By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Videos | Comments: 0 | On: 08/21/2012 11:32:42

Sunset over Lake Pontchartrain taken August 9, 2012 from the Bow of "Closing Time."

In our new category "Bow's Eye View" we will be sharing photos of our beautiful waterways here in Slidell, Louisiana. This was was taken while cruising from Lakeshore Estates to Eden Isles on the evening of August 9th, 2012.

Karin Smith - Broker/Owner
Smith Realty Group
Your Waterfront Specialist.
Contact Karin

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Bow's Eye View | Comments: 0 | On: 08/09/2012 10:06:45

209 Kelly Drive, Slidell, La. 70458
Haaswood Manor - $129,900

Click here for photos, details and to schedule your private tour!

Listed by Smith Realty Group - Karin Smith

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Videos | Comments: 0 | On: 08/07/2012 13:26:54

2417 Cours Carson, Mandeville, La. 70448
Woodlands Terrace - $216,000.

Click here for photos, details and to schedule your private tour!

Listed By Smith Realty Group - Karin Smith

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Videos | Comments: 0 | On: 08/07/2012 11:21:32

** SOLD and CLOSED ** 1525 Cutty Sark Cove, Slidell, La., 70458 - Clipper Estates Waterfront Home. On the market for 59 days. Waterfront is HOT, inventory is LOW, time to sell is NOW. Contact Karin today for results!

Just Sold Clipper Estates
Click the link above to view our most recent sale in Clipper Estates.

Give us a call, we stand ready to deliver results!

Contact Karin Today!

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Recently Sold | Comments: 0 | On: 08/04/2012 16:51:42

There's still time to purchase your new home before the summers end! We announced last week the addition of our Slidell Homes for Sale with Swimming Pools quick search located under Featured Cities, Slidell.

To go one step further for those waterfront lovers we have now included Slidell Waterfront Homes for Sale with Swimming Pools.  To get there from the home page click "Slidell Waterfront" then scroll down the list and click the link!

Our website is updated daily and includes ALL listings so you won't miss a thing!

Here's a direct link to the page:
Slidell Waterfront Homes for Sale with Swimming Pools

Enjoy your search and come back as often as you like!  There is a handy 'save property' option on the detail page of each listing.  Be sure to save your favorites to easily come back to them during your next visit!

To request more information or schedule a showing simply fill out the form to the right of the property and your request will come directly to the staff at Smith Realty Group.  We will get back to you promptly!

Happy Searching!

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Slidell Waterfront | Comments: 2 | On: 06/23/2012 08:02:16

Splish-Splash, the temps are heating up here in Slidell! June is a popular month to add in ground swimming pools to your must-haves in your home search. Therefore, by popular demand, I have added a custom search link which includes all properties currently for sale in Slidell with swimming pools.

To get there from the home page you'll hover over "Featured Cities," then from the drop down menu select "Slidell." Here you will find several custom links including  Slidell Homes for Sale with Swimming Pools

Get ready to dive in to your new search!  I look forward to taking you on your private tour of your selected properties.  Simply fill out the form to the right of the property to request more information or schedule your tour.

Here's the link directly to the page:
Slidell Homes with Swimming Pools

Enjoy your search!
-Karin

Contact

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Swimming Pools | Comments: 0 | On: 06/11/2012 10:18:24

Update 7/2/12 - Price Reduced $429,000.

Welcome to 1525 Cuttysark Cove, Slidell, La. 70458. This property was listed on 5/11/12 by Smith Realty Group.

Come fall in love with this gorgeous Savoie built custom home in Clipper Estates Subdivision. Clipper Estates is a tropical gated waterfront community situated on navigable waterways leading to Lake Pontchartrain and beyond!

Home features soaring ceilings and walls of windows with amazing waterviews.

Master suite features waterview, luxurious bath, walk in closets & jetted tub.

There are three additional bedrooms downstairs, two with Jack and Jill baths!  

The chefs dream kitchen will wow you with its  high end appliances, granite counters,  custom cabinets,  and a five burner gas cooktop!  You'll enjoy waterfront dining in the breakfast area surrounded by windows overlooking the waterway.  

