• best restaurants for date night in New Orleans

    12 Awesome Places For A First Date In New Orleans

    6 Min Read

    So you and your person seem to be having a good time and it’s time to go out on the town. Where can you go in New Orleans for a good date?

    The Crescent City has some very nice places for two people to get to know each other over a meal or drink. In this article, we’ll list some of the best places for a date night.

    These New Orleans Restaurants Are Perfect For Date Night

    First things first, let’s go over some rules that can make your date a success:

    • Always meet in a public place on a first date.
    • Never accept a drink that doesn’t come directly from the bartender or server.
    • Always drink responsibly. Know when enough is enough.

    Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to talk about date-night options! Ready to check out our list of best date night restaurants in New Orleans? Let’s go!

    Coquette

    2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 265-0421

    Coquette has the best drinks in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says about Coquette: “Every dish was a well balanced pairing of local flavor and impressive culinary capacity. The way they put these dishes together is going to stick with me for a while. Everything was wonderfully paired with the other components on the dish. Perfect for a nice dinner on a quiet night. Stick around for dessert and the Amaro list. We will be coming back again!”

    Herbsaint

    701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-4114

    Herbsaint has the best cocktails in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one diner says about Herbsaint: “The food deserve 5 stars, but I had to go with 4 because when we ate, almost everything was quite too salty. However we got there at almost 9pm with no reservation, and still they managed to give us a table, which was awesome. For VEGANS don’t be afraid to come eat here, the chef will prepare something at his discretion. And what I go it was Soo Good! My husband asked for 3 portion of short ribs, that’s how much he enjoyed them. My husband actually returned a dish back because it was too salty, and we appreciate that we were not charged for it. Service could have been more personable, but no complaints.”

    Maypop

     611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113 | (504) 518-6345

    Maypop has the best drinks in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says about Maypop: “In a sea of restaurants that are [more or less] putting out the same types of food, it is guaranteed you will find completely unique and incredible eats at Maypop

    “I’m not even sure what you’d classify this type of food. Definitely Asian fusion but it’s simply better than that. Everything here is simply delicious and unexpected.”

    Panchita’s Mexican Criolla Cuisine

    1434 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 |  (504) 281-4127

    Panchita's Mexican Criolla Cuisine

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Panchita’s: “First Time me and my Boyfriend Came here.Small Place Outdoor Sitting as Well as Indoors.Authentic Mexican Food.I had There Vegetable Burrito and He had the Carne Asada Plate.I Had a Glass of Chardonnay he had 2 Corona Lights we Both Had Water.The Waitress Was Also The Owner She had Other Employees Cooking. Very Clean and Quaint. Will Be Back. Thank You.”

    Gumbo Ya-Ya

    600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 291-8600

    Gumbo Ya-Ya

    Here’s what one customer says about Gumbo Ya-Ya: “We stopped by this gumbo place as we were walking toward the French Quarter. It was supposed to be a 30 minute wait but we were seated in about 10 mins. We ordered a seven steaks gumbo with jambalaya rice topping and a seafood and okra gumbo also with jambalaya rice topping for $6.50 each. It was a good portion, tasty, and filling. The view was very romantic and beautiful! And the service was fast and awesome – Kori was our server!”

    Olde Nola Cookery

    205 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-4577

    Olde Nola Cookery has the best gumbo

    Here’s what one customer says about Olde Nola Cookery: “The wait staff was very friendly. I loved the atmosphere of this place. As for the food, my shrimp was greasy and had too much breading. My husband got the fried oyster la and said the same thing. Also the collard greens were good but a tad too salty. I would visit again and maybe try the crab cakes.”

    Atchafalaya

    901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-9626

    Come for the Crab Cake Benedict, stay for the brunch Bloody Mary.

    Here’s what one diner says about Atchafalaya : “Shrimp and Crab Cake Benedict special, Bananas Foster Waffle, Five “A” bloody Mary and mimosa. Everything was delicious and the outdoor seating area was perfect for us to enjoy the beautiful weather with our dog. Our waitress was amazing. If you want to hear the live music you’ll want to sit inside. Mask required inside and COVID vaccine or negative PCR test proof required. Pets allowed outside.”

