Located within the boundaries of Woodland Dr., Eton St., MacArthur Blvd. and Ramsey Dr., New Aurora is an established, family friendly neighborhood in Algiers.  There is an active civic association, but no home owner dues are required when purchasing a home in the area.  The civic association annually sponsors a large Night Out Against Crime, allowing neighbors to meet and visit with one another while enjoying food, music and fun.Only a few miles from the New Orleans Central Business District, New Aurora provides easy access in minutes to the downtown New Orleans area via the Crescent City Connection.  Places to go in and around New Aurora:Norman PlaygroundAurora Swim and Tennis ClubSt. Andrew the Apostle ChurchAurora Methodist ChurchWoodland Presbyterian ChurchClose to convenience stor... 10/28/2007

The Cotton Mill Condos conversion from apartment to Condos was one of the New Orleans Warehouse District most successful conversions. The condos were enrty level prices along with the amenties that downtown loft living. The units had many of the things that people wanted in condo living. The complex is 268 units but still maintains that small feeling. The 20 ceilings, brick walls, 14 ft. windows, wood floors, and exposed beams are perfect for warehouse living. The amenties include pool, workout gym, party room,onsite security and management. The building is very pet friendly. The 25,000 sq. ft courtyard give you a lot of secure space to enjoy the outdoors.In todays market the condos start at 175k for the small one bedrooms and go up from there. Getting one with more size and a view of t... 10/26/2007

On Tuesday, Amy and I drove to New Orleans to visit with her brother, who was in town on business.  I always enjoy visiting the Crescent City, especially for the fabulous dining opportunities.  For supper, we decided on the Acme Oyster House, which is located in the French Quarter.  If you visit the French Quarter, be prepared to pay at least five to ten dollars for parking fees.  After finding a spot in a nearby parking garage, we walked to the restaurant on Iberville Street.  After waiting outside in line for about ten minutes, we were seated by the hostess.  I had already decided ahead of time that I was going to order oysters, since, of course, we were eating at on oyster house.  For my appetizer I chose a half-dozen raw oysters on the half-shell.  There were three different types o... 10/25/2007

Condo review of the Lofts Condos at 402 Julia in the center of the New Orleans Warehouse District in downtown New Orleans.                                 The Lofts, Warehouse District402 Julia StreetNew Orleans, La 70130The Lofts are a 24 unit condo conversion in the Warehouse District at 402 Julia  The Lofts at 402 Julia Street The Lofts at 402 Julia Street in the Warehouse District were converted into condos in 2006. There are 24 units with 18 one bedroom units and 6 one bedroom units. The two bedroom units were on the corners and needed a lot of updating but provided some great views and nice spaces. Many of the one bedroom were updated and those with Julia Street views sold quickly. The units sold for 160-180k range with nice views. The units had o parking but parking was availiabl... 10/23/2007

                                 The Federal Fibre Mills Lofts and Condos The Federal Fibre Mills Condos and Lofts was the beginning of the urban renewal in the New Orleans Warehouse District. The old rope factory was converted into condos after the 1984 Worlds Fair which was a great local attraction. It was used to house world fair people and the lobby was a German Beer garden. Since living downtown was a new idea, the developer put a lot into the common areas such as the  five story lobby, tropical courtyard, pool areas, warehouse party rooms, and roof top areas for city views. The Federal Fibre Mills has the exposed bricks, high ceilings, loft living, exposed beams, wood floors, large windows, and unique living areas. The Federal Fibre Mills is across the street from the New Orleans ... 10/22/2007

                               New Orleans Uptown Condos The 1750 St. Charles Ave Condos provides you a great location in Uptown New Orleans. You are close to the downtown area and an easy street car ride to Tulane and Loyola University. I have sold 7-8 uitis in the complex. The condos were converted from apartments in 2005 and sold out in 3-4 months. There are over 250 units in the 7 story complex that spans a very large city block. All the units have garage parking on the first floor in a vay secure area. This is one of the most secure buildings in the area There are several security people on the site 24 hours per day to monitor visitors and parking. Most of the units are 2 bedroom and two baths with some very large one bedroom units with a few 3 bedrooms on the corners of the buildi... 10/22/2007

