Category Archives: Baton Rouge Real Estate News

Social Media and Real Estate – Part 1

Social media has become a way of life in our country over the past decade. With more and more people using sites like Facebook, and applications like Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, Laptop having a presence on social media is almost an absolute must. But what is social media? We hear that term a lot, especially on the news and in public places. Social media is those websites and applications that give users the opportunity to create and share content for the sole purpose of social networking, or communicating with others. Social media allows people and communities to connect in ways they were unable to in the past, paving the way for new or renewed connections.

While many think social media is only an option for those looking to share family photos or cat videos, social media has opened the door to new marketing opportunities, especially when it comes to real estate. Whether a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, social media is an excellent tool to get the word out about properties, and should you be considering a real estate search soon, don’t forget to look to social media for more ways to market your property or find your dream home.

With all the social media sites that abound at this time, what about the large sites as well? Sites like Realtor.com, Trulia, Zillow?

RealtorSocialThey will always have their place as people love to look up homes on these sites and with their apps for your smartphone, they make it simple as pie.

But this post it truly about social media and all the different tools that abound in today’s market. Tools that are like kicking your feet back and having a group of friends over to see your fabulous home (or to find YOUR dream home) and a wonderful cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Next week we will delve in the most dominant social media sites and how they differ and just how they will help you and your realtor sell or find you a home.

Memo to Parents: Your Adult Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff

Parents of grown children, please sit down. I have some harsh news for you.
Your kids don’t want your stuff. Don’t take it personally. It’s not that they don’t love you. They don’t love your furniture.

The china hutch, the collectible figurines, your antique map or thimble collection, the sideboard, all those family treasures may hold many precious moments for you, but for your kids, not so much.

Furniture

Ouch. Yes, I know you think you’re being generous. Yes, I know you paid good money for these things. Yes, I know kids can seem unappreciative. Yes, I know it was part of your family’s history. And, yes, I know it still contains some useful life.
I also know that deep down, you believe your kids will change their minds.

That is pure fantasy.

This topic hits home, so to speak. That became clear last week when, at a book signing and author chat for my new book, “Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go,” the subject stirred up a fine fuss.

Read the rest of the article here

Story by Marni Jameson

Special to NOLA.com| The Times-Picayune

Wearin’ of the Green Parade 2016

Who does not love St. Paddy’s day? Filled with all the shenanigans and fun one can muster. This year though has been a bit wetter then usual and many have asked if there truly will be a St. Paddy’s day parade at all. We have great news! Looks like it will go off without a hitch and tons of plans have been made in case the weather gets too “drizzly”.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: Starting at Hundred Oaks Avenue and South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge (see accompanying map)

ON TV: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., WBTR, Channel 41 (cable Channel 19) and WBRZ.com, with repeats on WBTR at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; noon and 7 p.m. Sunday; and 2 p.m. Thursday (St. Patrick’s Day).

UP TO DATE INFO: paradegroup.com or facebook.com/IrishParade. Hope to see you there!

WearinotheGreenBatonRouge

Baton Rouge State of the Market 2016

SOM_Header

Time to break out the Crystal Ball and see what is in the forecast for the 2016 Baton Rouge housing market. A Bank of America Merrill Lynch global research SOM_Graphgroup has stated they expect the ongoing housing recovery to continue this year. The economic research group also gave a real estate market forecast for sales activity. Existing home sales, they said, could increase by as much as 5% in 2016, as it suggest a higher level of demand. They also pointed to a possible slowdown in home-price appreciation in 2016. They expect houses values nationwide to rise by a mere 1% next year, due to “home price overvaluation relative to income.” Locally we may possibly see home values increase more then that figure.

One other good note is that Baton Rouge is ranked among Trulias’ list of 10 “markets to watch in 2016.” These are areas with a healthy combination of housing affordability, job gains, and demand (based on online search activity).

It’s a great time to sell and a healthy time to buy a Baton Rouge home!

To learn more about how homes are selling in your area, email your request to sold@artofhomeselling.com for a detailed, hassle-free report.

Knock Knock Children Museum

KNOCK KNOCK ……

Knock Knock Children’s Museum is a community spark for engaging, playful learning experiences that inspire and support lifelong learning.

Knock Knock MuseumKnock Knock Children’s Museum is expertly designed to provide learning zones (exhibits) and programs to stimulate informal learning experiences for young children. Knock Knock Children’s Museum is under construction in City-Brooks Community Park on Dalrymple Drive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and will serve the families of the Capital Region.

Knock Knock is the result of the work of dedicated volunteers and advocates for early education, a pivotal partnership with The Recreation and Parks Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), and the generous philanthropic support of our community.

When its doors open, Knock Knock Children’s Museum will be a destination for the exciting world of learning through play, discovery and hands-on exploration for young children (ages 0-8 years old) and their families.

Watch the video below to learn more:

Learning Zones

Knock Knock’s Learning Zones are hands-on, interactive exhibits creating “teachable moments” that connect children’s every day experiences to learning. These Learning Zones are anchored in research and evidence-based practices and translate these best practices into informal learning opportunities.

