Protect large investments with small home fixes Today's consumers are under mounting financial pressure at every turn, and are forced to be much smarter in buying decisions, especially for major investments. One big investment every consumer needs protected is their house and property. This is especially true as warmer weather arrives. From simple preparations like servicing your heating and cooling system units (HVAC), to protecting yourself against unexpected home emergency repairs, many homeowners often overlook simple measures that can end up having costly consequences.   "One challenge of home ownership is that the potential for expensive repairs is always out there," says Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA, a provider of emergency repair service plans. "While unexpected problems can ... 07/25/2012

Eclectic design trends breathe new life into your room (ARA) - The newest interior design trends are invoking a playful vibe into rooms by mixing and matching different styles for an eclectic, fun look. According to "ELLE Decor," home decorating is shifting toward a more theatrical and eclectic decorating style highlighting richer colors, layers of textures and patterns and a fusion of time periods, styles and atmosphere.Homeowners who want to express their own unique style can blend a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, says Erinn Valencich, L.A.-based designer and blogger for HGTV's Design Happens. Whether it's neutral colors with a bold chair or a formal fireplace with art deco accessories, homeowners can create a space that is both comfortable and dynamic."Attractive eclec... 07/25/2012

Remodeling for aging in place today will help sell your home tomorrow (ARA) - Only one in 10 adults believes this is a good time to sell a home, according to Fannie Mae's September 2011 National Housing Survey. If you're on hold in the real estate market, now is the time to get your house in order - literally. Make the right changes today, and you'll get a better price tomorrow.But before you invest in a home-improvement project, consider your potential buyers with this fact in mind: More than 3.5 million baby boomers turn 55 each year, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Since people aged 45 to 64 make up more than a quarter of today's U.S. population, there's a good chance you'll be selling to someone in this age group. Will your home appeal to them?Your chances will be better if your ... 07/18/2012

Flat-screen dangers: The summer safety risk and what parents should know (ARA) - For many families, summer vacation means children will spend more hours at home than they do during the school year. Extra time at home may expose children to unexpected risks from surprising sources - such as an unstable television."American children are needlessly suffering from unintentional injuries at an alarming rate," says a 2009 SafeKids report. "The risks that children face go far beyond a sprained ankle or a skinned knee. Every 101 minutes, a child in the United States dies from unintentional injury ... ."Accidental injury is the top killer of children younger than 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the overall number of accidental injuries to children has decli... 07/18/2012

Green cleaning: great results without breaking the bank While most people want to help the environment in theory, when it comes down to buying green cleaning products for their office or small business, many put concerns about effectiveness and cost above whether a product is "green."   Close to 60 percent of office workers polled by Staples last year for Earth Day said that while they thought their company was green, they could always do more, with only 30 percent saying they buy sustainable paper and cleaning products for their breakroom. This spring cleaning season, Staples, which offers sustainable cleaning products and more on Staples.com, examines the cost and effectiveness of green cleaners to see if the facts match the public's perception.   Examining the effectiveness of green ... 07/18/2012

New Orleans Saints 2012 Pre Season & Regular Season Game ScheduleIt's that time of year again!!!  Wishing the Saints the best of luck and hope everyone has a safe and happy football season!  . Preseason Sun, August 5, Arizona Cardinals (Hall of Fame Game), 7 p.m., NFL Network Thu, August 9, at New England Patriots, 6:30 p.m., CST/FOX 8 Fri, August 17, Jacksonville Jaguars, 7 p.m., CST/FOX 8 Sat, August 25, Houston Texans, 7 p.m., CBS Thu, August 30, at Tennessee Titans, 6 p.m., CST/FOX 8 Regular season Sun, September 9, Washington Redskins, 12 noon, FOX Sun, September 16, at Carolina Panthers, 12 noon, FOX Sun, September 23, Kansas City Chiefs, 12 noon, CBS Sun, September 30, at Green Bay Packers, 3:15 p.m., FOX Sun, October 7, San Diego Chargers, 7:30 p.m., NBC Sun, October 14, BYE WEE... 07/18/2012