                                                                          The Julia Place Condos are in the center of the New Orleans Warehouse District. The 333 Julia Street location puts you within walking distance of the New Orleans French Quarter and the Riverwalk area near Harrah's Casino. The developer has finally finsihed most of the common areas that features a roof top pool and outdoor activity area. The excerise room is on Julia Street with nice views as you treadmill your pounds away. The major shortcoming of the project is there is not enough parking in the garage and the lot for all the units. There are parking spots at some of the local hotels within the block.The units are all going to be very different in this complex as the units will vary so much. Some will have high c... 10/18/2007

Rain, rain, go away...come again another day... Are these your thoughts when you have a showing scheduled? Buyers seem to be hesitant, if not downright reluctant, to keep appointments when it is raining. I know that it is not always convenient to get in and out of the car in the rain and to remove your wet shoes when entering a home. As a matter of fact, these things can be a real chore. But what if they had a list of incentives to keep those appointments? Reasons to go home shopping in the rain: • Look for roof leaks. There is no easier way to see an existing interior problem than viewing a house during a rain. For a bonus, climb into the attic and take a look there as well.• Check all exterior doors and the windows for proper seals. Is there any water being blown underneath the doors?... 10/17/2007

This is an interesting condo in the New Orleans Warehouse Districk where you can still find some historic condos below the 175k range with parking. In the last 3 years I have sold 3 nice units in this building. They were all small and 2 of them had garage parking. The 53 units were updated several years ago when they were converted from apartments into condos. I like the fact that the kitchens and applicances are newer and all the units get plenty of light with their large and tall windows. This was once a bakery as the name indicates. Two of the cleints are using the unit as a weekend place while the other works downtown and has a place in Mandeville.A quite building near the New Orleans ConventionsCenter. A good pick for a New Orleans Loft. The best units have exterior views of the Ci... 10/15/2007

The latest edition of Travel and Leisure has the rankings of the favorite U.S. cities.  New Orleans was named the #2 city by the nearly 60,000 voters who were visitors.  What a great accomplishment for our region as we continue to rebuild not just the city but the tourist industry as well.   See all of the rankings here. New Orleans was rated highest in the nation for:•·         Live music•·         Cocktails•·         Cheap eats We also scored highly for: Having a fun and diverse populationHaving great antique, vintage and flea market shopping opportunitiesBeing a great "girlfriend getaway" destination  There are many who want to know how they can help the city in its recovery efforts.  My answer?  Visit!  Come on down, spend a day, spend a weekend, heck, spend a week.  Eat in our fabu... 10/14/2007

  You may have noticed that I'm a little pink in my picture and wearing a pink ribbon as well.  Why?  The pink ribbon is a symbol for the fight against breast cancer.  October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I'm proud to support this cause with my pink picture and pink ribbon.  I recently learned that a friend of mine who lives here in Algiers has been fighting breast cancer for some time.  She has undergone a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and radiation treatments.  After being in remission for a period of time, the doctors recently found that the cancer had moved into her spine and she is back in treatment. I didn't know any of this was going on.  I didn't know that the reason her hair was so short was because of the radiation treatments.  I didn't know that she was ... 10/13/2007

Don't forget about the Algiers Point home tour this weekend!After visiting the homes on tour, don't forget to stop by my open house for sale at 269 Elmira Avenue from 1-4 pm on Sunday afternoon.Why should you buy a home in Algiers or Algiers Point?   Take a quick look at all we have to offer....   Your West Bank Real Estate Specialist  10/13/2007

The Gallery Row Condos located at 448 Julia Street is a classic New Orleans example of four Warehouses and office turned into lofts in the Arts District. Many of the units are different because they were 4 buildings put together to for the 53 units. There is onsite parking for most units and a nearby lot for the rest. Most of the origional buyers 5 years ago bought updated units so most are in great shape. The complex has a nice viewing area and small pool on the roof. Most of the units are one bedroom units with several two bedrooms scattered in the Gallery Row Condos. The units have greatly appreciated since the initial offering. The prices have been steady for a couple of years. The high ceilings, brick walls, new kitchens are reasons whay people like these units. The courtyards in t... 10/12/2007