More information on Learning Zones: http://www.knockknockmuseum.org/learning-zones.php

For more information about the Knock Knock Children’s Museum and how you can get involved, check our frequently asked questions, submit an inquiry, or contact us.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

Melissa A. Bell
2561 Citiplace Ct., Ste. 750-260
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 225-388-3090

Email: mbell.kkcm@gmail.com

Mardi Gras Spanish Town Parade 2016

The history of Spanish Town’s Mardi Gras Parade and Ball is legendary – complete with it’s wonderful flamingos making their appearance in Baton Rouge nearly a week before the event.

One of (if not the) longest running Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parade. Spanish town is extremely popular and the center of attention for Baton Rouge’s carnival season. It starts each year in the oldest neighborhood in Baton Rouge. The parade is large and you’ve got to get down to downtown early in the morning before they close the streets off for the parade.(before 8 am)

Spanish Town parade has a theme that revolves around pink flamingos. Thousands of people all out costumed in pink with flamingo art everywhere. It’s a wild and crazy party that you don’t want to miss.spanishTown2016

Spanish Town is thought by some to be more adult oriented in their approach to carnival. While this may be true in Baton Rouge it’s very PG especially in comparison to almost every parade in New Orleans.

36th Annual Parade

Saturday, February 06, 2016 at 12:00 Noon

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Want to know the route? Here is a map courtesy of http://www.spanishtownmardigras.com/parade.htm

SpanishTownRouteMap2015

10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Thousands of homes and properties are going up for sale all around the United States every month. How do you go about getting top dollar for your home and stand out from the crowd? Following the tips below will help you get achieve what most sellers want – top dollar for their home!

paintbrush

1. Paint Color

When choosing an exterior paint color, stick with what’s popular in the neighborhood, goes well with the surroundings of the area, or fits the style of the home. Picking a paint color that is not common or completely clashes with the rest of the neighborhood is a very risky decision, especially when thinking about listing a home. When it comes to paint, choose safe colors for the biggest return on investment. The same should be considered for interior paint — big, bold, bright colors might work for your current design scheme, but when buyers walk through a home, and the main living space is four different colors, it’s likely all they’ll see is dollar signs and time spent repainting.

2. Landscaping

When thinking of landscaping, consider the plants or trees before anything gets planted — trees and roots can wreak havoc with lawns, foundations and pipes; take into consideration how large a plant or tree will get and how far the root system will travel over time. Landscaping has the capability of making – or breaking – a home sale. No one wants your sale turned into a long, laborious process!

3. Your Front DoorDoor

The first thing after landscaping your buyer sees, you certainly want to leave a great impression.  If the door is broken, doesn’t work properly, or is in desperate need of a makeover, a
buyer may see these things as weak points and consider offering less.

4.  Upgrades

If you’re considering upgrading your home before putting it on the market, look to areas that are sure to make you money: kitchens and bathrooms, if tastefully done, will always add to the value of a house. Pools, however, are notorious for poor return on investment (as well as other large upgrades).  Be wise and don’t assume you’ll recoup every penny of your investment – especially in large additions to your home.

MarbleFireplace5. Fireplaces

Stop before you change the aesthetics of that fireplace! Although Fireplaces appeal to a large majority of buyers, It’s best to take trends into consideration when making updates or changes to a fireplace — painting over exposed brick can be a huge deal breaker for some buyers, especially when a majority of people like exposed brick fireplaces.

 6. Appliances

Potential buyers look at the appliances in a home to gauge their age and how well they’ve been taken care of. Appliances play a large part in any home, and if they are old, outdated and no longer working can create hesitations in potential buyers. If it’s a classic that still works, don’t worry about replacing it; if you can’t get the door clean, or the oven temperature doesn’t rise above 350 degrees, it’s probably time to replace it. There’s no need to go all out on the latest and greatest technology either — while a beautiful stainless steel fridge might be alluring, it’s likely you won’t recoup the cost through the home sale, and it’s more likely you’ll want that classy fridge in your new home.

7. Small Stuff/Cleaning

Most buyers have an eye for the small details of a house. An initial deep clean of the house, and continued maintenance thereafter, shows potential buyers that the house has been maintained. The small details matter: windows and window tracks, light switches, molding, a garbage disposal, tile, grout, sinks, ovens and appliances are all looked at by buyers. Make sure these items are not overlooked when the house goes on the market — potential buyers will appreciate the time you took to address them.

8. Trends

Trends can be quite alluring for those looking to dabble in interior decorating. Some buyers like trends, but the majority of buyers look for classic, neutral colors on walls and fixtures. While a chevron pattern may be the perfect accompaniment to your current sofa or bedspread, most buyers will see the pattern, when applied to walls, as a potential paint job. If you’re considering listing your house, consider accessorizing with drapes, pillows and some pictures. These are simple ways of adding personality, and buyers will appreciate a neutral color scheme on the walls.

