Shreveport, LA

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and this holds especially true with real estate photos. They show the viewer a glimpse inside the home allowing them to determine if it interests them. The viewer can see everything from layout of the home to features such as counter top types, wall color, flooring type, dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor and well kept lawns. Photos and virtual tours are a driving marketing force in the sale of a home and it is important that these photos help not hinder the sale. Below are 7 tips for great real estate photos.

Tip 1: Tidy up. Your photos are an open house 24/7. As you prepare, go through each room tidying up. Items on counter tops such as the basket of mail in the kitchen or the toiletries on the bathroom counter should be removed. Tables and counters will show best with just a few tastefully selected items. Pick up and put away children’s toys, clothes, dishes, items on the floors and furniture. All this can appear to be clutter in the camera. Don’t forget to check for burnt out light bulbs which can really stand out in a photograph.

Tip 2: Please do not have other workers such as housekeeping, lawn crews, or repairmen at the home during photographing. If you desire to have housekeeping or lawn work done ahead of time, your virtual tour company will be glad to work with you on the best possible time to photograph your home.

Tip 3: Some pets love to pose for the camera! But others are uncomfortable with equipment or strangers. Please plan ahead for your pets by placing them in a kennel or at a day care.

Tip 4: What’s on your fridge? The family photos and artwork on the refrigerator are fun to look at, however, it can often appear as clutter to the camera. Please plan to remove these items before your virtual tour. A clean front on the refrigerator always shows best in photographs.

Tip 5: If you have begun packing, remove the boxes to an area which will not be photographed. Items stacked in the corner or tucked under the bed can show in the photos and this will keep your home from looking its best.

Tip 6: Outside move summertime items such as bikes, skates and pool toys to a storage area. Plan to have the lawn mowed and edged. If summer heat has caused the grass to turn brown, try to water a couple of days in advance to give it a fresh look. Trim hedges and sweep walks and driveways to give a manicured and inviting appearance. Add a few flowering plants for extra curb appeal!

Tip 7: Don’t forget the pool. A sparkling, clear pool can inspire thoughts of summer fun and relaxation, even in the “off” season. However, green murky water can leave an impression too. Make sure your pool is an inviting asset to your home.

Visit Ark-La-Tex Virtual Tours website to learn more.

For years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door. With the US Census process beginning, the BBB advises people to be cooperative but cautious so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 US Census is under way, as workers have begun verifying addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 US Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address, including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data. "Most people are rightfully cautious and won't give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors; however, the census is an exception to the rule," said Andy Fisher, BBB Shreveport. "Unfortunately, scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the census, and they have an opportunity to ply their trade by posing as a government employee and soliciting sensitive financial information."

The census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year as well as determine a state's number of congressional representatives. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau's request for information. During the US. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a US Census worker who will inquire " about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers, who impersonate census workers to get access to banking and financial information.

Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers. The big question is, how do you tell the difference between a US Census worker and a con artist? The BBB offers the following advice: If a US Census worker knocks on your door, he will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see his identification and badge before answering his questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the US Census. Census workers will not ask for banking and financial information, nor will they solicit donations.

Eventually, census workers may contact you by phone, mail or in-person at home. However, they will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that is supposedly from the US Census Bureau. For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit the Better Business Bureau.

Permission to reprint by: "The Forum Newsweekly" Article taken from June 3, 2009 issue, page 10

Okay. I guess this post doesn't really qualify as real estate news, but y'all know that I like to keep you informed, real estate-related or not. Besides, this one could be said to be indirectly related to real estate since those of us who own homes pay property taxes which go to support our school systems. But hey. Do I need an excuse to spread the news about something that might have a positive impact on your wallet...? I thought not.

Although many of you have probably already heard about this, it's news to me. I've just discovered that during the second special session of Louisiana's legislature last year, a bill was passed to allow parents to deduct certain school expenses from their taxes beginning in 2009.

Parents of public school students can deduct the cost of school uniforms and supplies. Home school parents can deduct the cost of educational materials, and parents who send their children to private or parochial schools can deduct tuition, supplies, and certain other expenses. The deduction can be taken on the 2009 tax return which is filed in 2010, so be sure you're keeping track of these expenses with receipts. For more details, go here.

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 21st is the beginning of a weekend of good food, good music, and great fun as Shreveport’s favorite spring festival, Mudbug Madness, gets under way.

Mudbug Madness is back for its 26th year! Begun in 1984 as a two-day street festival in downtown Shreveport, it's now one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular Cajun festivals, featuring reknown Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Jazz artists, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, raucous contests, and fun for all ages. Now a four-day festival held each Memorial Day weekend, Mudbug Madness has created renewed interest in Louisiana’s cultural heritage and has brought a little bit of south Louisiana fun north to Shreveport.

Performers at this year's festival include:

On the Madness Stage

• Fricasse Cajun Band
• Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames
• Wayne Toups & ZydeCajun
• Chris Miller & Bayou Roots
• Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble
• Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
• Bayou Crossing
• T-Richard & the Zydeco Stingrays
• Cajun Nation
• Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters
• Don Fontenot & Friends
• Red River Playboys
• Trent LeJeune & Doubletime
• Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience

On the Swamp Stage

• The Gnarley Brothers
• LA Outlaws
• Earshot Graffiti
• Dirtfoot
• Sterling Bryant & Rockhouse
• The Blues Brokers
• Boomerang
• Crossroads
• Louisiana's LeRoux
• Black Water
• Border Line
• Chant
• Monte Montgomery
• Professor Porkchop & the Dirty Dishes

And there will be contests! Crawfish eating contests for all ages and a crawfish calling contest.

But I guess most of the people come for the food. Besides all the crawfish you would ever care to eat, there’s will be all kinds of mouth-watering delights of the Cajun variety and otherwise.

Check out the website for ticket details and a schedule of performers.

See ya there, cher!

Comparing the absorption rates for Shreveport and Bossier City single family homes, statistics show favorable numbers for sellers. There were 43 fewer homes sold this April compared to 2008. However, there were 239 fewer homes listed for sale this April compared to last April. What does this mean? Simply that there is a 6 month supply of homes on the market, and that figure has not changed to any significant degree since last year.

As you can see, the average list and sales prices are lower this April, but look at the average list to sales price ratio. Homes are selling at 98% of the listed price. This means sellers aren't coming down much on their asking price.

What does this mean to you? It means we are in a seller's market. Especially in the $250,000 and lower price range. Homes that are move-in ready and priced right aren't staying on the market long. You must be ready to make an offer when you see one that fits your criteria. There's not a lot of time to ponder your decision as a few of my clients found out last week.