  The New Orleans Warehouse District is alive and well. This is a downtown area that is growing in popularity and for primary residences as well as second homes. The business in on the upswing for October. Once the Hurricane season and the Summer Heat seemed to be behind us buyers are looking again. I sold a unit at the Cotton Mills Condos last week to a gentleman for California that is going to rent it out and make it a second home in the future. Edwin was origionally from here but lives in Marina Del Ray, there is something about New Orleans that pulls people back to the Crescent City. People are slowly moving back from the Katrina displacement and a condo is a great choice. We all complain about the city and its shortcomings, but most places have issues as well. The city of New Orlea... 10/11/2007

In most cases the answer would be yes. In the New Orleans French Quarter it has little effect on the value of your home or condo. This is an historic bar on the corner of St. Phillip and Bourbon. It more than likely ever closes its doors, it has shutters but no doors. This is a great time to visit New Orleans becasue the weather is getting cooler. Our best months are now through May. If you make it to town we can have a brew and talk about blogging, see you in New Orleans. In fact many of the old neighborhoods have bars mixed in with housing.                            10/11/2007

Are you curious about the interior of those historic Algiers Point homes?  This weekend is your opportunity to take a peek inside!  The Algiers Point Association's 34th Annual Home Tour is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14, 2007.  A different set of homes will be on tour each day.  Saturday's tour will include a church and both historic homes and new construction with that historic look and feel, while Sunday's tour features 6 different historic homes.Ticket information$12 per day or $20 both days in advance.  $15 per day or $25 both days on site.For advance ticket sales, call (504) 322-7479 or (504) 361-1932.Saturday:  Tour starts at Mount Olivet Episcopal Church (also hosting Pasta Festival)Sunday:  Tour starts at Trinity Lutheran Church  (also hosting Oktoberfest)Nee... 10/08/2007

Sometimess you find some unique conversions in an old city like New Orleans. This New Orleans Conversion that I visited this past week had the kitchen of an historic home in the New Orleans Garden District. Having eight units that surround a lush courtyard and pool that make up a rather unique courtyard with banana trees, fountains, potted tropical plants and brick walkways. What made this unit different is that it was the old kitchen of this old home. In those days the kicthens where often open areas with a large fireplace and preparation area. It often did not have walls but a roof keeping our rain off the cooks. These fireplaces were rather large because they were also used for heat in the winter which is generally short in New Orleans. The servants would take the coals and embers an... 10/07/2007

A smaller New Orleans home can be called a cottage. This is a New Orleans double with a twist. It has an addition that was built in the last 50 years to give additional space for the families. A camelback is a tow story addition that is usually a nice size bedroom and bath that would have been added. The inside laundry was added with the kitchen most likely being remodeled in the rear. You still have the porch, shutters, iron work, millwork, and brick steps that were added at a later date. This one looks like a classic in the New Orleans Uptown area. You more than likelu have wide plank hardwood floors made from brages that brought trade down the Mississippi. Most of the time it was a one way trip down and the barge was sold for the wood. It was not until Mr. Fulton invented the steamsh... 09/27/2007

In a weak market that are several numbers that you should know as a buyer. How long has the property been listed and what did the seller pay for the property. if the sale is a recent purchase it will give you some insite as to the present value if it has just been maintained. If the buy was made in the last 5 years we generally know how much homes have gone up. In this market the prices have been flat since the begginning of 2005. In 2004 prices in some areas when up 8-9% for that year and less for 2003. You also have to figure if they got a good deal or not. If they overpaid it gets harder to work a deal. You can see if other deals have fallen through. This may mean they are really motivated for a good buyer. I have a couple of clients asking me these questions and it can give you some... 09/26/2007

Aurora Riverside is a small, gated community in Algiers located next door to the Aurora Swim and Tennis Club.   Neighborhood and building covenants and restrictions have resulted in a beautiful collection of traditional New Orleans architecture incorporated into new construction homes.  Developed in the late 1990's, the area is a pocket of serenity between Gen. Meyer Avenue and the Mississippi River levee.  Two private streets make up the subdivision:  Admiralty Court and Navigation Court.  Old style street lamps light the way at night.  Many of the large homes were positioned to take advantage of the view of the river and the ships passing both day and night.Here's a market snapshot of the area:Active Listings1 home on market:  $449,000 2007 Sales Activity2 homes soldHigh sales price: ... 09/25/2007