A Driving Tour of Algiers Point | New Orleans West Bank Neighborhood

One of my favorite neighborhoods on the West Bank of New Orleans is Algiers Point.  From the historic architecture to the walkable streets to the diverse population, it’s definitely a part of the city of New Orleans.

Take a driving tour with me of the Point and I bet you’ll fall in love as well….

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More information about Algiers Point

 

   

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For information about home buying or selling on the West Bank of New Orleans, or relocating to or from NAS JRB New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to have the opportunity to assist you with any of your real estate needs and have a little fun while doing it!

From The West Coast to the Gulf Coast | Your PCS to NAS JRB New Orleans

A little bird recently put a bug in my ear (yeah, I’m know I’m mixing metaphors or whatever you call them) and told me that there are going to be a good number of military relocations from San Diego to NAS JRB New Orleans in the next couple of months.  If you are amongst those that leaving behind sun, sand and an ocean view, let me welcome you to New Orleans and to the West Bank.

I was recently in San Diego and Newport Beach and I have to say that I was hard pressed to leave.  It’s a stunningly beautiful place and the weather is exceptional – it’s no wonder that real estate is so expensive there.

Moving anywhere new always brings at least a little bit of culture shock…from the different weather to the strange local customs and food.  Although, I have to say that I think you’ll enjoy our seafood a lot more than we enjoyed what they served in California.  No offense, but adding a little seasoning wouldn’t kill anyone there, would it?

Anyway, as you prepare for your move, it’s always a good idea to do a little research about your new city.  Since you’ve probably already heard the stories about Mardi Gras and the French Quarter, it’s up to me to let you know a few things you might not have been told.

• Despite our reputation for debauchery, New Orleans is a kid friendly community with plenty of fun to be had by families.  From the world class zoo and aquarium to the festivals that are held all around the city and in the adjoining parishes, there is always something to do to combat the dreaded “I’m bored….”
• Culture abounds in New Orleans, with an active arts community including the oldest opera association in the United States.
• Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and canoeing are all available in the area when you know where to find them
• The weather in New Orleans is a far cry from what you are used to in San Diego.  While April and October offer some of the most beautiful days in the city, the rest of the months can be a little challenging.
• When compared to southern California, we have very affordable homes.  Before deciding on a housing budget, be sure to check your 2010 BAH Rates.

And, if all else fails, the beach is only a couple of hours away….

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For more information about home buying or selling on the West Bank of New Orleans, or relocating to or from NAS JRB New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team.

It would be our pleasure to have the opportunity to assist you with any of your real estate needs and have a little fun while doing it!

Historic Homes on the West Bank of New Orleans

After Katrina, with the city in turmoil and everyone uncertain about the future, my family seriously considered relocating to another state.  We even started looking for houses in a couple of locations that appealed to us because they were close to family and possible jobs. 

The one thing that stood out to me when house hunting was that most of the homes were pretty much the same from neighborhood to neighborhood.  There seemed to be about a half dozen floor plans that all looked the same from the outside and were all finished the same on the inside.   I mean, really, how many times can you look at the same old, same old and get excited about the thought of putting your roots down there?  I even asked the agent who was helping us “where are the houses that have some character?”

If you are looking for a home that goes beyond the traditional subdivision and isn’t part of the McMansion set that seems to be the rage in new construction, consider expanding your search to a home in one of the historic neighborhoods on the West Bank of New Orleans.

There are certainly pockets of older homes sprinkled across the area, but the biggest concentration of historic housing on the West Bank is in Algiers Point and the City of Gretna.  Homes with beautiful wood floors and original pocket doors.  Homes with fancy trim and brackets and columns framing front porches that are made for sitting and people watching.  Homes that were built with pride by craftsmen, not by a construction crew waiting for the whistle to blow and end the day.

Owning an older home certainly comes with its own challenges.  If you can’t stand the thought of a drafty window or can’t live without a double car detached garage, then you might not be happy with a house that is living, breathing, and needs to be loved and maintained.  If, on the other hand, you swoon over transoms and fireplace mantles and gingerbread trim…a historic property might be just the right place for you to call home.

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Are you relocating to or from the New Orleans area or NAS JRB New Orleans?  The West Bank Living Team would love to assist you with any of your real estate needs.  Different by design, we offer the services of both buyer and seller specialists who are dedicated to representing you and only you during your purchase or sale.  Contact us for more information about homes for sale on the West Bank or for a free, confidential market analysis of your home.

2009 Tax Credit for Move Up Buyers | FAQs and Program Details

There’s been a lot of hoopla about the extension of the first time home buyer’s tax credit into next year.  What many people are glossing over though, is the expansion portion of the credit.  Effective November 7, 20009 a new credit was put into place for existing home owners that choose to purchase a new or resale home, including some special provisions for military personnel.

Here are details on the new credit, courtesy of the National Association of Realtors:

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer’s Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer’s income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009,  single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale.

More Tax Credit Information from the National Association of REALTORS:

The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit

How to Get: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

How to Get: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Timeline

Getting the Credit

How to Get the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit

Applying the Credit to Your 2009 or 2010 Return

Determining Your Credit Amount: Form 5405

Bridge Loans: How to Get the Credit Upfront

NAR Tax Credit Resources

Tax Credit Comparison Chart (PDF: 455K)

Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ (PDF: 596K)

President’s Podcast: Tax Credit Expanded and Extended

 

Please note that I am not a tax professional.  If you need more specific information about how the tax credit can benefit you or how to file for your credit, please contact your personal tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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If you are considering buying a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team and let us tell you how we are different by design, with dedicated buyer and seller agents who work for YOU.  It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs.

Relocating? Consider New Orleans…one of the 15 Coolest North American Cities

What does New Orleans have in common with Washington DC, Chicago, Santa Fe, Denver and others?  It’s been named one of the 15 coolest North American cities by msn.com, and rightfully so.  After all, what other city in the U.S. can rival New Orleans with its rich history, stunning architecture and gourmet dining?

While the typical visitor takes in the sights and sounds of the French Quarter and eats their way through the city until they are ready to pop the buttons off of their pants, residents know that the New Orleans and the surrounding areas have so much more to offer.

Cultural Events.  Did you know that New Orleans is home to the oldest American opera association?  Or that if you’ve heard enough jazz for the day, you can take in a performance by the symphony?  If you prefer a little dancing with your music, the ballet would make a perfect night out as well.

Read more about the many cultural events in New Orleans.

Festivals and fairs.  I don’t think there is a person in the city who doesn’t attend at least one or two festivals a year.  Whether it’s a fundraising event for a local school,  a food festival, or the big daddy of them all, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, your calendar can quickly be filled to overflowing with the large number of events that are scheduled throughout the year.  2009 New Orleans Festival Calendar

Family friendly fun. A common misconception is that New Orleans is not a kid friendly town.  Au contraire!  We have a wide variety of things to do and places to go that are not only family friendly, but designed specifically with the kids in mind.  Family activities in New Orleans

Military specials.  For military personnel being transferred to New Orleans, there are even some extra special on base activities just for you!  One of the most fun is the Welcome Home Troops Parties that are held at NAS JRB New Orleans on a regular basis.  The parties will continue until every single serviceperson returns home.

This is just the tip of the iceberg!  It’s no wonder that New Orleans was honored as a cool city…and that’s why I’m still proud to call it home.

Relocating to New Orleans? The West Bank Living team would be thrilled to help you find the right place to call home.

Copyright 2009.  West Bank Living.  All rights reserved.

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