Category Archives: Baton Rouge Real Estate News

The Most Desired Home Size

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

The “small home” craze continues as buyers say they find less square footage more desirable. Nearly half of Americans say their ideal home size would range from 1,000-1,999 square feet, according to a recent survey by Relocation.com of nearly 1,500 home owners and buyers.

Just five years ago, the National Association of Home Builders reported the average home size to be 2,400 square feet — that’s 400 square feet larger than what buyers say they now want.

So what’s to happen to all the McMansions out there from just a few years ago when big homes were in their heyday?

Naturally, you would assume that the cost of home ownership has gotten buyers thinking smaller. But according to this survey, when asked whether cost was a main deciding factor in choosing a home, most respondents said it wasn’t very important. In fact, only 29 percent of survey respondents said that living costs was the most important reason when considering a move.

So why have buyers gotten so practical with their home buying decisions?

“As home owners rethink how much space they need, I think we’ll continue to see more innovative approaches to living well and sustainably within a smaller footprint,” said Sharon Asher, Relocation.com chairperson and founder, in a public statement about the survey results.

Other notable findings among the survey results:

  • Sububia reigns: The Relocation.com survey also found that 54 percent of Americans continue to find a home in the suburbs the most desirable. They want to live near the city but prefer the peace and quiet of the suburbs. Urban and rural neighborhoods were only preferred by 24 percent and 22 percent, respectively.
  • Main priorities in selecting a home: Neighborhood safety was an important factor in choosing a home. Buyers judged neighborhood safety by the upkeep of homes and front lawns in the neighborhood, word of mouth reputation, and local crime reports and statistics. Besides neighborhood safety, respondents also ranked proximity to decent shopping and having a large backyard as important factors in selecting a home.
  • Most sought-after features: Survey respondents said the most desirable features of a new residence are central air conditioning (87 percent); custom, walk-in closets (50 percent); and “top of the line” dishwasher and/or refrigerator (43 percent).
  • Least sought-after features: The least desirable home features were custom window coverings, followed by an in-ground pool or spa.

10 Things You May Not Know About Mistletoe

Probably a holiday staple in your home during the holidays. Here’s some fun facts about what it really is you’ve been kissing under.

1. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, commonly found on Oak Trees. Often found growing on top of another mistletoe, it takes over five years to flower once it begins growing.

2. Perhaps it’s kept up high for more than just kissing purposes: mistletoe can be extremely hazardous to children and pets when ingested, so be sure to keep it out of reach.

3. Ancient Druids believed mistletoe could scare off evil spirits and keep the threat of witchcraft at bay. After sacrificing two white bulls, Druid priests would cut the plant with a golden knife and use it to make medicines and “life-saving” elixirs.

4. In Medieval England, women would strap mistletoe around their waists to promote fertility.

5. Scandinavian Norseman refused to fight battles if mistletoe was present and revered it so highly, they would call a truce until the following morning.

6. The sticky juice from mistletoe berries was once used as an adhesive to catch small animals and birds.

7. It is sometimes believed that if a woman burns a sprig of mistletoe, she can predict her relationship status for the next year. If it progressively burns, then the woman will have a healthy marriage. If the flame continuously flickers, she will be single for another year.

8. It is believed that the myth of kissing underneath the plant came from Frigga, the Norse Goddess of love. When her son Baldour was born, Frigga made every plant and animal promise not to harm him – forgetting about the mistletoe. When the evil deity Loki shot and killed Baldour with a mistletoe dart, her mourning caused the other Norse Gods to take pity on her and bring Baldour back to life. Frigga declared the plant would always be known to bring love into the world, and not death.

9. The proper ritual of mistletoe is that the kisser at the party must pluck one berry each time he/she steals a kiss under the plant. Once the berries are gone, the privilege ceases.

10. In 2001, Suzanne Somers caused a small media frenzy when she rejected chemotherapy for Iscador, a mistletoe extract, causing many doctors to publicly fight against advocating this homeopathic remedy.

How to Cook Your Thanksgiving Turkey (Safely)

By Fiona Haynes, About.com Guide

How to Cook Turkey
If you get nervous at the very thought of cooking a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are many resources available so we can prepare our feasts without fear of giving Auntie May food poisoning, or bringing a burnt offering to the table. So long as you follow basic food-safety rules, monitor the turkey while it’s cooking and have a timetable for preparing the rest of the meal, chances are your Turkey Day will go off without a hitch. Here are some helpful tips on how to handle your turkey:

Thawing a Frozen Turkey
If you are buying a frozen turkey, allow plenty of time for it to defrost. You can defrost the turkey in the refrigerator or in cold water. Never defrost a turkey at room temperature.

