tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12849698943451391792023-11-15T05:43:43.359-08:00Chris Smith HomesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-72795024382515292762013-05-14T09:28:00.000-07:002013-05-14T09:28:00.127-07:00If You Don’t Check Now, You May be Sorry Later!<br />
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Recently I decided to have a professional building
inspection performed on my own home – just so that if there is a problem, I can
address it before it gets any worse (and more expensive!) It is often a good idea to have a building
inspection done for yourself whether you plan on selling soon, or even if this
is your forever home. You can learn a
lot about potential problems or hazards and/or prepare yourself for what a buyer might want to have addressed before a sale.</div>
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So as a result of the inspection, I learned that most things
that came up were minor at my home and can be fixed over time, but there was
one problem discovered, that much to my dismay is going to cost me a bundle! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>I feel the need to blog about this so perhaps all of my
readers will run outside RIGHT NOW and check out there own homes to stop this
from happening to them!</b></div>
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It turns out that when my landscaper installed my new
sprinkler system, he didn't think to check the heads to ensure that
they do not spray the lower parts of the house.
As a result, every time my sprinklers have run in the last few years,
they have soaked and rotted my sills and piers which now need to be replaced and
will likely cost me upwards of $15,000.00!</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is such an easy fix if you can catch it in time. Just put on the system and watch to see if
you need to pull up the heads and move them away from the house, or simply change the direction to
spray away. </div>
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<b>So, PLEASE learn from this and prevent this from happening
to you! Put on your bathing suit, run outside, and check your sprinkler
heads right now!! </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-29121925676247801792013-04-01T12:07:00.000-07:002013-04-01T12:07:04.501-07:00Simple Changes that Can Make your Home More Marketable<h1 style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 36.0pt; font-weight: normal;">Simple Changes
That Can Make Your Home More Marketable<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Making your property stand out is an
essential part of any home selling strategy. Here are some suggestions on how
to do this. Of course there are standards
like removing clutter and keeping your home neat and clean. However, in our
current competitive market, you might need to step up your game. Here are some simple changes that you can
make that will highlight and increase the marketability of your home for sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Replace outdated counter
tops</span></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
Kitchens and bathrooms are a home’s major selling points. Consider replacing
outdated counter tops with something more current. Don’t feel as though granite is the only
option! There are many materials
available for countertops that will add sophistication and style to your
kitchen in a flash. Consult home design magazines
and kitchen showrooms for inspired ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Refinish decks and porches and
paint or stain concrete surfaces</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
If you have a
wooden deck or porch, consider having it refinished or stained before
showing your home to potential buyers. Likewise, concrete surfaces such as
garage floors or patios will look cleaner and more inviting with a fresh coat
of sealant or paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Update light fixtures and change
out dim light bulbs for higher wattage ones</span></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
Take a look at your home’s<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>interior and
exterior light fixtures. If they are outdated or damaged, you should think
about replacing them with new updated ones that coordinate with the style of
your home. Making you home light and
bright makes it show all the better.
Take the time to insure that you have working, high-wattage light bulbs
in all of your fixtures. This will make
every room “shine” at its best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Add shelving to make the most of
storage spaces</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
Closets and garages are good places to add a few shelves. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even
paint or stain the shelves to make them look like a custom built-in. Adding storage options goes a long way to
impress potential buyers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Replace blinds or add window
treatments</span></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
Many homes have older mini blinds that have seen better days. If yours are looking dowdy, consider
an upgrade to something a little more modern like wood blinds or
plantation shutters. If your curtains
seem dated and worn, perhaps a quick fix is in order. Standard size window treatments can be bought
most anywhere inexpensively and can go a long way toward giving a room a quick
upgrade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Spruce up your landscaping and mulch plant beds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Curb appeal is extremely
important in enticing buyers to want to see more of your home. Freshly mulched beds and tidied lawns go a
long way for very little cost. Consider
adding planters on your porch or under window sills for a splash of unexpected
color.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-27077401766517862032013-01-24T11:43:00.000-08:002013-01-24T11:43:22.815-08:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Happy Mardi Gras (and Superbowl) 2013!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tomorrow night the first uptown parades will roll
down St. Charles Avenue starting at 6pm!
