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Shreveport, LA Real Estate News

By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
This recipe for Turkey and Sage Pie is a great way to use leftover turkey.  It came from the November/December 1987 issue of Cook's magazine.  It's one of those great recipes that you can try one time, then next time make it your own by adding different veggies and spices. Without further ado... Turkey and Sage Pie 2 pie crusts (one for top)1 medium onion, chopped1-2 stalks celery, chopped2 TBS minced parsley6 oz. mushrooms, sliced2 cups cooked turkey in bite-size pieces6 TBS butter1 1/4 cup plus 2 TBSP flour1 3/4 cups chicken stock3/4 cup heavy creamsalt and black pepper to taste3/4 tsp lemon juice Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.  Add the chopped onion and celery and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.  Continue to saute until the mushrooms are soft, about 5 more minutes....
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By Gary and Rebecca Bolda
(Ark-La-Tex Virtual Media )
  Ark-La-Tex Virtual Tours joined the fun at the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival in Shreveport, La. this year and we had a great time. Held each year at the Columbia Park in the Highland neighborhood, this festival has arts and crafts booths, food, fun for the kids and, of course, great music.Websites promoting the festival recommended bringing a chair or blanket and I have to agree. If you plan to attend (and I strongly recommend that you do) bring your own place to perch and hang out for a while. The music is great and the people are friendly and fun. Even if Jazz and Blues is not your preferred musical choice, you will enjoy this event. It is just plain fun for the whole family. So bring the kids, a chair, an appetite, some money to pick up some great art, and the family dog and com...
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By Gary and Rebecca Bolda
(Ark-La-Tex Virtual Media )
Panoramic sign riders are the latest in innovative marketing solutions for real estate agents or For Sale By Owner properties. These riders are designed to capture the attention of passers-by and to stand out from the crowd of other real estate riders.A drive through any neighborhood in the Shreveport/Bossier City area will reveal a host of real estate signs and their respective riders. Most of these provide information such as the listing realtor, a phone number or maybe a website address. However, PanoRiders are not your typical sign rider. A PanoRider offers a full color, high resolution panorama of the interior of the property. Text alone is not enough any more, this sign rider will capture the interest of buyers with a glimpse inside the home.Once the buyer's interest is peaked, th...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
I thought it might be useful to some of you to see just what has happened in Shreveport when it comes to the number of homes for sale, homes sold, and new listings this year.  Below is a chart that shows the number of homes in each of these categories. As you can see, we are doing somewhat better with the number of homes for sale and new listings coming on the market declining.  I think that once we get past the holidays, the new president is in office, and we've gotten some of the economic jitters worked out, the number of homes sold will begin to rise.
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
As I've indicated before watching the trend for the housing inventory is a good way to see which way the market is headed. We all know the nation's economy is very volatile right now, and it will be awhile before everyting smooths out, the housing sector included. Fortunately for Shreveport residents, our housing industry hasn't had the huge fallout that other areas of the country have. Shreveport has seen an increase of inventory and fewer sales, but prices have not tanked as in some markets. What the August through October absorption rates for Shreveport home sales show us is that there are fewer houses being listed which is good. At the same time, fewer homes are selling as consumers take a wait-and-see attitude about making a move right now. Most people are wanting to see what affec...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
Here are the absorption rates for Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding towns. Remember that absorption rates show how quickly homes on the market are being sold and how many new homes are replacing those. If more homes are coming on the market and remaining unsold, the inventory is higher, and it's deemed a buyer's market. That's the situation we're in now. Take a look at October's absorption rates for Shreveport et al for more analysis. September 2008 Absorption Rates - Residential Sales  HomesforSaleHomesSoldMonthsofInventoryNewListings Total 1913 325 5 1/2 544 Under $150,000 895 197 4 1/2 281 $150,001-$250,000 624 96 6 1/2 176 $250,001-$400,000 280 25 11 68 above $400,001 114 7 16 19 Reliable MLS Data These figures come from information pulled from the MLS. The data in the MLS a...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
I've been rather remiss in posting the absorption rates for the Shreveport area market. Since the trend over time is the most useful way to analyze this information, I'm going back to August to post these numbers. So, take a look at this info, then take a look at the numbers for September and October which I'll be posting immediately after this one. I'll provide my analysis in the post for the October absorption rates for Shreveport, Bossier, and the surrounding towns. August 2008 Absorption Rates - Residential Sales     HomesforSale HomesSold MonthsofInventory NewListings Total 1992 373 5 571 Under $150,000 962 188 5 317 $150,001-$250,000 623 130 4 1/2 171 $250,001-$400,000 280 44 6 55 above $400,001 127 11 11 1/2 28 Reliable MLS Data These figures come from information pulled from the...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
              As of October 31, 2008         2007 YTD 2008 YTD % Change Number of Homes Sold 4094 3486 -15% Average Home Price $ 151,081 $ 155,961 3% Average Home Price per SF $ 82.58 $ 83.44 1% Median Home Price $ 135,000 $ 139,900 4% Median Home Price per SF $ 86.23 $ 87.19 1% Average Days on Market 56 68 21% Median Days on Market 37 50 35%         Source Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors MLS, Inc 10/9/2008.     Information believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. Again this month the statistics show that the number of homes that sold this October compared to last is down 15%. Inventory is down over last year which is good, but sales are also down by about the same amount. So there is still about a 6 month supply of homes in the Shreveport market. It seems everybody is co...
