Housing Finance System to Get a Boost from Ginnie Mae

Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) are an important component of the housing finance system and were sanctioned by Congress to meet the credit needs of communities everywhere in all economic cycles by providing liquidity for mortgage lending. There are 11 regional FHLBanks which supply low-cost funding to upwards of 7,400 members that include community banks, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions throughout the United States. The Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) programs provide FHLBanks’ members resources to sell their mortgages to secondary market agencies which allow community banks to compete with mortgage loans and competitive pricing. These institutions in turn can provide housing finance for low rates to future homebuyers, better lending standards and community investment opportunities to the local markets.  This program will be a great benefit to departments such as the Department of Rural Development Loans which is committed to the future of rural communities – the role of which is to increase rural residents’ economic opportunities and improve their quality of life.

The FHLBanks have teamed up with Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and created a program that will lend a helping hand to improve liquidity in the mortgage markets, provide more competitive pricing for consumers and increase credit availability. MPF issued its first $5 million security guaranteed by Ginnie Mae which is made up of a mix of loans.  It includes over 50% in the RHS category, a majority of VA loans and the remainder FHA loans. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and Ginnie Mae already have a program set in place that helps FHLBank members to sell their Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Rural Housing Services (RHS) loans into Ginnie Mae securities.

“This is an important milestone for the MPF program,” said Matt Feldman, president of the FLHBank of Chicago. “Ginnies are among the most liquid financial instruments in the world, and this new product allows us to enable FHLBank members to offer competitive FHA, VA and Government Guaranteed Native American and Rural Housing mortgages.”  Ginnie Mae President Ted Tozer said.
“Now they can connect directly to the capital markets, improving the home financing options they can offer to their customers without the burden of having to individually obtain and maintain Ginnie Mae approval,” he added. Now local community banks and local lenders can compete with national large banks and pass the savings and improved home loan financing options to their consumers.

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Housing Market Is on its Way Towards a Full Recovery

One of the key indicators that the housing market is on its way towards a full recovery post-Recession is house prices.  House prices reached “bubble status” pre-Recession and was the partial cause of the entire crash of the mortgage industry during the crisis because buyers found themselves living in homes with loans that vastly exceeded the appraised value of the home.  House prices must maintain a delicate balance as the ebb and flow of the housing market dictated by new home and existing home buyer supply and demand raises and lowers pricing year-over-year.

The House Price Index (HPI) reported that house prices have been increasing for the last three months as of May, 2015, which had an annual growth rate of 5.4%.  That percentage was higher than April’s increase of 4.7% and March’s increase of 3.8%.  The HPI is issused by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and another report by The Standard and Poor’s/Case-Shiller also showed a slower growth based on a moving three-month average.  This growth in home prices shows a strong demand for new and existing homes from home buyers nationwide.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also had good news to report about existing homes under contract nationally.  The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) reached a record-high in 9 years in May, 2015, and declined only slightly in June.  This statistic is based on homes with signed contracts as reported to the NAR.  Even with the decline, the PHSI was up 8.2% compared to June, 2014, and the number of homes under contract has been increasing for the last 10 months consecutively.  The Southern Region reflected a 5% increase for the entire year of 2015 for contracts on homes for sale.

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Available Construction Jobs on the Rise

Well over half a million builders are getting ramped up with the renewal of the real estate market nationwide and are very much now hiring employees as the number of open construction jobs increased in May.  In fact, the number of available construction jobs in the United States has been on the rise since 2012 along with the constant increase of new home sales and new home inventory.  May’s employment increase logged in as one of the 4 highest months of increases since 2012.

Almost 1.8 million contractors, sub-contractors, and trade companies also made up the number of businesses employed in the home building / remodeling categories of the total U.S. employment in June, 2015, bringing the total number of construction employed jobs to 2.442 million.  Now that new homes are being built on lots developed for sale in more and more numbers, the construction industry has gained almost a half a million jobs since the low point of the Great Recession.

In 2015 alone, approximately 127,000 jobs have been added in the U.S. nationwide.  In fact, since hitting the ceiling during 2010, the unemployment rate for builders and construction has dropped from 22% unemployed to 7% slightly higher than the national unemployment rate.  In fact, many builders are facing a shortage in employees as they try to build new homes for the buyer demand as quickly as possible in new home communities that once stood dormant during the Recession.  This increase in demand for construction employment has only been a boon for the real estate industry’s recovery overall.

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Buy a New Home on the Northshore at Bedico Creek Preserve

When relocating to the Greater New Orleans area, you may want to buy a new home on the Northshore at Bedico Creek Preserve.  If you are considering relocating to the tight knit area of West St. Tammany Parish, you can enjoy the ambiance of downtown Covington, LA, which is located approximately 7 miles from Bedico Creek Preserve.  Living in Madisonville, Louisiana, at Bedico Creek gives you easy access to shopping, entertainment, and dining at the many locations of the two shopping areas Colonial Pinnacle at Nord Du Luc and Stirling Covington Shopping Center off of Highway 21.  In addition to the prolific shopping at mall stores such as JC Penny, Belk, and Lane Bryant, Colonial Pinnacle at Nord Du Luc and Stirling Covington Shopping Center also showcase box stores such as Academy Sports, Kohls, Best Buy, Marshalls, Target, Hobby Lobby, as well as the Hollywood Stadium 14 movie theater.  This Covington, Louisiana shopping area also features restaurants such as Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, and Panera Bread Company.  For faster food and service, you can visit Steak & Shake, Firehouse Subs, and Dickeys Barbeque Pit.

Bedico Creek Preserve offers lots and homes for sale in its masterplanned community in St. Tammany Parish.  Lots for sale start in the mid $40’s, and new homes for sale begin in the $230’s.  If you are interested in building your own new, custom home or if you are looking to relocate to one of our existing homes for sale, you can find any lot or home in a selection of different neighborhoods in this St. Tammany Parish subdivision.  Contact Bedico Creek today to schedule your tour.  Call 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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Guidelines to Use When Purchasing a Home in a Seller’s Market

The housing market is hot right now as can be seen in all the statistics gathered from real estate professionals. Multiple offers and shortage of homes on the market along with low interest rates have driven the market to where it is today. This can make for a challenging situation for home buyers. Bidding wars could lead you, as a buyer, to purchase a home priced higher than the appraised value of the home, or you may even spend more than you can afford. One of the downfalls of the Recession is that homeowners ended up owing more than their home was worth – home buyers don’t want to repeat this trend.

In the market for a new single-family home but are a little apprehensive because of the low inventory, increased prices and bidding wars? Don’t be…here are some guidelines to use when purchasing a home in a seller’s market.

Recognize the Supply and Demand. If there are not many real estate listings, it can be difficult to find what you are looking for when your pickings are slim. When you do find what you are looking for, you can bet other buyers want the same thing which will only drive the price up. You do not want to purchase a home at a higher price when the price rise is determined by low inventory versus a strong economy. A strong economy can support a strong market.

