERTIES SERVICES:

Rental Home/Leasing Services

Pricing
Marketing
- Dedicated Leasing Specialists
- Comprehensive Web based marketing including
  - Google
  - Yahoo
  - Craig's List
  - Rentclicks.com
  - HomeRentals.net
  - Rentals.com
- Targeted Print Advertising
- Special Direct Marketing Programs
- Corporate & Relocation Clients
- Realtor referral network
- On-call 24 hours - weekends & holidays
- Showing, screening, and negotiating
- Direct Vendor to Experian Credit reports
- Thorough background checks
- Accurate lease preparation

Property Management

Move-in/move-out coordination, including written reports
Digital Pictures verifying property condition before and after move-ins
Enforcement of lease terms
Timely rent collections
Timely disbursement of funds to owner
Electronic funds distribution
Tenant public relations
Funds managed by trust account
Detailed Monthly statements
CPA-ready annual consolidated statements
Scheduled property surveys
Compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws

Maintenance

Access to PRS property repair service, a Subsidiary Corporation
24 hour on-call service for emergency repairs
Repair "help line" service for tenants at no cost
Reputable maintenance personnel
Preferred pricing on most building products and services
Spring A/C, fall furnace and annual spring lawn service available at owner's option
Updating, decorating and refurbishing as needed and/or desired

Sales and Resale

Expert Investment Property Sourcing
Market analysis and pricing
Marketing
Portfolio of investors
Tenant/buyer counseling
Multiple Listing Services (MLS)

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the leasing, sales and property management business.

Prime Properties is managed by a team of professionals. Our experience has caused us to focus on core issues of importance to every property owner.

Prime Properties
Baton Rouge, La

For more information about renting out your property please call (225)362-0427 or

Baton Rouge Tel: (225) 385-4310

Baton Rouge Fax: (225) 612-6472

General Email: Info@PrimeProp.com

Where We Are Located:

2561 Citiplace Ct. Ste 750-127

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Leasing and Property Management
Chris Edmondson
CEdmondson@PrimeProp.com
(225) 993-4159

New Client Coordinator
Jamie Hampshire
JHampshire@PrimeProp.com
(866) 515-1968 / fax (214) 432-1959

4BR/2BA Home For Rent In Denham Springs, Louisiana! $1395

2008-08-31T11:54:27Z

3BR/2BA Home For Rent In Denham Springs @ Live Oak Landing Available Nov.4

2008-08-30T20:21:30Z

Lindsay Pendleton | Prime Properties | forsalebylindsay@gmail.com | (225) 362-0437

38750 Alderly, Denham Springs, LA

3BR/2BA For Rent In Denham Springs @ Live Oak Landing!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

$1,250/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,600
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,250

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic home with huge corner lot. Plenty of ceramic tile in living room, kitchen, breakfast nook and wet areas. This is a split master floor plan with a corner fire place in the living room. Separate jacuzzi tub and shower his/her vanity. An open kitchen with refrigerator and smooth top oven. Over sized utility room with sink. Deposit is the same as the rent.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Walk-in closet
Tile floor	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Laundry area - inside

LEASE TERMS

12 months

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Renter contact info:

Lindsay Pendleton

Prime Properties

forsalebylindsay@gmail.com

(225) 362-0437

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 30, 2008, 4:19pm PDT

3BR/2BA Townhouse For Rent In Baton Rouge!

2008-08-30T20:12:52Z

Lindsay Pendleton | Prime Properties | forsalebylindsay@gmail.com | (225) 362-0437

809 Summerbreeze, Baton Rouge, LA

3BR/2BA Townhouse

$1,300/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,500
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,300

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic townhouse in new subdivision near LSU, with cermaic tile in dinning, kitchen, and wet areas. Split master floorplan. Kitchen is equiped with refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Washer and dryer, and 2 car garage.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Fireplace
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Lake

Gated property

LEASE TERMS

12 months

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Renter contact info:

Lindsay Pendleton

Prime Properties

forsalebylindsay@gmail.com

(225) 362-0437

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 14, 2008, 8:38am PDT

The Marketing Hype

2008-08-30T19:32:26Z

Marketing- What's all this hype about marketing? When I first started my real estate career, all I knew was that I needed to buy business cards, memo pads, pens, get a website, do a few magazine ads, maybe send out a few postcards, newsletters, thank you cards...Did I miss anything?