Like everyone else, I enjoy the parades, the bands, the floats and the
parties, but to those of us who live in the area, are visiting and have cars
here, or are just trying to get around town, this means street closures and
difficulty getting home from work, running errands and parking near our homes
if we live anywhere near the route. As a
Realtor trying to show properties around town during Mardi Gras, I find that
this can be quite a challenge!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here is what I have learned in my experience. I hope that it helps you get to where you
need to be in good time and without stress so that you can enjoy the
parades! Lazziez les bon temps rouler!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The
guides, newspapers and websites say that most uptown parades start around
Napoleon and Perrier. While this may be
true, it also means that Napoleon all the way to the river, and parts of
Tchoupitoulas and the Rouses’ parking lot will be used for THE REST OF THE
PARADE. Float trucks will mostly come
from Mardi Gras World on Tchoupitoulas at the I-10 (or the various dens on the
Westbank) and line up from Rouses’ on back.
Band busses, dance teams, horses etc. Will use the Rouses’ parking lot
for their staging area.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Streets
will be blocked off as early as one hour before parades also. At St. Charles, this means you will not be
able to cross the neutral ground. Police
with barricades will be standing there so even if you think that you can eke
your car by the barricade, the police will surely stop you and possible ticket
you if they are feeling surly. On the
river side of St. Charles, the side streets will have barricades blocking
entrance one or two blocks from their intersection with St. Charles.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Main
thoroughfares like Prytania and Magazine will move slowly but more-so, the side
streets will be very congested early as parade goers try to find excellent
parking spots. As a rule of thumb,
congestion on the river side of St. Charles tends to start earlier and be more
prevalent than the lake side.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 212.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It is a
good idea to check parade times and routes daily so that you can successfully
avoid the line-up areas and circumvent street closures. For example; if the parade starts at 6pm on
Napoleon and (Rouses’), you will probably still be able to cross St. Charles at
Louisiana to as far down as the Quarter until about 7pm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The I-10
is your Friend (mostly). If you need to
get from the Carrollton/Mid-City area to the Uptown/University area and the
parade time is rapidly approaching, try the I-10. You can get off at the St. Charles exit and
work your way toward Prytania, Magazine or Tchoupitoulas which will carry you
through. Once the parades begin, if you
wait about an hour, Tchoupitoulas will likely have cleared and you can sail on
by. (Unless of course there are a few
parades set to roll one after another or in the event of a “super krewe”.) In those cases, you will have to settle in
somewhere and wait it all out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 212.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lastly,
go with the flow. There is really no use
in getting angry and frustrated as you try to maneuver during parade
season. Re-schedule your
difficult-to-get-to appointments. Decide
to stop and watch the parade. Enjoy the
season and all it has to offer!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here is
the uptown parade schedule for 2013. You
are on your own for the rest! Good Luck
and Happy Mardi Gras!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Friday January 25</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Oshun 6:00, Cleopatra (moved from Westbank)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saturday January 26th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Pontchartrain 1:00, Choctaw (moved from Westbank)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sparta
6:00, Pygmalion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sunday January 27th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Carrollton 12:00, King Arthur<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wednesday February 6th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Druids 6:30, Nyx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thursday February 7th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Babylon 5:45, Chaos, Muses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Friday February 8th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Hermes 6:00, Krewe D'état, Morpheus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saturday February 9th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Iris 11:00, Tucks 12:00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sunday February 10th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Okeanos 11:00, Mid-City, Thoth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bacchus 5:15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lundi
Gras February 11th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Proteus 5:15,
Orpheus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Mardi
Gras February 12th</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">: Zulu (at
Jackson) 8:00, Rex, Elks Orleans, Crescent City<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-367973400172920742012-12-13T11:39:00.002-08:002012-12-13T11:39:42.329-08:00Getting Ready to Buy your First Home: A True Story<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Getting Ready to Buy a First Home: A True Story </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Last year a young couple called me about a rental listing I had on the market. I got together with them and showed my listing which turned out to be a little bit more than they could comfortably afford. We got to talking, and I learned that they were both recent architecture school graduates and planning on getting married in the spring. They hoped to buy their first home sometime soon but were not too sure how to begin the process. I wound up helping them lease a teeny, (and to honest, pretty rotten,) storefront property that was not entirely converted to a living space for one person, let alone two. They agreed to lease the "apartment" and follow my plan for a year to get ready to buy their first home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">This past September, I had
a listing appointment with a client/developer for whom I regularly list
properties. He had a great three
bedroom/2 bath that was perfect for my young couple, and in their price
range. I immediately called them to see
