New Orleans Louisiana Real Estate and Community Blog 

Well, let’s try Sunday 14 March at 2:00 in the morning. This is when Daylight Saving Time officially begins. Please set your clocks and timekeeping pieces ahead by 1 hour. Personally, I begin to set my timekeeping pieces ahead on Saturday afternoon.

Then, around 7 pm, I’m trying to recall if I set the clocks ahead, what time it really is.

Just a few things TO DO during the next few weeks.

• Replace batteries in the smoke and fire detectors
• Check battery backup for the security system
• Inspect flashlights for battery power and bulb intensity
• Clean gutters, downspouts and drains
• Have fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional
• If you have stucco, check for any obvious breaches in the seals around the doors, windows, any outlets, etc. If there are any, have a professional inspection done to check for moisture and subsequent damage and/or termites.
• Service the lawn equipment
• Check the window screens for tears
• Check fire extinguishers
• Have the AC serviced
• If you don’t recall the last time the AC filter was changed, change the filter
• Check the filter in the vent hood
• Inspect the attic or have someone do it for you especially if you have a lot of items stored there
• Clean storage sheds and garages
• Inspect fences, decking and patio cover
• Clean meat smokers and grills
• Clean clothes dryer vent
• Have swimming pool serviced

And the list goes on. Take the time to inspect each room, additional buildings and around the yard.

Let me say this. Our home is one of our greatest assets and investments. Preventative maintenance is almost always easier and less costly than corrective and restorative actions and measures. One can always have a professional home inspection done. If you have lived in your home for 2 or more years and have never had it professionally inspected, now is a great time to do so. Contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR at 504.616.3539 or vscott@latterblum.com for more information. If you need a REALTOR in your area, contact me. Latter & Blum, Inc/REALTORS is a member of LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES of THE WORLD.

Well, since I know what I need to do, I’m off until my next blog about the wonderful River Parishes. I hope I don’t get side-tracked by the many school and community festivals going on this weekend. Mmm.

New Orleans Home and Garden Show on March 11-14 at the New Orleans Superdome. Tax credit expires on 30 April 2010. One must have a contract by then and act of sale must occur by 30 June 2010.

Spring begins 03.20.2010

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs.

Saint James Parish - The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish - The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

This cute, ready to move in home with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths has been remodeled top to bottom. With a little over 950 square feet, you’ll enjoy your newly remodeled kitchen with tile countertops and new appliances. Your bathrooms are in great shape as well with new tile, tub, sinks and flooring. Speaking of flooring, it is new throughout, with no carpet to maintain! Located in Audubon subdivision in Slidell, you are centrally located to the restaurants, shopping and interstate so that you can easily make it to New Orleans for work or to the coast for fun in the sun. With a new roof less than 2 months old, a large fenced yard and great landscaping, you’ll have a new home you can relax in and enjoy for only $117,500. These sellers are ready to move, so bring all offers!

Don’t forget, you have until April 30, 2010 to take advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit of $8000. To obtain the credit, you need to have a signed contract by April 30 and close by June 30, 2010. Call me today and I’ll walk you through everything.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

By now, most learned real estate shoppers have heard about properties listed as “short sales.” For many of my first time homebuyer’s however, short sales are a foreign term. What is a short sale? Simply put, short sales occur when the owner of a home has fallen behind on their mortgage payments. In an attempt to rid themselves of this burden, they try to sell their home. But low and behold, in this time of falling real estate prices, the owners find that what they could get for their home in today’s real estate market is not enough to cover the total outstanding debt they have on the property. Thus with a sale they would be “short” the funds needed to pay off the debt on their home.

For a short sale to be initiated, sellers must be behind on their mortgage payments for a set period which often varies bank by bank. They should also contact their bank and/or service provider before even listing the home to ensure they understand the process of selling in this situation. Often the banks send the homeowner a package and specific contact information for them to begin this process.

One key piece of a seller’s short sale discussion with a bank is to agree as to how the portion they will be “short” is handled. For example, if you have outstanding mortgages on a home totaling, $250,000 but receive and accept an offer for $225,000, what happens to the $25,000 you are “short?” Some banks may require the seller to sign an unsecured note for repayment of this difference. Others may “forgive” this portion of the debt but there is one catch in this scenario – historically the IRS would make the seller realize this $25,000 of forgiven debt as income on their taxes. Thus with a sale, you may have a two, three, or more thousand dollars add on to what you owe Uncle Sam for the year.

