BATON ROUGE REAL ESTATE
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
1. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD
When looking for a new home, make your search more effective by knowing how much home you can afford. Carefully calculate the overall monthly payments. Be sure to include additional costs like property taxes, insurance premiums, homeowners insurance, homeowners' association dues (if applicable), etc. Look at your monthly budget to understand how a mortgage payment will fit into it.
2. IDENTIFY YOUR POTENTIAL DOWNPAYMENT
Do you have 20% of your target purchase price available for a downpayment? That's often considered the industry norm, but there are other options available. If you don't have the funds for a significant downpayment, it may not be a problem. There are a variety of loan programs offered at various credit levels. Some mortgage programs have loans that offer a 3.5% downpayment or even a no-downpayment option for veterans and active military. It is important to note, however, that most loans that offer less than 20% down have additional insurance premiums that will add to the monthly payment.
3. WORK WITH A LOCAL AGENT
Pinpoint the area where you'd most like to own a home, and then connect with a real estate agent who works in that area. Make sure that the agent has worked extensively in that neighborhood and has insights into local matters like taxes, schools, new developments and other issues that may be important in the contract process. Ask how many homes the agent has helped buyers purchase in your desired location to gauge their experience working in that particular area. Agents who list homes also should have a good understanding of fair market value for the homes you're considering.
4. EVALUATE YOUR PREFERRED NEIGHBORHOOD
You think you know where you want to buy a home, but how much do you actually know about the neighborhood? Visit the area at different times, including during heavy commute times, weekends and later in the evening. What's the traffic like for kids in the neighborhood? How far is the nearest grocery store? Also, talk with the neighbors in your desired community. What do they like about the area? What do they dislike? Their perspectives may offer greater insight into your desired location.
5. GET CREDIT READY
Buying a home may be one of the largest financial decisions you ever make. Be prepared. Get a copy of your current credit report, identify any discrepancies, and get them fixed — if possible — before you talk to a lender.
FEATURED LISTING OF THE WEEK
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OTHER LISTINGS
9875 E Coronado Dr.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Villa Del Rey's newest listing features an open plan with newly installed flooring throughout the large 3 bedroom home. A fresh coat of Antique White paint gives a shot of life to this classic traditional style home nestled on a quiet tree lined street across from Villa Del Rey Elementary. Come discover this excellently maintained home and picture yourself here- creating memories in the warm, clean interior, and sharing exciting moments in the spacious private backyard. This home was totally renovated in 2010 (updated further within past 5 years) and has been immaculately cared for by the same owners
Price: $149,000
4034 Cape Hatteras
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
If you've been looking for a fantastic 4 bedroom house, look no longer. This home has been completely renovated after the flood of 2016. This home offers a spacious open floor plan concept. Additional features include ceramic tile and wood flooring throughout, gorgeous white kitchen cabinets with plenty of storage, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, crown moulding and faux wood blinds in every room, new light fixtures and ceiling fans, everything in this house is practically new. The exterior features a large covered patio that's great for entertaining and a large back yard. Don't miss out on this one. Schedule your viewing today!
Price: $165,000
RESOURCE CENTER
The Baton Rouge Home Ownership Center
The Home Ownership Center (HOC) is a community resource that provides a comprehensive learning workshop as well as counseling for people who wish to own their own home.
- Homebuyer Readiness Workshops
- Homebuyer Training Classes
To place your listings call 225-931-5415
1027 Roundhill
Baton Rouge
Don't miss out this wonderful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home. This home is located in a great area of Baton Rouge. It is only minutes from dining, movies, shopping, medical facilities, schools, libraries, parks, and so much more. This home features laminate wood flooring, a huge den with fireplace, a formal dining room, and granite counter tops in the kitchen with plenty of cabinets for storage. This home also has a large backyard. Priced right and ready for it's new owner. Schedule your showing today!
Only $142,500
747 Carnforth Drive
Baton Rouge, LA
A beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bath well-kept home in desirable Windermere Subdivision is waiting on you! This home is perfect for entertaining outside with a courtyard and a patio with a pergola!! The home has an open, split floor plan and lots of natural lighting. The living room and breakfast area share a double-sided gas fireplace. The kitchen features 3 cm Slab Granite countertops and Stainless Steel appliances and a huge walk-in pantry! The Master Suite has a spacious En Suite with a separate shower, jetted tub, a water closet and a walk-in closet with built-ins. Rear garage with storage, and a fully fenced yard. Schedule a showing today and make this house your home!
Price: $299,999
Don't miss out on an opportunity to live in one of the hottest school districts in Ascension parish. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers an open floor plan, crown molding, a master suite with double sinks, tub, separate shower, and a walk in closet. This home is located in the perfect location and is convenient to shopping, restaurants, and the interstate. Don't miss out on this one.
12328 Dutchtown Villa
Geismar, LA 70734
Price: $215,000
4 bed | 2 full bath | 1755 sqft | Single Family
