GOOD NEWS!!! LA housing market is doing better than most states!!

This article is from the Louisiana Home Builders Association. What great news!!!


Louisiana Housing Market Fares Better than Most StatesThursday, January 22, 2009 - Louisiana Home Builders Association
Home builders got some good news last week as data on building construction for the single family housing market show that the state continues to fare better than others in the nation, as depicted by Louisiana’s low foreclosure rates, housing inventory, and healthy lending practices.
The news came from Robert Denk, Forecasting and Analysis Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), who spoke at the Louisiana Home Builder’s Association (LHBA) conference in New Orleans recently.
The organization also held its annual awards banquet during the conference, announcing outstanding builders, remodelers, and associates with significant contributions to the building or remodeling industry. Awards were presented to Wade Patterson, LHBA’s Northwest Home Builders Association chapter; "Geep" Moore, Remodeler of the Year, LHBA’s Northwest Home Builders Association, and Kevin Richard, LHBA’s Southwest Home Builders Association. LBHA’s Hall of fame inductees named are Ken Jones, Capital Region Builders Association and Ronnie Perrin, Tangipahoa Home Builders Association. "These individuals were honored for outstanding service or contributions to the LHBA and for their notable and long-term contributions to the industry," said LHBA President Phil Hoffman. LHBA has 6,200-member companies. It celebrated its 50 year anniversary of its founding in 2008.
In his presentation to the group, Denk told builders that Louisiana is one of the states least affected by the housing downturn because of the state’s overall economy, its modest housing production levels, and lending factors. Denk did note that fear of the national economic recession is affecting the market in Louisiana more than any other factor. "People hear that there is a housing crisis but the housing downturn in Louisiana is far from the subprime mortgage crisis as seen in Nevada, California, Arizona, and Florida."
Denk shared Louisiana statistics, including the exceptionally low rate of foreclosures, based partly on avoidance of the subprime market. He showed that only six-tenths of one percent of all mortgages went into foreclosure in the third quarter of 2008. "This is a very positive sign for the state of Louisiana," said Denk. He said all foreclosures for Louisiana were well below the national rates. He also said that Louisiana has peaked in foreclosures.
He noted that the national housing production levels are at 44 percent, compared to a near 77% production rate in Louisiana. Denk told builders that they should begin looking at beginning construction in 2009, as the state is poised for recovery based on current housing supply and demand factors. He added that single family home starts were down in 2008, but nationally building starts are projected to increase by the end of the year.
The LHBA is dedicated to promoting professionalism in the home building and renovating industries; producing economic development, enhancing quality of life, educating the public on the advantages of utilizing licensed professionals, representing the industry before state and regulatory boards and commissions, and serving as an advocate for the protection of private property rights.
Organizational leaders can be reached toll-free at 1-800-272-9912 or via the web at www.lhba.org. The organization also has a new website at www.LAhomeownership.com where consumers can get free information for market conditions, advantages of homeownership, and use of a mortgage calculator.

Capital One Presents “Skating on the River” at the Baton Rouge River Center!

Capital One is pleased to present Skating on the River. One of Baton Rouge’s holiday traditions at the River Center beginning on Wednesday, December 19th. We invite all of Baton Rouge and the surrounding communities to join us for a cool time on ice this holiday season. Multiple sessions will be available every day (except Christmas Day) through Wednesday, December 31st. Tickets are on sale now!
This season we have added more late evening 10 p.m. sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Cost for each ninety (90) minute session is $10. per skater and includes admission, skate rental, and a Coke.
Special Winter Party Packages are also available. To schedule your party today call (225) 389-3030. Ice Skating Tickets may be purchased at the Baton Rouge River Center Box Office, at any Ticketmaster outlet, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, charged by phone at 761-8400. For further information contact the River Center Box Office, Monday thru Friday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 389-4940.

This is always so much fun and it is much easier than you would think!

STATE BOND MONEY IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Take advantage of it now before it runs out

State Bond Assistance was released this afternoon!

The income limit for a family of 1-2 is $67,920 or
$79,290 for a family of 3 or more.
These income limits are for East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension parishes.

The rate on the program is 6.99% 30 year fixed and the assistance is 4% of the loan amount. So if you can get 3-5% seller concessions along with the 4% bond assistance, your buyers can get into the property with NO MONEY OUT OF POCKET on FHA financing! Bond can be used in conjunction with Rural Development, FHA, VA or Conventional financing!

Price Reduction on 12199 VILLA PARK DRIVE in Geismar Louisiana

Come to Geismar Louisiana just outside of Baton Rouge. This Open floor plan is in mint condition. Wood floors throughout. Custom stained cabinets, slab granite countertops, and plenty of pantry space in the kitchen. Fantastic laundry room has sink, room for a freezer, plus extra storage space. Relaxing master bath features his and her raised vanities, 6 foot jetted tub, separate shower, and huge walk in closet. Oversized guest bedroom. Fenced backyard big enough for a pool. 2 car Garage. Community pool and Playground. Quiet, dead-end street has great views of the subdivision lakes! Come and Feed the ducks.

New listing in Bluff Oaks Subdivision in Ascension Parish

Come relax and enjoy the view from the screened in patio! Come fish in the stocked pond! 1.37 Acres with a perfect place to put in a pool! Beautiful and well maintained 6 year old custom home features front porch, hickory-pecan wood floors, double-sided brick fireplace, and a keeping area in the kitchen. Spacious kitchen features tile floors, granite countertops, gas stove and floor to ceiling panty! Three bedrooms downstairs and one bedroom and gamerooms upstairs above the garage. Two car garage with a workbench and boat port! Bluff Oaks is in a fabulous location, near I10 and Baton Rouge, but with Ascension Schools!

Go Zone Tax Credit is about to end... Take advantage NOW

GO ZONE TAX CREDIT ENDS 12/31/2008
If you are an Investor or know an Investor that needs an accelerated tax credit in 2008, Sandy Ogburn Sandlin's Team in Prairieville Louisiana has several properties that qualify for the GO ZONE Program. Call Sandy's Team for more information on this great opportunity. Or visit www.sandysteam.com
We service Ascension, Baton Rouge, & Livingston Parishes in LA.
For properties that will qualify for the GO ZONE Credit Please call or email 225.677.7653 or info@sandyco.com. You have about 45 days to benefit!

Voting Poll Locator

I thought that this might help some of you. You can go to this website to find out if you are registered to vote and where you need to go. It also has sample ballots for you to look over.
Don't forget Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008

https://pollinglocator.sos.louisiana.gov/