Geez, I Didn't Realize ActiveRain Was THAT Local  While cruising Facebook today I notice this picture posted by AR member Bill Cobb. The purpose of his picture was to share with the rest of the world how bad the pollen is in the town he was visiting. But something else caught my eye... The home in the background seemed familiar. Yep, that would be my neighbor's house! After interacting with Bill on AR for 3.5 years he was literally less than a football field away. After a brief delay to put on pants (hey, it is Sunday after all) I was on my way to meet Bill! Wouldn't you know it. Super-helpful internet Bill was just as delightful in person. I was able to meet his family, visit for a bit, and yes even talk shop. Not wanting to interrupt his family gathering, I made a quick departure. Lea... 03/17/2013

The Four Worst  "Upgrades" Homeowners Make  This post has nothing to do with personal space, taste, or comfort. One of the benefits of home ownership is NOT having to get permission to make changes to your space. Instead, let's examine five upgrades that typically return little to no investment at the act of sale. 1) The Swimming Pool-- Recently I went on a listing in a subdivision of 200k dollar homes. The owners could not wait to show me their sparkling new cement pond. How much did you "invest" in this project I inquired? Only 45,000 dollars! And wouldn't you know it, they wanted to ask 260k for their home. At closing the pool commanded a 7k dollar premium. In other works the sellers spent 45k and earned 7k. In my mind that's a 38k dollar loss!!!! 2) Nothing makes a better den than t... 03/13/2013

Investment Property For Sale in Pineville LA-- Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Pineville Louisiana real estate expert. For only 22,500 Dollars, you could own this home located at 112 Illes Road. Want to see show 112 Illes compares to other investment properties? Click Pineville Real Estate to explore similar homes for sale. Why 112 Illes Road? For a low entry price, the new owner will get a 2 bedroom/ 1 bath home. The best part? There is currently a renter in the home paying 425 dollars a month in rent. Talk about turn key!View Larger Map 03/07/2013

Places To Worship In Pineville Louisiana Located in the heart of Louisiana, Pineville is a great place to live! With a mild climate, great job opportunities, and not to mention crawish, it's no wonder people flock to the area. Let's examine one local church, Pineville Park Baptist Church. With a church history dating back to the 1950's, PPBC plays an active role in community life. Living Last Supper, VBS, Fall Festival, and Christmas Dessert are but a few of the many activities. Where is Pineville Park Baptist Church We are located at 2455 Highway 28 East, Across from Kees Park. But expect locals to say, "it's the church behind the Dairy Queen". What Time is Sunday Service Sunday School--  930am Worship--1045AM Vital Connections--Wednesday at 6pm A Brief Tour of Pineville Park Baptist C... 03/05/2013

Commercial Property For Sale In Pineville La--Medical Park Blvd Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Pineville La real estate Expert. Want to see how Medical Park Blvd compares to the competition? Click Pineville Real Estate to search other commercial properties for sale in this region. Why Medical Park Blvd? This property is located between Edgewood Drive and Highway 28 East in a growing section of Pineville. Need to be near health care professionals? 0 Medical Blvd is located near the Rapides Medical Park. Have clients that utilize public transportation? There are bus stops along Edgewood Drive and Hwy 28 East. View Larger Map   02/28/2013

Homes For Sale in Pineville La--King's Way Subdivision Searching for a large home in Pineville La? Tired of cookie-cutter houses on tiny lots? If so, King's Way subdivision should be on your radar. High quality homes, large lots, a convenient location make this a sought-after area. Why 450 King's Way? Located near the end of the subdivision on a cul-de-sac, 450 King's Way features a six acre lot! Tired of nosy neighbors? If so, this will be your dream home. Want to see how 450 King's Way stacks up against the competition? Click Pineville La Luxury Homes to explore other fine homes in this area. Pineville Luxury Home Overview Maps Photos $315,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms4 Partial Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,916 sqftLot: 06 sqft Location 450 Kings DrivePinevil... 02/28/2013

