Wayne and I love to eat out and try new things, but one restaurant we keep finding ourselves back at isNew Orleans Hamburger and Seafood.  The menu is extensive, the food is delicious and service is fantastic!

I usually get the Asian Cajun Chicken Salad (a bit of a tongue twister when ordering, but it's worth the effort).  The Asian Sesame Ginger dressing gives the salad a wonderful flavor, but it's not overpowering, and the honey glazed pecans are such a treat.  My favorite item on the menu, and you cannot dine here without getting an order, are the garlic herb fries.  I am waiting for the day that this garlic herb sauce is bottled so I can cook with it at home - talk about heaven!

If you're not in the mood for a salad, the burgers and po-boys are truly what stand.  They are big, juicy, and I promise you will not leave hungry. 

To complete your dining experience, the restaurant offers gratis soft serve ice cream... a welcome treat to beat the southern Louisiana heat! 

Myth #1 – The Bank Does Not Want to Help Me and Would Rather Foreclose than to be Hassled with a Short Sale

This is probably the most common misconception about foreclosures.  The fact is that your bank truly does not want to foreclose on your property because process is expensive and takes a long time.  Through the HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program) the banks, investors and the federal government have all expressed their willingness to consider a short sale deal if the person qualifies.  

Short Sale Qualifications Include:

1. Financial Hardship - This is a situation causing you difficulties in affording your mortgage.  A hardship can include, but is not limited to: job loss or an out of area transfer, divorce, illness affecting you or someone in your immediate family, being called to active duty in a military unit.

2. Monthly Income Shortfall – “More Month than Money”.  You must show you lender that you currently cannot, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.

3. Insolvency – You do not have significant liquid assets that could be used towards paying your mortgage down. 

Myth #2 – You Must Have Missed a Mortgage Payment to Qualify For a Short Sale

This may have been true in the past; however, lenders today want to see a verifiable hardship, current monthly cash flow shortfalls, or approaching shortfalls and insolvency. 

If you meet these three requirements and you think you will become unable to pay your mortgage before long, it is important for you to act immediately. Once the foreclosure stopwatch starts your options become more limited.

Myth #3 – I Do Not Have Enough Time Before My Foreclosure Date to Negotiate a Short Sale

This is probably the most damaging myth to the homeowner.  Foreclosure is a process, and you do have time to make key decisions that could produce a better ending for you and your family. 

The foreclosure can sometimes be stalled up to the day of the foreclosure if you take action.  Most all lenders will stall a foreclosure on a property if there is a legitimate executed sales agreement.  Some lenders will even stall a foreclosure by simply providing information showing you are earnestly trying to sell the property.  Hiring a real estate professional who is educated and experienced in the short sale and foreclosure process is key.

Myth #4 – Listing My Property as a Short Sale is Embarrassing

It is completely understandable to have reservations about letting people know that your home is worth more than you owe.  However, recent estimates show that one in eight homeowners in the United States are currently in the same situation as your family and over 70% never contact a real estate professional for help before losing their property to foreclosure. 

Locally, short sales are not publicly recorded through the Realtors multiple listing service, so many short sales occur with only the parties that are privy to the transaction ever knowing that the homeowner ever faced financial distress and hardship. 

Myth #5 – Short Sales Drag on Endlessly and Never Get Approved

In actuality, since the federal government passed HAFA guidelines, Turner Real Estate Group has been averaging a time frame of approximately 45 days from accepted contract to close.  We employ a full time licensed staff member who handles the closing process, so your transaction runs smoothly and does not miss a step.  

Myth #6 – Banks are Not Accepting Short Sales and are Waiting for Another Bailout

Today, the reality is that the US government and lenders are willing to do anything they can to avoid foreclosing on properties.  More banks are actively and aggressively pursuing short sales and they want to work with Realtors who understand them.  Freddie Mac recently stated their organizational goal of “eliminating distressed assets through modification or short sale”.  Furthermore, banks are working hard to improve the short sale process internally, making it easier for agents and homeowners to work with them and to navigate through the short sale process. 

Myth #7 – Buyers and Buyers-Agents are Avoiding Short Sale Properties

In today’s real estate market, “short sales” are synonymous with “good deals”.  Modern buyers are eager to get the best deal available to them today.  Short sales are increasingly being priced even better than foreclosures, and buyers are taking note.  Listing your property with a Realtor who is educated and experienced in the short sale process will increase your chances of successfully avoiding foreclosure. 

Myth #8 – Once the Lender Forecloses on My Property All My Troubles will be Over

The truth is that the state of Louisiana has a five (5) year redemption period. This gives the lender the right to attempt to collect from you the deficient amount owed on the foreclosed property for up to five years from the date of the foreclosure.  Through a short sale, Turner Real Estate Group has successfully negotiated with lenders to forgive, or waive their right of redemption, on any deficient amount owed on the property.  We can negotiate this for you too! 

Myth #9 - I Don't Have Enough Money to Pay Broker Commissions and Fees to Sell My House

Turner Real Estate Group does not charge the homeowner commissions or fees when we sell your home through a short sale with your mortgage holder.  All commissions and fees are paid by your lender. 

Short Sales are new to many people, including many Realtors, but our team of professionals has taken a proactive approach through our education and experience to help homeowners who may be facing foreclosure.  If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a meeting with us, we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at… 985-626-1313.

