West Bank Living

Working in the service industry (a euphemism for bartender), my oldest daughter always has some of the most interesting friends that I have ever met.  They are amazing young people from all walks of life that happen to have met up in the same place at the same time and struck up friendships that went beyond last call.

A couple of weeks ago, she was telling me about her friend, Mike, who is a local artist.  This piqued my interest, since I am a HUGE fan of not only shopping locally, but supporting local artists as well.  The most unique art in my home has come from right here in the New Orleans area and those few pieces mean more to me than all of the rest put together.  There is a heart and soul in our local artists and their work that surpasses the average.  They travel off the beaten path, flout convention and defy expectations.  They celebrate the uniqueness not just of our city and region, but of themselves as well.

Anyway, back to Mike…  My daughter explained to me that she wanted to purchase one of his works for me as a Christmas gift, but could not afford it.  No mother wants her kids to spend their hard earned money on her anyway, so I brushed it off, telling her how much I appreciated her thinking of me when she saw it and even remembering how much I like stuff like that.  So, imagine my surprise when she showed up on Christmas Eve, with a small, freshly painted NoLA Rising piece for my collection!

Here is what makes the story so quintessentially New Orleans…  She received a phone call last week from her friend, artist Michael Dingler, telling her to stop by his house the next day.  He instructed her to check under his front steps for a gift.  When she questioned him, he told her it was "something for your Momma".   I had NEVER met Mike….but he knew that his friend’s momma was interested in what he does, and went out of his way to make sure that I had a present from my daughter that reflected that.

This is a young man that is trying to raise awareness for the arts in our city, encouraging the public display of art and attempting to start a non-profit organization to supply art to families that have rebuilt their homes post Katrina.  He wants to provide original artwork to the new home owners in the Musician’s Village and to the eventual owners of homes being built as part of Brad Pitt’s project, Make It Right.

When some naysayer wants to know why we stay, why we choose to rebuild our city, why we won’t abandon hundreds of years of history, I only have to look at one small piece of art…

…and I know why.

p.s.  I was able to meet Mike personally this past week, and he attended our Carnival Ball last night.  What a charming, articulate, passionate person…a wonderful representative of all that is right in the world.  Please visit his blog or his website, and take advantage of the opportunity to own your own unique piece of NoLA Rising. 

Thanks again, Mike!  All the best,

Leslie’s momma

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, you deserve professional, local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2007. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Can you believe that Mardi Gras is right around the corner?  The Christmas decorations are not even tucked back into their boxes yet, and the Carnival season has begun. Mardi Gras 2008 is February 5th (quite early!) and the balls have begun taking place all around the city.

Last night, the Krewe of Choctaw held it’s 25th annual Big Pow Wow at Mardi Gras World in Algiers, LA.  While most krewes hold balls, Choctaw, with its Native American theme, holds a Pow Wow, complete with Chief, Princess, Medicine Man, Maids and Maidens, Indian Braves and Papooses.

Mardi Gras World provides the perfect venue for a Carnival event…it comes predecorated with huge props and full size floats!  Traditional purple, green and gold banners hung from the ceiling, while the Choctaw tribal teepee provided the grand entrance for the royalty and court of the krewe.

The afternoon was spent in preparation for the nights event…decorating tables, meeting caterers, accepting flower deliveries and, of course, the rehearsal for the tableau.

A frenzy of activity followed the rehearsal, as court members began donning  makeup and their elaborate costumes in preparation for their introduction to the waiting crowd of over 450 people.  As a proud mom, I couldn’t resist including this picture of my daughters, who were both maids this year!

The presentation of the court and royalty began at 8 pm.  At the end of the presentation, all previous Choctaw royalty were invited to the stage for a champagne toast to the reigning Chief (Frank Ruiz Jr.) and his Princess (Jina Ellingburg).  How fantastic to see so many long time members continue the Mardi Gras tradition, standing with glasses held high!

The tableau was followed by dining and dancing to both a band and DJ until the wee hours of the morning.  Beautifully decorated tables competed for prizes and the umbrella decorating contest judges had a hard time choosing from the many entries as they second lined through the ballroom. 

From the opening notes of the National Anthem to the final sounds of the last dance, it was an incredible, fun filled evening.  To everyone who worked so hard to make this a success, a heartfelt thanks from the Captain and his family to you.  Happy Mardi Gras from the Heindels!

Everyone has that list, whether they write it down or just keep it in their head.  All of the things they vow to improve on, change or implement in the New Year.  Lose weight, get organized, spend more time with the family, focus on business….the list goes on and on.