9. Surface/FloorsWoodFloor

Buyers always look at the floors and counters in a potential home, and these surfaces can be huge selling points. If the counter tops are stained, hardwood floors scratched up, carpet damaged, or the tile is breaking, consider cleaning or finding a quick replacement. If a solid counter top is stained, a buyer will no doubt see dollar signs. If you have hardwood floors, some products can actually dull the wood over time. If the wood needs a little TLC before the house is listed, consider having the floors buffed — this will add some life, and buyers will see that they’ve been cared for.

10. Small Spaces

Kitchens and bathrooms are undoubtedly some of the biggest selling features of a house or property. If either of these areas is small, consider revamping to make them look larger. A small bathroom with no windows is going to look like a cave if the color scheme is on the darker side. Bigger in a small space is always best — stick with neutral, light colors to help make the room look larger. Update any light bulbs that are reaching the end of their life; upgrading to a higher wattage or lumen can help enhance a small area too.

Prepping your home before a sale will always result in better viewings and interested buyers, and the end result will be a happy seller and an even more excited buyer.

The Real Value of a Renovation – Part 2

Looking to Renovate? Here’s the Best of the Best (and the Worst than Bad) of RenovatingReno_out

The Best of the Best

 Workmanship – a job well done, whether by yourself or a hired professional, shows. Whether the job is cosmetic or a deeper fix, the work should be of high quality.

Design – well thought out and beautiful, with attention to use, style, scale, and materials; a great design can add the most value to the renovation.

Utility – the more something is used and enjoyed, the more the renovation is worth. Improved access, storage, or other everyday needs is among the most valuable work you can have done. When doorways, stairs or other access points get renovated – check for scale and materials that are user-friendly. Ensure that people can pass each other and that furniture can move where it is needed. Renovations that are difficult to use are a failure.

Lighting – lighting fixtures can be expensive and are very subjective. Consult with a lighting designer and use bright lights that are recessed and well-placed. Avoid the expensive, over-the-top dining room chandelier unless the intention is to use it for years.

Electrical/Plumbing – while not a “sexy” renovation, knowing that the two greatest conveniences of modern living are up-to-date and functioning well is a huge benefit to a homeowner. Document all repairs and renovations and keep the information on hand to show the quality of the work, since it is hidden behind walls and more difficult to assess.

Roof/Foundation/Windows – like electrical and plumbing, renovations that include improvements to a roof, windows or a foundation can add a measure of security as well as immediate and tangible value to a home. Preventing water damage and maintaining the structural integrity of the home is of the highest concern. Ensuring that quality work is done with an eye towards the style of the home is paramount in getting the highest return on this investment.

 Kitchen/Bathroom/Basement/Garage – creating MORE timeless and classic space that is used frequently gets the most return in resale value. Storage is king in any of these spaces, but it should be useful and accessible.

Worse than Bad

Conversely, poorly designed renovations, including poor stylistic or configuration choices, shoddy workmanship or materials can deter a buyer or render your own renovation a failure. Avoid the trap of using the wrong materials: fixtures that are too big, or obviously bought because they were on sale/seconds, using the wrong windows, or inadequate materials for the project that won’t hold up in the locale or manner of use.

Fad renovations often lack long-term usability; that disco playroom or man-cave may look cool, but updating it again in a few years may be impractical. Everyone loves a steam room, sauna, billiard room or workout room, but maintenance and upkeep might make it less attractive. Furthermore, repurposing a bedroom or garage for a renovation of this sort removes spaces that future owners may find vital, so this further jeopardizes return on the investment.

Some renovations don’t go far enough. Redoing the kitchen or a bathroom without updating the wiring is an example of this. Putting in a bedroom, but failing to make it big enough or to follow the building code, is another example. Seek to find renovations that provide a lot of utility for the dollar, while accomplishing all that is actually required. If you really can’t afford to renovate, perhaps waiting is a better idea.

We all know when something is, “Just a little ‘off’.” One of the worst things is a great idea, done well and with fine materials, that just misses the mark; perhaps there is a corner that always gets in the way or that constantly causes someone to get hurt, or maybe it is a cabinet that opens in the wrong direction. Measurements that are off and made right with a work-around, all of these “little things” end up making a good thing into a frustration.

Don’t bash a lot of bedrooms. Converting a little-used bedroom to an office is one thing, but build-ins can diminish the ability to use the room as a bedroom again, potentially limiting the use of the room in the future. Consider carefully before repurposing a bedroom in a manner that limits the future utility of the space. The number of bedrooms in a home greatly influences the home’s value. At the same time, putting an extra bedroom in a basement is often a mediocre idea. Code requires two points of egress – a door and usually a window with very specific requirements, which may be expensive. Additionally, basement bedrooms are often unattractive spaces that require special attention to ensure they are not cold and dark.

With these ideas and goals you ought to have a pretty great idea on what (if anything) you want or need to start on to increase the value of your home – and what not to do. If you would like to understand how to view renovations as a buyer, click here to go to our Part 1 of this series. Happy Renovating!