New Orleans Louisiana Real Estate and Community Blog 

- Historically low interest rates. (More value for the new owners)

- Large inventory in all price ranges. (Buyers have greater variety to select from)

- Reduced asking prices.  (Better investment)

- Seller’s concessions.  (Closing costs. Home warranty. Flood insurance. Homeowner’s insurance.)

- Great mortgage products. (100% financing)

- New construction. (Builders’ incentives: upgrades, closing costs)

And the list goes on…

These are all wonderful incentives. However, the greatest incentive of all is M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N.

 *The act or process of motivating.  The condition of being motivated.  A motivating force or influence.  Incentive. Drive.

Basically, something such as a need or desire that causes a person to act.  In this instance, the need or desire to cause a person to purchase a home today.

If you have determined that you need to purchase a home today, please contact a REALTOR today.

If you are in my market area, I welcome you to call me at 504.616.3539 or email me at .

If you’d like me to put you in contact with a REALTOR in your area, please let me know. Latter & Blum, Inc/REALTORS is a proud member of the largest real estate network of independent brokers throughout the world, LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES of THE WORLD.

Saint James Parish:  The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish:  The Andouille Capital of the World

*WEBSTER’S New Collegiate Dictionary, copyright 1979

Posted by:  Vanessa B. Scott

IT’S ABOUT TIME! INFORMATION CLARIFYING HOW SHORT SALE, DEED-IN-LIEU OF FORECLOSURE AND FORECLOSURE AFFECT YOUR CREDIT SCORE FROM FAIR ISAAC, WHICH DEVELOPED CREDIT SCORES:

“If you’re delinquent on your mortgage, your credit score will suffer. Everyone knows that. The question is, by how much?

Until recently, those answers were hard to come by. Credit bureaus were uncommunicative about expressing, in points, just how much impact different foreclosure types of mortgage delinquencies have on scores.

Recently, Fair Isaac, which developed FICO scores, pulled back the curtain a bit, revealing some estimates of point-score declines following mortgage delinquency problems.

Here are the average hit your credit will take:

• 30 days late: 40 - 110 points
• 90 days late: 70 - 135 points
• Foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu: 85 - 160
• Bankruptcy: 130 - 240

Click here to read the full article.

IF MORTGAGE DEBT IS TAKING OVER YOUR LIFE, SEEK OUT A REALTOR WHO IS A SFR - SHORT SALE AND FORECLOSURE RESOURCE DESIGNATED AND START WORKING TODAY ON A PATH TO NEW BEGINNINGS.

At Latter & Blum Inc./Realtorsm we are a service organization catering to the Real Estate needs of our clients. Market knowledge, backed by diligence and education, will ensure our success. Team work will make Latter & Blum the most admired firm in the Gulf South. If you are in need of Service Assistance feel free to contact:

Posted by:  Debbie Sanderson

Ready for a move-in condition waterfront home? This is it. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath Eden Isles gem is fully remodeled with custom built-ins, open floor plan, picturesque fireplace, beautifully stained floors and new cabinetry. Located in Slidell on the north shores of Lake Ponchartrain, you’ll live the good life in this home that is designed for easy living.

For your outdoor entertaining pleasure, there’s a large covered 30x16 deck/patio with an additional decks around, including one on the water. There’s also a boat lift and boat house to store your boat so you can head out to Lake Ponchartrain on a whim or stay at home and enjoy the spectacular water views from your own backyard. Ready to move in? Call me today and we’ll get you going in the right direction.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:  Patricia Bennett

The residents of Bywater, one of New Orleans’ most exciting faubourgs (neighborhoods) located adjacent the Mighty Mississippi River and minutes to the world-famous French Quarter, have just installed 4 new signs announcing “you’re entering BYWATER” so ‘BE NICE OR LEAVE!”…these lively signs are located at the bounding streets (Dauphine at Press, Chartres at Press, North Rampart at Press and St. Claude at Poland)….these eclectic signs were painted by Dr. Bob and erected by John and J. W. Andrews (Bywater contractors)…the proud residents of Bywater are proud of their neighborhood and want you to know it and enjoy it with us.

It’s been a HOT and HUMID summer in Bywater, but the flowers are diggin’ it! Here are a couple of my back yard favorites….hybrid Hibiscus and red Passion Flower!

Posted by:  Lane Lacoy

SAVE YOU MONEY

For anyone who was going shopping this Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, 2010, or were putting off buying an item, click here to check out what items the Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday apply to and all information regarding the Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday.

Posted by:  Debbie Sanderson

The panic that grips many sellers is often palatable as the summer comes to a close and school bells begin to ring. But does that mean it’s time to take down the “For Sale” sign and give up on selling your home? No! Although each area does have its own selling cycle, the end of summer does not mean no one will buy a home until next Spring. On the contrary, depending on the area and the economy, home sales may actually continue at a good clip or even pick up slightly as the weather cools and people start to step out doors again. 

But that doesn’t mean you should sit and do nothing either. A home may have not sold for a very good reason – or a couple of good reasons. Thus, one of the things it prudent to do at this time of year is assess with your realtor what’s been done with the marketing and pricing strategy of your home and what future steps need to be taken to get your home sold. Has there been consistent negative feedback on one or two areas of the home which may be stopping a buyer from taking the next step of making an offer? Perhaps now is the time to assess these areas and figure out a way to mitigate them. In this market, where there is still a good number of homes to choose from out there, you want to make your home the strongest it can be so it stands out against the competition when a buyer comes to town.

Pricing strategy is also another strong lever that both sellers and their realtor always need to have a handle on to ensure maximum competitiveness. Like it or not, lowering the price is a powerful tool a seller can use to get buyers into the door and an offer on the table. A seller should always be working with their realtor to assess recent market sales and current competition to determine how your price should be adjusted.

Finally, look at other incentives you can offer to a buyer. Perhaps assistance with closing costs or leaving that flat screen TV in the living room may be just enough to tip things into the seller’s favor? Look at what other homes that recently sold in your area were offering so you’ll get a handle on what may work. How you market your home can also help spread the good news about why a buyer should buy your home over another.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:  Patricia Bennett

Ready to be spoiled? This move in ready home is only 6 years old. Located across from Turtle Creek subdivision off Military Road and in the Northshore school district, this home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with a modern, open floor plan. Great for first time home buyers or a growing family, the home has a fenced yard so you can entertain while at the same time have a place for the kids and dogs to run free. The master bath is also a delight with a separate garden tub and shower, dual sinks and plenty of storage. There’s also an indoor laundry room, fireplace and pantry to give you an easy lifestyle. Want to see more, call me to make an appointment so we can get you into your next home.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:  Patricia Bennett

Now here’s the life! This four bedroom, 2 bath beauty has been fully updated and is situated on a huge corner lot in North Forest Subdivision. The backyard gives one plenty of room to entertain and is fully fenced with side access possible if you need to store a boat or camper. The remodeled kitchen is open to the living room and has stainless steel appliances – including the refrigerator which stays with the home. Adding to the space is a 21x11 sunroom which is fully enclosed, carpeted and air conditioned. It makes a great additional entertainment space, office or play room for kids. Can it get any better? Bring an offer and come start living the life in a home that gives you room to grow and entertain.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:  Patricia Bennett

You want to sell your home and work with an agent to get it listed. Flyers are put out, open houses are held, potential buyers schedule appointments and see the home. The feedback is good but still no offer comes. Maybe even you’ve had a potential buyer visit the home 2 or 3 times yet they still can’t decide between your house and another. Or maybe they can’t decide between buying and renting. Now what? How can you, as the seller, signal to the buyer you will work with them on an offer or at least draw their attention to your home so they seriously consider buying it?

There is an answer. A new trend has been developing in our area lately that may not only be a more proactive method for the seller to increase a potential buyer’s interest in their home, but even get their home sold. This trend involves the seller making an “offer to sell” their home to a prospective buyer – instead of the more traditional process which relies on the buyer to make the first move with an “offer to buy.”

Using the standard Louisiana real estate contract –which can be used to craft offers to sell from a seller, as well as the traditional offer to buy a home by a buyer – a seller can lay out terms they’d like to sell their home for to a specific buyer who has expressed interested and/or a like for the home – but has not gotten off the fence and put in an offer. This not only signals interest to a buyer that the seller is willing to work with them, but also helps get a buyer’s attention when they may be distracted by so many home choices that they can’t decide on just one.

