These days, about 67% of home buyers and sellers rely on the internet at some point in their transaction. Any REALTOR® who is either not tech savvy or smart enough to hire assistants who are, is missing the chance to interact with the majority of buyers and sellers. Not all potential clients are ready when they first look at the Internet, but there will come a day when they can't sell their home or find another one fast enough. When they are ready, will they complete their transaction on eBay? Though some brave souls take that old adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" seriously enough to buy property sight unseen, most buyers do their preliminary shopping on line but when it is time to get serious, they want a REALTOR®. The same can certainly be said of sellers.  Sellers often re... 03/17/2009

 Now that the news is out about the American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 , many questions have surfaced about the $8000 first time homebuyer credit.  I will discuss these this week.  One of the first I get is "What Is a 1st Time Homebuyer and who is eligible to claim this tax credit?".    A first time homebuyer is a person who has not owned a home in the last 3-year period prior to the purchase.  For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past 3 years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the credit.  However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer... 03/15/2009

"Foreclosure" is a well known term in today's real estate market. However, the lesser known term and most misunderstood phrase creeping into the real estate world is the short sale. What is a short sale? Simply put, it is when a lender agrees to pay off or agrees to be "shorted" the amount of money a homeowner owes on a specific property. While simple in concept, short sales can be most complicated. It is NOT as easy as the borrower just telling the lender "sorry, I can only pay part of the loan back." First, the lender must agree to a short sale, and there is a process that must be followed. The reality is such that without the borrower having the right help to guide them through the transaction, the lender may never consider a short sale. So what does a borrower do when they find them... 03/12/2009

Recent figures released by Realty Trac, a national firm which monitors housing statistics, indicated that foreclosures in Louisiana in January of 2009 were far below the national average. Only one home out of every 3,833 had filed for foreclosure, as compared to one out of 466 nationally. Louisiana ranks 42nd among the states and the Distinct of Columbia. On a list of foreclosure increases for the nation's 100 largest housing markets, Baton Rouge was ranked 99th, right above Syracuse, New York. The lower rate might be due to a more favorable ratio of buyers' home prices to income that was held to in Louisiana. Throughout the 1990's, buyers nationwide bought homes that were 3.25 times their annual incomes, but after 2002, the figure soared to 4.70 times income. Though the ratio peaked at... 03/05/2009

Touched by hurricanes and recent economic trends, the Louisiana housing market is a bit different than elsewhere in the U.S. After hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, request for building permits soared to 6,500 in 2006 as there was great demand in East Baton Rouge Parish for new homes. The demand for new homes fell off as many potential homebuyers returned home. As the poor economy was reflected in housing, new housing permits in 2008 fell to only 2,500. In Baton Rouge itself, the drop off was from 1,199 in 2007 to 722 in 2007. More hurricane activity in 2008 from Gustav and Ike sent people running to Home Depot and home improvement companies as victims sought to repair their homes, not build new ones. Builders of new homes are cautiously optimistic that 2009 will be a good year and 2... 03/03/2009

Have you ever wanted to walk into the pages of The Jungle Book, or see lifesize Dora & Diego? Then you'll have a chance when you attend A STORYBOOK BALL that will be held in Baton Rouge March 14, 2009 from 6pm - 10m.  It's occuring at the Celtic Studios, the newest, fully functional Hollywood movie studio in Baton Rouge.  This gala event will be the first fundraising event for Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge, a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services for families. Vew the Press Releases and get all the deatils.  This excerpt from the Press Release gives a glimpse of the evening: "The Storybook Ball is meant to create an enchanted and magical evening for the entire family. Plans are to have carriage rides from the parking lot to a magical entrance. Once inside, th... 03/03/2009

This weekend the CMN Bass Classic will be held to help Baton Rouge's OLOL Childern's Hospital. I can attest to their skill and care for children in the greater Baton Rouge area.  I had to rush my 2 year old grandson there to get a peanut extracted from his nose!   There are several events to sponsor this regional hospital specializing in children's care, including rooms specially furnished for mom's and children of all ages! The Advocate News featured a video interview of the upcoming event: Bass tournament To sign up just register on OLOL website:  Sign Up Here  03/02/2009

