The Party Never Has to End in These 10 Mardi Gras-Ready Homes

It’s almost time for the biggest party of the year: Mardi Gras.

So grab some beads and a hurricane cocktail and settle back with these elegant French colonial homes for a sale — a vestige of the French settlers who once populated the Big Easy.

French Quarter

1005 Governor Nicholls St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $849,000

Like many French colonial homes in semi-tropical areas, this mini-estate features an enchanting garden oasis to complement its tall windows and tastefully understated storm shutters.

Check out more homes on the market in the French Quarter.

Frisco, TX

12387 Shoal Forest Ln, Frisco, TX
For sale: $1 million

This French colonial boasts hinged shutters, a parlor with built-in bookshelves, and balconies adored with ornate ironwork. The master suite is a haven for pampering, with a coffee bar, two walk-in closets and a claw-foot tub alongside an oversized shower.

See more listings in Frisco.

Madisonville, LA

138 Deloaks Rd, Madisonville, LA
For sale: $2.275 million

French colonial homes built on acreage are often called plantation homes — and they have the luxury of wide porches for sipping lemonade and taking in the breeze. This home along the Tchefuncte River boasts five fireplaces for chilly evenings.

View more listings in the Madisonville area.

Vero Beach, FL

9230 E Marsh Island Dr, Vero Beach, FL
For sale: $2.2 million

Located on an island in South Florida, this home was built in 2005 but has the narrow windows and shutters, wide front balcony and French doors of a traditional French colonial home.

See more listings in Vero Beach.

New Orleans, LA

910 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $1.875 million

This Creole townhouse, which mixes French and Caribbean architectural elements, brings the elegance of a slate roof and copper gutters to a French Quarter home that dates to 1830.

See more homes for sale in New Orleans.

Charleston, SC

17 Thomas St, Charleston, SC
For sale: $1.459 million

Balconies figure prominently in French colonial architecture, although the most ornate railings were added during the subsequent Victorian era by people who found colonial design dull.

See more homes for sale in Charleston.

Houston, TX

5636 Longmont Dr, Houston, TX
For sale: $3.8 million

The French colonial style takes on a country manor look with larger houses, like this 8,715-square-foot mansion that’s Texas Big.

See more homes for sale in Houston.

Shreveport, LA

2025 Fairwoods Dr, Shreveport, LA
For sale: $349,900

Modern homes like this one sometimes mimic the French colonial style, with steep roofs and tall windows. This one is billed as a cottage, but it measures more than 2,000 square feet.

Check out more listings in Shreveport.

Los Angeles, CA

1286 Sunset Plaza Dr, Los Angeles, CA
For sale: $5.149 million

Word had reached Los Angeles as far back as 1936, when this home was built, that French colonials had it all over elegance. A backyard pool, plus immense closets and a giant wine cooler bring a California sensibility to the mansion.

See more homes for sale in Los Angeles.

Houston, TX

904 E 26th St, Houston, TX
For sale: $659,000

Here’s a modern home outside Louisiana that makes the New Orleans Garden District look seem easy. Tall windows, a front porch and an ornate balcony: You almost expect to see beads flying through the air.

View more homes for sale in Houston.

Related:

• An Early 1800s Creole Cottage in the French Quarter
• A Colonial Farmhouse That Predates the Country
• 13 Colonial-Style Homes for Sale in the 13 Colonies

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/10-french-colonials-for-sale-191322/
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Louis C.K. Builds His NYC Apartment Empire

For a guy who professes to be materialistic about only cars and cameras, comedian Louis C.K. is showing extraordinary love for real estate. He just bought a fourth apartment in the same West Village co-op where he’s owned for years.

At $564,900, this studio is his priciest Manhattan purchase so far. The eat-in kitchen has been “gut renovated,” with an all-in-one convection and microwave oven, according to the listing by Alejandro Beitler of Compass.

Its ceilings are high, its fireplace decorative and two of its closets walk-in. Pets allowed.

Louis C.K. bought the studio with his ex, Alix Bailey, with whom he professes to have an even better relationship now than when they were married. “I love being divorced,” he said. “Every year has been better than the last … . Marriage is just like the larvae stage for true happiness, which is divorce.”

For getting out of the city, Louis C.K. owns a multi-million-dollar mansion in the Hamptons.

Related:

• Tina Fey Snags $9.5M Apartment Above Her Existing Home
• No Joke: Amy Schumer Asks $2M for Manhattan Apartment
• Robin Williams’ Villa of Smiles Finally Sells for $18.1M

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/louis-ck-buys-nyc-apartment-191356/
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Brighten Your Valentine's Day With DIY Cards and Budget Bouquets

Creating special notes and cards is simple with these DIY hacks. Local craft stores are fully stocked with inspiration. Gather mix-and-match washi tape, metallic letter stickers, and alphabet stamps, and get ready to let your creative juices flow. Taking an afternoon to craft is a great way to spend time with the kids or unwind solo.