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By Gary and Rebecca Bolda
(Ark-La-Tex Virtual Media )
Ever suffer from that writer's block where you know where you want to go with the thought, but just can't find the words to get there? Well, that's me today. Ok, that's me pretty often. My web designer says, 'we need a description for our "About Us" webpage'. I have all these keywords floating in my head...Shreveport, Bossier City, Virtual Tour Company, Internet Marketing Tools, Website Design...need a complete sentence...preferably one that makes sense.Ok, here it is...Ark-La-Tex Virtual Tours provides an array of nifty internet marketing stuff. Ok, needs some work. Fortunately, my brilliant web guy worded it much better, although much less colorfully, I thought. Feeling that "nifty internet marketing stuff" may need some explanation, I figured a blog was in order. Following is the off...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
An article by a colleague in another state about the highest priced home that has sold in her market made me curious about the luxury homes for sale in the Shreveport area.  Needless to say, I couldn't wait to do a little sleuthing of my own.  Well, compared to the $17M home that sold where she lives, the $1.45M home that sold in Shreveport and the $1.5M home that sold in Bossier over the past year seem like downright bargains.  Absorption rates for our area combine all homes above the $400,000 range.  In September there was a 16 month supply of homes in this price range. There were 114 homes for sale in Shreveport/Bossier and in August, only 7 homes actually sold .  That's over a 16 month supply of homes if no more homes come on the market.  However, in August, 19 homes came on the mar...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
  In these days of economic turmoil, whether you're feeling the pinch or not, Michael Mullin's post about his allowance gives a person food for thought.  It is so easy to whip out the credit card to pay for those little lattes and lunches.  I consider myself a frugal person, but I must admit that I've fallen into this habit.  After all, when you use cash, what happens when you run out of cash?  Perish the thought. Then along comes Debe Maxwell with a challenge to all of us playing here in the Rain.  She wonders how many of us could actually get along for a month with a $60 allowance for personal spending.  She's not talking about groceries, gas, or other household expenses.  She's talking about the money you spend on yourself for lunch out, that to-die-for pair of shoes, or new golf clu...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
Twelve Oaks Begun in 2005, this unique community in Shreveport, Louisiana is situated on 400 acres not far from the bustling shopping mecca along Youree Drive. Access to the rest of the city is easy via the Terry Bradshaw Passway. Twelve Oaks is comprised of four distinct "neighborhoods", each with a feel of its own. Middleton Place is the first section you get to after you pass through the gate. There are five streets with small to mid-size garden homes. When you enter Charleston Place to the left, you feel as though you are in an entirely different development. As you might guess, the homes' architectural styles are reminiscent of old Charleston. Wispy trees and lush landscaping along with fenced front yards add to the impression of southern charm. The main part of the development, ap...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
Decide what you can afford Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. I advise to begin looking at homes in the lower end of that price range. Develop your home wish list Then, prioritize the features. For example, which is more important to you - the right school district or proximity to work? A remote master bedroom or a wood-burning fireplace or a large kitchen? A large fenced yard or no yard? Select where you want to live Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety. Drive around each one during the day and in the evening to get a feel for the neighborhood. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to c...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
This is a good question if the lender you've done business with in the past is no longer around. It is also a question that first time home buyers must have an answer to. Everyone would agree that it's important to pick a mortgage company that is reputable and will do a good job. After all, if the money isn't there, you won't get to the closing table. A good mortgage lender can make or break a deal. I've seen it happen. So, how do you go about finding a great mortage lender? There's definitely more than one way, but if you don't have a referral from family or friends, here are a few things to think about before looking for a mortgage company. 1 - Does the lending institution have a good reputation in the business? Ask anyone and everyone about their experiences. You'll get an earful, I'...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
