Occasionally, because Bedico Creek Preserve is such a popular neighborhood on the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Louisiana, we will have newspaper, magazine, and online articles and blogs written about our master-planned community. We feature these articles in our Press Room area. Also, we sometimes create press releases for special news and events that are happening at Bedico Creek Preserve. You can find all of this information, plus make media inquiries all right here in our Press Room.

2nd Annual TerraBella Village Classic Car Show, April 2, 2022

Come enjoy Sounds of the Oldies in Covington at TerraBella Village.

 

TerraBella Village Classic Car Show

April 2, 2022
10am – 1pm

TerraBella Village
111 Terra Bella Blvd
Covington, LA 70433

 

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Five Financial Obligations Every Homeowner Should Know

Buying a home can be both stressful and exciting. Homeownership is an important life event, especially for first-time homebuyers. Understanding these five financial obligations can help your journey be less stressful.

1. Don’t be fooled by your mortgage pre-approval amount

Getting a pre-approval is the first step on the journey of owning a home. A pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender does not mean you have it in the bank so to speak. A mortgage pre-approval is only just assurance from a lender that the buyer is in good financial standing to take on a mortgage of a certain size.  Just because you are pre-approved for a certain amount, doesn’t mean you can afford it. Your pre-approval does not equal your actual budget. For example, even though you are approved for $300,000 doesn’t mean you can pay the payments for a $300,000 mortgage.

2. Closing costs can add up—and be complicated

Closing costs are out-of-pocket expenses which include title insurance, notary fees, and the cost of the deed. Buyers can ask for sellers to pay closing costs but it is not to their advantage in the current seller’s market.

“Some loan programs only allow a certain percentage of the sale price to be given to the buyer as a credit,” says Joe DiRosa, a real estate agent with RealtyTopia in Pennsylvania.

That means that if you’re offering $200,000 for a house and your lender only allows you to accept 2% in closing costs, you shouldn’t ask for $5,000—that would be $1,000 down the drain since you can only accept up to $4,000 in credit. Before you make an offer, ask your lender if your loan institutes a limit on closing cost credits.

3. PMI isn’t actually the devil

PMI stands for private mortgage insurance and has been characterized as both a blessing and a curse. PMI is a safety net for mortgage lenders when homebuyers do not put 20% down. It covers the lenders if the homebuyers default on their mortgage. The PMI is an additional payment on your mortgage payment. Unlike your principal, PMI does not add to your equity. Once a homeowner does have 20% equity, you can ask to have the PMI removed.

4. You might have to make escrow payments

Escrow simply refers to the separate account where that money is held; basically, our lender sets aside the money for taxes and insurance, which acts as a safety net to ensure that we sock away enough money for those expenses.  So when you have a loan with PMI, you have to pay money into an escrow for property taxes and home insurance.

5. You need to budget for surprises (and your own mistakes)

There will definitely be unexpected expenses in homeownership. Even if you depend on your clean report from the home inspector, something could come up the next day. A home inspector gives the dishwasher an A+ but the next week after you move in and go to wash the dishes it won’t start.

Homeownership is a great investment, but you have to plan ahead. A local Realtor can help you navigate and find your perfect dream home.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Tips For A Kitchen Make-Over

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a kitchen renovation should be planned out and budgeted to make sure it fits your wants and needs. Make sure to think about resale value when renovating. When it comes to selling a home, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces that a buyer looks over. Here are some questions and tips to consider when renovating your kitchen.

How to plan a kitchen renovation?

Remember both a small or large kitchen remodel takes thought and planning. A bad remodel can make you unhappy and a hard sell when it comes to listing your home. One of the most important aspects of any home project is the budget.

You want to plan your projected kitchen renovation cost. A small remodel costs around $10,000 to $15,000 where a big renovation can cost over $30,000. Make sure to survey your neighborhood’s resale values. If you are in a high-end neighborhood, you should have a higher investment cost for your kitchen remodel.

When you have the total renovation budget, you will need to break down your budget. Breaking down your budget can give you a clearer picture. Add a little cushion to your costs. Professional agree that around 10% – 20% on top of your total renovation budget should be sufficient. There can be an increase in the cost of materials, labor, or extra expenditures.

If you are stained for finances or have a certain about you can borrow, you might want to create a priority list of what must be done and what can be skipped for now. If you have a smaller budget, try to get hands-on and do some of the labor yourself. Examples of projects that can be easy for a homeowner taking out old doors of your cabinets, securing your appliances, and repainting. As a side note, obtaining a loan to renovate your kitchen is tax-deductible.

How to update your kitchen on a budget?

Remember you can give your kitchen a nice facelift even if you have a smaller budget. Refacing or refinishing your kitchen drawers and cabinets can save some money. If your kitchen cabinets are in good shape, then re-painting and adding new hardware can them can give them a whole new look. Adding wood veneer to the drawers can also give a new design to the kitchen. If your cabinet doors are in bad shape you can also just add new doors to the existing cabinets.

Another way to save money is by purchasing discounted countertops. Countertops in your kitchen are a big focal point. Granite and quartz slabs can be expensive but purchasing countertop remnants can save money. If you cannot find any remnants that fit your project, then use porcelain, ceramic, recycled glass, Formica, or butcher blocks.

