Agents: Macon Mayeux, Travis Smith, Devin Triche, and Geneva Compton

Employees: Heather Lambert and Sara Fields

Happy Birthday Heather. Celebrating at Chucky E. Cheese like true kids!

Keller Williams Agents, Michelle Cobb and Geneva Compton, and employee Sara Fields support local brewers at the Iron Brew Competition on a rainy night!

KELLER WILLIAMS IS TAKING CHARGE OF THE MARKET. Geneva Compton and Debbie Harding work together to get a home sold and a buyer into the home of their dreams!
CLOSING AT CYPRESS TITLE. LENDING COMPANY GMFS LENDING IN COVINGTON, LA

So you purchase the book. Then, you go home and read the book. Next step, go back to Lowes and buy materials. Go home. Start renovations. Forgot the primer. Go back to Lowes. Go home. Not enough primer. Go back to Lowes. Three months later, the project still is not finished and you have a big hole in your wall.

We all have been there. We all though that we were carpenters, chefs, mechanics, etc. And sometimes we can “do-it-ourselves” but, more than likely, if you need a license or degree to practice…there is a reason.

In real estate, we run across this all the time. Sellers believe that selling their own home will save them time, money, and stress. Many of them learn, it does quite the opposite. I’m sure everyone has “that” friend who once sold their own home in less than a month. But for that one friend, there are 10 others who had a dreadful experience attempting to sell their own home.

A smart person once told me, “You wouldn’t go to court without a lawyer. Why would you attempt real estate without a licensed agent?”

For Sale by Owners have to put money into their own signs, open houses, inspections, appraisers, and anything else they believe will help their home sell. I have met FSBO who have even forked out money *ranging from $500 to $1000* to brokers for a one time, six month entry into the MLS system (Multiple Listing System, a database that all agents use to search homes on the market). This is a perk that usually is free when listing with an agent.

Another list of marketing outlets you can receive with no cost to you include: signs, open houses, social media marketing, unlimited access to databases reaching out to agents in all agencies in all areas. Dave Ramsey, author of many financial expertise books, says he has had an active real estate license for 30 years but since he has never really used it…he would even use an active real estate agent.

“Now, why would I do that if I could just sell it myself and save the commission cost? For starters, if I do a for-sale-by-owner, or FSBO, I’m only getting my place in front of buyers I can attract from seeing a newspaper ad, Craigslist, and anyone who happens to drive by the house. If you go with a high-octane real estate agent, you’ll have the advantage of being exposed to their entire pool of buyers. More importantly, you’ll be in the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, database. There, you’ll immediately have thousands of potential buyers. So, who do you think will have the best chance of selling your house? Market exposure is everything in the real estate game!” 

More on this FAQ by Dave Ramsey here: http://www.cbn.com/finance/ramsey060710.aspx

With Spring weather approaching, many people are considering the market and listing their home. Save yourself the time AND money…list with an agent.

You hear a lot of contradicting advice on real estate. Should I rent? Should I buy? But one of the most controversial discussions about real estate is land. Is land a good investment or not?

Some myths about purchasing land is upkeep is difficult or that you won’t ever see a return for your investment. Well, let me break down those myths for you, and open your eyes to the wonderful world of purchasing and owning land.

First myth: Land upkeep is difficult. False. Large land upkeep is much more affordable than keeping up a larger home with maintenance issues or landscaping a front yard. Especially if you are lucky enough to find property where the original owners have taken care of their land like a gem.

For instance, I am listing a property right now where the owner has not only taken care of the 9.78 acres (What an investment!), but has also built a beautiful country road guiding you through the entire acreage. It also is already under contract for a tranquil pond to be built behind the home, using the dirt to help build up the property. Located in scenic Pride, Louisiana, this property is the sight for country, peaceful living.

Taking care of land is also not to be dreaded. You hear a lot of country songs talking about “riding the land”, driving “back roads”, or cruising on the tractor. These aren’t just good ole lyrics that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but is actually a doctor recommended form of therapy. As John Milton said, “Make hay while sun shines.” Imagine watching your children playing out in the a huge yard with a trampoline, pool, or simply riding bikes (or fourwheelers!) on the country road. How relaxing of a picture is that?

Second myth: I’ll never see my return on my investment. Totally false. If life has taught us anything, it has taught us that nothing is for certain. Many people will find creative ways to see returns on their large land investment. The more creative, the more of a profit they see. One man in North Carolina, named Keith Brouillard, started off with a smaller purchase of land which eventually turned into 280 acres of timber and hunting land he calls Carolina Forestry. You can now go on his website and purchase one acre properties at a time for $20,000.

Now imagine if you owned about 10 acres that was originally purchased for 149,000 this year. Then, you turn around in 5-10 years, when the market slightly changes, and sell for $20,000 to $30,000 an acre. That’s a $51,000 to $151,000 profit. Doesn’t sound like a poor investment now, does it?

Let’s go back and look at my new listing in Pride, LA with 9.78 acres.

Imagine what you could do with a wonderful piece of well taken care of land like that? Not to mention it has a great mobile home with an adorable front yard gate for curb appeal. This particular property is not only a peaceful new home, it’s great investing at it’s finest.

Land investment is not only a good investment, it’s a great investment. As the Mark Twain said, “Buy land. They’re not making it anymore.”

Interested in the property mentioned about. Research it under 16529 Pride Baywood, Pride, Louisiana 70770. Pictures shown of actual property. Call Geneva Compton at (225) 938-0556 for private showing.