I love receiving email updates from Louise Thaxton with Fairway Mortgage Corp.  The information she presents is timely and digestible.  And her office is great to work with to boot. If you're currently wondering where interest rates are headed, the informatino below will help you to know what to look for in the news.  And Louise can always give you the most up-to-date interest rates.      Monday's bond market has opened up slightly despite early stock gains. The stock markets are mixed the Dow up 102 points and the Nasdaq down 3 points. The bond market is currently up 2/32, which will likely improve this morning's mortgage rates by approximately .125 of a discount point.Today's only economic data was September's Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). This index attempts to measure future ec...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
So, are you ready to begin looking for that dream home? If you haven't taken the time to analyze exactly what you want in a home, you may spend a lot of time looking at houses that aren't right for any number of reasons. That would be an unproductive waste of time for you and your agent, when taking a few minutes thinking about what's most important to you and your family could eliminate many homes from consideration. And with the large inventory out there today, that's a good thing. What does your future home look like? Where is it located? This list is helpful to let your agent know exactly what you're looking for and to evaluate properties you visit and keep your priorities right in front of you. Neighborhoods What type of neighborhoods do you prefer? Schools What school systems do y...
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By Gary and Rebecca Bolda
(Ark-La-Tex Virtual Media )
A virtual tour of your home can be a powerful internet marketing tool.  It will allow home shoppers all over Shreveport/Bossier City and the internet to view your property.  Potential buyers can "prescreen" your home prior to visiting in person, thereby helping you to sale your home with less stress and disruption.  Here are some tips to get the most from your virtual home tour. Tip 1:   Tidy up.  Think of your virtual tour as an Open House 24/7.  Prepare your home as if you are having an open house.  As you prepare, go through each room tidying up. Items on countertops 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.  Don't forget to check for burnt out l...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
              As of September 30, 2008         2007 YTD 2008 YTD % Change Number of Homes Sold 3729 3173 -15% Average Home Price  $        151,589  $     156,393 3% Average Home Price per SF  $             82.85  $         83.63 1% Median Home Price  $        136,000  $     139,900 3% Median Home Price per SF  $             86.95  $         87.13 0% Average Days on Market 56 69 23% Median Days on Market 36 50 39%         Source Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors MLS, Inc 10/9/2008.     Information believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. Looks like although the number of houses sold is down by 15% the average home price is holding steady.  What does this mean to you as a buyer?  It means that with interest rates hovering just below 6%, more homes on the market, and prices te...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
Everyone looks forward each year to the Red River Revel on the riverfront in downtown Shreveport.  It takes place the first week of October just when the weather is beginning to cool off.  The days are usually crisp and clear which makes it a wonderful time to stroll through Festival Plaza taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells.  So really, when you mention the Revel there are only three things to talk about:  art, music, and food. ART It's hard to say which is the biggest draw for people, but the art has to be it for many.  There are over 100 artists selling their wares, and you can find anything from the expected paintings and watercolors to fiber arts, jewelry, and wood working.  Many artists have been coming to the Revel for many years and have a devoted following.  The organ...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
  NORRIS FERRY LANDING Norris Ferry Landing is unarguably on of the best-situated gated communities in Shreveport. Located in southeast Shreveport on Norris Ferry Road, it is just a hop, skip, and jump (or less than a mile by car) to Interstate 49. From there you can access Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Hwy 3132 Innerloop, and I-20 - virtually all of Shreveport and into Bossier City and Barksdale Air Force Base. This area surrounding Norris Ferry Landing has a distinctly rural feel to it. It is peaceful and disconnected from the hubbub of the city, but the development itself is clean and crisp with streets laid out in a uniform fashion making it easy to find your way around. And the homes themselves are anything but country. Built in the latest architectural styles, they sit comfortable b...
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