One recommendation, however, is that as the seller, you craft an offer to sell that really shows you are willing to negotiate. For example, I had an agent give me an offer to sell that only reduced the purchase price by $900 for my clients, who were the prospective buyers and had visited the home twice. With 20+ homes in this one subdivision to choose from, my buyers were not impressed – especially when they had already seen another home with this exact same floorplan for $3000 less. My client’s rejected the offer. After explaining to the listing agent what happened, she then drafted a second offer to sell that once again reduced the price by $900 and offered the buyer’s $1500 in closing costs and prepaid assistance from the seller. Once again, it still wasn’t enough to capture my client’s attention. So make sure you know your competition, your market and develop a pricing strategy to insure your offer to sell is not only seriously considered, but puts you on the path of getting a final accepted offer.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:  Patricia Bennett

BRAD PITT “MAKE IT RIGHT” HOMES REVISTED
Last February I took photos of the first few houses (approximately five) built for the Brad Pitt “make it right” project. Renowned architects from all over the globe submitted designs for these homes to replace some of houses which were destroyed by hurricane Katrina. I went back last week to see the progress…there are now close to 20 new “make it right” homes, many of which are owner-occupied.

2010 BYWATER HOMES TOUR

The 2010 Bywater home tour was a screaming success! We had 8 homes on tour this year with close to 200 visitors.

Posted by:  Lane Lacoy

The home at 4132 Cognac Drive features a beautiful floor plan with 2,104 square feet of living. Enjoy 4 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. This home includes a monitoring system with analog and Internet.Check out all of the great features of this home and contact me if you would like to see it. For More Information or assistance call 504-443-3300 Ext. 21127.

4132 Cognac Drive Includes:
Great Open Floor Plan
2,104 Sq. Feet Living Area, 2,546 Sq. Feet Total
4 Large Bedrooms
2 Full Bath
1 Year Home Warranty
Home Monitoring System with Analog & Internet & Cellular Dialing
High Speed Internet, Digital & Analog Phones
Electrolux Central Vacuum
Double Hung Insulated Windows
30 Year Architectural Grade Roof
Finished 2 Car Garage with HVAC

Posted by:  Debbie Sanderson

I was at a GREEN home seminar last week and heard yet another example of why it’s not only important for buyers to sit with a lender and look at their credit history before beginning the home purchasing process, but also for SELLERS to look at their borrowing ability prior to listing their current home.

An agent at the seminar was telling the group of how she finally received an accepted contract on her listing, only to find out within two weeks of the closing on this home that her client (the seller) could not obtain financing to buy his next home. The reason? Their credit scores were too low to qualify for a new loan. They had mistakenly assumed that since they had gotten a loan for their first home, they could get one for a new home. Her clients were still going through with the sale of their current home but were going to move in with his parents for 6-12 months until they could raise their credit scores to qualify for another loan. These sellers weren’t young ‘twenty-somethings’ mind you – these were full fledged adults in their forties with two teenage kids.  

Now more than ever it’s critical that buyers AND SELLERS sit down with a lender and check their credit scores, etc. before beginning the home buying and/or selling process. There are resources on the internet you can use to pull your credit histories - but beware! You may end up using one of those many bogus companies that are out there advertising they’ll give you a credit score for a nominal fee - only to realize too late that these companies do not calculate credit scores the way your bank will when qualifying you for a home loan. As another example, I had a client mention to me he had recently ordered his credit score off of an internet credit scoring site and was told he had a credit score of 870. This obviously not a legitimate score since it falls outside the scoring range of 350-850 utilized by the 3 primary credit score agencies and your lender to qualify you for a loan.

Besides going directly to the 3 credit agencies (TransUnion, Equifax & Experian) and ordering a credit report from each company, you can also go to www.myFICO.com to not only get a full explanation of how bank credit scores are calculated, but also get your current scores. Also under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to get 1 free credit report a year. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to obtain this free service. 

As always, the best advice is to work with a lender before you make any decisions about buying and/or selling a home. Then discuss the resulting options with your realtor so you’ll make a smooth transition into your first… or next …home. 

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email at pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there. 

Posted by:  Patricia Bennett

Once again hurricane season is upon us. Now is the time to prepare. Make a list of all of the necessary items. If you live in Louisiana, the Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will take place the last weekend in May. This year the holiday falls on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30, 2010. During the Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, tax-free purchases are authorized on the first $1,500 of the sales price of each of the following items:

• portable self-powered light sources
• self-powered, two-way and weather-band radios
• tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting
• ground anchor systems or tie-down kits
• gas or diesel fuel tanks
• cell phone batteries and chargers
• coolers
• generators
• storm shutters
• carbon monoxide detectors
• blue ice products

For more information go online to the Times Picayune article, “Before hurricane season, a tax holiday.”  Section E May 16, 2010.

Posted by:  Debbie Sanderson

When your property, was, is, or is going to be, listed with Latter & Blum Inc./Realtors, sit back and relax because, we GIVE our clients FREE DOCUMENT STORAGE.

If you are not with Latter & Blum Inc./Realtors it is absolutely imperative that you and your Realtor have a meeting of the minds.

1. Check with your Realtor and see if your documents are stored online
2. Update all contact information
3. Be sure to let your Realtor know if you can receive, e-mail, text, voice mail
4. Are you on facebook, twitter, etc.
5. Any possible way of communication
6. If you evacuate, let your Realtor know
7. It is absolutely imperative that their is a clear understanding on who will be removing the flyer box, lockbox and sign.

During high winds these objects pose a very dangerous threat to the community and can cause serious damage.

FROM: OUR FAMILY AT LATTER & BLUM INC./REALTORS
TO: YOUR FAMILY
TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE DURING THIS HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane, Latter & Blum Inc./Realtors, Realtor, Client, Free, Document Storage

Posted by:  Debbie Sanderson

Major Appliances, Pesticides, Aerosol Cans.

What do these have in common? A date on 22 May 2010. That’s if they need to be properly disposed or recycled.

12th Annual Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day

Saturday, 22 May 2010 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Supported by St. Charles and St. John Parishes and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

Two Collection Locations:

St. Charles Parish:
Jerusalem Shriners Hall AAONMS
1940 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

St. John Parish:
Plaza LaPlace Shopping Center
1921 Airline Highway, LaPlace
(New Wine Ministries parking lot)

The Annual Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day is sponsored by the companies and businesses in the River Parishes. This extremely valuable community service is one that is appreciated by all residents. This is a fantastic opportunity that offers a safe, environmentally-friendly disposal method of household hazardous materials. Also, other qualifying materials will be recycled.

Wait a minute! The following thought just came to me: Now is the time to bring all of the unmarked and unidentifiable cans to the collection location.

Sellers. This is a great time to clean these old materials from garages, sheds and storage closets. Also, check in the bath cabinets and the pantry. There is no need to take these old hazardous materials with you. Especially, the nearly empty, rusted cans that has been there for years. Or, the aerosol can that does not have the plastic tip but you try to make it spray anyway. Guilty. I have a couple of cans of KILZ that I need to properly dispose of. And, the 14-year old paint cans. OUCH!

Just this week, I was with my clients on the final inspection prior to the act of sale. There were several paint cans in the garage and the cabinet in the laundry room. Great. Now, my buyers would have the name of the paint color that is in the dining room. Once the lid was removed from the can, my client quickly placed the lid back on the can. I asked him “What’s in the can?” He responded “nasty, moldy, maybe paint”

This event is designed for collection and proper disposal of RESIDENTIAL hazardous wastes.

Visit www.hhmcd.com for information on acceptable materials. For information on the disposal of materials that will NOT be accepted, visit www.hhmcd.com. For details on recycling options for materials not accepted, visit the website. Questions? Call HHMCD hotline at 504.465.7444.

Available to work as your REALTOR in the Greater New Orleans Communities, Vanessa B Scott, REALTOR at 504.616.3539 or vscott@latterblum.com

Saint James Parish The Bonfire Capital of the World 
Saint John the Baptist Parish The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:  Vanessa B. Scott

Here’s a tip I want to recommend to anyone buying or selling a house - you need to order a “CLUE” (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report on your current and/or next home. This report shows you all of the claims for the last 5 years that the current insurance company has on file for the home which may be the potential home of your dreams, or a nightmare. The information on the CLUE report is shared with all other insurance companies as part of an underwriting exchange program so that when new insurance policies are sought, the insurance company has a better understanding of what type of home they are insuring.

