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/

Cold Weather Tips for your Home

Colder weather is coming, and you can warm up your homes with some easy, but sometimes less-obvious fixes. Share the following tips with friends & family:

• Add or change the weather stripping on your front door and any other doors to the outside of your home


• Add fireproof electrical insulation around your switch plates
  Add insulation around your window trim


• Add insulation around or weather stripping to your attic trap door


• Insulate or add weather stripping around any bathroom fans vented to your attic


• Insulate your garage and attic


• Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use

Thank you to Home Warranty of America for these Tips!

Otra Sunday in the Park

OTRA SUNDAY in the Park

Free Concert Event this Sunday November 2, 2008 in Lafayette Park at the Shaw Center Downtown in Baton Rouge.

Brunch & Music Under the Oaks

Afro-Cuban Jazz Grooves that seem timeless, but are of Recent Vintage.

I hope that you go & Enjoy

Carve Your Own eJack-O-Lantern - Pumpkin Simulator

With Halloween just a few days away, everyone is on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a Jack-O-Lantern. What type of Jack-O-Lanterns do you like? Do you like the friendly, happy ones ... or do you like the mean, evil ones? Or are you one of those artist types that spends hours carving a black cat silhouette or an even more elaborate scene or design?
Still undecided? Try out this great Pumpkin Simulator. The simulator lets you try out all sorts of faces and designs without touching a knife, a pumpkin or any of the nasty, slimey seeds and stuff inside them.
Kind of cool, huh? Let us know what type of pumpkin you draw and feel free to pass this along to others that may enjoy it.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Recipe Walnut Pumpkin Pie

Walnut Pumpkin Pie
Original recipe yield 1 - 8 or 9 inch pie

INGREDIENTS
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, condensed milk, egg, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Pour batter into the pie crust.
Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in walnuts. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the pie. Bake pie for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean. Cool and garnish as desired.

Halloween Times in the Ascension, Livingston & Baton Rouge Louisiana

Times to Trick-or-Treat in Ascension, Livingston, Baton Rouge, & Surrounding Areas in Louisiana are:

ASCENSION PARISH

Gonzales Friday, 6 p.m-8 p.m., 12 and under

Donaldsonville Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Sorrento Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

ASSUMPTION PARISH

Napoleonville Friday, 5 p.m.-6 p.m., 12 and under

Rural areas Friday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., 12 and under

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

Baton Rouge Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Baker Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Central Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Zachary Thursday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

EAST FELICIANA PARISH

Clinton Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Jackson Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Norwood Thursday, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 12 and under

Slaughter Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

Wilson Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

IBERVILLE PARISH

Grosse Tete Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Maringouin Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

PlaquemineFriday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

RosedaleFriday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

St. GabrielFriday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

White Castle No trick-or-treating hours set.

Hot dogs and candy-be served at the Town Hall annex on Bowie Street from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

LIVINGSTON PARISH

Albany Friday, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., 13 and under

Denham Springs Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

French Settlement Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Livingston Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Walker Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

POINTE COUPEE PARISH

Fordoche Thursday, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 12 and under

Livonia Thursday, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 12 and under

Morganza Thursday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., 12 and under

New Roads Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Rural areas Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

ST. HELENA PARISH

GreensburgThursday, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 12 and under

Rural areas No hours or age limits set

ST. JAMES PARISH

Lutcher Friday, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., no age limit

Gramercy Friday, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., no age limit

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., no age limit

WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH

Addis Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Brusly Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Port Allen Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

Rural areas Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 12 and under

WEST FELICIANA PARISHSt.

Francisville Friday, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 12 and under

Rural areasFriday, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 12 and under

Please have a Fun & Safe time!!

Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 1, 2008
Don't Forget to Set your Clocks back 1 Hour when you go to bed on SATURDAY Night.

Trick-or-Treat at Tanger Outlet

Tanger Outlet in Gonzales is providing a Fun & Safe way to Enjoy Halloween!
Friday October 31, 2008 from 4-6 PM Children 12 & Under can go tick-or Treating
Register near Subway for Door Prizes.
Also there will be a FREE GIFT & Candy for the 1st 100 Children 12 & Under in Costume!

37275 St. Marie...New Listing & Open House

Cheryl Leatherwood will be holding Open House on Sunday October 19, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Please come by and see this Awesome home!

What a value! Best price in the neighborhood! Open floorplan with custom features galore. Even has a wine rack built-in with cabinets! Unique ceilings throughout. Spacious rooms, lots of windows overlooking huge fenced yard. Screened in back porch. Master suite completely private with jetted tub & leaded glass window. Separate shower & huge closet. Perfect floorplan for growing family. 5 BR PLUS huge bonus room. Good schools. Minutes from I-10.

