If you’ve lived in Southeast Louisiana or for that matter anywhere on the Gulf Coast for more than a minute, you know the drill: June through November isn’t just summer—it’s hurricane season. I’ve lived through Katrina, Ida, Zeta—you name it. And while each storm has its own story, one thing remains the same: preparation makes all the difference. As a Realtor and former law enforcement officer, I’ve seen what happens when folks are ready—and when they’re not.Let’s keep it simple and smart this season. 🧰 Joe’s Hurricane Prep Checklist for Homeowners1. Check Your Insurance (Seriously).Make sure your homeowner’s policy covers wind and flood damage. Review your deductible and keep a printed and digital copy on hand. If you’re not sure where to start—call me. I’ll point you in the right dire... 05/28/2025

Why 1978 Was a Turning PointBefore 1978, lead-based paint was widely used in homes and buildings across Louisiana. That changed when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned it due to its severe health risks, especially for children. However, thousands of pre-1978 buildings in Louisiana still contain lead-based paint, putting residents at risk if the paint deteriorates. (CPSC)Why Lead is DangerousExposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in children, pregnant women, and workers who disturb lead-painted surfaces. Cognitive and Behavioral Impacts: Even low levels of lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems in children. (CDC) Physical Health Risks: Lead poisoning can contribute to kidney damage, high blood pr... 03/04/2025

4th Quarter Effort Means  1st Quarter ResultsThis time of year agents start to taper off. With the madness of the holidays combined with what has been an "interesting 2024" who can blame them? But what I have noticed over the past 16 holidays seasons in the business, The more consistent I am in the fourth quarter the better my year starts. Let's take a look! 1) Work in the fourth quarter will put you ahead of the herd-- Many agents go almost to idle mode in November. I have picked up deals because a person's first choice didn't return a phone call. Literally just answering the phone gives you a 4th quarter advantage.2) November listings become January paychecks-- Who doesn't need a little money after the holidays and license renewal period? January/February can be brutal for more than j... 10/18/2024

4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La- Price REDUCEDSearching for a 4 bedroom home around Pineville Louisiana? Need space, a nice shop, And outdoor entertaining space? If so, 1518 Masters should be on your must tour list.  4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La OverviewMapsPhotos $474,500 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,481 sqftLot: 1.57 acre(s)MLS #: 2467152 Location 1518 Masters DrivePineville, LA 71360USA Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com   Listed by: Bayou Properties  Realty Our recent listings 4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La | $474,500 | Pineville, LA3 Bedroom Home For Sale In Destin Florida | $399,900 | Destin, FLCondominium | $449,000 | Destin, FL3 Bedroo... 10/15/2024

Another Alexandria La Home SOLD- 5114 Mallard DriveSearching for an updated home in Alexandria Louisiana? Being in the market to purchase, it is good to see what similar homes are selling for. Let's take a closer look at 5114 Mallard Drive... 4 Bedroom Home For Sale in Alexandria La OverviewMapsPhotos $289,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Full Bathrooms1 Half Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 2,280 sqftLot: 0.32 acre(s)Year Built: 1996MLS #: 2449158 Location 5114 Mallard DriveAlexandria, LA 71303USA Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com   Listed by: Bayou Properties  Realty Our recent listings 3 Bedroom Home For Sale In Destin Florida | $399,900 | Destin, FLCondominium | $449,000 | Destin, FL3 Bedroom Condo In Dest... 10/11/2024

Real  Estate Sales Advice-Fair Housing Words To AvoidAs a regulated industry under increased scrutiny, it's important from time to time to review the rules of the road. Let's review some words or phrases we should steer clear of when advertising. 1) Home is located in a quiet, safe neighborhood-- This one is tough, after all what buyer doesn't seek a peaceful place to live? Seems like this would be marketing gold? We cannot define what "safe" means. About the best you can do is refer to local law enforcement for updated statistics (beware of info posted online, go straight to the source!)2) Perfect home for State University Students--Again, proximity to a local college/university can be a major selling point. But what if as a potential buyer I was rejected by State U? In my opinion (not... 10/11/2024

Beware, Those Hot Real Estate Brownies Will Burn You!This weekend my daughter made a batch of brownies. The smell overpowered the kitchen and drifted into the football watching space ( living room). She warned me to wait, I could feel the heat even. Yet like a juvenile bear I took a bite anyway. The burn was enough to make me consider my place in the universe. As I recovered, I considered the real estate hot brownies we encounter. Take a look, just don't bite! 1) The "act like a contractor" brownie-- "Hey Doug, should we worry about them brick cracks"? The temptation is to answer based on our years of experience. The only right answer is to remind the client we are not contractors and to defer to a professional. But oh the urge to answer...2) The Legal Advice Brownie-- "But Doug, can't ... 10/07/2024

