It is our goal at The Parks at Plaquemines to keep our buyers informed about the latest information from the local, state-level, and national real estate industry. We post content to our blog that we hope that you as our custom home buyer will find helpful. Look here for information about financing your new home, building restrictions for new homes, and real estate legislation that will impact you as you are looking to buy or build a new home in the Greater New Orleans area.

Three Things Not To Do When Obtaining A Mortgage

For potential home buyers taking out a mortgage can be a daunting experience. According to a mortgage survey taken by Freeandclear, 32% felt the mortgage process was overly complicated and stressful. Here are three mistakes to avoid when it comes to obtaining a mortgage.

Always shop around for a mortgage. Not shopping around for a mortgage is a big mistake. In fact, finding the right lender is a very important step in the homebuying process. Potential homebuyers can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their loan. Call several lenders and compare rates and fees by requesting quotes. These fees are negotiable so you should always compare at least three different quotes. Surprisingly around 50% of U.S. homebuyers do not comparison shop when it comes to mortgages.

Never skip the preapproval process. It is always a good idea to go into your home search with your eyes wide open to what you can afford. Sometimes what we think we can afford doesn’t sink with what the banks will lend us. Many homebuyers do not realize that your credit and income plays a big part when it comes to the purchase price. Getting pre-approved will help you get a better understanding of how much house you can afford. Showing a potential seller a pre-approval letter lets them know you are serious.

Thirdly, always familiarize yourself with the basic terms and the lending process. Shopping around for a mortgage can be less stressful if you understand terms such as FHA loans, ARMs, and fixed rates. If you are better equipped, you will be able to choose the best option and specific loan that fits your financial situation.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions we will make in our lifetime. The more information you know, the better decision you will make.

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Metro New Orleans Home Prices Are Rising

The latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that home prices in the metro New Orleans area were up at the beginning of 2019.

The National Association of Realtor sends out a quarterly report that gives data on median home prices, tracking the sales in metro areas across the country. In New Orleans, this high-level overview of prices are based on the median price for an existing single-family home in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany and St. James parishes.

What did the data find? The highest prices were found in downtown New Orleans where on average homes sold for $751,932 and Orleans Parish where the average single-family home was $353,425. The average single-family home price by parish were as follows, Plaquemines Parish $304,600, St. Tammany Parish $243,761, St. Charles Parish $211,918,  Jefferson Parish $208,602, St. James Parish $155,431, St. Bernard Parish $145,177, St. John the Baptist Parish $143,709  and Washington Parish $102,299.

The suburbs’ inventory is much more affordable than in the city of New Orleans. The Parks of Plaquemines, a master planned community, is a perfect alternative to high prices in the city. It is located in Belle Chasse, Louisiana just 10 miles from New Orleans and a 15 minute drive to the Central Business District. Parks of Plaquemines offers amazing amenities, lower taxes and an excellent school system. The community offers low-maintenance 1/4-acre lots as well as lots over 1/2-acre. There are also many existing new homes to choose from priced from $488,900. Contact Kelly Waltemath, the community’s New Home Specialist at 504-236-8587 or E-mail [email protected].

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HeartGift Louisiana Helps Kids In Need

HeartGift is an organization that has helped over 400 children with life-saving congenital heart defect surgery in over 34 countries. For $25,000 each child, HeartGift brings the patient to the United States where the surgery is preformed. The patients surgery, travel expenses, medicine, recovery and more is covered.

Louisiana’s HeartGift chapter which was formed in 2010 has helped 54 children from around the world. Stephanie Berault, the executive director of the chapter, shared a young girl’s story of how her life was changed by HeartGift.

A native to the Philippines, Keona is a two year old with a congenital heart defect known as a ventricular septal defect. Keona has a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart which is a serious condition. HeartGift flew her and her mother Maricar to New Orleans where Children’s Hospital in New Orleans performed heart surgery.

“I can’t imagine someone telling me ‘Your child is sick and I can’t fix it,’” Berault said. “And then to say ‘There are people out there who can fix it, but I can’t get you there. I’m sorry.’

“It’s heartbreaking.”

From the time Keona and her mother landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the time for recovery HeartGift was there. They were greeted at the airport with gifts and balloons. HeartGift paid for the cost of the hospital stay which was $18,000. The surgery cost approximately $300,0000 which was comped by Children’s Hospital.

