Category Archives: For Sellers

Changes Coming to Flood Maps for the West Bank

CCC Bridge to the West Bank of New Orleans

When people move to the New Orleans area, flood zones are a huge part of why they choose to buy homes in certain areas. FEMA is currently in the process of updating the flood maps for the West Bank. Proposed changes in Orleans Parish Proposed changes in Jefferson Parish Proposed changed in Plaquemines Parish There…

But That Other Agent Said We Could Get More For Our House

How will you choose your REALTOR?

When getting ready to sell, one of the best things that a home owner can do is interview several agents (unless you’ve already worked with someone in the past that you have faith in). There are lots of ways to decide which agent to choose, but most people go with the agent that gives them…

How Safe Are Those Contractor Lockboxes?

Home security when selling

This past week, Terri was speaking to a home buyer that had been working with another agent. During the course of the conversation about which houses could be shown at what time, the buyer let slip that his last agent would just give him the code to the contractor lockboxes that are often found on…

Simple Kitchen Updates Before Selling Your Home

After: Recessed and pendant lights, a neutral wall color and a more modern look for the cabinets

It’s easy for me to walk into a home that someone wants to sell and put together a list of improvements that need to be made. But, like the cobbler’s children with no shoes, I typically put off making changes to my own house. I’m not selling, but I was inspired by a recent client’s…

Home Seller FAQ: Can We Counter More Than One Offer?

Selling your West Bank home

There are few home sellers lucky enough to be in the position of entertaining multiple offers on their West Bank home at one time. When it happens, we are often asked if they can make a counter offer to everyone in the hopes of getting the best possible price. The short answer? No. Why not…

Tall Timbers, New Orleans LA | 2012 Market Report

Tall Timbers, Algiers LA

A past client called this week and wanted to know about the market in Tall Timbers in Algiers. Rather than keep it all a secret, let’s take a look at home sales in this West Bank subdivision. What’s for sale? As of today, there are 17 homes for sale in Tall Timbers. The most expensive…

When Your Stuff Overshadows Your House

Too much stuff can be hazardous to your home sale

We all have “stuff”. But when your house is for sale, it’s not just a good idea to de-clutter, but to take stock of what might turn off some buyers when they take a tour. What should you remove when selling your West Bank home? Nude art Even if you had Michelangelo’s David in your…

It Smells Like Old People

Selling your home means getting rid of odors too

Real estate agents can be brutal in their assessment of homes for sale.  There’s no better way for your agent to find out what others think of your listing (or its competition) than to hang out at a broker’s open house and keep their ears open. While out touring new West Bank listings today, I…

Don’t Let Curtains Kill Your Home Sale

Will a cotton panel prove to be your undoing?

Over the years, some of the most contentious disagreements I’ve witnessed between home buyers and sellers have been over curtains.  Or blinds.  Or valences.  Or whatever other window covering might be in a house.   Here’s what the Louisiana purchase agreement says is included in a sale.  It’s the not the entire paragraph, but notice…

Is Real Estate Your Agent’s Real Job?

New Orleans real estate is not a part time gig

Recently, I had the chance to talk to a local buyer’s agent.  As we were chatting about a listing, he said that he had to get off of the phone because he was “at his job”. HINT:  It wasn’t real estate. This is not meant to be a slam on part time agents.  There are…