But don’t lose hope. Legislation was passed in the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 that allows a homeowner to exclude, “debt forgiven on their principal residence if the balance of their loan was $2 million or less.” Originally this act applied to debt forgiven in 2007, 2008, 2009. Additional legislation was later passed to extend this relief through 2012. Just make sure you read and include IRS form 982 with your tax return (www.irs.gov). You still need to report the debt forgiven, but hopefully it won’t be adversely impacting your taxes owed for the year.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

Situated along Historic River Road that winds parallel to the mighty Mississippi River, San Francisco Plantation has been an attraction for tourists as well as local residents for many years. Beautifully arrayed in its yellow and blue exterior, it can be described as grand, magnificent, and luxurious.  The surrounding buildings and grounds add to the grandeur of this majestic work of architecture.

This weekend, San Francisco Plantation will be the site of the 7th Annual Frisco Fest. A cornucopia of activities is guaranteed to keep everyone occupied.  Food, tours, music, a car show, cook-offs as well as over 100 arts and crafts exhibits.

There is also a 1-mile fun run and a 5k race. Can you believe there is also a 25-mile bike tour?  AND, also a 40-mile bike tour? Bicyclists will absolutely enjoy the scenic routes that will past other historic locations in St. John and St. James Parishes.

The weather forecast calls for mild temperatures, sunny skies and no rain. Have a WonderFilled weekend in the River Parishes.

You say, “what does this have to do with real estate?” or “I thought this blog was about real estate?” To respond, it is about real estate.  I always tell my clients that you are buying a property, a street, a neighborhood, a community, a city, a parish, … So, this blog will continue to keep you informed about the local real estate market.

I will also give you more information about the area where the real estate is located.The more information you have about the area, the better you will feel about your investment(s).

The Frisco Fest is one fantastic opportunity for all who are interested in investing and living in the River Parishes to come and check the parishes out.

For more information, visit www.sanfranciscoplantation.org

Remember, the tax credit expires 30 April 2010.
1st time and repeat homebuyers may qualify.

Daylight Savings Time begins 03.14.2010.

Spring begins 03.20.2010.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.
Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com.   I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as REALTOR.

Fellow REALTORS/Agents:  I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

Saint James Parish - The Bonfire Capital of the World

Saint John the Baptist Parish - The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

If you have been thinking about buying a new home or a resale home then the time is NOW. There is inventory and the interest rates are still historically low. Buyers have lots of inventory to choose from. It is a “Buyer’s Market”. The investors are saying that by year end we will see 6%, hope we don’t. Call a realtor to help you with the process, tell the Realtor what you are looking for and let the Realtor do your work for you.

The Northshore (Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs) of New Orleans offers buyers a great lifestyle and affordable housing. The Northshore commuter is close to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Gulf Coast (Stennis).

Another good reason to buy a home NOW is the Federal Tax Credit which can go up to $8,000. It is a good incentive to use if you are eligible and have not owned a home in the past three years: (See Federal Tax Credit guidelines or talk to your CPA). You will need to have a purchase agreement on a property accepted by end of April 2010 it must close by the end of June 2010. There is another credit if you have not moved in the past five years. With this you could be eligible for up to a $6500 Federal Tax Credit. Again consult your tax advisor for details.

Contact me Louise Brady at lbrady@latterblum.com or (985) 951-9328. You can also call your local Realtor. I would be happy to help you locate your new home.

Real Estate always has been a good investment!

Posted by:Louise Brady

The Pontchartrain Home Show at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner is here. In its 22nd year, the show also features The Breaux Mart FoodFest. For the latest on all types of products, services and technology for the home, inside and outside, please take advantage of this tremendous show.

This is a wonderful opportunity for all. There will be food samples, prize drawings, live demonstrations and activities for children.
Show dates are Friday, February 26th through Sunday, February 28th. For show information, call 1.800.776.4220.

What’s the connection? Easy. One Stop Shopping for one of the greatest assets you have.

If you are considering selling or have your home on the market, you can find ideas, information and products to enhance the appeal of the property.