Why is this important? For buyers, you’ll need to get homeowner’s insurance as a mortgage requirement. If insurance quotes start to come back high, it may be because the current homeowners have made various claims over the past 5 years (burglaries, water damage, fire damage, the dog next door bit someone, etc.), thus kicking up your new insurance rates. This type of information could also tell you a great deal about the home you are purchasing, as well as the neighborhood it is in.

If you’re a seller, you should be aware of what the insurance companies are telling each other about your home since it may impact a new potential buyer’s interest in your property. As an example, we had a listed property where the client who had some water damage from a 2nd floor sink overflowing. She called her insurance company with a small claim and made the repairs. A potential buyer then put an offer in on the home. At the end of the inspection period, the buyer canceled the deal citing, as one of the reasons for their change of heart, the high insurance rates they were quoted on the home. When the seller called her insurance company to ask what was going on, she realized the small water claim she made noticeably increased her rates…and a potential buyers.

Only current homeowners and the insurance company can order these reports. If you are a seller, go to www.choicetrust.com and click on “CLUE” report to order the report on your home. The report does cost $19.50. If you’re a buyer, make sure you ask your insurance company to order and provide you with a copy of the “CLUE” report on your potential new home. You may be surprised at what you find out. I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact Trish with questions at 985-707-5035 or by email pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

GATORS IN LAKE!

As I was gathering information and pictures for my next feature, Homeowner’s Associations (HOA),  I saw this sign: GATORS IN LAKE!

A sign was placed at each entrance to the subdivision as well as near the general paths to the pond and the park area located by the pond.

This particular subdivision does have a homeowner’s association. Kudos to the HOA!  Great for the person(s) who spotted the gator and for the quick, informative response of the HOA.  For the most part, homeowners with properties located on the pond are aware of the gators.

However, whether your property is on the lake or not, you should be very aware and on high alert. This is the season for “Gators” (alligators) to be out.  Whether or not your property abuts or is directly on the body of water, please be careful.  Just as a precaution, be sure to check under shrubbery, plants, decks, patio furniture, etc on a regular basis.

This is not a knock against properties located on a body of water. This is not meant to be a deterrent for purchasing a property on the water. This is about SAFETY. Awareness.  I believe it is better to have this information so we can take the necessary precautions than…You can finish the sentence. Gators are ok. I prefer to know it is there before it is aware of me.  I want to be the first to know.

While I am discussing gators, I may as well mention what I call the “S” word. Snakes.  Recently, I was showing property located by a canal. My client is the one who spotted the “little” snake. I succeeded in suppressing a scream, running in the house AND locking the door. I managed to ask her “where is it?” Then, this is what I said “oh, yeah, there it is” I kept watching it. And watching it. And watching it. Then, “there is goes”!!! Whew! I passed that test. Back to the story. She said she was ok but if the snake had been bigger, she would have run as well. Actually, my client would have purchased that home which was her first choice but she chose another home on a lake lot.

Remember: GATORS IN LAKE AND OUT OF THE LAKE!

Until my next post on HOA’s, take care.

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a property, I would appreciate the referral. And, you know I want to hear from you. I can be contacted at or my direct number 504.616.3539. If you are reading this, do me a favor and click on my email address and reply “Yes”.

I want to know that I am giving relevant information. I still need you to tell me what you want to know about the real estate market and the communities in the River Parishes.

Thanks A Bunch.

Saint James Parish The Bonfire Capital of the World 
Saint John the Baptist Parish The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:  Vanessa B. Scott

For members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside the United States there is still time.

You have time. If you plan to purchase a principal residence in the next year, you may qualify for the tax credit. 30 April 2011 is the date by which you must have a contract in place. The sale must be consummated on or before, but no later than 30 June 2011.

Now is the perfect time to consult with a mortgage lender to explore your options.

For details, please visit the IRS website.

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a property, I would appreciate the referral. And, you know I want to hear from you. I can be contacted at vscott@latterblum.com or my direct number 504.616.3539. If you are reading this, do me a favor and click on my email address and reply “Yes”.
I want to know that I am giving relevant information. I still need you to tell me what you want to know about the real estate market and the communities in the River Parishes. Thanks A Bunch.

Saint James Parish - The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish - The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

Longing for a little space to stretch out and relax? This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home nestled on 2 quiet acres may just be right for you and your family. With two additional sheds, a fenced area for pets, and a well landscaped yard, you’ll enjoy the outdoor space and privacy this property brings. The property backs up to the LSU Horticultural Facility off of Old Hwy 190 in Hammond so you’ll have quiet neighbors as well.

Sitting back from the road, this cute one story brick home has a metal roof and a front porch to sit on and watch the world go by. Inside, you’ll be greeted with a fully upgraded kitchen, stainless steel appliances, a large center kitchen island and an open living space so you can enjoy your family while you cook. Bedrooms are large and spacious. Both baths are wonderfully updated with custom touches and the décor throughout is inviting.

It’s move in ready and waiting for you. Want to see more? Call me today at 985-707-5035 for more information. I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

Twice a year, Slidell has its antique fair in the Olde Towne area. Sprawled in and around the numerous downtown shops and eateries are booths loaded with various treasures – everything from scented candles to newly crafted woodworking items to custom T-Shirts and of course antiques galore for collectors of all ages. My husband automatically heads to the coin dealers to check out the prices for vintage silver coins while I look to spend my money in more unusual ways. I spotted a few pieces of Roseville pottery tucked in the back of a booth but after looking at the prices (over $350.00 for the piece I liked), I decided it was time to move on down the street to find cheaper entertainment.

This year, there were a number of nurseries present with exotic flora and fauna not found at your typical Lowes or Home Depot garden section. For me, I quickly eyed and bought a dark red canna lily breed known as “auguste ferrier”, a purplish variety of elephant ears and some lovely purple iris. My husband eventually showed up and added two banana trees to the collection, claiming he wanted our backyard to have a more “tropical” look. Although we didn’t plan to come to the antique fair to buy plants, it’s great the Slidell Antique Fair draws a variety of vendors. It’s even better that the fair it reminds us locals that the downtown Slidell area is alive with activity, arts and entertainment.

After exhausting ourselves with shopping, it was time to hit the food booths. A bag of kettle corn was a good appetizer to the pulled pork bar-be-que sandwich, crabcakes and funnel cake that followed. All in all, not only was it a productive afternoon but also an enjoyable one. The weather was a warm 80 degrees with a comfortable breeze that kept you from feeling the sun’s heat.

For more information on Slidell’s next antique fair, as well as other great stores and eateries in our wonderful city, visit www.slidellantiques.com. As you can tell from the photo, the people here are a colorful and crazy bunch of friends!

Call me today at 985-707-5035 for more information. I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me at pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

Ready to have easy access to Lake Ponchartrain in a minimal maintenance and carefree setting? Than this condo off of Marina Dr. in Eden Isles is for you.

With two large bedrooms and two and a half baths, this spacious home has almost 1500 square feet of spacious living, with added external storage for cars, bikes, and boating items. All the appliances – including the refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher and disposal – come with it, as does a large boat slip with deep water canal access out to Lake Ponchartrain. And don’t forget you’ll have a pool right outside your back porch to enjoy.

It’s move in ready. Start enjoying a life on the water! You’ll be out to Lake Ponchartrain in minutes from your own boat slip and have an easy life when you return. Condo fees are $200/mo and include amenities galore – pool and marina maintenance, exterior flood and hazard insurance, water, sewer and trash removal.

Call Trish today at 985-707-5035 for more information. I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me at pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

Just recently, I completed the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource certification. You can read more about it by clicking here.

This certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS^® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.

Posted by:Debbie Sanderson

The first time home buyer tax credit is almost up! The tax credit states that you must close on your home purchase between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, or have a written contract in place by April 30, 2010 with a closing date no later than June 30, 2010.

Click here for more information… and hurry! Time is running out.

Posted by:Debbie Sanderson

Although the heat is on to find a home so you can take advantage of the federal government’s home buying tax incentive program, you can still make it! The current home buying incentive - available for first time homebuyers and current home owners - requires you to have a signed contract agreed to by both parties for the purchase of a house dated no later than April 30, 2010. You then must close on or before June 30, 2010.

