Eric Bouler

New Orleans second homes, New Orleans Condos fit the bill in the French Quarter, Warehouse District and Uptown. Buyers returning!

Second home buyers are returning to the New Orleans Real Estate market in the Spring and Summer of 2008. Several Years ago second homes were mainly to be found in the New Orleans French Quarter. Now the Warehouse District and Uptown are also favorite spots depending upon the lifestyle that the buyer desires. The prices remain most expensive in the French Quarter, then the Warehouse District and then in the Uptown area of New Orleans. Condos have been the choice for most second home purchasers.

This was not the case the past 2 years following Katrina. Now all of a sudden people are aggressively looking in the areas where they want to be. Prices have remained rather stable since 2005. You have some motivated sellers so its not hard to find the right deal. Buying a condo makes the most sense as the upkeep and insurance are in the condo fees.

The French Quarter has shown the most dramatic movement and improvement as many of the units are already second homes. Since business has been slower for two years there has been a build up of inventory which makes for more buys of high quality units. The other element is that people are also choosing other areas of town within to buy for a variety of reasons. A lot of the business has been in the 250-400k range. looking for less than 200k its best to look in the Warehouse District.

The Warehouse District Condos are going to more updated since very few even existed ten years ago. The center of activity for the Warehouse District is around the Julia Street area. You can walk to the French Quarter from here. This is where many of the locals live and walk or ride the street car to work. Its the place to be for young professionals and those second homers who have kids and family with them.

Its much easier to find two bedroom units with parking in the Warehouse District. Many of the condos feature common areas security and tend to be larger complexes unlike the French Quarter. The Cotton Mills gives you a great value for those looking at under 200k and want the amenities of having a pool, parking security and exercise room. Pets are welcome in the Warehouse District. Julia Place has also been hot as they have finished the common areas and offer a great location in the center of the area.

The Uptown area has also beginning to see people buying in this area of town as a weekend retreat from the busy week. Here there is also no need for a car as you can streetcar to town rather quickly. The city is compact so nothing along the Mississippi River is very far away. Most of these areas had no flooding from Katrina. The condos in Uptown New Orleans come in all shapes and sizes. Its easier to find things under 200k and the it depends on what you are looking for.

Many people buy units while their kids are to school and either take over the unit or sell and buy something larger. The area feels the college market more than any other. The new factor is the second homes and condos tend to be the most viable choice.

Gas prices are effecting everyones pocket book this Summer of 2008. But once your hear you can get plenty of exercise and ther is no need to ride in your car. The cost of a Hurricane at Pat O'Briens is soon going to be cheaper than a gallon of gas one of these days. The variety is there and it will depend on what you would like to pay and enjoy. I am very good at picking the best in your price range so call me or shoot me an e-mail.

I have sold a lot of condos in The Cotton Mill Condos in the New Orleans Warehouse District. Sales seemed to be stagnant for the last 2-3 months. In the last 3 weeks a lot of the units have sold. From first hand experience we have sold 4 condos in the last 10 days. Lost one in a bidding war that had been on the market for at least 6 months. The Cotton Mills Update June 2008

You have several that will not sell at their current prices but the ones that were well priced and updated have been moving briskly. You can call this a selling streak as real estate is still very seasonal in nature. All of a sudden people are there to purchase!!! New Orleans Condo Trends.

Of the 29 units for sale this month , 14 units are under contract that I know about today. There are several good units still for sale out of the 15 units left. 7-8 of those units are just too expensive or just are not nice.

The two bedrooms have been hot of late all over the Warehouse District and the same thing has been happening in the Cotton Mills as the prices of the one and two bedrooms have come closer together. You can get a two bedroom in the 220's to 230's range. The larger one bedrooms in the two hundred thousand range and below.

There are seasonal reasons for this as this is when people tend to move. This is a favorite place for young professionals starting their career. Its a great place for medical students and residents form Tulane, LSU and Ochsner. It is also because the place to rent are not easy to find and many who may rent end up buying due to the cost and shortage of nice rentals at the lower end. The second home market has also been picking up as people are choosing the Warehouse as a destination.

The Cotton Mills Conodos remains one of the better values. It has the courtyard, pool, security, high ceilings, large windows, wood floors and the condo fees are moderate for the the services

The sales and interest in the French Quarter have begun to pick up in the last 8-10 weeks. The better units are beginning to sell. There has been a lull in sales since Katrina as many of the condos are used for second homes and weekend retreats for the locals. Now people are looking again as the prices have moderated. You can visit my blog and iste to get some more details. 1228 Royal Street Blog.

The Condo unit #7 we just listed is one that is priced right and ready to be sold. There a 6 units under 200k with a minimum of 500 sq. ft., getting below this number you are getting a motel room sized unit. None are on one of the Quarters most famous streets as is this one. Everyone knows you will not buy the first one you see but this one should be seen and shown. It may fit your needs!

The 1228 Royal Street Condo Unit #7 is a ground floor unit down a historic alley on the first floor of this French Quarter Condo. You expect to pay much more for balcony units. You are on the quiet end of the street but a very short walk to all that the Quarter has to offer in terms of history, eating and drinking. This is a condo association that has a nice courtyard with pool and laundry facilities. Having a pool is not the norm.

Having a pool to take a dip after a morning walk would be great. Enjoy your time in New Orleans by parking your car and walking for however long you may want to stay and sweat this time of year.

The New Orleans French Quarter is never at a loss for unique photos and historic homes. This French Quarter double shotgun home was one we passed last week going to a listing appointment. The house itself was unique but the hanging baskets and flowers blooming in the late afternoon sun defined curb appeal. It takes a lot of time, effort, and love to maintain these homes and then decorate them with seasonal flowers for all of us to enjoy. You can enjoy them with me.

Need to thank Lana Sackett the co-lister on the property we were visiting for letting me take these photo detours for which I am famous. But I am also known for finding a good parking spot so things even out. New Orleans is a great walking city in the cool months of march, April and May before the Summer heat and humidity arrive on schedule in June. New Orleans Condo Trends