Pencil eraser stamp card

Materials:

• Notecard and envelope
• Stamp pad
• Metallic letter stickers
• No. 2 pencil

Use an eraser to create an abstract pattern on all four edges. As you stamp, the color will dissipate to create an ombre effect. For extra gradients of colors, I used Hero Arts’ ombre pink stamp pad. It's like three stamp pads in one.

A message spelled out in foam metallic gold letter stickers finishes this custom card beautifully. The letters are available in tons of fonts you can mix up. I used Thickers Gold Foam Letters.

Washi tape pattern card

Materials:

• Notecard and envelope
• Washi tape in varying designs
• X-Acto knife
• Protected surface for cutting

Washi tape comes in loads of colors and patterns. Combining these shiny gold, floral and geometric washi designs makes a funky custom card.

Tape the notecard to the cutting mat or protected surface, and carefully cut along the edges.

Seal the deal by detailing the closure on the envelope with washi tape to match the card inside, and finish with a fun stamp.

Arrange-it-yourself bouquet

Say it with grocery- or corner-store florals. Skip purchasing a large flower arrangement in favor of setting out a smaller bespoke bouquet. Or spread the love - make more than one small arrangement to surprise a few friends or neighbors.

Purchase four different kinds of flowers or greenery. When you get home, trim the stems and put the flowers in cold water.

Choose a lovely, unexpected vessel like a jar or mug. Cut the flowers’ stems to the appropriate length, and arrange in a balanced but informal grouping.

Set out your arrangement, paired with one of your cards bearing a special and personal phrase, as a welcome home surprise or morning treat for your Valentine.

Photography by Kristen Blush.

Related:

• One-of-a-Kind Design: Freshening Your Space for the New Year
• A DIY Dresser Update (Without the Commitment)
• Styling Bar Carts: 4 Irresistible Looks

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/diy-cards-budget-bouquets-191306/
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House of the Week: Walls of Glass in the Heart of Ski Country

 

In the heart of Colorado ski country — land of alpine homes with great big logs and hulking fireplaces — along comes this streamlined glass house with vistas that stretch on forever.

Perched above Aspen, overlooking the mountains and several world-class ski resorts, this sleek contemporary home is on the market for $13.9 million.

“This is so super-clean that it tends to be a blank canvas for anything you’d want to design,” said listing agent Jill Shore of Douglas Elliman.

The 6-bedroom home and 1-bedroom guesthouse span 9,500 square feet, with 7.5 baths, white oak floors and triple-pane windows to keep out the noise while letting in 270-degree views from sunrise to sunset.

The double-sided fireplace makes an elegant statement amid soaring ceilings and walls of glass, and the bedrooms open onto their own patios and decks for maximum exposure to nature.

Lest you be without a view on your way in or out, a glass tunnel connects the four-car garage to the house.

Related:

• A Glass House in Missoula
• A Glass House Philip Johnson Would Love
• People Who Live in (These 10) Glass Houses Should Throw Parties

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/glass-house-in-aspen-190880/
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Stow Away in Style: Alternative Storage for Any Space

When it comes to home decor, finding tasteful organizing solutions is crucial, especially for renters and small-space dwellers. These beautiful containers, bins, trunks, and chests are ideal for stashing everything from cleaning supplies to linens.

Whether you’re in a shabby chic beach house or a modern brownstone, you can’t have enough storage alternatives. Organize beautifully with these finds.

Vintage luggage

This tan leather suitcase’s dinged-up edges and weathered surface tell an amazing story. Towing the line between “distressed” and “beaten-up” can be challenging with antiques, but this is a perfect example of a well-worn, exciting find worth coveting.

Tripling as out-of-sight storage, side table and conversation starter, beautiful luggage - either stacked or standing solo - will anchor any small space.

Vintage Leather Suitcase, Etsy, $132

 Wooden crates and wine boxes

You can hunt down wine boxes and heirloom wooden crates at antique stores or estate sales, or purchase new ones online. They’re great for outfitting a lake or beach house with storage for board games or clean towels.

3-Piece Wood Crate Set, All Modern, $129

Convertible coffee table

The metal frame of this modern coffee table supports a streamlined wooden tabletop that converts into an elevated surface and reveals hidden storage. This clever find comes in two tones, and is a perfect solution to stow books and remotes.

Industrial Storage Coffee Table, West Elm, $600

Upholstered trunk

If you’re looking for something budget-friendly and stylish, this trunk is a great fit. Kick off your shoes and throw your feet up on this piece for comfortable solo TV bingeing, or set out a cheese board on a tray when you’re using it as a coffee table. It’s easy to dress this piece up or down, and it’s also a great place to store out-of-season clothing and accessories.