    Avila Grill French Quarter

    817 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | 504) 478-0796

    Avila's Cajun Shrimp bowl is the best in New Orleans.

    At this Venezuelan restaurant, come for the Catira (shredded chicken dish), stay for the Pabello Criollo (beef stew).

    Here’s what one patron has to say about the Avila Grill French Quarter: “We ordered a chicken patacon a delicious sandwich that uses plantains as the bun and the chicken arepa which has a corn based pocket stuffed with goodness. We wanted to try the empanadas so ordered a couple of those too. We ended loving those so much we ordered six to go to enjoy for lunch while we were driving the next day. Oooh and get the green sauce that comes with the empanadas for whatever you order! I want this in economy size!”

    Final Word

    Getting to know someone over lunch or dinner can be intimidating for many people, but hopefully the awesome restaurants we’ve listed can make it easier.

    If you really want to take things to the next level, you can pay for exclusive dining by renting out a banquet room for a small group of family and friends.

    Want to make it official? Here’s how to sweep her off her feet.

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  • how to find a job on LinkedIn

    How To Add A Resume To LinkedIn

    3 Min Read

    Are you getting the most out of LinkedIn.com account?If you’re searching for a job, make sure you have a presence on the professional jobs website.

    Don’t have a resume uploaded there? This article is going to show you how to do that.

    When you have your resume attached to your profile on LinkedIn, it allows recruiters to find you quickly and easily. Think about it: LinkedIn is a platform for professional content sharing and job finding.

    Having an optimized profile — incuding a resume — can help you stand out among hundreds of other job candidates , as well as demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to your network.

    Here’s How To Add A Resume To LinkedIn

    To add a resume on LInkedIn, here are the steps you need to make:

    #1. Log into LInkedIn.com and access your profile by clicking on your picture or the Me tab in the top navigation menu.

    How to use LinkedIn to find a job

    2. Once you click on More, it will open up a dialog box that will give you an option to manage your resume.

    How to use Linkedin to find a job and upload a resume

    3. Here’s where you can either upload a resume or create one. Once you add your resume you’ll be able to manage it, including add sections to it.

    Once your resume is live on LinkedIn, you’ll be one step closer to being discoverable to recruiters and others on the site.

    Next, let’s talk about how to meet people on LinkedIn. The virtues of networking in person go without question, but it’s just as important to do in online.

    Want To Customize Your URL?

    For branding purposes, some people customize their URL, which LinkedIn allows you to do. To customize your URL, here are the steps.

    1. Tap on your profile picture.
    2. Scroll to the Contact section and tap the Edit icon.
    3. On the Edit contact info page, tap on your Profile URL.
    4. Under Edit your custom URL, tap the Edit icon next to the URL.
    5. Type in your name or whatever you want to call yourself as your new custom URL.
    6. Tap Save.

    Final Word

    LinkedIn is one of those sites that could pay some big dividends if you use it properly and frequently. Job seekers have had great success by getting their resumes noticed.

    LinkedIn offers premium features, such as InMail messages to contact recruiters directly, advanced search filters, and access to additional insights about job postings and applicant profiles.

    The best way to search for a job is to take advantage of the people in your life. Think about where you worship, where you shop and those that you know. Oftentimes, those people will know someone who’s hiring and can refer you.
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  • how to make Venmo payments private

    How To Make Your Venmo Payments Private

    2 Min Read

    By default, Venmo transactions are public, which means anyone can see your payment history unless you change your privacy settings.

    In this article, we’re going to tell you how to set your Venmo payments to private.

    Why Your Venmo Payments Need To Be Private

    Users can be targeted by phishing attacks through email or text messages that appear to be from Venmo, tricking them into providing personal information.

