Weekend Edition, February 15-16, 2014 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES
House Shopping? START HERE!
REALTOR
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Eight tips to help you in the art of house hunting By Michele Dawson Real estate agent discussing home with clientsArmed with your down payment and your pre-approval letter for a mortgage loan, the next step is finding the house that will best meet your family's needs. With realistic expectations, patience and plenty of research, you'll be well on your way. Once you narrow the search to neighborhoods you like, you'll want to determine the maximum house price you can afford. Even though you're preapproved for a set loan amount, it doesn't mean you can afford it. You'll want to factor in other expenses, including retirement and college savings, vacations, and home maintenance and repairs, when you calculate how much you can afford for a monthly payment. And don't forget to budget for homeowners insurance and property taxes. There's also homeowner's assocation fees, especially in newer developments. Next, differentiate your needs versus your wants. You need three bedrooms, but a fourth room would be nice for a play room or guest room. You need a two-car garage, but a larger one would be nice for storage. You need a functional kitchen but want hardwood floors. You need two bathrooms but want a luxurious master suite. You get the picture. As you begin your house-hunting venture, prepare a checklist. Break it down between exterior and interior characteristics. Make notes on each feature and make notes. Some people
give each a 1 to 10 score, which is fine, but the first few houses you see will score differently than the last few because you have many more to compare against. Also, after viewing many homes, the numbers begin to lose meaning. Some of the exterior features to rate might include size of yard, quality of fence, paint condition, roof condition, window conditions, garage, back yard. When it comes to interior, think about square footage; the floor plan; condition of walls; the size, quality, and functionality of the various rooms and closet and storage space. Your checklist should also include any other factors you deem important—the amount of traffic, the appearance of the neighborhood, safety in the area, the reputation of local schools, etc. Here are some other suggestions from industry experts: Take a camera with you to capture an image of each house you look at that makes it to the "maybe" list. Don't make a hasty decision, especially if you feel yourself becoming guided by emotion. Selecting a home takes time, thought and analysis. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each house you like. Review your checklist and notes and compare it against your needs, wants and budget. Bring your spouse, friend or family member with you to get a second opinion. They may notice a shortcoming that you've overlooked.
Find out how much utilities and maintenance cost. Stay on top of newly listed houses via a Multiple Listing Service on the Internet. Remain in close contact with your agent. This is extremely important if you're in a strong seller's market and/or in which homes that are priced right go fast. You want a good agent who will alert you of new listings and who will show you the houses as soon as they're listed. Be prepared to look at the potential of a house rather than what you see in front of you. Set your priorities and decide what can be sacrificed. It's more important that the layout of the house and the number of bedrooms you need fit your needs and that all major systems are functional versus your dislike for the avocado green carpet or the lack of landscaping. Those types of cosmetic shortcomings can be easily remedied once you buy the house. If you find a house you like, offer a competitive bid. Keep in mind you'll likely be competing against other offers—especially if interest rates are low and the spring buying season is in full bloom. And don't forget—once you make an offer, make it contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. If any major defects surface, you'll want to have the leverage to renegotiate or back out of the deal completely. Copyright © by Realty Times
Prepping tips for spring outdoor projects (BPT) - Soon, winter will be winding down and homeowners will start planning - and prepping for - a variety of outdoor projects for spring. From cleaning, repairing or replacing decks, to creating raised beds for veggies and flowers, now is the time to start gearing up for those spring projects. Cleaning up Start with spring cleaning existing structures. Take a weekend to clean decks, gazebos and pergolas of dirt, debris, mold and mildew. For structures made of naturally durable Western Red Cedar, a broom, garden sprayer and hose, plus a little bleach are all you need. Sweep winter debris such as twigs and leaves from decks, taking care to clean between planks on horizontal surfaces. This facilitates airflow and drainage, and can help prevent a buildup of moisture when spring showers arrive. Next, use a garden sprayer to apply a-mild oxygen bleach solution to kill mold and mildew. Be sure to leave the bleach solution on the wood surface for approximately 30 minutes, and then rinse with water. Never use a pressure washer as it can damage the wood. Maintenance and repair Carefully inspect outdoor struc-
tures for wear and tear. While Western Red Cedar contains natural preservatives that make the wood durable, all outdoor structures require annual care, including those made of pressure-treated lumber or composites. Check planks, beams and boards for cracking, warping or rough spots and repair accordingly. Replace damaged wood, and be sure to examine hardware to ensure it’s working properly and free of rust. New projects If you’ve always dreamed about lounging on a lovely deck on a summer afternoon, or savoring a spring morning beneath the shade of a decorative pergola, now’s the time to start planning the project. A great deck is the showpiece of an inspired backyard, and spring is a prime time to add one. To ensure your deck affords you the most value and enjoyment, consider using an online deck planner to help you envision your deck before you begin building. As gardening grows in popularity, you might consider adding raised planting beds to your landscaping. Raised beds not only make caring for and harvesting your garden easier no bending required - they can also function as a decorative enhancement to your outdoor environment.