If you are building a home, you can get fantastic information on appliances, floor covering, windows, roof covering, insulation and so on. There will be lots of info on landscaping and gardening, Spas, Pools. If you are in the process of buying a home, gather all the info and brochures you can; but, please do not make any major purchases without contacting your loan originator first.

This is a wonderful time to prepare for spring cleaning, home improvement projects and upgrades in the home. As homeowners, we are responsible for taking care of one of our most valuable assets, our homes.

By the way, I still promote and sell the River Parishes. It’s awesome how accessible the larger cities with their amenities are. Kenner, it’s a 15-minute ride from St. John Parish; and a 35-minute ride from St. James Parish. Real Country Livin’ with all of the amenities and benefits of the big cities (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houma, Metairie, Kenner)

Remember, the tax credit expires 30 April 2010. 1st time and repeat homebuyers may qualify.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR. Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as REALTOR. Fellow REALTORS/Agents: I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

This is a question home owners often ask. “Should I wait until after Christmas, or wait when the market improves, etc?”

Anytime is the best time to sell! It’s just a matter of having your home available for the right buyer to see when he/she’s looking.

What is important once you list your home is:

Have the grounds look well maintained and inviting…good curb appeal. Don’t leave your garbage can in front of your home. Weed that garden, mow the grass, and if the house has peeling paint, PAINT IT!

The interior should be light and airy with no clutter….this is the perfect time to get rid of all the junk you’ve collected over the years and don’t use. Each room should be spotless. The walls and ceiling paint should be perfect…no chips, no scuffs, and NO LOUD COLORS… No offensive pet or cooking odors. The floors should be gleaming (wood and ceramic) and steam cleaned/vacuumed (carpet).

In the kitchen, move all your toasters, George Forman’s, can openers, etc. off the countertops and into a pantry or closet….clean that stove top and oven, “immaculatize” (made this word up, but it fits) that refrigerator in and out!

Bathrooms….these babies better be sparking clean with no offending smells! Clean the tile, clean the toilet and sink, and clean all the spots off that mirror!

Bedrooms….organize the closet…don’t think a buyer won’t look in there…he/she will. Make the bed, remove the clutter.

You get the drift….CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!

Remember, any day can be the day that Mr. or Ms. RIGHT tours your home!

Once you have your home ready, really ready, then get the best agent to market the property for you. Don’t choose a friend or relative. Choose the best realtor in your area!

Feel free to call me at 504-957-5116 or email me at ljlacoy@latterblum.com for more information.

Posted by:Lane Lacoy

New Orleans Saints have won Super Bowl XLIV and are the world champions and our city is so proud of our Saints. The coach, Sean Payton, the quarterback, Drew Brees and the entire Saint’s team all need to be congratulated on a job well done.

New Orleans has overcome a lot in the past 4 ½ years since Hurricane Katrina and Sunday,February 7th proved that New Orleans can finish on the top. This is a great story for the Saints and for New Orleans which is shown proven results of the recovery we have made in rebuilding the city.

GEAUX SAINTS … . we are all proud of each and everyone of you and look forward to seeing you in the parade today.

Posted by:Louise Brady

I don’t know about pigs flying, but I do know “The Saints did go marching in!” And, are the victors!!! For the 1st time in the Saints history, the team has won the Super Bowl to become National Football Champions. During this season, the Saints celebrated many firsts.

• 1st time as National Football League Champions!
• 1st time playing in the Super Bowl!
• 1st time winning the Super Bowl.
  

And so many other 1st’s. WHO DAT! Congratulations to the WHO DAT! Nation. Translation: all of the Saintsational fans and supporters of the New Orleans Saints.

Speaking of 1st’s.

For 1st time homebuyers this is an opportune time to invest in your 1st home in one of the Saints Parishes. There are so many wonderful financing options available to you. Home prices start in the low 100’s. For a free, no obligation consultation, call VBS today at 504-616-3539.

For repeat buyers desiring to move-up or scale down, the Saints Parishes is where you want to live. Prices range to over $500,000.

Hurry! Tax credit extension expires April 2010. Act of Sale must be consummated by June 2010. 1st time as well as repeat buyers may qualify.

