I recently completed a pre-foreclosure home purchase appraisal in Greenwell Forest Subdivision Baton Rouge 70814. Greenwell Forest was developed in approximately the 1950s. Home sizes range from 1207sf to 2952sf, average 1690sf. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from November 2014 to November 2015 Year-To-Date.Greenwell Forest Subdivision Baton Rouge 70814 Home Sales Update 2014 to 11/2015 YTD:7 Home Sales From $55,000 to $160,000Median Sales Price $125,000Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.:$58/sfAverage Sales Price To Listing Price Ratio: 94%Average Days On Market: 136 Days.NOTE: Average Listing To Sales Price Ratio of 94% means homes are generally selling for 6% less than listing price, so don't be hesitant to offer les... 11/23/2015

I recently completed a home purchase appraisal in Sherwood Forest Subdivision Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge, population 228K (Greater B.R. 804K). Since mid 1990s, BR has experienced rapid residential and commercial development. Location is convenient to schools, employment and shopping. Sherwood Forest was developed in 1960s-1970s and is in maturity phase of Neighborhood Lifecycle. Homes range from 1254sf to 7073sf, average 2200sf to 2400sf. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from September 2014 to November 2015 Year-To-Date.Sherwood Forest Is Still Struggling and NOT a Subdivision you should be paying $300,000+ WithinSherwood Forest Baton Rouge Distressed PropertiesSherwood Forest is STILL as Struggling Market with some Sh... 11/23/2015

Santa Maria | Baton Rouge CommunitiesSanta Maria is a Master planned community of Baton Rouge. This master planned community was developed after the Santa Maria Golf Course was already in operation. The residents of this community which consists of several neighborhoods, enjoy quick access to one of the best 18 hole golf courses in Baton Rouge and are a part of one of the best golf course communities in Baton Rouge.Want to know a few things to do for locals in Baton Rouge? Click here to read more.Homes in Santa Maria are beautifully constructed traditional Louisiana style homes with a modern twist and all the modern amenities. If you're lucky you can find these homes for sale in the mid $300,000's, but prices can get over a million dollars as there are many estate like homes in this com... 11/22/2015

Preserve at Harveston | Baton Rouge NeighborhoodsThe preserve at Harveston is nothing short of magical. Imagine living in a neighborhood bordering a live oak and forest preserve. In Baton Rouge, LA, this dream could become a reality at the preserve at Harveston. Located bordering a 15 acre preserve known as Preserve Park, residents have access to beautifully green trees, the wild life who enjoy living in the preserve, and much more. There is a trail system in the preserve for biking, running, or walking the trails and enjoying the sounds and scenery of nature that this preserve provides.Would you like a FREE HOME EVALUATION? Contact expert real estate agent Sabrina Didier at 225-773-2352!Residents of this neighborhood enjoy a community pool, outside lounge area, BBQ, and Jacuzzi. There... 11/19/2015

I recently completed a home equity appraisal in Inniswold Estates Subdivision in City of Baton Rouge Suburb. Inniswold Estates was developed in approximately the 1940s to 1960s with a mix of older and newer homes. GBRMLS search shows the two oldest ages recorded in listings was 1944 and 1945. Buying tear downs of old home appears to build new homes to be a trend due to location, location, location. Home sizes range from 1,070sf to 5,684sf, average 1,826sf. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from June 2014 to November 2015 Year-To-Date.Inniswold Subdivision Home Sales Update Baton Rouge 06/2014 to 11/18/2015:Eight (8) Sales From $160,000 to $1,150,000Median Sales Price $295,000Median Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $121/sfAvera... 11/18/2015

University Club Plantation | Baton Rouge LAUniversity Club Plantation is a master planned community in Baton Rouge, LA. This master plan features 6 villages surrounding a 22 hole, beautifully landscaped golf course. This is the choice golf course for locals who love to golf and LSU Fans. The golf course was actually designed by 2 LSU graduates on an old plantation's grounds. If you're looking to move to Baton Rouge and be located in a golf course community, University Club Plantations of Baton Rouge, LA is the place to be.Would you like a FREE HOME EVALUATION? Contact expert real estate agent Sabrina Didier at 225-773-2352!Want to know a few things to do for locals in Baton Rouge? Click here to read more.Homes in this master planned community in Baton Rouge were built with the highest s... 11/17/2015

Timing your Baton Rouge home sale for a relocation or transfer VideoIf you need to move and be relocated to say Atlanta Georgia by February 1st, when should you begin the home selling process?  Local Real Estate Broker, Darren James with Darren James Real Estate Experts, answers this question.  I'm sharing this video because I'm performing a Greater Baton Rouge Pre-Listing Appraisal where a home seller needs to relocate to another State in the Southeast and asked me this question.  I in turn asked a local expert who deals more with home selling than myself. Link: http://covideo.com/v/7Twk2oTdT0 11/16/2015