The material you choose will influence the longevity, beauty and enjoyment of your structure, so carefully consider your options before deciding. “Many homeowners choose Western Red Cedar for its beauty and natural durability,” says Paul Mackie, western area manager, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, or “Mr. Cedar” as he is known in the industry. “It has a deep, rich luster that other woods and man-made materials just can’t match. Plus, it’s a greener choice because it’s renewable and recyclable - unlike composites - and doesn’t require chemical treatment as non-durable wood species do. It’s naturally rot and insect resistant, and you can stain it or leave it natural, depending on your preference.” The green qualities and durability of Western Red Cedar make it a great choice for virtually any outdoor structure - including those popular wooden playsets that begin appearing like wildflowers in backyards across the country every spring. Whatever project you’re dreaming of this spring - from building a new deck, pergola, or planting beds to refurbishing an existing outdoor structure or palyset - careful planning, cleaning, maintenance and the right materials can ensure your project adds value and beauty to your home environment.
110 South Drive - Natchitoches - Louisiana 318.352.6267 HOMES WITH GROWING ROOM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
Great home or Cane River Camp at Melrose Bend. Large very nice 3 bedroom, 3 bath, NEW LISTING! Historic House! 4 BR/3BA witharea lots with boathouse, 1500 sqft. heatedSteamboat and cooled shop, wet bar, covered sitting @ of possibilities! Zoned for a Bed and Breakfast, This home has lots of waterfront
potential not only as a B&B but would make a great office or family home! Call for appt.
Fetch A Great Deal. All the news, sports, features, columns and classifieds— delivered. Call 318-352-3618 for more information on how you can subscribe to...
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Lovely home on well established street, this home features beautiful wood floors, formal dining, large living room, screened in porch on the side and lots more. 3 or 4 bedrooms 3 bath with remodeled kitchen. Garage efficiency apt. 900 Woodyard-Cane River-Great for a large family, this home has lots too offer with 2 living areas, one with wet bar for entertaining, 5 or 6 bedrooms, 3 baths and two fireplaces. REDUCED TO SELL
To view all our listings go to realestatesutton.com
Mark Sutton, Broker Cathy McCauslin Susan Begnaud Joyce Bonner
471-6269 663-5206 332-2616 652-0666
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THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, February 15-16, 2014
Garage Sale
INDOOR/OUTDOOR BUILDERS L.L.C., Larry Harper. Fencing, remodeling, room additions, ceramic tile,vinyl siding,cement work, drainage installation, general repairs. Phone 4814603 or 352-9192.
NATCHITOCHES CONSIGNMENT PLUS We consign, buy and re-sale furniture, antiques, home decor, artwork and many more items. Stop by at 223 Broadmoor Shopping Center, next to Sav-A-Lot Foods in Natchitoches or JOHNSON’S PAINTING call 318-238-4900 or 318228-7306. & REMODELING WASHERS Painting, carpentry & pres- STEVE’S 352-7773. We now repair sure cleaning. Repair, paint front load washers & dry& beautify your home ers. 15 years experience. today. Free Estimates. P.S. We want your old Please call 352-8923 appliances.
