New Orleans West Bank Living and Real Estate News: January 2008

Relocating to a new city is full of challenges and one of the biggest is what job opportunities are available in your field.  Are you considering moving to New Orleans, LA?  Perhaps your next military relocation is to NAS JRB New Orleans and your spouse will be looking for a job in the area.  Or maybe you have visited before, fallen under the magical spell of this historic city and feel her pulling you to return...not as a visitor, but as a resident.

Each year, City Business, a well respected New Orleans business periodical, polls employees throughout the metropolitan area to determine the best of the best - employers, that is.  Here are the most recent top 20 winners along with links to their websites.

Legal

• Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles
• Frilot LLC
• Adams & Reese

Accounting/Financial

• LaPorte Sehrt Romig Hand
• Postlethwaite & Netterville

Software and Technology Solutions

• ReadSoft
• Diamond Data Systems

Energy and Oilfield Companies

• Superior Energy Services

Communications

• Broadpoint

Consulting

• Booz Allen Hamilton

Construction

• DonahueFavret Contractors Inc

Health Care and Related Industries

• St. Tammany Parish Hospital
• Coventry Health Care of Louisiana
• Ochsner Health System
• East Jefferson General Hospital
• West Jefferson Medical Center
• People's Health
• Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Co.

Other

• Planet Beach Franchising

The complete list:  2007 Best Places to Work in New Orleans

Obviously, the health care and legal communities are some of the most terrific and highly regarded employers in the region.  I'm sure that this is greatly influenced by the prestigious educational institutions located in and around the New Orleans area, such as Tulane University and the LSU School of Nursing.

As the recovery and revitalization of the New Orleans region continues, I'd like to welcome you to my hometown and my city. 

New Orleans - Proud to Call It Home!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyer, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Get new West Bank Real Estate articles delivered to your email
• West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.
• Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home
• Free Online Home Evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

The Residence:  Luxury Townhouses on the West Bank of New Orleans in Harvey, Louisiana

I was lucky enough today to have a chance to visit one of the lovely, luxury townhouses at The Residence at Park Avenue in Harvey, LA.  With a great location right off of Manhattan Blvd., this secure and gated community is a hidden gem right here on the West Bank of New Orleans.  Drive through the gates and take a tour with me....

Some of the wonderful amenities in this fabulous neighborhood:

• Restricted and secure gated access
• Private clubhouse and exercise room
• Heated pool and hot tub
• Private courtyards
• Beautiful cobblestone paved sidewalks
• Reasonable home owner fees include lawn care

No cookie cutter townhouses here!  Each unit has been custom finished to suit the owner while still fitting the style of the neighborhood. 

Developed in 2003, there has historically been little turnover in The Residence community (the last unit sold was in 2006).  There are some lucky buyers out there right now, though, with 3 units currently listed for sale - all for under $400,000.  Each of these luxury townhomes has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.  Not your typical small townhouses, the available units have from 1,920 square feet of living area to over 2,300 finished square feet and garages tucked discreetly behind the units. 

Are you ready to live in luxury?  If you want to know more about The Residence at Park Avenue, give me a call and we can schedule your private showing today.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyer, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Get new West Bank Real Estate articles delivered to your email

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free Online Home Evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Despite the inclement weather on Friday that postponed the Krewe of Cleopatra, I still got to ride with the Krewe of Choctaw on Saturday.  It was cold and misty in the morning as we headed to the breakfast provided by the great folks at Bennigan's in Algiers to fill up on coffee, eggs, grits, bacon and sausage, biscuits and more.  The face painter was busy making up the court members for their long awaited ride...

After breakfast, we were off to the parade route to load up the floats and get ready to ride.  Controlled chaos best describes the scene when a parade is lining up.  The face painter handled a line of krewe members who preferred a painted face to the masks.  Floats were pulling into the correct positions.  Bands lined the streets, practicing that one last time before beginning to march.

Finally, it was time to roll!  As we rode through Terrytown and Gretna, the faithful parade goers who braved the weather were showered with throws from all of the floats.

It was an exhausting but spectacularly fun day!