Real Estate Sales Practice--Closing Should Be The BeginningFinding new lines of business is one of the toughest pieces to the real estate sales puzzle. Some agents phone prospect, others spend hours on social media. a few drop eye-watering amounts of money paying for leads. But what if there was a way to turn old business into new? Let's examine how closing can be a consistent source of NEW business. Ways to make more than a commission check at closing1) Get a seller review--The BEST time to get a seller review is when they are signing the powerful offer you brought them. This is especially true for former "expired" listings. The next best time is when all escrow conditions are cleared. Remember this for your next listing. For our purposes, just make sure to get one prior to closing. AF... 10/01/2024

Pineville La Home Under Contract! 651 Ates RoadSearching for a large home around Pineville Louisiana? Need space, without breaking the bank? If so, 651 Ates Road could have been the perfect home. Thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign, this Pineville La home found a new buyer in only 25 days. Let's take a look at what made this home popular with local buyers.  6 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville Louisiana OverviewMapsPhotos $282,500 Single Family Home Main Features 6 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 3,134 sqftLot: 4.00 acre(s)MLS #: 2466496 Location 651 Ates RoadPineville, LA 71360USA     Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com    Listed by: Bayou Properties  Realty   Our recent listings Condominium | $449,000 ... 09/30/2024

Real Estate Sales-Don't Neglect The Fourth QuarterMost Americans invested time Sunday watching the NFL. Imagine if going into the fourth quarter the players only jogged down the field. Then with 2 minutes left the star quarterback went to the showers. Sounds silly, but that's how some agents approach the fourth quarter. Let's look at some potential fourth quarter pitfalls. 1) The feeling that there is plenty of time-- Take out a calendar and start counting days. Thanksgiving, Maybe a week at Christmas? Will you work Christmas Eve? How about the day before. Keep this up and that "90 days" morphs into 60 or less... 2) The holiday party trap-- After Thanksgiving title companies, vendors, and clients will have Christmas parties. Should you attend some? Sure. Everyone of them from bell to be... 09/30/2024

Alexandria La  Real Estate- 5114 Mallard Is Now PendingSearching for an updated four bedroom home around Alexandria Louisiana? Unfortunately 5114 Mallard has found a buyer! Thanks to our aggressive marketing and some wise choices on the seller's part we are about two short weeks from closing. Let's take a look at what this home has to offer.  4 Bedroom Home For Sale in Alexandria La OverviewMapsPhotos $289,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Full Bathrooms1 Half Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 2,280 sqftLot: 0.32 acre(s)Year Built: 1996MLS #: 2449158 Location 5114 Mallard DriveAlexandria, LA 71303USA Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com   Listed by: Bayou Properties  Realty Our recent listings 3 Bedroom Home For Sa... 09/25/2024

Real Estate Advice- Seller Checklist For The Week Of ClosingGetting ready to sign the docs and hand over  keys to your Alexandria Louisiana area home? With all the chaos and confusion that comes with that final push, let's take a minute to review those last week chores.Seller last week of escrow checklist1) Collect receipts/invoices for any inspection response repairs-- The easiest thing to do is have a folder on the kitchen counter. When the buyer does their final review, here it is! As a bonus this folder can be a great place to list the contact information  for favored vendors. Who better for the buyers to call than someone who has worked on the home in the past? 2) Move out prior to closing-- Don't try to move right at the closing time. There is nothing worse than getting to closing... 09/25/2024

Another Pineville La Home SOLD-1511 Masters DriveAfter a brisk TWO days on market, this large Pineville Louisiana home has a new owner. Thanks to our aggressive marketing, smart starting price, and cool features 1511 Masters Drive started collecting showings from the start. Let's take a look at what made this Pineville La so popular...Why 1511 Masters Drive1) Custom home designed by one of Central Louisiana's top builders. Everything from floor to ceiling was top notch! 2) Large lot boasts the benefits of country life with care free suburban living. 3) Like porch living? If so you will LOVE 1511 Masters Drive. The front porch is perfecting for welcoming guests, while the rear offers a more private escape. 4) Wildlife aplenty-- Song birds, squirrels, and a whole fleet of deer criss cross... 09/24/2024