Buying a home is a lot like marriage -it is a long term relationship.   With buyers suffering from a fear of commitment and many homes on the market, how do you make yours the Belle of the Ball?  Here are a few hints to help your home catch the eye of potential buyers. It's time to look at your home with new eyes.  Take a real long look at your home, inside and out.  Do you see a yard only a mother could love?  Well, it is time to do something about that.  Try to see the house as if you were the potential buyer.  Is the landscaping neat and tidy?  Are the gutters sagging a bit with age?  How is that paint job looking from the street?  Make sure that first impression makes the buyer like what they see.  If you were the buyer what would you think after that first glance? It's time to get ... 03/01/2009

The $787 billion recovery package has been signed in a massive attempt to revive our nation's distressed economy. But what does this package really mean and what will it really do, especially for housing? First and foremost, the package will cut taxes so potential home buyers will have more money to work with. Paychecks will increase about $13 a week until singles see a $400 tax credit and couples receive $800 throughout the rest of the year. Low income families can expect a $1000 child tax credit if they do not make enough throughout the year to pay income taxes. Middle-income and wealthy taxpayers will no longer pay the minimum alternate tax amount. Car buyers will be able to write off their sales tax on any car purchase made before the end of the year. The stimulus will aid housing a... 02/25/2009

This weekend the Oscar ceremony was watched my hundreds.  I was amazed as I read an article in Casual Living by Marcia Blake, President/Creative Director of Outdoor Interiors Design firm, where she notes that Color Trends Follow The Oscars colors.  This year's celemony was dominate by natural and jewel tones.  So I guess we'll be seeing Sapphire Blue, Emerald Green, and Ruby Red mingled with Neutral Chamnpagne, and Black & White  02/24/2009

http://greaterbatonrougerealestate.tv/ - Pollard Estates Subdivision Baton Rouge LA 70808 Housing Market Report Through 12/2008 SOLDS In Pollard Estates Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $329,988Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $111.28Median Sold Price: $272,500Low Sales Price: $250,000High Sales Price: $574,900Average # of Days On Market: 31# of Sales: 8 SOLDS In Pollard Estates Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 12/31/2008 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $295,589Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $110.36Median Sold Price: $280,000Low Sales Price: $175,000High Sales Price: $540,000Average # of Days On Market: 54# of Sales: 9 Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Pollard ... 02/21/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge's Old Jefferson Subdivision Market Report As Of February 2009   An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/07/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $145,150Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $92.81Median Sold Price: $147,000Low Sales Price: $127,000High Sales Price: $159,900Average # of Days On Market: 58# of Sales: 38 - Excludes 3 REO Sales An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 02/19/2009 reveals:  The Average Sales Price: $153,954The Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $92.60/sfThe Median Sold Price: $153,700Low Sales Price: $126,000High Sales Price: $199,500Average # of Days On Market: 53# of Sales: 22 - Excludes 7 REO Sales Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National... 02/21/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Woodridge Subdivision Baton Rouge LA 70809 Housing Market Update By East Baton Rouge FHA Home Appraisers                                                                                                                             SOLDS In Woodridge Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $346,578Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $138.84Median Sold Price: $349,000Low Sales Price: $271,000High Sales Price: $409,000Average # of Days On Market: 112# of Sales: 36 SOLDS In Woodridge Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/12/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $338,500Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $138.07Median Sold Price: $349,700Low Sales Price: $263,000High Sales Price: $407,299Average # of Days On Market: 91# of Sales:... 02/21/2009

