Get To Know Your New Neighborhood       

Sometimes when you're relocating to a new area it can be stressful, especially for the kids.

To make it easier, below are some tips on how to get to know your new neighborhood, making the transition easier and happier for everyone.

If you’re moving to a new city or state:

Before you even get there, call the local chamber of commerce and request a packet of area information. Most are happy to oblige, getting the word out about their fair city. You can learn a lot from this material, including local history, the businesses in town, events, etc.

Purchase a detailed map of the city. Sit down with your kids and look it over with them.

Call your children’s schools to request a tour of the facilities before the kids have to start school. Be sure to locate your children’s classrooms, the cafeteria, library, gym and bathrooms.

After moving in:

As a family, drive around the area and find parks, the post office, the closest grocery store, a favorite chain restaurant, mall, bank, hospital, swimming pool, etc.

Again as a family, walk the neighborhood. Make a map of the neighborhood, marking down street names, bike paths, parks, tennis courts, etc.

Don’t wait for the neighbors to come introduce themselves. On the weekend, why not whip up a batch of cookies and go door to door, introducing yourself and distributing goodies.

Get a subscription to the community newspaper. These little papers usually list neighborhood events, give discount coupons to local businesses and other tidbits you’ll find very useful.

Go to the library, where your kids can sign up for reading contests, book clubs and check out books, videos and magazines that will keep them occupied while you’re trying to get the new house whipped into shape.

Go to the local recreation center. Again, you can sign your kids up for classes in everything from drama to art to rock climbing and more. They’ll make fast friends and have fun learning a new skill or polishing 

Participate in your new community. Join your homeowners association and attend the meetings. Join the PTA. Volunteer at the local food bank. Your new neighborhood will feel like home in no time.

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners

291 Veterans Blvd

Denham Springs, LA 70726

225-324-8851 C

225-664-1911 O

www.batonrougearea-homes.com

lisabourgoyne@aol.com

Licensed in Louisiana

All offices independently owned and operated

Real Estate Market Trends For the Gonzales-Prairieville La Area

Contact Lisa Bourgoyne @ 225-324-8851 or lisabourgoyne@aol.com  for more info

Wondering about the housing market in the Gonzales-Prairieville area?  If you're thinking about selling or buying in the area, this is a must have before you make a decision.  

Contact me to get the free 5 report emailed to you, with no obligation!

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners

291 Veterans Blvd

Denham Springs, LA 70726

225-324-8851 C

225-664-1911 O

www.batonrougearea-homes.com

lisabourgoyne@aol.com

Licensed in Louisiana

All offices independently owned and operated

2/1/2017

Thinking about selling your home this year? Nothing refreshes your home more than fresh paint!

Call Lisa Bourgoyne @225-324-8851 or email @ lisabourgoyne@aol.com for more info on getting your home ready to sell!  Get a free value report with your home's value and see what other homes like yours have sold for

Get My Report

Thinking about selling your home this year?  Nothing refreshes your home more than fresh paint!  Here's how to diy..

Preparing for Interior Painting

The home interior painter’s tools may take some time and investment to put together, but the end result will be worth it. Tools and materials needed to prepare your walls include items that protect the painter as well as get the job done:

l old clothes

l head protection (cap or scarf)

l rubber gloves

l ear protection

l surgical mask (available at hardware stores)

l safety glasses

l fine-grit sandpaper

l paint scrapers

l screwdrivers

l putty knife

l detergent and ammonia or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)

l sponges

l primer or adhesive pad

l orbital sander

l wallpaper steamer

l adhesive drywall tape

l fan

l hand sanding block

l spackle

Remove pictures and any sort of hangings, including their nails from walls, and move furniture out from the walls several feet or out of the room if you can. Whatever’s left should be covered with a drop cloth. Turn off the electricity so you can remove light fixtures, switch plates and outlet plates, and wrap all disconnected light fixture wires. Once all wires are safely wrapped, you can turn the electricity back on.

Now comes the hard part – thoroughly cleaning the walls and ceilings. Paint will adhere much better to clean walls and there’s less chance of bubbling. And if there’s any wallpaper glue residue left on the walls, the result is an interesting pattern under your paint that you hadn’t planned on. Walls should be washed with ammonia and detergent, or a cleanser like Spic and Span, or tri-sodium phosphate, which is available at your hardware store. Wear your rubber gloves when working with these solutions. After a meticulous scrubbing, walls and ceilings should be rinsed thoroughly with water. Do this twice if after drying you feel residue on your surfaces.