If your West Bank home is currently for sale or you are getting ready to sell, have you considered making a list of New Year’s resolutions related to how you can accomplish that goal?  Here is my short list of suggested resolutions for all New Orleans West Bank home sellers:

1. I resolve to have my home ready to show.   Don’t lose out on a sale because you weren’t prepared to meet buyer expectations.  Need to know how?  Read these articles:
   • Getting Ready to Sell - Home Staging Tips Part I
   • Getting Ready to Sell - Home Staging Tips Part II
   • Getting Ready to Sell - Home Staging Tips Part III
2. I resolve to price my home right.   Take a hard look at what is selling in your area and price your home accordingly.  Consider how much it is costing you each month that your home doesn’t sell…can this be offset with a lower price to reach a quicker sale?
3. I resolve to treat selling my home like a business.  It’s time to put your emotions away and take a new approach to home selling.
4. I resolve to listen to my West Bank agent.  Selling a home is a partnership between the agent and the home owner.  We have to work together to attract as many potential buyers as possible.  I promise to do my part, the rest is up to you!

As we move into the New Year, it is a great time to take stock of what has worked or not worked for us in 2007.  It is also the time to resolve to change the things we can to make 2008 even better.  Here is to your home selling success in 2008.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, you deserve professional, local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2007. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Many adult visitors to New Orleans never venture beyond the Convention Center and the French Quarter.  They have a great time, but never consider bringing their children to the area.  Why not?  There is more to the city of New Orleans than just a party happening 7 days a week.

If you are planning a visit or a relocation to the New Orleans area, check out  some of the kid friendly sites and activities to keep the little ones entertained:

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas  Conveniently located at the foot of Canal Street in Woldenberg Park, the Aquarium of the Americas is ranked among the nation’s best.  With over 15,000 animals to enthrall visitors, this is a must do for both children and adults.  After visiting the aquarium, you are within walking distance of Cafe du Monde (also kid friendly) to finish up the day with beignets and cafe au lait.

IMAX Theatre  Next door to the Aquarium is the IMAX Theatre, with a 5 1/2 story screen, digital sound system and a seating arrangement that gives everyone a front row view.   Family pack tickets can be purchased for both the Aquarium and the IMAX.

Audubon Zoo  Nestled amidst Audubon Park, this world class 58 acre zoo features more than 1,800 animals in natural habitats.  A local favorite, the zoo offers year long family memberships at a discount.

Louisiana Children’s Museum  Located in the Arts District, the Children’s Museum is a local favorite.  Hands on activities and play areas make this a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.  A local favorite, the museum offers year long memberships with discounts and access to special events.

New Orleans City Park  1,500 acre park featuring Storyland, a storybook exhibit that I remember from my childhood.  Next to Storyland, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Center offers a historic wooden carousel, miniature train rides, a ferris wheel, kid sized roller coaster and more.

Bayou Segnette State Park  Located on the West Bank of New Orleans, Bayou Segnette is a 500 acre state park for the outdoor enthusiasts.  Cabins are available for overnight stays, or just spend a day.  Picnic spots, shelters, a playground and a boat launch are all on site.

Mardi Gras World  Also located on the West Bank in Algiers, Mardi Gras World offers daily tours for a behind the scenes view of how Mardi Gras floats are built.  Try on costumes and have a photo taken!  Private rooms are available for rent for birthday parties as well.

As you can see, there are plenty of family oriented activities in New Orleans.  This is by no means an all inclusive list…there is so much to see and do.  When planning your next vacation or move, the Big Easy may be just the right destination for you AND your family.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, you deserve professional, local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2007. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Sometimes you just need a little elbow room…

There are many reasons why people are looking for a larger home.

• They have "outgrown" their current home with the addition of children
• Extended families are living together
• Too much stuff and not enough space!

When you are looking for a large home, the West Bank of New Orleans has many options to choose from.  Some are older homes that have been added on to over the years, resulting a larger than average house for the neighborhood.  Some are newer construction homes, built for today’s lifestyle with all of the space needed for entertaining, media rooms and more.

How much does big cost on the West Bank?  You’d be surprised at some of the bargains available.  Keep in mind that some lower priced homes will need updating or renovations to make them the showplaces they have the potential to be.

Big - 3,000 - 4,000 square feet living area

• 122 West Bank homes available for sale
• Priced from $177,350 to $699,000
• Choices from 3 to 6 bedroom homes

Bigger - 4,000-5,000 square feet living area

• 27 West Bank homes available for sale
• Priced from $399,900 to $1,499,000
• Choices from 3 to 8 bedroom homes

Biggest - Over 5,000 square feet living area

• 13 West Bank homes available for sale
• Priced from $460,000 to $3,750,000
• Choices from 4 to 10 bedroom homes

Are you looking for big, bigger or biggest on the West Bank of New Orleans?  You’ve come to the right place!  Contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR® for a complete list of all of the homes for sale that meet YOUR needs.  I would love to help you find the next place you call home.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, you deserve professional, local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2007. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.