Homes For Sale Near Kees Park-- Pineville La Real Estate Searching for a home near Kees Park in Pineville La? If so, 102 Hilton Court should be on your must-tour list. Spacious rooms, multiple living area, a great backyard, and convenient location make this home a winner. Want to see how 102 Hilton Court compares to the competition? Click Pineville La Homes For Sale to search other homes in greater Pineville. 3 Bedroom Home Near Kees Park Overview Maps Photos Video $154,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,211 sqftLot: 00 sqft Location 102 HiltonPineville, LA 71360USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(318) 640-2121dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.Louisi... 02/27/2013

Beau Chene Subdivision--Pineville LA Neighborhoods-- Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Pineville La real estate authority. For a broader perspective of our real estate market, click Pineville La Homes. Market trends, tips for buying or selling, and current real estate news can be found there. Why Beau Chene Subdivision? Located across from the Ward Nine Soccer fields, this neighborhood is centrally located to all things Pineville. Cleco, Suddenlink, Louisiana College, Walmart, Proctor & Gamble, and CVS are all minutes away. Take a moment to tour 186 Fox Chase. This 4 bedroom Pineville home features granite counters, large living areas, fenced backyard, all for under 300k! Beau Chene Charmer Overview Maps Photos $274,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInt... 02/23/2013

Another Pineville La Home Sold--323 Hermitage Road As of Thursday there is one fewer home for sale in Pineville, La. After an extended escrow due to delays from Rural Development, we were able to meet at the closing table and transfer keys. Can you think of a more romantic Valentine's gift than a new home? My client told his "better half" that closing was going to be delayed another month or so. Imagine her surprise when she unwrapped those house keys last night!  And not even Cupid could lock in a better rate than my buyer. Ready to find your dream home? Search Alexandria Real Estate to find your new house! 02/14/2013

My Town Was So Proud Of Me Hitting 500,000 Points, They Threw A Parade-- When I hit 100,000 points nobody noticed. 300,000 points? Quieter than a typical real estate office on Christmas Eve. But my town rolled out the red carpet for the 500,000 point mark!  Apparently the townspeople follow my ActiveRain blog closely. In anticipation of this milestone there have been parades pretty much nonstop since Friday. And while walking into my closing Friday someone threw me gold beads!  Did I mention there is delicious king cake everywhere I go? This community knows how to treat a blogger. Can't wait to see what they do when I hit 1 million points! 02/11/2013

Lessons From The Field--Own The Problem Not The Emotion  Just about every real estate deal these days has some degree of drama. Inspection "surprises", title quirks, "aggressive" appraisals, and the occasional nutty person keep this from being a boring profession.  They say expereince is the best teacher. Over the course of my career I have had the pleasure of learning from MANY mistakes. The good news is I rarely make the same mistake twice (where's the fun in that?). One thing I do struggle with is separating myself from the emotion of the transaction. I strive to negotiate hard for my clients. Their dream house, on the most favorable terms. So what's the problem? I still find the emotion of the transaction will creep in. Negotiations spill over from the evening until the next morning... 02/10/2013

Investment Homes For Sale in Pineville LA--  Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Pineville La real estate specialist. The investment property located at 1327 Second Street is actually a package deal. For only 59,000 dollars the new owner will get TWO separate homes. The best part? Both are currently tenant occupied. Want to see how 1327 Second Street compares to other Pineville La properties? Click Pineville La Real Estate to search the local MLS. Investment Property in Pineville Overview Maps Photos $59,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms1 Bathroom2 UnitsInterior: 1,100 sqftLot: 0.50 acre(s) Location 1327 Second StreetPineville, LA 71360USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(... 02/10/2013

3 Bedroom Homes For Sale in Pineville La--  Ready to to find your Pineville La dream home? Looking for a Pineville home that has both the space you need AND is less than 100,000 dollars? If so, 102 Jill Court should be on your must tour list. Click Pineville Real Estate to see how this home compares to the competition. 3 Bedroom Pineville La Home Overview Maps Photos $98,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms1 Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1,011 sqft Location 102 Jill CourtPineville, LA 71360USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(318) 640-2121dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.LouisianaHouseHunter.com   Listed by: Century 21 Millennium Our recent listings Home For Sale in Ball LouisianaHome ... 02/04/2013