Top Mechanics In Baton RougeWhen moving to a new area, a "go to" mechanic can be one of the hardest things to find. If you, like most people, have little knowledge of cars, you may spend hundreds of dollars more than you would need to if you go to a mechanic that over charges and is dishonest about what your vehicle's problem is. Even if you do find out if you're getting ripped off, how many other mechanics do you have to visit before you find the right one? Below is a list of the top mechanics in Baton Rouge who have many reviews online and many people have found these mechanics honest and fair:Call Sabrina Didier for your free home valuation at 225.773.2352!Gordon and Sandifer AutoThis shop is known for its mechanic's attention to detail. Many residents have brought their car to Gord... 11/15/2015

 I recently completed a pre-foreclosure home appraisal in Villa Del Rey Subdivision Baton Rouge and Villa Del Rey is no stranger to foreclosure or distressed histories or cycles. Villa Del Rey was developed in multiple filings from late 1950s to perhaps early 1970s. Home sizes range from 1273sf to 4460sf, average 2,100sf +/-. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from October 2014 to November 11, 2015 Year-To-Date.MY CAUTIONARY NOTE TO POTENTIAL BUYERS: I would not advise buyers to pay $95/sf in Villa Del Rey, no matter how updated or renovated. Those buyers that paid TOP DOLLAR in Villa Del Rey immediately after Hurricane Katrina are probably still UPSIDE DOWN, meaning they owe more than homes are worth.  In 2007, median... 11/13/2015

Providence Subdivision in Baton Rouge LA Find similar homes for sale to the Providence Subdivision in Baton Rouge LASuper friendly neighborhood in great central location. Luxury living in the heart of Baton Rouge. Close to shopping, businesses, great restaurants and more.Contact 225.289.3656 for more information on homes available in Providence Subdivision Baton Rouge LA.!  Comfortable Open Floor plans The square footage of these homes range from 3,300 square feet to over 7,000 square feet. These homes consist mainly of 4 to 5 bedrooms.Providence Subdivision prices vary depending upon size, condition, upgrades and remodeling.  Price range is $600,000-$1,200,000. Awesome Neighborhood In Great Central LocationSuper convenient location with shopping, parks, and businesses all within a few... 11/13/2015

Rare opportunity and Westminster! Freshly updated this home offers a true mother in law suite.. with 4 bedrooms, split floorplan, new tile, it is move in ready. Great for a first time home buyer, downsizer, or investor. Conveniently located off Jefferson Highway with easy access to attend, I-12 & I-10, Bluebonnet and Jefferson corridors. Call or text 225-335-5395 or CLICK HERE for more info. 9224 Baker Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809   11/11/2015

I recently completed a rare Baton Rouge foreclosure home appraisal in the year 2015 within Cornerstone Subdivision off Siegen Lane. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from 2014 to 2015. Baton Rouge population 228,000 (Greater Baton Rouge 804,000+/-). Since mid 1990s, Baton Rouge experienced rapid residential and commercial development. Location is convenient to schools, employment and, numerous restaurants and shopping (Perkins Rowe, Mall of Louisiana, Walmart, Sams Club). Zip Code 70810 is possibly THE most popular HOT location in Baton Rouge based on favorable location to Perkins Rowe, Mall of Louisiana, Several Shopping Centers, possibly 30 restaurants, BREC recreation facilities, etc.. Cornerstone was developed in ... 11/10/2015

I recently completed a Baton Rouge refinance home appraisal in Lakepark Garden Homes. Lakepark Garden Homes was developed in 1985 with some homes built, stalled building due to U.S. economic meltdown and resumed new homes in approximately 1992-1994. Homes range from 874sf to 2,373 sq. ft. average size 1357sf. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from 09/2014 to 2015.THINKING OF BUYING A HOME IN LAKEPARK GARDEN HOMES? IT'S CERTAINLY A SUBDIVISION I'D STRONGLY RECOMMEND A PRE-PURCHASE HOME APPRAISAL TO AVOID OVER PAYING. Those that paid $145,000 in there from 2006 to 2007 are still perhaps $15,000 to $20,000 upside down today. READ MY CAUTION BELOW!MY CAUTIONARY NOTE ON LARKPARK GARDEN HOMESLakepark Garden Homes Sales Tren... 11/09/2015

Right across the street from City Park, this updated condo provides you with a view of the golf course and oaks. This gated community has been refurbished and offers extensive decking beneath the massive oaks for outdoor entertaining. Inside this upstairs unit you will find an open living space with hardwood flooring, small dining area, raised bar for casual dining topped with slab granite and pendant lighting, new cabinetry and stained appliances. Two bedrooms overlook City Park and are well sized, one with a private bath that has a stone finished shower. Vanities are topped with granite and new lighting. Immaculate condition and freshly painted. Convenient to parking as well behind the secure gated entry. Great location close to LSU, downtown, I-10 and the Government Street corridor. ... 11/09/2015

