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Bossier City, LA Real Estate News

By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
So you want to be a ROCK STAR in your industry?  What can we learn from Elvis that would propel us to success and "stardom" within our industry - whether it be real estate, mortgage lending, appraiser, or attorney? On this day in 1954, Elvis Presley had his  first commercial recording session in Memphis, Tennessee, where he recorded "That's All Right, Mama".  Some regard this moment as the true beginning of the rock-and-roll revolution and set Elvis on the path to stardom. Here's some thoughts about Elvis that we could implement into our businesses: #1 - Be true to yourself.  Elvis was an ORIGINAL!  He had a unique style and was not trying to conform to amy previous patterns!  Even amidst criticism, he was true to HIMSELF.   Are you an original?  Or, are you always trying to be like so...
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And the winner of the ROCKING HOT pair of combat boots is..........................drum roll............Oh - before I announce the winner - for you late comers - you ask WHAT WAS THE CONTEST?  Check out the link to my original challenge and blog here (which resulted in a FEATURED POST THANK YOU, ACTIVE RAIN!) Here is a brief the outline of the contest which ended at 11:00 a.m CST today:         4TH OF JULY EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS OF ACTIVE RAIN As a special way to honor our military and to get the word out in Active Rain about the   Boot Campaign, a non-profit organization seeking to help wounded warrioros, we would give away a pair of combat boots today at 11:00 CST.   All of your comments were simply wonderful honoring our troops and a SPECIAL thanks to all who participated - AR AND AR M...
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By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
As  I continue to share "Having a Star Spangled Heart to Serve Those Who Serve", today, we come to the "E" in the acronym H.E.A.R.T. E – is for “Engage”. Anyone can quote rates and fees, but we are looking to ENGAGE our clients and connect with them at a deeper level – their H.E.A.R.T.! As Mortgage Planners, we offer the value service known as a “Mortgage Strategy Session” with each of our clients. We feel this takes our Team to a higher level of professionalism. A Mortgage Strategy Session is arranged for each and every client to examine our client’s lifetime financial goals and the best strategy to integrate their mortgage into their overall financial plan. Many times, the client comes to us, asking “What is your VA rate?” when in truth, that VA loan may, or may NOT, be the best loan ...
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By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
This is Part 2 of "Having a Start Spangled Heart to Serve Those Who Serve".  In  honor of our military and Independence Day, I will be using the acronym H.E.A.R.T. in this and the next several blogs, to talk about having what it takes to  to serve those whose serve - H.E.A.R.T. We will start with "H" for  HONOR: H – is for “Honor” . When military clients walk into our office, they recognize that we not only HONOR our country, we HONOR our clients, individually, and their service to our country.  We make it a point to say "thank you for your service" even if our clients have heard it dozens of times before, we want to tell them personally.    We do not take their military service lightly!  We honor our clients' time and offer flexible appointment scheduling, many times arranging early mo...
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By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
  I believe that all of the “Three Secrets”  to a "Fast and Easy VA Home Loan experience"  involve KNOWLEDGE!  "Knowledge" can be defined in three slightly varying definitions: #1 - "Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation"; #2 - "Familiarity .......as with a particular subject or branch of learning"; and,  #3 - "Acquaintance or familiarity gained by sight, experience, or report. '' The first definition speaks of knowledge gained from the STUDY of a subject while the second is about knowledge gained through becoming familiar  with the subject through ACTION or DOING.  The last is about knowledge gained from EXPERIENCE. Today’s blog brings us to the third secret to a fast and easy homeloan experience – and ties to the #3 definition above “….acquaint...
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By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
  This is the continuing blog series, “Three Secrets to a Fast and Easy VA Home Loan Experience”. Last week, I shared the FIRST reason why it is critical for both the Realtor and the mortgage professional to know the process of a VA Home Loan at the BEGINNING of the process rather than in the middle or near the end. Below is the SECOND reason that knowledge of the VA Home Loan PROCESS is critical to a Fast and East Home Loan Experience: #2 – The lender must have knowledge of the necessary documentation that is needed for a VA Home Loan UPFRONT! When the process BEGINS! ESPECIALLY when dealing with active military clients. The loan professional must know how to read an LES (military paystub) and ask the crucial questions. Proactive versus reactive always leads to a more streamline proces...