David Stewart - Realtor realestatepub.com DIRECT 985-710-1728     Look what people are saying about David!!! David Stewart was our savior! After searching for over a year with other agents and no luck, we contacted David and he immediately found us the perfect home. His knowledge of the business was impressive and his customer service was off the charts. He always made himself available when we had questions or concerns...and as first time home buyers, we had plenty. He made a difficult process so much easier and held our hands the whole way. Anyone looking to buy or sell a home should look no further.Jenn & Morgan- Slidell, LA 6/15/2012 David was very thorough in explaining the entire process to me as a first time home buyer; doing so in a way that shows an understanding of what it's ... 07/18/2012

Adorable home For Rent in Cypress Cove, Honey Island, Little Oak, Boyet, Northshore School District. Overview Maps Photos Description $950 Residential Rental Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1,223 sqft Location 40663 Chinchas CreekSlidell, LA 70461USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Karin Smith Smith Realty Group(985) 707-7624ksmith.realestate@gmail.comhttp://www.propertypromenade.com Listed by: Smith Realty Group Our recent listings Gorgeous Savoie Built Waterfront Home in Gated Clipper Estates!Waterfront Lot on Navigable Canal -Eden IsleBayou Front Home on 1.3 Acres Nestled Among the Soaring PinesLot For Sale in Northside SubdivisionFantastic Home in Belair Subdivision for Sale Subscribe to our listing fee... 07/10/2012

David Stewart | ABEK Real Estate | (985) 710-1728 414 River Crest Cv, Slidell, LA Fabulous New Construction In Demand Area Http://www.RealEstatePub.com 4BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $284,900 Year Built 2012 Sq Footage 2,289 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 10,000 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION FANTASTIC NEW CONSTRUCTION IN AUTUMN LAKES SUBDIVISION! CUSTOM HOME BUILT BY RAY BECK IN FLOOD ZONE C. THIS GREAT HOME BOASTS SOARING CEILINGS & A VERY OPEN CONCEPT FOOLR PLAN! ALSO FEATURES CUSTOM CABINETRY, STAINLESS APPLIANCES & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS IN THE KITCHEN & MARBLE IN THE BATHROOMS. THE MASTER SUITE FEATURES A 5 PIECE BATHROOM SEPARATE FROM ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS FOR ADDED PRIVACY. DEDICATED GREEN SPACE TO THE LEFT OF HOME. CLO... 07/09/2012

American Renters Getting Squeezed Daily Real Estate News | Thursday, July 05, 2012 Rents continue to inch upwards and many renters say they know it would be cheaper to buy a home than rent, but they can’t qualify for a mortgage, Reuters News reports. With rising demand for rentals, landlords are increasing their rents and some cities are even posting double-digit percentage rental increases annually. Apartment rents have risen at their highest rate since 2007, with costs soaring over the last three quarters, according to the research firm Reis Inc. Landlords feel they can charge more since vacancies have reached at a 10-year low at the same time that demand has surged. Asking rents have jumped nationally to $1,091 during the second quarter, the largest increase since the third quarter o... 07/06/2012

Several Cities Declared ‘in the Clear’ from Downturn Daily Real Estate News | Thursday, July 05, 2012 Nearly 30 cities are “in the clear” from dipping into another housing crisis, posting a “solid base” housing recovery, according to a new report released by Trulia The “big six cities” that are seeing the most improvements in housing are: Denver; San Jose, Calif.; Pittsburgh; Little Rock, Ark.; Austin, Texas; and Colorado Springs, Colo., according to the report. Those cities posted gains in asking prices of 4 percent or more year-over-year and have seen their foreclosure rates decrease. Those six markets “avoided the worst of the bubble,” says Jed Kolko, Trulia’s chief economist. “Those metros didn’t have big price declines that we saw in Miami, Phoenix, and Detroit — places that still ... 07/06/2012

 8 Common Seller Problems (and How to Resolve Them) If you're working in real estate, you're bound to run into one of these problems. But if you address them early and honestly, they shouldn't present major obstacles for your transaction. July 2011 | By Rich Levin Do you ever clash with sellers on price, staging, or marketing? Has someone ever asked you to lower your commission? Has a seller’s personality ever rubbed you the wrong way? If you work in real estate—and you aren’t exclusively a buyer’s agent—then the answer to those questions is almost certainly yes. But unless you’re working with someone who’s incredibly dense and obstinate, these problems don’t have to slow down the selling process. The Problems Note that the problems below don’t apply just to real estate professionals. I... 07/06/2012