it. They were able to make an offer at
once (because they were completely ready,) and they wound up buying their first
home! I am so proud of them!</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can do it too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past September, I had
a listing appointment with a client/developer for whom I regularly list
properties. He had a great three
bedroom/2 bath that was perfect for my young couple, and in their price
range. I immediately called them to see
it. They were able to make an offer at
once (because they were completely ready,) and they wound up buying their first
home! I am so proud of them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can do it too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here is what I told them to do:</span></span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><strong>Rat
Hole Your Money</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
idea was that by renting a cheap apartment and being very frugal for the year, my
clients would be able to start “rat holing” their savings. Unfortunately some time after I made this
comment, they spied a huge rat just outside their apartment. Every time they thought of the rat, they
thought of me – probably not a good thing, but it did help to remind them what
their goals were! They also decided to
have a modest wedding and even received a few monetary wedding gifts that they
were able to save and add to the pot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just
so you know; to qualify for a conventional mortgage, ideally you should have 20
percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. There are other loan
options for first time home buyers and any mortgage banker or broker can help
steer you in the right direction. Also,
factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney’s fee, and
transfer fees — average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><strong>What
can you afford?</strong><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While
generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times
your gross income, it is always a
benefit to get pre-qualified to see where you stand and gain a realistic
understanding of what you can be comfortable with in the long-run. A good dose of financial realism will help
guide you in your search so that you don’t start looking at properties that you
won’t be able to afford in the long run. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <strong>Wish upon a star</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Start
investigating neighborhoods. Drive
around and get a feel for them when you have time. Study the architectural styles, types of
homes, proximity to things you use and need and your comfort level with the
neighborhood’s safety and amenities.
Then make a wish list. What are
the most important things a home must have?
I think the neighborhood search is important to do first so that you
don’t get hung up on something like a screened-in porch when the architecture
in the neighborhood you’ve chosen doesn’t support that style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My
couple smartly chose an edgy neighborhood that had recent high-end commercial business
development, restaurant and shops close by.
On their wish list, they added bicycle parking, architectural details, proximity
to public transportation, and enough space for a home office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>4. Get your credit in
order</strong>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Actually
I was recently at a continuing education class and was reminded of the importance
of checking your credit. It is extremely
important to obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate
and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of
your credit, bad debts, and any late payments.
Really, this is something everyone should be doing annually, especially
if you have a very common name like mine.
It is possible that someone else’s bad decision could wind up on your
credit report! I am always wary of some
other Chris Smith out there who hasn’t paid his Home Depot credit card
bill! It is fairly easy to fix this kind
of problem, but only if you know about it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5. </b> <strong>Calculate the costs of homeownership</strong>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This
should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and
association fees, if applicable. A lot
of first time home buyers are not aware of these details and they are important
added expenses. Be sure you are prepared
for all of the aspects of home ownership expenses and you won’t be surprised
down the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>6.</b> <strong>Call Chris Smith (504) 231-2004!</strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s
get started! There is no need to rent a
teeny apartment to prepare! I can help get you on track for a future
purchase and help find just the right home for you when the time comes. Give me a call! I am happy to help!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-80578527167905407222012-11-26T11:25:00.001-08:002012-11-26T11:25:21.240-08:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Handle the Holidays
When Your Home is on the Market</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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For most people simply living in your home can be a
challenge while you are showing it; keeping things neat and tidy clean and
inviting is not something everyone can achieve with ease. Entertaining and decorating
for the holidays might seem impossible particularly if you plan on having
out-of-town guests or adult children home for a visit. While the task of decorating and hosting when
you are actively listed on the market seems daunting, it actually can work in
your favor if you follow a few simple tips and tricks to ensure your success.</div>
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<br /></div>
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1. Celebrate the holidays by hosting a festive party and
share the joy of the season by inviting a few new guests. The plus side to
entertaining or hosting events in a home you are selling is the <b>increased exposure</b>. Perhaps your
guests will know someone looking for a home and will mention it to them after enjoying
a lovely party that you’ve hosted. </div>
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2. The splendor of the holidays, regardless of your customs
or heritage, can bring a lot of clutter into a home, making rooms feel smaller
and more crowded. Be aware of the scale of the décor items you choose, and
consider taking other items out. <b>Choose