Scout Out the Neighborhood. Are there any signs of new construction or have the housing starts increased? If so, this is a good sign that the local housing market is thriving. Remember, if the local economy is strong it can sustain a rising housing market. Research the market by noting the number of developed lots in the community and the amount of building permits that have been issued. The St. Tammany Parish Residential Permits office provides information regarding the amount of building permits that have been issued in the Greater New Orleans area. Speak to a Realtor in the neighborhood market in which you are interested. They can tell you if new home construction is strong in the neighborhood and how many lots are for sale in the area.

Sometimes Losing Can Be in Your Best Interest. Buyers who push to any limit to win the bidding war can overpay and loose in the long run. Go into the bid with your game shoes on…set a budget and think about getting a preapproval from a mortgage lender. When setting a budget, remember to compensate for living expenses and emergency funds. If the bidding war sets the price too high, walk away!

Do Not Let Your Guard Down. Use smart self-defense when purchasing a home. Many buyers who want to win the bid give up rights that are standard in sales contracts. Contingencies are there to protect the buyer. It is pretty risky to give these up to appease a seller into accepting your offer. Buyers can lose their deposit if they do not have a preapproved mortgage and have been denied a mortgage after they have a house under contract or the inspection comes back with costly repairs. Another way a buyer can lose cash is if an appraisal comes in low and the mortgage lender reduces the loan amount making the buyer put up the cash to compensate for the gap between the loan and purchase price. If you feel you have found the house for you, then determine if the risk of waiving any contingency clauses outweigh any hidden financial surprises you might find.

Now is still a good time to buy as mortgage rates are low. In St. Tammany Parish at Bedico Creek Preserve, we have many new homes for sale from which to choose, including new homes priced from the $230’s – $300’s in two exclusive Neighborhoods called Cypress Crossing and Deer Park. To find out more about our homes for sale, Contact our sales office at 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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Lot Sales, Home Sales, Good News for New Home Buyers

St. Tammany Parish now has one of the fastest growing, fastest selling new home communities on the Northshore at Bedico Creek Preserve in Madisonville, Louisiana.  Lot sales and home sales are setting a record pace for 2015.  This master planned subdivisions has, this year alone, opened up three new Neighborhoods within the community – Lakeview, Heron Point, and Heron Lake – with plans for 2 more neighborhoods to come online in 2016.  Located off of Hwy. 1077 and Hwy. 1085, .Bedico Creek is just over 3 miles from Interstate 12 and an efficient commute to Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, and Hammond, as well as the Southshore.

Close to 6 miles away lies the existing and new shopping districts of Highway 21 featuring mall box stores such as Kohl’s, Lane Bryan, Belks, and Best Buy, and multiple popular restaurants such as Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, and Texas Roadhouse, just to name a few.  The area also features many small boutique shops and restaurants as well as grocery shopping at Winn Dixie.  All of this approximately 5.8 miles from the entrance to our Conservation Community.

Bedico Creek was specifically designed to be a nature habitat that just happened to have houses.  The community design offers green spaces, water features, and 500 acres of walking and biking paths as well as walking and hiking trails through a wildlife preserve.  Lot sales at Bedico Creek are happening quickly, so if you decide to buy, you will not only be able to choose from among 14 quality St. Tammany Parish builders, but you will also get to enjoy 500 acres of natural beauty, peace and privacy.  Many of our lots are also waterfront lots in that they are located around the many lakes and ponds throughout the community.

New homes are built and available to buy at Bedico Creek with a selection of different sizes and prices perfect for your family.  If you are interested in picking out your “view,” you can select your exact lot from a variety of Neighborhoods throughout the community.  Lots come in many different sizes and shapes with cul-de-sac and corner lots also available.

This new home, master planned neighborhood also features both natural and “man-made” amenities with a community swimming pool, Pavilion, dock / fishing area, disc golf course, and even a place to enjoy a fire on a chilly fall winter night where you have an uninhibited view of the stars.  We have a map of our parks and trails system throughout the community, and we encourage you to bring your camera to catch shots of all of the local wildlife.

Bedico Creek has it all lot sales, home sales, good news for home buyers. To take a peek at this amazing new subdivision in St. Tammany Parish, call one of our onsite sales representatives at 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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Student Debt Is Not an Obstacle to Homeownership

According to a study done by Zillow.com, the only way student debt can negatively impact young professionals interested in starting a family and “settling down” to buy their first home is if that debt is combined with no degree at all.  According to the study, student debt is not an obstacle to homeownership with those students who finished with a bachelor’s degree or higher for the amount of debt they acquired.  Home buyers that are college graduates and never had to take on student loans have a higher chance (70%) of becoming a homeowner than home buyers that have student debt and at least a bachelor’s college degree, but not by much – the statistic only drops to 66% for these types of buyers.

Because of the Recession and the lack of jobs for college graduates upon completing college, many young people did not get married and start a family right away, so household formation was also a considering factor in the study done by Zillow.com.  The study seemed to indicate that people were waiting until their 30’s to have children, and the study included those couples that had actually started a family with at least one child.

High rents were also a factor as being a deterrent for young professionals to be able to buy a home.  The payment of higher rent made it impossible for them to get the larger down payment together upon trying to get financing for a conventional mortgage.  The FHA just recently reduced the percentage of down payment required for both FHA and Rural Development loans, so this factor will not be as pertinent moving forward.

The truth about young professionals becoming homeowners is that student debt is not an obstacle to homeownership, and the possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher and the acquisition of a good job after college has made it possible for these students to be able to buy a new or pre-existing home upon graduation (or later).  This is good news for the housing market as one more positive sign that the real estate market is moving in the upwards direction.

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Newly Built Home Sales Rise 25.8% Year-Over-Year

Just like summer here in New Orleans, July’s housing market was hot! The new home sales activity is on its way back to normal with annual home sales already reaching 507,000. The Census Bureau and HUD reports that newly built home sales rose 5.4% from June of this year and 25.8% from July of last year.  New home inventories were reported at 218,000 in July which is the highest level that have been seen in over five years.
This increase can also be seen in private residential construction spending where the high was at an annual rate of $387 billion in July.  This solidifies the continuing economic growth in the construction industry.  Single-family homes have pushed construction expansion 15.8% on a year-over-year basis and multifamily new home construction spending is 21.2% higher than it was reported a year ago.

Developers are not the only ones that are seeing a positive growth, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports increase in existing home sales.  Existing home sales increased in July 0.5% from June and 7.4% from July of last year. Completed sales (closings) were reported at the highest since February 2007.

The confidence for home buyers stems from the strengthening economy.  The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the global economic developments (GDP) growth is at a strong 3.7% rate.  These findings were based on several factors including investment, faster growth for consumption, government spending and trade components.

