Welcoming the Troops Home to NAS JRB New Orleans
July 27, 2008 by Lisa Heindel
Filed under Around Town, Blog, Family Fun, For Military
I was lucky enough to attend the Welcome Home Troops party this past Friday at the NAS JRB New Orleans base. The celebration was held to honor all of the troops who have come and gone from the base for the past year and all of the stops were pulled out.
There were inflatables for the kids to play on, a rock climbing wall for everyone and some deliciously cold sno-balls…then there were the clowns and the visits from Dora, Diego and the mascots from both the Hornets and the Zephyrs were on hand as well.
A line of tents were set up with activities for the kids, including cookie decorating and face painting.
Our Last Hope is the name of the new band formed by members of the on base Teen Center and they kicked things off with 4 songs. What a great job, especially since they have only been together for about a month!
After Our Last Hope was finished performing, local band Chicken on the Bone took the stage, which was located in an airplane hanger, to rock out…
After their performance, the band donated a special bass guitar to the MWR guys who were responsible for coordinating the entire event.
The lovely ladies from the NAS JRB Credit Union had a booth set up with information for the troops and they were also the sponsors of the fireworks that closed out the evening.
While the patriotic tunes were playing, the explosions of color across the sky were just awesome.
Thank you to the MWR staff for inviting us to attend and allowing me to have a chance to meet so many of the troops that are serving our country. Thank you all for all that you do.
The Season is Upon Us
May 28, 2008 by lisa
Filed under Blog, Lagniappe, Relocations
This Sunday is the official start of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, which means that all of the 
talking head newscasters will be predicting doom and gloom for the entire Gulf Coast region until November. There will be footage from Katrina played over and over again and "experts" will give their opinions on how active they think the storm season will be. Since they are rarely correct, I can’t figure out how they get this gig year after year.
Most of us now have those plastic tubs filled with all of the things we would want to bring with us in the event of an evacuation of the city. Family photos, marriage licenses, school records. Maybe even a pre-paid credit card or some cash stashed away (you do remember that ATMs don’t work when there is no power, right?). One of my clients has what she calls her Hurricane Book. It’s a binder she compiled with all of the information she needs in an emergency such as:
- Phone numbers of hotels in every direction from the city including those that are pet friendly
- Evacuation routes and contra-flow maps
- Hurricane tracking maps
- Copies of insurance policies
- A list of all creditors, account numbers and phone numbers
- Veterinary records for her dogs
If an evacuation is called, she can grab her binder, book a hotel and be out of here before I’ve even remembered where I put my plastic tub. It’s a great idea that she assured me I could borrow and share.
The bottom line is preparedness. I don’t need to reinvent the wheel, so here are some sites with information on preparing for a storm:
- What to put in your disaster supply kit
- How to secure your home
- National Flood Insurance Information
Do you have a creative idea for storm preparation or evacuation plans? Feel free to share it in a comment!
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Here’s the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
Does Your Agent Have a Client Bill of Rights?
May 3, 2008 by lisa
Filed under Blog, For Buyers, For Military, For Sellers, Real Estate FAQ, Real Estate Talk, Relocations
Today required a trip to the urgent care center for my 12 year old son. He has a small abscess on the corner of his mouth that started out looking like a pimple. Nothing worth an emergency room visit, but he was uncomfortable enough to need to see a doctor. When you are 12 and you can’t eat pizza, it’s time to go to the doctor.
As we were waiting in the exam room to see the physician, I noticed a Patient Bill of Rights posted on the wall, outlining the center’s goals for how all patients are to be treated. I have to say that I was impressed by it, and started thinking…do my clients realize that they have something similar when they work with me?
Since I’ve never put it in writing, they probably don’t!
So, with credit to the Gulf Coast Urgent Care Center (thanks Dr. Thompson) for inspiration and the headlines, here is my
West Bank Real Estate Client Bill of Rights.
Information Disclosure 
You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about buying or selling a home. If you do not understand something, assistance will be provided to you so you can make an informed decision. Communication is critical in real estate transactions. Your REALTOR® must be able to explain the terms of contracts to you, whether it is a listing agreement or a purchase agreement.