decorations to showcase great features of the home</b> – if you have a high
ceiling with crown molding, following the lines of a holiday tree can
illuminate this asset. However, if the room is small, ensure that the tree you
choose does not overpower the space; consider a tasteful table-top tree with
smaller ornaments instead. Home-made decorations may be beautiful, but consider
the over-all look before unpacking everything. Be strategic as well as
nostalgic this year. The fine features of your home can really shine with some
well-placed seasonal decor to artfully accent your great dining area, fireplace
hearth, or garden patio. Use this to
your advantage to create a memorable showplace for prospective buyers. </div>
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<br /></div>
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3. Hosting events in your home, especially around the
holiday season, creates a natural time for good smells. People won’t laugh that
you are luring them in with cookies, because many people really do a lot of
baking during the season. However, watch out for overpowering smells of other
food and scented candles that can make it seem like you are masking odors.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4. During the winter months, live greens are wonderful
smelling, but present issues if your home is dry and warm – the browning
needles may drop from trees and garlands, so ensure you have a broom or vacuum
handy and keep that live tree watered well. </div>
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5. Out-of-town Guests – making some simple changes in
advance to reduce the impact of their stay and encouraging them to be
co-conspirators in your efforts to keep things tidy will keep things flowing
smoothly. Provide small covered hampers for soiled clothing, baskets for sundry
items on dressers, empty drawers and closets so they can stow items easily will
aid your efforts. When guests have to sleep on couches or hide-away beds, plan
to help them tidy the room in the morning and set up accommodations again each
night. Explain in advance that you might be doing this, if your guests are
used to being able to spread out without a care; an honest word of your desire
to host, while stressing the importance of selling your home can make a lot of
difference. </div>
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<st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> events that are
well-planned, decorated, and successfully executed might be just the thing to
do and actually help you to gain exposure and interest in your home around the
holidays!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-71273623023288542842012-11-14T06:18:00.005-08:002012-11-14T06:22:03.782-08:00Investing in Rental Property<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Investing in Rental Property</span></h2>
Have you ever
considered purchasing a rental property? Rental properties can be great
investments, done right. In addition to realizing gains from property value
appreciation, rental income can provide a monthly cash flow. Once the mortgage
is paid off, much of your rental income will be profit.<br />
Unlike your home, this investment isn’t something that you will be personally
using day-to-day, so the benefits of ownership differ. Rental property is a
tangible asset you can visit, use, and personally impact the worth of your
investment. With sound judgment, and by following some basic steps, you can own
property and realize gains; both short and long term. <br />
<h3>
Purchase with a Plan </h3>
Investing in real estate differs depending on the type and location of the
property you are buying. Will you want to use the property part of the year?
Vacation rentals are enticing on many levels, though considering how you will
use them during less desirable periods may affect your potential rental income.
Purchasing a residence has different implications than a property that will be
rented commercially. Some investors buy properties with multiple units so they
can have rental income from one or more units while fixing up and/or living in
remaining units. Properties with multiple units have more to consider and
maintain than properties that will be rented by a single person or entity.
Knowing the type of landlord you intend to be will provide some focus as you
consider properties. It will also provide valuable knowledge for your realtor
helping with your search. <br />
Being pre-approved for an investment loan and ensuring that your own finances
are in order is not only wise, but will make it clear if you have enough capital
to proceed. When taking on another mortgage, remember – you will want to have a
healthy reserve fund in the event that the property produces less income than
expected. Before you look at properties, sit down with a mortgage broker or
lender to see how you qualify for a loan. <br />
Research the local rental market so you know what you can realistically
expect to charge and better understand the potential cash-flow of potential
rental property. <br />
<h3>
Understand Your Investment</h3>
It is important to understand the condition of the building and surrounding
property you intend to buy. Unless you are particularly knowledgeable about
construction, always make offers for purchase contingent upon professional
inspections. <br />
Knowing the exact
condition of the roof and foundation, plumbing and electrical, floors,
appliances and other aspects of the property provides a much better sense of
what you will need to repair, maintain, or upgrade for your tenants. In turn,
this allows you to better understand the “bottom line” of your investment. After
all, you are not likely to be present on a day-to-day basis to take note of any
issues that arise. As the owner you have a vested interest in ensuring that the
investment stays in good condition. You should have a budget for repairs and
maintenance, and ensure that the purchase price enables you to make any
necessary upgrades you might need to make prior to renting it to a tenant. <br />
Additionally, you will want to know about locale, including parking and
security issues and the zoning regulations that govern the property, including
any multiple occupancy limitations and any restrictions on specific business
activities. Your understanding of specific property, how it might be used, and
the limitations you face when renting it out make you a better investor. <br />
<h3>
Evaluate Your Options</h3>
As you look at properties, consider your options – you have many. From
location and style of building to type of rental and the number of units, each
decision you consider will open new doors. Is this a long or a short-term
investment? If the property is one that you think you will hold for a while, do
you have a sense of what the future holds and how the neighborhood is changing?