Who qualifies? It’s not just first time homebuyers. Married homeowners filing jointly who have lived in their current primary residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years and are buying to move into a new primary residence can receive a $6,500 tax credit. And remember, you don’t necessarily need to sell your current home to qualify. You just need to be moving from your current primary residence to your new primary residence. For example, I have a client who is moving from her current home so that she can give it to her mother who needs a safe place to live. My client and her husband are then buying a new home which they will move into and use as their new primary residence. Since they are changing primary residences and have lived in their current home seven consecutive years, they qualify for the $6,500 tax credit.

For first time homebuyers, you will qualify for the $8,000 home buying tax credit with the purchase of your first home as long as you have not had a majority ownership in a home for the last 3 years. Again, you need to have a signed agreement to purchase your next home no later than April 30, 2010 and close on the purchase on or before June 30, 2010.

Check out the IRS’s website at www.irs.gov and look for form 5054 for the details of how to qualify for this credit and/or talk to your tax advisor for more information.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

When the weather finally warms and the skies start to clear, the call of the crystal blue water isn’t too far behind. The dream of living on the water, with a boat in your backyard on your own private dock, ready to head out and enjoy the waters of Lake Ponchartrain and the surrounding area, begins to build.

There are not many navigable, waterfront communities with access to Lake Ponchartrain. But of the few that due exist, none has more beautiful views than Clipper Estates, which is within the Eden Isles area of Slidell, Louisiana. Within this prestigious, gated community, we have a variety of lots available for you to build your dream home. All have deep water canals for big and small boat enthusiasts, access to public utilities and water views to satisfy any homeowner….and of course direct access out to Lake Ponchartrain within minutes by boat.

And now is your time to buy into this dream. With new phases of Clipper Estates opening up for building, we can give you a variety of water lots to choose from when building on your private, waterfront property.

Come by and see your next home today. Clipper Estates is off of the Eden Isles I-10 exit, giving you easy access to New Orleans, the entire Northshore and the Gulf Coast. Lots start at $78,750 and give you anywhere from 40 feet to 200+ feet of private water frontage. Call Trish at 985-707-5035 for more information.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

$$$…$8,000
There’s still time. The tax credit expires 30 April, 2010.
1st time as well as repeat homebuyers may qualify. Contract must be in place by 30 April, 2010. Act of sale must occur on or before, no later than 30 June, 2010.

If you are planning on purchasing a home this year, now is an excellent time to consult with a mortgage lender to explore your options. It may be to your advantage $$$ to make the move now.

As this extension period nears the end, there is no indication that there will be another extension of the tax credit.

If you need a list of mortgage lenders in your area, contact your local REALTOR.
If you need a REALTOR in your area, contact me for a list of REALTORS.
If you are in my service area, contact me at 504.616.3539.

Here’s hoping that there are no regrets on and after 01 May 2010.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. If you or any one you know is considering buying or selling property, contact Vanessa B. Scott at 504.616.3539. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you need a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) on a home, please let me know. Fellow REALTORS, I welcome referrals.

Saint James Parish - The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish - The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

Well, let’s try Sunday 14 March at 2:00 in the morning. This is when Daylight Saving Time officially begins. Please set your clocks and timekeeping pieces ahead by 1 hour. Personally, I begin to set my timekeeping pieces ahead on Saturday afternoon.

Then, around 7 pm, I’m trying to recall if I set the clocks ahead, what time it really is.

Just a few things TO DO during the next few weeks.

• Replace batteries in the smoke and fire detectors
• Check battery backup for the security system
• Inspect flashlights for battery power and bulb intensity
• Clean gutters, downspouts and drains
• Have fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional
• If you have stucco, check for any obvious breaches in the seals around the doors, windows, any outlets, etc. If there are any, have a professional inspection done to check for moisture and subsequent damage and/or termites.
• Service the lawn equipment
• Check the window screens for tears
• Check fire extinguishers
• Have the AC serviced
• If you don’t recall the last time the AC filter was changed, change the filter
• Check the filter in the vent hood
• Inspect the attic or have someone do it for you especially if you have a lot of items stored there
• Clean storage sheds and garages
• Inspect fences, decking and patio cover
• Clean meat smokers and grills
• Clean clothes dryer vent
• Have swimming pool serviced

And the list goes on. Take the time to inspect each room, additional buildings and around the yard.

Let me say this. Our home is one of our greatest assets and investments. Preventative maintenance is almost always easier and less costly than corrective and restorative actions and measures. One can always have a professional home inspection done. If you have lived in your home for 2 or more years and have never had it professionally inspected, now is a great time to do so. Contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR at 504.616.3539 or vscott@latterblum.com for more information. If you need a REALTOR in your area, contact me. Latter & Blum, Inc/REALTORS is a member of LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES of THE WORLD.

Well, since I know what I need to do, I’m off until my next blog about the wonderful River Parishes. I hope I don’t get side-tracked by the many school and community festivals going on this weekend. Mmm.

New Orleans Home and Garden Show on March 11-14 at the New Orleans Superdome. Tax credit expires on 30 April 2010. One must have a contract by then and act of sale must occur by 30 June 2010.

Spring begins 03.20.2010

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs.

Saint James Parish - The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish - The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

This cute, ready to move in home with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths has been remodeled top to bottom. With a little over 950 square feet, you’ll enjoy your newly remodeled kitchen with tile countertops and new appliances. Your bathrooms are in great shape as well with new tile, tub, sinks and flooring. Speaking of flooring, it is new throughout, with no carpet to maintain! Located in Audubon subdivision in Slidell, you are centrally located to the restaurants, shopping and interstate so that you can easily make it to New Orleans for work or to the coast for fun in the sun. With a new roof less than 2 months old, a large fenced yard and great landscaping, you’ll have a new home you can relax in and enjoy for only $117,500. These sellers are ready to move, so bring all offers!

Don’t forget, you have until April 30, 2010 to take advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit of $8000. To obtain the credit, you need to have a signed contract by April 30 and close by June 30, 2010. Call me today and I’ll walk you through everything.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

By now, most learned real estate shoppers have heard about properties listed as “short sales.” For many of my first time homebuyer’s however, short sales are a foreign term. What is a short sale? Simply put, short sales occur when the owner of a home has fallen behind on their mortgage payments. In an attempt to rid themselves of this burden, they try to sell their home. But low and behold, in this time of falling real estate prices, the owners find that what they could get for their home in today’s real estate market is not enough to cover the total outstanding debt they have on the property. Thus with a sale they would be “short” the funds needed to pay off the debt on their home.

For a short sale to be initiated, sellers must be behind on their mortgage payments for a set period which often varies bank by bank. They should also contact their bank and/or service provider before even listing the home to ensure they understand the process of selling in this situation. Often the banks send the homeowner a package and specific contact information for them to begin this process.

One key piece of a seller’s short sale discussion with a bank is to agree as to how the portion they will be “short” is handled. For example, if you have outstanding mortgages on a home totaling, $250,000 but receive and accept an offer for $225,000, what happens to the $25,000 you are “short?” Some banks may require the seller to sign an unsecured note for repayment of this difference. Others may “forgive” this portion of the debt but there is one catch in this scenario – historically the IRS would make the seller realize this $25,000 of forgiven debt as income on their taxes. Thus with a sale, you may have a two, three, or more thousand dollars add on to what you owe Uncle Sam for the year.

But don’t lose hope. Legislation was passed in the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 that allows a homeowner to exclude, “debt forgiven on their principal residence if the balance of their loan was $2 million or less.” Originally this act applied to debt forgiven in 2007, 2008, 2009. Additional legislation was later passed to extend this relief through 2012. Just make sure you read and include IRS form 982 with your tax return (www.irs.gov). You still need to report the debt forgiven, but hopefully it won’t be adversely impacting your taxes owed for the year.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

Situated along Historic River Road that winds parallel to the mighty Mississippi River, San Francisco Plantation has been an attraction for tourists as well as local residents for many years. Beautifully arrayed in its yellow and blue exterior, it can be described as grand, magnificent, and luxurious.  The surrounding buildings and grounds add to the grandeur of this majestic work of architecture.

This weekend, San Francisco Plantation will be the site of the 7th Annual Frisco Fest. A cornucopia of activities is guaranteed to keep everyone occupied.  Food, tours, music, a car show, cook-offs as well as over 100 arts and crafts exhibits.