Choice of Providers and Plans
You have the right to receive your own professional real estate representation - you don’t have to call the name on the sign. You also have the right to negotiate any commission paid to your chosen professional.
Access to Emergency Timely Services
Most real estate “emergencies” can be easily remedied and are not cause for panic. But, everyone wants to know (and quickly) that there is a cure for what ails them. When you are working with a REALTOR®, you have the right to expect a timely response to all of your real estate needs, including returned phone calls, emails and other communications.
Participation in Treatment Real Estate Decisions
You have the right to know all of your real estate options and to participate in decisions about your choices. Your REALTOR® is your partner in the home buying or selling process, but you are in the driver’s seat.
As a seller, you have the ultimate say so in choosing to accept, counter or decline any offers received on your property - your REALTOR® is there to educate you about the market and assist you in making the right decision that meets your needs.
As a buyer, it is your call as to which neighborhoods you want to view homes in and what property you would like to purchase. It is your REALTORS® job to educate you about the market and how the buying process works. Additionally, buyers have the right to choose their own providers for financing, home inspections and closings.
Respect and Nondiscrimination 
You have the right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your real estate professional. Fair Housing Laws apply to all real estate practitioners, whether they are a member of the National Association of REALTORS® or not. Fair Housing is an important issue, but, in my opinion, if your REALTOR® does not treat you with consideration and respect it’s time to find a new one!
Confidentiality of Health Financial Information
You have the right to talk in confidence with your real estate professional and to have your information protected. One of the most important duties that a REALTOR® has to a client is a fiduciary duty - this includes loyalty, obedience to lawful instructions, disclosure, confidentiality, reasonable care and diligence and accounting of all funds entrusted to them.
You have a right to copies of all information in your real estate file. Your REALTOR® is required to provide you with copies of all documents you have signed.
Complaints and Appeals
You have the right to a fair and objective review of any complaints you may have against your real estate professional. If you are unable to work your issues out with your REALTOR®, these complaints can be addressed to the managing broker or to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.
Related Reading:
5 Steps to Choosing Your New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Agent
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
Don’t Just Call The Name on the Sign
April 30, 2008 by lisa
Filed under Blog, For Buyers, For Military, Real Estate Talk, Relocations
With several listings on the West Bank of New Orleans, I get a lot of phone calls from potential buyers looking for information. They are driving around a neighborhood, see a sign, grab the cell phone and call from right in front of the house.
What’s wrong with this? Too many times, when I ask if they are working with an agent, the response is “No, I’m just calling the names on the signs of houses I like”.
Let me get this right…what you are doing is driving aimlessly (wow - have you seen gas prices lately?) and contacting a bunch of different agents who are all working for the seller? OK, let me explain to you why this plan is not in your best interest and show you a better way to find your new home.
When an owner decides to sell their home, they generally interview different agents and choose the one that they feel will work the hardest for them to get their house sold. They sign a contract with the agent that outlines what the marketing plan will be and what the commission fee will be. The agent is contracted to represent the seller in the sale of their home. The home owner is paying for the services of that agent, who has a legal and ethical responsibility to get them the highest and best price for their home. I know - this is exactly what I do for MY clients when I list their home for sale.
Now, you are cruising down the street and see that bright and shiny FOR SALE sign in front of a home that you just know would be the perfect one for you. It’s fabulous, it’s terrific, it’s the one - you’ve just got to get in and see it right away. Who do you call? The name on the sign or a REALTOR® who is working for YOU, looking out for YOUR best interests?
In Louisiana, the cost of a buyer’s agent is paid entirely by the seller - it doesn’t cost you a single penny to use a professional to help you buy a home. It is legal for an agent to represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. BUT, in my opinion, this is a fine line to walk. Giving both the buyer and seller confidentiality and superior service is very difficult (if not impossible) for most people to do and relationships are bound to be affected, even if it’s not intentional.