Navigating Short Sales: What to Do When the Sale Price Leaves You Short If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it. 1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to... 07/06/2012

And the 15 Fastest Growing Cities Are ... Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, July 03, 2012 The state of Texas is growing fast. The state has eight of the nation’s 15 fastest-growing cities and six of the top seven, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which evaluated population increases in 2011 for cities with more than 100,000 residents. However, beating out Texas cities for the top spot, New Orleans came in at No. 1 on the list of fastest-growing cities. New Orleans has seen its population grow by nearly 5 percent from April 1, 2010, to July 1, 2011. The following are the 15 fastest-growing cities in that time period and the percentage population growth, according to the U.S. Census Bureau analysis: New Orleans Round Rock, Texas: 4.8% growth Austin: 3.8% Plano: 3.8% McKinney: 3.8% Fri... 07/06/2012

Happy 4th of July 2012!!! "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."-Franklin D. Roosevelt Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July 2012!-David Stewart, Realtor 07/04/2012

Heritage Estates Heritage Estates is located in Slidell, LA off of Gause Blvd and Robert Road. This fantastic Community was developed my Miramon in the 1970's. Heritage Estates is located in one of the most desired school districts and just minutes from Slidell Athletic Club, St Margret Mary Church and Slidell Memorial Hospital. Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more! The Homes range from about 1800 to 2800 square feet and are all comprised of mainly ranch and some two stories in style. In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $140,000 to $200,000. For more information about Heritage Estates or any other community in Slidell please visit http://www.realestatepub.com or contact David Stewart http://www.realestatepub.com David- Realtor Cell: 985-710-1... 06/28/2012

Tanglewood Crossing Tanglewood Crossing is located in Slidell, LA off of Robert Road behind Tanglewood and The New Country Club. This fantastic Community was developed a couple of years ago has access to the Tanglewood community pool and tucked away with very little traffic. Tanglewood Crossing is an exclusive community comprised of approximately 60-70 home sites. Located just minutes from state-of-the-art health clubs, multiple hospitals and clinics, several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more! The Homes range from about 1900- 3000 square feet and are all architecturally-distinctive. In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $220,000 to $280,000. For more information about Tanglewood Crossing or any other community in slidell please visit http://www.realestatepub.com o... 06/28/2012

  OAK HARBOR CYPRESS LAKES   THE FAIRWAYS GRAND CHAMPIONS   MASTERS POINT To view properties for sale in these or other Slidell Subdivisions visit:www.realestatepub.comDavid Stewart- 985-710-1728 06/28/2012

David Stewart - Realtor realestatepub.com DIRECT 985-710-1728     Commercial Real Estate For all of you commercial real estate needs please contact Larry Haik Jr. He specializes commercial sales, leases and property management.   Larry Haik Cell: 985-788-4993 Email: Larry@abek.com   IntroductionI'm Larry Haik Jr. I grew up in New Orleans and the Metairie area, prior to moving to Slidell in 1982. In addition to being a full time realtor, I'm was also known for teaching Martial Arts and Boxing in past years until selling my gym after Katrina.  With over twenty productive years experience in the Commercial Real Estate Industry, I've constantly adjusted my marketing stratigies to keep up with the changing market trends. I consider my listings a responsibility that demand constant atte... 06/21/2012

David Stewart - Realtor realestatepub.com DIRECT 985-710-1728   David Stewart David Stewart was born and raised in Slidell, LA. After graduating from Salmen High School, he moved to Hattiesburg, MS to attend the The University of Southern Mississippi. While in school pursuing his undergraduate degree David was involved in many different organizations including being a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Student Government Association, Inter Fraternity Council & Young Business Entrepreneurs. While a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity David held offices as a New Member Educator and President in 2000. After graduating in 2003 with a Business and Economic Development Degree, David moved to Dallas, TX for two years before returning to New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. With David's father... 06/20/2012