I had marketing on the brain and was a little overcome by it all. I really had trouble grasping the fact that I was basically starting my own business from the ground up. I knew that marketing was key but I had no idea how to market, when to market or where to market. All I knew was why I was marketing. I was marketing to get business. Sometimes we get so mixed up in the marketing hype that we actually forget or overlook the how, when & where. If you don't know the how, when & where your marketing might be destined to fail.Why does marketing fail?

1. Lack of knowledge: Some people just don't get the hype when it comes to marketing. They don't get it, nor do they understand it. Just because you are sending out a mass amount of postcards doesn't really mean you'll drum in business. While it does make sense to mail out postcards, it makes even more sense to have a postcard plan. Before you jump into any marketing pool, you should research/read the how, when & where.

2. The Bandwagon: Another reason that marketing might fail is that you might be too quick to jump on the bandwagon. Just because one marketing trick didn't work for Dick or Jane, doesn't mean it won't work for you. This is where researching and trial/error comes into play. Don't completely scratch something off of your list because it didn't work out for "so and so". There might be a handful of reasons why it didn't work out for "so and so" and several reasons that it will work for you!

3. Avenue Uno- There are many different avenues to take when marketing. Most people only take one avenue, whether it works or not. Don't limit yourself to Avenue Uno. Venture out and allow yourself and your business to be visible. By only using one avenue of marketing, you might be missing out on reaching a good majority of consumers.

4. No Pinpointing: What if you were sending marketing material to residents in a retirement community? It's very unlikely that they have plans to buy a home. Do you know where your marketing materials are going? Marketing efforts might fail because agents have no idea who's receiving their materials. You must figure out your best target audience. You are wasting your time if you are steadily licking stamps, sending materials to "No Mans Land". There's so many different avenues to take when searching for your target market. You now can add WHO to the how, when & where.

So, we are back to the How, When & Where!

1. How do I market? Before you lick another stamp or sent out another e-mail, you must learn how to market. Learning how to market might be trial and error at first but the most important thing you should do is conduct a market research and analysis. You then must collaborate on your goals and tactics. Remember goals must come before any budget. After you have defined your goals then you can move on to managing and preparing your marketing budget. Finally, it's time to jump in and make yourself a marketing plan. In your marketing plan you might want to outline the following things:

Business Description
Market Conditions
Size of Market
Customer Profiles
Objectives
Strategies
Tactics

2. When do I market?

People usually jump into marketing blindfolded, ready to take a hit at the marketing pinata. Right after you figure out how to market and how you are going to market, you will be ready. You will know when you are ready to jump into the marketing pool!

3. Where do I market?

In a perfect world, where money grows on trees...I would say to market anywhere and everywhere. Since we know this is quite impossible (especially if you are on a budget) you will have to determine where you want to market. There are many avenues to take when searching where to market. There's the Internet, Direct Mail, Door Hangers, Postcards, Newsletters, Blogging, Websites, Message Boards, Forums, Magazines, Newspapers, Billboards, etc. Trial and Error. Remember what might work for "so and so" might not work for you and vise versa.

Before you can even go the "where" route you must figure out your target area. Who do you want to do business with? Who do you want to target? There are several target markets you can choose from like:
Condos
Apartment Dwellers
First Time Parents
First Time Home Buyers
College Students
Luxury Homes
Beach Homes
Second Homes
Vacation Homes
Single Mothers

The list goes on. Pick a group that works for you. I've found that working with a niche seems to work better. Who you target will determine where you market.

Marketing isn't a shoe in. It takes time, money and determination. The best advice I can give to you is to track your marketing ventures. Whenever you get a new client, ask them how they heard about you. It's important to know what's working and what isn't. You don't want to throw dollars away just because you haven't kept track of how your marketing is going.

Again, it will take trial and error. Even the top dogs had to start somewhere. Stay on top of your game. Continue to stay off the bandwagon. Look for new ideas, be unique and you'll be on your way to being a marketing machine!