So as we continue to celebrate the New Orleans Saints’ many victories, let us plan on celebrating the purchase of your 1st or next home! Call VBS at 504.616.3539 WHO DAT! Saint James Parish is situated between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. This is the epitome of enjoying country living while having access to the amenities of the big cities. Saint John the Baptist Parish is approximately 30 minutes from New Orleans. Do you know The Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home is located in Saint John Parish?

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504-616-3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as your REALTOR. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

In a positive step forward last week, the federal government defined what homeowners must do to formally determine that they have contaminated drywall in their home. These requirements are useful because they not only establish what evidence a homeowner must collect to prove they have a problem, but should help ensure homeowners do not destroy evidence when remodeling if they later want to take part in a lawsuit and/or obtain proposed government financial assistance.

When gathering the required contaminated drywall evidence, homeowners need to look for and document signs of corrosion such as blackened copper wiring and blackened air-conditioned evaporator coils. Other evidence should be gathered such as documenting that the drywall was made in China. A photographic catalog of these markings can be found here. Pictures and/or a third party report of these findings is always advised to ensure the evidence is gathered and documented with objectivity and clarity.

 

A homeowner can also hire a firm (home inspector, home forensic firm or environmental consulting company) to test for chemicals in the home and/or in a specific sheet of drywall or copper piping. Again, results should be documented and retained by the homeowner. But be careful. There currently are no set standards or practices these firms must adhere to when reviewing and documenting drywall contamination so make sure you understand what they will and will not test for, as well as the associated costs since many simple tests can start anywhere from $400-$800.

As part of this process, homeowners must have documented evidence of when their drywall was installed during the known contamination period between 2001 and 2008. This installation date determines how many pieces of evidence the homeowner must gather to support their claim on drywall contamination. Government rules mandate that if the drywall was installed between 2005 and 2008, a homeowner needs to find only 2 pieces of corroborating evidence. Drywall installed between 2001-2004, however, requires that four pieces of corroborating evidence be gathered.

The next step the government needs to take for those unfortunate homeowners caught up in this mess is to outline the proper remediation process for handling and destroying contaminated drywall. Right now, some people are taking the drywall out themselves, often putting it out with the local trash so they can quickly and cheaply get rid of it. Others go to the opposite extreme – hiring men in airtight bunny suits to remove the contaminated walls in a manner similar to how asbestos is handled. Either way, the need is the same – to remove the dangerous drywall from the home and make it habitable again for the owners.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

If there’s one thing that is certain, it’s that time waits for no homebuyer. And this definitely applies to the benefits a first time homebuyer can receive if they buy a home now versus waiting.

One of the main benefits of a first time homebuyer signing a contract before April 30, 2010 to buy their first home is that they can receive an up to $8000 tax credit when they file their 2010 taxes. There’s no gimmicks with this credit. It is added to the “bottom line” of your taxes and refunded to you when you file. For example, if you owe $2500 on your 2010 taxes and claim this first time home buyer tax credit of $8000, you’ll end up receiving back $5500 in cash from the federal government. See www.irs.gov and look for form 5054 for the details of how to qualify for this credit and/or talk to your tax advisor for more information.

Another benefit of buying a home right now is that interest rates are presently floating around historically low levels, with general consensus in the financial markets being they will more than likely go up in the near future. The financial impact of an increase of even one percentage point on a mortgage rate can be expensive for a borrower. Say for example you borrow $100,000 at 5% over 30 years. Your monthly principal and interest payment would be $536.82 and you’d end up paying $93,256 in interest over the life of the loan. If this same note, however, was done at an interest rate of 6% instead of 5%, not only would your monthly payment go up to $599.55, but you’d end up paying $115,838.44 in interest over the life of the loan – a difference of over $22,500!

Finally, another benefit of buying right now is that lending requirements are slated to become even tougher in the Spring and Summer of 2010. Right now, FHA has one of the lowest downpayment requirements for borrowers at 3.5% and some of the most lenient credit score requirements. Thus it’s been a key lending source for most first time homebuyers.

FHA, however, has recently announced that sometime between the Spring and early Summer of 2010 they will increase the downpayment requirements to 6% for those borrowers with credit scores below 580 AND that sellers will only be able to pay up to 3% of buyer’s prepaid and closing costs instead of the 6% currently allowed. This means that some home buyers will not only have to potentially come up with a larger downpayment to get a loan, but that they may also have to pay a larger portion of their closing costs and prepaid items which they traditionally could have gotten the seller to pay on their behalf.