COFFEE CAT CREATIONS “It-AII-MustGo!” YARD SALE: 641 SISSON ROAD, Sat & Sun Feb 15 & 16, 8am 5pm. Vintage Horsehair Sofa Bed, 27” TV, Ball Gown. LOTS OF NEW & NEVER USED ITEMS! Vintage & New JEWELRY, Purses, Prof. Art Supplies, Frames, Matte Board Sheets, Christmas Items & Crafts, FREE Stuff, and MORE! OBO’s STAN’S LAWN accepted! SERVICE Call for free estimate. 318-880-1201 or Land 318-356-0188 and leave FOR SALE: 40 acres tim- message. ber on highway 478. Carol or Cane Heritage at 3526460 or 357-8220.
Services A+ TREE SERVICE Licensed & Insured *Pruning *Topping * Cabling *Removal *Stump Grinding. 27 years experience with Licensed Arbors on job site! 318-402-9303 or 272-6235. GLORIA’S CLEANING SERVICE Houses, trailers, churches, move-in, moveout and any type of commercial cleaning. Mobile 318-471-8491.
WILSHIRE WOODWORKS: From design through installation, your local full service source for kitchen and bath cabinets, closets, custom furniture, JTD CONSTRUCTION, counter tops, and more. LLC for your small remod- 5206 Hwy 1 North, next to eling jobs. Free estimates the bowling alley. 318-3542175 for bath, kitchen, deck, and driveway and more. Call Mobile Homes Jim Davis, contractor 318332-9927 or after 5:00 pm 14X72 2BR 2BATH SW 318-352-4361. Licensed $6000.00 home only. 318and insured. I change out 356-9866 3br 2bath DW old windows and install 28x50 $29,900.00 Delivered and new aluminum windows. set. 318-238-6898 MARVIN’S REMODELREPO on land in ING - Painting, vinyl sid- Mansfield, financing availing, leveling, foundation able. 318-356-7045 work, gutter work. Honest UNCLE SI’S NEW SW, and dependable. Phone $44,900.00, Delivered, Set, 318-228-4320 or 318-727- AC, Steps and skirting. 0442. 318-356-9866
BRAND NEW SINGLEWIDE 3B/2B lots of room with open floor-plan. Only $29,995! Won’t last. Call 318-752-4663
HOUSE FOR SALE 818 Rikard, 3BR, 1 1/2 bath, CA, CH, shop, storage, $120,000. 318-332-7968, 318-332-6406
NEW DOUBLEWIDE For Rent only $39,995 delivery included! Open floor-plan 2 BR NICE HOUSE on 3B/2B! Only one left. Call large lot. Not on housing. 318-752-8242 No pets. Call 352-3692 NEW AND USED before 7 p.m. MOBILE HOMES! 2 BEDROOMS 1.5 Largest selection in the BATHS UPSCALE ARK-LA-TEX! Let us TOWN HOMES WINshow you how easy homeTER LEASE SPECIAL , ownership can be. Call Spacious 1,180 SF, quiet now 318-752-8243 country setting, close to NSU Campus. Washer & Real Estate Dryer included. 318-23855 ACRES, 3 BR, 2 bath 4500 home, 60x40 shop, Center, 2BD/2BA HOME at 404 Texas. 8 miles from Toledo Church St $800/mo.; Bend. Call 337-458-2435. 1BD/1BA home at 836-B DON’T BUY NOW! Woodyard, $500/mo. Call Unless you know which Rhodes Properties at 318Homes are the best 238-3733 Investments. I know. Call 2BR, 1 BATH MOBILE Me. Martha Murphy 318- HOME Big corner lot, 471-3822 Breda Town. NO PETS, Brad Ferguson Real Estate NO HOUSING. 1 year 318-354-7253. lease. References required. 318-481205 KELLY Newly reno- $475/month. 3031. vated, this brick home has 1,371 square feet with 4 2BR, 1 BATH MOBILE bedrooms and 2 baths. HOME Carter Trailer Priced at only $110,000. Park. Close to NSU, $450 Let us show you how to per month, $250 deposit. buy this home with only Call 318-332-9878. $500. Call Bobby McIntosh, Broker/Owner 2BR. HOUSE Newly renof Realty USA, Inc. today ovated. $625 Move In, at 318-354-1200. View $325 Monthly. 926 Short Call 352photos at www.realty- 7th Street. 9510. usa.net.