* Defrosting the bird in the refrigerator is the safest method, and also requires the least maintenance. Leave the turkey in its original wrapping and place it in a baking pan, breast side up. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every five pounds of turkey.

* If you choose to use the cold water method, put the turkey, still in its original wrapping, in a large sealed bag to prevent contamination. Place the turkey in a basin or bath and cover with cold water. Change the water completely every 30 minutes. You should allow 30 minutes of thawing per pound. Undoubtedly this is a faster (though labor-intensive) method, but there is a risk of bacterial growth near the surface of the bird as the interior continues to thaw. Once thawed this way, the turkey should be cooked immediately.

Handling a Raw Turkey
Make sure you use a separate cutting board and utensils for the turkey to avoid contaminating other foods. Be sure to wash your hands with hot, soapy water before touching anything else in the kitchen. Wash the cutting boards and utensils used for the turkey as soon as you are done with them. Use paper towels instead of cloths for clean up wherever possible.

Stuffing the Turkey
If you choose to stuff the turkey rather than cook it separately, stuff the bird just before it goes into the oven. Be sure to remove the giblets and rinse the turkey in and out with cold water first. Place the stuffing loosely into the turkey’s cavity. Remember, you will need to allow a longer cooking time if the bird is stuffed.

Cooking the Turkey
People have different ideas about how to cook a turkey. So long as you roast the bird at a minimum of 325 degrees until the thickest part of the inner thigh registers 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, you will be fine. The breast meat should register 170 degrees, and if the bird is stuffed, the stuffing must reach 165 degrees. See below for approximate cooking times.

Out of the Oven
Once out of the oven, allow the turkey to rest for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to settle. The temperature of the bird will continue to rise. After carving the turkey, allow leftovers to cool slightly (but no more than an hour), then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Store leftover stuffing separately. Use within three days.

Appraisals 101: What’s in an Appraisal

An appraisal is a dense multi-paged, document; usually on a form acceptable to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae (their endorsement(s) are on the bottom of the page.) The appraisal is around 13 legal size pages, but the last five pages are boilerplate in which the appraiser certifies his methods, and outlines the limiting conditions of the appraisal. Only the first two pages of an appraisal contain really relevant information although subsequent pages have pictures and maps that augment the text.

The first section of the appraisal identifies the “Subject” both actually and legally: street address, lot or plot, section, subdivision, type (Fee Simple, condo, PUD), and other identifying information such as census tract, and map reference. The appraiser also gives the most recent property tax amount and any special assessments levied by the town or the parish. If a purchase rather than a refinance is involved, there are also a few details of the pending sale.

Section two describes the neighborhood, its boundaries, and general amenities and does the same for the municipality or parish. This is a free-style description and the appraiser may note local economic factors such as major employers, describe the climate, or local attractions such as beaches, state parks, or recreation opportunities. Appraisers probably recycle this prose every time they produce a report in a given area.

Section four contains a description of the site – lot size, topography, shape, landscaping, availability of utilities and amenities such as street lights, paved streets, sidewalks, whether the property is located in a flood zone, and any apparent easements. An appraiser should not be expected to examine the title for easements – he is only reporting on apparent ones such as indicated by light poles or telephone equipment on the property, nor should an appraisal be relied on for flood zone status.

Next are home improvements – that is the house itself. The subject house in our example is described as a 1 unit, 1 story, detached single-family ranch, 38 years old with an effective age of (i.e. has been maintained so as to appear) 20 years old. The house has a slab foundation, brick and vinyl exterior, a composite shingle roof, no basement. The appraiser noted no dampness, unusual settlement, or pest infestation. The form is set up so as to list the rooms and the total square footage on each level of a house – basement, level 1, and level 2, etc. Since this is a one story home, the appraiser noted a living and dining room, three bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen, a total of 1845 sq. ft on level 1. Porches, patios, garages, or any outbuildings are not relevant to this section.

The appraiser is expected to note such interior features as floor coverings, walls (sheetrock, paneling, plaster), bathroom walls and floors (vinyl, ceramic tile), doors (solid or hollow core?), heating and air conditioning (existence and fuel source), kitchen appliances, insulation, existence of and access to an attic, car storage (attached, detached, garage, carport?) and amenities such as fences, porches, swimming pool, deck, and fireplaces, and to evaluate their appearance or condition. The words “average” and “typical” are appraisers’ best friends. Do not expect anything creative or lyrical here.

In the final section of Page 1, the appraiser describes “additional features,” notes the condition of the improvements and any adverse environmental conditions such as hazardous waste.

