First Title presents the professional of the day…Jay Crouch owner of Jay’s Auto & Performance. Jay Crouch, a Slidell native, is the owner of Jay’s Auto & Performance.  He is a certified mechanic and has been repairing vehicles since 1998. While his training has been focused on Mercedes Benz vehicles in recent years, Jay does service all types of vehicles.  Whether you own a Mustang, Volkswagon, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mercedes, Audi or Porche, Jay has the diagnostic tools to keep your car on the road.      He can help you with routine maintenance including oil changes, tune ups, brake servicing, major overhauls, windshield repair, headlight restoration and installation of any accessory you can think of.                      A really neat service Jay Crouch provides is removing the yellow ag... 05/03/2011

Buying a home in Slidell, LA?  Selling a home in Slidell,  LA?  Looking for Waterfront Properties or homes with Acerage? Visit www.realestatepub.com  "Your Real Estate Connection"   Website Courtesy of:    David Stewart - RealtorABEK Real EstateEmail: dstewart.realestate@gmail.com Cell: 985-710-1728 05/02/2011

Eden Isles Subdivision in Slidell, LA is one of Slidell's original watefront communities.  It provides deep water access that lead to Lake Ponchartrain.  Most of the subdivision is a quick commute to the lake and great for larger boats since there are no low bridges to go under.  The architecture is a mix of Acadian, Ranch and Traditional and the houses are approximately 1500- 6000 square feet. Its just 30 minutes to the city and very close to shopping, Cross Gates Athletic Club & Salmen High School "Home of the Spartans"   School Districts: Abney Elementary/St. Tammany Jr. High/Salmen High School   For more information about Eden Isles or any other subdivision visit www.realestatepub.com 04/28/2011

Masters Point Subdivision in Slidell, LA is a gated community located on the golf course in Oak Harbor.  It is only a 30 minute drive to New Orleans and the MS Gulf Coast.  Easy access to the Interstate 10 and Hwy 11.  This fantastic community has a mixture of french and traditional architecture and the houses range from 2400- 4600 square feet.  Perfect for the golfer and just minutes from the marina for the boaters.  School District: Abney Elementary/St. Tammany Jr. High/Salmen High School   For more information about Masters Point or any other subdivision in Slidell visit www.realestatepub.com 04/28/2011

Tips for Buying in a Tight Market Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You'll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.2. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market - if it's a great home, it will go fast.3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as REALTOR.com, browse your local newspaper's real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and the name of the listing agent. Your real estate agent will sc... 04/27/2011

Your Property Wish List What does your future home look like? Where is it located? As you hunt down your dream home, consult this list to evaluate properties and keep your priorities top of mind.NeighborhoodsWhat neighborhoods do you prefer?SchoolsWhat school systems do you want to be near?TransportationHow close must the home be to these amenities: Public transportation Airport Expressway Neighborhood shopping Schools OtherHome Style What architectural style(s) of homes do you prefer? Do you want to buy a home, condominium, or townhome? Would you like a one-story or two-story home? How many bedrooms must your new home have? How many bathrooms must your new home have?Home Condition Do you prefer a new home or an existing home? If you're looking for an existing home, how old of a home wo... 04/27/2011

What a Home Inspection Should Cover Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.Structure: A home's skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.Exterior: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home's siding, ... 04/27/2011

Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR® Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS® - which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training - are held by only about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you'll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to... 04/27/2011

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer - you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn't change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long.3. D... 04/27/2011

Lender Checklist: What You Need for a Mortgage W-2 forms - or business tax return forms if you're self-employed - for the last two or three years for everyperson signing the loan. Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan. Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances. Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savingsaccounts. Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans andcar loans. Addresses where you've lived for the last five to seven years, with names of landlords ifappropriate. Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets ofvalue, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not... 04/27/2011

Forms You'll Need to Sell Your Home 1. Property disclosure form. This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property. Check with your state government to see if there is a special form required in your state.2. Purchasers access to premises agreement. This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities such as measuring for draperies before you move.3. Sales contract. The agreement between you and the seller on terms and conditions of sale. Again, check with your state real estate department to see if there is a required form.4. Sales contract contingency clauses. In addition to the contract, you may need to add one or more attachments to the contract to address special contingencies - such as the buyer's need to sell a home before p... 04/27/2011

Visions Photography, Slidell, LA I just wanted to take a minute to talk about a photographer here in Slidell where I recently had my pictures taken.  Its a locally owned company that has been around for quite sometime now.  It was an amazing experience!  The head photographer took as much time with me as I needed, took way more pictures than I ever expected and was super friendly.  The staff was incredible, they were very accommodating and extremely fast!When everything was said and done the only problem I had was trying make a decision on which photographs I wanted, because they were all incredible.  Not sure about everyone else, but that has never happened to me!!!If in the Slidell area and shopping around for work pictures, family portraits, senior pictures or a wedding photographer ... 04/20/2011