The bonus room upstairs has a full bath & closet.  Great for media room, office, gameroom, weight room or an additional bedroom.  

Outdoors features a 14x12 covered patio, 32x10 covered entertaining dock at waters edge,  25 x 12 covered boat hoist & an additional 32x12 open air dock!  There is plenty of room to add an inground swimming pool in this yard!  Imagine the possibilities!  

Click the link below for more photos and information and contact us to schedule your private tour!

1525 Cuttysark Cove, Slidell, La 70458

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Just Listed | Comments: 0 | On: 05/17/2012 08:46:31

Cross Gates Subdivision in Slidell, Louisiana is sought after by many for it's excellent school districts, custom homes, larger lots and mostly flood zone C

Click link below for a complete list of properties currently for sale in Cross Gates:

Homes for Sale in Cross Gates

My website is updated daily so you won't miss a thing!

As always feel free to contact me to introduce yourself.  Let's get acquainted and see how I can be of assistance to you!

I'm an active Buyers Agent as well as Listing Agent and the Broker/Owner of Smith Realty Group.

Happy House Hunting,
-Karin :)

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Subdivisions | Comments: 0 | On: 04/30/2012 13:41:30

The million dollar question! You've spend the last three weeks looking at homes, narrowing them down to two or three of your favorites and going on second viewings of your top three. You are now ready to make an offer on the one you want to call your own. This is when the million dollar question arises,"How much below list price should I offer?"

Let me start by mentioning real estate is local, the answer to this question is based on market trends for the local area in which you are shopping.  This being said, I'm focusing my answer on our local market, Slidell, Louisiana and the Northshore.

Motivated sellers aren't listing their homes, going through the motions of keeping it in showroom condition and accepting the fact that 'strangers' are viewing their properties on a regular basis just for the fun of it.  They are doing this because they have a motive... to sell their house.  Therefore, they know in order to receive an acceptable offer, they have to have showings.  

How do they get these 'showings' you say?  For starters, by listing the property at an attractive price, a price in which an educated buyer will use to compare many properties listed in a particular price range to determine which property will give them the most bang for their buck! 

Now, think back to the beginning stages of this process.  You consulted with your buyers agent to discuss with them your mission.  You had 'must haves,' 'nice to haves,' and  'absolutely must-not haves.'  And.... you had a price range.  Your agent went to work, searching for and selecting the cream of the crop, the properties that best met your criteria AND your price range.  You viewed them all, compared them apples to apples and have now selected the property that most fits your needs AND your budget.  This was not random, this was work and effort on your part to become an educated buyer, you weighed out your options and you made a decision.

Now, on the other side of the table there is a seller who through his agent did the same thing.  There was a reason you selected this home ... in addition to the fact it suited your needs cosmetically ... it was also priced right!

So, back to our question... "How much should I offer below list price?" 

For the past 4 years the median list price- vs - sold  price in our area has hovered just at 96.4%.  = 3.6% off of list price.  This answers the question "How much can I realistically buy this house for?"  How much you should offer, on the other hand, depends on whether or not there are other buyers eying the same property.   

If you aren't risking a multiple offer situation and you you prefer to play the game just to see if seller will go lower, offering 6-7% below list price will usually get a response.  Seller may go ahead and accept it because it is only a few percent less than they anticipated or you more than likely will end up with a counter offer from seller of 3-4% off of list price. 

If, on the other hand, the house has shown multiple times in the last week,  you may want to rethink your initial offer.  Keep in mind another potential buyer may very well make their initial offer at 3-4% below and win the bid.

So, there you have it.  You can usually expect seller to accept 3.6% off of list price in our market based on local market statistics. 

As always, feel free to Contact Me to introduce yourself!  Let's get acquainted and see how I can be of assistance to you!

I'm an active Buyers Agent as well as Listing Agent and the Broker/Owner of Smith Realty Group.