There is also a 1-mile fun run and a 5k race. Can you believe there is also a 25-mile bike tour?  AND, also a 40-mile bike tour? Bicyclists will absolutely enjoy the scenic routes that will past other historic locations in St. John and St. James Parishes.

The weather forecast calls for mild temperatures, sunny skies and no rain. Have a WonderFilled weekend in the River Parishes.

You say, “what does this have to do with real estate?” or “I thought this blog was about real estate?” To respond, it is about real estate.  I always tell my clients that you are buying a property, a street, a neighborhood, a community, a city, a parish, … So, this blog will continue to keep you informed about the local real estate market.

I will also give you more information about the area where the real estate is located.The more information you have about the area, the better you will feel about your investment(s).

The Frisco Fest is one fantastic opportunity for all who are interested in investing and living in the River Parishes to come and check the parishes out.

For more information, visit www.sanfranciscoplantation.org

Remember, the tax credit expires 30 April 2010.
1st time and repeat homebuyers may qualify.

Daylight Savings Time begins 03.14.2010.

Spring begins 03.20.2010.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.
Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com.   I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as REALTOR.

Fellow REALTORS/Agents:  I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

Saint James Parish - The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish - The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

If you have been thinking about buying a new home or a resale home then the time is NOW. There is inventory and the interest rates are still historically low. Buyers have lots of inventory to choose from. It is a “Buyer’s Market”. The investors are saying that by year end we will see 6%, hope we don’t. Call a realtor to help you with the process, tell the Realtor what you are looking for and let the Realtor do your work for you.

The Northshore (Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs) of New Orleans offers buyers a great lifestyle and affordable housing. The Northshore commuter is close to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Gulf Coast (Stennis).

Another good reason to buy a home NOW is the Federal Tax Credit which can go up to $8,000. It is a good incentive to use if you are eligible and have not owned a home in the past three years: (See Federal Tax Credit guidelines or talk to your CPA). You will need to have a purchase agreement on a property accepted by end of April 2010 it must close by the end of June 2010. There is another credit if you have not moved in the past five years. With this you could be eligible for up to a $6500 Federal Tax Credit. Again consult your tax advisor for details.

Contact me Louise Brady at lbrady@latterblum.com or (985) 951-9328. You can also call your local Realtor. I would be happy to help you locate your new home.

Real Estate always has been a good investment!

Posted by:Louise Brady

The Pontchartrain Home Show at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner is here. In its 22nd year, the show also features The Breaux Mart FoodFest. For the latest on all types of products, services and technology for the home, inside and outside, please take advantage of this tremendous show.

This is a wonderful opportunity for all. There will be food samples, prize drawings, live demonstrations and activities for children.
Show dates are Friday, February 26th through Sunday, February 28th. For show information, call 1.800.776.4220.

What’s the connection? Easy. One Stop Shopping for one of the greatest assets you have.

If you are considering selling or have your home on the market, you can find ideas, information and products to enhance the appeal of the property.

If you are building a home, you can get fantastic information on appliances, floor covering, windows, roof covering, insulation and so on. There will be lots of info on landscaping and gardening, Spas, Pools. If you are in the process of buying a home, gather all the info and brochures you can; but, please do not make any major purchases without contacting your loan originator first.

This is a wonderful time to prepare for spring cleaning, home improvement projects and upgrades in the home. As homeowners, we are responsible for taking care of one of our most valuable assets, our homes.

By the way, I still promote and sell the River Parishes. It’s awesome how accessible the larger cities with their amenities are. Kenner, it’s a 15-minute ride from St. John Parish; and a 35-minute ride from St. James Parish. Real Country Livin’ with all of the amenities and benefits of the big cities (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houma, Metairie, Kenner)

Remember, the tax credit expires 30 April 2010. 1st time and repeat homebuyers may qualify.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as REALTOR. Fellow REALTORS/Agents: I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

This is a question home owners often ask. “Should I wait until after Christmas, or wait when the market improves, etc?”

Anytime is the best time to sell! It’s just a matter of having your home available for the right buyer to see when he/she’s looking.

What is important once you list your home is:

Have the grounds look well maintained and inviting…good curb appeal. Don’t leave your garbage can in front of your home. Weed that garden, mow the grass, and if the house has peeling paint, PAINT IT!

The interior should be light and airy with no clutter….this is the perfect time to get rid of all the junk you’ve collected over the years and don’t use. Each room should be spotless. The walls and ceiling paint should be perfect…no chips, no scuffs, and NO LOUD COLORS… No offensive pet or cooking odors. The floors should be gleaming (wood and ceramic) and steam cleaned/vacuumed (carpet).

In the kitchen, move all your toasters, George Forman’s, can openers, etc. off the countertops and into a pantry or closet….clean that stove top and oven, “immaculatize” (made this word up, but it fits) that refrigerator in and out!

Bathrooms….these babies better be sparking clean with no offending smells! Clean the tile, clean the toilet and sink, and clean all the spots off that mirror!

Bedrooms….organize the closet…don’t think a buyer won’t look in there…he/she will. Make the bed, remove the clutter.

You get the drift….CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!

Remember, any day can be the day that Mr. or Ms. RIGHT tours your home!

Once you have your home ready, really ready, then get the best agent to market the property for you. Don’t choose a friend or relative. Choose the best realtor in your area!

Feel free to call me at 504-957-5116 or email me at ljlacoy@latterblum.com for more information.

Posted by:Lane Lacoy

New Orleans Saints have won Super Bowl XLIV and are the world champions and our city is so proud of our Saints. The coach, Sean Payton, the quarterback, Drew Brees and the entire Saint’s team all need to be congratulated on a job well done.

New Orleans has overcome a lot in the past 4 ½ years since Hurricane Katrina and Sunday,February 7th proved that New Orleans can finish on the top. This is a great story for the Saints and for New Orleans which is shown proven results of the recovery we have made in rebuilding the city.

GEAUX SAINTS … . we are all proud of each and everyone of you and look forward to seeing you in the parade today.

Posted by:Louise Brady

I don’t know about pigs flying, but I do know “The Saints did go marching in!” And, are the victors!!! For the 1st time in the Saints history, the team has won the Super Bowl to become National Football Champions. During this season, the Saints celebrated many firsts.

• 1st time as National Football League Champions!
• 1st time playing in the Super Bowl!
• 1st time winning the Super Bowl.
  

And so many other 1st’s. WHO DAT! Congratulations to the WHO DAT! Nation. Translation: all of the Saintsational fans and supporters of the New Orleans Saints.

Speaking of 1st’s.

For 1st time homebuyers this is an opportune time to invest in your 1st home in one of the Saints Parishes. There are so many wonderful financing options available to you. Home prices start in the low 100’s. For a free, no obligation consultation, call VBS today at 504-616-3539.

For repeat buyers desiring to move-up or scale down, the Saints Parishes is where you want to live. Prices range to over $500,000.

Hurry! Tax credit extension expires April 2010. Act of Sale must be consummated by June 2010. 1st time as well as repeat buyers may qualify.

So as we continue to celebrate the New Orleans Saints’ many victories, let us plan on celebrating the purchase of your 1st or next home! Call VBS at 504.616.3539 WHO DAT! Saint James Parish is situated between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. This is the epitome of enjoying country living while having access to the amenities of the big cities. Saint John the Baptist Parish is approximately 30 minutes from New Orleans. Do you know The Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home is located in Saint John Parish?

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504-616-3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as your REALTOR. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

In a positive step forward last week, the federal government defined what homeowners must do to formally determine that they have contaminated drywall in their home. These requirements are useful because they not only establish what evidence a homeowner must collect to prove they have a problem, but should help ensure homeowners do not destroy evidence when remodeling if they later want to take part in a lawsuit and/or obtain proposed government financial assistance.

When gathering the required contaminated drywall evidence, homeowners need to look for and document signs of corrosion such as blackened copper wiring and blackened air-conditioned evaporator coils. Other evidence should be gathered such as documenting that the drywall was made in China. A photographic catalog of these markings can be found here. Pictures and/or a third party report of these findings is always advised to ensure the evidence is gathered and documented with objectivity and clarity.