If you would like a referral for an appraiser in your area give us a call at 225-368-3237 or email us at sold@artofhomeselling.com.

Appraisals 101 – BPOs, Broker’s Price Opinions

A BPO or broker’s price opinion is commissioned by a bank (often because of a pending foreclosure) or an attorney handling a divorce or an estate. These are used in situations where the agent may be unable to access the interior of the house and must rely on a drive-by and information on comparable home sales from the public record. In presenting both CMAs and BPOs, agents are using their experience and instinct rather than any formal training in valuing property.

Appraisers, on the other hand, are formally trained and either licensed or certified by their state. Most will certify that they prepared their work in conformity with the requirements of the Code of Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Institute.

Appraisals 101 – CMAs, Comparative Market Analysis

Appraisals are often confused with two other types of less formal home evaluations, CMAs and BPOs. When an owner prepares to sell a home he usually requests a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from one or more real estate agents. Agents look at comparable homes in the neighborhood that are on the market or have recently sold and use these “comps” to come up with a suggested listing price. There are no rules for CMAs and every agent has her own approach. Some are verbal, straight out of the agent’s mental data bank; others are quite elaborate, with information on a number of properties, pictures and detailed descriptions based on the agent’s actual inspection of the properties while they were on the market. A CMA is a background to or justification of a suggested price and is, in no way, an appraisal. Sometimes an agent will even “cherry pick” comps to back up her predetermined listing price.

If you would like a CMA for you home give us a call at 225-368-3237 or send us an email at sold@artofhomeselling.com by clicking here.

Appraisal 101 – 4 Part Series on Appraisals and What is Inside Them

Appraisal is probably a word that was brought up when you were buying your home or refinancing. You dug into your pocket and paid $300 or $400 but you probably have never seen your home appraisal. You paid for it, you own it, you have a right to a copy of your home appraisal, but to get a copy, a homeowner usually must request it from the mortgage company – in writing. Between the goings on of day to day life, someone is not likely to place a written appraisal request high on their priority list.

Most homeowners really don’t care about the appraisal. As long as the conclusion was the house was worth enough to justify the mortgage, homeowners are happy and, by the time the ink is dry on the closing documents, have forgotten they were ever required to spend the money.

Still, an appraisal is interesting and, in the future, might help you track your home appreciation in light of other sales in your neighborhood. Make the effort, you can probably request a copy by email, read it, then save it for future reference.

In the next week we will cover the basics of appraisals such as what goes into a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), what is a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO), and how an appraiser estimates your home’s value. Stay tuned! And for more information on appraisals or to get a referral for an appraiser in your area give us a call at 225-368-3237

15 Best Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

Reposted from freshome

The value that you have in your home is the single most important reason why you own instead of rent a home. In the this recent economy of falling house values and unstable housing market statistics, every home owner should know how to put more value back into their homes. Although making home improvements is not a sure-fire way to increase the value, it will at the very least make you more competitive against your competition.  Use these tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the rewards when it is time to sell your home.

1.) Update kitchen appliances: The most sought after room in your home is the kitchen. It is worth the most per square foot and will make the difference of your home appealing to buyers or not.  If your appliances are more than 3-5 years old consider updating them to the comfortability of your wallet. A newer model, a more designer finish, or more features will help home buyers take a second glance at your kitchen.  For top of the line appliances consider stainless steel and professional series lines.

2.) Kitchen cabinetry makes the look: When you walk into a kitchen the first thing you notice is the cabinets. Cabinetry is at the top of the percentage of kitchen costs, but also shows the most return.  Opt for wood over laminate surfaces and add custom features like crown molding, wine racks, glazing, and custom woodworking to set your kitchen apart from your competition. Reface cabinets and add door and drawer hardware for less expensive updating.

3.) Add value by upgrading your countertops: Any room you have countertops – kitchen, bathroom, bars, or utility rooms the more money you can spend into a higher end countertop the better. Plastic laminate countertops are considered the lower end grade, solid surfacing, concrete and granite is considered to be the higher end grade. Consider overlay countertops that are made from composite granite/resin combination for the look of granite at a fraction of the cost.

4.) Flooring is a forgotten upgrade: The rule of thumb for flooring is the more resilient and long lasting, the higher the upgrade is, but the higher return is on investment (ROI). Vinyl flooring and low end carpet is at the bottom of the upgrade spectrum.  Consider wood, tile, and natural stone for flooring options to add value to your home.

