The latest issue of "Money Magazine" ranked Baton Rouge ninth on the list of hottest real estate markets in the nation. According to the article, home prices in Baton Rouge are expected to climb 1.9% over the next 12 months. The good news is not limited to only Baton Rouge; New Orleans is ranked number seven on the list with an estimated growth rate of 2.2% through May of 2009. << MORE >>

We have all be bombard with the terrible national news concerning the housing market. In fact the local news media has basically regurgitated the same stats and figures the AP disseminates with very little if any local numbers or content included. In an effort to educated the Baton Rouge public on the true picture of the housing market in our area; the Greater Baton Rouge Board of REALTORS® teamed up with the Capitol Region Builders Association and Growth Coalition to get the word out. << MORE >>

If you purchased a home in East Baton Rouge parish this year, you need to file for homestead exemption before June! The tax assesor's office in East Baton Rouge will close their books from June until December. << MORE >>

Please join Shannon Sims this Sunday ( April 6, 2008) from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at an open house located at 16749  Centurion Avenue. This spacious home is conveniently located in Centurion Place subdivision off of O'Neal Lane.

 

This is beautiful custom built newer home that  is in like new condition. It feauters  five bedrooms, three and a half  baths. Other amenities include a sunroom, formal living and dining rooms, an oversized laundry room.

Wonderful closets and storage are found throughout the home. The property also contains a ;arge master suite. The master bath has large jetted tub.  You will find wood floors downstairs, new carpet and paint. There is also new tile in baths. The kitchen features granite counter tops and brick paver floors. The den has a massive fireplace.

 

The home is located on an over sized half acre lot. There is a separate over-sized enclosed garage.(space over garage fully floored for extra storage

This expansive family home boast 3,644 living area and is reasonably priced at $390,000.  If you or anyone you know would like to see this home and will not be able to attend the April 6,2008 open house, please call Shannon Sims at (225)296-7723 or email shannon@judyburkett.com to set up your private tour!

 

Please join me this Sunday ( February 10, 2008) from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at an open house located at 17615 Sugar Mill Avenue. This well maintained and updated home is conveniently located in High Point subdivision off of Old Jefferson Highway.

This is a great house that features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. It also has a large living room with high ceilings and a fireplace. The kitchen is spacious with loads of cabinets and counter space. Most of the interior has recently been repainted and this home is truly move in ready!

The front of the home is Acadian style with a wood porch that is perfect for a swing. The house sits on a spacious corner lot with lots of space for the kids to play! The property also has a rear carport and a large fenced back yard.

This home is affordably price at $165,000 and qualifies for East Baton Rouge Parish Bond money. The interest rate on the bond is 6.375% and the bond authority will pay 4% of sales price toward the buyer s closing cost/down payment. This is a wonderful loan program that will allow you to buy this home basically with no money down and a monthly note of approximately $1350.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m.! 

 

According to a recent article in Men's Health magazine, Baton Rouge's tap water was ranked #2 in the nation.  The ranking was based on the most recent data on levels of arsenic, lead, halo-acetic acids and total trihalomethanes (linked to cancer), and total coliform bacteria, plus the number of EPA water-system violations from 1995 to 2005.  The only city to beat out Baton Rouge was Denver, Co.

 The top 5 cities are:

5.  Memphis, TN       A

4  Norfolk, VA       A

3.  Kansas City, MO       A

2.  Baton Rouge, LA       A

1.  Denver, CO       A

 

The bottom 5 cities are:

100.  Phoenix, AZ     F

99.   Indianapolis, IN            F

98.  Charlotte, NC  F

97.   Los Angeles, CA            F

96.   Charleston, WV            D

95    Fort Wayne, IN            D

I hope 2008 is off to a great start for all!  There is some exciting news in the Baton Rouge real estate scene that I wanted to share with you. 

First, do not forget about my instant email notification system.  I am now including my clients who may be interested in keeping an eye on their neighborhood.  This is a great program that will email you nightly any homes that come on the market in a particular neighborhood or area of town.  The system will also notify you if a home in your area/subdivision goes under contract or sells.  If you would like to receive email notifications of real estate transactions in your neighborhood or other neighborhoods, please email me at Shannon@judyburkett.com and let me know what areas you are interested in receiving information.  If you are planning on selling your home or just curious about its value, it would be my pleasure to enroll you in my system.

