As we close the calendar on 2007 and enter a new year, take a look back at the historical trends for home sales in Algiers, zip code 70114. Some highlights worthy of mention:99 homes were sold in 2007, a decrease of 33% from the number of homes sold in 2006.   This marks the smallest number of home sales in the area in 9 years.  71 (72%) of the homes sold in 2007 had a list price of less than $200,000. Days on market climbed to an average of 102 days, up 59% from 2006. As of 1/1/2008, there are 98 active listings and 18 homes with accepted offers that have not closed yet.  Based on 2007 sales, this amounts to a 12 month inventory in the 70114 zip code if no more homes are listed. Average home sale prices increased slightly from the 2006 average of $157,378 to $160,994, a 2.3% increase. ... 01/01/2008

As we close the calendar on 2007 and enter a new year, take a look back at the historical trends for home sales in Algiers, zip code 70131. Some highlights worthy of mention:311 homes were sold in 2007, a decrease of 39% from the number of homes sold in 2006.   This marks the smallest number of home sales in the area in 14 years.  213 (68%) of the homes sold in 2007 had a list price of less than $200,000. Days on market climbed to an average of 95 days, up 56% from 2006. As of 1/1/2008, there are 198 active listings and 43 homes with accepted offers that have not closed yet.  This amounts to over 6 months of inventory in the 70131 zip code if no more homes are listed.              Average home sale prices dropped from the 2006 record high of $184,187 to $178,397, a decrease of 3%.  Whil... 01/01/2008

Working in the service industry (a euphemism for bartender), my oldest daughter always has some of the most interesting friends that I have ever met.  They are amazing young people from all walks of life that happen to have met up in the same place at the same time and struck up friendships that went beyond last call.A couple of weeks ago, she was telling me about her friend, Mike, who is a local artist.  This piqued my interest, since I am a HUGE fan of not only shopping locally, but supporting local artists as well.  The most unique art in my home has come from right here in the New Orleans area and those few pieces mean more to me than all of the rest put together.  There is a heart and soul to our local artists and their work that surpasses the average.  They travel off the beaten p... 12/30/2007

 Can you believe that Mardi Gras is right around the corner?  The Christmas decorations are not even tucked back into their boxes yet, and the Carnival season in New Orleans has already begun.  Mardi Gras 2008 is February 5th (quite early), so the balls have started taking place throughout the city.Last night, the Krewe of Choctaw held it's 25th annual Big Pow Wow at Mardi Gras World on the West Bank in Algiers, LA.  While most krewes hold balls, Choctaw, with its Native American theme, holds a Pow Wow, complete with Chief, Princess, Medicine Man, Maids and Maidens, Indian Braves and Papooses.    Mardi Gras World provides the perfect venue for a Carnival event...it comes predecorated with huge props and full size floats!  Traditional purple, green and gold banners hung from the ceiling,... 12/30/2007

 The New Orleans French Quarter is a very hard area to price because all the units are so different, parking is rare, many of the units have not been updated to today's standards, balconies are important, views are of course important. This is not subdivision pricing. High ceilings, large windows, second story views and the updates are important. Where you are in the quarter is also important. With that said the prices vary from 300sq. ft to 450sq ft for some of the smaller units. The high end prices may have parking which is easily valued at 30-40k for garage parking. The French Quarter was developed almost 200 years before the auto became a staple. With that said, had a client today who is a serious buyer and we found a condo that he liked. It was priced at 339k which was a little ove... 12/29/2007

 Everyone has that list, whether they write it down or just keep it in their head.   All of the things they vow to improve on, change or implement in the New Year.  Lose weight, get organized, spend more time with the family, focus on business....the list goes on and on.If your West Bank home is currently for sale or you are getting ready to sell, have you considered making a list of New Year's resolutions related to how you can accomplish that goal?  Here is my short list of suggested resolutions for all New Orleans West Bank home sellers:1.  I resolve to have my home ready to show.   Don't lose out on a sale because you weren't prepared to meet buyer expectations.  Need to know how?  Read these articles: Getting Ready to Sell - Home Staging Tips Part I Getting Ready to Sell - Home Sta... 12/27/2007

