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So you want to put your home up for sale on the market to see what it does. You can list it all you want, but if it doesn’t have curb appeal, you might not attract any potential buyers.
What is curb appeal? It’s a cosmetic look of a home’s exterior that is pleasing to the eye.
In this article, we’ll go over some ways you can increase your home’s curb appeal and ultimately get it sold.
How To Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Could the walkway in front of your home benefit from a good power washing? Are there still leaves in your gutter?
Take a good look at the front exterior of your home and write down all the things you can do to beautify the property and not bust your budget.
1. Take Lawncare Seriously
Your lawn is the first thing a prospective buyer may notice about your property. Always make sure your hedges, trees and shrubs are trimmed to compliment your home. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see are wayward vines and branches encroaching on the porch or walkway.
Take the time to invest in some shears so that you can cut your shrubs and other things out of the way.
3. Go With a Fresh Coat of Paint
You may also consider painting the rooms inside or even the home’s exterior. Nothing illuminates a home’s beauty like a nice coat of paint. Not only can a fresh paint job be pleasing to the eye but it can increase your bottom line.
A Zillow analysis found that homebuyers would pay 1.6% more ($5,000 on a $290,000 home) for a bathroom with light blue walls.
4. Opt for Modest Upgrades
You don’t have to break the bank to get your home in selling shape. Consider making some modest upgrades that will attract buyers.
New Orleans, Louisiana, presents some great opportunity for potential homebuyers who save up for a home, but like much of the country, high prices and mortgage rates will temper the market.
Final Word
It could cost you a lot of money if you missed out on the sale of your home just because you didn’t tidy things up around the property. In essence, clean up.
The time and energy you spend into boosting your curb appeal will be more than worth it in the long run.
New Orleans has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for families and singles alike.
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When you compare it to other states, buying a house in Louisiana is very affordable. Of course, it depends on where you decide to purchase. The New Orleans real estate market has some of the most pricey homes in the state. Meanwhile, rural parishes in the northern part of the state have some of the most affordable dwellings.
In this article, we will cover how to save money for a house in Louisiana.
How To Save Up For a Home in 4 Steps
Saving up for a house requires careful planning and discipline. How to afford a home is a challenge this year as economic factors loom. Here are some ways you can save up for your future home:
Set a Savings Goal
Determine how much money you need to save for a down payment and other homebuying costs. This will give you a target to work towards.
Consider taking on a part-time job or freelance work to boost your income and accelerate your savings.
Put any unexpected windfalls, such as tax refunds or bonuses, directly into your house savings account.
Create a Budget
Review your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and save more money. Allocate a portion of your income specifically for your house savings goal.
Regularly review your savings progress and adjust your budget and savings plan as needed to stay on track.
Get Out Of Debt
Look for ways to reduce your expenses, such as eating out less, cutting cable or subscription services, and finding cheaper alternatives for everyday items.
Pay off high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, to free up more money for savings. This will also improve your credit score, which is important when applying for a mortgage.
Open a Dedicated Savings Account
Open a separate savings account specifically for your house fund. This will help you track your progress and avoid spending the money on other things.
Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your house savings account each month. This will make saving easier and more consistent.
Final Word
Saving up for a home can be a big task, but with hard work, dedication and a lot of patience, you can do it. The key is to stay motivated.
Keep your goal of homeownership in mind and remind yourself of the benefits of saving up for a house, such as financial security and stability.
And before you choose a lender, make sure you read the reviews.
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So you want to buy a home. Your next step to hiring a home inspector.
If the home inspection uncovers any issues, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller. You may ask them to make repairs before closing or to lower the price of the home to account for the cost of repairs.
In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about getting a home inspection and why it’s important.
- How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
- How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
- Why Is a Home Inspection So Important?
- Top Home Inspectors In New Orleans
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on several factors, including the size and location of the home, as well as the complexity of the inspection. On average, a home inspection may cost between $300 and $500 for a typical single-family home. However, prices can range higher or lower based on these factors.
It’s important to note that while cost is a consideration, the quality and thoroughness of the inspection are also crucial. It’s generally recommended to hire a qualified and experienced home inspector who will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the property, even if it means paying a slightly higher fee.
When budgeting for a home inspection, it’s also important to consider the potential savings or negotiation leverage that a thorough inspection can provide. Uncovering major issues with the property can allow you to negotiate repairs or a lower purchase price with the seller, potentially saving you money in the long run.