5.) Upgrade plumbing fixtures in kitchen and bathrooms: If your plumbing fixtures are more than 10 years old, consider upgrading them. If you have standard grade fixtures, such as chrome finish, opt for higher end finishes and materials. Brushed nickel, antique copper and brass fixtures are relatively inexpensive to replace.  At kitchen sinks choose plumbing fixture collections that offer matching faucet, control, and sink sprayer.  Similarly in bathrooms, choose bathtub/shower/and sink controls that coordinate for a unified look throughout your home.

6.) Master bedrooms should feel like a retreat: The master bedroom or suite as some like to refer to it is a high commodity for home buyers.  Upgrade flat ceilings to raised tray ceilings and allow for several lighting options.  Recessed lighting with dimmers, lighting wall sconces help create an ambiance that has a high value in appeal and for the value of your home.

7.) Upgrade master bathroom with spa-like features: Part of the master bedroom is the master bathroom.  Buyers want to have spa features from the shower to the over-sized garden tub.  Similarly to the kitchen, put upgrades where you can most afford it.  Upgraded tiled floors and showers will add value over pre manufactured units.  Jetted soaking tubs, multisprayer showers and large square footage will also add value to your overall home.

8.) State of art audio and sound: Consider adding surround sound systems in your living areas as well as master bedroom area for a notch above your competition.  If you are selling electronics with your home, plasma and flat screen televisions are a plus and media rooms are now becoming well sought after. Add seating areas for multiple screen viewing and add theater sound if considering a media room. These upgrades will be an amenity that adds value and buyer appeal.

9.) Eco-friendly homes bring in a higher value: In this green modern age, eco conscious upgrades have a big return on investment. From water saving plumbing fixtures to tankless hot water heaters, investing in the earth can add value to your home.  Choose rapidly renewable resources for finishes like bamboo flooring and opt for systems that save on energy costs.  Regardless of the method, green living upgrades are always worth the investment.

10.) A fully usable garage is an asset: A garage can add usable storage space for the home buyer as well as dry, clean area for parking cars. All homes don’t have garages and therefore can add value on to your home. If your home is on the market, spend time cleaning and organizing your garage so it can be shown.  Install garage wall or ceiling organizing shelves to fully take advantage of vertical storage and space.

11.) Invest in curb appeal: To be able to meet the demands of the average home buyer you will need to create curb appeal. A well manicured lawn, trimmed landscaping and clean drive and sidewalks will help bring greater buyer appeal, and in turn will add value on to your home.  Keep your flower beds free of weeds and full of thriving and colorful plants.  Nothing says ‘buy me’ like a front yard that has quality upkeep behind it.

12.) Have fully functioning irrigation system: The more ways you can add convenience of time and energy to a home buyer, the greater appeal is created for your home.  An irrigation system that works properly and covers the full yard can add value.  Consider having a maintenance check by an irrigation professional that can service and recommend the proper maintenance of your irrigation system.

13.) The more closets the better: At the top of buyers’ lists is always storage.  The more you can provide the more value you add on to your home price.  Make sure closets are fully functioning and are not being used to hold so many belongings that a home buyer can’t see how much space the closet offers.  When choosing how to upgrade your home, storage is one of the easiest and often overlooked suggestions.

14.) A quality roof is a plus: The roof of your home protects and beautifies the structure beneath.  A quality roof will add value to your home and reduce the risk of damage in the near future.  For roofs older than 15 years, consider having a roofer inspect and possibly replace. Upgrade from asphalt shingles to clay tiles, copper, slate or standing metal seam to add durability and value.

15.) Windows are for more than viewing: Your windows are the source for your light, but also the source for conditioned air gain and loss.  Upgrade to windows with higher R values to resist heat and cold transfer from the outdoors. Double paned windows, windows with integral window treatments and insulated varieties all equate to saving energy and therefore will add more value to your home.

Spend the money now to invest in your home.  The value that you create now will increase in time. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, you will enjoy the upgrades that are made and in turn will add value to your own life.  Use these 15 tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the process.

TGIF – Weekend Activities for Baton Rouge

This week is round two of our TGIF Weekend Activities posts. Baton Rouge’s beautiful fall weather is holding steady so let’s get out and enjoy it! Here are some events going on this weekend:

LSU vs McNeese @ LSU – tickets required for the game (free to tailgate), Saturday Oct. 16., 7 PM
Whether you have tickets to the game or you just plan on tailgating with some friends, the place to be this Saturday is under the Oak trees at LSU. Kids will love sliding down the Indian Mounds or stopping by Mike the Tiger’s cage to catch a glimpse of him splashing in his pool. Parking and traffic may be a little hectic, so make sure to get out early to avoid the rush.