Other costs associated with FHA loans – such as the mortgage insurance premiums buyers who put down less than 20% on a new home purchase must pay as part of the loan and FHA annual premiums – will also increase in this same timeframe as FHA strives to increase its dwindling reserves and stabilize its lending business.

Where does this leave first time homebuyers? With not much time to act. I’m counseling all my clients that if they want to take advantage of the current tax credits and be able to get a loan at reasonable terms, they need to move now. If they don’t they will pay for their tardiness in entering the market and/or perhaps even forgo their dream of buying their first home.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

The town of Gramercy in St. James Parish has been selected as the home of Louisiana Sugar Refinery. LSR is a Joint Venture with the following entities:

• Cargill, Inc.
• Imperial Sugar Company
• Sugar Growers and Refiners, Inc.

The refinery will be situated along Historic River Road and in close proximity to Imperial Sugar Company. Cargill, Inc. is some miles down the River Road in adjacent St. John Parish. What a “sweet” boost for the economy in the River Parishes.

This is also great news for those interested in purchasing a home in St. James Parish. Now is the time to make your investment in your Home Sweet Home. 1st time as well as repeat homebuyers can still qualify for the tax credit. Act now. FHA guidelines are changing. Act now. Interest rates are great. Act now. If you are reading this, the time to invest is now. Prices for existing homes range from the low 100’s to the mid 300’s. Homes at the entry level have approximately 1400 square feet of living area. Rooms include 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, well-appointed kitchen, dining, living room and car storage.

Homes at the higher price level have approximately 2600 square feet of living area. Features include 3 baths, 4 bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, great rooms, fireplaces, jetted tubs, gourmet kitchens, workshops, etc. Lots sizes vary from 90x120 to well over an acre. If you have your own plans and custom built is your heart’s desire, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

There are lots of lots are available. For a list of available homes, send your requests to vscott@latterblum.com.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, dial 504.616.3539 Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the River Parishes, hire Vanessa B. Scott to work as your REALTOR. I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott

Many out-of-towners ask, “what’s the big deal with Bywater and Marigny?” Oh, my goodness!!! These two New Orleans’ neighborhoods just ooze authentic southern charm! They have lots of other qualities going for them, too…..here are a few:

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Marigny is located across the street (Esplanade Avenue) from the world-famous French Quarter. This quaint faubourg (neighborhood) is divided into two sections…the Marigny Triangle and the Marigny Rectangle. The Triangle is closest to “THE QUARTER” and the rectangle is a bit further away. They’re both an easy walk to the French Quarter and the Central Business District. Bywater is just a smidge further down river.

 

ARCHITECTURE
Marigny and Bywater offer some of the oldest homes in New Orleans, some dating circa 1826. Homes run the gamut from the shotgun single, to the stately Greek revival with Creole cottages, Victorian, Italianate, Eastlake, and even a couple contemporary homes for added flavor. Many of these homes have been scooped up and restored or renovated to pristine condition. And, the exterior colors are a panorama of hues and a delight to behold….from the gaudy to the sedate.

  THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO
If you enjoy eating out…these 2 neighborhoods feature some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants…THE JOINT, ELIZABETH’S, BYWATER BARBEQUE, JACK DEMPSEY’S, LA PENICHE, MARIGNY BRASSIERE, PRALINE CONNECTION, FEELINGS, BUFFA’S…….the food is as only New Orleans can offer, seasoned just right!

If you like after hours fun, try the FRIENDLY BAR, MARKEY’S, THE SATURN BAR, MIMI’S, CUTTERS, THE COUNTRY CLUB (restaurant, bar with pool)…..

 

PARKS
Bywater’s Markey Park with once-a-month art shows is a place to take the toddlers to swing and slide, or just relax with your pooch. Marigny’s Washington Square Park, one square block, with kids area, and a scenic respite for all others.

That’s what these historic neighborhoods have to offer….architecture, terrific location adjacent the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop with calliope music and cruise ships and tankers announcing their arrival and departures for all to hear….AND, an array of good neighbors, darlin’! Come on down, and we’ll share a new life style with you!

(Buyers have the choice of purchasing single family or multi-family homes, condominiums, and/or commercial properties.)