 

A homeowner can also hire a firm (home inspector, home forensic firm or environmental consulting company) to test for chemicals in the home and/or in a specific sheet of drywall or copper piping. Again, results should be documented and retained by the homeowner. But be careful. There currently are no set standards or practices these firms must adhere to when reviewing and documenting drywall contamination so make sure you understand what they will and will not test for, as well as the associated costs since many simple tests can start anywhere from $400-$800.

As part of this process, homeowners must have documented evidence of when their drywall was installed during the known contamination period between 2001 and 2008. This installation date determines how many pieces of evidence the homeowner must gather to support their claim on drywall contamination. Government rules mandate that if the drywall was installed between 2005 and 2008, a homeowner needs to find only 2 pieces of corroborating evidence. Drywall installed between 2001-2004, however, requires that four pieces of corroborating evidence be gathered.

The next step the government needs to take for those unfortunate homeowners caught up in this mess is to outline the proper remediation process for handling and destroying contaminated drywall. Right now, some people are taking the drywall out themselves, often putting it out with the local trash so they can quickly and cheaply get rid of it. Others go to the opposite extreme – hiring men in airtight bunny suits to remove the contaminated walls in a manner similar to how asbestos is handled. Either way, the need is the same – to remove the dangerous drywall from the home and make it habitable again for the owners.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

If there’s one thing that is certain, it’s that time waits for no homebuyer. And this definitely applies to the benefits a first time homebuyer can receive if they buy a home now versus waiting.

One of the main benefits of a first time homebuyer signing a contract before April 30, 2010 to buy their first home is that they can receive an up to $8000 tax credit when they file their 2010 taxes. There’s no gimmicks with this credit. It is added to the “bottom line” of your taxes and refunded to you when you file. For example, if you owe $2500 on your 2010 taxes and claim this first time home buyer tax credit of $8000, you’ll end up receiving back $5500 in cash from the federal government. See www.irs.gov and look for form 5054 for the details of how to qualify for this credit and/or talk to your tax advisor for more information.

Another benefit of buying a home right now is that interest rates are presently floating around historically low levels, with general consensus in the financial markets being they will more than likely go up in the near future. The financial impact of an increase of even one percentage point on a mortgage rate can be expensive for a borrower. Say for example you borrow $100,000 at 5% over 30 years. Your monthly principal and interest payment would be $536.82 and you’d end up paying $93,256 in interest over the life of the loan. If this same note, however, was done at an interest rate of 6% instead of 5%, not only would your monthly payment go up to $599.55, but you’d end up paying $115,838.44 in interest over the life of the loan – a difference of over $22,500!

Finally, another benefit of buying right now is that lending requirements are slated to become even tougher in the Spring and Summer of 2010. Right now, FHA has one of the lowest downpayment requirements for borrowers at 3.5% and some of the most lenient credit score requirements. Thus it’s been a key lending source for most first time homebuyers.

FHA, however, has recently announced that sometime between the Spring and early Summer of 2010 they will increase the downpayment requirements to 6% for those borrowers with credit scores below 580 AND that sellers will only be able to pay up to 3% of buyer’s prepaid and closing costs instead of the 6% currently allowed. This means that some home buyers will not only have to potentially come up with a larger downpayment to get a loan, but that they may also have to pay a larger portion of their closing costs and prepaid items which they traditionally could have gotten the seller to pay on their behalf.

Other costs associated with FHA loans – such as the mortgage insurance premiums buyers who put down less than 20% on a new home purchase must pay as part of the loan and FHA annual premiums – will also increase in this same timeframe as FHA strives to increase its dwindling reserves and stabilize its lending business.

Where does this leave first time homebuyers? With not much time to act. I’m counseling all my clients that if they want to take advantage of the current tax credits and be able to get a loan at reasonable terms, they need to move now. If they don’t they will pay for their tardiness in entering the market and/or perhaps even forgo their dream of buying their first home.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

The town of Gramercy in St. James Parish has been selected as the home of Louisiana Sugar Refinery. LSR is a Joint Venture with the following entities:

• Cargill, Inc.
• Imperial Sugar Company
• Sugar Growers and Refiners, Inc.

The refinery will be situated along Historic River Road and in close proximity to Imperial Sugar Company. Cargill, Inc. is some miles down the River Road in adjacent St. John Parish. What a “sweet” boost for the economy in the River Parishes.

This is also great news for those interested in purchasing a home in St. James Parish. Now is the time to make your investment in your Home Sweet Home. 1st time as well as repeat homebuyers can still qualify for the tax credit. Act now. FHA guidelines are changing. Act now. Interest rates are great. Act now. If you are reading this, the time to invest is now. Prices for existing homes range from the low 100’s to the mid 300’s. Homes at the entry level have approximately 1400 square feet of living area. Rooms include 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, well-appointed kitchen, dining, living room and car storage.

Homes at the higher price level have approximately 2600 square feet of living area. Features include 3 baths, 4 bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, great rooms, fireplaces, jetted tubs, gourmet kitchens, workshops, etc. Lots sizes vary from 90x120 to well over an acre. If you have your own plans and custom built is your heart’s desire, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

There are lots of lots are available. For a list of available homes, send your requests to vscott@latterblum.com.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as your REALTOR. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

Many out-of-towners ask, “what’s the big deal with Bywater and Marigny?” Oh, my goodness!!! These two New Orleans’ neighborhoods just ooze authentic southern charm! They have lots of other qualities going for them, too…..here are a few:

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Marigny is located across the street (Esplanade Avenue) from the world-famous French Quarter. This quaint faubourg (neighborhood) is divided into two sections…the Marigny Triangle and the Marigny Rectangle. The Triangle is closest to “THE QUARTER” and the rectangle is a bit further away. They’re both an easy walk to the French Quarter and the Central Business District. Bywater is just a smidge further down river.

 

ARCHITECTURE
Marigny and Bywater offer some of the oldest homes in New Orleans, some dating circa 1826. Homes run the gamut from the shotgun single, to the stately Greek revival with Creole cottages, Victorian, Italianate, Eastlake, and even a couple contemporary homes for added flavor. Many of these homes have been scooped up and restored or renovated to pristine condition. And, the exterior colors are a panorama of hues and a delight to behold….from the gaudy to the sedate.

  THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO
If you enjoy eating out…these 2 neighborhoods feature some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants…THE JOINT, ELIZABETH’S, BYWATER BARBEQUE, JACK DEMPSEY’S, LA PENICHE, MARIGNY BRASSIERE, PRALINE CONNECTION, FEELINGS, BUFFA’S…….the food is as only New Orleans can offer, seasoned just right!

If you like after hours fun, try the FRIENDLY BAR, MARKEY’S, THE SATURN BAR, MIMI’S, CUTTERS, THE COUNTRY CLUB (restaurant, bar with pool)…..

 

PARKS
Bywater’s Markey Park with once-a-month art shows is a place to take the toddlers to swing and slide, or just relax with your pooch. Marigny’s Washington Square Park, one square block, with kids area, and a scenic respite for all others.

That’s what these historic neighborhoods have to offer….architecture, terrific location adjacent the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop with calliope music and cruise ships and tankers announcing their arrival and departures for all to hear….AND, an array of good neighbors, darlin’! Come on down, and we’ll share a new life style with you!

(Buyers have the choice of purchasing single family or multi-family homes, condominiums, and/or commercial properties.)

Feel free to contact me at (504) 948-3011 or email me at ljlacoy@latterblum.com with any questions on the Bywater and Marigny area.

Posted by:Lane Lacoy

Over the past six months I’ve begun to immerse myself in green building technologies, practices and certifications. Already I’ve become NAR Green Certified and am in the process of becoming a Certified Green Verifier through the New Orleans Home Builder’s Association.

Nationally, there are currently four different ‘green’ certifications and/or guidelines a home can obtain – ENERY STAR, LEED for Homes, NAHB Green and Builder’s Challenge. All have their own rating system, guidelines and certifications. (See my earlier BLOG for a summary of these programs. But I’ll focus on ENERGY STAR in more detail here.

ENERGY STAR is a federal program under the EPA designed to promote energy efficiency within a home. Most people have heard of ENERGY STAR as it relates to purchasing energy efficient appliances. This is just one aspect of what ENERGY STAR promotes since they want to focus the home owner on the energy efficiency of the entire home.