3 BR, 2 BATH Trailer. Not on housing. No pets allowed. $500 a month $500 deposit. Call 3523849 3BR, 2 BATH Home for rent at 1642 West Court Drive. $700/month, $350/security deposit. 6 month lease and references required. For more information, please call 318-527-5416. 3BR/2B MOBILE HOME 115 Hicks Rd. Refrigerator/stove/washer/dryer. One year lease. No pets inside. Not on housing. $600; $400 Deposit. 352-3453 VERY NICE studio apartment. Has all new appliances, including washer & dryer. $650 month, $500 deposit. Call (318) 572-0377. 4 BR, 2 BATH DOUBLEWIDE. All appliances. Located in the country on a dead-end street. Has front and back porches, carport, $ 7 5 0 / m o n t h , $750/deposit. Call 318470-2906. CLEAN unfurnished 1 bedroom w/full kitchen, in historic district. No pets. References. Call Dan 352-0059 FOR LEASE 3 BR, 1 1/2 Bath, CA/H, good neighborhood, $675 a month, deposit required. Call 652-0898
FOR LEASE!! Corner of Texas St. & Hwy. 1, approx. 900 - 1450 sq. ft., Office or Retail. Call Connie Moore Brewer Owner/Agent Brian Moore Realty, LLC 318-322-4000. FOR RENT 2 BR/1B Unfurnished apt. 131 Carolyn St. #4 $585/month. $375/deposit. 318-487-4454 FOR RENT Newer model 2 BR, 1 Bath, mobile home close to NSU, $650/month, $500/deposit. Call 652-0183 or 581-0972 FOR RENT: OFFICE DOWNTOWN, reception, 2 offices, waiting room, parking, $700. Carol or Cane Heritage at 352-6460 or 357-8220
R E M O D E L E D APARTMENTS- Historic District-Walking distance to NSU and Downtown, central a/c all appliances. Inexpensive utilities. Call Sutton Real Estate 3526267. LARGE SHADY LOTS for new mobile homes right outside city limits. Call 352-3692 before 7 p.m. TWO - 1 bedroom apartments for rent in historic district. One is 525 w/ 525 deposit and one is 475.00 w/ deposit. ALSO: 2 BR. apartment historic district 750 w/ 750. ALL, NO PETS, 318-609-0110 WEST NATCHITOCHES 2/1 BR trailers, $475/$475. PROVENCAL 2/1 DUPLEX, $475/$475. All No Pets. Call 318-3523953 or 652-0666.
Antiques
NICE 4 BR, 2 BATH apartment on Silbey Lake. Private parking, garage covered balcony, Great for student and/or Executives. Also 2 BR, 2B on Reba St. Call Jerry at 318-402-5149
ANTIQUES We buy, sell & trade knives, furniture, collectables, wanted old electric fans, black iron pots, any condition, 512 Front Street. Call 318-4717261
NICE LARGE 4BR, 3 bath Cedar home on large lot, all appliances included, fireplace, large carport with lots of storage in country. $1200 month, $1000 deposit. Call 318-4276986.
FOR SALE 16FT Cajun fish and ski boat. 85hp. Runs good. Includes likenew Evinrude trolling motor,batteries,& new Hummingbird finder. 318438-2654
Boats/Accessories