Feel free to contact me at (504) 948-3011 or email me at ljlacoy@latterblum.com with any questions on the Bywater and Marigny area.

Posted by:Lane Lacoy

Over the past six months I’ve begun to immerse myself in green building technologies, practices and certifications. Already I’ve become NAR Green Certified and am in the process of becoming a Certified Green Verifier through the New Orleans Home Builder’s Association.

Nationally, there are currently four different ‘green’ certifications and/or guidelines a home can obtain – ENERY STAR, LEED for Homes, NAHB Green and Builder’s Challenge. All have their own rating system, guidelines and certifications. (See my earlier BLOG for a summary of these programs. But I’ll focus on ENERGY STAR in more detail here.

ENERGY STAR is a federal program under the EPA designed to promote energy efficiency within a home. Most people have heard of ENERGY STAR as it relates to purchasing energy efficient appliances. This is just one aspect of what ENERGY STAR promotes since they want to focus the home owner on the energy efficiency of the entire home.

To earn the ENERGY STAR rating, a home must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the current International Residential Code (IRC) and include other energy efficiency features that often make a home 20-30% more efficient than a standard home. Some of these other features include:

• Effective insulation
• High-performance windows
• Tight construction and ducts
• Efficient heating and cooling equipment

To obtain ENERGY STAR certification, you need to meet a set list of requirements which must then be verified by a third party verifier to obtain the certification. Either you pass by meeting the requirements or its back to the drawing board. This certification approach is unlike some of the other ‘green’ certifications whereby the builder can choose from a much longer list of ‘green’ attributes to potentially build into a home. Builders then decide which ‘green’ attributes to add and not add to the home as they work their way to achieving an overall minimum score for a specific certification. (These ‘green’ features too must be reviewed by a third party verifier.)

One other difference between ENERGY STAR and other ‘green’ certifications is that ENERGY STAR currently only focuses on energy efficiency within the home and not other ‘green’ areas such as water usage, site selection and build, and overall indoor air quality.

But with rising energy costs and the homebuyer’s interest in supporting the environment, there is no doubt there is a growing interest in ‘green’ building and related certifications. Each certification can be helpful in marketing and selling the home by giving a potential buyer an understanding of how efficient and ‘green’ friendly a home is as compared to the other available homes currently on the market.

Check out www.energystar.gov for more information, including tax credits homeowners may be eligible for given potential energy efficient renovations they’ve done to their home. Also check out www.entergy-neworleans.com/energy_efficiency for a list of energy verifiers in our area and for information on other ways to save on your energy bill.

I’d love to hear your comments on this blog! Feel free to contact me also with questions call me at 985-707-5035 or email me a pbennett@latterblum.com. Let’s get you moving! Anywhere in the country, I can get you there.

Posted by:Patricia Bennett

An On-site AUCTION is scheduled for Saturday, 20 February 2010 at 1:00 pm (CST).

You can invest in this property by submitting the successful offer prior to this date.

This is the second of my property listings that has been scheduled for sale at auction.

The first one sold prior to the auction. Cash sale. In less than a month’s time, the property was leased. Only minimal repairs were required.

This is YOUR opportunity to put your investment dollars to work.

Property Address: 2408 Van Arpel Drive, LaPlace. The property is located in New Era subdivision, St. John the Baptist Parish. Features include the following: split floor plan, 2-car garage, fenced yard, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, great room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace, separate formal dining room and 13.5’ x 13.5’ kitchen. Other features are central air conditioning and heating, total electric, covered entry and concrete patio. The home has over 1700 square feet living area. Bank-owned. REO. Bank repo.

For more information, visit www.latter-blum.com, MLS# 802138.

I almost forgot, list price? $96,900!

Now is the time to make your move! Don’t’ wait.

For more details, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR at 504.616.3539.

If you want to purchase this property prior to the auction, call me immediately.

For information on real estate in The River Parishes, contact Vanessa B. Scott, REALTOR.

Please send your requests for information you want addressed via this blog to vscott@latterblum.com. I’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate needs.

I welcome incoming and outgoing referrals.

St. James Parish, The Bonfire Capital of the World

St. John the Baptist Parish, The Andouille Capital of the World

Posted by:Vanessa B. Scott