3BR/2BA Walker Home For Rent! Cute As A Button! $1150

2008-08-28T21:43:09Z

Lindsay Pendleton | Prime Properties | (225) 362-0437

13650 Ballpark, Walker, LA

3BR/2BA Home For Rent In Walker, La (Ballpark Rd)

3BR/2BA Single Family House

$1,150/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,600
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,150

DESCRIPTION

This is a brand new home with a split floor plan. This home comes with all appliances. There is ceramic tile in the kitchen and breakfast nook. It also has a large utility room!

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Walk-in closet	Tile floor
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Yard

LEASE TERMS

12 months

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Renter contact info:

Lindsay Pendleton

Prime Properties

(225) 362-0437

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 28, 2008, 3:00pm PDT

3BR/2BA Home For Rent In Denham Springs, Modern Home!

2008-08-28T21:40:40Z

Lindsay Pendleton | Prime Properties | forsalebylindsay@gmail.com | (225) 362-0437

7589 Crepe Mrytle, Denham Springs, LA

3BR/2BA Home For Rent In Denham Springs!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

$1,250/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,600
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,250

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful home with hardwood floors through the family room and hall. Gas fireplace in the family room. Ceramic tile in the kitchen and breakfast nook. All stainless steel appliances. This has tile counter tops!This home has a separate jacuzzi tub and shower.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Fireplace	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Breakfast nook
Stainless steel appliances	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

LEASE TERMS

12 months

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Renter contact info:

Lindsay Pendleton

Prime Properties

forsalebylindsay@gmail.com

(225) 362-0437

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 28, 2008, 3:12pm PDT

3BR/2BA Home For Rent In Denham Springs, Modern Home!

2008-08-28T21:36:18Z

Lindsay Pendleton | Prime Properties | forsalebylindsay@gmail.com | (225) 362-0437

38712 Edgewood Circle, Denham Springs, LA

3BR/2BA Modern Home For Rent In Denham Springs!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

$1,250/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,650
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,250

DESCRIPTION

Brand new 3BR/2BA modern home with a nice covered patio. Ceramic tile and carpet through out the home. Split master, separate jacuzzi tub and shower and oversized laundry room. Tons of upgrade, granite counter tops in kitchen, fridge, ceiling fans, and fenced backyard!!

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Living room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Laundry area - inside
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Playground

LEASE TERMS

12 months

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Renter contact info:

Lindsay Pendleton

Prime Properties

forsalebylindsay@gmail.com

(225) 362-0437

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 28, 2008, 3:32pm PDT

Hurricane Gustav Coming Towards Baton Rouge! There's A Hurricane On The Horizon!

2008-08-28T21:25:04Z

Well, there's a darn hurricane on the horizon. What's a real estate agent to do? Run like hell? Today is the three year anniversary of the famous Hurricane Katrina. I can't believe it's already been three years. I was in Mississippi when she hit. Of course, we didn't get it near as bad as New Orleans and other parts of the states. Now, here we are again. There's really nowhere to run. I have family in Mississippi but it might hit there. Who knows.

Today I went to Wally World and stocked up on those most wanted hurricane items. Of course, there was hardly anything left. I grabbed the last can of beans and took them with pride! They were restocking the water as I skipped down the aisle. It was obvious that the store has already been invaded by several others who all the same thing in mind: HURRICANE, or as I like to say..."Harry Cane".

So, I'm staying put. I am keeping my fingers crossed that no one gets the damage that Katina brought. Here are some good hurricane tips for everyone that might be in the way of Gustav's path.

Hurrican Gustav Tips

1. Be sure you have a plan in action. If you are going to evacuate, it would make sense to have a list of places, friends or family members that you can go stay with. Don't wait until every one else is evacuating, unless you want extreme chaos.

2. If a hurricane hits, don't rely on being able to run to the nearest grocery store and stock up. Stocking up needs to be done ahead of time. Again, if you wait until the last minute you are going to be stuck in the middle of some serious chaos on aisle 2.

3. If you know that a hurricane is coming, be sure that you have all of your medication filled. It might be troubling if you ran out of your medication and the dr's office was not open due to a hurricane.

4. Be sure to tune into to certain radio stations to get the latest news.

5. Stock up on loads of water, three gallons per person.

6. Some people buy generators, this is a nifty little tool.

7. Fill the bathtubs up with water.

8. If you start to think you might be in the middle of a hurricane, sit down in the hall with your head between your knees and kiss your sweet butt goodbye. :) Just a little humor for ya!

Hurricane Tips From The Red Cross