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By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
Earlier in this series, I asked the question:  Do you think there really ARE Secrets to a Fast and Easy VA Home Loan experience?   If you have had little experience with VA Home Loans, or had a bad experience with a client obtaining or attempting to obtain a VA Home Loan, then these secrets are for you!  The key word in this blog series is KNOWLEDGE!   As I shared before in my earlier blog,  the word “KNOWLEDGE” has three differing definitions, Today, I will talk about the second definition……."Familiarity .......as with a particular subject or branch of learning” which can be used to further explain Secret Number 2: Secret Number 2 - KNOWLEDGE OF THE VA HOME LOAN PROCESS "Familiarity .......as with a particular subject or branch of learning".   This definition and this “secret” pertains...
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By Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996, Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender)
As I begin this journey into Active Rain (yesterday was my very first blog with AR), the first thing that concerned me (after I got my picture uploaded!) was: “What will I blog about?” Then something I read several years came to me. I don’t know where it originated – I just remember the phrase “Write what you know….”   So…..what do I know – really know – that I could share with AR readers about the mortgage industry that would be of real, true interest?  Surely it would NOT be the bond market, banking compliance,  interest rates – all of those have been and continue to be heavily covered by many other mortgage professionals.    Even though rates and the bond market are necessary and important and I have to dig deep into those things every day……..and they are subjects that I KNOW.....the...
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By Joyce C. Jeffrey, Shreveport Bossier City LA Real Estate
(Joyce C Jeffrey - Summit Executive Realty)
Actually, there are many steps one must take when preparing to buy a home in the Shreveport and Bossier City La housing market.  The home buying process requires that due diligence is performed by the potential homeowner in order to avoid potential setbacks.   The following is a starting point and will help eliminate a lot of frustration, guess work, and even wasted time that sometimes arise when these elements are lacking: The 1st thing a home buyer needs to do before even looking to purchase a home or property is to have their financing approved.  This typically involves meeting with a banking or mortgage loan officer to find out one's credit rating.  After one finds out where he or she stands as far as credit and financing is concerned, the following things become evident:     •·    ...
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By Joyce C. Jeffrey, Shreveport Bossier City LA Real Estate
(Joyce C Jeffrey - Summit Executive Realty)
Now that the Shreveport and Bossier City Louisiana housing market is heating up, many homebuyers are ready to take that final step....making an offer on a property that they have found that would meet their housing needs.  Many agents assume that homebuyers are aware of the home buying process and fail to educate the buyer on this important step.  For the most part, we all agree that the process of making an offer on a home differs in many parts of the country or housing communities.   But, here in the Shreveport Bossier City La real estate and housing market, the process is pretty typical.  The potential buyer identifies a property that he or she is interested in purchasing in the Shreveport Bossier City la or outlying area.  The buyer's agent then researches comparable Bossier City Sh...
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By Joyce C. Jeffrey, Shreveport Bossier City LA Real Estate
(Joyce C Jeffrey - Summit Executive Realty)
The Shreveport Bossier City Louisiana real estate and housing market appears to be on a rebound.  A recent article in the Shreveport Times indicated that it is now a "seller's market."  In many aspects, this is welcome news for many that have weathered many months of a very sluggish real estate market.  Recent statistics reflecting the increased number of showings per listing also confirms that the worst may be over.  While there remains a very healthy inventory of available homes for sale in the Shreveport Bossier City La real estate market, homes in certain price ranges are in a greater demand.  The home below shows activity of 39 showings with the majority of the viewings within the last three (3) weeks.  That is very exciting data as it indicates that there are many buyers still loo...
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By Heather Goodwin, Results That Move You
(Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
I was informed today by the Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors that Barksdale Air Force Base has been named the headquarters of a major new command.  This is good news for Barksdale and good news for the cities of Shreveport and Bossier. The Global Strike Command will oversee the nation's nuclear-equipped bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles.  Senator David Vitter and Representative John Fleming, both on the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, actively campaigned that the command is a natural fit for Barksdale since it already houses long range weapons systems, including the largest group of B-52s. What does this mean for the folks of northwest Louisiana?  The economic impact will be significant since bringing the Global Strike Command to Barksdale will mean u...
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By Vanessa Hackleman, Vanessa Hackleman, REALTOR, ABR, ePro
(Diamond Realty & Associates, LLC)
I have a new chapter in my life...a new wonderful company to have my sponsorship with. I am now with Diamond Realty Group and I am just thrilled! I have already received several confirmation that this is exactly what I needed to do and go forward with my real estate career! If you are interested in purchasing or selling a home in the Shreveport/Bossier City area, please call me and let's discuss how my experience and professionalism can make your transaction a enjoyable and smooth experience.  
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By Vanessa Hackleman, Vanessa Hackleman, REALTOR, ABR, ePro
(Diamond Realty & Associates, LLC)
BOO!  Honestly, it is not that scary! It could not be a better time to purchase a home.  With all the media about foreclosures, short sales, etc...a first time home buyer could get spooked! But don't let it.  There are plenty of opportunities out there to purchase and the interest rates are averaging about 6.4% currently. Between Barksdale AFB, casinos and various companies in our area, the real estate market is still thriving. There are many homes being LISTED and SOLD. If you are looking in buying or selling a home in the Bossier City/Shreveport area. Please feel free to contact me to discuss futher! To get to know me a little better - visit my web site: www.bossierandshreveporthomes.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
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By Matthew Rimmer, "We'll Get You Moving!"
(Diamond Realty & Associates)
Seek a Qualified Mortgage Consultant to Ensure the Best Results By Matt Rimmer, Mortgage PlannerCastleRock Mortgage Group   Bossier City, LA - Credit remediation is a subject consumers often face with fear and trepidation, and for good reason. With the exception of recognizing that the best score wins, the average home shopper knows very little about the whole credit scoring process. Sub-prime borrowers who are eager to move into A-Paper territory often find themselves at a loss when trying to find ways to upgrade their credit history. The good news is there are ways to improve less-than-perfect credit scores and obtain a loan for the home you really want.  The first step in the process is making sure that you have a current copy of your credit report. Congress recently amended the Fair...
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By Matthew Rimmer, "We'll Get You Moving!"
(Diamond Realty & Associates)
A Qualified Mortgage Consultant Can Outline Your Options Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership By Matt Rimmer, Mortgage PlannerCastleRock Mortgage Group    Bossier City, LA - Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration, as most mortgage consultants will agree. But the rewards of home ownership are great. For many years, purchasing real estate has been considered an extremely profitable investment. It is an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.  Yes, there are certain responsibilities associated with owning a home. Landlords will often argue the benefits of renting, and for obvious reason. If you are renting, you're helping them make their mortgage payment.  The numbers are staggering if...
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By Kerry Friestad
(Friestad Realty)
I read an interesting blog today on how NAR is misleading the public by using statistics that are based on median rather than mean (average).  As I read some of the replies, I got the feeling that many people believed the auther.  The claim pretty much stated that NAR misleads the public to believe using a realtor is beneficial to receiving a higher selling price.   I have not yet researched to find the statistics that NAR uses or posts, if anyone has a link, I'd be appreciative for the time you'll save me.  I have an opinion on the importance of using a real estate agent versus selling "For sale by owner".  I do believe there is an advantage to sellers to use an agent.  I work mostly with buyers and I listen to them.  I've never said no if they asked to see a FSBO.  None of my clients ...
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By Kerry Friestad
(Friestad Realty)
With all the negative news about a housing slump, home values dropping and the mortgage industry falling apart, the city of Bossier City would not know that any of the aforementioned things are happening.  Bossier City is experiencing unbelievable growth and subdivisions are being built all over North Bossier City.  Down in South Bossier City home values are very stable and the schools all over Bossier City continue to capture high marks.  If you are thinking of moving to Shreveport or Bossier City, I would love to help you find the perfect area, the right home at the right price.  Bossier City is home to cool new gated communities like Oak Alley where the wealthy feel secure in the tight little high priced neighborhood right off I-220 where the average sales price is probably pushing o...
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By Kerry Friestad
(Friestad Realty)
I am so blessed to be part of a new company in Shreveport and Bossier City Louisiana that cares more about the client than it does about the money.  Keller Williams recently opened an office in Shreveport and Bossier City Louisiana and being my first year in real estate I had the opportunity to be a part of this awesome company and learn what CULTURE really means.  In my first six months of real estate I have closed about 10 transactions and have met so many nice people.  The Real Estate market in Bossier City is very stable and it a wonderful time to buy a home!  Selling or Buying, Shreveport and Bossier City are two cities that have not been touched by the feared downturn of the real estate market.  If you are looking for an awesome team...my husband Scott Friestad and I are here to a...
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By Kerry Friestad
(Friestad Realty)
I'm a real estate agent that works mostly with clients looking to buy a home.  Most of my clients bought homes in Bossier City, Louisiana.  They looked in Shreveport, LA but after evaluating all the information I gave to them decided on Bossier City, Louisiana to be their home.  So far the most common reason has been house values.  Bossier City residents are proud of their schools.  Stockwell Elementary having the highest test scores for the area is located in North Bossier and it's not surprising that's where most of my clients want to live.  As strong as the real estate market is in Bossier City, Louisiana, it seems the love of her residents is even stronger.  It could be a sense of pride that is comparable to the military communtiy it supports from Barksdale Air Force Base.  There is...
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