Body image is an important factor in levels of self esteem.  Bill Bartmann says that Body image is an issue for men, women, teens and young children alike.  Everyone is conscious of their physical "defects" including too fat, too thin, too tall, too short or even too ugly!    Body Image and Women   Women are the most critical of their bodies, often having the opinion that they are too fat, short or ugly.  While it is ideal to be height/weight proportionate, being different is not the end of the world.  Proper nutrition and regular exercise are a good start toward improving one's body image and physical health.   There's good news, ladies; some men prefer more, some less; others just like it when you feel good about yourself, in spite of your "defects."  Focus on your good points and peo... 02/12/2009

After years of infamous national press, Louisiana scored big when Baton Rouge was named one of the top 10 hottest real estate in 2009.  On the heels of such good news comes the latest from Newstatesman., that louisiana's governor Bobby Jindal is selected as one of this year's choice of 10 people who could change the world.  In 2005 Barak Obama was predicted to be running mate to Hillary Clinton in last year's elections.  As we know, he did even better.  Bobby is labeled Saviour of the Republicans.  And the review identifies his most noticeable flaw is that he talks too fast!  You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BobbyJindal   02/09/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate 70810 Report - The Lakes At Highland Update The Lakes At Highland (LAH) is a high-end residential development in the highest price zip code within the Baton Rouge marketing area.   Home prices within LAH are generally in the $350K to approx. $750K range with a median sales price since 11/03/2007 of $472,000. Solds From Within The Lakes At Highland Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $492,625Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $158.34Median Sold Price: $478,250Low Sales Price: $375,500High Sales Price: $685,000Average # of Days On Market: 70# of Sales: 12 Solds From Within The Lakes At Highland Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/10/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $473,938Average Sold ... 02/07/2009

Baton Rouge Real Estate 70819 - River Oaks Subdivision Update - http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ Solds Within River Oaks Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $120,792Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $83.03Median Sold Price: $119,500Low Sales Price: $90,500High Sales Price: $155,000Average # of Days On Market: 67# of Sales: 12 Solds Within River Oaks Subdivision from 01/15/2008 to 01/01/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $127,385Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $80.40Median Sold Price: $128,000Low Sales Price: $81,500High Sales Price: $157,000Average # of Days On Market: 37# of Sales: 10 Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within River Oaks, the market direction a... 02/07/2009

Baton Rouge Real Estate 70809 - Pine Park Subdivision Update - http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ Pine Park Subdivision: Solds $252,900K to $275K, 2 sales since 1/1/08, avg size 2,559sf, avg sold price $103.53/sf, median sales price $264K, List-Sales Ratio: 96.12%. An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $251,600Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $92.83Median Sold Price: $215,000Low Sales Price: $199,900High Sales Price: $339,900Average # of Days On Market: 20# of Sales: 3 An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/17/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $263,950Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $103.53Median Sold Price: $263,950Low Sales Price: $252,900High Sales Price: $275,000Average # of Days On Market: 37# of Sales: 2 ... 02/07/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate 70814 Update - Monticello Subdivision Ages 11 Years + Solds In Monticello Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007, ages 11 Yrs + revealed:  Average Sales Price: $150,440Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $84.47Median Sold Price: $150,000Low Sales Price: $119,000High Sales Price: $197,000Average # of Days On Market: 54# of Sales: 22 Solds In Monticello Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 02/02/2009, ages 11 Yrs + reveals:  Average Sales Price: $143,363Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $86.10Median Sold Price: $134,000Low Sales Price: $127,000High Sales Price: $175,000Average # of Days On Market: 85# of Sales: 8Does not exclude any REO sales. Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR Natio... 02/07/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate 70808 Update Solds From Southdowns Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $299,093Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $143.46Median Sold Price: $253,750Low Sales Price: $154,900High Sales Price: $1,300,000Average # of Days On Market: 68# of Sales: 30 Solds From Southdowns Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/12/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $274,424Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $136.05Median Sold Price: $259,000Low Sales Price: $130,000High Sales Price: $895,000Average # of Days On Market: 71# of Sales: 38 Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Southdowns Subdivision, the market direction appears to b... 02/07/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate 70809 Update Within Santa Maria, the CMA reveals average sales price $583K, low $320K, high $1,600,000 with avg days on mkt of 160+ days. An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $583,790Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $162.96Median Sold Price: $562,450Low Sales Price: $315,000High Sales Price: $1,600,000Average # of Days On Market: 120# of Sales: 82 An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to Present reveals:  Average Sales Price: $583,409Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $159.35Median Sold Price: $557,360Low Sales Price: $320,000High Sales Price: $1,021,700Average # of Days On Market: 160# of Sales: 42 Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the baro... 02/07/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate 70802 Housing Market Report Solds Within Zip Code 70802 from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $75,969Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $54.58Median Sold Price: $60,000Low Sales Price: $7,000High Sales Price: $475,000Average # of Days On Market: 73# of Sales: 115 Solds Within Zip Code 70802 From 01/01/2008 to 02/02/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $69,796Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $53.77Median Sold Price: $48,650Low Sales Price: $7,200High Sales Price: $310,000Average # of Days On Market: 76# of Sales: 104Listing Price To Sales Price Ratio Has Been: 94.00% Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Zip Code 7080... 02/07/2009

