Homes For Sale Slidell,Lacombe,Pearl River Louisiana Real Estate>>Real Estate Professional

Technology Isn't my Friend Today

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:57:09 -0600

Technology really sucks today. I tried emailing a document to the buying agent no luck, email down. I tried faxing it to her, no luck, won't go through. AHH a bad technology day. Gotta do it the old fashioned way and drive it over to her office. Good thing they are only three miles away.

When technolgy works it's great. When it doesn't it will make you pull your hair out.

Window Replacement Tax Credit

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:09:32 -0600

Homeowners looking to replace their old ugly drafty windows

can receive up to an $1500 dollar tax credit on their Federal Income taxes. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus bill) allows for a credit of 30% of your costs for the windows to a maximum of $1500. Only the cost of the windows are allowed. Not the installation fees, etc.

Also the windows have to meet certain energy efficiency ratings. They must have a U-Factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC of equal or less than 0.30 in all climate zones in the U.S. Be sure to check the rating label on all windows before buying to be sure it will qualify. One would be wise to save these labels if the IRS should come a calling. The tax credit runs until the end of 2010.

If you have an older home such as mine (1979) you may want to take a further look at this.

Report Chinese Drywall

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:34:01 -0600

Seems many unfortunate victims of hurricane Katrina are victims of tainted Chinese drywall in their homes. There also are many who built new homes that are also victims. The Louisiana Recovery Fund wants all homeowners who know or suspect they have tainted drywall to call them. So far only 415 homeowners have reported dry wall problems. The state is sure it is much higher. They need the numbers to get remediation money from the Federal government. The number is 1-866-684-1713. For more information click on the following link. WWl-TV report on Chinese drywall.

Slidell's Christmas Under The Stars

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:44:45 -0600

Slidell's annual Christmas under the stars begins tonight. The theme for tonight is Night of the Nutcracker,

December 5 A German Christmas

December 6 Feliz navidad

December 10 Kwanza

December 11 A Cajun Christmas

December 12 Hannukah

December 13 The Art of Christmas

All events take place at Griffith Park in Olde Towne Slidell and admission is free.

Also don't miss the Marine Corps Reserve Band Concert at the Northshore Harbor Center Wednesday December 9. Concert starts at 7:30 and the doors open at 6:30. Admission is free but a toy would be appreciated for the Toys for Tots.

Rooms To Go in Pearl River

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:45:39 -0600

Tomorrow at 10 a.m. is the grand opening of the brand new distribution and retail store of Rooms To Go. The facility is located in Pearl River Louisiana in St. Tammany Parish. The building looks like an aircraft hanger when you see it. Over 850,000 square feet and $54 million dollars invested. The economic impact annually is estimatedat $23 million. Over 350 jobs with a annual payroll of $15 million have been created. The distribution center will serve the Northern Gulf Coast, conviently located near I-59, I-10 and I-12.

I don't know if Cindy Crawford will be there. Stay tuned I will let you know if I find out.

Lets Say Thanks

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:02:40 -0600

Once again this year Xerox is sponsoring the Lets Say Thankscampaign to send Christmas cards to our serviceman and women serving overseas this year. Whether you support the war or not shouldn't be an issue with trying to brighten their day a little. While we get to live our life and spend the Holidays with our family we tend to forget the sacrifice's of others. I have already sent several cards. It takes about one minute. I also checked it out with Snopes and found out it is legit.

In WW II about 12% of the family's in the country had members in harms way. Today it's only about 1% so appreciate what you have and send some cards.

Continuing Jobless Claims Drop to 466,000

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:31:35 -0600

I moved into my current home about two months ago and have been updating it like there is no tomorrow. My wife is spoiled and wants 2009 right now in every room right now. Naturally being the kind gentle soul mate I am doing my best to satisfy.

I drive over to the big box do it yourself home improvement stores to buy things I need. I am tired of hearing about how many Americans are out of work so I decided I will buy Made in the U.S.A. as much as possible. You know what? Very little is made in our country anymore. All the brand name faucets Moen, Price Phister and Delta all made in China. You can't find American made products. I know about the world wide economy but my goodness. I thought we still made a few things in this country.

I don't know if we will ever get our unemployment rate down based on what I have seen the past few weeks. I for one am going to do my best to buy American when ever possible.

Magnolia Forest Pear River Louisiana

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:07:52 -0600

Magnolia Forest is one of the older more established neighborhoods in all of St. Tammany Parish. Located just outside the city limits of Pearl Riverwhile still centrally located to Gause Blvd and Interstates 10, 12 & 59. Also easy drive to the Stennis facility in Mississippi.

Houses range in age from over 30 years old to 3-4 years in age. The asking prices of the houses range from a low of $189 to a high of $399. Every homesite sits on approximately one acre or more. Tax mileages are lower also than many other areas of the parish. Home owners insurance is also lower priced due to it's location above I-12. Also many companies continue to write new policies in this area.

The school district consists of Riverside Elementary, Creekside Junior High and Pearl River High School. So if you want country style living for a price you can afford in a good school district one should consider Magnolia Forest.