Buying properties in good locations is one of the best ways to ensure the steady
flow of rental income. <br />
And remember: properties don’t always have to stay the same. Consider things
you could conceivably do to the property that might affect your income or
investment. For example, can you add on to the home easily? Can you build a
garage or change parking? Is it possible to convert a garage to an extra room?
Are there regulations regarding subdividing or renovating the home? Can you add
a bathroom? <br />
Some communities limit the number of rental properties, while others have
height or size limitations when building. If something you desire is not an
option, know that going in. Even if you are not planning to change the property
in any way in the beginning, understanding what you can and cannot do is a good
idea. <br />
<h3>
Get Insurance and Assurance </h3>
Legal documents, including rental agreements between you and your tenants,
and service agreements between you and concerned parties are essential. And
don’t forget more mundane issues that can arise when renting out a property: If
a community has fees for water, sewer, community clubs or other amenities,
clarify responsibilities -- will these be the responsibility of the owner or
renter? Getting the right information out of the gate and spelling it out for
your tenants will aid you in the end. These agreements will give you peace of
mind and provide legal recourse should you need it. <br />
A real estate
lawyer is an invaluable asset when you purchase a rental property. Not only can
a real estate lawyer look over your purchase and rental agreements, they can
advise you in other aspects of your investment, including interpreting local
regulations. Your realtor will undoubtedly be another great asset, as they are
full of more general information regarding local issues and market trends and
can likely provide referrals to local property management services should you be
interested. The more resources you have on your side, the more assurance you
will have that your investment will run smoothly. <br />
Proper insurance includes insurance on the structure itself as well as
liability insurance, in case someone is injured while on the premises. In some
locations additional flood, earthquake, and storm related coverage is a further
way to protect your investment. Since you are responsible for the mortgage, you
will want to have the right types of insurance with sufficient coverage to
protect your investment. <br />
<h3>
Remember: You’re In Business </h3>
Buying a rental property is essentially going into business. When the monthly
income from tenants exceeds the amount you pay in mortgage, maintenance, taxes
and other fees, you realize a positive cash flow in the short-term.
Additionally, if all goes well, you will also realize a profit when selling the
property. Doing your research as you look at properties and make your choices
enables you to be as prepared as you can be for the ups and downs that you will
face in managing your business. In fact, what you learn can make you much more
successful in the end. <br />
Like all
businesses where significant money will be changing hands, an accountant who is
versed in real estate investing and tax implications will be valuable. You will
be collecting rents and incurring expenses for repairs and services. Tax issues
become more complex, and a professional will aid you in maximizing your returns
on your purchase. Service providers like this can pay for themselves in the
money that they save you. Once you know the bottom line with regard to your
investment, you will be better equipped to determine a budget for projects
related to the property. <br />
Whether this is your first rental property, or you are a seasoned veteran of
this sort of investment, your realtor is among your business contacts. Having a
straightforward relationship where you present your needs and expectations up
front enables you to get the help you need in making that critical step of
executing the purchase. Additionally, realtors often have a wealth of knowledge
and resources that they are willing share from handymen to potential tenants.
