About Saint Tammany Parish, LA

In addition to location and condition, the asking price of a home is at the top of the list of important considerations. When a potential buyer is looking for a property, they want to get the best possible value for their dollar. This doesn't mean that a home should be priced too low, but it does mean that knowing how to price your home is a must.

Know The Value

Regardless of whether you are in a buyer's market or seller's market, it's important for every seller to know the actual value of their home with the help of an appraisal. With this information, you will be able to choose a listing price that does not exceed the home's value. At the same time, you will know how to react to various offers that a potential buyer may make. If you can select a price that is affordable to a range of buyers, you may receive multiple offers thereby sparking a possible competition among the interested parties.

Do Your Homework

The asking price that you choose should not be based on an appraisal alone, but rather a combination of factors. One such factor is that of recent selling prices for comparable homes in the area known as "comps." Important comparisons include construction year, square footage, views (if applicable), interior upgrades and additional features that make the home unique. While you're doing research, check out current listings and the asking price for each home available in your area.

Set A Realistic Timetable

In researching the sale price for other comparable homes in the area, you should also note the length of time a particular house has been on the market. Some homes practically sell overnight, while others may remain on the market for months without being sold. If you want to sell your home quickly, you should consider this when setting a price. A bargain will obviously move quicker, but it's important to make enough from the sale to feel good about your choice. If you aren't in a hurry to close, talk with your realtor about a fair starting price that's at or near the appraised value of your home.

Ask Your REALTOR® For Advice

While you hold the key, so to speak, to your house's actual asking price, most sellers will ask their REALTOR® for their opinion. After all, real estate is their business and they will be working with you through every step of the process. If you choose a REALTOR® that you trust, give great consideration to the advice they offer.

Now that you've signed all the paperwork and your loan is approved, it's time to move in. But wait! Before you put your feet up, there are a few things that you will need in order to make your new house a home.

Locks

Regardless of whether you purchase a newly constructed home or one that was formerly owned by someone else, it's important that you have the locks changed. Everyone from REALTORS® and contractors to friends and family of the former owner may have a key, which is why getting new locks should be at the top of your list.

Furnishings

You can't hang your hat without a hatrack, so don't forget to add some necessary furnishings. Some homes may include appliances and possibly even some furniture, but most homeowners prefer to decorate their house themselves. After all, someone else's taste in decor may not necessarily be the same as your own. If you purchase from a furniture store, they will handle the delivery for you. Otherwise, you can hire a moving company.

Appliances & Cookware

Even if your new home is equipped with appliances, you may still need to add a few items into the mix. For instance, a coffee maker, toaster, microwave or blender may be items you want for your kitchen. You will also need flatware, tableware and a quality dish drainer to hold your dishes that require the handwash method.

Tools

When you move into a new home, there will likely be some things to do that require the use of tools. Whether you need to assemble furniture, a desk for your office or just need to tighten some bolts here and there, a good set of tools is a necessity.

Personal Touches

No home is complete without personal touches that represent your taste, so don't forget to include them on your shopping list. Pictures, paintings, special window dressings, accent pillows, plants, decorative throws, accent rugs and bedding sets will create a custom interior that's all about you. Other things to consider include portable air cleaners, water filters, an answering machine, wastebaskets and a bathroom plunger.

Outdoor Décor

If you like to entertain, equipping your backyard accordingly is a must. Patio furniture, an outdoor grill, landscaping tools and garden supplies are essential to creating an outdoor atmosphere that your family and friends are sure to love. Speaking of the outdoors, don't forget to purchase a lawnmower and trimmer unless you live in a subdivision where lawncare is included in the maintenance fees. If you live in an area that's prone to snowfall, keep this in mind when shopping for maintenance supplies.

The best way to tackle a large list of necessities is to keep a pad of paper nearby and write down each item as you think of it. Think about each area of your new home and do a mental inventory of what is needed. There will always be new items to add to the list, but you will cover the basics with your handy checklist of necessary items for your new home.

ABEK Real Estate is hosting it's 2nd annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

This food drive is benefiting the Slidell Christian Community Concern. This is an organization that distributes non-perishable foods to many different food banks in our area. Last year we were able to collect enough food to fill a moving truck. The representative from the CCC said "it was the largest single donation ever made." Well, it's that time of year again.

We will begin passing out bags November 1st and pick them up November 7th -8th. Please feel free to donate as much or as little as you would like. Because of the amount of homes in Slidell we may not be able to get to everyone. If you do not receive a bag and would like to donate please feel free to drop it by the office or give us a call we would be more than happy to come by and pick it up.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

-Karin Smith
ABEK Real Estate
820 Oak Harbor Blvd.
Slidell, La. 70458

Cell: 985-707-7624 - Email: ksmith.realestate@gmail.com
Website: http://www.PropertyPromenade.com
Your Source for Slidell, La Real Estate

It's early August and traffic in my home is hot and heavy. I guess first time buyers seeking that $8,000 payday from Uncle Sam. We accepted an offer from an agent who's card stated in big bold letters at the top FULL TIME REALTOR. OK I'm impressed, really you got my attention.

What else got my attention was the Hawaiian shirt you were wearing. Looking kind of casual today are we? I am the first person to tell you neck ties suck. But neck tie withholding, one can still look more professional than this. I think he just left the country club after eighteen holes of golf.

Second was the contract he wrote on our house. Twice he marked the wrong selection box describing if the offer was contingent on selling another property. He marked "NO" twice when in actuality it was.

Third he marked the seller was to purchase a warranty for the home. Twice again he marked that neither the buyer, seller or any agents were going to pay for this warranty. I guess his friends at the country club were going to pony up.

I just kept my mouth shut laughing at the slogan on the card. I was thinking to myself to check your ego at the door next time and pay attention to what you are doing. Full time Realtor or not you have an obligation to your client to represent him or her not yourself so much.

This house located in Yester Oaks subdivision of Slidell Louisiana was sold yesterday to a lovely young couple getting married in two weeks. I hope they enjoy the home as much as the previous owners did.

This home was under contract in a little over sixty days and sold in three months time. Sure makes my job easier when the home is well maintained.

Looking to buy or sell in Slidell, Pearl River or Lacombe give me a buzz.