    I sell a lot of Condos in the New Orleans Market but the Cotton Mill Condos has been the the place I have sold the most. A couple of reasons is that they are moderately priced and have amenties that many smaller complexs cannot afford to have. You can still get a nice updated unit for under 200k in the Heart of the         New Orleans Warehouse District. Its becoming a more popular place for a second home as its an easy walk to the French Quarter, Riverwalk, Convention Center, the Superdome, Harrahs Casino and the various attractions that downtown New Orleans has to offer.    This is a photo of one that I sold this month. The higher 15' ceiling, exposed beams, large windows, exposed brick, concrete floors has the Warehouse appeal which is still in demand. The prices have been steady... 12/23/2007

In the center of the New Orleans Warehouse District is the 700 S. Peters Condos. The units cover the entire block of 700 South Peters and are a couple of blocsk away from Convention Center Blvd Harrahs Casino. There is garage parking on the first floor. The security in the  building is second to none in the area. The condo features a roof top pool above the second floor with grills, plants, and a nice pool. The views of the city of New Orleans are top notch from this point. All the units have exterior views. The units are one bedrooms and two bedroom units with a very common floor plan. All the units open onto an atrium so you will never get rained on. Pets are allowed. There is on site management and live security at all times. Many of the units have been upgraded and about 25% of the ... 12/20/2007

Brees completed 26-of-30 passes for 315 yards with a pair of touchdowns in the Saints' victory over Arizona, keeping his team's playoff hopes alive. This was Brees' second player of the week award this season and sixth overall in his seven-year career.GEAUX SAINTS   -  time to whip up on some more BIRDS. Jennifer Dazetwww.jenniferdazet.comwww.jenniferdazetrealestate.com 2253298138  12/20/2007

Many adult visitors to New Orleans never venture beyond the Convention Center and the French Quarter.  They have a great time, but never consider bringing their children to the area.  Why not?  There is more to the city of New Orleans than just a party happening 7 days a week.If you are planning a visit or a relocation to the New Orleans area, check out  some of the kid friendly sites and activities to keep the little ones entertained: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas  Conveniently located at the foot of Canal  Street in Woldenberg Park, the Aquarium of the Americas is ranked among the nation's best.  With over 15,000 animals to enthrall visitors, this is a must do for both children and adults.  After visiting the aquarium, you are within walking distance of Cafe du Monde (also kid frie... 12/20/2007

The New Orleans area has a national reputation for our historic architecture and old, established neighborhoods.  BUT, not everyone wants a resale home and buying a newly built home has some perks as well.  In Louisiana, all builders are required by law to provide a one year warranty on the property.  Additionally, many builders are offering assistance to the purchaser with closing costs or are providing discounts on upgrades.Where can you find new construction on the West Bank?There are currently 124 newly constructed homes for sale on the West Bank, from Algiers to Waggaman, from the starter home to luxurious, top of the line new homes in prestigious, gated communities.What's for sale in your price range?Take a look at the properties available as of 12/18/2007:$130,000 - $150,00025 ne... 12/19/2007

You sat down with your lender and discussed all of your financial options.  You  have supplied all of the required documents for your loan approval.   You have determined that you qualify to buy a home for up to $150,000.  So, what can you buy on the West Bank of New Orleans without breaking your budget?  There has been a lot of negative press about the housing market, both locally and nationally.  The truth is, there are some great deals for home buyers on the West Bank of New Orleans.  Take a look at what is currently for sale:Homes Priced under $100,000101 single family homes for sale About 80% of these homes need updating, with a large number needing total renovation 5 homes have 1 bedroom 26 homes have 2 bedrooms 55 homes have 3 bedrooms 14 homes have 4 bedrooms 1 home has 5 bedroo... 12/18/2007

One of the things I love about the New Orleans area is the fact that we don't have too many cookie cutter houses.  There are wonderful areas to live that are not part of "subdivisions"...they are neighborhoods in the true sense of the word.  Some of the most beautiful areas to live in are older, established and, in some cases, deemed historic.To me, any house over 75 years old is a historic home.  Lucky for us, we have a large selection of homes that give us a peek into the history of our city and the surrounding area.  Some of them have been restored to their original grandeur, some have been completely modernized and some are waiting for the right person to come along and give them a facelift.Relocating to the New Orleans area?  When looking for a home in a historic neighborhood, don'... 12/17/2007