Lighting can be another alternative to help with your budget. Installing LED lighting can make a huge impact. To do this, install LEDs under your cabinets and countertops. LED lighting around the kitchen will create a modern and sleek look on a budget.

Laminate floor tiles with older designs are a great way to save on your budget. Other options are using vinyl, porcelain, and ceramic tiles for your new kitchen floor. Make sure your floors complement your walls and ceiling.

How long to redo a kitchen?

The time frame to remodel your kitchen is up to you. Having a good timetable will help you save money and time. There are two main parts of a kitchen renovation. These are pre-construction and construction.

A remodel where old things are just replaced without changing the kitchen layout will take about 6 to 8 weeks for a standard-sized kitchen. If you are doing a huge renovation where the layout is changed as well as replacing old materials, then it will take around 10 to 12 weeks.

What kitchen upgrades add value?

Renovating your kitchen in a smart way will add value to your home. Installing a kitchen island not only provides extra working space but also adds value to your resale. Refinishing or refacing your kitchen cabinets and drawers is another to add value. Installing hanging lights above the kitchen island and kitchen countertops adds beauty, functionality, and value to your kitchen and home.

A sink is very important to a renovation. There are many styles such as farmhouse, granite composite, stainless steel, and cast iron. Not only is a sink important, but an addition such as a bar sink, island sink, corner sink, or a sink with a drainboard is a must.

What is considered a minor kitchen makeover?

Typically a small kitchen remodel is budgeted under $25,000. There is no layout change and no demolition of kitchen walls or ceilings. Usually what is included is refacing and repainting cabinets and drawers, new kitchen countertops, new modern lighting, new fixtures, repainting jobs, buying smaller and greener appliances, and installing a new backsplash.

No matter the size of the job, planning ahead and budget are the key. Remember if you are using a professional, ask questions and get referrals to have peace of mind and assurance your kitchen renovation will be a success.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

NOLA French Quarter Festival, April 24, 2022

This is an annual event in New Orleans.

 

French Quarter Festival

French Quarter Stage Locations

Jackson Square
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Bourbon Street
Royal Street
Bienville Street
The French Market
St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent
Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint

New Orleans, Louisiana

April 24, 2022
All Day Event

Music Line Up:
Alfred Banks w/ Sax Kix Ave ● Andrew Duhon ● Astral Project Barbara Shorts and Blue Jazz ● Beth Patterson ● *Big Chief Juan Pardo & The Golden Comanches ● Bon Bon Vivant ● Broke Down Streetcar ● Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band ● Bucktown All-Stars ● Cameron Dupuy and The Cajun Troubadours ● Charlie Wooton’s Zydefunk ● Christien Bold & SoulSwing ● Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band ● Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders ● Creole String Beans ● Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar Band featuring Al “Carnival Time” Johnson ● Dancing at Dusk with Tom Saunders and the Tomcats ● Dave Ferrato & Later, On Decatur ● Davis Rogan Debbie Davis and Josh Paxton Duo ● Don Jamison Heritage School of Music ● Don Vappie & Banjo a la Créole ● Ever More Nest ● Flow Tribe ● Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras ● Green Gasoline ● Helen Gillet & Wazozo ● Honey Island Swamp Band ● Hot Club of New Orleans ● Jack Sledge ● Jeremy Davenport ● Joe Cabral Thrio ● John Boutté ● John F Kennedy Senior High School-JDrum Section ● John Mahoney Little Band ● Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen ● Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band ● Kid Simmons Jazz Band ● Kim Carson & the Real Deal ● Little Freddie King ● Lynn Drury ● Mahogany Brass Band ● Mark Brooks ● Mayumi Shara & New Orleans Jazz Letters ● McDonough 35 Senior High School Marching Band ● Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns ● Mikayla Braun ● Mike Harvey’s Hot Club ● Naydja CoJoe ● New Orleans Swamp Donkeys ● NOCCA Jazz Ensemble ● NORUZ ● Notel Motel ● On the Levee Jazz Band ● Papa Mali ● Papo y Son Mandao ● Pat Casey & the New Sound ● Paulin Brothers Jazz Band ● Red Wolf Brass Band ● Rhodes Spedale & Live Jazz Group ● Rick Trolsen’s New Orleans Po’ Boys ● Riverdale High School Band ● Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters ● Shad Weathersby and Mike Artell ● Shake Em’ Up Jazz Band ● Sick Ride ● Songs for Junior Rangers featuring Sam Kuslan ● Soul Brass Band ● Sporty’s Brass Band ● The Dixie Cups ● The Garden of Joy ● The New Orleans Jazz Vipers ● The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars ● The New Orleans Swinging G’s ● The NOCCA Jazz Ensemble ● The Pfister Sisters ● The Steamboat Willie Jazz Band ● The Suplecs ● The Unnaturals ● Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony ● Treme Brass Band ● Vivaz! Trio ● Wanda Rouzan and a Taste of New Orleans ● Washboard Chaz Blues Trio ● Waylon Thibodeaux Band ● Zena Moses & Rue Fiya ● *Zulu Gospel Choir

Click Here for More Information.

