baton rouge: Staying Positive in a Difficult Situation - 09/08/08 07:41 AM
First and foremost I would like to apologize for my absence due to Hurricane Gustav.
My power was returned yesterday after almost a week after Gustav hit Baton Rouge.  I am very blessed however as Baton Rouge and surrounding areas have been told it will be 2 weeks+ from now until all electricity is restored.
I do not believe much has been said about Hurricane Gustav in the media but it had a very damaging impact on Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.  I could use my blog as a soap box to complain about the 9 hours+ people waited in their cars … (5 comments)

baton rouge: A Tour of Lousiana State University in Baton Rouge - 08/18/08 06:39 AM
LSU (one of the few land-grant and sea-grant institutions) was founded by the Louisiana General Assembly in 1853 and moved to its present location in 1926.
 

LSU includes 9 senior colleges and 3 schools, in addition to specialized centers, divisions, institutes, and offices.  Their enrollment is more than 30,000 students, including more than 1,700 international students and about 5,000 graduate students.

LSU's most prominent landmark, the Memorial Tower, is the central feature of the LSU campus.
 

LSU's original designer, Theodore C. Link, designs' "define the Italian Renaissance character of the campus, which is marked by red … (4 comments)

baton rouge: Buyers: Know your credit score! - 08/07/08 04:23 AM
"One big factor that's changed mortgage lending is widespread use of automated underwriting software, which is required for lenders to be able to sell loans on the secondary mortgage market.  This software takes certain things into account, like credit scores, that weren't considered before." - Mark Steele, President of Howard Hanna Mortgage Services in Pittsburgh
 
As home buyers, you may be feeling the pressure of tougher restrictions when trying to receive approval for a real estate loan.  What advice can I give you?  Know your credit score.   Why?   Everything these days is becoming more credit scored focused.   Following I will … (1 comments)

baton rouge: Google Maps "Street View": Great for Business, Localism, & More! - 08/06/08 05:58 AM
Here is a cool yet addictive new feature that has just been provided for Baton Rouge... "Street View" in Google Maps! Although this has probably been around for major cities, Baton Rouge is just now catching up and I'm catching on!

Think Google Earth but at street level and 360 degrees! If your town does have access to Street View (go check now!) all you have to do is:

1. Go to maps.google.com
2. Enter the address & city of what you are searching for
3. When your targeted location comes up click 'Street View' … (10 comments)

baton rouge: In the midst of Hurricane Season: Are you prepared? - 08/04/08 07:43 AM
We are in the midst of Hurricane Season (June 1- November 30) and with Tropical Storm Edouard approaching the Louisiana and Texas coasts' now is the time to review Hurricane Safety Information.The National Hurricane Center states "the most important thing that you can do is to be informed and prepared." But one of the most important decisions you will have to make is "Should I Evacuate?". 

The NHC also says Disaster Prevention should Include:
1.      Developing a Family Plan:  Some of these steps include discussing the types of hazards that could affect your family, locating a safe room/areas in your home … (1 comments)

baton rouge: Top 5 Summer Vacation Tips - 07/15/08 06:40 AM
Top 5 Summer Vacation Tips

1. When booking an airline flight, book early.  Summer flights fill up extremely fast  and the longer you wait the more expensive it will be.  Another way to save money?  Do not buy your tickets during ‘peak' times.  Try to book between Monday through Thursday and between mid-morning to early afternoon or even the evening.  Prices will be substantially lower during these times and less busy.
2. Dress and pack with security in mind.  For a smoother trip, be up to date on all the prohibited items and rules at the Transporation Safety's Administration's Web … (5 comments)

baton rouge: Best of Baton Rouge- 225 Awards - 07/01/08 06:54 AM
The annual ‘Best of 225' Awards have been announced! 
View below to see a brief view of some of the Best of Baton Rouge!  Some you may agree with, others you may oppose.  Let me know who you think is the best!
For a full list of current and past winners/runner-ups in all categories, click here. 
 
Best Burgers:

George's

 
 


Best Dessert:

Copeland's CheeseCake Bistro
 
 
Best Fast Food:

Raising Cane's
 
 
Best Overall Restaurant

The Chime's

 
 
 




Best Local Festival

Jazz … (2 comments)

baton rouge: Baton Rouge Real Estate: Charming Cottage Style Home in Prestigious Gated Community - 06/30/08 04:57 AM
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baton rouge: Friday Blog Humor - 06/27/08 08:46 AM
 

 
While browsing the Internet I found this blog with this cartoon and I thought you fellow Active Rainers might think it was humorous. 
I hope this puts a smile on your face and you have a great weekend!
(7 comments)

baton rouge: Cruise Baton Rouge - 06/25/08 07:47 AM
Are you an aspiring Lance Armstrong?
Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend with the family?
Look no further... The Mayor's Family Bike Day, this Saturday, June 28th.  Join our Mayor, Kip Holden, and the Baton Rouge Police Bike Unit for a two-mile bike cruise from the levee at the USS Kidd To Skip Bertman Dr. and back.  The entirety of the course is four miles.  This free event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes with food, face painting, a tour of the USS Kidd, Academy Sports raffle, DJ, and more! 
For more information and the complete bike route, … (0 comments)

baton rouge: 7 Step Method to Increase Productivity - 06/25/08 07:37 AM
There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to achieve it.  Napoleon Hill
 