Mask off all woodwork trim and cover the windows with newspaper and your masking tape. Be sure that your tape edges are straight. You’ll need to mask the perimeter floor also. Do not remove the tape for at least 24 hours after painting to avoid pulling up part of your paint job with it.

On never-before-painted surfaces, priming is a must, but it’s even a good idea on already painted walls. It minimizes lap marks and seals the surface, which means a longer-lasting, better-looking paint job. Surfaces previously painted with enamel or gloss don’t need to be primed.

Now you’re ready to paint.

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-324-8851 C
225-664-1911 O
www.batonrougearea-homes.com
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
Licensed in Louisiana
All offices independently owned and operated

1/30/2017

Get Prepared Before You Buy A Home, Lock In Your Loan!

Contact Lisa Bourgoyne @ 225-324-8851 or email - lisabourgoyne@aol.com for more info

Lock In Your Loan

A lock-in is a lender’s promise to hold an interest rate and points for you for a specified period of time. Depending on the lender, you will lock in the interest rate and number of points you agree to pay either at time of application, during processing of the loan, at time of loan approval, or later.

A lock-in at application may be useful when interest rates are on the rise. Without a lock-in, rising interest rates during the application process could increase the cost of your mortgage. If interest rates are falling, it might be best to wait until after application approval to lock in.

Lock-in agreements come in many forms. Some lenders have pre-printed forms that state the agreement in exact terms. Others lock in by telephone at the time of application. Some lenders’ lock-in forms may be difficult to understand, so it’s wise to obtain a blank copy of a lock-in form to read or show to your attorney before loan application.

Unfortunately, lock-ins aren’t always free. Some lenders charge up-front fees, which may or may not be refunded upon application withdrawal or denial, or if the loan fails to close for some other reason. Other lenders charge the fee at settlement. The fee may be a flat fee, a percentage of the mortgage amount, or a fraction of a percentage point added to the lock-in rate.

Lock-ins are good for a certain interest rate and number of points for a given number of days — 30–60 days is common — during which you must settle on the loan. Some lenders offer short-term lock-ins, good for seven days after loan approval.

Consider the following before making your decision:

1) Does the lender offer a lock-in of the interest rate and points?

2) Will the lock-in be in writing?

3) When can you lock in rates and how long will the lock-in be valid?

4) Does the lender charge a fee for a lock-in?

5) If you have locked in a rate but interest rates go down, can you lock in at the lower rate? Is there an additional fee for that?

6) Can you float your interest rate and points now and lock-in later?

7) What is the lender’s average time for processing loans?

8) Has the lender’s loan volume increased? Heavy volume can mean slow turnaround or weak customer service.

9) What rate will be charged if the lock-in expires before settlement?

10) If you don’t settle within the lock-in period, will the lender refund the application or lock-in fees?

11) If your lock-in expires, will there be an additional fee for the second lock-in?

It is always best to get pre approved or pre qualified before you start looking for your home.  Don't miss out on that dream home by not being prepared!

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-324-8851 C
225-664-1911 O
www.batonrougearea-homes.com
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
Licensed in Louisiana
All offices independently owned and operated
1/30/2017

Have a Career, Not Just A Job!

Contact Lisa Bourgoyne, 225-324-8851, email lisabourgoyne@aol.com for more info

Have you thought about a career in real estate?  Are you an agent and looking for a change?  Now is your chance to get all of your questions answered!

Not all real estate brokerages are created equal... I've been a REALTOR for 11 years, but it was not until I joined Keller Williams 2 years ago that I truly had a career.

Join me this Wednesday for Career Night, get all of your questions answered!

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-324-8851 C
225-664-1911 O
www.batonrougearea-homes.com
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
Licensed in Louisiana
All offices independently owned and operated
1/30/2017

Denham Springs, LA 70706, Custom Home In Live Oak School District

Call Lisa Bourgoyne @225-324-8851, http://batonrougearea-homes.com

to schedule a showing

HIGH AND DRY IN LIVE OAK SCHOOL DISTRICT....... One of a kind custom home, A true Acadian shotgun, built in 1994. 3 bedrooms with a 17x12 office that could easily be the 4th bedroom. This charming, two story acadian style home with a metal roof has been beautifully updated and sits on 1.87 acres far from the street and surrounded by a well maintained yard, raised flower beds and beautiful mature trees.  Property also includes a large workshop and new above ground pool!

