Author Archives: Make your Home your Haven!

Beautiful Country Home

20 Wednesday Sep 2017

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Country Charm and Great style is what you will love about this 4 bed / 2 bath home with 1.08 acres located minutes from Baton Rouge and Hammond. This home features a newly renovated kitchen with slab granite, new appliances, new cabinets, paint, windows, and flooring, as well as Living room and master bed /bath and other baths/bedrooms all renovated. Outside there is a detached double carport and a 24 x 25 garage/storage, and a fenced in dog yard. Top rated schools, near shopping, doctors, and convenient to 1-12. You will fall in love with this spacious and stylish home, so make sure to check it out before its gone.

Protecting Your Credit

18 Monday Sep 2017

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One of the “big” three credit bureaus recently announced that a massive hack has exposed the personal information of up to 143 million people. To add perspective to that statement, that is about two-thirds of American credit card holders or close to half the population of the United States.  Part of protecting your credit is being vigilant and making it difficult for thieves to steal your identity. 

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If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, an initial step is to place a fraud alert on your account. Contact one credit reporting company (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion), tell them you are an identity theft victim and ask the company to put a fraud alert on your credit file. Confirm that the company will contact the other two companies.

The initial fraud alert will make it harder for an identity thief to open accounts in your name. The alert lasts for 90-days and it can be renewed.

A more severe precaution called a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. A credit freeze makes it more difficult for thieves to use your identity to apply for loans or credit cards in your name.

By contacting each of the three credit reporting agencies separately, you can request a temporary freeze. This would prevent them from providing credit information without both your explicit permission and a PIN that temporarily lifts the freeze.

Unlike the fraud alerts, the agencies may charge you a fee for instituting the freeze in addition to another fee to lift the freeze each time.

A credit freeze will not affect your credit score. If you are in the process of buying a home, contact your loan officer and discuss the decision you are considering. If you will be making a mortgage application in the near future, you can temporarily lift the freeze for the lender you are using.

A trusted mortgage professional is a key team member in purchasing a home. Making an appointment with them is one of the first steps along with determining your real estate professional. Contact us to get a recommendation of a trusted mortgage professional.

To request a credit freeze, you can do it online or by phone:

Equifax – 800-349-9960 | Experian – 888-397-3742 | Trans Union – 888-909-8872

For more information, see Credit Freeze FAQs at the Federal Trade Commission.

It is important to personally monitor your credit reports through annual credit report.com to discover any unusual activity.

Investing on Your Side of the Fence

11 Monday Sep 2017

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The grass tends to look greener on the other side of the fence. Maybe that’s why some people invest in things they don’t understand. It has been said that the grass is just as hard to mow on the other side of the fence so stay with what your most familiar.

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Single-family homes used for rental property give a person a chance to invest in something they understand: a home. They also have distinct advantages over other types of investments.

An investor can borrow up to 80% of the value at fixed interest rates 30 years. The financing creates leverage so that the investor can benefit from the increase in value of the home not just the down payment.

It is reasonable to expect that the home will appreciate while providing tax advantages and practical control that are not available with many other investments. Low housing inventory in many markets has caused rents to increase and low new home growth will make it difficult to keep up with demand.

Consider a $150,000 home purchased for cash that would rent for $1,500 per month. With $18,000 income and allowing for property taxes, insurance and maintenance, it is still reasonable to expect $10,000 net income. There would be an 8% return on investment without considering tax savings or future appreciation compared with 5-year CDs paying less than 2.35% and a 10-year Treasury yield at 2.13%.

An added bonus is the amortization that occurs on the loan as the principal is reduced with each payment. It becomes a forced savings account that increases the equity and isn’t taxable until the property is sold.

The reasonable control has a lot of appeal to many investors who find the volatility of the stock market unacceptable and don’t want the risk associated with alternative investments. Please contact me if you’d like to know more about available opportunities.

Deductible Dilemma

06 Wednesday Sep 2017

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The purpose of insurance is to shift the risk of loss to a company in exchange for a premium. Most policies have a deductible which reduces the amount of the claim that is paid by having the insured share in the first part of the loss.

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In the process of managing insurance premiums, policy holders often consider higher deductibles to lower the premium. Lower deductibles mean less money out of pocket if a loss occurs but also results in higher premiums. Higher deductibles result in lower premiums but require that the insured bear a larger part of the loss.

A small fire in a $300,000 home that resulted in $2,500 of damage might not be covered if the policy holder has a 1% deductible. If the homeowner can afford to handle the cost of repairs in exchange for cheaper premiums, it might be worth it. On the other hand, if that loss would be difficult for the homeowner, a change in the deductible could be considered.

Homes in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders require additional flood insurance. However, each homeowner needs to assess the risk of being able to financially sustain a flood loss on their home when flood insurance is not required. The recent events in south Texas and Louisiana are evidence that the unexpected can happen.

It is important to review your deductible and discuss risks with your property insurance agent so that you’re familiar with the amount and make any changes that would be appropriate before a claim is made.  The FEMA website has information and frequently asked questions about flood insurance.

Who’s the Best Builder in town?

09 Wednesday Aug 2017

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That is one of the most common questions I get from clients who are looking to build a new construction home here in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. Contact me to find out who the best builder in town will be,for you, and where they are currently building?

Janicedubois@gmail.com   225.933.7062SPhotoEditor-20170809_144352

TCAL Montessori School

02 Wednesday Aug 2017

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Team Sisters had the privilege to visit The Church Academy in Livingston and bring everyone a quick preview of what the new Montessori School will be offering the community and our local pre-school children !  Check out our visit and make sure to check on enrollment because they are filling up fast.  