7 Step Method to Increase Productivity
Step One:  Decide Exactly What you Want
Step Two:  Write it Down
Step Three: Set a Deadline on your goal; set sub-deadlines if necessary
Step Four:  Write a list of everything that you can think of that you are going to have to do to ahieve your goal.
Step Five: Organize the List into a plan.
Step Six:  Take Action on your Plan … (13 comments)

baton rouge: What to Remember when Applying for a Real Estate Loan - 06/24/08 09:28 AM
 

The Ten Commandments when Applying for a Real Estate Loan
Thou shall not change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job. Thou shall not buy a car, truck, or van (or you may be living in it)! Thou shall not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind. Thou shall not spend money you have set aside for closing. Thou shall not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application Thou shall not buy furniture. Thou shall not originate any inquiries into your credit. Thou shall not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer. … (2 comments)

baton rouge: Summer Fun in Baton Rouge - 06/19/08 08:33 AM
Looking for something to do with the kids in Baton Rouge?
Look no further...
 

Summer Camps-- It's not too late to register!
 1. A list of 6 summer camps compiled by 225 Mag that are still available for registration
 2. YMCA Summer Day Camps
 3. Baton Rouge Zoo Camp
 4. BREC Day Camps
 
Teen Programs
 1. YMCA Teen Programs
 2. Youth Sports
 3. "Libraries are more than Just Books..."
 4. ACT Practice Test
 
Events
 1. BREC introduces Family Movie Night, Streetball and Dodgeball Tournaments, Family Day in the Park, and more!
 2. Family Dive-in Movies!
 3. Dog Day … (0 comments)

baton rouge: Father's Day Crafts! - 06/15/08 05:08 AM
Happy Father's Day!
I wanted to wish you all a very Happy Fathers Day.  I hope you have a blessed and relaxed day wherever you are!
 

I found a great site for kids (or the kid inside of us) with cute crafts and gift ideas for Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, etc.   They include printable awards, IOU gift coupons, coloring sheets, bookmarks, and cards.
Enjoy and have a great day!
(0 comments)

baton rouge: Baton Rouge Real Estate: Brand New Listing! - 06/13/08 11:11 AM
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baton rouge: Friday Humor - 06/13/08 09:39 AM
Once Again,  I hope this makes you smile and you have a great weekend!!

A broker was dismayed when a brand new real estate office much like his own opened up next door and erected a huge sign which read 'BEST AGENTS.' He was horrified when another competitor opened up on his right, and announced its arrival with an even larger sign, reading 'LOWEST COMMISSIONS.' The broker panicked, until he got an idea. He put the biggest sign of all over his own real estate office. It read: 'MAIN ENTRANCE'.
(4 comments)

baton rouge: What makes a great blog? - 06/12/08 08:47 AM
As a newbie, I've been wondering, what makes a great blog?
Searching around trying to find this answer I've noticed people enjoy lists, short and sweet paragraphs rather than an endless long-worded post, people want to learn something from reading a blog, seriousness is not always a must, personalization is key, and pictures are a bonus.
What do you like to read about in blogs?  What types of posts are you most likely to leave a comment on?  Most importantly, what do you think qualifies as being a great blog?


(3 comments)

baton rouge: Baton Rouge Real Estate: Gorgeous Prairieville Home on 3-Acre Private Lake - 06/12/08 04:54 AM
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baton rouge: "Recognition is the greatest motivator." - 06/05/08 02:27 AM
"Recognition is the greatest motivator" ~Gerald C. Eakdale
Don't forget to recognize those around you as recognition truly is the greatest motivator.  We all know how it feels to accomplish something at the top of our priority list but remind yourself of the feeling when someone says ‘Great Job' or you see your name on a bulletin board for your accomplishment.
Take time out today to list some names of people who you think need recognition for what they've done-give them a call, tell your go to person at the office that you appreciate them, write a note to the person … (3 comments)

baton rouge: How did you start your day today? - 06/04/08 03:52 AM
"He who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows out that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life."  ~Victor Hugo
How did you start your day today?  Was it writing a to do list?  Looking over appointments in your PDA?  Many people do not plan out their day and then get overwhelmed later as they don't have enough time to do the things they need to.  There is a simple solution for this: plan.  It takes few minutes in the morning to plan out your day but the reward … (4 comments)

 
Toni House, Realtor, Baton Rouge Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Realty- Red Stick Partners)

Toni House

Realtor, Baton Rouge Real Estate Expert

Baton Rouge, LA

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty- Red Stick Partners

Office: (225) 768-1800

Mobile: (225) 964-6535



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