Cocktail Trunk, Wayfair, $310

Acrylic cube

See-through trunks are perfect for nursery toys, beautiful books, or anything you mean for folks to see. These can double as an eye-catching side table, and work well in a closet, too.

Mod Locker, CB2, $479

Related:

• In Home Decor, Less Is More
• Styling Bar Carts: 4 Irresistible Looks
• Hosting a Cozy Game Night

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/alternative-storage-any-space-191289/
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Can the Mortgage Process Really Be 100% Digital?

Technology advances have reinvented mobile phones, music, TV, and many other industries in the past decade. And now technology is finally beginning to overhaul the mortgage process.

But is it really possible to have a 100-percent digital mortgage? Let’s take a look.

Clarifying the digital mortgage process

The two biggest misconceptions of digital mortgages are that you can get a mortgage with the push of a button, and that you won’t have to provide as much documentation.

When you make a video call or stream a song or movie, you're literally pushing a button or two. But a mortgage is still a major financial transaction requiring documentation and analysis of your full financial life, so you'll need to put in some effort - even when it's sped up by a digital process.

Likewise, digital mortgages speed you up, but typically don't reduce the documentation required.

Reduced documentation mortgages played a major role in setting off the financial crisis in 2008 as lenders required less and less income, asset, and employment verification to approve mortgages.

Then the reverse happened for years after the crisis: lenders would provide seemingly never-ending checklists of required documentation to approve and close your mortgage.

Today, you're still providing the same amount of documentation, but the efficiencies of technology make the process much easier.

For example, today you're answering questions about credit, residence, and employment history in an online form, whereas just two years ago you would have had to write, sign, and send letters to answer acceptably.

And today you can authorize your lender to obtain pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns from the sources rather than assembling and sending all of this documentation yourself.

What you can do digitally vs. what you can’t

The federal laws created after the crisis require lenders to prove (with your full documentation) that they've verified your ability to repay your mortgage before you take it out.

To do this, lenders must follow eight federally required loan approval factors. So if a digital process doesn't satisfy these parameters for any reason whatsoever, you can be sure your lender will send you follow-up checklists requesting more documentation.

If you applied online originally, follow-up checklists and documentation may be requested and provided online, or the old-fashioned email way. Each lender's process is different, and your lender will instruct you.

Processes are also different depending on loan size and type.

For example, if you're applying for a conforming mortgage up to $417,000; you've been a straight salary employee (that is, receiving no bonus or commission) at a large company for more than two years; you file your taxes using an online service; and you have online accounts with all of the financial institutions that have your money, then the digital mortgage process will likely be very easy. You apply online; authorize your lender to directly obtain pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns on your behalf; and run a credit report. Then the digital process will analyze this documentation, and run an automated loan approval. For a profile like this, you could be approved in 10 to 30 minutes.

Conversely, if you're applying for a jumbo mortgage above $417,000; you're self employed with multiple sources of income; you have a tax adviser manually prepare your taxes; and you don't have online accounts with all of the financial institutions that have your money, then the digital mortgage process will require more human intervention by you and your lender. You apply online and provide the same authorizations as above, but you'll need to assemble and submit a lot of documentation yourself, and you'll likely see follow-up checklists as your lender manually reviews and approves your file - because loans above $417,000 are often ineligible for automated approval. The process could take hours or days.

How many lenders offer digital mortgages?

Today, the digital revolution is still working its way through the mortgage industry. You might get amazing technology or outstanding service and advice, but not all lenders have married both so far.

As more lenders adopt the digital processes described above, your decision as a mortgage shopper will come down to whether you want to run the whole process yourself online, or you want an adviser to help you in person along the way.

Because home buying is a large - and often intimidating - financial decision, good advice is likely to remain at the forefront of the mortgage offering. So if you want great advice plus the efficiencies of a digital process, it's best to start by finding a great local lender, then interviewing them about their digital offerings.

Related:

• 5 Mortgage Misconceptions Set Straight
• The 4 Most Important Mortgage Documents You’ll Sign
• 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Finance a New Home

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/can-mortgage-process-be-digital-191267/
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'Malcolm in the Middle' Star Frankie Muniz Lists in Scottsdale

Frankie Muniz, the lovable brainiac who was “Malcolm in the Middle,” is all grown up now and listing his home in Scottsdale, AZ for $2.895 million.

The stone-and-stucco exterior offers an inviting entree to a home decorated in warm tans and browns, with exposed-beam ceilings and views of surrounding saguaro and mountains.

The 5-bedroom, 7-bath home includes a great room with soaring ceilings, a fireplace and a giant window looking out onto the pool with three waterfalls all in a row against a backdrop of desert brush and red rocks.

A giant, centrally located kitchen adjoins the family room, which has its own fireplace, and a dining nook with views. There’s a wet bar, a large home theater, and a veranda overlooking the pool.