One word. Economy. What does that word mean to you? A few years back, I would have probably given you the normal 'text book' definition but today it has an entirely different meaning. Main Entry: 1econ·o·my Pronunciation: \i-ˈkä-nə-mē, ə-, ē-\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): pluralecon·o·mies 1. A mess Anyone who is tuned in to what is going on in our country would probably agree that our economy is a mess right now. There is so much going on with bailouts, unemployment, foreclosures...who wouldn't have high anxiety in a time like this? So many Americans are in a state of panic for fear of losing their jobs and their homes. If you turn on the news every morning it seems as if there is always something new occurring. The unemployment and foreclosure rate is  steadily increasing. It pro... 02/05/2009

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ - FHA Appraising A Home In Pin Oak Subdivision Baton Rouge Louisiana 70817 What's the current January 2009 housing market picture for Pin Oak S/D?  Solds In Pin Oak Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $143,543Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $102.25Median Sold Price: $142,900Low Sales Price: $138,000High Sales Price: $155,000Average # of Days On Market: 36# of Sales: 7 Solds In Pin Oak Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 02/02/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $147,600Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $91.11Median Sold Price: $150,000Low Sales Price: $125,000High Sales Price: $170,000Average # of Days On Market: 32# of Sales: 5Listing Price To Sales Price Ratio Has Been: 98.77% Therefore, based on the median sale price... 02/02/2009

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ -Thank You Kat Bryce For Teaching Me This Real Estate Appraiser Tip! I wanted to send out a special thanks to Kat Bryce, Fort Myers Florida Home Appraiser, for this real estate appraiser tip she gave me this morning regarding extra support for market trends analysis and quantifying time or market conditions adjustments within residential appraisal reports.   Kat told me to go to http://www.realquest.com  , type in the full address (like 404 Sherron Ave Baker LA 70714) and click enter.  When the results appear, click on the "Market Trends" button on the left side of screen (see red arrow), see image below.  This advice helped me back up my justification for "declining market" classification and help with proper adjustments applied.   While RealQuest m... 01/30/2009

Kenilworth Subdivision Baton Rouge January 2009 Update FHA Appraisers East Baton Rouge Sales in Kenilworth Subdivision were from $185K to $295K with 22 sales since 1/1/08, average size home 2,259sf, average sold price per sq. ft. was $98.88/sf and median sales price $212,500. Solds from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $237,213Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $102.64Median Sold Price: $225,000Low Sales Price: $154,900High Sales Price: $545,000Average # of Days On Market: 23# of Sales: 19 Solds from 01/01/2008 to 01/17/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $220,859Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $98.88Median Sold Price: $212,500Low Sales Price: $185,000High Sales Price: $294,000Average # of Days On Market: 63# of Sales: 22 Therefore, based on the median sale price ba... 01/28/2009

Country Manor 70816 Housing Market Update From Bill Cobb Baton Rouge FHA Appraiser Country Manor $154,900 to $174,900, 10 sales since 1/19/08, average size 1,468sf, average sold price $113.06/sf, median sales price $162K, List-Sales Ratio: 99.07%. Solds from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $157,755Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $111.50Median Sold Price: $154,750Low Sales Price: $140,000High Sales Price: $175,000Average # of Days On Market: 27# of Sales: 16 Solds from 01/19/2008 to 01/19/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $162,4430Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $113.06Median Sold Price: $161,950Low Sales Price: $154,900High Sales Price: $174,900Average # of Days On Market: 25# of Sales: 10Listing Price To Sales Price Ratio Has Been: 99.07% Therefore, based on ... 01/28/2009