Why not take advantage of the services of a professional West Bank REALTOR® to provide your own representation? Many home buyers don’t realize that they can interview and choose a REALTOR® just like home sellers do. Read: 5 Steps to Choosing Your New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Agent.
When you are ready to stop surfing the internet for homes and want to sit down and discuss finding your dream home, give me a call and we can talk about how I can make buying the right West Bank home easier for you.
Related Reading:
5 Steps to Buying Your New Orleans West Bank Home
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
5 Steps to Buying Your New Orleans West Bank Home
April 29, 2008 by lisa
Filed under Blog, For Buyers, For Military, Real Estate Talk, Relocations
Are you still paying that high rent in a post-Katrina market? Or perhaps you relocated and are ready to return and call the New Orleans West Bank home again. Instead of surfing the internet and dreaming about being a home owner, why not take these 5 easy steps to make it a reality rather than a dream?
Prequalification
First things first….and getting prequalified for a mortgage is the first and most important step in the 
home buying process. Today’s sellers are not willing to take their homes off of the market for a buyer who has not taken the time to be qualified for a mortgage!
When you are serious about buying a home, it’s important to sit down and meet with a mortgage professional who will take the time to understand your budget and work with you to find the best loan product to suit your needs since there may be special programs that can assist with your closing costs or that require a smaller down payment. Your lender will require you to provide documentation such as your tax returns, paycheck stubs and bank statements and being prepared to provide all of this information makes the approval process much quicker.
REMEMBER: Most of the 100% financing programs are a thing of the past. Plan on at least a 3% down payment for any home you decide to purchase. For a $150,000 home, this works out to a $4,500 down payment. Additionally, you will need funds to pay for (at minimum) a home inspection ($250-$350) and a termite inspection ($85-$100). Additional inspections may be suggested dependant upon the home you choose.
Mortgage Qualification Calculator
Wants and Needs
Once you have been pre-qualified, it’s time to decide what is most important to you in your new home. Is it a particular neighborhood or school district? A certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms? A garage? Make a list of the must haves and the nice to haves and try to remain flexible. You don’t want to pass on a great house because it’s missing one of your nice to haves but meets all of your other needs. The articles below may help you narrow your focus.
How to choose a Neighborhood for Your Home Search
Choose a REALTOR®
Home buyers don’t pay a penny to be represented by a professional West Bank REALTOR®! There is no need to go it alone when you can have an advocate on your side, looking out for your best interests during the home buying process. Since this is more than likely the largest investment you will ever make, doesn’t it make sense to have a professional guide you?
5 Steps to Choosing Your New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Agent
Find a Home
This is where the fun starts! Visiting available homes and choosing the right one for you or your family should be fun - keep it that way… If you visit a home that is not quite right, that’s OK. Move on to the next home on your list. As an agent, I learn more and more about my clients tastes, wants and needs each time we see a home, whether they love it or hate it. 
Although it’s tempting to want to see everything at once, limit your showings to about 5 homes a day. More than this can be overwhelming and the homes will start to run together and become confusing. Was the great closet in this house or that one? Which one had the big backyard? Taking notes during the showings can also be a great way to keep them all straight.
I usually ask buyers to rate each home as we go along to narrow down the list. Did you like house #2 more or less than house #1, and so on as we work our way through each. This helps keep you focused on your favorites and makes choosing so much easier!
10 Steps to House Hunting with a Critical Eye
Negotiate an Offer
This step in the process is where the assistance of a professional is invaluable. Before you decide what to offer on a home, review the neighborhood comparables to learn about recent sales of homes similar to your choice. This will provide a guideline for what you can expect to pay. Remember, each home is unique - some sellers are willing to negotiate more than others and working with a professional West Bank REALTOR® who knows the area can arm you with the right information to get that offer accepted!
Your Offer’s Been Accepted - Now What?
When you are ready to stop dreaming and make owning a home on the West Bank of New Orleans a reality, contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®. A specialist in West Bank real estate, I’d be happy to help you find the perfect place to call home!
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
