Real Estate in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Walker, & Prarieville, LA
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June 2008

Monthly Archive

Ten Reasons Why Your Baton Rouge Home Didn’t Sell

Posted by forsalebylindsay @ 8:23 AM, Monday Jun 2nd, 2008

Is your Baton Rouge, Denham Springs or Prarievile home just not selling? There are several things to think about when you aren’t having buyers knocking at your door with a purchase agreement. Of course, each case is different but it’s good to be informed with several reasons your home might not be selling.

Ten Reasons Why You’re Home Isn’t Selling

Priced Too High- The worst thing you could do when selling your home is pricing it too high. Pricing it beyond the value of the home will start a snoball effect. When you price it too high, people will walk right past your home. Then, when you suddenly realize it’s priced too high, you reduce it. After you have reduced it, people are somewhat weary about buying your home because it has been reduced and they assume something is wrong with it and you are having trouble selling it. It’s very important to price your home accordingly from day one.

Staging- Staging is very important when you are trying to sell your home. Staging is done by  a real estate agent or by a professional stager. Staging is basically re-organizing the home so it looks more appealing to buyers. Remember, even if the home is staged well this does not substitute for a home that is overpriced.

Not In MLS- Having your home listed in the MLS, this is what is going to help your home sell. People assume that what sells their home are the yard signs and the newspaper ads. What really sells your home is the exposure your home gets in the MLS system from other agents. It’s imperative that all information in the MLS system is current and updated.

Photos- When it comes to the MLS, this is the most important. Pictures can make or break you. I’ve gone out of my way to help an agent redo their pictures and his home was sold within the following two weeks. Dark pictures and bad pictures can scare away potential buyers. Pictures are what’s going to get the buyers in the door. They need to be crisp, colorful and professional. Make sure your agent has at least four pictures of your home in the MLS system. Also, do not feel the need to take pictures of every room. You should only take pictures of rooms that are the most attractive.

No Open Houses- I know several agents that do not like open houses. Some of them say that they are a waste of time, but they really aren’t. Having open houses will help your home to gain exposure. Even though buyers who visit might not be the ones to purchase, they can easily spread the words to their friends and relatives which gives your home a better chance of selling.

Lack of Facts- It is very important that all facts are included on the MLS system and all marketing materials. If one fact is misleading or left out, this could also keep buyers away. Having a good number of quality facts about your home can be a great marketing material. You want to make sure that your agent did a subperb  job on the description on your home. This is what is going to attract the buyers.

No Internet- Over 80% of consumers go to the web first before calling an agent. You need to make sure that your home has it’s own web presence. You want to be sure that you are meeting these consumers on the web. You also need to make sure that your agent is tech savy and that they are up to date with all the happenings on the Internet.

Communication- This is the most important. Several deals have fallen through because of the lack of communication. Your agent should be communicating with you on a weekly basis about what is going on with your home. The agent also needs to be communicating to other agents about their listing. It really helps for other agents to be aware, this way they can spread the word.

Nosy Neighbors- Neighbors are a great way to sell your home. Neighbors are usually very protective about their neighborhood. Try to communicate with them and let them know that your home is for sale. They would probably love to have control over who is moving in next.  They might have a friend or family member that is looking to buy.

Marketing- This is extremely important. What is your agent doing to market your home? Any agent that just list a home and let’s it sit without marketing it should be questioned. You should be aware of all the marketing that is going on by your agent. He/She should keep you informed on a weekly basis as to what is going on as far as marketing goes.

 

These are just a few things that can keep your Baton Rouge home from selling.  Read over the list and take a few notes. Can you relate to any of the ten reasons? If so, maybe you and your agent need to do some tweaking here and there.

If you are looking for a fun, professional Baton Rouge Real Estate Agent, please give me a call!! 

Lindsay Pendleton
Baton Rouge Real Estate Agent
(225)362-0437
www.ForSaleByLindsay.com

Livingston “Denham Springs, Walker, Watson” Parish May 2008 Market Report

Posted by forsalebylindsay @ 7:56 AM, Monday Jun 2nd, 2008

Livingston

ACTIVE TODAY

SOLD

NEW

Total

829

105

207

Total List

$176,978,378

$17,769,560

$36,442,414

Total Sold

n/a

$17,484,838

n/a

Average List

$213,484

$169,234

$176,050

Average Sold

n/a

$166,522

n/a

Average DOM

121

89

17

Median Price

$184,900

$154,000

$159,900

%SP/LP

n/a

98%

n/a

Information on this report is not guaranteed. Information from MLS.