Sunday morning dawned overcast, but by the time we made it to the parade route on General de Gaulle, the sun was shining just in time for the Marine Corps Band to march down the street.

After watching the court and other royalty pass by, we zipped over to Gretna for the Family Gras celebration.  We arrived just in time to hear the end of Irma Thomas' set.  While waiting on the next performance, we grabbed a bite to eat and visited with friends that we ran into all over the street.  At around 2 pm, Blake Shelton took to the stage and had a great response from the waiting crowd.  I'm so glad that Gretna is participating in the Family Gras celebration and bringing it to the West Bank.

After the band finished, we met up with other friends to see the entire Krewe of Alla parade. 

With over 30 floats, it was a full afternoon.  Whew....home to sleep and get ready for the coming week.

Happy Mardi Gras to everyone!

It looks like it might be a wet start to the West Bank Carnival season this weekend, so put on your rain coat, bring your umbrella and let the good times roll!

Krewe of Cleopatra Parade

Cleopatra rolls through Algiers and Terrytown starting at 6:30 pm Friday with the theme Cleopatra's Bits and Pieces of the Past.  Following the traditional Algiers/Terrytown route, the all female krewe kicks off the West Bank parade weekend with 21 floats and a dozen marching bands and units.  See the entire parade route here.

Krewe of Choctaw Parade

In a return to their traditional parade day, Choctaw will roll on Saturday at 11:30, immediately followed by the Mystic Knights of Adonis.  With the theme Worldly Travels, Choctaw features 24 floats and multiple bands and marching units.  Adonis is celebrating it's 10th anniversary with the theme Adonis Celebrates 10 Screamin' Years for the 14 float procession.  See the entire parade route here.

As Choctaw turns onto Franklin Avenue in Gretna, they will pass the site of the Gretna Family Gras festival, featuring live music at the corner of Stumpf Blvd. and Franklin Ave.  Workers have been setting up the stages this week, in anticipation of a great turn out to hear the sounds of the Dixie Cups, Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues and local favorite Irma Thomas.  Admission to Family Gras is free, but the area will be gated and no ice chests will be allowed inside the gates.

pssst...Look for me on float #17, driver's side...I've got some great plush spears to throw!

Krewe of Alla Parade

Sunday starts early! Alla Gras, a family friendly celebration, will begin at 9 am on the neutral ground of General de Gaulle, between Kabel Drive and Rue Parc Fontaine.  Featuring local musical acts Rockin'  Dopsie, the Algiers Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and more, the event is free.  Food and drinks from local restaurants will be available for sale.  The party will continue as the parade passes and wind up at 4:00 pm.  Get there early to set up your chairs and snag a front row seat for the parade!

At 11:30 am, the Krewe of Alla will roll on the traditional Algiers/Terrytown route with 34 floats, a marching band contest and the Budweiser Clydesdales.  The theme for this year's parade is Name That Tune.  Alla is one of the few krewes still throwing doubloons and if you are lucky, you can scoop up the special turquoise and gold doubloons being thrown only from the Captain's float.

Be safe, stay dry and have a great West Bank weekend!

If you think that the disappearance of the Louisiana coastline doesn't affect you....

For more information on how you can help save the wetlands, please visit:

Wetlands Conservation

Save Our Wetlands

Voice of the Wetlands

Delta Chapter of the Sierra Club

The West Bank Real Estate spotlight this week is on the Stonebridge subdivision.  Stonebridge is a large, limited access community with homes in both Gretna and Harvey, LA.  Low association fees of $400 per year support the active home owners association and provide subdivision security patrols.

Built around three 9 hole golf courses, Stonebridge offers a wide array of custom built homes with the most desirable locations lining the courses.  Entrances on Wall Blvd. in Gretna and Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey make Stonebridge a quick commute to anywhere on the New Orleans West Bank, with nearby shopping, dining, playgrounds, libraries, churches and schools.  Easy access to the West Bank Expressway and the Crescent City Connection means that you are only minutes from downtown New Orleans.