Beau Chene Subdivision--Homes For Sale in Pineville La  Searching for a home in Pineville La ? Need a move-in ready home in a nice neighborhood? Search Pineville La Homes to explore properties in the area. Have a question? Or perhaps you are ready to tour one of these lovely Pineville homes for sale. Either way call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Pineville La real estate specialist! Beau Chene Charmer Overview Maps Photos $274,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,122 sqftLot: 0.38 acre(s) Location 186 Fox ChasePineville, LA 71360USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(318) 640-2121dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.LouisianaHouseHunter.com   Listed by: Ce... 01/31/2013

Homes For Sale in Pineville La--Over 250k Searching for the finest homes Pineville Louisiana has to offer? Click Pineville La homes for sale over 250k to see some fine homes for sale in our area. Ready to tour a few? Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994 today. YOUR Pineville La real estate connection. Pineville Luxury Home Overview Maps Photos $315,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms4 Partial Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,916 sqftLot: 06 sqft Location 450 Kings DrivePineville, LA 71360USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(318) 640-2121dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.LouisianaHouseHunter.com   Listed by: Century 21 Millennium Our recent listings Home For Sale in Ball Louisiana... 01/31/2013

Homes For Sale in Pineville La--January 2013 Market Update The real estate market in Pineville, La remains strong in the first quarter of 2013. Our largest problem remains lack of inventory. There are literally more buyers than homes for sale. Take a look for yourself at Pineville homes for sale. Let's take a closer look at the housing numbers. Homes For Sale in Pineville La Currently there are only 106 homes for sale in greater Pineville La (60k-299k price range). With an average price of 158,857 dollars these homes offer a great value to the Pineville buyer. This especially holds true when combined with historically low interest rates. Homes That Have Sold in Pineville La In the past 90 days, 63 homes have found new owners. With an average sale's price of 146,486 dollars many buyers a... 01/28/2013

The Couch Killed More Real Estate Careers Than The Great Recession-- Once again, there are fewer agents in my board than in the previous year. Real estate practice has been "fun" the past few years, but one obstacle looms above the rest... That's right, the big comfy couch! Like Jaws trolling off a popular beach, the comfy couch consumes agents with wild abandon. Got nothing in the pipeline? Then why go to the office? Hopefully someone will call to list their home, just not during The View.  Inactivity leads to inactivity. Without active prospecting FIVE DAYS a week, the real estate pipeline will soon dry. Yes, there have (read are) lean months in this business. But even as the well drys I prime the pump harder.  Prospecting has allowed me to survive, and in some months thrive in this b... 01/27/2013

Don't Watch Us Make The Escrow Sausage As a middle school student I had the opportunity to visit a slaughterhouse. After touring the hallowed halls (and watching how meat got to my plate), it was a while before I consumed sausage again. Let's examine how buying or selling a home can be similar to a slaughter house. 1) People assume a contract means the end of the process-- Imagine their surprise when they discover that negotiation occurs again after inspections. Ever negotiated the repair costs of a "pop-off valve"? I have, and sadly it took more than one round to reach consensus. 2) Not all lender letters are the same-- I once had a mortgage broker generate a pre-approval letter for a client with bad credit. Why did she do this? The lender felt like she could "fix stuff" during escrow.... 01/25/2013

Homes For Sale in Pineville La with acreage -- Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994, your Pineville La real estate specialist. This home located at 450 Kings Drive boasts 6 acres of land. Search Pineville La Real Estate to explore similar properties on the market. Pineville Luxury Home Overview Maps Photos $315,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms4 Partial Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,916 sqftLot: 06 sqft Location 450 Kings DrivePineville, LA 71360USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Doug Rogers Century 21 Millennium(318) 640-2121dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.LouisianaHouseHunter.com   Listed by: Century 21 Millennium Our recent listings Home For Sale in Elizabeth La3 Bedroom Pineville La HomeLand For Sale... 01/20/2013

Village Green Subdivision--Pineville La Searching for a great place to live in Pineville LA ? Find out why so many people consider Village Green Subdivision THE top Pineville neighborhood. Village Green Market Report Searching for a home for sale in Village Green? Better not hesitate! There are rarely more than 2-3 homes for sale in Village Green at any one time. In fact currently there are ZERO homes for sale! Got a home to sell in Village Green? Why wait for Spring and more competition. Give me call and let's set the market! Click Homes For Sale in Pineville La to find out what your home may be worth. Video Tour 01/17/2013