Now is the time for buyers buying new homes or existing homes to tap into the housing market. Sales are solid which makes the real estate market a stable venture. New home prices are continuing to strengthen making real estate a great investment.

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Builders & Buyers Enjoying Robust Real Estate Market

Builders and buyers alike are optimistic that the recovery of the real estate market nationwide is here to stay as new home sales increased 18% year-over-year in June, 2015 compared to 2014, and new home inventory also increased by 3.4%.  Builders are discovering that bank construction loans are easing slightly on credit requirements and equity, and also with the increasing number of new home sales, builders are “turning over” the new homes that they are building so they are freeing up capital to invest in new lots for sale in traditional as well as master planned developments.

However, all of the great news regarding the real estate market was tempered by a slight drop in sales from May to June, 2015, for a total drop of 6.8%, down from 517,000 in may to 482,000 in June.  However, the summer months sometimes experience a lag because of school getting out, and potential home buyers going on vacation in the early part of the summer.  Overall, new home sales have been increasing both incrementally and expotentially since 2012.

Good news for builders is that there is an increasing demand from new home buyers for homes to purchase. This demand has not tapered off or decreased since the housing market started its recovery.  This trend has especially been noticed in the new, master planned community of Bedico Creek Preserve in St. Tammany Parish which features 11 Neighborhoods of new homes for sale, lots for sale, and new homes under construction.  Buyers living on the Northshore already find that this new home community is convenient to the cities of Mandeville, Madisonville, Covington, and Abita Springs in West St. Tammany Parish.

New lots are constantly being developed as new neighborhoods within the subdivision are opening with available lots for those new home buyers interested in building their own custom home.  There is no shortage of new homes to buy and new lots to buy at Bedico Creek in the Greater New Orleans area.  Contact Bedico Creek to schedule a tour of this Conservation Community by calling 985-845-4200 or E-mailing Info@LiveBedico.com.

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New Traffic Circle at Highway 1077 Eases Traffic for Bedico Creek

The much anticipated traffic circle at Highway 1077 and Bootlegger Road (Highway 1085) has been started by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Transportation.  This crucial junction adjacent to the Archbishop Hannan High School, a renowned private school just south of Bedico Creek, has much traffic as subdivision and industrial growth continues construction north on Highway 1077. 

There are actually 2 major intersections on 1077 which greatly affect the traffic for residents and employees that use this road.  The second junction is north on 1077 at Highway 190.

Although there has been much talk of building a second roundabout at Highway 190, the only one currently under construction is the one at 1077 and Bootlegger Road.

Bedico Creek Preserve, a new home, masterplanned community in St. Tammany Parish, is located out Bootlegger Road (Highway 1085) just 3.2 miles from Interstate 12.  This new community features lots and new homes for sale, and 11 individual Neighborhoods have been built and developed with lots for sale with 2 more Neighborhoods coming online during 2016.  Bedico Creek already has over 200 new residents in our community, so the traffic circle being built at 1077 and 1085 is a welcome relief for those residents that commute to work and have to travel that road twice a day.  With a convenient location near the city of Covington, Highway 21 and all of the new and existing shopping and dining, and its short distance from the interstate, Bedico Creek offers “ease of use” for our

homeowners.

The road construction is being done by Kort’s Construction Services with land clearing and utility relocation being completed in the first phase of this $3.2 million project.  The St. Tammany Parish government plans for the utility location to be done by the end of 2015, and all road construction to be done by fall of 2016.  In addition to being a huge benefit for the current and future homeowners at Bedico Creek Preserve, the new traffic circle at Highway 1077 should also help with school traffic and industrial traffic north of the traffic circle.  In fact, a new Fed Ex distribution center is being built just northwest of the private high school as well.

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More Homes Are Being Built to Supplement the Housing Inventory Shortage

A shortage in homes and a strong job market in the Greater New Orleans area definitely strengthened the housing market, especially in new home construction and the advent of new subdivisions. Solid hiring in the job market, low mortgage rates and easier credit conditions have driven the demand for new home buyers to purchase a new home for sale. The Greater New Orleans area alone represents 20% of the new jobs that have been created this year in the state of Louisiana which has led to the strong home sales on both the north shore and the south shore.

West St. Tammany Parish has seen a decrease in housing inventory making the average sales price increase.  The housing market in general is leaning more towards a seller’s market because of the lack of supply of homes for sale.  This lack of inventory in homes priced from $190,000 – $300,000 is causing a bidding war pulling the average sales price for metro New Orleans up by 7.8% from $197,300 to $212,610. New Orleans has seen an increase from 21,954 homes sold annually in 2010 to 30,322 in 2014. Homeowners are starting to realize that this is the time to sell, and for home builders now is the time to build new homes for sale in St. Tammany Parish on the northshore.

On the flip side, home buyers will not have long to wait because more homes are being built which means the inventory problem will start to correct itself. According to Richard Haase, president of NAI/Latter & Blum, who reported at the UNO/Latter & Blum Economic Outlook & Real Estate Forecast Seminar for the Northshore Region, which was held at the Clarion Inn & Suites Conference Center in Covington, ”There’s a lot of pent-up demand,” he said, because tight lending standards have kept potential buyers out of the homebuying market, even as the economy recovered. ”For the next one or two years, I’m extremely optimistic about housing prices and housing affordability,” Haase said. ”We’re in a very healthy supply-and-demand market.”

Bedico Creek Preserve in Madisonville, Louisiana, offers new homes for sale that could plug the dearth of homes priced from $190,000 – $300,000.  Two neighborhoods being built in this master planned community in St. Tammany Parish offer new homes for sale from the $230’s – $300’s. 

These two neighborhoods are called Cypress Crossing and Deer Park.  Also, if you purchase one of our lots for sale in the Garden / Courtyard section of this St. Tammany Parish subdivision, you can build a home starting from the $290’s.  For more information about our homes for sale, Contact Bedico Creek at 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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The Opportunity to Learn Construction Skills for Students in St. Tammany Parish

World Changers, an entity of LifeWay Student Ministries, provides mission experiences for students looking to serve others and share the gospel.  By interacting with churches in different communities throughout the United States, students have the opportunity to learn construction skills such as sheetrock, painting, siding, roofing, windows & doors repair or replacement, interior repair / renovation projects, wheelchair ramps, fencing, landscaping, and

disaster cleanup.  They also learn leadership skills which will help them with not only future mission trips but also future education and professional opportunities. The

World Changers program began in 1990 and has expanded to 67 North American locations as well as international locations.  In 2011, World Changers  became a part of LifeWay Student Ministries which expanded the number of students involved as well as the church networking opportunities.
World Changers along with Northshore Baptist Association, Southern Baptist Association, Kent Design+Build and the St. Tammany Parish government will aid in this year’s project in St. Tammany Parish. A federal grant through the Community Development Block Grant program will be used to purchase $30,000.00 in lumber, paint, doors, windows and all other materials needed for the volunteers to get the job done.
This is the 4th year in a row that volunteers from around the country will repair and fix up homes for low and moderate income home owning families in St. Tammany Parish. Twelve homes in the community were chosen via an application process and the majority of the homeowners are disabled and/or elderly.


