When was the last time you reviewed your home’s insurance coverage? As your life changes, so do your insurance needs, says the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Now is the perfect time to get your insurance policy in order by taking the time to ask yourself the following:
Is my home covered for its full rebuilding cost? Review your policy to make sure that you have enough insurance to rebuild your home. If you have made major improvements to your home, such as adding a new room, enclosing a porch or expanding a kitchen or bathroom, you risk being underinsured if you don’t adjust your homeowner’s insurance coverage limits.
Do I have enough coverage for expensive items? Have you bought or received any valuable jewelry since you purchased/renewed your policy? When was the last time you had the items you owned appraised? Standard homeowners insurance has dollar limits for the theft of certain types of expensive items like jewelry, furs and silverware. This means that the insurer will only pay the amount specified in the policy – generally $1,000 to $2,000. To insure these items to their full dollar value, consider a special personal property endorsement or floater. Source: iii.org
Do I have enough liability insurance to fully protect my assets? Standard homeowner’s liabilities pay for judgments against you and your legal fees up to a limit set in the policy. However, in our litigious society, you may want to have additional protection—that’s what an umbrella liability policy provides. An umbrella policy kicks in when you reach the limit on the underlying liability coverage in a homeowner’s, renter’s, condo, or auto policy. If your assets have recently increased, you’ll have more to lose and may want to consider this extra layer of protection.
Should I rent out my house during the vacation period? Whether you own a second home that you plan to lease to a tenant, or want to rent out your primary residence, the first step is to call your insurance professional. Depending on the rental scenario, your standard homeowner’s policy may not cover losses incurred while your home is rented out. In that case, you should consider a more specialized insurance policy.
Top Ways to Improve Your Home for $100 or Less!
You may think that improving your home will deflate your wallet, but this is not always the case. To help you out, we have created a list of our favorite home improvement projects that can be done for under $100. After all, who DOESN’T want to save money?
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1. Turn a Closet into a Home Office. This project will help you save money and will even add an extra room to your home. Just unhinge the door then remove the closet’s hanging rods and replace them with shelves. A deep shelf should be used for the desktop and place 2 shallow shelves above for storage. What you need: One 20-by-24-by-¾-inch and two 12-by-24by-¾-inch white melamine shelves, metal standards, and shelf brackets, all by Elfa, about $95; The Container Store.
2. Doorway Display Create a unique look by installing a shelf above the doorway and paint it to match the trim. Add a touch of flair by displaying pottery or other types of décor. What you need: 40-inch-long 1x6 red oak shelf and two 7-inch Classic Oak Brackets, about $32; Rockler.
3. Boost your Windows Did you know you could make your windows look even bigger than they actually are? Use hanging drapes at ceiling height to upsize small windows. What you need: Pair of 108-inch Brimfield 4-in-1 Panel Drapes in Carafe, about $70; JCPenney.
4. Add Stained Glass Windows to your Bath It’s no surprise that stained glass makes any bathroom look elegant. If you can’t find a window to fit perfectly, you can easily hang one from chains in front of the existing window. What you need: eBay store Bell Antique Mall has Art Deco windows similar to shown, starting at $69; Ebay.
5. Wall-Mount Bedside Table You can easily install a wall-mount end table in your bedroom by using wood corbels with a slate roof shingle on top. What you need: Two 6-inch oak Legacy hand-carved corbels, about $80; Van Dykes Restorers. 7-by-13-inch salvaged shingle, about $5; Recycling The Past - Architectural Salvage
6. Add Detail to your Bedroom Pump up the color and detail in your bedroom (or any other room) by installing a chair rail. Then, paint the wall below a soothing color. This project is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your home. What you need: Enough red oak Colonial-style moldings to wrap the walls of an 8-by-10-foot room, about $75; Baird Brothers.
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Kids Starting College? Consider Expanding Your Investment Is your son or daughter heading off to college? Before forking over money to pay for room and board along with already-expensive tuition, you may want to consider buying a house or condo for your kid to live in while attending college. As a parent, you’ll be making the most of your investment while providing them a nice, safe place to live off-campus.
Do y and your deci cons the r lifes
Here are some advantages of being a property owner in a college area.
1. Place to Stay During Visits. If your son or daughter is occupying the property, take advantage of your investment (and check on its condition). When you’re in town for your favorite college’s football game, there’s no need to pay for a hotel room when you have a place of your own!
