Here at Bedico Creek Preserve, we are about information for our builders, our buyers, our homeowners, our partners, and our vendors. If you are looking for a dependable source of information about real estate in Southeast Louisiana, specifically the Greater New Orleans area, please use our blog as much and as often as possible to read informative and timely real estate information. We promise you, you won’t be disappointed!

Easy Ways to Maintain Your New Home

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What are simple ways to make sure my new home is cared for?

-Focus on home decor that pulls double-duty
-Make sure your insurance protects your needs
-While you have a blank slate, create an organized foundation
-Learn climate-specific maintenance tips
-Add or update safety monitors
-Assess landscaping and head-off concerns
-Get to know your neighbors
-Put household check-ups on the schedule

Buying a new home is a big step in life and is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Many new homeowners feel very overwhelmed not with just the buying process but owning their own home and caring for it. In order to feel peace of mind, there are several things you can do to maintain your new home from the start.

1. Focus on home decor that pulls double-duty

When you start to move your belongings into your new house becomes your home. Remember to prioritize multi-functional products. For example, a nice ottoman can also act as a storage space. You want to limit the clutter from the beginning. Studies show that limiting excess items can boost your mental health. Not only can some things boost your mental health but your physical health as well. House plants are natural air purifiers. The snake plant takes indoor air and filters it by taking up to four toxins out of the air plus it changes carbon dioxide into oxygen.

2. Make sure your insurance protects your needs

When you are shopping around for home insurance, make sure that you choose a plan that fits your unique home’s needs. If you have an expensive piano, you will want to make sure this is covered. There are many insurance companies where you can get a quote and a new policy online. You can also save if you bundle things such as your car and home insurance.

3. While you have a blank slate, create an organized foundation

Remember to make a plan for each item when moving all your stuff into your new home. If you are moving from another home you will be tempted to put everything in the same room it went in in the new home. Add things such as closet organizers before moving all your items into the closet, and racks in the garage.

4. Learn climate-specific maintenance tips

If you are moving from New York to Miami, it might be a good idea to study the average tips and weather for each season. In New York, you have to winterize your home, whereas in Miami you do not. You will need to look into different pest maintenance in the South.

5. Add or update safety monitors

A fire can happen anytime day or night so having a smoke and carbon monoxide detector can save a homeowner’s life. These should be in every home. When installing, be sure to follow the installation guidelines. You want to make sure they are strategically placed throughout your house and always make sure to test them monthly. Another safety measure is to install a home-monitoring system or a burglar alarm.

6. Assess landscaping and head-off concerns

Tree branches hanging over your roof can be a hazard. A heavy tree branch can fall on a roof during bad weather or make a great extension for pests to enter a home. Look around your home and assess what would cause a threat to the exterior of the house or your property if a storm were to occur. The leading cause of homeowners’ insurance claims is weather-related incidents.

7. Get to know your neighbors

It is always nice to know your neighbors but it can also have an advantage when it comes to safety. When you are away it is nice to have your neighbors that will keep an eye out on your place. Neighbors can also help with taking out your trash or bringing in the mail when you are out of town.

8. Put household check-ups on the schedule

Just like we need an annual check-up with the doctor, your home needs one as well. Put a household check-up on your calendar. Go around and look at what needs to be done every season. Check the landscaping, test the smoke detectors, make sure your HVAC filters are good and even take a minute to declutter.

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This home is beautiful and sits on a huge 4.4 acre lot with a pond.

Facts All Agents Should Know When It Comes to the Green House Market

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What should agents know about the Green House Market?

All an agent needs to know can be found at the National Association of Realtors Green Designation.

Preserving our environment is a very important factor in today’s world. Going green is not just a choice but a way of life. When it comes to homes, there are green homes out there to be sold. Here are eight facts all agents should know when it comes to the green housing market.

Green Certified Homes

Green-certified homes are not just energy efficient but also official and governed. There are certifications that must be met in order for a house to be deemed green certified. The water, energy, site design, intelligent use of resources, quality of the indoor environment, and overall home operation and maintenance are reviewed to see if they meet certain criteria for environmental friendliness. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) sets LEED standards in order for a home to be LEED-certified.

Green Designation for Real Estate Agents

If agents want to learn more about green homes, the National Association of Realtors has created a Green Destination. This is where agents can learn more about sustainability and energy efficiency in real estate through classes or online. Once the agent has done this, they can take an exam to earn the Green Designation. Becoming Green Designation gives you access to marketing tools, market research, understanding of green homes and how to market them, and inclusion in the online Green directory.

The Green Standard

A home does not have to be necessarily certified but can have green home features that can be highlighted. Agents can use these green home characteristics to appeal to this niche market that loves sustainable living conditions. These features can include solar panels, installation of energy-efficient appliances, and construction using recyclable materials, such as flooring.