The 150 volunteer teens and adults from around the country will be housed at First Baptist Church in Covington. The volunteers’ week of construction work such as painting, scraping, demo and repair of these homes.

“We welcome the World Changers group back to St. Tammany. They have made such a difference in so many people’s lives over the past four years, and we cannot thank them enough,” St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister said. “Collaborative efforts like these between public, private and faith-based organizations, make our community stronger, improve our quality of life, and benefit everyone involved.”

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Premier St. Tammany Parish Master Planned Community

Bedico Creek Preserve, a premier master-planned conservation community in Madisonville, is nestled among nearly 500 acres of green space, lakes and ponds. Preserving and caring for the natural environment and wildlife is a top priority here. Life moves at a slower pace and there’s a healthy respect for the innate beauty of land and water. More than 200 acres of parks, 20+ acres of lakes and water features, a 375-acre nature preserve, and many natural amenities make it a thoughtful choice for discriminating homebuyers.

Driving into the community, the well-appointed main entrance is accented with twin sugar kettle waterfalls on either side and a wide thoroughfare crosses a quaint wooden bridge over Bedico Creek. Passing the gatehouse into the community, even the casual visitor will notice a careful cultivation of the atmosphere of the Northshore of yesteryear.

Inside the community you’ll find a collection of neighborhoods surrounded by thoughtfully planned, man-made amenities. The Rod & Paddle Club complex overlooks a sparkling lake and features the community swimming pool, a large party pavilion, a picnic area with colorful wind sails, a quaint fishing pier, a nine-hole disc golf course and an outdoor fire pit at Sunset Point.  It’s an ideal place for outdoor entertaining, leisurely paddling a canoe on the lake, or spending time with family and friends.
A rustic trail system for hiking within the wildlife preserves of the community and 3.5 miles of lovely paved walking/hiking/biking trails gracefully meander through the surrounding neighborhoods.  These trails connect parks, lakes, ponds and nature preserves to the neighborhoods, making it easy and convenient for homeowners to enjoy their natural surroundings.

Bedico Creek is not just another typical subdivision. It’s a community comprised of beautifully designed new and custom homes, located in individual neighborhoods that range in price from the $230’s to more than $1 million. Multi-generational families will find neighborhoods that suit first-time homebuyers just starting out, growing families, or retirees looking for a low-maintenance, carefree lifestyle.

Deer Park offers smaller lot sizes and square footage homes from the $230’s to $260’s. Courtyard and Garden feature low-maintenance garden homes that begin in the $290’s.  Larger lot neighborhoods like Cypress Crossing, Lakeview, Longview, and Preserve are made up of single-family homes for growing families from the $300’s to the $500’s. Heron Point (just opening this Spring with its own gated access), Estates and Manors were created with upwardly mobile families in mind. These homes start in the $480’s and exceed $1 million.  Two new neighborhoods, Nature Walk and Heron Lake are slated to open later this year. All of them have water or nature views available. Most offer the availability to invest in a lot and build on it in the homeowner’s time frame.

Building a new home is a very important investment of time and money. Every one of the recommended builders at Bedico Creek Preserve has gone through a careful screening process to ensure that buyers are going to get some of the best, most qualified builders in the area. These preferred builders are ready to design and build homes on a lot purchased by the homeowner, or homeowners can use their own plans and builder in most neighborhoods, with approval by the Architectural Control Committee.

Located on Highway 1085 in Madisonville, in the booming I-12 Corridor, Bedico Creek is just minutes from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and healthcare facilities, with more being added each year.  Homeowners with children have access to some of the best public and private schools that St. Tammany Parish has to offer.

Bedico Creek is a David Waltemath development. During the past twenty-five years he has created many extraordinary Gulf South communities, including English Turn, The Estates of Northpark, Highlands of Santa Maria, and Green Trails in Baton Rouge.  His track record of success and commitment to the community speaks for itself.

Several stunning new homes will be showcased at Bedico Creek Preserve in this year’s Northshore Home Builders Association Parade of Homes. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this exceptional community, its stunning homes and beautiful neighborhoods.  See for yourself the value of building your future at Bedico Creek. Bring your Realtor, if you like; they’re always welcome.  More information is available about this fast growing, premier St. Tammany Parish master planned community by e-mailing Info@LiveBedico.com or calling 985- 845-4200.

Energy Efficiency Saves in Small Measures

In order to have a proper perspective of how much energy saving measures will have in your new or existing home, you have to know the paramenters of energy saving capability as well as have the right expectation for the process going into it.  If you live in a much older home, built in an older neighborhood during a time when real estate was not as “coded” as it is today, you can expect to see a more dramatic increase in savings after spending more money up front to make changes.  This is because building codes are truly on the cutting edge of emerging green techniques which are constantly promoting more structurally sealed homes with low-energy, efficient technologies installed in them.  The savings really do add up, though, through a combination of several energy saving techniques.  Home buyers and homeowners can be assured that energy efficiency saves in small measures that over a year’s time give a return on investment.



Start Simple
Because the process of building is an imperfect process (no matter how detail-oriented your builder is) performed by mutliple contractors who “touch the job” once and then leave, you would be amazed as to how much small spaces and leaks allow air and moisture into your home.  To begin the energy efficiency process, you will want to seal your home as much as possible by caulking and sealing the spaces around your plumbing pipes, electrical systems, light fixtures, and windows as well as the unused portions of your home which can include your attic or crawl space below.  By closing up these areas to air and moisture, you can reduce the amount of air it takes to heat and cool your home.

Work on Major Systems When Possible
HVAC systems are notorious for being big energy suckers, so if you have the money to invest in a completely new system which would include an overhead air conditioning and furnace system (the most energy efficient way to heat and cool your home), you should do so.  If you don’t have the finances for such an expense, having a contractor come out for a service call to inspect your ductwork for blockages or leaks will make sure that your ducts area as efficient as possible.  Clean ductwork allows better airflow which heats and cools a space more quickly.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference
While you are inspecting and focusing in on your HVAC system, you will also want to immediately replace your thermostat if you do not already have an electronic thermostat.  Electronic thermostats can run from $28 – $120 depending on how quality or complicated you would like them to be.  This is a small investment which makes a HUGE difference in your heating and cooling bill.  Buy purchasing a programmable thermostat, you are able to control your home’s temperature when you are home, away at work, or sleeping to keep your heater or air conditioner from “running all day.”