The clubhouse at the Stonebridge Golf Club has recently been renovated and is now open, featuring a pro shop, banquet facilities and the Lounge at Stonebridge, which is open to the public.

Stonebridge Golf Club memberships are available for individuals, families and corporate members.  Only 150 memberships will be accepted for 2008, so don't delay in applying for yours!

Available Stonebridge Properties - Gretna, LA

There are currently 17 homes currently available on the Gretna side of Stonebridge, priced from  $296,900 to $1,200,000.  Available homes have 3-5 bedrooms and range in size from 2,450 square feet of living area up to an extremely large 8,152 square feet.  2 homes are under contract (pending sale),  priced from $319,000 to $325,000.   In the last 90 days, 6 homes have sold on the Gretna side of Stonebridge, for prices from $275,000 to $805,000.  Recent average sales price is $391,667 and recent average days on market is 148.  Based on current sales and inventory, there is an 8 1/2  month supply of homes for sale in this area.

Available Stonebridge Properties - Harvey, LA

There are currently 22 homes available on the Harvey side of Stonebridge,  priced from $239,000 to $439,900.  These available properties have 3-4  bedrooms and range in size from just under 2,000 square feet of living area up to 3,682 square feet.  4 homes are under contract (pending sale), priced from $249,900 to $347,500.  In the last 90 days, 5 homes have sold on the Harvey side of Stonebridge, for prices from $187,007 to $360,000.  Recent average sales price is $307,551 and recent average days on market is 93.  Based on current sales and inventory, there is more than a 13 month supply of homes for sale in this area.

Lots for Sale in Stonebridge

Want to build your own custom West Bank home?  Then consider one of the vacant lots available in Stonebridge.  There are currently 8 home sites for sale in Stonebridge, including 2 golf course lots, priced from $69,900 to $149,000.

Buying a Home in Stonebridge

With so many homes to choose from, in such varying price ranges, 2008 appears to be a good year for home buyers looking to purchase their next home in Stonebridge.  As always, visiting with your lender, determining your price range, and getting pre-approved remain the first steps when starting on the path to home ownership.  Whether you are interested in finding a Stonebridge home in Gretna, LA or Harvey, LA, contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®.  I'll be happy to help you find the perfect place to call home!

Get new West Bank Real Estate articles delivered to your email

West Bank Homes for Sale - Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free Online Home Evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Despite the fact that Saturday dawned cold, windy and rainy, the Krewe of Choctaw River Parade was still a great success, with over 200 people in attendance.

After running through the rain to the Gretna Ferry Landing, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez, where it was warm, cozy and dry.  The steam tables were filled with jambalaya, red beans and rice, sausage and bread pudding.  Of course, the longest lines were at the bar, where the terrific staff was serving up their famous Blood Mary's, which were a meal by themselves with all of the garnishes!

We sailed up and down the Mississippi River, around the crescent of the river at Algiers Point and had a great view of the city as we cruised along.

Inside, the sounds of Carnival were playing as the court, krewe members and guest danced the morning away.  Much too quickly, we were back at the ferry landing...left wanting more and waiting for next weekend's street parade. 

Be sure to come to Terrytown or Gretna on Saturday, January 26th for the Krewe of Choctaw Parade, starting at 11:30 am.  I'll be on float #17 on the driver's side.  Yell to me and I'll throw you something, mister!

Visit the krewe's website for the complete parade route. 

Happy Mardi Gras!

I have received several calls recently from people who are weighing whether to put their New Orleans West Bank home on the market to sell or to list it as a rental property.

Before you decide between selling your home and becoming a landlord, you may want to check the 2007 sales statistics for your West Bank neighborhood.  A look back at history gives you a starting point before jumping into the real estate market.  I can tell you personally, though, that since the 1st of the year, my phone has been ringing more!  Potential buyers for West Bank homes, agents setting appointments on my listings, inquiries from folks who are thinking about selling.  If you are ready to be a part of the 2008 West Bank real estate market, feel free to contact me and we can get the ball rolling right away.

If, however, you are interested in renting your home instead of selling it, let's take a look at the competition in the rental market.  Remember, these are only rentals listed with an agent - private rentals are not included.