To earn the ENERGY STAR rating, a home must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the current International Residential Code (IRC) and include other energy efficiency features that often make a home 20-30% more efficient than a standard home. Some of these other features include:

• Effective insulation
• High-performance windows
• Tight construction and ducts
• Efficient heating and cooling equipment

To obtain ENERGY STAR certification, you need to meet a set list of requirements which must then be verified by a third party verifier to obtain the certification. Either you pass by meeting the requirements or its back to the drawing board. This certification approach is unlike some of the other ‘green’ certifications whereby the builder can choose from a much longer list of ‘green’ attributes to potentially build into a home. Builders then decide which ‘green’ attributes to add and not add to the home as they work their way to achieving an overall minimum score for a specific certification. (These ‘green’ features too must be reviewed by a third party verifier.)

One other difference between ENERGY STAR and other ‘green’ certifications is that ENERGY STAR currently only focuses on energy efficiency within the home and not other ‘green’ areas such as water usage, site selection and build, and overall indoor air quality.

But with rising energy costs and the homebuyer’s interest in supporting the environment, there is no doubt there is a growing interest in ‘green’ building and related certifications. Each certification can be helpful in marketing and selling the home by giving a potential buyer an understanding of how efficient and ‘green’ friendly a home is as compared to the other available homes currently on the market.

Check out www.energystar.gov for more information, including tax credits homeowners may be eligible for given potential energy efficient renovations they’ve done to their home. Also check out www.entergy-neworleans.com/energy_efficiency for a list of energy verifiers in our area and for information on other ways to save on your energy bill.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

An On-site AUCTION is scheduled for Saturday, 20 February 2010 at 1:00 pm (CST).

You can invest in this property by submitting the successful offer prior to this date.

This is the second of my property listings that has been scheduled for sale at auction.

The first one sold prior to the auction. Cash sale. In less than a month’s time, the property was leased. Only minimal repairs were required.

This is YOUR opportunity to put your investment dollars to work.

Property Address: 2408 Van Arpel Drive, LaPlace. The property is located in New Era subdivision, St. John the Baptist Parish. Features include the following: split floor plan, 2-car garage, fenced yard, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, great room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace, separate formal dining room and 13.5’ x 13.5’ kitchen. Other features are central air conditioning and heating, total electric, covered entry and concrete patio. The home has over 1700 square feet living area. Bank-owned. REO. Bank repo.

For more information, visit www.latter-blum.com, MLS# 802138.

I almost forgot, list price? $96,900!

Now is the time to make your move! Don’t’ wait.

For more details, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR at 504.616.3539.

If you want to purchase this property prior to the auction, call me immediately.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs.

I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

It’s Here!

Buyers and Sellers.

The revised HUD Settlement Cost Booklet, Shopping for Your Home Loan, is now available. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has provided these extremely informative booklets for the general consumer, the homebuyer. Sellers, you will benefit as well. Typically, when after you sell one property, you buy another.

1 January 2010 is the target date for putting in effect the new Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD-1 Settlement Statement forms. Basically, within 3 days of loan application by the buyer, mortgage lenders and brokers are required to give this booklet to the buyer.

Some of the information covered in this booklet includes the following:

• The Introduction (Your time-line)
• Evaluation as to Your Readiness to Purchase a Home
• Determination of What You Can Afford
• House Shopping and the Key Professionals Involved
• Shopping for Your Loan
• The Good Faith Estimate (GFE), breakdown of your investment costs
• Settlement and HUD-1 Statement, keeping it simple
• After the Settlement
• Home Equity and Refinances
• Glossary of Terms and Mortgage Products
• Sample HUD-1 Settlement Statement

There’s a The Do List and The Don’t List. (page 48) Well, we’ll get into more of the information in the booklet in our next blogs.

In the meantime, if you’d like me to send you a copy just contact me at 504.616.3539 or vscott@latterblum.com.

Let’s talk about it.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish is easily accessed via major highways, interstate systems and bridges. Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma and the Northshore are within an hour’s drive. The New Orleans International Airport is less than 45 minutes away.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

On 24 December 2009, people will literally come from all over the United States to experience the hospitality of St. James Parish. That night, over 200 bonfires will be lit (burned). Families, clubs, organizations who have labored in a few short weeks to build the bonfires will enjoy good old-fashioned fellowship, food, fireworks and fun.

Many of the homes situated along Historic River Road (Jefferson Highway, LA Highway 44) will be the site of Open Houses to friends and co-workers.

In the past, traffic has been bumper to bumper. Don’t be alarmed. It is a good thing. This way, one is allowed to leisurely cruise the River Road and enjoy all the bonfires on the levee. It’s a great driving tour. You get to experience the sights, sounds and feel of the excitement without leaving your vehicle. Some folks bring their RV’s, park and network with the locals.

Television crews from Baton Rouge and New Orleans will be getting their news stories.

Various vendors and craftsmen will be on hand to sell their wares: Food, mementos and beverages. Folks usually start arriving in early afternoon. Bonfires will be lit at 7:00 pm.

There are several riverboat tours that offer dinner and the cruise to the bonfires.*

Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the true benefits of real country living with all the benefits of the city.

St. James Parish is easily accessed via major highways, interstate systems and bridges. Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma and Mandeville are within an hour’s drive. The New Orleans International Airport is less than 45 minutes away. Wow.

*The St. James Parish Tourist Center is located at 1094 Airline Highway 61, Gramercy. Telephone number is 225.869.1717.

Wow. I am so thrilled about Christmas Eve. Come on over and experience The Bonfire Capital of the World. The Parish, the towns, the food, the people, the amenities and the wonderfully-priced homes. St. James Parish: Great Prices. Great Value. Great Location. Let me know you will be there, call me at 504.616.3539.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

Energy efficiency and other “green” factors are coming up more and more when talking to home buyers about a home purchase. But unfortunately there is not just one rating system a buyer can look at to understand how “green” or energy efficient a home is compared to one that has no energy or “green” rating. Therefore real estate agents and homebuyers need to understand the differences between rating systems.

On the national level, there are four different rating programs that you may see advertised with a home:

1. ENERGY STAR – This designation doesn’t just relate to the energy efficiency of appliances and electronics, but the energy efficiency of the entire home – including effective insulation, high-performance windows, and “tight” construction and ducts. To obtain this designation, a home must meet the guidelines for energy efficiency set by the US EPA. Typically, homes with this designation are 20-30% more efficient that standard homes. See http://www.energystar.gov for more information.

2. NAHB Green – Established by the National Association of Home Builders, these guidelines were designed to provide builders a standard for green building.” Green building not only encompasses energy efficiency in a home, but water efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and other green building elements. Homes are given one of four certifications using this program – “Bronze” (home meets or exceeds 15% above energy code requirements), “Silver,” “Gold” and “Emerald” (home meets or exceeds 60% above energy code requirements.) A certified green home rater is needed to verify the homes status. Look at http://www.nahbgreen.org for more information.

3. LEED – Traditionally used in commercial construction, LEED is being used more and more in residential building. Established by the US Green Building Council, LEED uses a point system to establish the strength of a homes’ “greenness.” Here in New Orleans, the “Make It Right” foundation headed by Brad Pitt is using this system to establish the “greenness” of the homes it is building in the 9th Ward. Not to be confused with the NAHB Green program, LEED has similar certification designations, classifying homes as “Silver,” “Gold,” or “Platinum.” For more information on LEED scoring and other requirements, see www.usgbc.org.

4. Builder’s Challenger – Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, this is a voluntary effort to increase the number of energy efficient homes in the U.S., which must be a minimum 30% more energy efficient than code. There are a few different paths a homeowner or builder can take to obtain this classification. See here for more information.

Everyone should note that there are also state specific energy and “green” certifications, as well as state specific tax credits that a homeowner can claim for certain “green” or “energy” improvements. Check your state websites for more information.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

When:
This weekend, December 11-13, 2009

Where:
Lutcher Recreation Park
2545 Louisiana Avenue
Lutcher, LA 70071

For information on the history, features and schedule of activities for The Festival of the Bonfires, please visit www.festivalofthebonfires.org. Contact telephone number is 1.800.367.7852.

One of my favorite features is Santa’s Very Merry Forest. There, the local schools, businesses and clubs display theme-decorated and lighted Christmas trees. Awesome. Very Unique.

On Friday night, the winners of the Gumbo Cook Off, Potato Salad Show Down and Bread Pudding Bake Off are announced. You can purchase sample sizes of all of these. YUM. YUM. The cooking begins around noon on Friday. Did I say, YUM, YUM?