    Venmo relies primarily on a username and password for account access. If your password is weak or reused, your account may be vulnerable.

    While Venmo does offer some security features, it doesn’t provide robust two-factor authentication, making accounts susceptible to unauthorized access.T

    o make your Venmo payments private, follow these steps:

    1. Open the Venmo App: Launch the app on your device.
    2. Go to Settings: Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner to access your account menu, then select “Settings.”
    3. Privacy Settings: In the Settings menu, tap on “Privacy.”
    4. Choose Your Privacy Option:
      • Private: Select “Private” to ensure that only you and the recipient can see the payment details.
      • Friends: If you choose this option, only your Venmo friends will see your transactions.
      • Public: Avoid this option if you want to keep your payments private.
    5. Adjust Existing Transactions: You can also adjust the privacy settings for previous transactions by tapping on each transaction in your feed and selecting the privacy setting you prefer.
    6. Limit Friend Requests: Consider reviewing your friends list and limiting who can see your transactions by managing friend requests.

    By following these steps, you can keep your Venmo payments private and control who sees your transaction history.

    Final Word

    If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.

    Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.

    Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.

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  • Master P Tapped as Music Maestro for New Orleans Super Bowl

    3 Min Read

    Legendary rapper and businessman Master P has been appointed as entertainment ambassador for the Super Bowl, which is in New Orleans early next year.

    The big game will be held February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, the venue’s 11th Super Bowl and first since 2013.

    In a Facebook post, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Master P’s role, saying “I’m thrilled to announce Percy “Master P” Miller as New Orleans’ new Entertainment Ambassador! This partnership marks a pivotal moment for our city as we strive to elevate our community through meaningful initiatives that will strengthen our nighttime economy, cultural economy, and overall economic development.

    “Master P, born and raised in the Calliope Projects, has significant influence in the entertainment world and beyond, advancing opportunities that will benefit us all. As we prepare for major events, this collaboration will help ensure that New Orleans remains on the world stage,” Cantrell said.

    “Together, we’re building a city that honors our past and celebrates our future,” she continued.

    Master P, born Percy Miller, is a highly influential figure in the music, entertainment, and business industries. Here are some of his major accomplishments:

    1. Founder of No Limit Records: Master P founded No Limit Records in 1991, which became one of the most successful independent record labels in hip-hop. The label released numerous platinum and gold albums, contributing significantly to the success of Southern rap.
    2. Music Career: As a rapper, Master P released several successful albums, including Ice Cream Man (1996) and Ghetto D (1997), which featured the hit single “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” His music played a key role in popularizing Southern hip-hop.
    3. Entrepreneurship: Master P is a savvy businessman with ventures in various industries, including film, television, real estate, and fashion. He created P. Miller Enterprises, which oversees his numerous business ventures.
    4. Film and Television: Master P has acted in and produced several films, including I Got the Hook-Up (1998) and Foolish (1999). He also starred in his reality TV show, Master P’s Family Empire.
    5. Basketball: Master P briefly played professional basketball, signing contracts with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors during the 1998-1999 NBA preseason.
    6. Philanthropy: He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including funding scholarships, supporting underprivileged communities, and disaster relief efforts.

    Final Word

    Master P is a good look for the city’s culture but what music acts he highlights remains to be seen.

    Entertainment is a part of New Orleans’ culture for sure. from jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.

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  • How to buy a rental property in New Orleans, Louisiana

    How To Buy Rental Property In Louisiana

    7 Min Read

    If you’re thinking about joining the world of landlords, you should know that it can be very profitable and help unlock your financial freedom.

    No matter if you’re thinking about holding onto the property for some years or flipping it, you can make some serious money if you go about it the right way.

    Buy Real Estate Property In Louisiana With These 7 Steps

    In this article, we’re going to show you how to buy rental property so that you can make a profit, no matter what your strategy is. Speaking of that, let’s get right to a few questions you need to ask yourself.