Also visit www.LouisianaForeclosureRelief.com for more information on selling and buying short sales and foreclosures.

New Home (TBB)... Choose Your Colors, Cherry Cabinets, Granite Countertops, Open Kitchen, 9 ft Ceilings, Hardwood Floors, Concrete Driveway, Stainless Steel Appliances, 5" Crown Molding, 5 1/4" Oversized Baseboards, Upgraded Lighti ng with Ceiling Fans, Double Vanity, Garden Tub & Separate Shower in Master Bath, Walk in Closets, Approximately a 1 Acre Lot.

Remarkable Renatal... Split Floor Plan, Open Kitchen with Granite Counterto ps & Raised Bar Seating, 9 & 11 ft. Ceilings, Formal Dining Room, Hardwood Tile Floors, Double Vanities in the Master Suite, 1 Car Carport, Privacy Fe nce, Walk in Closets, Super Convenient Location.

Perfect Building Site... Bring Your Own Builder or We Can Build It For You! 1.5 Acres, Uncleared, Flood Zone C, No Flood Insurance Required By Lenders , Super Convenient Location, No Mobile Homes Permitted.

Need Quick Sale... Neat & Clean - Huge Open Kitchen with Raised Bar Seating & Gas Stove, 10 ft. Ceilings, 2 Inch Blinds, Covered Back Porch, House Backs to Green Space, Tile Floors, Crown Molding, Master Suite with Double Vanities, Separate Shower, Garden Tub & Walk in Closets, Original Owners- Non-Smoker Home!

Your Search is Over... Large Open Kitchen, with Pantry, Opens to Cozy Den with Gas Log Fireplace, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Privacy Fenced Yard, Corner Lot, Hardwood & Tile Floors, Big Bedrooms, Double Driveway Plus 2 Car Attached Garage, Community Pool & Tennis Courts, Super Convenient!

136 Golden Meadow - Covington Meadow Subdivision... $185,000/ 1,652 living area; 3 bdrm/ 2 baths; great location! Click here for more info.

101 St. George Circle - Covington Point Subdivision... $175,000/ 2,399 living area; 4 bdrm/ 2.5 baths; 2 car garage... Click here for more info.

Excellent Condition... Cathedral Ceilings, Open Floorplan, Corner Fireplace, Fenced Yard, New Paint, 2 Car Attached Garage, Convenient Location, Easy Access to the Causeway and I-12, Immediate Possession Available!

Your Private Getaway... 2.83 Acres, All New Kitchen & Baths, Hardwood & Tile Floors, Granite Countertops, Oak Cabinets, Tree Lined Property, New Well & Septic, New HVAC & Electrical System, 24x20 Detached Garage, Updated Lighting, New Paint, Arched Brick Fireplace, Separate Office or Formal Dining Room.

1,811 sq. ft. living/ 4 bdrm/2 baths

Priced to Move... New Roof, Sheet Rock, Paint, Big Backyard, Loads of Parking, All Brick, Fantastic Community, Home will Need Electrical, Kitchen & Baths,  Loads of Potential!

$239,900- 743 Ave Louis Quatroze- Versailles Subdivision, Covington, LA

$139,900- 3022 N. Palm, Palm Lake Subdivision, Slidell, LA

$65,000- 3623 Meadowdale, Dellwood Subdivision, Slidell, LA

$54,900- 104 Cedar, Liberty Pines Subdivision, Slidell, LA

Diamond in the Rough... 2 Separate Driveways & Entrances, Inground Swimming Pool, Storage Building, Covered Boat Slip, Wood Blinds, Fireplace, Slate Floors, All Brick Construction, Immediate Possession, Home Needs Cosmetic Repairs.

136 Holly Dr.- Mandeville, LA

Exquisite New Orleans Style Acadian Located in Historic Lewisberg Estates... Recent Renovations Make Home Like New, Top of the Line Jenn Air Appliances, Gas Cook Top, Ice Maker, Sub-Zero Refrigerator, New Windows, Fresh Paint, Covered Parking + Two Car Attached Garage, Private Guest Quarters w/ Kitchen and Bath, Lush Gardens with Koi Fish Ponds,  Extravagant Outdoor Kitchen, Screened in Porch, Full Irrigation System, Community Boat Launch.

2451 Destin St. - Mandeville, LA

Price Reduced to $212,900

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18763 Clear Creek Ln.- Covington, LA

Price Reduced to $575,000

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39698 John Wild Rd.- Ponchatoula, LA

Price Reduced to $449,900

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17638 Avalon Terrace- Hammond, LA

Price Reduced to $118,500

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74408 Wilkinson St. - Covington, LA

Price Reduced to $119,900

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402 N. Border Dr. - Bogalusa, LA

Price Reduced to $59,900

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Wednesday 6-2-10 from 12:00-2:00 PM !!

829 Tete L'Ours Drive

Beau Chene Subdivision

Click photo to view more information about this property...

10 Stonewood - Crestwood Subdivision, Covington, LA... reduced to $251,900... View pictures HERE.

74408 Wilkinson - Covington, LA... reduced from $150,000 to $129,900!!  View pictures HERE.

70473 B St - Covington, LA...Now priced at $138,900. View pictures HERE.

2900 General Ogden - New Orleans, LA... reduced to $137,000! View pictures HERE.