 

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Barbara Smith and State Farm Servicing the Livingston area for over 33 years!

24 Monday Jul 2017

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Team Sisters visited our local State Farm agent, Barbara Smith and her team today to highlight their service to our community for the last three decades.  Check our our interview and pictures below of her and her five team members.

      1.  Barbara tell us about how you got started and a little about your business  

This office started in 1984 after I had been introduced to the industry by a family member.  It was tough going because this was built from the ground up. At the time there were no State Farm offices in the area, so I started from scratch making calls and introducing myself.  I grew up in Franklinton and new and loved everything about small towns and the people that lived there. The town of Livingston was growing and it was the perfect location to launch my new career. 

      2.   What would your customers say that they love most about your office?

Our business is relationship driven and we love to get to know the customer and their families.  We care about their needs and they know that they can trust in our product and honesty.  One of the things I love are the hugs we get from our clients when they come in to the office.  It is truly a family atmosphere were they can feel taken care of.

     3.  What is something that the general public may not know about your business?

Barbara told us about the best kept SECRET around.  If you were not aware we offer loans.. Auto, Boats, RV’s, and Motorcycle loans.  It is a very easy process and we have strong competitive rates.  In addition there is FREE pay off protection added to every loan.  It is similar to Gap insurance but does not cost the borrower a dime.  

     4.  Can you tell us about any new plans for the future of the business?

Something new for clients is in the works at State Farm and we are hoping to offer it here at our location, in Livingston, in the future.  Be on the lookout for the announcment down the road.

     5.  Are there any other features that you can share with us?

For those that are needing Life, Disability, or Supplemental Insurance we have polices to cover all family members .  In addition, we also have Checking, Savings, Health Saving Accounts, IRA’s and CD accounts available for our clients.

 6.   What are some area activities that State Farm has participated in over the last year? 

After the terrible flood of August 2016 State Farm took food to local schools in Livingston and Denham Springs.  We also showed up at the Honey Baked Ham store in Baton Rouge and paid for peoples orders for a couple of hours.  It was not announced just a random act of giving back.  We also participate annually in the Cancer Relay for Life in Denham Springs.

Barbara and her team are located at 29839 S Magnolia in Livingston, La. and can be reached at 225.626.7496 or fax to 225.626.7206. The web address is http://www.barbarasmith.com and on facebook at barbarasmithstatefarm.

Team Sisters with Remax First had a great time visiting with Barbara and her team today.  If you or your business would like our team to stop by for an interview visit, just give us a call.  We would love to meet with you and hear all about what you are offering our home town folks.   Your Realtors for Life! Janice 225.933.7062 Carol 225.445.4911

 

Children’s Museum set to open in August

24 Monday Jul 2017

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copy write  http://www.knockknockmuseum.org/

Do you have children or grandchildren and live near Baton Rouge? Love looking for new and exciting things to enjoy as a family? Check out what is about to open in Baton Rouge. So exciting that we will have a children’s museum so close by. Opening August 22nd. Check it out below. Guy’s check this out? ….If you would like to see more post like this from Team Sisters click on the team page like button and follow us. We are so blessed to have so many following us. We are working on something new and fun to share with our local community, so you don’t want to miss it!! Team Sisters, Your Realtors for LIFE!

The museum will be open six days a week, Tuesday-Sunday. Admission will be $14 per person over the age of 1.

https://www.facebook.com/CarolLCotten/

Honored by Broker★Agent™ Advisor

18 Tuesday Jul 2017

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Janice Dubois Honored by Broker★Agent™ Advisor

In recognition for exemplary service during calendar year 2016, Janice Dubois receives Certificate of Excellence from leading real estate trade publication. “Fewer than 10% of real estate professionals nationwide are eligible for this Award and the honor is ours to endorse Janice Dubois.” says Chad Golladay, Executive Publisher of Broker★Agent™ Advisor

Press Release

Certificate of Excellence This is to certify that Janice Dubois has met or exceeded criteria established by Broker Agent Advisor relevant to experience, reputation, and achievement… and having demonstrated every quality characteristic of a superior real estate professional is hereby recognized and honored for exemplary service to their community and as a credit to the real estate profession. Chad Golladay Chad Golladay Executive Publisher Broker Agent™ Advisor “Janice Dubois exemplifies the type of professional we designed this award for,”says Chad Golladay, Executive publisher of Broker★Agent™ Advisor. “A credit to their company, profession, and community at large both inside and outside of real estate; one with whom the honor is truly ours in being able to share this award.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Assumptions are an Alternative..something to consider if you are in the market for a home.

17 Monday Jul 2017

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In the late 80’s, both FHA and VA began requiring buyers to qualify to assume their mortgages. The main reason there haven’t been many assumptions in the past 25 years is that interest rates have been steadily going down and if a person has to qualify, they might as well do it on a new loan and get a lower interest rate.

Based on projections by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the MBA and NAR, rates for the second half of 2017 and 2018 are expected to be higher. When interest rates on new mortgages are higher than the rates of assumable FHA and VA mortgages in the recent past, it becomes more advantageous to assume the existing mortgages.

FHA and VA loans originated with lower than current interest rates have great advantages for buyers and sellers.

  1. Interest rate won’t change for the qualified buyer
  2. Lower interest rate means lower payments
  3. Lower closing costs than originating a new mortgage
  4. Easier to qualify for an assumption than a new loan
  5. Lower interest rate loans amortize faster than higher ones
  6. Equity grows faster because loan is further along the amortization schedule
  7. Assumable mortgage could make the home more marketable

An Assumption Comparison can help determine the savings and financial benefits of an assumable mortgage with a lower rate.