    Quick Navigation:

    Come Up With A Real Estate Strategy

    You need to have a strategy before you buy real estate for investment purposes. If you don’t, you could find yourself over your head. Let’s talk about some profitable real estate strategies you can employ. The most popular ones are the buy-and-hold and flipping strategies.

    Buy and Hold

    The buy-and-hold strategy allows you to own a home for several years and allow it to appreciate over that time. If you have a tenant, you can gain additional income by collecting rent every month.

    Because it is a long-term strategy, the buy-and-hold approach can allow you to make money constantly on your property.

    The downside

    The downside of holding onto the property is that you have to wait a long time to see a profit on your initial investment. Also, you run the risk of the market having a downturn and the property actually losing value, which may put you behind the eight ball when it comes to appreciation.

    Flip That House

    Home-flipping is not a new concept, but when the market experiences a down period, more investors consider this option. The idea behind flipping a home is to buy it in a distressed state or when the market is down and sell it either when the market rebounds and when sufficient improvements are made to the home so as to raise its value.

    The downside

    The downside of home-flipping is that you make find yourself out of a lot of cash upfront in order to fix the property. Sometimes owners never make back their original investment.

    Count Your Expenses

    To decide whether you can make a profit from your rental property, you have to count your expenses. You won’t know just how much money you’ll need to generate until you make a list of things you’ll be paying for on a monthly and yearly basis.

    Try to evaluate the home to see what the expenses could be. Does it need a new roof? Will you be pouring concrete or reshaping the driveway?

    Here is a list of some expenses you may incur:

    • Maintenance
    • Landlord insurance
    • Property taxes
    • Mortgage payment
    • Utilities

    After you’ve made up list, you need to add up the figures and see what your profit is.

    Know Your Return On Investment

    Your return on investment is a mathematical equation that real estate investors use to determine whether buying a property makes financial sense for them.

    While some endeavors have very good returns in the high double-digits, in real estate you can expect anything above 10%. It’s perfectly alright to come in above that figure as well.

    The truth is that your ROI will be tied to the amount of risk your budget is able to withstand. It’s different for every investor.

    How To Know How Much To Charge For Rent

    You might not know what you should charge for rent. A good rule of thumb is that for every $50,000 you should charge $50. So if the home is worth $250,000, you should charge $250 a week. That’s $1,000 a month.

    Once you have an idea on what your ROI is, it’s time to go ahead. Now that you know what kind of money you can make, it’s time to buy the property.

    Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage

    The first real step to owning property is to get pre-approved for financing your mortgage. Mortgage lenders are typically going to want 20% down, especially for a rental property.

    If you want a cheaper down payment, the property has to be owner-occupied. That means if you’re interested in buying a multi-family dwelling (say a duplex, triplex or some apartments) you can qualify for a down payment of around 9% give or take a point.

    Go Property Hunting

    Now comes the fun part: Searching for properties!

    For rental properties, it’s incumbent on you to research the neighborhoods as well as the properties because some areas frown upon rental units.

    For instance, if you see a multi-family property in a neighborhood with $300 homes, you may face some backlash from nearby homeowners who feel strongly that their neighborhood or street shouldn’t have different tenants rotating in and out. That’s extreme, but it does happen.

    Also, when house-hunting, you need to decide whether you’re going to work with a Realtor or go it alone and look for the properties yourself. There are pros and cons to each decision, but just know that your Realtor will charge you a fee due upon the closing of the home.

    Make An Offer

    When you find your rental property, make sure you follow these steps so that there aren’t any problems.

    • Get an appraisal: Make sure what’s listed on the appraisal fits what your eyes can see.
    • Forego any major repairs: Instead of letting the seller fix the home, accept it as-is so you can buy the home for a cheaper price.
    • Negotiate your contract: If there are any must-fixes or must-haves, put it in writing so that it’s contingent on the sale.

    If your appraisal comes in higher than the comparable homes, congratulations: You’ve already got yourself some equity.

    Close On The Property

    The way a home closing typically works is that three people meet to close the deal. Although more people can be there (family, etc.), the essential parties are the seller, buyer and a real estate attorney.