Algiers and Algiers Point Rentals (70131 and 70114)

Belle Chasse Rentals (70037)

City of Gretna Rentals (70053)

Gretna and Terrytown Rentals (70056)

Harvey Rentals (70058)

Marrero Rentals (70072)

Westwego, Avondale and Bridge City (70094)

If you need professional assistance in marketing your West Bank home, for rent or for sale, please contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®.  I provide leasing services including advertising, tenant screening and preparation of all of the leasing documents.  If you need Property Management, Latter & Blum has an excellent staff of property managers.  And, of course, I offer complete home selling services as well.  What ever path you decide to take, as a West Bank real estate specialist, I'd be happy to help!

Get new West Bank Real Estate articles in your email 

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans West Bank home

Free Online Home Evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

We've heard the songs again and again, since childhood. 

Carnival Time, The Second Line, Mardi Gras Mambo.  We know the words and sing along.

We've seen the mega parades.  Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus.  We line the streets of uptown and downtown and hope that the crowds aren't 15 people deep if we are stuck in the middle.

We know the only appropriate colors to wear if not masking during the season are purple,green and gold.

There exists a Mardi Gras tradition that only a few are aware of or have participated in.  A tradition set atop the currents of the Mississippi River, with the city skyline providing the backdrop.  An opportunity for ordinary citizens to rub elbows with Carnival royalty and their court while enjoying music, dancing and a terrific view of the city while cruising the mighty river.  Two hours of revelry that is the unique hallmark of the West Bank's Krewe of Choctaw...the River Parade.

The Krewe of Choctaw held their first river parade in 1946, celebrating the return of Mardi Gras to the West Bank after World War II ended.  The tradition has continued each year, making Choctaw the only krewe to hold both a street parade and a river parade. 

The 2008 River Parade will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 aboard the Steamboat Natchez.  Boarding will begin at 9:30 am at the Gretna Ferry Landing.  The River Parade will sail up and down the Mississippi River, returning to the ferry landing at noon.  Chief Choctaw, Frank Ruiz Jr., his Princess, Jina Hughes Ellingburg and the court and officers of Choctaw welcome you to attend.  Open to the public, tickets are available online at www.kreweofchoctaw.com with a $15 donation. 

Hail the Chief!

Bank owned properties are currently available in Algiers, Gretna, Belle Chasse, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and Avondale, LA.   These foreclosed properties can be a good value when purchasing a home and will sometimes provide instant equity at closing depending on the purchase price.  Foreclosed and bank owned homes in excellent and very good condition are generally ready to move into, while homes in lesser condition may need some repair or updating.  The cost of making updates and repairs is typically reflected in the list price of the property.

Foreclosures are sold in "as is" condition, meaning the selling institution will not make repairs to the property.  Before shopping for a foreclosure or bank owned property that may need a little TLC on the West Bank of New Orleans, I suggest that you take the time to meet with your mortgage lender to determine the types of construction or renovation financing available to you in the event that anything more than cosmetic repairs are needed. 

Unless you are making a cash offer (with proof of your funds), most selling institutions will not even consider your offer without a preapproval letter from your mortgage lender or bank.  Keep in mind that banks will not consider predicated or contingent offers!  If you have a home to sell first, buying a foreclosure will not be an option unless you can qualify for both mortgages.

On the West Bank of New Orleans, there are currently 84 foreclosed or bank owned properties for sale.

Key to conditions:

• Excellent ~ No functional inadequacies; all major components like new
• Very Good ~ No obvious maintenance but neither is everything new
• Average ~ Major components functional; evidence of deferred maintenance, minor repairs needed
• Fair ~ Badly worn, much repair needed. Could be gutted post Katrina.
• Poor ~ Excessive deferred maintenance and abuse, approaching abandonment or major reconstruction

For details on bank owned or foreclosed properties on the West Bank of New Orleans or to make an appointment to view other West Bank homes for sale, please contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®.

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans, you deserve professional, local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.

Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home

Free Online Home Evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2007. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.