The master suite boasts a sitting area with a fireplace, plus a spa bath with an extensive dressing area and a separate shower and soaking tub. Three guest suites open onto the lush grounds.

The listing agents are Monica Monson  and Barry Van Patten of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International.

Related:

• Emily Blunt & John Krasinski Selling Hillside Home in LA
• Sarah Palin Lists Equestrian Estate in Scottsdale
• Scott Disick Buys in Hidden Hills Near Kardashian Klan

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/frankie-muniz-lists-in-scottsdale-191232/
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Robin Williams' Villa of Smiles Finally Sells for $18.1M

The Napa Valley estate that beloved funnyman Robin Williams built in 2003 and tried to sell before his untimely death in 2014 has finally sold for $18.1 million.

Williams initially asked $35 million for the 639-acre vineyard property, whose 20,000-square-foot main home he dubbed Villa Sorriso, or Villa of Smiles. The home has been on and off the market since 2012, with multiple price cuts.

Inspired by the Palladian architectural style of the 1700s, the villa boasts 5 bedrooms, 8 baths, a library, pool room, elevator, and luxurious screening room worthy of an Oscar and Golden Globe winner.

The home’s elite craftsmanship begins with an imported Portuguese limestone exterior and continues inside with gold leaf and verdigris ceilings in the library and master suite, oak panels with mother-of-pearl inlays, and mosaic glass tile rotundas.

Villa Sorriso offers climate-controlled wine cellars and a viewing tower for taking in the acreage and its spring-fed pond, tennis court, hiking trails, 7-stall horse barn and olive orchard, plus vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc varietals.

Antique European stone terraces overlook the grounds, including a 65-foot infinity edge swimming pool with a wading pool and spa. There’s also a 3,200-square-foot guest house.

The listing agents were Joyce Rey and Cyd Greer of Coldwell Banker Previews International. The buyers are French winemakers from Chateau Pontet-Canet, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Related:

• Tina Fey Snags $9.5M Apartment Above Her Existing Home
• Playboy Mansion Hops on the Market for $200M
• John Legend & Chrissy Teigen Nab New House for the New Year

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/robin-williams-estate-sells-191203/
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6 Ways to Cut Costs This Winter

The winter months can be expensive. Beyond holiday shopping, they often encompass travel, big meals, unexpected splurges, and large energy bills. Here are some ways to lower those costs as the temperature drops.

Save on home heating

Make simple, inexpensive adjustments in your home to cut energy usage and costs. Invest in a programmable thermostat, for example.

Did you know that lowering your thermostat at night (by just 10 to 15 degrees) can save as much as 10 percent on your heating costs? Set it and forget it!

Other smart moves: Make the switch to energy-efficient appliances, improve your home's insulation, and keep your furnace in good working condition.

Brown-bag it

When the temperatures drop, our appetites spin out of control. Think: comfort food. We're also more inclined to buy lunch instead of bring it, and that gets expensive.

In fact, a new Visa survey shows that American consumers spend $53 per week, on average, on eating lunch out. That's nearly $3,000 a year.

Time your ticket purchases

Looking to escape to someplace warm or splurge on a ski trip? We all want to get away this time of year, and while it's tempting to book leisure travel as you head into the weekend, don't do it.

Why not? Average prices for airline tickets bought on Friday (the most expensive day to book) are 13 percent higher than on Sunday (the cheapest day to book).

The cheapest of the weekdays? Tuesday.

Skip the gym membership

Four percent of new gym-goers don't make it through January; 14 percent drop out in February. Be honest with yourself: If you're not going to go to the gym this year, don't make the financial commitment.

There are free ways to get in shape (such as body-weight training), and fun, inexpensive options, too. Try popular online streaming video workouts like DailyBurn or Crunch Live - trials are free.

Alternatively, if you're not wedded to a particular workout or program, get a monthly membership pass on ClassPass. For $125 per month (with no contract), you get access to thousands of classes at some of the best fitness boutiques in any number of cities, from New York to Atlanta to Chicago to Los Angeles.

Drive walkable distances

Gas prices may be down to the lowest level in years - the national average is currently under $2 per gallon - but getting in the car to drive just a few blocks here and there is a classic money waster. Why not put on a heavy coat and walk?

Watch your impulse spending

We may not want to head out to the mall this time of year, but we do want to shop - in our jammies, in our homes, and often when we have the winter blues.

Unintended purchases make up more than half of retail shopping and generate around $4 billion in sales annually. Many of them are made during the winter months, particularly on those sites where our credit card information is stored. It's just too easy.

Don’t let yourself fall into the trap. You’ll regret those bills come springtime.

Related:

• The Best Saving Strategies for Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials
• Starting the New Year on Firm Financial Footing
• Should You Try a Peer-to-Peer Loan?

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/6-ways-to-cut-costs-this-winter-191183/
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