    At closing, the ownership of the home switches hands. This is indicated by signing the documents, including the transferring of money from escrow accounts, title fees and modifying the deed on the house.

    Typically you can close about 30 days out, but you can do it much sooner if both parties agree. Once you’re all at the closing table, the deal should take one and a half to two hours.

    Final Word

    Becoming a landlord can be an important way to financial wealth. If you’re contemplating buying rental property in Louisiana, there’s a strategy that you have to adhere to.

    If you’re thinking about purchasing some rental property in Louisiana, you should know that it’s a great investment to make for your future.

    Renting property is a great way to make additional income. For some, it’s been a get-rich scheme, but oftentimes, it’s not. Go into it with your eyes wide open.

    if you follow the steps, we’ve mentioned, you can purchase a rental home and everything will go smoothly. After you get the keys to your new property, remember to change the locks. But not before you enjoy a nice bottle of champagne at closing.

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  • Where To Buy Nice Suits In New Orleans

    2 Min Read

    A fashionable suit can go a long way toward your reputation and just looking and feeling good. In the Big Easy, that’s not too hard.

    In this article, we’re going to show you where you can buy a suit in New Orleans. We’ll also look at some places where you can buy suits online.

    Here’s Where You Can Buy Suits Online And Locally In New Orleans

    Suits are not only cosmetically pleasing, but a well-fitting tailored clothing they also can build your confidence.

    Indochino

     3944 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 |  (504) 584-8982

    Rubensteins

    102 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 581-6666

    Brooks Brothers

    333 Canal Street Space 1.21A, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 522-4200

    Jeff’s Haberdashery

    4100 General De Gaulle Dr suite d-1b, New Orleans, LA 70131 | (504) 393-7074

    Now let’s take a look at some of the best suits you can find online. The following suits come from Amazon.com.

    Kenneth Cole Reaction Slim Fit

    Buy It

    Calvin Klein Slim Suit

    Buy It

    Men’s 3-Piece Suit

    Buy It

    Grey Kenneth Cole Reaction Suit

    Buy It

    Slim Fit Button Blazer Jacket And Pants

    Buy It

    Final Word

    No matter the season, dressing up is a great feeling. In New Orleans, Louisiana, the city is so colorful that you’ll do yourself a favor by always looking the part.

    Dressing to impress takes time, effort and money. If you’re someone who wears a suit from time to time, you can appreciate the many places in New Orleans where you can buy nice clothes.

    One of the things that makes the place special is the people, which are eager to show you a good time via parties and authentic New Orleans cuisine.

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  • How to travel safety in New Orleans

    Is It Safe To Travel To New Orleans Right Now?

    4 Min Read

    Like big cities across America, New Orleans has had its portion of challenges when it comes to safety, but your security shouldn’t be an issue day in and day out. Take it from someone like myself, who is a frequent annual traveler to ‘Nola.

    If you’re headed to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or another festive event, you should educate yourself on many things, crime, included. But, again, that doesn’t mean New Orleans is different than other similar cities.

    How Safe is New Orleans: A Guide For Visitors

    When it comes to travel, it’s natural to prioritize your safety first and foremost. That’s what you should do when visiting any city. But here’s what you need to know about the safety in the Crescent City.

    This article will tell you how safe New Orleans is from two perspectives — crime and COVID.

    Crime

    New Orleans is as safe as its ever been these days. While there are news reports of murders on the regular, that is the case in many cities with populations as large as New Orleans.

    The key is safety in New Orleans, like it is in many cities, is to do what you can to stay away from known trouble spots and to be awere of your surroundings at all times.

    For what it’s worth, the city is known to look after its own and cater to tourists and weekend visitors.

    COVID

    What it comes to COVID, New Orleans has some of the lowest numbers its had in nearly three years. As of October 10, 2022, here are the city’s COVID levels.