Energy Efficiency Saves Money

Energy efficient homes can save money on utilities. Energy Star-certified appliances can help add value to a home and reduce utility costs. A seller can get an energy audit on their home which will give buyers an idea of home much energy the home uses and how much that can save with a sustainable home.

Green Homes and Landlords

Renters can also benefit from a green home as well as landlords and investors. There are tons of tenants who are looking for a sustainable home. Green homes use less electricity and water so utility bills will be lower.

Preservation of the Environment

A green home will preserve our natural resources. This is a great way that homeowners are taking action to improve and preserve our world. Ways to do this are using recyclable materials and energy-saving components.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Green home standards are built with specifications in mind. These requirements will hold builders accountable for your peace of mind. Buyers can be reassured that the home they are purchasing is safe and efficient.

Saving Money and the World

Millennials who make up the largest growing niche in the real estate market love saving money and saving the planet. These homebuyers are looking for a sustainable and affordable home. Agents can push green homes and list all of the incentives that come with a green home.

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Types of Trees To Use in Your Front Yard

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Your front yard is a big part of your home’s curb appeal and it is important for it to look good. Not only does it enhance the features of your home, but it is also a great place to go outdoors and relax. Walkways, driveways, grass, shrubs and flowerbeds are some of the main things you find in a front yard. A great additional feature to add to your front yard is a small tree. Professionals suggest these small trees to make your front yard look complete.

Crabapple Tree

A crabapple tree has beautiful fragrant, colorful blooms that produce tart fruits and are rich in foliage. The tart apples are not good for eating, but you can make cider, jelly and sauces from them. The blooms are what make this tree stand out. There are many different varieties with different colored blooms and leaves.

Japenese Maple

The Japanese Maple also called the Acer Palmatum, is a perfect tree to add color to your front yard. Their roots are shallow so you do not have to worry about them growing into your foundation. These trees grow slowly and usually grow to around six feet. Drawf varieties are great for small tight spots or a nice ornamental pot.

Dappled Willow

Willows are known for being riverside trees but also look great in a front yard. These trees are low-maintenance and do well in damp conditions. These can reach eight to ten feet and can grow pretty fast. A perfect tree to make a border when planted several in a row.

Lilac

The lilac has a beautiful bright purple bloom that also has a wonderful fragrance. Lilacs are the first to bloom in the spring and also have shallow roots so they will not hurt your home’s foundation. A good idea is to plant a lilac about four feet away from your house and make sure it is a sunny spot. These trees can grow up to 15 feet!

Strawberry Tree

Even though it is called a strawberry tree, it does not produce the red juicy fruit (the strawberry). Even though it does not give us strawberries, it does produce wonderful edible fruit. This tree grows to about eight to ten feet and is drought tolerant making it a low=maintenance tree. It is great for giving your front yard a little color with its reddish bark and green leaves.

Magnolia

Magnolias are a southern favorite with beautiful star-shaped flowers. These trees are also early bloomers, blooming in the spring. They do grow to about ten feet but are slow growers. Even though you see magnolias mostly in the southern states, there are several varieties that can be grown in different climates.

Rowan

This is a great small tree that attracts birds to your front yard. This tree has red berries that birds love. During the fall, the foliage turns a deep red which compliments the pale pink trunk. This tree can reach around 20 feet tall but they are slow growers so it will take a while for it to reach its full height.

Ceanothus

The Ceanothus is known as the California Lilac. It is a small tree that looks like a shrub and has beautiful long-lasting blue flowers. These trees love a sunny spot that is sheltered. It can reach ten feet tall and is an easy grower.

Remember with anything, do your research and find the best tree that wil fit with the design of your home and the climate you live in. A tree will last for a long time so make sure you are happy with the final result.

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Home Warranties and What They Cover

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When buying a home, you do not have to purchase a home warranty but it is an optional home coverage. A home warranty can save you a lot of headaches in the long run, especially in a home with older appliances and home systems. It is a contractual agreement where the cost of repairing or replacing home systems and appliances is covered.

Home warranty coverage will give a certain amount per appliance or system. If the cost of the repair goes over this amount, you can pay for the difference or you can have it replaced. Home systems that are typically covered are internal plumbing, internal electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, smoke detectors, fire detectors, burglar alarms, central vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans and attic fans. Included appliances are usually refrigerators, ice makers, built-in ovens, microwave ovens, ranges, cooktops, washers, dryers, dishwashers, exhaust fans, exhaust hoods and garbage disposals.

You will need to be familiar with what is not covered. The main items that are usually not covered by a home warranty are issues that have already been discovered by a home inspector, a problem that occurs because of neglect or poor maintenance, systems or appliances that are damaged due to neglect, incorrect use, incorrect installation or manufacturing flaws, damage caused by pests, removing led or asbestos, solar panels, fireplaces, commercial appliance or cosmetic damage. It is very important to review what is not covered in your home warranty. Read the small print very carefully. A doorbell might be covered, but not a doorbell that is part of an intercom system.