Second, the East Baton Parish Bond Authority released the new bond program this week.  The bond will allow you to buy a home at a reduced interest rate and will give you 4% of the sales price to use towards your closing cost/down payment.  Most of my bond buyers chose the conventional my community loan option (no down payment) and the 4% assistance covers most of the closing cost and prepaid items.  Typically my buyers do not bring any money to the closing table!

Below is a brief breakdown of the criteria for the EBR bond:

1. CAN NOT HAVE OWNED A HOME IN THE LAST THREE YEARS

2.  HOME MOST BE LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

2. INCOME LIMITS:  FAMILY OF 2 OR LESS: $67,400 FAMILY OF 3 OR MORE:$78,680

3. MAXIMUM SALE PRICE: $289,704

4. THE COBORROWERS DO NOT HAVE TO BE RELATED, 2 UNMARRIED BUYERS ARE       ELIGABLE

5. THERE IS A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL

6. THE INTREST RATES ARE: 6.375% FOR 30 YEARS FOR THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, 5.50 FOR 30 YEARS FOR THE LOW RATE PROGRAM

7. FHA, VA, RD AND CONVENTIONAL LOANS ARE THE LOAN TYPES

If you, your friends or family members are interested in purchasing a home and would like to explore the bond money option please contact me ASAP. You can reach me at (225)296-7723or by email at shannon@Judyburkett.com.  Remember; if you call make sure to ask for Shannon Sims.

If you are interested in a home outside of East Baton Rouge, GOOD NEWS there is still a small amount of State Bond Money available. State money can be used in any of the parishes and DO NOT have to be a first time homebuyer.  The rate for the assisted program is 6.5%. 

Also , the Conventional rates are GREAT!!!  The Conventional 30 year rate today is 5%!!!!  Now is the time to buy. If you or anyone you know is in the market to buy or sell please give me a call at (225)296-7723 or email me at shannon@judyburkett.com

 

 Louisiana's home inspection regulation laws are the best in the U.S., according to the American Society of Home Inspectors.

ASHI is encouraging other states to look at Louisiana's law, which scored best for its education, testing and experience requirements and for its standards of practice and code of ethics.

New Jersey, Arizona and Texas were next best, and California scored worst because several of its key provisions are unenforceable, said the ASHI, which scolded 18 states for having no home inspection laws.

To read the full article and see where the other states rank at click here:  We're Number 1!

 

I am asked quite frequently by consumers where to find information on the Go Zone Act.  Below is a brief overview of the program and some information on some properties that I have identified in the Baton Rouge market that qualifies.  The Go Zone Act is a great opportunty for investors and is definitely worth investigating if you are looking for a tax deduction.  As always, check with a knowledgeable CPA  or tax adviser to make sure you qualify and if you do.....contact me at (888)986-1999 or (225)767-1999 to assist you with procuring your Baton  Rouge investment properties!

The GO Zone Act establishes tax incentives and bond provisions to encourage the rebuilding of local and regional economies devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. There are provisions geared toward both existing businesses and businesses that are new to the GO Zone area.

The Go Zone Act allows qualifying real and personal property used in the ‘active conduct of a trade or a business'.  Real property  may be allowed an additional depreciation deduction equal to 50% of the depreciable basis for the first year the property is placed in service. Qualifying residential and non-residential real property must be placed in service before December 31, 2008. All other qualifying property must be placed in service before December 31, 2007. Qualified property includes tangible personal property, computer software, water/utility property, leasehold improvement property, and residential and non-residential real property (excluding casinos, liquor stores, golf courses, country clubs, massage parlors, hot tub facilities, sun tanning facilities, and race tracks).

There are some EXCELLENT Go Zone investment opportunities still available and ready to close in December.  I have identified some condos located in the LSU area that are excellent candidates for Go Zone.  They are located on the LSU busline and are ready for occupancy now.  There are a limited number of units available so if you are looking to capitalize on the 2007 Go Zone Tax Credit please contact me TODAY.  You can reach me at (888)986-1999 (225)767-1999 or by email at shannon@judyburkett.com.

I am linking the Official Go Zone Guide.  This is an excellent resource to answer the most common questions.