<br />
Success in business is not accomplished alone – developing a team of
professionals from purchase through ultimate sale of the property is one key to
achieving your goals.<br />
Please visit my website at www.ChrisSmithHomes.com to view my many multi-family investment property listings. Or call me at (504) 231-2004, or email at RealtorChrisSmith@gmail.com. I am sure that I can help you find the right investment for you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-89794464253777436972012-11-02T13:18:00.002-07:002012-11-02T13:18:48.575-07:00The Cost of a Realtor<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial;">In
most <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Louisiana</st1:place></st1:state>
real estate transactions the Seller is the one that pays the Realtor's
commission. The commission is then split in some way between the Seller's
Broker and the Buyer's Broker. The real estate commission is usually a percentage
of the sale price of the property being sold. No matter if you have the
most highly rated Realtor in your area, or if you choose your “cousin's high
school friend”, as the Seller, you still will likely be paying the same rate.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">It is interesting to me that I often meet
Sellers who have selected an agent by simply calling a Brokerage firm and
contracting with whomever answers the phone. Sometimes a Seller will know
a friend of a friend, who is a Realtor and decide to enlist their services
because of their association. No matter who you choose, you will most
likely still be paying the same commission. So I wonder; why would a
Seller not make an effort to research potential agents to learn about their
services and sales records? If you were shopping for a new TV and the fancy
highly rated flat screen was the exact same price as the basic old box TV,
wouldn't you select the flat screen?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">In my experience I have worked with a number of
different Realtors. Some are very good, and others are less than good.
I personally would rather work with a full-service agent who will market
my property extensively online, as well as using traditional methods. I
would want my agent to show my home personally, highlighting the most
marketable features, <b>SELLING</b> my home;
rather than an agent who will simply rely on the automatic MLS feed and then
put my property on a lock box for other agents to show.</span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial;">I
would want my agent to be a top-rated professional in his/her field and
outstanding in sales in my area. I expect that he/she would be able to provide
me with advice and have references for me to use in preparing my home for sale as
well as throughout the sale process. I would anticipate that my home
would be presented for sale in the most marketable light with exceptional
photos and descriptions, and accessible and well-placed extensively
online, over the internet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial;">I
always try to get the very best that I can afford when I am spending my
money. So if I were selling my home and
the playing field was level in regards to the cost of selling my home (Realtor
commission), I would certainly seek out the very best agent I could find, who
would be able to work for me to <b>SELL</b>
my home. Wouldn’t you?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-71561494975827275212012-11-02T12:55:00.001-07:002012-11-02T13:32:14.257-07:00First Time Home Buyer Tips<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
If you are currently in the market for your first home, you probably have lots of questions. You are about to be making an important decision for your future, a great investment of both money and time. I have a wealth of experience helping first time buyers like you make sound, informed decisions. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
<li><strong>Tip #1: Get PreQualified</strong><br />Getting prequalified for a loan normally only requires a short phone conversation with a lender, and can greatly help your home search. Prequalification does not guarantee you a loan, but it does provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when shopping for homes. Being prequalified can also often indicate to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer. </li>
<li><strong>Tip #2: Look for Value</strong><br />When shopping for homes, it’s important to consider potential value. Even if you’re not planning to sell the home some time down the line, it’s a good idea to consider the future value of the home. You may not think of a new home as a means to make money, but it’s an important investment that requires caution. Your realtor should help you have confidence that you are getting good value from your purchase. </li>
<li><strong>Tip #3: Decide What You’re Looking For</strong><br />Settle on the home features that are important to you (covered parking, hardwood floors, architectural style, etc.) and make an ordered list. Having well established guidelines will help narrow down your search and will prevent you from being shown properties that lack your key amenities. It can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn’t really fit your needs. <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.trulia.com/blog/ChrisMSmith/2012/10/some_tips_for_first_time_home_buyers#" id="FALINK_1_0_0" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">My website</a></nobr>, www.ChrisSmithHomes, has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select. If you know you want a brick house with gas heat and a garage, you can get the results you’re looking for. </li>
<li><strong>Tip #4: Relax</strong><br />You don’t have to make an offer on the first home you see. A thourough realtor will show you a variety of listings in the area you are interested in to help you get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a house, your agent should help you to have confidence that you are making a good decision and skillfully guide you through the process.</li>
<li><strong>Tip #5: Shop Around for Your Mortgage</strong><br />Deciding on the financing for your home can be as important as choosing a home itself. The first step is shopping around for a lender that will provide you with the most competitive rates. He or she can help you decide what kind of loan best fits your needs: a <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.trulia.com/blog/ChrisMSmith/2012/10/some_tips_for_first_time_home_buyers#" id="FALINK_3_0_2" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">fixed rate</a></nobr> mortgage, or an <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.trulia.com/blog/ChrisMSmith/2012/10/some_tips_for_first_time_home_buyers#" id="FALINK_2_0_1" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">Adjustable Rate Mortgage</a></nobr> (ARM). </li>
<li><strong>Tip #6: Protect Yourself</strong></li>
<li>Paying for a quality home inspection is absolutely crucial! You can save yourself thousands in repair costs by being sure of what you’re getting into.</li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
More information for first time buyers can be found on my website www.ChrisSmithHomes,com or by giving me a call on my direct cell phone at (504) 231-2004, or by email: realtorchrissmith@gmail.com. I’m confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process an exciting one. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have, I would love to be of assistance to you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-89032166157508194182012-11-02T12:54:00.002-07:002012-11-05T06:18:46.306-08:00Making Improvements on Your Home to SELL<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making investments in your home can improve the “bottom line”
when the time comes to sell your home.
