New Orleans Real Estate by Eric

Historic Uptown New Orleans Victorian, Its the details that set thes apart!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:12:24 -0600

Attention to detail! Uptown Victorian New Orleans Homes is full of details!

This is an interesting home in Uptown New Orleans so I took the photo and did a little research. Most of the homes with this Victorian style in Uptown New Orleans date from 1870 to 1905. Atttention to detail was a trade mark for New Orleans in this time period. The wealthy wanted to show off their homes as this was a way to say I have made it.

Saints win another to go 8-0, first time ever. Can you believe! Great Monday coming up.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:29:32 -0600

After Hurricane Katrina the Saints were on their way to San Antonio, Texas. But alas the commissioner said they should stay and helpthe city rebuild. Football in the south is much much bigger than in other areas of the country. Fans go all out to decorate, dress, eat, drink, socialize around the football games of the week. Thought this was a great cartoon about New Orleans. Geaux Saints, Lets win some more.

New Orleans is really a green city, Balconies, Ferns and French Quarter seem to go togeather.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:14:55 -0600

Ferns and French Quarter Balconies, Semi-Tropical Weather makes it all possible.

The balconies in the New Orleans French Quarter that adorn the historic buildings are also a showcase for those with a green thumb. A balcony is a porch to the world to show their skills. This is made possible by plenty of moisture through our humidity and frequent showers. Freezes are rare occurrences and the sunshine is plentiful. The growing season is long with the best weather being October to May. The Mississippi Delta soil is rich in organic materials. The only rocks that we have are imported from other states and countries.

Cleary Condos in the middle of Metairie, Several are left for these totally new units!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:45:09 -0600

Cleary Condos
3456 Cleary Ave.
Metairie, La.
New Developement, Its all new!

     The Condos right off Veterans with an entrance on Cleary is a new conversion that was started in 2005 . The 35 condos cover 5 floors with a 5 story atrium. The prices start at $162,500  for a one bedroom. The units are larger units with most of the condos being 2 bedrooms.

     Everything is new in the complex. There is plenty of secure parking. There is a swimming pool to one side of the yard. The condo fees are moderate. New means new electrical, new a/c and heat, new pluming and the common areas. New carpets, new floors, freshly painted, crown molding,

     The kitchen and baths are upscale with new stainless steel applainces, granite countertops, upscale cabinets along with a new washer and dryer. The bathrooms are also nice and large. There is plenty of storage in each unit. The master baths in this unit has a shower as well as a bathtub.

     I noticed that all the units were very quiet and the rooms very large for a Metairie condo. Being so new the condo fees should stay in the moderate range once the condo association is turned over to the owners.   This is because almost everything is new and well kept up since there are several units still for sale by the developer.

New Orleans Warehouse District Views of CBD from Federal Fibre Mills Condos

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:20:20 -0600

Warehouse District Views, A roof top view of the CBD in New Orleans.

Rooftop views in the New Orleans Warehouse District from the Federal Fibre Mills Condos. Condos make up almost 100% of residential real estate in this area of New Orleans. Most of the condos are conversions from warehouses and old office buildings. It is also becoming an area where people are buying second homes because there is a lot to do in the area. Enjoy the view!

Federal Fibre Mills Condos in New Orleans Warehouse District, The Front Door!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:23:24 -0600

The Federal Fibre Mills Condos, New Orleans Warehouse District !

The Federal Fibre Mills was once a rope factory in the late 1800's. Later it was part of the 1984 World's Fair. It was where the beer garden was. It is now one of the more popular downtown condo complexes that features high ceilings, large windows, exposed beams, exposed brick walls and one of the best common areas of all New Orleans.

$1.25 is all it costs to ride from one end to the other! Plenty of Historic New Orleans Homes along the way.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:05 -0600

New Orleans Uptown, Ride the Street Car line to Work or just play! Great Value!

One of the best value's in the City of New Orleans. Ride for fun to view the historic homes along St. Charles Ave. as you roll through the Warehouse District, Garden District, and Uptown New Orleans. It is much much cheaper that the San Francisco Cable cars and you get to see a lot more than other tourist.