Change Your Ambiance and Save Energy
Another suggestion as a way to reduce the amount of energy used in your home is to replace all of your light bulbs with bulbs that are either CFLs or LED lights.  However, if you are affected by lighting and the ambiance it provides, you could end up spending a lot on the front end to get the desired lighting affect you would like with LED lighting – the closest lighting alternative to old fashioned light bulbs.  If you aren’t picky about lighting, the new CFL light bulbs are energy efficient and last longer than old fashioned bulbs and are becoming more affordable as well.

Adjust Your Temps During Warmer Months
The last energy savings idea to use is to reduce the water temperature on your hot water heater.  “Out of the box,” hot water heaters are programmed to approximately 140 degrees.  If you reduce this to 120 degrees, you can save on heating expenses.  Also, by insulating the pipes on your hot water heater and the pipes going into either the wall or the floor, you can maintain the heated water as well.  While this might be a good idea during warmer spring and summer months, you may want to increase the temperature again during colder weather months because the air temperature feels cooler when you shower or bathe.

By using these energy efficient techniques altogether, you can drastically reduce the amount of money you spend each month on your energy bills.  If you are only able to do a couple or few of the ideas at present, your savings will be less.  However, any money saved is money that can be used for other life necessities in a tough economy.

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FHA Reducing Loan Costs for Credit Challenged Buyers

There is no question that the Recession affected both the mortgage industry as well as the home buying process when it comes to obtaining a loan to buy a new home.  Mortgage companies, lenders, and banks had their feet “held to the fire” and were required to jump through multiple hoops in all categories and steps to the loan procurement process.  Even now, on average, it takes 6 weeks to 3 months just to refinance your existing home even if you have (and have had) a steady job, money in the bank, equity in your home, and excellent credit.  The strict requirements that lenders are applying

to loan applicants are also being applied to their own corporations with stiff penalties and sanctions in store for any bank or mortgage company that even comes close to “bending the rules.”

With that being said, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who were able to restructure and survive the housing market falter have now found a way, along with the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) to finally bring some relief to first-time home buyers by offering loans with either a 3.5% or 3% down payment of the loan.  Now, the FHA has reduced the cost of its loan for first-time home buyers, dropping from 1.35% of the loan value to just .85% of the loan value.  The FHA provides an affordable loan to all home buyers and does not, for the most part, discriminate against home buyers who are “credit challenged,” those who may have a less than stellar credit score.  Therefore, as long as you are above the threshold of the credit score required by the FHA, your loan cost will be the same whether you are 5 points above the threshold or 200 points above the threshold.

FHA loans are the most beneficial for custom home buyers who cannot afford a 10% down payment on their loan, who may have had struggles with credit in the past, and first-time home buyers.  Fannie

Mae and Freddie Mac were established just after the Great Depression as lenders backed by government bonds in order to allow low-income Americans to be able to buy a house.  They have since privatized and restructured, but they are still focused on helping low-income or struggling families afford and pay for their new house.  With the latest reductions in down payments and loan costs, it could now be affordable and plausible for younger professionals to graduate from college, start their careers, and form their own households by buying a new home for the first time.

If you are in the market for a new home to buy in St. Tammany Parish on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Louisiana, come Visit Bedico Creek Preserve in Madisonville, Louisiana to view 9 new Neighborhoods of Homes for Sale within our masterplanned community just outside of Covington, LA.  We have 18 builders building new and custom homes in our subdivision.  Many builders can and will build any size or type of home that meet our architectural standards.  Call 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com today to find out more about our new home community!


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Residential Construction is Environmentally Friendly

In the past 10 years, new single-family and multi-family structures are trending more energy efficient, spending less energy and emitting fewer greenhouse gases.  During the 1950’s and 1960’s, the United States started to really develop huge residential sections of cities and towns.  Neighborhoods and subdivisions began to pepper the landscape with many houses in a row.  These homes typically had unique and open façade with front porches and tree-lined sidewalks for neighbors to spend time outdoors and interact with each other.  Subdivisions and communities today are harkening back to these times by building what developers are calling Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND’s), master planned communities with a town center and homes built with rear alleys for rear-entry and side-entry garages.  Because of the types of homes that were built in the 1950’s to 1980’s, the homes tended to be smaller but did not have the advantage of the energy efficient, green building techniques of modern-day builders.

Beginning at the end of the 1980’s, builders started building single-family residences that were much larger than previously built homes.  These homes were more sprawling, typically had two stories and more square footage.  These homes consumed a lot of energy and emitted more greenhouse gases.  At the end of the 1990’s, the National Association of Home Builders started a program that focused on green building techniques.  And, during 2000 – 2009, the homes that are built are still larger than homes built decades ago, but they consume less energy and emit less greenhouse gases.

Specifically, residential construction of single-family and multi-family homes from 2000 – 2009 consume 22% of the total energy consumed on the grid in the United States, and they are accountable for 18% of the greenhouse gases that are currently expelled.  Many buildings at Bedico Creek Preserve are highly experienced in building green with energy efficient techniques.  Also, Bedico Creek Preserve values the conservation of energy and the promotion of a natural environment by developing our lots and building our homes into the surrounding greenscapes instead of clear-cutting the land to make room for new homes.  That is the reason that buyers who purchase a home in our subdivision in St. Tammany Parish enjoy not only the acreage on their lot but also the surrounding 500 acres of green spaces, lakes and waterways, and even a wildlife habitat.  If you are a conservationist at heart and want to commune with nature each and every day where you live, Contact Bedico Creek to take a tour of our Neighborhoods.  Call 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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Builders Are Enthusiastic With the Upturn in the Housing Market

Builders are enthusiastic with the upturn in the housing market and are seeing more new home buyers as the economy rises. The stronger job market caused by the addition of 3 million jobs in the U.S. has encouraged more people to become new homeowners. In fact, nationwide single-family homes sold for close to full asking price!
After a low sales report in March due to the harsh winter weather, it is encouraging to see an increase in standing inventory of new homes and new homes under construction. According to the current data release from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau newly built home sales rose 6.8% in April. Regionally, new homes sales increased by 5.8% in the southern region. The new homes sales pace is expected to raise the amount of new homes for sale on the market creating a 4.8 month supply of new home inventory which is crucial to the housing market recovery.

“Sales are moving forward and our builder members are telling us they are starting to see more activity as more buyers get off the fence and enter the marketplace,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods.

At Bedico Creek Preserve, our master planned development in St. Tammany Parish had much to celebrate during the 1^st four months of 2015 achieving 22 new home sales for a total gross sales volume amount of $7,671,150. Bedico Creek, a collection of neighborhoods inside of a Conservation Community, offers a variety of new homes in a selection of price ranges both for lots for sale as well as new homes for sale. In one of our exclusive neighborhoods, one of our top St. Tammany Parish builders sold a Spec Home for a record sales price of $1,025,000 which comes out to $241 / per square foot.
In addition to the high volume of new home sales in 2015, Bedico Creek Preserve also had a phenomenal sales volume of $250,000 in lot sales in the first 4 months of the year. To keep pace with the increasing demand for local home buyers in the Greater New Orleans area, Bedico Creek Preserve opened two exclusive new home neighborhoods – Cypress Crossing and Deer Park – and the subdivision now offers lots for sale in Lakeveiw Neighborhood and Heron Point Neighborhood as well. Site plan (plat) approvals for new future Neighborhoods are also currently underway.