The trick is knowing what to improve.
Making home improvements prior to listing it is a common practice. However, improvements should be selected
carefully if the primary goal is to increase the profitability of your
property.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
"Return on Investment" is a phrase that quantifies how much an investment returns compared to what you spent on the investment.<br />
For example, if you remodel your kitchen, and then sell for a higher price, (after covering the remodel costs), then you achieved a positive return on investment. <br />
<br />
One way to maximize returns on your home improvements, renovations or other projects is to accomplish them prior to the sale, with the added benefit of enjoying the fruits of your labor. It is important to remember, though, that not all improvements guarantee additional profits.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
General guidelines suggest that you should not spend more than 20% of your home’s value on an upgrade of the kitchen. And beware of “trends” – these are the fashionable upgrades that are popular in the moment, but may not be practical in the long-term. Media rooms, spas, and wine-cellars all seem like great features, but they tend to cost more to put in than you may get back in return.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
In fact, experts generally agree that you will often see the highest return on investment for projects that simply bring your home up to the standard of those around it. When you keep the budget for projects in line with the overall worth of your home, you are more likely to get the most money back for the amount you put in.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
Here are the top five improvements real estate professionals consider the best returns on investment:</div>
<ol style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<li>Kitchen</li>
<li>Bathrooms</li>
<li>Interior Painting</li>
<li>Roof</li>
<li>Heating/Cooling systems</li>
</ol>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
Hope you find this helpful!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464504434037054554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284969894345139179.post-4889796305364766332012-11-02T12:52:00.001-07:002012-11-02T13:05:38.375-07:00Why I am a New Orleans Realtor<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When I came to New Orleans as a result of a job transfer, I felt confused and overwhelmed while <a href="http://www.zillow.com/myzillow/Profile.htm#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0054a6; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">searching</a> for a home. I clearly saw the need for a professional Realtor that would provide unmatched customer service and integrity. Through my strong background in sales, my attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of the market, I am determined to provide my customers with dedicated service and consistent results. Customer satisfaction is a driving force which has also led me to personal success as a Multi Million Dollar producer and many top awards in my field.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As your realtor, I will provide you with the specialized real estate service and information that you deserve. I will assist you in making your expectations become a reality. You will become an informed buyer or seller so that you can make the correct decision for one of the most important decisions of your life. I will keep you informed on trends in the marketplace by using the latest statistics of recent sales and property values in a comparative market analysis. Real Estate is an excellent investment in your future. In the New Orleans Area as well as in the entire country, values of property <a href="http://www.zillow.com/myzillow/Profile.htm#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0054a6; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">continue</a> to rise.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">After losing my home to Hurricane Katrina, I can empathize with others who are struggling to repair their homes and am committed to the rebuilding of New Orleans. I understand the challenges and difficulties first hand of <a href="http://www.zillow.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/RealEstateTips/HomeBuying/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0054a6; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">buying</span></a> or <a href="http://www.zillow.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/RealEstateTips/HomeSelling/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0054a6; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">selling</span></a> your home. I will assist you personally from the first call to beyond the act of sale. If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like additional information about the current real estate market, please don´t hesitate to call or <a href="mailto:cmsmith@prudentialgardner.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #4f519e; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e-mail</span></a> me. Cell: (504) 231-2004, Email: RealtorChrisSmith@gmail.com</span></div>
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Please visit <a href="http://www.zillow.com/myzillow/Profile.htm#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0054a6; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">my website</a> www.ChrisSmithHomes.com. Please consider it as your online resource for real estate information and return often for the <a href="http://www.zillow.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/ListNow/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0054a6; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">latest property listing updates</span></a> or <span style="color: #4f519e; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.realtor.prugardner.com/prudentialgardner/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=text&id=10739" rel="nofollow" style="color: #4f519e; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">searches</a>.</span></div>
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