Dinah Stallworth

These are some tips to consider when buying land for building a home or placing a mobile home on it. Follow the tips below to purchase your land.

Picking out a Lot:

1. Size- Make sure the size is big and deep enough to put your home on. Remember to take in consideration the restrictions for that area or subdivision such as minimum to build, how far from road to build, and fences, etc.
2. Slope - Is the land flat or is it bumpy and raised in places? For building homes in Louisiana, it probably better to get a flat lot, that makes it easier for drainage, which means no flooding. It also makes it easier for the builder to get it ready for a slab. In other areas this might be the perfect type of lot to build a basement on.
3. Utilities - Check to see if the developer has gas, electric, sewage, water, and telephone available to your land. If not, discuss this with your building contractor. The contractor may charge extra, if he has to add these utilities to your piece of property and it may be very costly to you.
4. Parish Services- Inquire about garbage collection, how far you are away from fire departments, and water services. If the area is really rural, you may have to pay extra for these services and for home owner's insurance.
5. Type of Land - The type of soil and the strength of it is very important when buying land. In addition zoning, drainage, and what kind of sun you will get on your property based on its current location are extremely important. Certain types of soils will shrink and can cause cracks in your foundation. Having this assessed in the beginning can save you lots of time, money, and energy.

I've been trying to FIND A HOME for a client who has been approved for a RURAL DEVLOPMENT LOAN. I have shown my client at least a dozen homes and we've spent time searching the internet also, looking for their DREAM HOME. My client could not find a home they liked. The homes were either, too old or did not have the main features she wanted, a second bathroom with at least a shower in it and a updated kitchen.

So, my client started thinking about building a NEW HOME, in a NATCHITOCHES community. These are some things you need to do, if you are approved through Rural Development (RD) and you can't find a home to buy and want to build.

Get in touch with your RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RD) contact and let them know that you intend to build.

• Rural Development will give you a list a Building Contractors who are approved through them
• Select your contractor
• Find a lot to build your house on and make sure to get your choice approved by your contractor
• Select a house plan and discuss square footage and other details with your contractor
• Sit back and relax, you will be in your new home soon. Usually, once they actually start building, on average it takes from 2 -4 months, more or less.

As a Realtor, I can help to find that ideal piece of land to build your new home on, that is, if we can't find you an existing home that you really like. Contact me today with any questions you may have regarding your RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN APPROVAL LETTER. I can help you buy or build your new home in Central and Northwest Louisiana.

NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY - NATCHITOCHES, LA

SUMMER DINNER THEATRE - 2010

MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER!

For information / Reservations: Call (318) 357-4483

Mystery Dinner Theatre on A. A. Fredricks Stage, Northwestern State University Campus in Natchitoches. Doors open at 5:30 pm and Dinner begins at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00 which includes the Meal and the Show. Reservations are required.

Playing: July 22 - 24, July 29 - 31, and August 5 - 7 , 2010

Appropriate for ages 13 and up

Meal Includes: Soup, Salad, entree, dessert, tea, and coffee. A vegetarian meal is available upon request.

Natchitoches Real Estate Overview

Today, June 27, 2010

Market Trends for Natchitoches

Average Listing Price $208,169 -2.3% w-o-w

Natchitoches Summary

There are currently 98 resale and new homes in Natchitoches on Trulia, including 3 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Natchitoches LA was $208,169 for the week ending Jun 22, which represents a decrease of 2.3%, or $4,898, compared to the prior week.

CELEBRATION ON THE CANE & ALIVE AFTER 5 - NATCHITOCHES, LA

July 4, 2010
Downtown Natchitoches Historic District
Toll-Free: 800-259-1714

Come and celebrate Independence Day in Louisiana's oldest community, Natchitoches. The entertainment begins at 6pm and fireworks over the scenic Cane River Lake in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana and it begins at 9pm. It's FREE to the public!

You may bring your lawn chairs and blankets, however, no ice chests are allowed. The entertainment is hosted by Natchitoches Main Street and the fireworks are courtesy of the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce.