If you're experiencing issues with iOS 7, you're stuck with it. Once you downloaded iOS 7, switching back to iOS 6 was lost as a possibility a few days after 7's launch when Apple stopped digitally signing older versions. However, you can still improve your experience with iOS 7, even if you are running it on an iPhone 4. Here are some tips on how to improve the speed of your device running Apple's new operating system.  1.) Stop iOS 7 from checking for new data via third-party apps Open Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Then flip the switch at the top of the category. 2.) Free storage space Go to Settings > General > App Usage Get rid of the apps that take up the most space that you don't need. Remember, you can use iCloud to help save space on ... 10/07/2013

Home inspections have the power to send all parties back to the negotiation table. As such, some sellers are taking the precautionary step of having an inspection done before listing the home for sale. Some real estate professionals say that having a home inspection prior to listing can offer several benefits to the seller.   “The buyer has the upper hand when they have an inspection,” says Jessica Edwards, Coldwell Banker consumer specialist and real estate professional.   “If you are willing to do it ahead of time, you give the control back to the seller.”   Sellers who have a home inspection upfront also can identify any major problems that could potentially derail a sale later on at the closing table. Any major repairs can be addressed beforehand. Doing repairs ahead of time might ... 09/24/2013

  Every real estate business should be able to distill their unique value proposition down to less than 10 words – whether you serve consumers, agents or brokers. And it should make sense to a room full of people – preferably ones who know little to nothing about real estate. It sounds easy. But it’s a difficult exercise worth doing.To begin, first consider this question: What makes your business unique?   A few temptations to avoid with your 10-word answers here:1. We have the most experience.Everyone says this. Not unique. At least give me numbers that show me this instead.It also means nothing to me as a potential client. That’s not your 10 words.2. We have the most market share.While on the right track, this statement isn’t viable unless you can back it up with actual data. Otherwis... 09/18/2013

    It's crazy to think that just 12 years ago (has it really been that long ago?), so many people went to work that day, and didn’t make it home to their families for dinner. So many lives changed, so many American Flags flying around. Each year, on this date, we post Facebook statuses about where we were and what we were doing when this occurred, and we fly our American flags proudly. But, the next day, we go on about our business. I would just like to take this time to say this: if you or someone you know lost someone on that day, whether they were in the plane, in the building or a firefighter/police officer/EMS/etc, I am still so sorry for your loss. I can’t image how hard this day is for you and you and your families are in my thoughts, not only today but every day here after. So... 09/11/2013

 Many now realize that it is a great time to buy a home. Today, we want to look at why it might also be an opportune time to sell your house. Here are the Top 5 Reasons we believe now may be a perfect time to put your house on the market.1.) Demand Is High- The most recent Existing Home Sales Report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed a 17.2 percent increase in sales over July 2012; sales have remained above year-ago levels for 25 months. There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.2.) Supply Is Beginning to Increase- Total housing inventory last month rose 5.6% to 2.28 million homes for sale. This represents a 5.1-month supply at the current sales pace, compared with 4.3 months in January. Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2... 09/11/2013

Market Report for Hidden Pines, Mandeville, La. June 2013 – Present Here is the most current real estate information on Home for Sale in Hidden Pines. The average home is a 3 Bedroom and 2 Full baths. Active For Sale 8 Active For Sale 2 Foreclosure 1 Under Contract 4 have Sold since June 1st 2013 The Sold Sale price range from 130k to 182K.  Feel free to call or text for more information on Hidden Pines.   Hidden Pines  2365 Rue Toulander Mandeville, La. 70448 FOR SALE     09/09/2013

  In the latest attempt at property porn, a real estate agent has produced a controversial video in a bid to sell a house in Thornlands, south-east of Brisbane. In the footage, posted to YouTube August 29, agent Mark Mason takes viewers on a tour of the house, but with a few added extras – including sexual innuendo galore thanks to a gaggle of girls scantily dressed in bikinis.Along with the women utilising the property’s bath tub, pool, and bedrooms, Mason produces place cards advertising the benefits and features of the house, cleverly intertwining them with what’s happening in the background.Mr. Mason defended the clip, saying he flagged the idea with the current owners – a family – who were initially “a bit scared” but approved the footage once they saw the final cut. “I couldn’t sl... 09/09/2013

    (Story courtsey of New York Times)   Disputes over $150 ceiling fans, curtains, or a dusty chandelier may seem trivial when negotiating a home sale, but some real estate professionals say such squabbles have actually cost them deals.       “It’s the real estate version of road rage,” Paula Del Nunzio of Brown Harris Stevens told The New York Times.        What’s really at play here over these disputes? Is it really about the great desire to have that ceiling fan or curtains?     “Sellers are wary of having parted too cheaply with a profound investment, their residence. Buyers are leery of having paid too dearly and often are already punch-drunk from the trauma of the financial frisking endured” from going through the mortgage applications and process of purchasing the home, The New ... 09/03/2013

View Larger Map In Mandeville, La. when searching Homes for Sale there is one subdivision that needs to be checked out. A great neighborhood with a good price point (Below 200k) Hidden Pines. As the name suggest Hidden Pines very quite and out of the way. The school district is one of the best. Mandeville Middle School is very near. In addition to the schools, Homes for sale in Mandeville are supported by shopping and parks. Two Parks: Fontainbleu State Park and Pelican Park. Hidden Pines is a short ride to Metairie via the Causeway Bridge.     09/02/2013

... for people selling their home to clean it up when they know a showing is going to happen?  This week, I took some clients to see a few homes they were interested in. These showings were all listed by other agents in my area.  When we walked into one of the homes, there were plenty of things the couple loved about the home itself. But, there were also plenty of things that turned my clients off. The extreme smell of "dog" hit us in the face. It was clear that this couple had two dogs (who I'm sure they love dearly) and the home smelled. Okay, something we could get past. Carpet cleaners are a dime a dozen.  Next, the couple who owned the home had left a sink full of dirty dishes. Now mind you, I didn't just spring this showing on this couple; I had called their agent a few days befor... 08/30/2013

Have you ever wondered if perfectionism is a help or hindrance on the road to success?In my 15+ years of coaching real estate agents to be at the top of their game, I have seen that perfectionism does more harm than good. In fact there are at least 7 Ways that perfectionism stops you from success. 1. Perfectionism causes procrastination.Have you ever had a project that you really wanted to get done, but never could quite complete it? If you look carefully at what was going on in your mindset, you probably see that you wanted to project to be completed perfectly.We live in an imperfect world. The idea that perfection is possible is just an illusion. Your desire for perfection can stop you from taking action that is needed. In fact it can even lead to mental paralysis and stop you from l... 08/25/2013

WEEKEND MUSIC LINE UP AUGUST 15TH TO AUGUST 19TH Tap Room in Covington. Thur-Mike Epstein-8:00-10:30Fri-3 Amigos D.J.Party 10-2 & (Pre-Season ) Saints v Redskins 7-till Sat-Soul Revival-10-2Wino's & Tacos In Covington Wed-free wine tasting 6-9 acoustic music by Phill & JeremyFri-Dave Jordan-8-12Sat-Brass-A-Holics-8-12Rock n Blues in Covington Fri-Tyler Kincken-10-2Sat-The Molly Ringwall band -10-2 The Chimes in Covington-Tue & Thur-Ched Reeves & Friends 6-9 Covington's Sunset at the Landing free concert .Columbia Street at the River Fri-6-9 Keenan Knight & Feullot. Bring ur chairs !!!Rubys Roadhouse in  Mandeville  Thur-No cover-Casey Saba -8:30-10 Fri-Bottoms Up-9:30-1:30 Sat-J.J. Muggler-9:30-1:30 N'TINI'S in Mandeville Thur-Martini specials  music by The Two man Rubber Band -6-9:30 N... 08/14/2013

  I mean, I know I live in Louisiana. I've been here for awhile.  But no matter how long you've lived here, the heat and humidity are something you'll never get used to. And having to be a professional and wearing dress shirts and dress slacks aren't making this heat any more bearable. And my poor clients; taking them around town trying to find them their “dream” home is miserable. Is anyone else experiencing this extremely hot, humid summer?   If it wasn’t rude, I’d schedule all of my showings at 9 o’clock at night during these dog days of summer. But, since that's not an option at all, I'll just keep letting my sweat, sweat.  If you're in the market to buy, don't let the heat stop you. Call my team and me today, and we'll brave the humidity together!    Louis Williams/ The Williams T... 08/07/2013

Do you ever have those days where you get to 5 o'clock (well, it's almost 5) and wonder where the day went?  Today is one of those days for me. Business has been busy here in south Louisiana lately, and I'm trying to stay afloat while also trying to make everyone happy. I think that's why today has gotten away from me. I just looked up, and bam! the clock on the wall reads 4:21 p.m. I don't think I even ate lunch today... No actually, for a fact, I didn't eat lunch today.  These types of days are my favorite though. The ones where the end of the day sneaks up on you and you feeling completely accomplished. However, I just hate that it's taking me this long today to stop and appreciate the day.  My team and I like to get together each day and talk about what's going on, what we need to w... 07/29/2013

  Dog enthusiasts will want to visit the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner on Aug. 1 through 4 for the Lagniappe Classic Dog Show. The Metairie Kennel and Louisiana Kennel clubs will host the all-breed, American Kennel Club-sanctioned event. The seven-group competition features daily breed contests, with the winners advancing to the division contest.  The top seven divisional winners will compete for the day’s Best of Show honor. More than 1,000 dogs are entered for the show, representing as many as 124 different breeds and varieties that are recognized in the official registry of the American Kennel Club. Competitors from across the United States will attend, including some of the nation’s top-ranked dogs. Dog owners or pet lovers can visit the show to see examples of different canine br... 07/24/2013

Fontainebleau Subdivision in Mandeville is Home to nearly 243 residence.  Located just five minutes from the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway this subdivision offers an easy commute to New Orleans.  In addition to  being close to schools, shopping and hospitals,  the amenities and recreational spaces are some of the best on the Northshore.  Fontainebleau residents enjoy walking trails, ponds, play areas, tennis court, clubhouse and pool.  To see homes for sale in Fontainebleau click here!   To learn more about life on the Northshore visit www.KimHiggins.com.   Please call me and I will be glad to help you find the home of your dreams! Kim Higgins – ABR, CRS, e-ProKeller Williams Realty Services1522 W. Causeway ApproachMandeville, LA 70471Cell: 985.705.1910www.KimHiggins.comwww.KimHiggins.co... 07/05/2013

Tip Top Nail Salon in Mandeville Wednesday, July 03, 2013 by Kim Higgins   Looking to get a pedicure for the summer sandal season? How about model the latest trend in designer nails? Tip Top Nail Salon has been doing business in Mandeville for more than 20 years. They offer both manicure and pedicure services as well as design, gel, and solar nails. They also do eyebrow waxing and shaping as well as eyelash extensions. Chili, the Owner of Tip Top Nail in Mandeville says that the success of her salon is not only about doing a great job, but Tip Top Nail treats every customer like family. Stop in and see Chili today and get the best customer service offered in Mandeville! Kim Higgins – ABR, CRS, e-ProKeller Williams Realty Services1522 W. Causeway ApproachMandeville, LA 70471Cell: 985.705... 07/03/2013

  WITH WARMER WEATHER COMES MOSQUITOS! WITH SUMMER APPROACHING I THOUGHT I'D SHARE THIS AGAINHave you noticed the Mosquitos are already out! Here is a homemade trap to help keep you and the kiddos from being a blood donor!!!HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP:Items needed:1 cup of water 1/4 cup of brown sugar1 gram of yeast1 2-liter bottleHOW:1. Cut the plastic bottle in half.2. Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.3. Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.4. Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.5. Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosq... 06/25/2013

  Mandeville City Seafood Festival  Organizers promise to fill Fontainebleau State Park with the sound of music and the aroma of delicious foods. The three-day festival will kick off July 4 from noon until midnight, with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m.; July 5, 5 p.m. until midnight; and July 6, from 5 p.m. until midnight.  Nick Chetta, producer of Chetta Productions LLC., said his goal has been to have 'round-the-clock music including a band playing to welcome people into the festival. Chetta said bands will be strategically placed to perform where they will attract people to food vendors  The bands performing will be: July 4 - BIG FUN Brass Band, noon to 1 p.m.; Rick Sampson Band, 1 to 3 p.m.; BIG FUN Brass Band, 3 to 4 p.m.; Supercharger, 4 to 6 p.m.; BIG FUN Brass Band, 6 to 7 p.m.; ... 06/25/2013

  Mortgage rates have seen their sixth consecutive week of rises as the average rate edges closer to 4%.Data released today by Freddie Mac shows yet another week of fixed mortgage rates climbing higher. Freddie Mac said the trend of rising rates over the past month has seen the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increase by more than half a percentage point.The rise brings rates ever closer to the 4% threshold. The average 30-year fixed-rate climbed 0.07% for the week to 3.98%Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist Frank Nothaft put the continuing rise down to strong economic data over the week.Fixed mortgage rates crept up further this week following a solid employment report for May. The economy added 175,000 new jobs and the number of discouraged workers fell by 780,000 to t... 06/17/2013