New Orleans has always embraced French Doors, You cannot miss them Here!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:08:53 -0600

French Doors have always been popular in New Orleans. Not always in these colors however!

French doors have always been popular in New Orleans architect. I do not think the slidng glass doors of the 50's and 60's were invented here. Its a door and window in one.

"The origin of of French doors can be dated back to the end of the Renaissance period in the 17th century. The original intent of French doors was to allow natural light to flow from room to room and keep homes illuminated for long periods during the day. By the end of the 1600's, England was featuring French doors for the first time, and sometime after that they starting appearing in America, especially in Louisiana where they are still seen today."

Old Metairie Homes and Cottages, Another New Orleans Choice!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:24:41 -0600

Old Metairie Homes, Cottages and Mansions!

Old Metairie Real Estate where homes can be mansions or cottages. This is a classic cottage among the many oak trees and quiet streets of Old Metairie. One of the closest areas to the City of New Orleans. Its a small town of its own.

French Quarter roof top views! The old world feel!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:13:24 -0600

French Quarter Roof Top Views, Where are the skycrapers?

Views from a French Quarter condo that I had listed a couple of years ago. No tall buildings allowed in this historic district so you can get great views form this fourth floor unit. The only down fall was the stairs to get up to the penthouse unit. Great 1880 views once you opened the windows.

New Orleans, Mid City is another Historic Neighborhood.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:20:36 -0500

Historic Cottage in the Mid-City area of New Orleans. Off Esplanade Ave. close to City Park. This area is not that big but has some great historic homes.

New Orleans French Quater Balconies! Nice way to view the neighborhood.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:04:20 -0500

French Quarter Balconies are in demand! Balconies have not gone out of style in 200 years!

Having a balcony in the French Quarter is a demand feature in the homes and condos. Its your eyes and ears onto the daily activities. Its basically some people's front yard and away to show off their seasonal decorations or green thumb. Its a art form that only exists in New

Google and the real estate listings, Has anyone noticed this on google!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:44:14 -0500

10016 Sauve Oak Ln, River Ridge, LA‎ - more info » For sale: $1,249,900
4 bed 4.1 bath "George Hopkins-designed one-story on prime cul de sac lot. Soaring ceilings throughout. 25'x34' center courtyard with natural granite style fountain ..." prudentialgardner.com

Now google is picking up the listings with interactive maps and photos. Just wondered if anyone has been keeping up with this. I am sure this is in the Beta stages. Wonder what the end game is?

It does have photos but they did not cut and paste.

French Quarter Update, Prices are all over the map for Condos. Reasons?

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:02:57 -0500

French Quarter Markert Update! Prices are all over the spectrum! Buyers Market?

October 29th, 2009 Categories: French Quarter, Second Homes

The French Quarter Condo prices are all over the place for a number of reasons that I have been able to put my finger on. Most of the real estate sold in the French Quarter are condos so I will concentrate on that market with this update. It all get back to slack demand for the price that people are asking.

French Quarter Market Update- This will give you what is currently for sale and what has sold in the last 3 months in the French Quarter in condos. Its shows 114 for sale with, 14 currently under contract, 14 sold condos over the last 3 months. Click to get a detailed update form the Market Snap Shot which is available to you by filling in the basic info. I can get it far more refined if you would like me to do it.

Why are the prices all over the place!

Second Homes- Many of the condos in the French Quarter are second homes. Less second homes are being bought in general due to the economy. Many second homers want to sell but do not have to sell. They have the units priced incorrectly. Comparisons are harder in this segment or the sellers are stubborn with pricing.

You have various motivations for owners wanting to sell. Some have to sell and become more reasonable quicker. Many have been of the market for a while and sellers begin to see the real value in their condos. They finally see prices are declining and decide to sell and move on.

Strong rise in prices in 2003 and 2004 You had a real estate bubble with people buying condos with great appreciation during those years. Some buyers got good deals but many buyers did not get so lucky. The early buyers have more equity so can still sell with a profit.