Slidell, LA Property Search Please feel free to use my website for all of you property search needs.  Click on the website link below then use the search homes tab.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I'm here for you.David- Realtor   www.realestatepub.com   04/19/2011

Rigolets Estates This quiet waterfront subdivision is conveniently located off of Hwy 433 right outside of the Slidell, LA city limits.  The community is situated on Lake Pontchartrain.  All homes are waterfront with large waterfront lots. Some homes are directly on the lake but the majority are on man made canals.  Homes in Rigolets Estates are mainly raised between 12- 20 off of the ground and are Traditional, Contemporary, and Beach in style. This wonderful neighborhood is in the Salmen High School District "Home of the Spartans".  Rigolets Estates is a very private community with an active home owners association and a fishermans paradise.  Rigolets Estates began development in the 1980's, The majority of the homes are 20 years old to new construction.  Rigolets Estates took a big ... 04/13/2011

   Willow Wood Willow Wood Subdivision is located in Slidell, LA between Gause Blvd and Military Rd.  It consist of a mixture of older and newer homes ranging in size from 1500 to 2400 square feet.  It in close proximity to I-10, I-59 & I-12 which makes it a very convenient location for commuters to the city or the Gulf Coast.   View My Featured Listings in Willow Wood   Search Homes Personalized Home Search Slidell Subdivisions    04/13/2011

Stonebridge Stonebridge is located in Slidell, LA off of Robert Road right out side of the Slidell city limits and above I-12. This fantastic Community was developed in the late 1990's, most of the homes are between 10 years old to 15 years old. Stonebridge is located in flood zone C and above I-12 which makes it a great option for lower flood insurance. The setting is private and rural with most lots sizes around an Acre.  Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 2200 to 3000 square feet and are all comprised of mainly traditional and french country in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $250,000 to $350,000. For more information about Stonebridge or any other community in Slidell please visit http://www.real... 04/12/2011

Tuscany is located in Slidell, LA off of Robert Road right out side of the Slidell city limits and above I-12. This fantastic Community was developed in the early 2000's, most of the homes are 6 years old to new construction. Tuscany is located in flood zone C and above I-12 which makes it a great option for lower flood insurance. The setting is private and rural with most lots sizes around 90 X 170.  Easy access to several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 2200 to 3500 square feet and are all comprised of mainly traditional and french country in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $220,000 to $450,000. For more information about Tuscany Estates or any other community in Slidell please visit http://www.realestatepub.com or co... 04/12/2011

Country Club is located in Slidell, LA off of  Robert Road and across from John Slidell Park. This fantastic Community was developed 1960's and 70's. Country Club is located in one of the most desired school districts and just minutes from Slidell Athletic Club, St Margret Mary Church and Slidell Memorial Hospital. Easy access to I-12, several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 1900 to 3000 square feet and are all comprised of mainly ranch and some two stories in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $150,000 to $200,000.  Country Club is also know for its extra large frontage lots. For more information about Country Club or any other community in Slidell please visit http://www.realestatepub.com or contact David Stewart http://... 04/12/2011

Tanglewood Tanglewood is located in Slidell, LA off of  Robert Road and across from John Slidell Park. This fantastic Community was developed 1980's. Tanglewood is located in one of the most desired school districts and just minutes from Slidell Athletic Club, St Margret Mary Church and Slidell Memorial Hospital. Easy access to I-12, several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 1500 to 2000 square feet and are all comprised of mainly ranch and some two stories in style.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $15,000 to $170,000.  Tanglewood is also know for its family atmosphere and its community pool. For more information about Tanglewood or any other community in Slidell please visit http://www.realestatepub.com or contact David Stewart... 04/12/2011

Tanglewood Crossing Tanglewood Crossing is located in Slidell, LA off of Robert Road behind Tanglewood and The New Country Club. This fantastic Community was developed a couple of years ago has access to the Tanglewood community pool and tucked away with very little traffic. Tanglewood Crossing is an exclusive community comprised of approximately 60-70 home sites. Located just minutes from state-of-the-art health clubs, multiple hospitals and clinics, several groceries, parks, restaurants, theaters and more!  The Homes range from about 1900- 3000 square feet and are all architecturally-distinctive.  In 2010 the sold prices of homes varied from $220,000 to $280,000. For more information about Tanglewood Crossing or any other community in slidell please visit http://www.realestatepub.com... 04/12/2011