You would really have to be careful, mold is going to be a big issue in homes that suffered in the flood.You could probably get it for a good price but would have to spend to clean it up.

I lived in N.O. for over 20 years. We all knew the city would flood oneday, it was just a matter of when. Most of N.O. is below sea level so I would be very concerned buying in N.O. east, Chalmette, or toward the river. My best bet for your dollar and peace of mind would be Metairie, east of the 17 St. canal. Also, go online and look at the crime rate areas.....again, you'll feel safer in Metairie.

You need a licensed Real Estate Broker. An agent will know the area, the market, and can sort through the current inventory to find you the home that best suites your wants, and needs. Pick a large Real Estate Company with a good reputation. A large company will have experienced agents, and many resourses to assist you with your home search. Large Companies also offer referral services throughout the country.

I got concrete home in Marrero,la (area never flooded ) 2400 sq.ft priced at 308,000. You can reach me at 504-348-0677.

I'm a little late here, but I would like to offer you some help. $120k is plenty of you "buy right". This is what I do for a living, I teach people how to buy right and i'll even make all the contacts for you. You won't have to do anything but tell me where you want to live. I too am from New Orleans (the Lower 9th Ward) so I know all the areas to stay away from, etc. I will give you honest advice and I'll be more than happy to help you out.

And most importantly, I can get you into a brand new home for what you are willing to spend. Email me at - info@serapisdebtservices.com - or visit my website.

Khazeem Asadullah

I'm not a real estate agent so there is no motive on my part. I was born and raised in New Orleans and feel that I may be able to lend information simply speaking from one person to another. If you're interested, drop me an email and I'll be happy to forward info. You can reach me at New-Orleans-Saints-Gal@Comcast.net.

Good luck in whatever you chose to do. You're going to fall in love with the city.

James, I would be glad to help you with all of your real estate needs. email me and I can help you with your move.

Cindy

To help, here I sit typing on my couch in my home that flooded... a home that has been around for over 110 years.

Now, with shiny hard wood floors, beautiful high celings, a home seeped in history and no mold or mildew ...no where in the world could compare with the feeling of living an old home in New Orleans...which is why we come back, which is why we never leave, for the plain jane boring world of most modern construction can never compare to the feel and touch of 100 year old soft cypress wood doors, the glorious sun coming seeping through tall windows, and having the second floor windows open on a cool balmy 65 degree wintry night.

I was back here before the secondwave of looters and got rid of the mold and mildew, scum on the floors and scum in cars with out of state license plates looking for trouble.

Now, there is opportunity. I can find one a completely renovated, 1 bed condo for $120K, in a wonderful neighbourhood convenient to everything, with low condo fees. Single family homes start in the $150 k range, (1200 SF).

To get a handle on our world, I need to know what world you came from, and adapt to that, not the other way around.

Living in New Orleans is all about living a lifestyle, not simply living within 4 walls. We base where one lives in terms like, "my house is 1 mile from the Jazz Fest, and a block from a particular Mardi Gras Parade". One of my friends lives on such and such a street..."yeah, it is 4 blocks Uptown off the parade route" while another lives "4 blocks from Emeralds", and another 2 blocks off Bourbon, or three blocks from Italian or Sushi, etc. etc.. .

Lets take New Orleans out of the mix and speak in general. I personally would not buy a previously flooded home for the many reasons. First reason being I will forever have to disclose (not that anyone will forget Katrina and New Orleans) the home was one time flooded and water intrusion leads to so many questions and concerns...and so many unknowns. Second, even if you hire a great contractor to renovate from the water damage is anyone every 100% sure what is going on behind the walls once the framing is covered back up. Mold and Mildew can cause health issues. Unless the home was brought down to the cement foundation and rebuilt I would have my concerns. Third, Ian is 100% correct. Renovating a home in any situation is a big task and often ends up a much bigger task than originally thought and a more expensive task than budgeted blowing out your tight budget leaving you in financial hardship with an unfinished home.

I would love to hear the view point of the pros local to New Orleans on the flooded homes. Not visiting New Orleans personally since Katrina I can only go by what was seen on the news which were homes that had water levels to the attic. Should these homes not be torn down and start anew? And are they? Is this buyer referring to homes with little water damage?

If you do not have experience renovating homes, I would not jump into this market, with a new job and try to start renovating...especially if you are not from around here.

I would strongly suggest a condo...but one really has to look at your needs, your family, etc. $120 k is not going to buy you a house, and the insurance alone on a single family house will way exceed any condo fee in a comparable property.

Take a look at my website to get a handle of the New Orleans market, and see what it takes/costs to rebuild. This ought to help you before you start talking to a Realtor

The first thing that you will need to decide is how close to your work you want to be. Which Casino would you be employed with. There are Casinos in New Orleans, Kenner, and even Harvey? Once you have decided which area is best for you, then it would be a matter of you viewing the homes. There are some flooded homes that are available and if you can find the right deal it can work. The issues would be Insurance, and getting hold of a Contractor that can finish the home in ample time. You may want to think about purchasing a Condo. Depending on the size of your family and what your needs are, it may be a good choice. The one thing about this area is that you may have many choices. You can also find properties that are doubles. You can live on one side and rent out the other to help with the mortgage. There are many options. If you are looking for a professional to help you with locatiing a property, you can call me at any time and I will be happy to help. My name is Susanne Christoffersen with Specialized Real Estate and my phone number is (504) 621-6711. My email is alijoshathome@aol.com.

Wow! That is a loaded question! I live in the area so I can speak from experience. It will be very difficult to find a home in that price range. When a good home comes up for sale in the 120K's it is gone that day. So not only are you looking in a scarce price range, you are looking in a highly competitive price range as well. If you are not working with a professional, get one now! It would be extremely difficult to find this on your own. If you are able to commute, I recommend you look in areas out of New Orleans such as Prairieville, Gonzales, LaPlace as well as Mandeville, and Covington. Many of us commute.

If you buy a flood home, you will most likely find it difficult to get it insured, not to mention the other problems it may have. Again check with a lisenced agent.

That's a great question. It really depends on where you are looking specifically. For that price range, however, there are fantastic homes just outside of New Orleans (ie Kenner, Metairie). You can also look across the lake in areas such as Covington and Mandeville. Depending on your personal criteria, would help to determine the very best neighborhood for you. Now is a really great time to invest!