New Orleans Spring Festival Guide

Published on by Kelly BernardLeave a comment

There is no better place than New Orleans in spring! The weather is calm, the sun is shining and there are so many festivals! Check out this list and get out there!

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Hogs for the Cause: April 1-2, 2016

The nation’s premier fundraiser for children with pediatric brain cancer and their families, Hogs for the Cause brings together some of New Orleans’ top musicians, along with 80 or more teams of amateur and professional barbecue competitors for the “High on the Hog” Cook-Off competitions. The BBQers will compete for the title of Louisiana Pork Champion. www.hogsforthecause.org

Freret Street Festival: April 1, 2016

Get ready to celebrate the booming local vendors of Freret Street with live bands, food, arts, crafts and more. On Saturday, April 2nd, local vendors, restaurants and bands will set up their tents and tables for festivalgoers to enjoy a taste of the eclectic Freret Street. www.freretstreetfestival.com

Wednesday at the Square Concert Series

Running from March until June, residents and visitors can enjoy the different acts that take part in this 12-week concert series held at Lafayette Square. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com

French Quarter Festival: April 7-10 2016

With 20 performance stages and over 90 food and beverage booths, this is the largest free music festival in the South. It’s a celebration of the local culture and music, plus there are tons of attractions that are organized in association with the festival. http://fqfi.org/

Jazz in the Park: Thursdays between April 14- June 2, 2016

Starting on April 14th, the park will host a live concert series every Thursday evening. There will be local bands, live painting and art displays, food vendors, and even a DJ to host each event! Admission is free, so head on over to the park and watch the sun go down to the sounds of a NOLA band. www.pufap.org

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SHELL: APRIL 22-MAY 1, 2016

People come from all over the country to experience the New Orleans Jazz Festival. While it may be a festival to celebrate city’s connection to jazz, the event features artists and acts from every style of music that you can imagine. It’s a big event with big names and it only happens in New Orleans.

With the New Orleans festival season, it seems like there is another exciting event every day. It’s a great time of year and there is lots of fun to be had. Come to the city, have a good time and experience some of the events that help to make New Orleans a one of a kind city.  www.nojazzfest.com

Bayou Boogaloo: May 20-22, 2016

Some of the biggest names in their respective genres will be headlining more than two dozen bands and solo artists performing at this year’s 11th Bayou Boogaloo festival over the weekend of May 20-22. Bayou Boogaloo is truly a NOLA-style party with lots of live music, food, arts and handicrafts. And, best of all, admission is FREE! www.thebayouboogaloo.com

New Orleans Food & Wine Experience: May 26-29, 2016

Get ready for one of the most exciting culinary events of the year! This May, hundreds of wineries and restaurants will join forces for the 23rd New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, attracting all food, wine, art, and music lovers to various venues throughout the French Quarter. www.nowfe.com.

Greek Fest: May 27-29, 2016

There is entertainment for all ages, from kids’ activities to fun things for the adults to do, like dancing or renting a canoe to ply the serene waters of Bayou St. John. Lucky winners of random drawings may win trips to Greece and the fabled Grecian isles of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Those who wish to take something Greek home with them can purchase the latest festival poster or other souvenirs and handcrafted items. www.greekfestnola.com.

New Orleans Oyster Festival: June 4-5, 2016

This June, you can indulge in delicious oysters and support the restaurants and industries that bring them to the city. Local music, crafts, and an incredible food vendor lineup will be scattered throughout Woldenberg Park in Downtown New Orleans. The festival is FREE to enter and will have plenty of food for purchase so come hungry! www.neworleansoysterfestival.org

French Market Creole Tomato Festival: June 11-12, 2016

June in New Orleans means the arrival of Creole tomato dishes on local restaurant menus, in farmers markets and at roadside stands. Typically the crop arrives in early June, which is why the French Market Creole Tomato Festival is always held the second weekend of that month. http://www.frenchmarket.org

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival: June 18-19, 2016

The melodic sounds of fiddles, accordions, washboards, guitars and more will be coming from Louis Armstrong Park over the weekend of June 18-19 as the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival goes into its tenth year. The festival will be open from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on both days and admission is FREE. www.jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco

 

If you are interested in learning more about making New Orleans or the Northshore your new home, contact me today!

5 Tips to Get Your House Ready for Selling Season

Published on by Kelly BernardLeave a comment

It’s time…its selling season! If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market this spring, you’ll want to check these tips to help get it ready fast!

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  • Make it welcoming

 

You’ve got the curb appeal, but what about “walking up to the door” appeal? Invest in a new doormat and take the time to scrub down your front door since it’s probably covered with dust, dirt, and oils. Better yet, repaint it and add some new house numbers and a new porch light.

 

  • Make it look bigger

 

There are many tricks that can make your space seem bigger. Lighter paint colors. Try hanging floor-length curtains above your windows to give the illusion of higher ceilings. Lay down a striped rug to make your floor seem more expansive. Use a clear shower curtain to open up a small bathroom. Make sure to de-clutter!

 

  • Wash Your Windows

 

Have your windows professionally washed, or devote an afternoon to washing them yourself from both inside and out. Even on gray days, clean windows will let in more light and make your rooms sparkle — and buyers will definitely notice if it isn’t done. It also helps open up the room and people also like to see a very neat and clean space when they’re considering buying.

 

  • Kitchen is king

 

The #1 thing people look at when buying is the kitchen. It makes sense- families spend A LOT of time in there. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance.

 

  • Check curb appeal

 

If a buyer won’t get out of her agent’s car because she doesn’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get her inside. Keep the sidewalks cleared. Mow the lawn. Paint faded window trim. Trim your bushes. Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

If you need any help getting your house ready to sell this season, contact me today!

For Sale By Owner vs. Real Estate Agent

Published on by Kelly BernardLeave a comment

Many people think that selling their house on their own will save them time and money, but this is not the case. There are so many details, contracts and negotiations that many people are unaware of when they decide to sell their home. Not to mention marketing the house- do you have a proven marketing strategy in place to get the most exposure of your house? Probably not. Read more to learn what realtors do to get your house sold in the quickest amount of time, for the best price.

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  • A real estate agent has access to market data about recent sales and other homes on the market that can be used to price your home appropriately. Homes priced right when they’re first listed sell more quickly and for a higher price than those that linger on the market.
  • A real estate agent can show your home when you aren’t available, can respond to inquiries from potential buyers and their agents, and can get valuable feedback from visitors – all things that save you time.
  • A real estate agent can look at your home objectively and suggest ways to improve its appearance, from  staging to minor repairs
  • Buyers usually like to look at a home without the seller present so they can feel more comfortable exploring the rooms and visualizing themselves in the property. At an FSBO sale, the seller must be present.
  • A real estate agent can screen potential buyers by checking to see if they are legitimate and can afford to purchase your home, a Realtor can help you avoid wasting time showing your home to unrealistic buyers.
  • Real estate agents have professional marketing expertise, contacts with other Realtors who work with buyers, and the support of a brokerage that can market your home more widely than you can as an individual.
  • A real estate agent can help you negotiate a contract for the optimal price.
  • A real estate agent can make sure your contract is in compliance with all local regulations.

The reason you would hire me to sell your home rather than sell yourself (FSBO) is because I will list your home in the MLS and expose the home to  thousands realtors in the greater New Orleans area. These realtors are working with thousands of buyers and the greater number of buyers your home is exposed to, the greater the chances of selling your home in the fastest amount of time at the highest possible price. Contact me today!