    Via Google.com

    To see the current status of COVID cases in Louisiana, check out the state’s official website.   That being said, New Orleans doesn’t have any travel restrictions or quarantine requirements for travelers to abide by.   Travel to the Crescent City does come with risks, as it does in any big city. The main reason has nothing to do with COVID.

    Travel To New Orleans: What You Need To Know

    Now let’s talk about traveling to New Orleans and the other aspects involved in that.

    Read Hotel Reviews

    To secure lodgings at a place that you can trust, it’s good to read up on hotel reviews in the area you want to stay. Some things you’ll want to take particular note of are:

    • Cleaniness
    • Customer service
    • Free breakfast bar
    • Parking (free or paid)

    New Orleans is a mecca for revelers. That means there are frequently intoxicated tourists on the streets at all hours.

    Here the best hotels in New Orleans.

    Book Some Transportation

    New Orleans has a lot of taxicabs, but just like everywhere else, Uber and Lyft has really reduced the need for public transit. That means that there are fewer taxicabs on the street.   Always map your journey before you go and tell someone when you expect to arrive at your destination.

    Here are some top taxi cab companies in New Orleans.

    Stay Away From High-Crime Areas

    Every city has places that would be best avoided by visitors. New Orleans is no different. If you look and feel out of place, there’s a good chance you are.

    Here’s an example: In any city, you would want to make sure you park in well-lit areas and don’t dress too flashy when out on the town. It’s a recipe for a rough night.

    Don’t know where to hang out in New Orleans? Talk to the locals.

    Final Word

    Urban crime has been a problem in many cities across America, and New Orleans, Louisiana, is no different. But how safe is the city?

    If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, like anywhere else, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

    This one goes for where ever you go: Be mindful of your environment. There are pickpockets and scammers in every big cities in the world.   If you plan to walk down Bourbon Street, you especially need to be careful.

    If you’re thinking about traveling outside the country right now, safety should be your top priority. The COVID pandemic continues to rage around the world.

    Instead of international travel, you might want to stick to one of the domestic cities like New Orleans, Louisiana. The food is good and there is plenty to see and do there.

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  • How much house can I afford in New Orleans, Louisiana

    How Much Home Can I Afford In New Orleans?

    5 Min Read

    With higher prices and stagnate paychecks, many Americans see affordability is a major issue when it comes to buying a home. In a major city like New Orleans, saving up for a home can be difficult.

    This article will tell you how to determine how much home you can buy in New Orleans.

    There are many affordable homes in large metropolitan cities like New Orleans and others, but it depends on what you’re looking for.

    Here’s How Much House You Can Afford In New Orleans (Calculator)

    People buy more house than they need for several reasons:

    • Bad advice from Realtors
    • Keeping up with the Joneses
    • Resale purposes

    Let’s talk about each of these a little bit before we move into what homes cost in New Orleans:

    Bad Advice From Realtors

    Real estate agents play a vital role in the homebuying process, but you have to know when they’re in and out of their lane. 

    A Realtor has no business telling you how much house you can afford. That’s what a lender is for. A Realtor should only advise you on what type of home you want.

    Still, many people listen to Realtors who are out to make a buck. Some of them will tell you that you can afford the home by this strategy and that strategy, but the truth is, it may be a bad deal.

    Keeping up the Joneses

    This is the worse reason to buy a big house: To keep up with your neighbors, friends or other family members. 

    If you are vain enough to buy a huge home because of someone else’s situation, then you’re the type that will end up with bad credit because you’re paying too much for your home, car and appliances.

    Resale Purposes

    Some potential home shoppers want to buy a home because they think that appreciation is going to let them double or triple their money (again, bad advice).

    That’s not the reason you should buy a home. You should purchase a home because you like it, the way it looks, feels and speaks to your sensibilities.

    The resale market is too unpredictable to base such a big purchase on, especially if you’re not a seasoned investor.

    So, how much home can you afford? Here’s how to find out:

    Multiply Your Annual Income

    To find out how much home you can afford, you would multiply your annual income by two or three.