Happy House Hunting,
-Karin :) 

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Market Reports | Comments: 0 | On: 04/25/2012 09:46:21

There are certain cues that remind us when a season has officially begun. The smell of crawfish boiling, our lawns turning green (and demanding our weekly attention) and the much anticipated arrival of the Jazz Fest schedule are sure indicators that spring has sprung in Louisiana! Additionally for me, I know it's officially springtime when waterfront buyers start contacting me to let me know they are ready for me to take them shopping!

What an exciting time for me: I love spring, I love shopping and I absolutely LOVE selling waterfront properties! 

So, to kick this off correctly for 2012,  I've added a new category for the "Kitchen Sink- Smith's Blog"   WATERFRONT!

This week I'm featuring Eden Isles Subdivision.

Eden Isles Subdivision is located in Slidell, Louisiana.  It is a residential waterfront community with easy access to the interstate 10 by car and just minutes away from Lake Pontchartrain by boat! 

Imagine coming home after a long day at work and boarding your boat as it awaits you in your own backyard!  There's nothing quite like a sunset cruise to ease the stress of the day!  Pack a picnic, drop an anchor and have dinner on board.  Or, if you'd prefer, head out to one of our awesome restaurants along the water for a quick bite!

Weekends will never be the same again when you can leave your car parked and spend the days with family and friends enjoying your own backyard oasis overlooking the water.  Meanwhile,  your boat is lifted and just waiting for you to jump on in!

Eden Isles - it's not just a community, it's a Lifestyle!

Ready to take a look at what's available and begin compiling your shopping list?  Click below for all properties for sale in Eden Isles subdivision.  My site is updated daily, so you won't miss a thing! Take a look, jot them down.. and give me a call.  Spring has sprung and I stand ready to take you shopping!

All Homes for Sale in Eden Isles

Talk soon!

- Karin

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Slidell Waterfront | Comments: 0 | On: 04/23/2012 15:06:56

105 Lighthouse Point, Slidell, La. 70458

This one is a must see in sought after Mariners Cove of Oak Harbor.It's not often a home will become available for sale in this prestigious gated subdivision offering custom built waterfront homes on navigable canals leading to Lake Pontchartrain.

This 3600 square foot, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home is listed at $545,000 / $151. per square foot! 

It features a lovely in ground swimming pool overlooking the waterway, a chefs dream kitchen with beautiful granite stone and a large luxurious master suite with it's own private fireplace!

Click below to check it out and give me a call to schedule your tour!

This listing is courtesy of Gardner Realtors. Smith Realty Group would represent the buyer in this transaction and is offering this listing info as a courtesy to our buyer clients.

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Smith's Picks | Comments: 0 | On: 04/20/2012 12:06:26

** Update 4/24/12 - Under Contract **

199 Moonraker, Slidell, La. 70458. Eden Isles Subdivision.

I'm super excited about this lovely home for sale in Eden Isles Subdivision! Those who know me certainly know my passion for selling waterfront properties. Today I'd like to introduce you to this Hot Property!

This home is located on a navigable canal leading to Lake Pontchartrain, it features an in ground swimming pool and is listed for $245,000! Yep, you read that right, Waterfront AND an Inground Swimming Pool all for under $250,000!

Click below to check it out and give me a call to schedule your tour!

199 Moonraker, Slidell, La. 70458

This listing is courtesy of ABEK Real Estate.  Smith Realty Group would represent the buyer in this transaction and offers this listing information as a courtesy to our buyer clients. 

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Hot Properties | Comments: 0 | On: 04/17/2012 20:59:00

**Update** Sold on 4/13/12 for $211,400.00

Did you ever expect to find a property available behind the gates of Grand Champions of Oak Harbor for as little as $219,000.00? Neither did I! Opportunity is knocking with this fabulous new listing! My pick of the week!

258 Nicklaus Drive is a new listing in the Gated Golf Course Subdivision of Oak Harbor.  This custom built French style construction home features 3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths and has just under 1700 sq feet of well designed living space! 

You'll fall in the love before you even enter the home as you stroll through the lovely, brick paved court yard entry adding a desirable touch of New Orleans charm.

