Local News

Home Sales Currently Hit the Highest in Sixteen

The housing market has been booming for sellers for the past couple of years. The National Association of Realtors reported that overall home sales rose 8.5% in 2021 to 6.12 million. This is the highest annual level since 2006. "December saw sales retreat, but the pullback was more a sign of supply constraints than an indication of a weakened demand for housing," said Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief...

Six Ways To Update Your Home’s Exterior

The curb appeal of your home is everyone's first impression. The exterior of your home can make a big impression. A trend that has become popular is wood siding. Here are six ways professionals say you can use wood siding to enhance your curb appeal. 1. Opt for a Beautifully Weathered Facade A super idea that will not fade with age is untreated wood siding. The untreated wood siding looks better with...

Affordable Housing Is Still Here Exists Even in the Current Housing Boom

The historically low mortgage rates and higher household income has boosted home buying power. According to the Real House Price Index (RHPI), June 2021 saw a 6.8% increase compared to June 2020. Nominal home prices were also reported 32% higher than they were in the 2006 housing boom peak. The Real House Price Index (RHPI) is under the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The FHFA House Price Index (FHFA...

2021 Home Sales Predicted To Hit a 15-Year High

According to the National Association of Realtors, October reported a 7.5% rise in contract signings along with a prediction that 2021 home sales will hit a 15-year high. The rise in existing home sales should go over 6 million with the increase reported in October. Although we have seen a slight increase in mortgage rates and a big increase in home prices, buyers are still very motivated. Sales prices...

Today’s Sellers’ Market and What It Means

Most of the country can tell you that today's market is a sellers' market. Many can tell you this but do they really know what that means and all it entails? The first catalyst for this super hot market is the shortage of inventory. The number of homes available for sale can determine the housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Existing Home Sales Report housing inventory...

Steps To Follow To Increase A Home’s Value

The current housing market is a big plus for those who want to sell their home. Home values are constantly increasing because of buyers' demand. In fact, industry leaders predict they will rise 6.6% in 2021. Even in this seller's market, your home should be in tiptop shape. Move-in-ready homes will sell faster and for a higher price. According to almost all of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)...

Art Exhibit Along Side Olde Towne Slidell’s White Linen & Lagniappe Night

White Linen & Lagniappe Night has been a tradition for three years in Slidell. Patrons enjoy dressing up and celebrating the local art community. In fact, before the pandemic, the event attracted around 4,000 people. The event's goal is not only to encourage celebrating the art community but also Olde Towne itself. Local Olde Towne Slidell restaurants, bars, galleries and shops participate. Along...

The U.S. Economy Is Still Recovering From The Pandemic

According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the country's economy still has a long way to go. As of the last week in July 2021, the Federal Reserve did not change the interest rates or monetary policy. “The path of the economy continues to depend on the course of the virus,” the central bank said in a statement. The virus is still causing uncertainty in the economy and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell believes...

What Buyers Look For in A House

Covid-19 has given everyone a different perspective on almost everything. The pandemic has reshaped the housing market. Buyers are looking more in the suburbs away from urban areas. There are many things though that have not changed in what a buyer wants. According to a Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 86% of buyers desire a safe neighborhood, 60% want a walkable neighborhood, 53% want proximity...

Almost Half of Today’s Home Buyers Desire an Exercise Room

The National Association of Home Builders just released their latest edition of What Home Buyers Really Want and the results are no surprise since the Pandemic. Forty-seven percent of buyer's say an exercise room is a must-have. The COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were the catalyst to the rising popularity. As far as generations, 61% of Millennials desire an exercise room and 62% of...

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