ASCENSION “Prarieville” “Gonzales” May 2008 Market Report

Posted by forsalebylindsay @ 7:42 AM, Monday Jun 2nd, 2008

Ascension

ACTIVE TODAY

SOLD

NEW

Total

885

97

198

Total List

$243,657,271

$22,266,910

$47,423,466

Total Sold

n/a

$21,930,897

n/a

Average List

$275,319

$229,556

$239,512

Average Sold

n/a

$226,092

n/a

Average DOM

131

95

16

Median Price

$249,000

$204,900

$219,900

%SP/LP

n/a

98%

n/a

Information on this report is not guaranteed. Information from MLS

East Baton Rouge Parish May 2008 Market Report

Posted by forsalebylindsay @ 7:34 AM, Monday Jun 2nd, 2008

EBR PARISH

ACTIVE TODAY

SOLD

NEW

Total

1938

318

573

Total List

$566,221,475

$75,146,429

$140,542,367

Total Sold

n/a

$72,606,060

n/a

Average List

$292,168

$236,310

$245,275

Average Sold

n/a

$228,321

n/a

Average DOM

107

79

16

Median Price

$212,599

$179,900

$184,900

%SP/LP

n/a

96%

n/a

Information on this report is not guaranteed

Baton Rouge Relocation: Steps To Take When Relocating

Posted by forsalebylindsay @ 9:01 AM, Sunday Jun 1st, 2008

movingSo, are you thinking about relocating to Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Be prepared for excitement, entertainment and just plain fun. Baton Rouge is a great place to live. Our city has so much to offer and the culture is so unique and one of a kind. There are a few steps to take when relocating to Baton Rouge. Of course, the first thing you must do is find a place to call home. If you are thinking about relocating to Baton Rouge and looking for a Baton Rouge real estate agent, please give me a call.

Moving can sometimes be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. If you make a “to do” list and follow it accordingly in a timely manner, things will go smoothly. After finding a place to call home, it’s necessary that you have the right information on getting your phone lines set up, water & sewer, change of address, emergency numbers, electricity, vehicle registration and driver’s license. Of course, these are just a few of the things that you need to get going in the moving process to Baton Rouge. Here is some information that might help you out when relocating to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Utilities
Entergy
1(800)368-3749

DEMCO
(225)261-1221

Telephone Services

AT & T Business
1(866)620-6000
AT&T Residential
1(888)757-6500
Cox Communications
(225)615-1000

Baton Rouge Water Company
(225)925-2011

East Baton Rouge Parish Sewer
(225)389-5378

Baton Rouge Trash Pickup
Allied Waste
(225)778-3800

Post Offices
1(800)275-8777

Emergency & Important Numbers

Emergency: 911
Help Line: 211
Directory Assistance: 411
State Police: (225)754-8500
Baton Rouge Police:(225)389-2000
EBR Parish Sheriff:(225)389-5073
Fire Department:(225)354-1400
Poison Control:1(800)256-9822
Libraries:(225)231-3750
Visitors Bureau:(225)383-1825

 

Driver’s License

When you relocate to Baton Rouge, it’s imperative that you get a Louisiana driver’s license and tag within 30 days of established residency. To get a Louisiana driver’s license you must bring two forms of identification and your Social Security card to the Office of Mother Vehicles. They only accept cash and it will cost you $20 for the driver’s license. For more information please call 1(877)368-5463. The Office of Mother Vehicles open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4 pm. 7979 Independence Blvd.

 

Vehicle Registration

Again, you must register within 30 days of residency. The cost of your license plate will be $20 for two years on cars that are up to $10,499 in value. If you’re car cost more than this you might want to call to get a quote or visit www.dps.state.la.us. In order to register your car, you must bring proof of insurance, your current registration and titles of your car. Bring proof of payment if you have already paid taxes on your car.

 

These are just a few of the steps you need to think about taking when relocating to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Again, if you are looking for a fun, professional Baton Rouge Real Estate Agent, please give me a call. I would love to help you.

Lindsay Pendleton
Baton Rouge Real Estate Agent
(225)362-0437
www.ForSaleByLindsay.com