2. Save Money. Paying room and board for your son or daughter can be overpriced on-campus and almost always has a super tiny living space. Investing in property off-campus can be much cheaper and more spacious. If they have roommates, you’ll also have rent money coming in every month.
3. Lots of Renters. A huge benefit to owning a property in a college town is the large population of renters who are ready to write a check. There are also fewer room vacancies when school is in session, so there is a larger demand among college students to find a place to live off-campus. 4. Possible Tax Savings and Investment Potential. Everyone’s financial situation is different, but you may be able to score some tax savings and potential investment earnings from the transaction. Contact a local real estate professional to discuss your own situation and the possible monetary benefits. 5. Area Sells Itself. The majority of properties in college towns are surrounded by entertain-
ment, events and easily accessible public transportation. When you are ready to sell, chances are, your property will be in demand.
6. A Home After College. Is your son or daughter thinking about staying around the same area
once they graduate college? Many do. If so, you may want to think about selling the property to them when they graduate so they’ll have a place to live for a few years while they’re working at their first job. They will be building equity while everyone else from college is still paying rent.
As your son or daughter enters this new exciting phase in his or her life, there are many ways that you, as a parent, can ensure they have the best possible college living experience. With all that you invest into your child’s college education including alreadyexpensive tuition, why not expand your investment?
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Ye
GREYSTONE
The Life You Want For Your Family
Amenities include:
Custom build your very own dream home. Lots and building packages available.
Championship golf course Sparkling swimming pool ● Walking trails ● Fishing areas ● Fitness room ● Wedding and banquet facilities ● Playground ● Basketball and tennis courts ● ●
Call Today! (225)413-3762
Kayla Johnson Licensed by the State of Louisiana
1110 S Range Ave Denham Springs, La 70726 | Office: 225-667-3711
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3BR/2BA Slab Granite Countertops ● Beautiful Backyards ● Building Packages Available ● Family Friendly Neighborhood Directly Across the Street from North Park and Aqua Pards ● ●
Agents
Kayla Johnson 225-413-3762 Kristen Goodwin 225-610-3480 22901.10.701.002.indd 1
"Building Dreams One Brick At A Time"
1110 S Range Ave Denham Springs, La 70726 Office: 225-667-3711
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Copper Mill Starting at 250’s 225-278-1394
Marshall Bond Estates Starting at 170’s 225-278-1394
Redwood Lake Starting at 160’s 225-603-3137
Oak Ridge Estates Starting at 200’s 225-806-2285
Lake at Anselmo Starting at 210’s 225-229-4269
Arbor Walk Starting at 150’s 225-305-3801
Renaissance Starting at 280’s 225-362-7828
The Shadows at Manchac Starting at 230’s 225-304-3370
Mossy Oaks Starting at 220’s 225-241-8882
Please visit our website to get more information on the following communities and their available floor plans.
www.DSLDHomes.com
1220 South Range Avenue | Denham Springs, LA 70726 | 225-791-6860
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Quality built home in Audubon Square by Hillco Construction company. The professionals of HILLCO build distinct homes rich in quality, craftsmanship and design backed by 32 years of Engineering and Construction experience. Acadian elevation with a Colonial feel featuring, open wood floored living / kitchen / dining wrapping around a covered rear patio. 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. $419,900 Custom New construction home built by Couvillon Construction located in Lexington Estates with open floor plan ,3 bedrooms plus an office, incredible outdoor room with vaulted tongue and groove wood ceilings, stone counters throughout, and wood flooring in kitchen/living and dining. Kitchen will be finished with subway tile backsplash, slab 5 x 9 granite island, gas burner cooktop and stainless steel appliance package. $435,000
AUDUBON REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES 225-218-1800 TIGUE BONNEVAL , OWNER / BROKER 225-445-0886 Text “Tigue" to 85377
difference
EXPERIENCE
THE
Audubon Park Apartments in Zachary, LA. Come see how elegance and luxury living meet convenience. Audubon Park Apartments is a one of a kind apartment community with distinct amenities. Our open floor plans have rich detail for that custom home feel. Audubon Park Apartments is strategically placed in a highly desired school district. Our apartment homes offer an all-inclusive retreat to your daily commutes. Let us welcome you home to escape from the city and enjoy the lavish property. Brand New luxury Apartment Community Now Leasing for Fall 2015 move in. Apartments are set to be ready for move in by late November or early December 2015. For more information and floor plans on Audubon Park please go to
www.audubonapts.com or email Audubon@heritageproperties.com 22901.10.701.004.indd 1
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ASPEN Living Area: 1741 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
CARDINAL Living Area: 1784 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
COVE Living Area: 1712 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
GLENN Living Area: 1829 4 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
ORION Living Area: 1813 4 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
SAGE Living Area: 1735 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
This newest development by Alvarez Construction Co. will consist of over 270 home lots on 51 acres. The price of the homes will start at $230,000 and sizes will range from 1,600 to 1,900 square feet of living area. View website for all 18 floor plans from which to choose. Lexington Park will have 2 large lakes encircled with walking paths, landscaping and lighting. The subdivision will also have available for its residents a community pool, pool house, and tennis courts. Construction begins now.