“When you see the transition of a terrified mom getting off a plane, you get it,” she said. “She’s never left home before, she’s showing up with her sick child and trusting us. You see that, and then you see when they leave a month later and she’s crying with gratitude.

“She’s going home with a child who is well. That’s tangible and real. It’s an amazing thing.”

HeartGift of Louisiana could not do this without funding and help from Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. The chapter’s team works hard to raise money for the cause.

This year they will host the inaugural Crawfish and Cornhole event that will be held in The Sanctuary in Mandeville. There will be 32 teams that will participate in the tournament and of course there will be a crawfish boil.

“When people get involved with HeartGift, they become invested,” Berault said. “It’s always very personal.”

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Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish School Systems Include Finalists for The Louisiana Students of the Year

Each year The Louisiana Department of Education gives an award to students in elementary, middle/junior high and high school recognizing their outstanding academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship. This year there are two finalist from Jefferson Parish (Kavia Mallik, Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies and Sriram Srigiri, Airline Park Academy for Advanced Studies) and one finalist from Plaquemines Parish (Abigail Brown, Belle Chasse Academy).

The Students of the Year Awards Program which came from the Teacher of the Year Awards Program recognizes a top student from fifth grade, eighth grade and 12th grade from each of the seven Louisiana regions. These 21 regional finalist will compete for the state honor.

Education Superintendent John White called the 21 regional finalists “some of the top students in Louisiana. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are proud of their hard work and leadership.”

The panel which makes up those that decide on the finalist are chosen by each Local Education Agency (LEA), Charter Management Organization (CMO) or diocese Superintendent, CEO or Executive Director. The panel consists of one teacher who teaches the student named for the award, one school administrator, one central office administrator and two to three community members representing business/industry, labor, civic, and (if applicable) charter organizations.

The process is arduous and strict. Each of the regions selects one finalist from each of the three categories. Once the names are submitted to the regional coordinator to the State Student Achievement Selection Committee those that advance are notified. The finalist then go to Baton Rouge for an interview and completion of the selection process.

Awards will be given to the 21 finalist April 10, 2019 at The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge and the winners from each category will be announced.

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From St. Elizabeth’s Chapel to Upscale Condominiums

The home of Anne Rice and the former St. Elizabeth’s Chapel has been renovated into beautiful condominium units. Keller Williams’ Kelly Waltemath is listing a unit that is currently on the market for $1,750,000. This New Orleans’ historical marker, nestled in the Uptown neighborhood, has three bedrooms and five baths.

“Once St. Elizabeth’s Chapel, the stately 1868 historic building has been dramatically renovated into breathtaking condominium units,” said Waltemath. “Unit 16 makes a lasting impression with 24-foot ceilings, banks of stunning 17-foot arched stained glass windows and expansive hardwood flooring.”

This historical building is rich in history. It was originally built as a boarding school in 1865 called St. Elizabeth’s, then in 1870 it was converted to a girls’ orphanage. After closing its doors in 1989, the building was purchased by  Anne Rice in 1993 and then converted to upscale condos in 2004.

The condos still uphold the Greek Revival look of the building which is surrounded by a wrought iron fence and mature landscaping. A great majority of the original structure is still in use along with the arched openings and steps to the former altar.

“There is exquisite architectural detailing in this unit, striking built-ins, and high-end amenities add to the ambiance,” said Waltemath.

New Orleans’ Uptown encompasses the area located on the east bank of the Mississippi River between the French Quarter and the Jefferson Parish line. Uptown’s boundaries include the river to South Claiborne Avenue and Jackson Avenue to Broadway. Many locals also consider Carrollton, the Garden District, the Irish Channel, Central City and the Lower Garden District part of Uptown.

Part of the Uptown New Orleans Historic District, this community came about in the 19th century. Once the Louisiana Purchase was signed, settlers moved their homes and businesses upriver. Canal Street became known as the dividing line between uptown and downtown New Orleans.

Now a mix of residential and small commercial properties, Uptown was originally developed from land that had been plantations in the Colonial era. The land used for the 1884 World Cotton Centennial is now home to
Audubon Park, Tulane University and Loyola University.

This home is not only a historical marker itself, but is located in an area rich with history. This condo is truly a unique find and will sell quickly.

“Express yourself with this dramatic condominium in the heart of Uptown New Orleans,” said Waltemath. “This home is the epitome of local style and culture.”

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