    Let’s say you make: $50,000 a year. That means you could afford a home that costs anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.

    Of course, this will be affected by two things:

    • Interest rate: The percentage that is paid by borrowers for the money that they borrow.
    • Credit score: A three-digit number that indicates to banks and other lenders how likely you are to repay debt.

    Here Are 5 Ways To Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Answer these questions:

    • 1. How much is your annual income?
    • 2. How much is your downpayment?
    • 3. What ZIP code do you want to live in?
    • 4. How much are your monthly expenses (food, clothing, mortgage, etc)?
    • 5. What is your credit score?

    Here’s a mortgage calculator to help you:

    How Can I Calculate How Much Home I Can Afford?

    https://www.mortgagecalculator.net/embeddable/v2/?size=1
    Powered By www.MortgageCalculator.net

    Other Factors That Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Another factor that will indicate how much house you can afford is your expense-to-income ratio. 

    Front-End Ratio

    This is how much your monthly expenses are vs. how much income you bring in. Banks like this number, commonly called a “front-end ratio,” to be between 28 and 30%. 

    Your mortgage lender will look for your mortgage payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) to all be around 28% of your income.

    Debt-To-Income Ratio

    You’ll also need to have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio to get the home you want. This means that the amount of debt you’ve borrowed and  paying back is not gobbling up most of your income.

    Banks like your debt-to-income ratio to be around 36% typically.

    Are You A Veteran?

    If you have served your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants to help you buy, refinance or renovate your home.

    For ex-military and their surviving spouses, the VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Learn more here.

    30-Year-Loan Or 15-Year Fixed?

    If you have a choice, you may be wondering which is better: A 30-year mortgage or a 15-year mortgage?

    The truth is that both have their advantages. A 30-year mortgage would typically mean a lower monthly bill because the payments are spread out over more years.

    The bad part is that you’ll pay a lot more in interest over those years.

    For a 15-year fixed, the interest rate is lower and you’ll pay off the principal faster.

    The bottom line is if you can afford to do a 15-year mortgage, you should!

    Are you looking to buy a home in Atlanta? If you’re selling your old home, there are some things you’re going to need right off the bat:

    • A fresh coat of paint
    • Freshly manicured lawn
    • Latest home trends

    Once you’re all set in those areas, you’ll be ready for New Orleans’ real estate scene.

    Final Word

    When it comes to getting a home, you should always make sure that you’re pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin your search.

    And before you choose a lender, make sure you read the reviews.

    1 Comment
  • New Orleans housing market

    New Orleans Housing Forecast 2024: Prices, Inventory, Home Values

    4 Min Read

    New Orleans, Louisiana, presents some great opportunity for potential homebuyers who save up for a home, but like much of the country, high prices and mortgage rates will temper the market.

    The good news is that the local real estate market is expected to get better in the Greater New Orleans area, as long as you are priced right and have curb appeal.

    Although there are still some cheap homes out there, Greater New Orleans home prices rose throughout the previous year and are poised to continue to do so into 2023 although not as greatly.

    Will Prices Go Up Or Down In 2024 In New Orleans?

    While the scorching mortgage rates that recently topped 7.79% appear to be cooling, don’t expect a plunge back to the paradise of low rates. Forecasts mostly agree: a slight downward creep is likely, but expect most loans to remain above 6%, significantly higher than both historical lows and current rates enjoyed by the vast majority of homeowners.

    This means a major shakeup for the 90% of mortgage holders with enviable sub-4% rates is improbable. In fact, two-thirds of home loan owners sit comfortably below the 4% mark, leaving them largely unaffected by the potential decrease.

    Prices in New Orleans, Louisiana, are expected to fall on average of 1% based on Zillow data. The rate of appreciation has been above the national average for most of the past 10 years and that is expected to continue over the next 12 months.

    What is The Average Price Of A Home In New Orleans?

    According to the latest figures on Zillow, the average home price for a home in New Orleans is just under $250,000. In Metairie, the average price is around $256,000, which is up about 10% over the last year.