www.AlvarezConstruction.com
Carlos Alvarez Owner/Broker Direct: (225) 296-7811 carlosalvarez@remax.net All homes proudly built by
Owner/Seller is Louisiana-Licensed Real Estate Agent
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RE/MAX Total 13909 Lexington Park Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Office: 225-293-2800 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated www.AlvarezRealEstate.com
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Local Lenders. Local Decisions. Our Baton Rouge Mortgage Team offers a variety of loan options to help buy, build or refinance.
Lisa Cooper 225-757-4453 NMLS# 466113
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Cade Nichols 225-757-4416 NMLS# 120522
offer Conventional, FHA, USDA, FHA 203(k), WeWe offer Conventional, FHA, VA,VA, USDA, FHA 203(k), FirstFirst TimeTime Homebuyer, Jumbo, Investment Property, Renovation and Homebuyer, Jumbo, Investment Property, Renovation and One-Time Close Construction Loan programs. One-Time Close Construction Loan programs. Please Please contact a lender today to discuss your options. contact a lender today to discuss your options.
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Home Office Design with Productivity in Mind It’s a common piece of advice from effective home-based workers that you should start each day as if you were going to work in an office outside your home. (Translation: take a shower and don’t work in your pajamas.) The philosophy behind this tidbit is easy to understand. The same axiom can apply to your home office. Is it tucked in a dark corner of the spare bedroom? Is your desk beside a bed covered in old toys? Is your filing cabinet stuffed in the closet under clothes? If your home office doesn’t feel professional and uplifting, how productive and happy can you be spending eight or more hours a day there? Decorating your home office isn’t an art, but following some basic principles of office design can help create an organized, effective and productivity-enhancing space.
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Luxuriate in light.
“You are stuck in your office – albeit at home – all day, working and slaving away, staring at the same wall and some bland office furniture you got at a garage sale,” writes Herman Chan in Home Business Magazine. “Spending all those hours in the same spot, it would behoove you to splurge on one luxury piece.” Chan suggests an inspiring piece of furniture, but you can also create a luxe effect – with only a modest “splurge” – by decorating with lighting elements such as a skylight. Add a solar-powered fresh air skylight and an energy-efficient solar-powered blind to your home office and the products, as well as the installation, can be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as a green home improvement. If your home office happens to be located in a renovated attic space, roof windows, which are very much like skylights but are in-reach, can offer natural light and fresh air plus access to the roof for debris removal, maintenance or for emergency access.
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Organize with attractive storage. If your idea of home office storage includes the cardboard boxes you used to transport files from the last job you had outside your home, it’s time to revisit your organizational plan. A cluttered, disorganized home office can cause you to misplace important documents and can make you feel overwhelmed. As more people have begun working from home, office furniture manufacturers have branched out from the sterile-looking metal storage units ubiquitous in workplaces across the country. Today, it’s easy to find attractive storage options that fit with virtually any home office decor. If you just can’t find a file cabinet that speaks to your soul, why not try some alternative storage options? Move that beautiful sideboard you inherited from grandma – that just never fit anywhere else in your house – into your home office and use it for filing. Not in love with any of the desk options available at your local office store? Hit an antique shop and find an antique desk or even a dining table that you adore. Remember to keep furnishings and storage solutions sizeappropriate for the room so your home office doesn’t feel crowded.
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Choose a wall color that facilitates focus. Even if your home office will be in the guest room that you just painted last year, it may be a good idea to repaint. Not only does a fresh coat of paint make a room feel energized and new, repainting gives you the opportunity to put a color on the wall that’s office-appropriate. In an interview by Chris Bailey of the blog “A Life of Productivity,” color psychologist and author Angela Wright suggests that your home office color scheme needs to match the type of work you do because different colors create different effects. For example, Wright says, blue might be stimulating if you do a lot of mental work in your home office. Additionally, yellow could encourage creativity, and green might be soothing if your work is particularly stressful and balance is important.