"Baton Rouge, LA" Real Estate Keyword Search Increases 29.5% Year Over Year For 2008 Here's an update!  I received an email today from Audie M. Chamberlain @ Realtor.com with this good news.  "Hi Bill - We released data today and thought it might be interesting to you.  Be sure to see the link and media alert below.  The link takes you to a page with a list of the most searched real estate markets in the US ranked in order of popularity. There are also percentage increases in y/y and m/m consumer searches on Realtor.com by market. Be sure to see the links at the top of the landing page. Best Regards, Audie Chamberlain" For Baton Rouge, LA specifically, here's what I discovered: 1.) "Baton Rouge, LA" Real Estate Keyword Searches Increases 29.5% Year Over Year For December 2008 2.) "Baton... 01/27/2009

View Larger Map There's some good news just off the press:  Baton Rouge is one of the top ten "Hottest Real Estate Markets in 2009" according to Housing Predictor,  This independent market forecaster defines "Hottest Markets" as "areas of the country where there is stronger employment, prospects of growth and promises of prosperity.  They represent exceptions in a cascade of deflationary housing markets that are projected to appreciate despite an economy that has years to fully turn around."  Now, that's some really good news for the Baton Rouge metropolitan area! Baton Rouge shares this honor with cities in Texas Wyoming, Mississippi, Utah, North and South Dakota, and Idaho. Additionally it was announced this week that Census 2010 is creating 1200 new jobs in the Capital City.   01/27/2009

http://gbrreocount.info/- FHA Baton Appraisers Deliver Nicholson Lakes Subdivision 70810 Recent Study   Solds In Nicholson Lakes from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:  Average Sales Price: $194,601Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $130.85Median Sold Price: $193,000Low Sales Price: $184,714High Sales Price: $222,900Average # of Days On Market: 60# of Sales: 37 Solds In Nicholson Lakes from 01/01/2008 to 01/24/2009 reveals:  Average Sales Price: $190,274Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $125.99Median Sold Price: $189,900Low Sales Price: $171,000High Sales Price: $210,000Average # of Days On Market: 120# of Sales: 27 Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Nicholson Lakes Subdivision, the market direction app... 01/26/2009

http://batonrougerealestateappraisers.com/ -  Greater Baton Rouge Makes Top 10 List Of Hottest Real Estate Markets...Even In January 2009 This news is just in on the Baton Rouge Business Report PM Edition "Housing Predictor ranks Baton Rouge in its top 10 markets for homebuyers. The city ranked No. 9 on the annual list of places where buyers are most likely to see an investment from buying a house. Housing Predictor looks as factors such as prospects for growth and strong employment. McAllen, Texas, topped the list, and two other cities from the Lone Star State-Austin and Corpus Christi-were among the top 10. See the full list here. " Bill Cobb states, "When I first read the headline, I wasn't sure it was positive news until I read deeper because a buyer's market isnt' necessarily good ... 01/26/2009

If you have younger children or grandchildren, there are those days where it's too cold or rainy to play outside.  Here in Baton Rouge there is a solution to working off some of that pent up energy!  It's a play area called Monkey Biz.  This indoor play area is child and parent firendly.    The carpeted indoor area is divided into several areas.  First, there's the Play Area filled with tunnels and ball pits and slides.  They even have an enclosed play area for little toddlers with soft mats and steps and a playhouse.    The second area is the game area where players can win tokens playing a wide variety of games such as Ms.Packman, ball machines, basketball or bowling, air hockey, etc.          A third area of activity is the rides.  There are numerous rides all designed for the younge... 01/26/2009

  There is proof yet again that now is the time to buy a home in the Greater Baton Rouge area.  "Housing Predictor" released their yearly ranking of the top 10 hottest real estate markets for buyers and Baton Rouge was #9.  The ranking represents areas of the country where the housing market is expected to appreciate (bucking the national trend) based on factors such as; stronger employment,prospects of growth and promises of prosperity.  You may see the list in its entirety here. Now is a great time to buy a home in the Baton Rouge area.  The interest rates are at historic lows, there are many financing options available and a large inventory of homes to chose from.  If you or anyone you know is in the market to buy a house in the Baton Rouge area please call Shannon Sims, The Exclusiv... 01/26/2009