Home Maintenance Tip -Avoid Halloween Mishaps

Many homeowners get into the spirit of Halloween by turning their homes into haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and handing out treats to costumed kids who come to their door. If you're a homeowner planning on getting involved in the holiday, following a few precautions can help keep the night from turning scary in an unwanted way:

• Make sure any hazardous obstacles such as a garden hose or lawn decorations are put safely away.
• Check all outside lights and replace any that are burned out.
  Keep sidewalks and walkways clear.
• Consider using battery-powered candles for carved pumpkins - they're safer than a real flame.
• If you do use real candles, make sure they are kept away from the areas where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
• Properly light and clear the path to your door so that trick-or-treaters don't hurt themselves.
• Secure all Halloween decorations. You don't want your decorations coming loose and injuring someone, or being stolen by vandals.
• You might want to consider adding extra homeowner's insurance for Halloween night. Nothing puts a damper on fun faster than a lawsuit, a distinct possibility if a child gets hurt on your property or in your house. Contact your insurance agency to see if they are willing to do this.
• If you're planning a rather gruesome Halloween display, you may want to post warning signs to give the weak-stomached a heads up.
• Only give out kid-friendly treats. Items should be prepackaged and big enough that they don't pose a choking hazard to small children.

Courtesy of Move, Inc., www.move.com

New Listing on E Swamp Rd in Prairieville

Please check out our New Listing on Swamp Road in Prairieville.
This home is a one of a kind retreat with Huge Oak trees, & massive Magnolias all situated on a 1.75 acre lot. 3 spacious bedrooms with huge office/nursery adjoining master suite connected by double French doors. Hall bath has jetted tub. Master bath features 5x5 tiled shower. Extra large back porch with ceiling fans overlooking the ponderosa. Interior completely handicap accessible. Ceramic floors in kitchen and wood throughout remainder of home. Space to move mobile home with all hook ups ready. Perfect for everyone. A Must see.

Do Not Call List for Cell Phones

Cell phone numbers go public tomorrow!
REMINDER.....all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS. To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number...... HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It takes about 20 seconds. Please pass around the information. OR go to: http://www.donotcall.gov/

Jambalaya Jam Classic

Events include:
5K/ One mile Fun Run 8:00 am
3 on 3 basketball tournament 9:30 am

Saturday, November 1, 2008
At the YMCA @ Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
Registration Deadline: October 29, 2008
For Sponsorship & Registration Form Information
Contact Jason at 225.647.9622 or jvandevuss@ymcabatonrouge.org
www.ymcabatonrouge.org

Complimentary Services

Here at RE/MAX Excellent Properties we Provide Many Services to Our Past and Present Clients. A few of Complimentary Services are listed below.

• Free Notary Services to Our Clients! Our clients have the convenience of a Notary at their finger tips. At no charge to our clients, we provide Notary services 7 days a week.
• Our clients move for FREE! When moving, our clients have the benefit of our “Sandy’s Team” moving van. The van is also available for school functions, charitable events and our past clients.
• Survival Kit! Moving is Stressful…
  We provide a “Sandy’s Team” Survival Kit filled with the essentials for making the move as comfortable as possible.
• FREE “Concierge” Services includes use of our fax machine and wireless Internet.

Financial Market

As you hear about one financial disaster after another, you can't help but wonder how safe your own cash is during these times. Financial institutions across the country are getting a multitude of calls from concerned, and sometimes, panicked consumers. Bank deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) up to $100,000 per person, per insured institution. Most retirement accounts are also insured up to $250,000. Those consumers with more than$100,000 in savings often split their money between institutions in order to get around the $100,000 max per individual. If you don't want to spread your wealth between banks, you can also open accounts as trusts for your children or a joint account with a spouse. Another option which is gaining in popularity is the POD trust account (payable on death). When setting up the account, a beneficiary or beneficiaries must be named who will receive the money when the accountholder dies. There are certain guidelines and limitations so you need to check with your bank for more information. The Wall Street Journal has a few additional suggestions for safeguarding your money which are featured below. They have also given readers ten ways in which you can protect your money during a financial crisis. Brokered CDs. Buying multiple certificates of deposit at once through a brokerage firm provides a fast way to spread out money across different institutions, capturing the full FDIC protection. CDARS. This deposit-placement service, short for Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, disperses deposits into different individual CDs of up to $100,000 each, up to a maximum covered amount of $50 million. Retirement accounts. Money deposited in IRAs, Roth IRAs and certain other retirement plans is insured up to $250,000. Credit unions. Deposit insurance for credit unions works in much the same way as FDIC insurance does for banks and thrifts, except that the funds are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Revocable trusts. Under this estate-planning strategy, the owner assigns beneficiaries but retains control of the assets during his lifetime. The FDIC insures the interests of each beneficiary up to $100,000 each. Along with the POD account mentioned above, others are formal trusts, which are typically set up by an estate attorney. Even in troubled times as these, the odds of your bank failing is slim. While the FDIC won't release names of banks they are keeping an eye on, you can go to http://www.bankrate.com/brm/safesound/ss_home.asp to find out the "relative financial strength and stability of U.S. commercial banks, savings institutions and credit unions". If you do not have funds in an institution not insured by the FDIC, then to be on the safe side, now is the time to move it.

From: MyHomeManagementClub.com