Competing locations in New Orleans You now have more areas that compete with the French Quarter. The Uptown area, the Warehouse District and other areas are getting the attention of buyers who once only looked in the French Quarter. This puts pressure on the average condo. The premium units will always fare better.

Nature of the Condo Associations Many of the condo association have not kept up with the necessary updates and repairs that they should have. This may be because most of the owners do not live in New Orleans. With that said there are a number of very well run associations.

Number of Updated Units A lot of the units are in need of updating. Today's are passing these up for the premium units that have been updated. The units that need updating have not priced that into the asking price. Some of the best buys are those that need cosmetic updates such as bad floors, lighting and colors. Spending 5k to 10k can get you equity if you are willing to take the chance.

Size of many Condos Many of the condos on the market are just too small. They are more like a motel room. These have quickly fallen out of favor.

Financing on New Units The new developments are having a hard time getting conventional financing unit a certain number are sold. To do other wise is to pay cash or a much higher interest rate.

The values are there but you have to cull through many units to find the correct one. Its all in the timing of finding what you are looking for and what currently is available. All these issues however make it great for a Buyers looking to be in the French Quarter.

People are starting to notice as properties that meet their needs are reaching prices that are affordable and much cheaper than a couple of years ago. Get a good Buyer's Agent and do your homework in advance.

Have you noticed Google Images! They are coming up on a variety of subjects.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:58:39 -0500

Image results for new orleans streetcars

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I am always glad to see my images show up on various subjects about New Orleans. The fourth photo is mine. They do rotate from day to day or search to search. Has anyone else noticed this. I have lots of photos on my blogs and sites so I experiment to see where they area. So do not forget to label your photos so they can be found. Never know where people will find you.

Image results for new orleans street cars

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The second search reveals a different set of photos. The fourth is mine again. I will post another to see what happens.

Football Sunday, Saints come back to bury Miami

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:12:39 -0500

The game looked bleak at the beginning with Miami leading 24-3. Somehow the Saints came back and scored 36 second half points. Do not do open houses when the Saints are winning. Next Sunday is fine since we have the Monday nite game. Geaux Saints.

Window shopping in New Orleans, Part of the French Quarter things to do!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:38:50 -0500

French Quarter Window Shopping! Its just not the same old things!

Window shopping in the French Quarter is another one of the free things that you can enjoy in New Orleans. The shops are unique as are the shop keepers. Even if you do not buy you can have a lot of fun in the Crescent City.

How many of you link your blog to Facebook! Gets noticed by your base!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:39:05 -0500

Did you know you can link your blog to FaceBook to come up automatically when you post a new blog. This is another great way to touch your base. If you want to build a base and stay in touch this is another way that pays dividends. I found many of my clients on Facebook can easily see your blogs and take a quick notice. Much , Much more effective than paid newspaper ads.

If you cannot see them! You may miss them. New Orleans Courtyards This is your tropical courtyard and pool if you live at the Federal Fibre Mills in the New Orleans Warehouse District. You cannot see many of the courtyards and gardens in New Orleans as they are out of site... This is one of the premier common areas in the New Orleans condo market. link:Full Article...

Bud's Broiler in Mid City, Near City Park! Wins my Burger Award! Bud's Broiler has been the standard for the everyday Hamburger for the past 50 years. Its my favorite and its char-broiled for that New Orleans Favor. Its a #5 or #6 for me. I have been there at least 500 times. link:Full Article...

New Orleans Courtyards, Federal Fibre Mills ranks at the top!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:31:08 -0500

If you cannot see them! You may miss them. New Orleans Courtyards

This is your tropical courtyard and pool if you live at the Federal Fibre Mills in the New Orleans Warehouse District. You cannot see many of the courtyards and gardens in New Orleans as they are out of site... This is one of the premier common areas in the New Orleans condo market.

New Orleans Condos, Pre- Marketing Ideas! First Impressions do Matter!

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:03:10 -0500

The Pre-Market approach to listing your New Orleans Condo. Make sure its all working! You only get to make a First Impression Once!