Oak Alley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival @ Oak Alley Plantation – $5 ($2 for kids 12 and under) Saturday Oct. 16., 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday Oct. 17 9 AM-4 PM
More than 160 artists and craft vendors from throughout the country will be on hand featuring original and handmade creations such as jewelry, furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings and prints, pottery, wooden crafts, toys and much more! Bring the kids out for pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting as well as Bungy jumpin’! Click the link for directions and more information.

Sundays in the Park w/ Tizer featuring Karen Briggs @ The Shaw Center Downtown – free, Sunday Oct. 17, noon – 3 PM
Sundays in the Park is a great event put on at the Shaw Center Downtown. The free event features music from local artists and cuisine from the city’s finest. It may be a little chilly to play in the fountains but it still guarantees a good time for all ages.

And as always, nothing is better than looking at homes for sale when the sun is shining. Give us a call to set up an appointment! 225-368-3237

Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide

Certain home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. These maintenance tasks are most important for the South in fall and winter.

Fall and winter conditions in the South vary dramatically from the northern part of the region to the southern coastline. But basic maintenance tips apply no matter where you live.

Key maintenance tasks to perform

• Get your heating system in order. Heating systems in the South vary—there are generally more gas furnaces in the northern areas, and more electric heat pump systems toward the coastal South. Programmable thermostats are important for both kinds of heating systems, as they can help save around $180 a year on your energy bills.

If you have a heat pump, make sure you install a programmable thermostat especially designed for heat pumps, says home inspector Bill Loden of Insight Home Inspection in Madison, Ala. Programmable thermostats for heat pumps are specially designed to keep these systems working at peak efficiency.

Schedule your fall HVAC checkup promptly; you can expect to pay $50 to $100 for a heating tune-up. Make sure your HVAC professional checks all electrical connections, lubricates any moving parts if necessary, and inspects the condensate drain and trap. If you have a gas furnace, make sure he also checks gas connections and pressure, burner combustion, and the heat exchanger.

Inspect your furnace filters monthly and change them whenever they are dirty. Inspect floor grates and return ducts regularly and clean them out with a vacuum cleaner brush.

• Clean your gutters. In the South, you’re less likely to have ice form in your gutters than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, debris in your gutters can easily divert water onto the roof or siding, setting the stage for mold and rot and dramatically shortening the lifespan of shingles and paint. Inspect and clean your gutters in the late fall after leaves have dropped.

• Put away lawn and garden equipment. Pick up anything in the yard that could be damaged by cold or snow, such as garden tools, hoses and nozzles, and patio furniture and accessories. Run your lawn mower until it’s out of gas, if possible; if you leave gas in the tank over the winter, it can degrade and lose some of its combustion ability. Worse, gas can react with the air in the tank and oxidize, forming deposits that affect the machine’s performance; worse still, moisture can condense inside the tank and cause rust that blocks the fuel lines.

If you know you’re going to leave gas in the tank over the winter, add a stabilizer to the last gallon of gas you put in (mix it in the gas can, not the mower tank, so that you get the mixing ratio correct).

• Trim back vegetation. In some areas of the South plants grow year-round, so it’s important to keep an eye on whether they’re encroaching on the roof and walls. Trim trees so that branches don’t hang over the roof, and keep heavy, dense growth away from siding. A good rule of thumb is to trim back bushes and shrubs so that there’s enough room to walk easily between plantings and your house.

• Pick up a paintbrush. Fall is a great time to paint your house’s exterior if necessary, sealing all surfaces before winter’s moisture has a chance to do damage. It’s possible to touch up small areas only, but note two things: 1) odds are you’ll end up with a slightly different color than the rest of the house, so don’t do it in a prominent spot; and 2) if you have a small area that’s consistently peeling or losing paint, you likely have a moisture issue that needs to be addressed first. Look for signs of leaky gutters, crumbling caulk, and loose siding that can trap moisture underneath.

• Check weatherstripping and caulk. Open all your exterior doors and check the weatherstripping; if yours is crumbly or has gaps, replace it. Remove the old weatherstripping with a utility knife and clean the surface with household cleaner, getting as much of the old debris and adhesive off as possible. When the surface is dry, apply peel-and-stick foam weatherstripping. Start at the top of the door frame and work your way down, being careful not to stretch the foam strip, which can weaken the adhesive.

Inspect windows and doors for any gaps between the trim and the exterior siding that allow air to penetrate from the outside; these gaps should be caulked. Be sure to scrape out any crumbling old caulk or paint — applying new caulk over old is fine, but first get rid of loose chunks and remove any grit with household cleaner.

Spending a few hours here and there on home maintenance tasks helps you spot developing problems quickly and prevent costly repairs.