If you are in the market for a new home or considering purchasing a new home, Visit Bedico Creek Preserve today to discover our new homes for sale or learn more about building a new, custom home on one of our quickly selling lots! Contact Us Directly at 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.


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Outstanding Patient Experience Award Goes to St. Tammany Parish Hospital

Covington and Mandeville should not only be proud of their big city culture and small-town charm, but now they can also boast about their cutting edge medical care and medical facilities.  St. Tammany Parish Hospital ranked in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience and quality.  Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, gave St. Tammany Parish Hospital the 2015 Outstanding Patient Experience Award for giving patients a positive experience during their stay as well as exceeding their expectations with their patient service.

Healthgrades does extensive research for this honorable distinction, and the standards that are to be achieved in order to receive such high recognition are thorough and very high. A 27-question survey is given to a group of patients that focuses on their overall hospital experience.  Question examples range from how they were treated by the doctors, cleanliness and noise levels of their rooms, pain management, would they recommend the hospital to friends or family and the overall responsiveness from doctors and nurses to the patients’ needs.

In addition to the recognition by Healthgrades, the hospital also received 4 stars in a Medicare patient experience survey which also happened to be one of the state’s highest scores.  St. Tammany Parish Hospital was ranked among the nation’s top community hospitals – the top 5% in hospitals nationwide – by U.S. News & World Report and WomenCertified.  This national recognition solidifies the reputation of healthcare facilities in St. Tammany Parish which has some of the most sophisticated and advanced medical tools and practices.

St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s President and CEO Patti Ellish said, “We are honored to be singled out in these ways.”

St. Tammany has a large selection of medical facilities and hospitals parish-wide both in East St. Tammany and West St. Tammany Parish. There two major hospitals, just 5 miles from each other, Lakeview Regional in Mandeville, and St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as well as two additional major hospitals in the East, Slidell Memorial and Ochsner. In the business district of Covington, Louisiana, there are numerous, specialty medical clinics that offer medical services for specific ailments such as sleep disorders, dermatological, and orthopedics.

This is great news for St. Tammany and makes moving into this Northshore community that much more appealing.  More than ever, consumers’ opinions about anything and everything are leading factors in one of the most important decisions home buyers will make – where you and your family can move and live comfortably with all of the lifestyle conveniences you need to raise a family.   Moving to Bedico Creek Preserve will make it so that you have access to award winning medical care and that you do not have to drive too far to have access to great hospitals and specialty medical facilities.


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New Home Building Project in Covington Back on Track

As the job market gets stronger, so does the housing market.  Building supply retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement have seen a huge spike in sales in building materials and accessories this spring.  According to New Orleans City Business, “Homebuilders broke ground on more houses and apartment complexes in April, a sign that they’re gearing up for more sales. The annual pace of housing starts jumped 20.2 percent from March to 1.14 million, the highest rate since November 2007, a month before the recession began. There was also a 10.1 percent increase in

approved building permits, which suggests that construction levels should continue to improve.”
With an upward turn in the housing market, a new home building project which was put on hold during the market crash in 2008 is now resurfacing. The Oak Alley Meadows development in Covington, LA near the intersection of Orchard and Dominic Drives went before the Covington Zoning Commission May 18, 2015 and was approved.

Lonesome Development is the developer which is interested in annexing the land in North Covington for the neighborhood development project.  The 87-acre tract of land under discussion will include both residential and commercial new construction.  Plans for this new subdivision in St. Tammany Parish include 205 single-family lots and two commercial sites. The developer will use 80.4 acres of the land for homesites to build new homes and 6.7 acres of the land for the commercial development. The plan is to build the development in four phases.

Even though it is adjacent to the land that is currently in the final phases of lot development at Oak Alley Subdivision, the new Oak Alley Meadows development is a separate community from the current Oak Alley.  DSLD Homes is building the final new homes for sale in this community and once it is completed, there will be a total of 300 newly built homes.


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Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week in Mandeville

Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week is an annual event held every year the week before Mother’s day where women across America join together to help build new homes in poverty stricken communities. The women’s comradery and the blessing of each other’s company made this week’s event a huge success. Since the program began, more than 2,300 homes have been built with

the help of National Women Build Week. This year, Habitat for Humanity was joined by the local St. Tammany Parish Lowe’s Home Improvement which donated close to $2 million to the week-long event.

You do not have to be a builder to volunteer. Both Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s encourage women to volunteer for a day to not only gain new construction skills but to make a difference in the lives of new homeowners living in St. Tammany Parish. These volunteers impact the lives of many families by providing them the chance at owning a newly built home. Volunteers are not only giving their time to a good cause, they themselves are learning the ins and outs of new home construction which gives them new confidence in being able to handle small construction projects on their own utilizing their building education. Lowe’s’ how-to clinics also assist in giving women the opportunity to learn the necessary skills for the volunteer jobs.

As a “life skills” learning experience, as well as an achievement and self-confidence booster for the new homeowners who get to live in the homes built by Habitat for Humanity, the construction of their new home offers a valuable life lesson as well. The project requires that they take pride in their new home by putting in their own time, energy, and effort into the building project. New homeowners are required to put in 300 – 400 hours of time in not only building their own home but also other Habitat for Humanity homes as well. During National Women Build Week, the focus is on the challenges and obstacles poverty-stricken women face when trying to reach the goal of home ownership.

More than 15,000 women volunteered during National Women Build Week May 2-10 across America. Of those 15,000 women, more than 25 volunteers, along with Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, and Lowe’s Home Improvement (which contributed financially with a $5,000 Lowe’s gift card to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West) helped with the building of seven houses in the Mandeville affordable housing community just north of Florida Street in Old Mandeville. The seven new homes under construction will be dedicated to the home buyers in June and October of 2015.

Parish President Pat Brister, who was among those that volunteered, said, “Over 400 children have grown up and/or are currently living in Habitat St. Tammany West homes. That’s 400 children that now have a safe and stable home to grow up in.” This new home construction project brought life changing education as well as shelter for residents of Mandeville, Louisiana, in St. Tammany Parish.


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A Taste of Covington Celebrates its Fourth Annual Food and Wine Event

Covington Business Association is proud to announce the Fourth Annual “A Taste of Covington” happening April 9th through April 12th in Covington, Louisiana. A Taste of Covington celebrates its fourth annual food and wine event in and around downtown Covington and the historic district.  Chairman Cliff Bergeron created this family event to showcase downtown Covington’s restaurants and shops. The four-day event boasts numerous activities for local residents’ food & wine experiences.  Organizers so far are pleased with the response to the fourth annual event which they predict will be even bigger than the sold-out 2014 event.