Working from home offers many advantages, including the opportunity to decorate your home office the way you want. By following some basic steps and incorporating your own personality, you can create a home office where you’ll be productive and happy throughout the workday.
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Signs You’re Ready to List Your Home
Do you ever find yourself going back and forth about whether or not to sell your home? ¬As you contemplate your decision, there are many factors to consider, including the current state of the real estate market as well as your lifestyle and financial situation.
Yes
After years of housing recovery, we are continuing to experience a shortage of inventory among homes for sale in today’s real estate market. Fortunately for you, it’s a total seller’s market right now. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, there was a recent 6.1 percent increase of existing-home sales. This is the highest annual rate since September of 2013. Here are 5 signs it’s time to sell your home.
1
You’re running out of living space.
2
You’re not emotionally attached to your home anymore.
If your son or daughter is occupying the property, take advantage of your investment (and check on its condition). When you’re in town for your favorite college’s football game, there’s no need to pay for a hotel room when you have a place of your own!
As you start going through the selling process, things will be a lot more difficult for you and your REALTOR® if you still have some sort of emotional attachment to your home. Being this attached decreases the likelihood that you’ll even want to listen to the real estate agent’s advice. In order to sell, you need to be able to view your house as a product.
Should I sell? 3
You can afford it.
4
Your equity is a force to be reckoned with.
No
This is one of most significant factors when it comes to selling your home and moving somewhere else. Are you financially ready to make the leap? Review all costs and expenses related to selling, including moving costs, as well as the down payment and closing costs on your new home.
Ever since the housing market crashed, homeowners now have a tendency to be skeptical about putting their home on the market to sell. Thankfully, real estate has come back in full force. Increasing numbers of homeowners are getting their positive equity back and negative equity rates are at their lowest since 2012. Now is the perfect time to see where your equity stands. Do some research and have your home reappraised.
5
You are ready to make your decision. Making the decision to sell your home can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. By partnering with a trustworthy real estate professional, you’ll get expert advice that will make the selling process a breeze. By considering all factors and working closely with a pro, you’ll be able to decide what is best for you and your family.
So, the choice is yours. Are you ready to list your home?
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Function over Fuss:
Empty Nesters Want LowMaintenance Yards One of the first questions new empty nesters face is: what do we do with the nest? Some are eager to downsize and sell, while others choose to stay put. No matter the decision, the property is likely due for a makeover aimed at making routine upkeep more manageable. One of the key areas to tackle is the yard and garden. Here are tips for transforming a yard’s maintenance-hungry features into alternatives that offer fun and functionality without the fuss.
Create no mow zones
Switch to lawn care “lite”
The lawn is often a yard’s highest maintenance feature. One simple way to reduce lawn maintenance is to strategically stop mowing certain parts of the yard, while continuing to maintain more desirable areas.
With less lawn, why hang on to over-sized lawn care equipment? Today, there are new compact choices scaled to yards under 1/4 acre including cordless electric mulching mowers, battery-powered edgers and programmable directional lawn sprinklers.
Delineate the divide between mowed lawn and wilder spaces with a strategically placed stone wall or wooden fence. Adding clusters of ornamental grasses or shrubs along the new lawn’s edge also works to soften the border transition. For a bit of fun, sow some un-mown areas with wildflower seeds. Add green trails for impromptu strolls or walks by cutting a circular path through the no-mow zone. Post birdhouses or feeders along the route for bird watching.
Swap some turf for landscape beds Freestanding landscape islands of trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials are appealing low-maintenance features that can reduce lawn area. Landscape beds are also a solution for difficult to maintain stretches like steep slopes, rough terrain and curbside strips.
Deck the yard for fun and folly Converting open spaces to outdoor entertaining areas is another way to reduce yard maintenance. Paved patios and decks make perfect places to sit, barbecue, dine, or simply enjoy being outdoors. New composite decking, bricks and paving stones are definitely low upkeep installations. Other ideas include fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, gravel paths and terraces.
Uncontained enthusiasm for containers Downsizing elaborate garden beds is another area to explore. A booming trend among boomers, container plantings add accent color and seasonal drama to decks, patios, paths and other outdoor spaces. For lower maintenance, choose fewer but bigger pots. Just a few large containers of colorful plants will have a major impact. They also retain soil moisture better than smaller pots and need watering less often.
Life in an empty nest can be a time of rediscovery. Reducing lawn and garden upkeep is one way boomers can free up time for other more entertaining pursuits!