Who Is Your Second Best Client?Stay in the business long enough and you will earn/find that ONE client. Anytime his/her number shows on your phone a pay check is 30 days away. That's certainly great, but tell me who your second best client is? Why does it matter who your second best client is???1) Unless your number one client is Don Corleone, you will need more than one customer to make money in this business. 2) Client One may be a one hit wonder-- As your number one continues to buy and sell properties his/her needs may change. Your number one may stop sending business. What then? 3) Cultivate a flock of number two's-- Who are these folks? Past clients, perhaps friends/family that you knew prior to real estate. Word of warning with friends and family. Do not assume they will be advoc... 09/19/2024

In Real Estate Why Trumps HowEarly in the business I had the opportunity to list a home in my neighborhood. I gathered my materials (remember flip charts?) and headed to the house. At some point in the evening I asked why they were moving, the answer was job opportunities in another town. With ZERO follow up questions, I returned to the flip chart. Something about my company and the internet? So how did it turn out? I took the listing, that flip chart was fire circa 2009. The home lingered on the market because, well 2009. I did notice the owner was pretty nervous each time we talked. Finally after a time on the market he reached out, "Hey Doug, what happens if we can't pay our mortgage"? Based on the home and what I knew about the family, I assumed everything was great in their financi... 09/17/2024

Deal Killers 2024 Edition And How To Prevent (sometimes)During my sixteen years I have seen it all. Of course no sooner than I type this there will be a newly flavored "real estate lesson." That said, deal killers in the real estate industry seem to follow common (and repeated) themes. For the purpose of our post, let's assume the buyer and sellers have agreed to terms and are cruising toward the closing table. What could possible go sideways???1) Home inspection issues--Fan of the horror movie genre? Everyone is happy and relaxing by the campfire, then suddenly Jason appears in the distance...First time sellers often assume that a signed contract means their house is SOLD. Nope, Let's see what the professional home inspector (and the buyer's father in law) has to say.Cheat CodeSellers ... 09/16/2024

How To Manage Stress From Real Estate SalesIn my 16 years in the sales business I have worked up markets, down markets, and a few flat ones. The one common thread? There is ALWAYS stress in the day to day practice. Here are some ways I learned to manage stress...1) Separate yourself from the transaction--This is a tough one due to the fact that agents typically get paid at closing. The deal dies the night before? No money for you! What this arrangement breeds is the agent sharing the same emotions as the buyer or seller. Our power comes not being connected to the deal. People in a sinking boat have a tough time teaching others how to swim. 2) Have ample savings-- Try to keep at least 90 days worth of bill money in the bank. This will help keep you for stressing out over every deal. 3) E... 09/13/2024

The Perfect Home Is A MythOne of the first steps I take when working with Alexandria Louisiana area home buyers is the buyer consultation. At some point in this meeting the prospective buyer will reference their "perfect home". Here are some talking points I use to help the would be buyers flesh out the perfect home myth.1) Regardless of price point, no home is "perfect"-- I sold a Condo this year for north of 1.5 million bucks. The laundry room was so small even a juvenile snake would have a struggle stretching out.. 2) Compare the home to others in the same price range, not HGTV--Do other homes at your price point boast one bathroom? If so, that 1.5 bathroom is actually a bonus not a demerit. Life is all about perspective! 3) Focus on 1-2 core "musts" not 12--Perhaps your growing fami... 09/12/2024

4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La 71360Searching for a large home near Pineville Louisiana? Need space, and a pool to help keep cool? If so, 1518 Masters Drive needs to be on your must tour list. Let's take a look at what this great home has to offer...  4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La OverviewMapsPhotos $485,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,481 sqftLot: 1.57 acre(s)MLS #: 2467152 Location 1518 Masters DrivePineville, LA 71360USA     Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com    Listed by: Bayou Properties  Realty   Our recent listings 4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La | $485,000 | Pineville, LA6 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville Louisiana | $282,500 | Pinev... 09/11/2024

Real Estate Sales-What Can We Do To Help NewbiesI remember when I started waaaay back in the day (remember fax machines and cable tv ads). My broker trained me from start to finish, up, down, and sideways how to work with both buyers and sellers. My goodness there were checklists...And if I had a question she or the full time secretary were steps away. At a time when the average sales price was just north of 100k, I kept 50% of my commission. Did I get rich? Nope, but those basics have allowed me to survive and even thrive in a challenging business. Based on my conversations with newbie agents, things have certainly changed since 2009. Here are some things I suggest to help the newbies thrive...1) Encourage the newbie to ask questions--We were all new at some point. In my early days I d... 09/11/2024