http://gbrprelistingappraisals.com/ - Runnymede Townhouses Market Report 2/2009 By East Baton Rouge FHA Appraisers Solds In Runnymede Townhouses Community from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $230,583Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $103.97Median Sold Price: $236,750Low Sales Price: $194,000High Sales Price: $250,000Average # of Days On Market: 65# of Sales: 6 Solds In Runnymede Townhouses Community from 01/01/2008 to 02/02/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $215,960Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $102.18Median Sold Price: $215,000Low Sales Price: $165,000High Sales Price: $279,900Average # of Days On Market: 41# of Sales: 5DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 1/2009 DISTRESSED SALE OF 1935 W MAGNA CARTA PL. Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer use... 02/21/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers Release Study On Jefferson Place Showing 28% Increase In Median Sales Prices   Solds In Jefferson Place Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $584,006Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $168.31Median Sold Price: $500,000Low Sales Price: $139,900High Sales Price: $1,325,000Average # of Days On Market: 81# of Sales: 9 Solds In Jefferson Place Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 12/30/2008 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $607,457Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $191.45Median Sold Price: $643,100Low Sales Price: $196,000High Sales Price: $1,050,000Average # of Days On Market: 79# of Sales: 9The search was made through 02/19/2009, but the last closed sale closed 12/30/2008. Therefore, base... 02/21/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge's Park Forest Subdivision Q1 2009 Update Solds In Park Forest From 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed: Average Sales Price: $148,627 Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $84.91 Median Sold Price: $147,900 Low Sales Price: $110,000 High Sales Price: $280,000 Average # of Days On Market: 43 # of Sales: 51 Solds In Park Forest From 01/01/2008 to 02/18/2009 reveals: Average Sales Price: $134,043 Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $88.41 Median Sold Price: $134,450 Low Sales Price: $90,000 High Sales Price: $196,000 Average # of Days On Market: 94 # of Sales: 28 Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Subdivision, the market direction appears to be declining. The... 02/21/2009

Are you ready for some almost-spring fun in Baton Rouge?  That's right it is Mardi Gras!! Let the good times roll!   If your idea of a good time includes catching a few parades, grabbing some bead, and dancing to the bands, then this is your time of the year!  Whether you are a wild and crazy kind of person or looking for family fun, Mardi Gras can meet your needs - just like a great realtor can do when you're looking to buy or sell a home.  Nothing is more fun than watching a lively and colorful parade go by with beads and goodies flying through the air.  You can catch the Southdowns Krewe Parade at 7 pm in the Southdown neighborhood off Perkins Road on February 20th.  You can find more information at www.southdowns.org.  If you prefer pink instead of the traditional Purple, Green and ... 02/20/2009

Yesterday President Obama signed into effect the Economic Stimulus Act.  A portion of that is targeted to help the failing housing market and stabilize values in neighborhoods, by giving first time homebuyers a tax credit.  Some Things to Know:  (1) First Time Homebuyers for Principal Residence (2) Calendar year 2009 only  (3)There are Income Limits. (4) It's Refundable even if you don't have that much tax liability (5) Buyers have to own the home for at least 3 years or return the credit if they sell early.  While more details of this opportunity will be forthcoming, here's a summary to get you started planning from U.S.News and World Report's Luke Mullins. Don't wait!  With record low interest rates combined with this tax incentive, there's never been a better time to own your first ... 02/18/2009

Despite the grim news and barrage of constant layoffs among major companies throughout the United States, there is a beacon of light in Louisiana. The city of Baton Rouge has a trend that contrasts what appears to be the norm these days - there was an increase in the job market.  As the rest of the country shipped into recession, Baton Rouge has seen a 4,000 job spike over the past year with 400 new jobs created just within the month of December.  What is this due to? The unified work force development system that was recently created by the governor and the Legislature may be a factor in the increase.  It also could be due to the transitioning of Hurricane Katrina/ Hurricane Gustav victims to the Baton Rouge area?  Gary Perilloux from The Advocate stated the real estate in Baton Rouge ... 02/17/2009

  When you hear of Mardi Gras you usually think New Orleans.  However, for those of you not native to Louisiana, it may come as a surprise to learn that most of the major cities have parades.  Now Mardi Gras is not just a parade, but a series of parades starting the first weekend in February and culminating with final parades and the crowning of a King and Queen on Mardi Gras Day which is Feb. 24th this year.  You will find many colorful parades.  Many have themes that vary from year to year.    Parades in Baton Rouge aremuch more family friendly and not as risque, with the exception of the wild and wacky Spanish Town Parade.  Here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one of the favorites is The Mystic Krewe of Mutts.  That's a parade of dogs.  Dog owners dress their favorite dog in colorful cos... 02/12/2009