Other events include 5k Run, Car show, Horseshoe Tournament and Mutt March. The Silent Auction. Children’s Pageants. Throughout the weekend, there will be live entertainment, local foods, crafts, rides, and so much more.

Each night a bonfire specifically-built for the festival is lighted (burned). Check out this bonfire that is located in The St. James Parish Welcome Center. Free transportation to the levee site is provided.

Admission is $4. There is no charge for children under 10 and seniors 62+. Plenty of free parking.

Wow. I am so thrilled about this weekend. Come on over and experience The Bonfire Capital of the World. Let me know you will be there, call me at 504.616.3539.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

Home sales are still terrific in these two neighborhoods! Lots of first-time home buyers and lots of out-of-towners. Some of the more romantic buyers moving to Marigny/Bywater include a famous author, a camera man for major motion pictures, and one of New Orleans’ most prominent real estate developers! Come on and move into two of America’s most exciting areas located adjacent the Mighty Mississippi River and minutes to the World-Famous French Quarter!

Take a look at the statistics below.

SINGLE FAMILY

2009 (Jan. 1 – Nov. 20)

Singles SOLD: 43 houses
Sold Price Range: $25,000 - $1,000,000
Number under $100K: 7
Number over $100K: 16
Number over $200K: 14
Number over $300K : 4
Number over $400K : 2

2008 (Jan.1 – Nov. 20)

Singles SOLD: 53 houses
Sold Price Range: $60,000 - $584,999
Number under $100K: 3
Number over $100K: 21
Number over $200K: 18
Number over $300K: 4
Number over $400K: 7

MULTI FAMILY HOMES

2009 (Jan. 1 – Nov. 20)

Multi-Families SOLD: 36
Sold Price Range: $41,000 - $556,500
Number under $100K: 4
Number over $100K: 16
Number over $200K: 12
Number over $300K: 3
Number over $400K: 1

2008 (Jan.1 – Nov. 20)

Multi-Families SOLD: 37
Sold Price Range: $40,000 - $530,000
Number under $100K: 6
Number over $100K: 18
Number over $200K: 8
Number over $300K: 2
Number over $400K: 3

Posted by:Lane Lacoy

The FHA has backed off the stringent condominium financing guidelines that were supposed to take effect on November 2, 2009 much to the relief of condominium owners and buyers everywhere. FHA financing is important to the condo market because they only require a 3 ½% down payment and a minimum 620 credit score—a great vehicle for first time and lower income homebuyers. Here are the important points…

• All currently approved condo projects will remain on the FHA approved list.
• Projects approved prior to October 1, 2008 will require recertification by December 7, 2010.
• Projects approved after October 1, 2008 will require recertification 2 years from the initial approval date.

Now here’s the not so great news…

• Spot loans are eliminated on case numbers on or after February 1, 2010.
• On each loan file, a lender must certify that currently approved condo projects continue to comply with the following to be eligible for FHA financing…
  • No one investor may own more than 10% of the units in a condo project
  • No more than 15% of the total units can be delinquent (more than 30 days past due) on the condo association fees
  • A minimum of 50% of the units must be owner-occupied
  • FHA will now allow 50% of the units to be FHA financed or up to 100% of the units to be financed with allowance (except for new construction and conversions) when all of these criteria are met, the condo project was completed more than 12 months ago and all of the units have been sold, the Homeowners’ Association is controlled by the owners and the project budget shows at least 10% in capital reserves.

It may seem overwhelmingly complicated but both your realtor and your lender can help walk you through the process of using FHA financing for your condominium purchase. Don’t hesitate to call me at 504-613-7902 to find out more or for help in purchasing your condo.

Posted by:Kelli Wright

Sometimes hidden behind the drywall of our historic homes in New Orleans lies a secret. Could the handsome Creole Cottage be something more than it appears? Could it be one of the first recycled homes in the United States? Quite possibly, as the home could be a barge board home. So what is a barge board home and how did New Orleans end up on the forefront of recycling back in the 19th century?

As expected in New Orleans, the Mississippi River played an integral part in the establishment of barge board homes. During the 1800’s, flatboats transported goods and materials down the Mississippi River from the Midwest. Once in New Orleans, these flat-bottomed boats could not navigate back up river, so they were broken apart and the lumber was either discarded or sold. From this lumber construction of new homes began.

The thick irregular sized barge boards were placed vertically along the sills to form the walls of the home, and then the exterior of the barge boards was covered usually with clapboard. Over time the interior walls were often covered with sheetrock, and, for all practical purposes, the evidence of a barge board home disappeared. However, a barge board home that has been covered can still reveal its secrets. Look for extended window frames and electric outlets that jut from the flat of the wall, a definite sign that the home was of barge board construction.

On occasion you can still find a few homes that still have the exposed barge board walls. As the heyday of flatboat traffic and barge board home construction occurred between 1790 and 1880, historic districts such as Bywater contain a great many of these type of homes, the first homes made with reclaimed recycled materials.

Posted by:Carol-Jean Dixon

When I begin to work with new clients, I’m amazed at how many current homeowners are still unaware of the Homebuyer Tax Credit Program recently passed by Congress. And it’s understandable since the first time homebuyer credit received so much press over the past year and the tax credit for current homeowners just passed in the last few weeks with very little press or explanation.

So as an overview, let’s recap the Homebuyer Tax Credit program the US Congress passed on November 7, 2009. For first time homebuyers, the $8000 tax credit for married couples ($4000 single) earning less than $225,000 ($125,000 single) per year was extended into 2010. It requires first time homebuyer contracts be signed by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30, 2010. To qualify as a first time homebuyer, you can not have owned or held a majority interest in a principal residence for three years prior to your purchase. See IRS form 5405 for more information as to how they classify a “first time homebuyer” to make sure you qualify.

For current or previous homeowners, Congress passed a $6500 tax credit for married couples ($3250 single) who have earned less than $225,000 per year ($125,000 single). As with the first time homebuyer tax credit, you must have a binding contract to purchase a primary residence dated no later than April 30, 2010 and you must close on the home purchase by June 30, 2010. To qualify, you must have lived in the home as your primary residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years.

As a current homeowner, can you keep your current primary residence, buy another home and still receive the tax credit? Yes, as long as you use the current home as your primary residence and will use the new home purchased as your primary residence once you close. As another example, maybe you lived in your home for ten years until a year ago when you sold it and moved into an apartment which you now lease. Do you qualify for the credit? Yes, because you lived in the home you owned for more than five consecutive years out of the last eight years.

For anyone to claim the credit, you must attach documentation of the purchase to your tax returns as evidence that you met the requirements. You may also need to provide evidence that you used your previous home as your primary residence for the time frames stipulated to obtain the credit for current homeowners.

Any way you look at it, it’s a great deal for homebuyers looking for their first home or hoping to move into a new home that better fits their lifestyle and/or needs. Ask your tax professional for more information to see if you qualify. You can also check out the IRS website or the Federal Housing Authority website.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions, call me at 985-707-5035 or email me at pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

As a client recently stated, “Man! You guys have a festival for everything!” Well, compared to the rest of the nation we probably do, and what began as an impromptu celebration of that quintessential Thanksgiving vegetable known locally as the Mirliton, and everywhere else as the Chayote squash, The Mirliton Festival has survived and flourished since its inception 20 years ago. This year promises to be even better! On Saturday November 7 from 11-7pm at Markey Park located at Piety St and Royal St in Bywater, the celebration begins for that uniquely New Orleans vegetable in a uniquely New Orleans neighborhood in a uniquely New Orleans fashion.

A diverse and talented musically lineup including The Valapariso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, DJ Jubilee, Happy Talk Band, R. Scully Rough 7, Guitar Lightning Lee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Panorama Jazz Band, King Louie One Man Band and Ratty Scurvics promise great musical entertainment. A wide array of artists including Dr. Bob, noted folk artist in Bywater who designed the 20th Anniversary t-shirt, will be in attendance along with David Bergeron, Drunk Monkey, Porche West, Kabuki Hats and many others. Food featuring a Mirliton dish on the menu will be available from local restaurants such as The Country Club, Jack Dempsey’s, The Joint, Markey’s Bar, Karma Kitchen, Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods, Café Roux, and Frady’s. And with an entrance fee of $5 this is one festival sure to be a draw!

   

Posted by:Carol-Jean Dixon