Framed by palms, your new home awaits! On one of the larger lots, it backs up to the creek and quiet neighbors ... a church! With electronic gate, newer roof, freshly painted, new carpet in bedrooms, wood floors in large den with masonry fireplace with gas jet, the home is ready for a new homeowner. The front living room has been converted into the LSU man cave ... a perfect use of space. Kitchen and breakfast area offer double ovens, newer cooktop, bay window, flowing to an oversized laundry room. The master bedroom is spacious and the bath has been updated to include a pedestal sink in the shower area, and sink/vanity for the lady separate. A walk-in closet with custom shelving provides great storage. The large covered patio overlooks the spacious yard and treed view. You will never f... 11/05/2015

Recently, the Washington Post and Ken Harney published, "Appraiser's subjective view can kill a deal despite accord by buyer and seller", see link at bottom.  In this article, it talks about recent studies of adjustments to comparable sales used in appraisals and categorizes adjustments into two camps: objective and subjective. Dictionary definitions tend to lump objective into "the facts" versus subjective more into an Appraiser's opinion or personal bias.  Image Source: Washington PostOBJECTIVE ADJUSTMENTS are outlined in pink highlight: living area size, lot size, # of baths and bedrooms, etc.  In truth, some objective characteristics (the facts) can be adjusted on an Appraiser's opinion or interpretation of the market.  Please note that I'm color blind and highlight could be pink or... 11/04/2015

As a Baton Rouge Home Appraiser for over 20 years, visual online marketer and helping a local Broker market their properties online in Summer of 2011, I know it's not easy to finally get a deal under contract and then closing. Trying to keep up with 68 listings that Summer taught me a whole new respect for role and tasks of a REALTOR®.And.....then there's NAR's own Videos about how Accuracy Matters, which also implies REALTORS® have an obligation to get it right...as in "Living Area Size".  The entire NAR REALTOR® video series talks about ethics and service via their video: Realtor.com Ad "Accuracy Matters" - MomThere's been HVCC, now Dodd-Frank, now TRID and Third Party this and Third Party that - AMCs (Appraisal Management Companies) to help create buffers in business between REALTORS... 11/04/2015

Baton Rouge Townhomes Sales - Holly Ridge Townhouses 2014-2015I recently completed a pre-foreclosure appraisal in Holly Ridge Townhouses or Holly Ridge Townhomes. Tax Assessments and Legal News show “Holly Ridge Townhouses” is the correct name. Holly Ridge Townhouses was developed in approximately 1984 with 1600sf +/- to 1994sf 1.5 to 2 story townhomes. The following is my report on the home sales trends that took place and the prices paid for these homes from 2014 to 2015.I posted an update to my site Baton Rouge Condos and TownhomesView Full Update at link below:Holly Ridge Townhouses Baton Rouge Sales Prices From 2014 to 2015GREATER BATON ROUGE REAL ESTATE DATA NOTE:Based on information from Greater Baton Rouge Assocation of REALTORS®\MLS for period 01/01/2014 to 11/03/2015, extracte... 11/02/2015

Baton Rouge Seller Tips: How to Decorate in the Fall and Winter Months Can you believe it's already halfway through fall? As the temperatures are getting colder, the trees barer, and with the holidays, how should a home seller decorate their home to sell? Below is a few Baton Rouge seller tips to help you sell your home faster and for top dollar:Would you like a FREE HOME EVALUATION? Contact expert real estate agent Sabrina Didier at 225-773-2352!Don't over do it!When you are trying to sell your Baton Rouge real estate listing, you want to make sure your home is under cluttered. If you are going to decorate, make sure that your decorations are not overtaking the space and making your home seem smaller than it really is. Placing a few fall, winter, or holiday specific decorations around ... 10/30/2015

Baton Rouge Real Estate Market UpdateBaton Rouge real estate has been seeing a slow and subtle rise since the beginning of the year. This month the average home price was about $155,000 and the average time a Baton Rouge home for sale is on the Louisiana real estate market is about 70 days. This is a decrease since the previous months as many who wished to move in 2015 are trying to get into a home before the weather gets much colder and the holidays season comes.Read about Baton Rouge Demographics here.If you are a Baton Rouge resident and want to know how much your Baton Rouge home is worth, contact Sabrina Didier at 225-773-2352.The median house size for homes for sale in Baton Rouge is 2,100 square feet and the average list price per square foot is just over $80 per square foot. Bat... 10/30/2015