French Quarter Festival, April 23, 2022

The French Quarter Festival is free in New Orleans.

 

French Quarter Festival

French Quarter Stage Locations

Jackson Square
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Bourbon Street
Royal Street
Bienville Street
The French Market
St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent
Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint

New Orleans, Louisiana

April 23, 2022
All Day Event

Music Line Up:
A2D2 Experience ● Amanda Shaw ● Amigos do Samba ● Anaïs St. John ● And Then Came Humans ● André Bohren with the Electric Yat Quartet ● Andrew Hall’s Memories of New Orleans ● Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses ● Bamboula 2000 ● Benny Grunch & the Bunch ● Big 6 Brass Band ● Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. & the Wild Magnolias ● Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles ● Big Frank & Lil Frank and the Dirty Old Men ● Blake Amos ● Bonerama ● Brandon Moreau and his Cajungrass ● Capt. John Royen and N.O. Rhythm ● Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires ● Charlie Halloran and the Tropicales ● Charmaine Neville ● Christian Serpas & Ghost Town ● Claude Bryant and The Allstars ● Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble ● Dance Lesson ● Dash Rip Rock ● Deacon John and the Ivories with special guests Hot Rod Lincoln ● DeJan’s Olympia Brass Band ● Duz Mancini & The Wasted Shades ● Erica Falls ● Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road ● *Fermín Ceballos + Merengue4FOUR ● Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble One ● Garden District Jazz Band ● Gary Negbaur ● Ghalia Volt ● *Gumbeaux Juice feat an All Star Lineup ● Harmonouche ● James Andrews ● James Martin Band ● Jamey St. Pierre and The Honeycreepers ●*Jamie Lynn Vessels ● Jamil Sharif ● Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation ● John “Papa” Gros ● Joy Clark ● Juno Dunes ● Katy Hobgood Ray ● Keith Burnstein ● Lawrence Cotton Legendary Experience ● Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs ● Make Music NOLA ● Marc Stone ● Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants ● Mestre Curtis Pierre and the Samba Man ● Mia Borders ● Mike Doussan ● Mikhala “Jazz Muffin” Iversen ● Miss Sophie Lee ● Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas ● Naughty Professor ● New Orleans Classic Jazz Orchestra ● New Orleans Nightcrawlers ● NPS Arrowhead Jazz Band ● Onward Brass Band ● Pierre A. Capdau Charter School Marching Band ● Red Hot Brass Band ● Ryan Hall ● Sarah Quintana ● Seva Venet’s Storyville Stringband ● Sullivan Dabney’s Muzik Jazz Band ● Thais Clark & her JAZZsters ● The Beignet Orchestra ● The Daiquiri Queens ● The Dick Deluxe Revue ● The Frederick A. Douglass Legacy Chorale ● The Irene Sage Band ● The Nayo Jones Experience ● The Smoking Time Jazz Club ● The Smoky Greenwell Band ● The Soul Rebels ● The Steve Rohbock Group ● The Tin Men ● Tim Laughlin ● Tommy Sancton’s New Orleans Legacy Band ● Trombone Shorty Academy ● *Vegas Cola Band ● Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters ● Wynton (aka Kevin Stylez) ●Young Indians of the Nation

Click Here for More Information.

2022 French Quarter Festival, April 22, 2022

Come see Bill Summers & Jazzalsa and more live in New Orleans.

 

French Quarter Festival

French Quarter Stage Locations

Jackson Square
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Bourbon Street
Royal Street
Bienville Street
The French Market
St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent
Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint

New Orleans, Louisiana

April 22, 2022
All Day Event

 Music Line Up:

*Alexey Marti ● Banu Gibson ● Bill Summers & Jazzalsa ● *Blackcat Zydeco featuring Dwight Carrier ● Burris ● Caren Green ● Da Truth Brass Band ● DinosAurchestra ● Donna Angelle & the Zydeco Posse ● Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers ● George Porter, Jr. & the Runnin’ Pardners ● Higher Heights Reggae Band ● Hot 8 Brass Band ● Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans ● * J & the Causeways ● Jamal Batiste Band ● Joe Lastie’s New Orleans Sound ● Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes ● Juju Child & The Hypnotic Roots Band ● Kumasi ● Lisa Amos ● *Loose Cattle ● Lulu and the Broadsides ● Maggie Koerner ● Magnetic Ear ● *Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm ● Mykia Jovan ● New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings ● New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra feat. Lars Edegran ● New Orleans Suspects ● Palmetto Bug Stompers● Quarx ● *Rickie Lee Jones ● Rickie Monie & Traditional Jazz Ramblers ● Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds ● Sam Price & the True Believers ● Steve Pistorius & the Southern Syncopators ● Storyville Stompers Brass Band ● Tasche De La Rocha● The Dukes of Dixieland ● The Iguanas ● * The Lilli Lewis Project ● The Nation of Gumbollia ● The Original Pinettes Brass Band ● The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band ● The Revealers ● Tuba Skinny ● Valerie Sassyfras ● Wendell Brunious ● Wild Bill

 

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