Another thing that is not covered is the actual structure of your dwelling. This would include windows, foundations, flooring walls and roof. If you are purchasing a new construction home, it might come with a home warranty for new construction. Builders can provide you with a new construction home warranty for up to ten years. The warranty is usually included in the home price. It will cover labor and materials used to build the home, and potential problems with the roof, exterior walls, foundations and frames.

Do not let a home warranty confuse you with a manufacturer’s warranty. Home appliances and home systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty automatically. A manufacturer’s warranty covers the cost of parts and labor needed to repair but only if the damage is caused by a manufacturing fault. This kind of warranty is also limited to new systems and appliances.

So what about home insurance? Having both is a good idea because a home warranty protects your home’s systems and appliances while home owner’s insurance is more comprehensive coverage. It includes the dwelling, personal belongings and liability protection. Talk to a professional to see what is best for you and your situation.

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The Ins and Outs of Buying Land

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In general, most people know about buying a home and how the mortgage process works. When purchasing and financing land instead of a home there are some differences. The one thing that stays the same is the lender.

Finding a lender is usually a pretty easy task when it comes to buying a home, but this is not always the case when you look to buy land. First South Farm Credit, with locations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana has been in business for over one hundred years.

“When I talk to people, I find out that the hardest part for them is finding a lender who is willing to finance it. A bank, a credit union or a mortgage company doesn’t generally want to carry fixed rate land loans on their books for a long term. And if they do, you will likely see a higher down payment and interest rates and you will often be looking at an ARM or other unfavorable terms,” Daily Thomas who is a vice president and branch manage said. “At First South, land financing is what we do all day, every day and we try to make it as easy and convenient as we can.”

If you are considering purchasing land and using a lender such as First South Farm Credit, you will need to have at least 15% to put down. A good bit of the time you might need more depending on the terms. You can choose a five to thirty-year fixed rate loan or balloon note. A balloon note would be used if you would want to build on your land in the future, and once you start construction, you would roll the balloon note into a different loan. Remember that your interest rate will depend on your credit, the type of loan you are qualified for, the down payment you have and the overall market.

Just like with purchasing a home, it takes time if you do things right up front. If you rush just to get a faster closing, you might miss something or have a big problem come up. The typical time for closing when there is no appraisal is around 30 days, and around 45 days if an appraisal is required.

“That being said, my rule of thumb is that we can close within 30 days when an appraisal is not required and 45 days when it is, assuming there are no other issues, such as problems with the title, the need for a survey, etc. Some of that we can’t control,” Thomas further stated.

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Tips on How To Decorate the “5th Wall”

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Most ceilings in a home are white.  White is simple, clean, and doesn’t clash with anything.  This doesn’t mean that your ceiling has to stay white. Paint color or wallpaper on the ceiling are great ways to add visual interest to a room. Below are some interesting ways you can utilize your “5th wall” in any room.

Paint it.

Stephen Fanuka, New York City’s “Contractor to the Stars” and Million Dollar Contractor star, believes painting your ceiling can take a space from okay to stunning. The contractor who has worked with Bruce Willis, Tina Fey, Beyoncé, and Michael J. Fox, says using pale blue in a space where you want to relax is a must. Put a pop of color on the ceiling,” Stephen says.

Designer Jewel Marlowe of Jeweled Interiors says using the same color on the walls and ceilings creates a seamless transition from wall to ceiling that makes a space feel very immersive and adds a bit of drama. Remember you will want to choose a color that will not feel too overwhelming such as a nice light airy pink.

Add wallpaper.

If you like wallpaper or a touch of a pattern in a space, but you do not want all four walls decorated in it, then add wallpaper to your ceiling. Wallpaper on the ceiling can tie a space’s design all together.

If you are adventurous, then using a bold pattern on the ceiling can be a plus, but remember to bring in texture on all other surfaces of the room to help balance it out. The Southern Gail added a whimsical wallpaper with a starry pattern to a child’s bedroom. The ceiling looked like it had stars on it, giving it a splash of fun.

Expose the beams or add them in.

Having a wooden beam along the ceiling can add character and draws the eye up making the room look big and spacious. A great classic architectural element to add is a coffered ceiling. A coffered ceiling can add a touch of visual interest without overpowering a traditional space.

Wood boards can also make a great design element and can also cover up any old outdated looks. Wood boards are perfect for covering up popcorn ceilings. This design looks good both painted or natural.

Tile it.

A great way to brighten up a room is to tile the ceiling. Light bounces off the tile and makes it gleam. If you have a room such as a narrow kitchen, tile on the ceiling can distract from the small size. It can also help define an area in an open floor plan.

Basement ceilings can be plain and ugly. Vinyl ceiling panels can be used to hide unsightly ductwork and ugly basement ceilings. These are not ceramic tiles, but vinyl tiles. The ceiling panel tiles add a nice completed look to the basement space.

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