Condo Listings

The New Orleans Market is very competitive for a seller in a Buyers Market. There are a couple of thing you can do and should do before putting your condo on the market. Making sure it looks great and putting everything is in order will put your condo in the Driver's seat to getting sold. I have come up with some ideas that are not the norm but will enhance the marketing of your condo. You may have some to add?

Pre- Marketing Inspection Before listing have an inspector review your condo. I have people who will do it for $175 and may save you in the long run. He will check all the basics and give you a report so you can fix the things that need fixing. The buyer will get their own but you know your unit is in good shape.

A/C-Heating Serviced- Most people forget to have their units serviced on a regular basis. If you have not done this recently then do it before marketing. It will give you peace of mind that one of the biggest mechanical expenses is taken care of. Have the receipt handy and change the filters. Buyers like to know that people take care of the place.

FHA Financing Available? Can your condo association be sold as an FHA loan. It opens up the doors to more buyers who only need to put down 3.5% and have a much lower PMI premium. The manager can look over the approval questionnaire to see if all the questions can be answered. The Rules change in November of 2009.

Paint is Cheap is cheap! You want to touch up and dress up. Your condo is going on a date and needs to look her best. Touch up and freshen up is simple but rewarding. Getting a professional job done can be the answer. Nothing looks worst than a job poorly done.

Professionally Cleaned ! Sounds simple but a lot of sellers forget. You should do to do it on a regular basis to get the premium status. The cluttered look may eliminate you from the race early on. People smell as well as look so any smoking or pet odors is a big turnoff.

The Reluctant Tenant! This is a factor that cannot be understated. Let's just be honest! Tenants have little incentive to get the place sold and very few add to the positive impression. Its an agents nightmare to get a messy tenant that cannot show when needed and keeps the place a mess. This is a factor in all price ranges and in all areas. There are few exceptions!

I continue to see sellers not getting the basics done. In the end it will take longer and you will get less. So take the steps to get your condo in premium shape for the big date ahead.

You only get to make that first impression once. Spend some time and money to get as close as you can to a premium unit. In a slow market those condos are still selling.

Photo Blogs, Short and Sweet. People like to see New Orleans Neighborhoods

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:11:11 -0500

New Orleans Historic Homes ! They are in many neighborhoods. Lana finds one in the Garden District.

The nice thing about photo blogging is its easy to post one per day. I do not do them from a camera phone as I like to get a nicer photo where you can get a feel for the details. Add a couple of sentences about the photo and you are set to go. This is my idea as I build the posts.

Lana Sackett with Prudential Gardner Is she thinking about moving into the New Orleans Garden District real estate market? No! She just needed another profile photo for Facebook. Either way the photo came out nice !

New Orleans Condos- Still a Buyers Market- Will it Last?

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:11:37 -0500

Still a Buyers Market in New Orleans Condos!

October 13th, 2009 Categories: Buyers Agent, Condo Knowledge

When I say it is a buyers market it means almost everything favors the purchaser in this market at this time. All the factors are lining up to be in your favor. You can enjoy the negative sentiment and buy condos much cheaper than anytime in the last 5 years. Still have to be selective !

Seasonal Discount- You can always buy cheaper this time of year as less people are looking. it happens in the good and bad years.

Sellers getting Weary- Sellers who were asking to much have now begun to finally know they were too expensive. Buyers passed them by as well as agents. The listing is now stale. Much better buy now !

Very Low Interest Rates- 4.875% is a great rate. The U.S. is forcing rates low in hopes of getting the hosing markets and banks moving. The rates otherwise only make sense to the buyers. $538 per 100k borrowed

Condos Below building Cost! Some developers are dumping their unit to raise cash. They are out there. Its mostly at the lower end of the market. Great buys for a second home.

Sellers need Cash Owners of second homes may just need to sell. We have been seeing this mainly in the French Quarter as some sellers just want out. Be on the lookout for better deals.

FHA Loans are still Here! Owner occupied condos only. 3.5% down for accepted condo associations. Much lower mortgage insurance rates and seller can pay most of your closing costs.