The kitchen boasts granite counter tops, stainless steal appliances and chef's island and is open to the living area.  The gleaming hard wood floors flow through both rooms tying them together nicely.   

Additionally, the home is wired for surround sound and has a wrought iron fenced yard.  It truly shows like a model home.  I highly recommend you take a look at this one.  A great opportunity to purchase a lovely home in a sought after subdivision at an affordable price!

As always, I'll keep my eye on the market and continue to report to you my 'Pick of the week" - Karin Smith

More Info and Photos

Request a Showing

This listing is a courtesy of Latter and Blum, Inc.  Smith Realty Group would represent the buyer in this transaction and offers this information as a courtesy to our buyer clients.

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Smith's Picks | Comments: 0 | On: 02/03/2012 22:31:15

So you are ready to buy a new home, where do you begin?

Step 1: Establish a relationship with a Buyer's Agent

In Louisiana, there is NO FEE paid by the buyer for a Buyer's Agent. With all the information available on the internet you can easily do your research in advance to search for the areas top real estate agents.

When you find the agent that fits your needs, reach out to them. Send them an email or pick up the phone, and not just a random email requesting more information on a particular property without an intro. The best agents can spot 'tire kickers' a mile away based on the body of the email, they know you have sent that email out to anyone with a pulse from one of the national sites that will send it out in mass quantities.  To be accepted as a new client by the best agents, be sure to direct your email to them personally, introduce yourself and your individual needs and ask how they can assist you.

Never underestimate the power of having a dedicated top agent on your team, a valuable tool available for you throughout the process indeed.  The top agents will recognize a loyal client committed to working with them exclusively and will be there for you every step of the way without hesitation. 

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved. 

If you haven't already established a relationship with a lender, your Buyer's Agent can assist you by providing you with contact information for local lenders that will best suite your individual needs.  Often times a Pre-approval can be done over the phone taking very little of your time.  This step will establish how much home you can afford.  Armed with this information , you and your agent can work more efficiently in searching for homes fitting your budget from the beginning.

Step 3: Get a Good Faith Estimate 

Your lender will give an estimate of the down payment, closing cost and prepaids, basically the "cash to close" that will be expected from you at the closing table.  Very important to understand how much cash will be needed to close the transaction in advance of making an offer to purchase. In the event you find it is higher than expected, your agent can assist you in writing a contract which would include seller paying some, or in some cases, all of your closing cost.

Step 4: You Now Know Your Price Range  

Begin searching for properties in your price range, discuss with your Buyer's Agent what type of home you are looking for; How many bedrooms and bathrooms?  Would you like a garage? What type of exterior do you desire? Would you like to search in a particular school district,  need easy access to the interstate... etc. The more detailed information you can provide the better your agent can assist you in locating the perfect home for you.

Step 5: Your Buyers Agent will search for properties based on your specific criteria   

Your buyers agent will send you available properties via email that meet youre criteria making it easy to begin searching for your home.  No more wasting time on national sites with outdated info.  Nothing worse than finding the home of your dreams only to find out it was actually sold a year ago.  Get to the source of local up-to-date info, your buyers agent is privy to the actual local multiple listing service with up to the minute information about properties. 

Step 6:  View photos and information of the properties

After viewing photos and descriptions of properties, write down the MLS numbers or addresses of the properties you would like to see and send the list to your Buyer's Agent.

Step 7:  Arrange a viewing day

Arrange a viewing day with your Buyers Agent to tour properties of interest!  This is where the fun really begins! If you are seeking properties in close proximity, you can see several in a day!

Each property will require a scheduled appointment with the seller of the property, therefore be sure to provide your list of properties well in advance of your target viewing day so your Buyers Agent can put you in their planner and schedule all appointments in advance. 

Step 8: View Comps 

Request recent comps (Comparable Properties that have sold in the subdivision). Once you have found the property you are ready to make your own, your Buyers Agent can provide you a list of comparable properties to see what they are currently selling for.  This will assist you in making your offer decision.  Discuss your buying strategy, draw up a contract and allow your Buyer's Agent to begin negotiations!