Thursday begins the event with the Vintner’s Dinner, a four-course meal with expert wine pairings at top local restaurants. The participating restaurants include Annadelle’s Plantation, Dakota Restaurant,

Del Porto Ristorante, English Tea Room & Eatery, Gallagher’s Grill, Mac’s on Boston Street, Pardo’s, Ox Lot 9 and Seiler Bar.

The Grand Tasting takes place on Friday, April 10th under two tents at Acquistapace’s Wine Warehouse. Here you can enjoy approximately 75 different wines, along with dozens of cheeses. The tents can accommodate up to 400 people and will adjoin the wine warehouse where wine will be displayed.  There will also be room for more activities.

The Festa Del Vino Wine Tasting, presented by the Town of Covington’s Mayor Mike Cooper, will be at the Southern Hotel in the Historic District of Covington, Saturday afternoon, April 11th.  The featured wines will be premium wines donated by some sponsors of the event with exclusive attendance for only 100 connoisseurs to this high-end tasting.  Most of these wines are not found on the shelves in the local St. Tammany Parish stores.

On Saturday evening, April 11th, St. Tammany Art Association’s “Spring for Art” fills downtown with art, live music, food, shopping, a fashion show and more. Chairman Cliff Bergeron explains, “In each block of Columbia Street there’s going to be a loosely formed group of amateur chefs. It’s called

the ‘Ancient Order of Southern Gourmets.’ These Chefs will sell food samples to passersby as they make their way from one shop to the next during this evening of art and entertainment in downtown.”
“A Taste of Covington” wraps up April 12th with Sunday’s Champagne Jazz Brunch at Ox Lot 9. The fine dining experience will be created by Chef Jeffrey Hansel and accompanied with live entertainment from Steppin’ Up.

This year’s presenting sponsor is the Southern Hotel, while wine sponsors are Champagne Beverage Company, D&E Fine Wine Group and Acquistapace’s Supermarket. Grand sponsors are The French Mix and First Castle Credit Union, Festa Del Wino sponsor is Covington Mayor Mike Cooper, and five star sponsor is the City of Covington. Volkswagen of Mandeville will provide grand cars as the grand tasting sponsor; Music, food and spirits sponsors are Rosemary’s Closet, Stone Title and Mountain Valley Sparkling Water; and media sponsors are The Slidell Independent, Tammany West, New Directives, Covington Digital, WWNO, High 5 Studio, The New Orleans Advocate, Lake 94.7, the St. Tammany Farmer and Country Roads. A part of the proceeds from A Taste of Covington are donated to the St. Tammany Art Association.

For details and ticket information, visit www.atasteofcovington.com. For other inquiries, contact Cliff Bergeron at 504.439.2543 or email info@atasteofcovington.com.

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Beginning Construction on Northshore Technical Community College at Tamanend

The new STEM building, the first phase in the construction of the Northshore Technical Community College headquarters, will begin soon and is set to be completed in Spring of 2016.  A ground breaking announced the beginning construction on Northshore Technical Community College at Tamanend in St. Tammany Parish.  The new site is part of a plan which also includes a new

Emergency Operations Center, and a commercial/residential development in Lacombe off of Highway 434.  The overall community development will encompass an 850 acre tract owned by Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Development Company which donated 53 acres for the Northshore Technical Community College construction.

Along with St. Tammany’s reputation as the best schools in the Greater New Orleans area, the new 30,000-square-foot facility will play a vital role in the future growth of St. Tammany Parish; making the area attractive for relocation.  Conveniently located within a short drive to Mandeville, Slidell and Covington, the new planned development will make the area the center for economic expansion and the hub for workforce training.

Construction bids for the $10 million project will commence shortly. The construction will be financed through $9 million in state bonds and 12.6 acres contributed by St. Tammany Parish government which equates to $1.8 million.  The college plans to use $4.7 million in grant money provided by FEMA because of the destruction by Hurricane Katrina of the original college campus which operated in Slidell, LA.

Northshore Technical College is part of a master planned community named Tamanend which will have approximately 182 homes on estate lots for sale, 622 single-family homes for sale on smaller lots, 148 garden homes for sale, 108 townhomes for sale, and 210 apartments to be available for lease.  There will also be a retail and commercial section of the master plan.

Officials and educators are encouraged by the proximity of the new campus which is located in the center of St. Tammany Parish. They believe that the new state of the art facility will boost the reputation of a community college; making it easier to attract those local high school students whom previously believed they must attend a four year college for a successful future.

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Consumers are Optimistic About the 2015 Housing Market

There are many factors that predict a great housing market is to come, and consumers are optimistic about the 2015 housing market.  Job growth, coupled with low mortgage interest rates, and easier credit access can only mean one thing – a busy housing market this year.  Many houses are still quite affordable and prices are rebounding which makes for an industrious real estate market.  Why are consumers so upbeat with the housing industry?

Foreclosure inventories are on the decline and home sales are closing the gap for a normal market. Inventory is at approximately 4.5 months which is “normal” for any real estate market.  It is a tremendous opportunity for builders to “dive into” the housing market and start building because inventory will get tight. Now is the time for home buyers to get out there and purchase a home.  Lower inventory means lower prices.

Lower prices will not last. After 13 straight months of price increases, the real estate market has now stabilized nationwide in pricing, and prices are growing at a normal rate.  However, home prices will continue to rise making it a seller’s market vs. a buyer’s market.  Now would be a good time as a buyer to buy a new home while prices are average, and interest rates are low.

First-time buyers are finally able to see the light!  These potential home buyers have been kept out of entering the market because of limited employment for college students, combined households, and credit difficulties. In today’s market, lending standards and down payment requirements are easing making it a perfect lending opportunity for first-time home buyers.  Young adults are getting back to work, and that will drive household demand.
Speaking of lending, both home buyers and builders are able to get loans a little bit easier than before because of lending standard changes. The increase in interest rates, though hindering some, will not be so drastic as to “lock out” parts of the real estate market to certain buyers. Borrowing costs which are traditionally the highest in residential lending are lowering as firms compete for potential finance customers.
According to Thomson Reuters Data, “In the first quarter, 70 percent of mortgage lenders are reportedly expecting stronger loan demand over the next three months.”  If you want to lock in a low mortgage rate, you still can — but don’t wait, because rates will ultimately rise this year.

Wage increases have also finally come to fruition and this leads to solid job growth which will strengthen the housing demand, making it a big catalyst for homebuilders. With the increase in the minimum wage and the first increase in regular wages seen since 2007, wages are going up which means buyers will be able to afford more home for their money. Buyers who feel more financially secure will form new households and transition from rental to ownership.