$8000 tax Credit almost gone- Its good till November 30, 2009. That's a gift of $8000 for the taxpayers.

Seller Concessions- Just need to ask for reasonable things and it can be worked out. Paying closing cost, leaving furniture, ect.

Lenders are not Busy- Stay local and be the center of attention! All the new rules will add time to the deal. Start early and get the process started.

Condo Fees are Level - The Katrina Insurance costs are working their way out of the system. The high rates are fading.

Property taxes are down 29% over 2008 in New Orleans- This favors the new buyers. Taxes are deductible on your State and Federal taxes.

New Orleans, Is a great Halloween Town. Its spooky and old.

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:58:55 -0500

New Orleans is a great place to celebrate Halloween. Guess it has something to do with our culture. People do decorate and costume and know how to have a Halloween Party. We may just get a lot of party practicing and masking. Beginning to see the decorations and here about the parties. There is even a Voodoo Festival coming up as well. Then there is all Saints Day the next day.

Hopefully we can put the New York Giants in the Grave Yard this Sunday. Saints 31-Giants 17.

The Photo Blog! An idea that looks great if you like taking photos and blogging

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:25:23 -0500

Starting to get a photo blog going. Has anyone tried this to date. Its in the early stages and still getting ideas as to it eventual path. The start is to be able to post a photo per day about New Orleans and the neighborhood that I work. That is easy enough. Then to follow it up with neighborhood blogs about the area and types of homes. I am lucky to be in a historic city like New Orleans thats gives a great many photo choices on a daily basis. Check it out. www.frenchquartercondotrends.com

Federal Fibre Mills Condos- Penthouses in New Orleans Condos

Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner,Licensed in La.) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:33:43 -0500

New Orleans Condos-Penthouse Condos- Federal Fibre Mills Designer Condo goes to the head of the class. 1107 S. Peters #507

October 8th, 2009 Categories: Condo Listings, Warehouse District

In the New Orleans Warehouse District there are a small number of penthouse condos. Not all of them are great units or have great views. This new listing does have great views, great common areas and is move in designer quality. It was actually a "Design Winner". Many times they are very expensive. This penthouse condo is only $399,507. My definition of a penthouse is a top floor unit. There are exceptions but this is a general rule in the New Orleans Warehouse District.

In New Orleans downtown where there is seldom new construction so the penthouses are built on top of existing buildings. This is the case with this unit #507 but it has a little twist. The condo has the 5th floor in the original pre-1900 building and then the build out on the roof done for the New Orleans 1984 Worlds Fair. You get a touch of the true Warehouse District feel along with an open living area. You get the best of both worlds, new and old, you can say.

This is a condo that I listed this week at the Federal Fibre Mills that is a penthouse Condo. The Views are some of the Best in the New Orleans Warehouse District but the pluses do not stop there for unit #507 located at 1107 S. Peters. It is unusual in a number of ways. It is a townhouse style unit on two levels. The living area and kitchen are on the terrace level while the bedrooms are down.

The upstairs is on the penthouse level or roof top level with a very open floor plan. This large room opens to your terrace with great city views day and night. This is an entertainers delight with all the designers touches. The kitchen has been totally renovated, New appliances, new light fixtures, new floors, 2 new french doors to the terrace.

The downstairs features the old "New Orleans Warehouse look" with high ceilings, wood floors, large windows, exposed brick, exposed beams, and a master suite. Everything on this level has been upgraded including the bathrooms, tub, floors, vanities, fixtures and much more.

Best to just watch the slide show and take a look for your self. Need more information just ask or comment. I have more photos and information on my New Orleans Condos Website. Its under featured properties. The photos are good but seeing this unit is the better way to go to get the big feel with the natural light.

"Federal Fiber Mills Condos in New Orleans"

These are some previous articles on the Federal Fibre Mills-

Federal Fibre Mill Condos, Common Areas grade an A Plus! Common Areas are part of your values!

Warehouse District Condos, The Federal Fibre Mills Condos and Lofts remains popular !