How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
The amount of time a home inspection takes depend on several factors, including the size and condition of the home, as well as the thoroughness of the inspection. On average, a typical home inspection for a single-family home can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete.
However, larger or more complex homes may require more time to inspect thoroughly, while smaller or simpler homes may take less time. Additionally, if the inspector identifies significant issues during the inspection, they may need additional time to assess the severity of the problems or to gather more information.
Why Is a Home Inspection So Important?
Getting a home inspection before buying a home is important for several reasons:
Identifying Potential Problems
A home inspection can uncover any issues with the property that may not be visible to the naked eye. This can include structural problems, safety hazards, or issues with the electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.
The inspector should assess the insulation levels and ventilation in the attic and crawl spaces to ensure energy efficiency and prevent moisture problems.
A good home inspector will also look for any safety hazards, such as exposed wiring, trip hazards, or other issues that could pose a risk to occupants.
Finding Out the True Condition of the Property
A home inspection provides a detailed report on the condition of the property, giving you a clear understanding of what you’re buying and any repairs or maintenance that may be needed.
Budgeting for Future Maintenance
Even if the home is in good condition, the inspection report can help you plan for future maintenance and repairs, allowing you to budget accordingly.
Top Home Inspectors In New Orleans
Although this is a partial list, we’ve really heard great things about these New Orleans home inspectors.
- House Call Home Inspection
- NOLA Home Inspections
- HomeScope Inspection Services
- Guardian Inspection Services
- Inspection Connection New Orleans
Final Word
It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced home inspector who will take the time needed to conduct a thorough evaluation of the property.
Things are expensive right now. The average cost of a home continues to increase. And the cost of land is high as well. Buying land in Louisiana has its own pitfalls, literally.
Want to learn more?
Read our guide on the best real estate companies in New Orleans.
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If rental property is not your thing, the dream of homeownership is elusive for millions of Americans, but it’s something else in New Orleans, Louisiana.
According to LendingTree, the New Orleans is in the top five cities when it comes to the number of black Americans being denied the purchase of a song.
What Is The Mortgage Denial Rate For Black People In New Orleans?
The report from LendingTree states that the denial rate for Black homebuyers across the 50 largest U.S. metros is an average of 5.30 percentage points higher than that of other mortgage borrowers.
In New Orleans as well as Detroit and Miami, the average denial rate for Black borrowers is 20.70% — more than double the average denial rate of 10.19% across Salt Lake City, Kansas City and Minneapolis.
Though denial rates for Black borrowers can vary across the nation’s 50 largest metros, they’re higher than 10.00% in all but one — Salt Lake City, with a denial rate of 9.24%.
LendingTree analyzed housing data to find the largest spread between mortgage denial rates for Black borrowers and the overall borrower population.
Here are the cities where mortgage denial is the highest among black Americans:
- Buffalo, NY
- Raleigh, NC
- Boston, MA
- San Francisco, CA
- New Orleans, LA
Can I Afford A Home In New Orleans?
Determining whether you can afford a home in New Orleans depends on various factors, including your financial situation, income, credit score, down payment amount, and the current real estate market in the area. Here are some steps to help you assess your ability to afford a home in New Orleans.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Contact a mortgage lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and the interest rate you qualify for based on your financial situation.
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When it’s time to sell or buy a home, working with trusted companies is vital to your wallet. There are many real estate companies operating in New Orleans, ranging from large national franchises to smaller locally-owned businesses.
Choosing the right real estate company is a crucial step in your home-buying journey, especially in this real estate market. Take your time to research and consider multiple options, ask questions, and select a company that aligns with your goals, needs, and preferences.
Here are some things to consider before hiring a real estate company:
What To Consider Before Working With A Real Estate Company
Compatibility and Trust: Building a relationship of trust and rapport with your real estate agent is important. Schedule an initial consultation or interview with a representative from the company to assess their approach, communication style, and whether you feel comfortable working with them. A good fit between you and the real estate company will make the home-buying process more enjoyable and successful.
Fees and Contracts: Understand the fees and commission structure of the real estate company. Real estate commissions are typically paid by the seller, but it’s important to clarify any potential costs or fees you may be responsible for as a buyer. Review the terms of the agency agreement or contract carefully before signing and ensure you are comfortable with the terms.
Referrals and Recommendations: Seek recommendations and referrals from trusted sources such as friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with real estate companies. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights and help you narrow down your options.