Homebuyer Tax Credit

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:47:36 -0600

Looking for a clear explanation on the existing homeowners who sell and buy this year. Is there a date this year that applies or is it for the whole year? I understand the first time buyers credit and have benefited from it. I just want some clarification from someone who understands the new law better than I. Thanks for your time fellow AR's.

Full Time Realtor

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:06:44 -0600

It's early August and traffic in my home is hot and heavy. I guess first time buyers seeking that $8,000 payday from Uncle Sam. We accepted an offer from an agent who's card stated in big bold letters at the top FULL TIME REALTOR. OK I'm impressed, really you got my attention.

What else got my attention was the Hawaiian shirt you were wearing. Looking kind of casual today are we? I am the first person to tell you neck ties suck. But neck tie withholding, one can still look more professional than this. I think he just left the country club after eighteen holes of golf.

Second was the contract he wrote on our house. Twice he marked the wrong selection box describing if the offer was contingent on selling another property. He marked "NO" twice when in actuality it was.

Third he marked the seller was to purchase a warranty for the home. Twice again he marked that neither the buyer, seller or any agents were going to pay for this warranty. I guess his friends at the country club were going to pony up.

I just kept my mouth shut laughing at the slogan on the card. I was thinking to myself to check your ego at the door next time and pay attention to what you are doing. Full time Realtor or not you have an obligation to your client to represent him or her not yourself so much.

Another Happy Client

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:38:34 -0500

This house located in Yester Oaks subdivision of Slidell Louisiana was sold yesterday to a lovely young couple getting married in two weeks. I hope they enjoy the home as much as the previous owners did.

This home was under contract in a little over sixty days and sold in three months time. Sure makes my job easier when the home is well maintained.

Looking to buy or sell in Slidell, Pearl River or Lacombe give me a buzz.

Guess What? Another Government Planned That Doesn't Work in the Real World

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:50:29 -0500

I have attached an article from the Wall Street Journal online version detailing the happenings in the home finance debacle over the past few years. It goes into some detail about the government and it's departments involvement in financing for those who really couldn't afford a home but should have one any way. Our press ignores all of this at their own peril. I guess they fell they will be excluded from anything that happens in the real world. Why else would they not cover and reveal the truth. I hope many of you read this article. The real problem in my opinion the ones who really need the light shined on them will ignore or never read this.

St Tammany Parish 2009

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:02:16 -0500

St Tammany Parish is located on the northshore of lake pontchartrain, north of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. The Eastern part of the parish consist's of the city of Slidell and Pearl River. The Western side consist's of Mandeville, Covington and Madisonville. The town of Lacombe is in the middle. I really don't know if they are considered west or east.

The following economic number were released by the U.S. Economic Bureau.

East St. Tammany zip codes

Population 117,615

Average Family Income 75,660

Median Home Value 144,933

10% of people living below the poverty level

West St. Tammany zip codes

Population 115,550

Household Income 103,486

Median Home Value 223,428

Poverty level 6%

Call Me The Night Before

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:04:00 -0500

Here i was enjoying a day of fishing finally. After moving twice in the past two weeks I had a day to relax and enjoy life a little. Wouldn't you know it, the appraiser calls on a home I have under contract. Her wants to go this morning at nine o'clock. I have to tell him the owners don't want anyone in their house without them or myself present. He insists that it has to be this morning. I asked him why he didn't call me last night so i could change my plans. He doesn't have an answer.

We finally decide to meet late in the afternoon. Once again I passively tell him he should have called me the night before. I know he didn't get the notice to appraise the house at 8:30 in the morning he called. I keep it diplomatic because I want the appraisal to meet the contract price.

Anyone out there please call the agent, homeowner, etc. the day before if you know about an appointment. I think you owe it to your fellow associates, ect.

Chinese Drywall

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:17:54 -0500

Just wondering if any states have started using Chinese Drywall disclosures yet. I know Louisiana hasn't as of yet, but I'm sure it is coming. I haven't encountered this problem myself. I would love to hear your horror stories on this and what didyou do to remedy the situation.

By the way there is a meeting tonight at Mandeville City Hall. Senators Julie Quinn and A.G. Crowe will be there to try and answer questions. Here is a recent news link to the story and meeting tonight.

Bring Me An Offer Any Offer

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:26:04 -0500

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I wonder how many sellers and agents have thought about this slogan in the last two years? Well this time someone actually put it in writing. I know many agents have been busy recently but how long will this last? Hopefully we won't see many more of these type signs.

Everything Is A Little Fuzzy

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:56:11 -0500

I received an offer on one of my listings this weekend thank God. Right now I can use all the business one can get. I called the agent on the offer with the sellers counteroffer. She listened and repeated to me every thing I told her. She calls back about ten minutes later and asks me to go over the particulars again. Of course me being the nice guy am glad to repeat them to her. She told me everything was a littl fuzzy to her right now. Seems she had an MRI that morning and was given sedation because she is highly claustrophobic. Who says you can't do this business while loaded. I had a big laugh with this one.