Many of the New Orleans fire fighters lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.  They were impacted not only in the loss of several fire stations, but personally as well with the loss of their uniforms.  As a fund raiser to replace station house uniforms for these brave men and women who serve their communities, the New Orleans Fire Fighters Look Hot 2008 Calendar is now on sale.   On the West Bank, calendars are for sale at the Algiers Latter & Blum office and at J&K Bar and Cafe on General Meyer.   Calendars can also be purchased at retailers on the East Bank or online.     12/16/2007

I recently wrote a post about the possible loss of another New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition.  I am very happy to say that through strong negotiations and the cooperation of the Steamboat Natchez company, the River Parade will take place as planned without an increase in cost to the Krewe!The annual West Bank Mardi Gras event will take place on January 19, 2008.  Boarding will start at 9:30 am at the Gretna ferry landing and the boat will sail promptly at 10 am.  This wonderful and fun event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to be a part of the only river parade in New Orleans.  Food and drink will be available for purchase on the Natchez.Need tickets?  You can purchase them online here.Hail the Chief!            12/12/2007

 Algiers is the only part of the city of New Orleans located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River and feels more like a small town than part of a metropolitan area.  A large number of people (like me!) who grew up in Algiers have stayed to raise their own families here, making it a very friendly community to live in.  We actually live next door to family, which is not so uncommon here.Algiers Point is the historic portion of upper Algiers, settled in the early 1700's and placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1978.  Insider tip:  The Old Algiers Courthouse is located steps from the ferry and allows residents the opportunity to take care of city business such as filing homestead exemptions and paying traffic tickets without going to City Hall.   Travel to Algiers, LAD... 12/11/2007

I don't even think about the fact that the New Orleans West Bank is a sub-tropical environment.  Having been born and raised here, it's normal for me to weed the garden at least 9 months out of the year.  I don't give much thought to the fact that if some of the weeds and junky, invasive vines are still growing in my garden in November, then ALL of the weeds and junky, invasive plants are still growing.  When that first little itch showed up on my arm, I didn't think twice about it.  Scratch it and move on.  Or not...Every spring, my yard guy, Tim, points out to me where any poison ivy is growing so we can carefully spray it with Roundup and dispose of it.  Every spring, despite his warnings and being VERY careful, I end up in the doctor's office, waiting for the pronouncement that "Yes... 12/09/2007

 The Christmas festivities are in full swing on the West Bank this weekend.  Check out these local events:Christmas Concert at Algiers Methodist ChurchSunday, 12/9/2007 at 10:15 am.  637 Opelousas Avenue in Algiers PointThe public is invited to sing along with some of their best loved Christmas carolsChristmas Cantata at Woodland Presbyterian ChurchSunday, 12/9/2007 at 7 pm5824 Berkley Drive in AlgiersThe Chancel Choir will present the cantata with musical accompaniment by strings, harps, woodwinds and percussion playersGretna Art Walk Arts & Crafts Festival at the Gretna Farmer's MarketSaturday, 12/8/2007 from 9 am to 3 pmBetween 4th and 5th Streets on Huey P Long AvenueSanta will be there!More than 50 vendors will be on hand selling art, pottery, photography, jewelry and other gift it... 12/06/2007

How many other cities in America can say they decreased property tax rates for 2008. A 27% reduction is great for people who own a home or condo in New Orleans. If you paid $1800 last , in 2008 you will pay $1284.44. The value of your home may have changed but people buying recently are getting a big break. You also have to remember if you live in the property you get a 75k exemption in addition. This is another reason to buy in addition to great interest rates that are below 6% as of yesterday. Check this out in more detail New Orleans Condos and find out about the additional tax bennefits of owning.                                                           New Orleans Lowers Tax Rates"Making good on a unanimous pledge, the New Orleans City Council slashed the city's tax rate by 27 per... 12/04/2007

                                      New Orleans Warehouse District Update-December 2007I expect business and sales to pick up over the next couple of weeks and into next year. There are a couple of nice buys in all categories and price ranges. There is normally less action this time of year meaning buyers can get some nice deals since there are not a lot of people buying but they do look. The cheaper things will begin to sell first followed by the better luxury units. The updated units are still the most popular by far. The 25 story Tragage Condos project is still a go on Annunciation. The Trump Towers will open their sales office by Dec.15, 2007. If these two projects get started this will have a big influence on the entire Warehouse District area in a very positive way. The new unit... 12/03/2007