Here are some of the top real estate companies in New Orleans:
Keller Williams Realty
Keller Williams is a national real estate franchise with several offices throughout New Orleans.
RE/MAX
RE/MAX is another large national real estate franchise with several offices in the New Orleans area.
Latter & Blum
Latter & Blum is a locally-owned real estate company that has been operating in New Orleans since 1916.
Gardner Realtors
Gardner Realtors is a locally-owned real estate company that has been serving the New Orleans area since 1943.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has several offices in the New Orleans area and is known for their high-end luxury real estate services.
French Quarter Realty
French Quarter Realty is a locally-owned real estate company that specializes in properties located in the historic French Quarter.
Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker has several offices throughout the New Orleans area and is known for their expertise in the luxury real estate market.
Final Word
These are just a few of the many real estate companies operating in New Orleans. It’s important to do your research and consider several different options before choosing a company to work with.
A reputable and experienced real estate company can provide expert guidance, support, and resources to help you find your dream home for you and your family or even to rent for cheap.
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The affordability factor has become a major concern among many Americans. In one city — New Orleans — rents are cheaper than they’ve been in a while and continue to decrease.
A study from Rent.com shows that the Crescent City is among the big cities where rents have decreased.
Why Are Rents Decreasing Across The U.S.?
One major reason why rents are falling is because the construction industry is finally sufficiently rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic.
New rental units being built continue to make a difference as well as the fact that Louisiana happens to be one of the most affordable states in America.Where In The U.S. Are Rents Falling?
According to Rent.com, these metro areas have experienced the greatest decreases in rent prices over the past year.
- New Orleans-Metairie, LA (-14.95 percent)
- Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX (-14.33 percent)
- Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ (-9.63 percent)
- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV (-7.13 percent)
- Oklahoma City, OK (-6.43 percent)
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI (-5.96 percent)
- Birmingham-Hoover, AL (-4.54 percent)
- Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA (-4.02 percent)
- Memphis, TN-MS-AR (-3.57 percent)
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (-3.19 percent)
Final Word
Read where the cheapest apartments are in New Orleans.
While New Orleans is not one of the most expensive rental markets, you still need some strategy to score some cheap rent. Look for ways to reduce expenses and save more of the money you make.
Tired of renting? Here’s how to save for a home.
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After a brief upward trajectory, pending home sales continue to drop a tad across Louisiana and Greater New Orleans. The trend is part of a national wave of lower home prices spurred by rising interest rates.
After steep increases in home prices in New Orleans and nationally over the last two years, the market is starting to soften in large metropolitan areas.
You may be curious to know how much an average New Orleans home costs in the current real estate market.
What Is The Average Price Of A Home In New Orleans?
The average home costs $349,000 in New Orleans, which is up 6% compared to last year, according to recent figures.
The average home in New Orleans consists of:
- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- A one-quarter acre lot
- Central air and heating unit
In Louisiana, the average home value is about $182,595, according to Zillow. The Pelican State has experienced about a 2.3% increase in home values over the last 18 months.
Are Home Prices Dropping In New Orleans?
In New Orleans, home prices are starting to cool after a string of months that saw gains across all types of units. Even the cost of land is high in Louisiana now.
Here are the average home prices across some top New Orleans neighborhoods, according to Zillow.
- Village De L’Est $146,000
- Read Blvd. East $212,000
- Viavant-Venetian Isles $260,000
- Little Woods $184,600
- Read Blvd. West $166,000
- West Lake Forest $128,000
- Plum Orchard $134,000
- Pines Village $119,000
- Pontchartrain Park $183,000
Is It Better To Rent Or Buy A Home In New Orleans?
As to whether it’s better to rent or buy a home in New Orleans, a lot has to do with your personal goals and your financial situation. Apartment rentals are higher than they’ve ever been in New Orleans.
There are pros and cons in renting or buying. a home, but how you want to live has a lot to do with it.
Renters are being priced out of the city as real estate prices continue to restrict demand. Here’s how to find a cheap New Orleans apartment.
Final Word
Home prices in New Orleans have been rising steadily over the past two years, but things are starting to trend in the other direction.
Although home values have dipped a bit, areas around New Orleans that used to have $10,000 properties just 10 years ago, gentrification has quickly shot prices through the roof.
Keep up with what’s going on in the Louisiana real estate scene. Check out these cheap apartments.
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