2009 Property Taxes for St. Tammany Parish on View

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:28:28 -0500

Home owners wanting to see what their property taxes are for this coming year are able to view them thru September 15 at the Parish Governmental Complex on Military Road in Slidell. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will have until September 24 to appeal your assessments.

A bit of ggod news the Parish Council voted last night in a meeting to keep the milliages the same. Bad news is some owners values still went up. Result higher taxes.

Lot 286 Arrow Wood Estates, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:03:16 -0500

John W Walters Jr | Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC | 985-640-1817

Comanche, Abita Springs, LA

Waterfront View

25,000 sqft Vacant Land

offered at $89,900

Lot Size

25,000 sqft

DESCRIPTION

Land located at end of Comanche drive in cul-de-sac with water on two sides. A really tremendous water view.

see additional photos below

LOCATION FEATURES

- On cul-de-sac of a dead end street

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Waterfront

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

View across water toward

Photo 2

Contact info:

John W Walters Jr

Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC

985-640-1817

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 29, 2009, 8:49am PDT

Seems Cash for Clukers has a Catch

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:30:35 -0500

I watched the Sean Hannity show last night for about ten minutes. In this one segment it seems the $4500 rebate the buyers are receiving is taxable. This amount (4500) is counted as regular income. I wonder how many of these knew this. Now not only do most have a car note now, they most likely have a tax liability they weren't counting on. I think a better name would have been cash for suckers.

My Time Is Valuable Also

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:51:33 -0500

I have to make a rant today about something that recently happened to me. One of my listings went under contract recently. Seems the appraisal company chosen to perform the appraisal didn't have access to the property. They gave me a one day notice and I already had appointments for the time they were coming. Seems they aren't willing to pay for the e-key. What's this cost about $250 a year? So since you are a cheapskate I need to come over and let you in? Well when it's convenient to me. Can you believe this? You work in the business and won't spend a small sum to make you lively hood easier and save time waiting for others to let you in.

Too Smart for Your Own Good?

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:31 -0500

Is this possible? Too smart for your own good? I recently had a potential buyer view my own house. I wasn't available so my wife let them take a look. The buyer contacted me and wanted to make an offer. I had told her I already had an offer but she was welcome to look. She was offering $15,000 less than what I had already accepted.

I asked her why she didn't have an agent. Her reply was as a buyer she felt she could get a better price without one. HUH, is that what most of the public thinks of us? Based on her answer I would say yes.

What I do know about her is very little. I know she works for some company with investments, etc. Her fiance is a surgery resident moving to the New Orleans area for his final training. So I know they are both above average intelligence. But they aren't Realtors. I don't think either ever owned a home either. Do I tell you how to invest your clients money or how your fiance should do a surgery? Of course not. I really think you would be wise to swallow a little pride and get an agent to help you.

I wonder what they know about disclosure papers and inspections? Oh I guess they can read about this online and be an expert. Any way yes we can be too smart for our own good. Even smart people need to realize they aren't that much smarted than the average person.

It's August

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:37:19 -0500

I am enjoying a quiet weekend today. Seems most potential buyers are either shopping for school supplies or at the beach. I wish I were at the beach. More fun than cutting my grass.

Well at least training camps are open for the football teams. Like a kid, I am hopeful for the New Orleans Saints this year. We should know by the end of September how good they will be this year. Be safe and watch out for the school zones this coming week. School starts in St Tammany parish this coming Friday.

4015 Riviera Drive, Slidell, Louisiana 70458

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:37:19 -0500

John W Walters Jr | Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC | 985-640-1817

4015 Riviera, Slidell, LA

Really Nice

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $149,000

Year Built	1974
Sq Footage	1,618
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	7,700 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

House features a large den and kitchen. Laminate floor and tile throughout entire home. Zero carpet. Crown molding throughout. Maganite counter tops.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central A/C	• Central heat	• Fireplace
• Hardwood floor	• Tile floor	• Family room
• Dining room	• Dishwasher	• Stove/Oven
• Laundry area - inside	• Balcony, Deck, or Patio	• Yard
• Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

• Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	dining
kitchen	Den
den	master

Contact info:

John W Walters Jr

Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC

985-640-1817

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 27, 2009, 10:20am PDT

Economy my A#@

John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.) (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:04:18 -0500

I think I have finally had it with this excuse by state and local governments faced with budget shortfalls. As one who voted for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, to say I am disappointed is a understatement.

Unchecked growth in government at all levels has left more and more people dependant on some form of support these days. In 1996 Louisiana's budget was 11.9 Billion dollars. This year it was over 28 Billion. An increase of one hundred and forty four percent (144%). All while Louisiana's population has declined over one (1%) percent.

The parish of St. Tammany had a budget of 66 million in 2005. This year they cut it back to 99 million. This still is an increase of 50% over four years. The elected politicians refuse to cut their own throat. Property taxes, etc are at all time highs and they have finally broke the camels back.

What is the politicians answer? To raise taxes and start new programs of course. People if you don't email, call or do something to stop this unchecked takeover of the economy you can blame no one but YOURSELF.

I would love to hear similar stories from around the country. I am sure they won't be hard to find.