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-324-8851 C
225-664-1911 O
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
Licensed in Louisiana
All offices independently owned and operated
1/28/17

Baton Rouge Area Real Estate Values

Call Lisa Bourgoyne, Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners@ 225-324-8851, https://batonrougearea-homes.com

When you're looking for a partner to help you negotiate the complexities of selling a home, you've come to the right place. The experience, dedication and strong communication you'll receive will help ensure the successful and profitable sale of your home.   We currently have a low supply of homes and a lot of buyers are looking for a home.  Call me or fill out the form to a no obligation valuation for your home.

Here are just some of the things that will sell your home quickly;

 90 day listings.  Your home should have an accepted purchase agreement within 2-4 weeks.  Don't let anyone say they need 6 months to sell your home. You want to make sure your home sells quickly and for the best price. The longer your home is on the market, the more value it loses in the eyes of potential buyers.  Professional pictures of your home. Listings with professional photography are viewed 61% more than others on the internet.  Your home will have it's own web address and website.  With the right marketing, your home will be seen by more potential buyers.

Keller Williams premier internet advertising. (We are #1 in the country!) Syndicated to all real estate websites. - Since most  home buyers start their search on the internet, top placement on search engines is essential. You'll gain access to placement on Google, Bing, and other websites. This will maximize your exposure and bring a large number of potential buyers to view information about your home.

A Personal Touch - Of course, technology alone won't sell your home. Face-to-face interaction provides the advantage to sell your home-and you won't have to worry about a thing. The details will be handled with care and constant communication, to ensure the marketing and sale of your home go smoothly.  Call me today, 225-324-8851

Lisa Bourgoyne,  REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-324-8851 C
225-664-1911 O
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
Licensed in Louisiana
All offices independently owned and operated

1/28/17

Thinking About Selling Your Home In Livingston, Ascension Or EBR Parishes? Now Is A Great Time...It's A Sellers Market!

Are you thinking about selling your home?  In our area, because of the flood, home inventory is low.  Homes coming on to the market is lower than the houses that are going under contract, so home
values are up.  Here are some things you need to think about first.  What type of financing does it qualify for?  Does it need work, in a flood zone or qualify for a no down payment Rural Development loan?  If it needs work, it may not qualify for FHA or RD.  FHA and Rd require that the home is move in ready.  It can need updating, but has to be livable.  Do you pay flood insurance?  If so, do you have a flood elevation certificate?  Most lenders will require you to provide a flood elevation certificate before a buyer can purchase a home in a flood zone.   Many sales have fallen through due to the sticker shock of flood insurance premiums.
Have you had it appraised?  If not, don't unless it is a very unique property with acreage or an extreme one of a kind property.  Most lenders require the buyer to pay for an appraisal, but you should have an idea of what your home is worth.  You can get a comparable market analysis for your home, free, from a real estate professional.  If you'd like a CMA on your home, click below,

                         NO OBLIGATION MARKET ANALYSIS


With so many things to think about before selling your home, it's important to talk to a professional.  They should be glad to guide you and answer your questions even if you don't list your home with them.
If you're even just thinking of selling your home, please call, text or email me.  I'll be glad to answer your questions and discuss with you all of your options.


Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
225-324-8851 CELL
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
batonrougearea-homes.com
Licensed in Louisiana

Thinking About Selling Your Home In Livingston, Ascension Or EBR Parishes? Now Is A Great Time...It's A Sellers Market!

Are you thinking about selling your home?  In our area, because of the flood, home inventory is low.  Homes coming on to the market is lower than the houses that are going under contract, so home
values are up.  Here are some things you need to think about first.  What type of financing does it qualify for?  Does it need work, in a flood zone or qualify for a no down payment Rural Development loan?  If it needs work, it may not qualify for FHA or RD.  FHA and Rd require that the home is move in ready.  It can need updating, but has to be livable.  Do you pay flood insurance?  If so, do you have a flood elevation certificate?  Most lenders will require you to provide a flood elevation certificate before a buyer can purchase a home in a flood zone.   Many sales have fallen through due to the sticker shock of flood insurance premiums.
Have you had it appraised?  If not, don't unless it is a very unique property with acreage or an extreme one of a kind property.  Most lenders require the buyer to pay for an appraisal, but you should have an idea of what your home is worth.  You can get a comparable market analysis for your home, free, from a real estate professional.  If you'd like a CMA on your home, click below,

                         NO OBLIGATION MARKET ANALYSIS


With so many things to think about before selling your home, it's important to talk to a professional.  They should be glad to guide you and answer your questions even if you don't list your home with them.
If you're even just thinking of selling your home, please call, text or email me.  I'll be glad to answer your questions and discuss with you all of your options.


Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
225-324-8851 CELL
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
batonrougearea-homes.com
Licensed in Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish and Ascension Parish Flood Damaged Homes. What To DO?

Great flood, no, I think not.  Historic flood, 1000+ year flood, heartbreaking flood, whatever you call it, it was devastating for our area!  Families have been displaced, lives disrupted and it may be quite a while before life as we knew it is back to normal.  What we can do is save our neighborhoods.  Pull together, rebuild or sell.  The worse thing you can do is to walk away from your home and allow foreclosure, no matter how tempting.  

If your home was damaged, there are still ways to sell your home. 

1.  You can sell your damaged home, as is.  There are loan programs for buyers that allow for this.

2.  If you have insurance and do not want to do the repairs, the insurance money may be turned over to the buyer at closing and they pay full market value of home as if no damage occurred. 

3.  If you have a mortgage and no insurance to cover the damage, many banks will do a short sale so they do not have to foreclose. 

 For buyers, there are some good rehab loans out there with low interest rates and low down payments.  Some even defer mortgage payments for up to 6 months.   The FHA and Conventional loans allow for buyers to roll in the cost of repairs and/or improvements into the price of the home.  The home is appraised with the improvements included.  Great way to get a good deal, rehab exactly the way you want it and end up with a nice amount of equity when you're done.

Let me know if you'd like more information or would like a free Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) on your home.  I'll be glad to talk to you about your options.  Let me know if you're thinking about buying a home that needs rehab, contact me, I know lenders that can help.

                  Awesome Home For Sale in Denham Springs!

 

Here is an awesome deal for a wonderful home in Greystone, 3 bedrooms but has a large bonus room upstairs with plumbing that could be the 4th or even 5th bedroom. This is the chance to have the home you want, EXACTLY the way you want it with a lot of equity after repairs are made. The home took on approximately 29 inches of water 8/12/2016 and qualifies for a conventional Homestyle renovation loan with 5% down for homeowners and deferred payments for up to 6 months. It has been gutted, has had mold and termite prevention applied by Arrow Pest Control and been inspected by parish and has all permits. Top cabinets and millwork made of natural cypress remains intact, 13 foot ceilings, gorgeous light fixtures, extra large garage, cul de sac lot with privacy fence, partial golf course view. Flood zone X

Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd, Denham Springs La 70726
225-324-8851
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
Licensed in Louisiana
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Happy New Year!

The new year is here, and in real estate, that means new listings.  Most people wait for the new year to list and from the calls I'm getting, there is going to be a lot of homes coming onto the market in the next few months!  Now is a great time to start thinking about listing your home.   The home inventory is still low and the competition will be scarce.  Future homeowners will be out looking!  Think about getting your home ready now, so in the next month it will be ready to show.  Unless your home is disrepair, it's not wise to spend a lot of money getting it ready.  New paint can help, but most buyers are going to paint anyway and would rather pick their own colors.   Don't remodel or do any expensive additions to your home without taking into consideration the value it'll add to your home.   Let a professional REALTOR help, you do not want to over improve for your neighborhood or area.

This home is currently for sale!  Call me more info

Want to talk about selling your home, or just have questions?  Call, text or email me, I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have!




Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
291 Veterans Blvd
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-324-8851  CELL
225-664-1911  OFFICE
Licensed in Louisiana
Each office independently owned and operated
lisabourgoyne@aol.com

Is Now The Time To Sell? #90daylistings

Things are getting busy here in south Louisiana.  Lazy days of summer are almost over!  School has started and most families have that on their minds.  Most are not thinking about selling their home.  While looking for a new client's dream home, I realized there are less listings hitting the market.  I've sold my last 3 houses in 1 day, 2 weeks and 3 days so the buyers are there!  Now would be a great time to list,  buyers are having less choices.