All of this indicates it is the right time and opportunity to purchase a new home.  At Bedico Creek Preserve, a master planned subdivision in St. Tammany Parish, we have seen a phenomenal demand for lots, homes, and building custom homes.  Our clients are eager to invest in our community with one of our neighborhoods selling out in just over 1 year.  Bedico Creek has since developed lots ready to build in, one of which is a builder-exclusive neighborhood of homes for sale called Cypress Crossing.

At Bedico Creek Preserve, we not only sell new custom homes, but we also sell a unique lifestyle just minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment in the mall district of Highway 21 and easy access to downtown Covington, Louisiana.  Our Conservation Community is developed so that our new homes built as well as our amenities are nestled among and around the green spaces, waterways, and natural habitat.  We have designed and built hiking and biking trails that wind throughout a wildlife preserve so that when you move into our subdivision, you get to enjoy all that nature has to offer while being able to easily get to your place of work or even downtown New Orleans. If you have not had the chance already, come Visit Our Community or Contact Us at 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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9 Tips for Enhancing the Sale of Your Home

Spring is a great time to sell, and with home sales on the rise, this is a perfect time to sell your current home and purchase a new home.  If you’re considering selling your current home to be able to either build a new custom home or buy an existing new home, here are some ways you can touch up your home for sale for the bargain price of $400!  Staging your home is a great way to build up home equity in order to possibly move up and buy your new dream home.  Below are 9 tips for enhancing the sale of your home.

Tip1: Let’s start in the bathroom. Adding a shower screen is an easy fix to update your shower tub combo with clean lines and ease of use. Instead of using a bulky shower curtain, a shower screen gives a subtle look making your bathroom feel bigger with a custom finish. Shower screens are easy to install yourself, but make sure to affix the shower curtain to something solid and sturdy.

Tip 2: Want to add a splash of color to a room? Use a rug. Instead of spending a ton of money on new carpet for your room, add a throw rug giving your room a new elegant, modern, or luxurious statement.

Tip 3:  Adding window treatments can complete a room and add a bit of warmth to an area.  Buyers do not want to come into a home and see poorly hung blinds or be able wave at their potential neighbor through their bathroom window.  When choosing blinds or curtains, measure your window carefully before placing your order and choose where you will position your hardware for hanging. This can make or break how your window treatment will enhance your room.

Tip 4: No one wants to come into their potential home, walk down the hallway and think to themselves, “Oh this looks so dark and closed in.”  The majority of home buyers want natural light.  An easy fix to your dark hallways and corridors is to replace solid doors with glass-paneled doors. The glass-paneled doors will bring light into those dark areas creating an airy feel to the space.

Tip 5: When selling your home, you want to give the illusion that there is a lot of space for all of your needs.  If you have a crammed laundry space, a great way to create the illusion of space in your laundry area is to use the space above your where the appliances sit. There are many systems on pulleys, such as Pulleymaid which can lift and hang your laundry above creating an out of the way place to hang your laundry.

Tips 6 & 7: The most important room to impress a home buyer is your kitchen. That is why we include two tips to stage your home’s kitchen for a quick sale.  First, find a clever, out of the way place to stash your trash bin.  Many kitchen retailers sell just that – a system that will fit your kitchen bin into your existing kitchen drawer or cabinet.  This makes your kitchen a clean “fresh smelling” area for potential home buyers.
The second tip for your kitchen is to give your kitchen a makeover.  You do not need a whole new kitchen to show off what you have.  You can do this simply by replacing cabinet handles, painting doors, re-grouting tile, and replacing your sink fixtures.  These suggestions will give your kitchen a more up to date feel.

Tip 8: They always say the lighting can make or break a photo. Well, this can also apply to your home.  You want to wow your potential home buyer with the best light to enhance your home’s features.  The quickest way to do this is to use LED lighting. There is no rewiring, all you have to do is replace your existing bulbs with LED bulbs and it will change the quality of light and you will save on energy bills!  To add a clever touch of light you can always add strip lighting but that will call for a little wiring.

Tip 9: Last but not least. If you have carpet over any hardwood floors, tear…it…up! Hardwood floors are in and give any home a clean up to date look.  If you do have hardwoods under carpet, be prepared to rent a floor sander.  This will help you transform your floors to a great finished look.
Selling your home should not be a roadblock for you.  The selling of your current home can be easy if staged the right way.  It can lead to a quick sale and more money in your pocket for your new home.  If you are considering a move-up or just a move, come and see what homes for sale Bedico Creek has to offer. Located on Highway 1085 in Madisonville, in the booming I-12 Corridor, Bedico Creek is just minutes from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and healthcare facilities, with more being added each year.

Homeowners with children have access to some of the best public and private schools that St. Tammany Parish has to offer. Every one of the recommended builders at Bedico Creek Preserve has gone through a careful screening process to ensure that buyers are going to get some of the best, most qualified builders in the area. These preferred builders are ready to design and build homes on a lot purchased by the home buyer, or home buyers can use their own plans and builder in most neighborhoods, with approval by the Architectural Control Committee.

More information is available about this fast-growing, premier St. Tammany Parish master planned community by e-mailing Info@LiveBedico.com or calling 985-845-4200.

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Deer Park Opens in Bedico Creek as New Home Sales Rise

New home builder Alvarez Construction Company has joined the group of builders at Bedico Creek Preserve in St. Tammany Parish.  As a new home community builder, Alvarez Construction is proud to introduce new homes for sale in Deer Park, Bedico Creek’s newest new home Neighborhood.  Deer Park is located just down Audubon Parkway from our almost sold out neighborhood of Longview and just down the street from Cypress Crossing.  Similar to Deer Park, Cypress Crossing is a new home neighborhood located within the master planned community of Bedico Creek which features 3 exclusive builders.  Since its opening to the public in the spring of 2014, many homes for sale have been built, and 4 of these new homes are currently under contract.

Bedico Creek’s new home sales have reflected national trends in both our new homes for sale and resale homes available.  The National Association of Home Builder reported that new homes sales rose 7.8% in February, 2015 which is the highest reported sales pace increase in 7 years (February, 2008).

“Today’s numbers are a great start to the spring buying season,” said Tom Woods, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “Hopefully, this is an indicator of how the rest of the year will fare.”

Deer Park opens in Bedico Creek as new home sales rise nationally, and move-up home buyers in St. Tammany Parish will have an affordable option to purchase a new home for sale.  Deer Park has one exclusive builder – Alvarez Construction – and features new homes ranging in price from the $230’s – $250’s.  The open floorplans available will range in size from 1,600 – 1,949 square feet and will feature 3 and 4 bedroom layouts.  3 new homes in Deer Park are available for sale now.  To buy a new home or build on a new lot for sale in Deer Creek, Contact Jose Amaya at 985-237-9189 or visit our community and the Deer Park on-site sales office which is open daily from 1pm – 5pm and by appointment for other hours.

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