    There will be a glut of inventory of homes for sale in the metro area, and they will likely take longer to get offers and sales. How to afford a home will also be more of a challenge this year as economic factors loom, expert data says.

    There will be more homes for sale, homes will likely take longer to sell, and buyers will not face the extreme competition that was commonplace over the past few year.

    Will House Prices Be Cheaper This Year?

    Home prices in New Orleans are forecast to decline a bit, which will only serve to strengthen an already steady market. Homeowners are looking for affordable properties in the metro area, and New Orleans will continue to modestly shed inventory.

    New Orleans, one of the solidly traditional cities when it comes to home sales, is not unlike other large Southern cities in that it is expected to continue to be an in-demand market. That means the forecasted dip in local housing prices is only temporary.

    One of the main factors that will influence home prices is the economic landscape of the United States. Namely, the incremental movements by the Federal Reserve to get inflation in check.

    While interest rates are ticking upward, the chance that a full-blown recession takes hold in 2023 can’t be entirely discounted. But what such a move will no doubt do is slow down the mortgage industry.

    Rising mortgage rates are expected to continue to shed competition among people looking to buy a home. While a buyers market is a possibility in some areas, for Greater New Orleans, it is anticipated that real estate prices will hold up just enough that such a market won’t firmly take hold.

    Home shoppers priced out of the market will likely create pressures on the rent market, boosting prices once again.

    How Much Mortgage Do I Qualify For?

    To find out how much mortgage you qualify for, use this mortgage calculator.

    MortgageCalculator.org

    Javascript Mortgage Calculator by MortgageCalculator.org

    Final Word

    Contrary to popular belief, the coronavirus pandemic won’t stop housing prices from climbing in New Orleans or anywhere else. In fact, it may be quite the opposite.

    The pandemic set off a buying frenzy that will be hard to sustain. As prices continue to level off, make sure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage so that you can take advantage of low rates.

    If your finances need work, make sure you try to raise your credit score so you are an attractive homebuyer.

    4 Comments
  • New Orleans civil rights history

    10 Amazing Black History Facts About New Orleans

    3 Min Read

    New Orleans has a rich history with significant contributions from its African-American community, from scientists, doctors, actors, musicians and more.

    African-Americans have contributed mightily to the Crescent City’s culture, music, cuisine, and overall identity. From the contributions of enslaved Africans and free people of color to the development of jazz and other musical genres, to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, Black history is deeply intertwined with the history of New Orleans.

    The city’s vibrant Black community has produced numerous influential figures in music, literature, politics, and activism, making it an important center of African American culture in the United States.

    Congo Square

    Congo Square in New Orleans

    Located within Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square was a gathering place for enslaved and free people of color, where African cultural traditions, including music and dance, were preserved and blended with European influences, laying the foundation for jazz and other musical genres.

    Creole Culture

    New Orleans is home to a unique Creole culture, which developed among the city’s mixed-race population. Creole cuisine, music, and architecture all bear the influence of African, Native American, and European traditions.

    The Haitian Connection

    After the Haitian Revolution in the early 19th century, many free people of color from Haiti fled to New Orleans, enriching the city’s culture and contributing to its vibrant Creole community.

    Civil Rights Movement

    New Orleans played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. The city was the site of several key events, including the 1960 New Orleans school desegregation crisis and the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    Notable Figures

    New Orleans has been home to many notable Black figures, including jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton, as well as civil rights leaders like A.P. Tureaud and Oretha Castle Haley.

    Mardi Gras Indians

    The Mardi Gras Indian tradition, where African American communities in New Orleans create elaborate costumes and parade through the streets during Mardi Gras, is a vibrant expression of cultural pride and heritage.

    These are just a few examples of the rich Black history in New Orleans, which has contributed significantly to the city’s unique cultural identity.

    Final Word

    The black experience has defined a part of New Orleans’ culture for sure. from the innovation of jazz to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.

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