The above chart from the Baton Rouge MLS shows that new listings are way down.  Now is the time to start thinking about selling!
Want to see what your home is worth?  Try my website for a free, no obligation report.

What Is My Home's Value?

I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the market, even if you're just curious!

Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
Denham Springs LA
225-324-8851
batonrougearea-homes.com
lisabourgoynerealtor@gmail.com
Licensed in Louisiana

Getting Your Home ready To Sell #90daylistings

Are you thinking about selling your home?  There are some things you need to know first.  What type of financing does it qualify for?  Does it need work, in a flood zone or qualify for a no down payment Rural Development loan?  If it needs work, it may not qualify for FHA or RD.  FHA and Rd require that the home is move in ready.  It can need updating, but has to be livable.  Do you pay flood insurance?  If so, do you have a flood elevation certificate?  Most lenders will require you to provide a flood elevation certificate before a buyer can purchase a home in a flood zone.   Many sales have fallen through due to the sticker shock of flood insurance premiums.
Have you had it appraised?  If not, don't unless it is a very unique property with acreage or an extreme one of a kind property.  Most lenders require the buyer to pay for an appraisal, but you should have an idea of what your home is worth.  You can get a comparable market analysis for your home, free, from a real estate professional.  If you'd like a CMA on your home, click here;

CMA FOR YOUR HOME... WITH NO OBLIGATION

With so many things to think about before selling your home, it's important to talk to a professional.  They should be glad to guide you and answer your questions even if you don't list your home with them.
If you're even just thinking of selling your home, please call, text or email me.  I'll be glad to answer your questions and discuss with you all of your options.

Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
225-324-8851 CELL
lisabourgoyne@aol.com
batonrougearea-homes.com
Licensed in Louisiana

Put Your Home On The Market Now, While Home Inventory Is Low! #sellhome #realestate #homevalue

Contract Lisa Bourgoyne @225-324-8851 or lisabourgoyne@aol.com for more info

Spring is almost here, the time of year that the home selling markets start to heat up.  It's a good time to think about selling your home.  Home inventory is low but in just a few months everyone will be listing.  Get yours out there and seen first.
Know what your home is worth before you put it on the market.  You have a price in mind...after all the people down the street sold their home for that price.  But do you really know what your home is worth?  If you under price your home, you could lose a lot of money!  But if your home is overpriced, you could hurt yourself in the long run even if you eventually bring the price down.  Why?  Because the first month a home is on the market is the most important.  That is when it will get the most exposure.  Say 100 people are in the market for a home in your price range, size and location.  If it's priced right, you should get quite a few showings in the first few weeks.  If it's not priced right, you'll get very few showings or none at all.  So you decide to lower the price, well now those 100 or so people probably have found something else or will only be looking at new listings that are hitting the market.  Now new potential buyers have dwindled considerably, maybe 2-3 new people a week are looking for a home like yours.  That is why you need to price your home based on sold comparable homes!  That means same size, number of bedrooms, age, lot size and amenities.  Your neighbor may have just sold their home, but is it the exact same house?  Probably not. I'll be glad to send you a Comparable Market Analysis for your home.  Free with absolutely no obligation!  Be informed before you sell!


Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
230 Veteran Blvd
Denham Springs LA 70726
225-324-8851  Cell
225-664-1911  Office

Licensed in Louisiana

Real Estate Professionals and Homebuyers Beware

Scammers and hacker are out there!  I've always heard this and really never paid too much attention.  Until yesterday,  and did I find out!  Someone hacked my gmail account and my phone started ringing!  I'm a real estate agent so this was my business email.  They sent out hundreds of emails in my name to people all over the country.  My contacts and people I didn't even know.  The only criteria for getting one was that sometime in the last 3-4 years they had participated in a real estate transaction. The email looked like a real estate document, a HUD and requested their email for confirmation.  I received about 40 phone calls within 2 hours. Phone calls from as far away a Los Angeles!  Changing my passwords didn't work.  I had to delete my Google account.

As a real estate professional I had contracts and important information in my account.  It has been a nightmare!  Please, Please, don't give any information to someone you do not know, change your email passwords often, make passwords complicated.  I finally learned, the hard way!


Lisa Bourgoyne, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Premier Partners
Denham Springs, LA