Step 9: Once your purchase agreement is signed by all parties

After you and seller have reached an agreement on price and terms, your buyers agent will walk you through the closing process which will take 30 - 45 days!

Step 10:  Receive the key to your new property - Enjoy!!

Occupancy takes place after closing, you will recieve the key to your new home at the closing table!

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: First Time Home Buyers | Comments: 0 | On: 01/31/2012 11:43:42

UPDATE: Too Late! Under Contract 2/2/12! Yes, it was a Hot Property!!

Have your eye out for a great deal on Waterfront Property in Eden Isles? I do! Allow me to introduce you to this week's Hot Property featuring 212 Charles Court, Slidell, La. 70458

212 Charles Courtis a new waterfront listing in Eden Isles Subdivision, it is a bank repo and listed at only $213,000.00!  Upon touring this home I noted the home appears to be about 99% complete in its renovations.  The paint colors are warm and neutral and the fresh sheetrock texturing is a desirable orange peel type texturing which lends to the updated look of the property. 

The windows appear to have been recently updated and WOW what gorgeous windows in the kitchen nook area, giving you an extra large, light and bright view of the waterfront.

There is tile flooring throughout the home, beautiful cabinetry in the kitchen and baths and lots of trim work as well as new interior paneled doors.

The exterior patio is a surprising little tropical oasis with a stunning wood lined raised ceiling.  Along the water there is a boat dock with a sling lift and an elevated deck.

The house is just under 2000 square feet with three bedrooms and two full baths.  It's light and bright and boast many custom details just waiting for finishing touches.  All in all, this home is definitely "Hot Property" worthy, don't delay, this one will go quickly.

As with all properties, hiring a licensed home inspector would be advised to give it a thorough look.  Per your contract you will be provided an inspection period after negotiating the deal to do so.

More details and photos.

This listing is courtesy of Hera Realty.  Smith Realty Group would represent the buyer in this transaction and offers this listing info as a courtesy to our buyer clients.

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Hot Properties | Comments: 0 | On: 01/27/2012 10:25:53

So, you've discovered you are being transferred to the New Orleans area, congratulations and welcome! Undoubtedly your next step is to begin scouring the internet to learn more about your next locale. We are pleased you landed on our page and are delighted to introduce to you a few great cities to consider when searching for a new place to call home!

In part one of this series Slidell, Louisiana is our featured city!

Slidell, Louisiana is a lovely community just a short drive to the city of New Orleans to the west or to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the east.  Slidell offers a variety of communities to choose from including gated golf course as well as waterfront.  If you'd like to spread out a bit, you'll surely enjoy the many communities boasting nearly an acre or more of land. Alternately, if you prefer to spend your time doing anything BUT yard work Slidell's garden and patio home communities may be just what you are looking for!

The first exit after crossing Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans is Oak Harbor Blvd, to the right you will discover Lakeshore Estates, a guard gated waterfront community with custom built luxury homes on Lake Pontchartrain as well as homes situated on navigable canals leading to Lake Pontchartrain. To the left you will enter Oak Harbor Subdivision, here you will find the gated subdivisions of Oak Harbor, with your choice of Golf Course or Waterfront subdivisions on waterways navigable to Lake Pontchartrain. If you are getting excited about the idea of your new waterfront lifestyle, you will also discover Eden Isles and Clipper Estates just off Oak Harbor Blvd.

As you continue east on Interstate 10 after the Oak Harbor exit you will find many other Slidell Subdivisions to choose from off of  Interstate 10 as well as Interstate 12.

Slidell area events are many as Slidell offers an array of area attractions, annual festivals, sports, recreation and local arts and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. The flavor of New Orleans culture and warm southern hospitality awaits you in Slidell, Louisiana! An excellent choice when seeking a suburb with a short commute to the city of New Orleans!

By: KarinAnnSmith | In: Relocation | Comments: 0 | On: 01/25/2012 13:48:06