Most of you know I have a mantra in life, “I don’t care how you get a buzz, or if you get a buzz, just don’t mess with mine.”

Well I feel similar when it comes to politics, ”I don’t care what your opinion is on politics, if you have one have an educated one, if you don’t have one then don’t expect me to listen to you bitch about the way things are.”

So in case you don’t realize, the 2008 Louisiana Legislative regular session is occurring now. There are well over 1000 bills that will go to committee, be voted on or be ignored completely. If you don’t know how a bill becomes a law, watch Saturday Morning cartoons or click here.

I will openly say I oppose any bill that restricts the rights of smokers. Not that I smoke (I think it is nasty, delicious but nasty) but taking away the rights of citizens starts a slippery slope. Senate bill HB 240 prohibits the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 21. I feel that if you are old enough to be tried as an adult and fight for your country you deserve the right to “Choose” to catch cancer or not. On a side note, the author of this bill is Rep. Hines who is 24 years old. Senate bill HB 185 prohibits smoking in bars that serve any food, simple as that. I don’t need the government in my Bar at all.

Here is a list of other interesting bills being discussed.
HB 20 makes August 29 a State holiday, in case you forget about Katrina they will close all state offices so you won’t.
HB 30 makes September 24 a State holiday, in case you forget about Rita they will close all state offices so you won’t.
*On a side note, no current holidays are becoming work days. Just two more days off.
HB 323 abolishes the death penalty in Louisiana
HB 793 repeals the Louisiana helmet law
HB 852 prohibits the use of cell phones or electronic transmitting devices while driving.
HB 1021 prohibits smoking in vehicles with anyone under the age of 18.
HB 489 designates Louisiana as “Hollywood South”


Some bills that concern Real Estate:
HB 828 relative to Louisiana Clerk of Courts electronic filing of certain instruments
HB 156 creates a peer review committee within the La. Real Estate Appraisers Board
HB 213 would stop the 10% assessment charge to La. Citizens in parishes between the I-10 and I-12 corridor
HB 238 would force insurance companies who sell any p&c insurance in the state to offer Home insurance throughout the state

To make your lives easier, here are the email addresses of your reps. Let them know what you want, what you don’t want and to support me when I run for President of the United States. Not 35 yet so it will have to wait 4 years before I can fix the world.

-Gareth Beale,
Choice Title Marketing Director

Buyers who close April through June will be entered in a drawing to enjoy the Spring Summer with a Brand New NEXGRILL 6 BURNER PROPANE GAS GRILL and 120 QT STAINLESS STEEL COOLER!!

1031 Exchange
What Every Commercial Real Estate Investor Should Know!

1031 Exchanges are a mechanism for the real estate investor to sell and buy investment property, while deferring taxes and maximizing available equity. There are three types; 1031 Exchange, Reverse Exchange and Improvement Exchange.


An investor who is “trading up” may find this a useful tool. Instead of two transactions, selling Property A, paying the dreaded capital gains tax, and then later purchasing Property B with the proceeds, a 1031 Exchange is considered one transaction, exchanging Property A for Property B. As such, federal and state taxes may be deferred, possibly indefinitely, allowing the investor to use the full amount of equity in subsequent transactions. In order to accomplish this, Section 1031 of the IRS Code requires that three main criteria be met.
First, both properties must be used, “in a trade or business or for investment” and must be of “like kind”. Simply put, most real estate may be viewed as “like kind”. For example, a warehouse may be exchanged for an office complex, or several single rental units may be exchanged for a larger multi-family complex. Even certain kinds of personal property may qualify, such as farm equipment.

Second, a qualified intermediary must be used to facilitate the exchange. In essence, the contractual rights in both transactions are assigned to the intermediary, who receives the proceeds from the sale of Property A, holding them until needed for the closing for Property B. As the investor never actually receives the proceeds from the sale, no taxes are due.

Third, strict time restrictions apply. In brief, any replacement property must be identified within 45 days, and actually closed within either 180 days of the sale of Property A, or the investor’s due date for filing a federal tax return, whichever occurs earlier.
Reverse exchange

An investor who wants to purchase Property B before the sale of Property A would use this form of exchange. As above, an intermediary would be involved, this time taking and holding title to Property B, rather than holding any proceeds.
Improvement Exchange

An investor who wants to buy and improve Property B during the 180 day interim period would use this form of exchange. As above, the intermediary would hold title during the exchange period, but allow the investor to manage the improvements.

The savvy real estate investor who wishes to build equity would be well advised to use this form of tax saving mechanism. But please note, this article is only a brief overview of the many advantages a 1031 Exchange may provide. To find out how this device may help you, we recommend that you consult your real estate professional, attorney, CPA or qualified intermediary for more detailed information.

Buying a house can be an overwhelming experience, for both first time homebuyers and even veteran investors. There are long complicated forms to sign, legal language that you can’t understand and mysterious fees. This article is designed to explain one common confusing service fee, that of title insurance.

A title is the foundation of your legal right to live in and use your home. Because a title is so important, your attorney will conduct a title search which should uncover such past problems as unpaid taxes from the previous owner. Great, but unfortunately this search cannot uncover all future potential problems with a title. There may be hidden defects lurking which will only be exposed later, such as forgery or fraud. Title insurance is designed to provide protection for this unfortunate and costly situation.

In Louisiana, lenders title insurance is required. This protects your mortgage company in the event of future defects in the title and is typically to be purchased by the buyer. It provides NO protection to the new homeowner. In contrast, owners title insurance is optional and so homebuyers commonly ask, “Do I really need to spend more money to buy a homeowners policy?” Yes!

Let’s use an example to illustrate how much money is at stake; for a $150,000 house, purchasing the required lenders policy AND an owners policy would cost $715. Buying the required lenders policy only, would still cost $525.* For just an additional $190, a homeowner can purchase peace of mind for the length of time they own their home, and in some cases even longer. Given the rising legal costs of defending a title claim, and the associated stress of litigation, a one time fee of $190 seems like a smart investment.

* Every situation is different. Prices quoted are approximate only and may vary. To decide whether title insurance is the right choice for you, we recommend that you discuss the benefits of title insurance with your real estate professional or attorney.

 

 

Remember those Magic 8 Balls?  Go ahead think back…  Well I keep mine around for tough decisions.  It hasn’t steered me wrong yet.  I took a snapshot to prove to you it has great advice!   January - March Buyer’s Incentive This quarter Choice Title’s buyer’s incentive is a cut above the rest! (sorry for the bad pun) Buyers who close January through March will be entered in a drawing to win a Toro Zero-Radius Mower!  The winner will be selected April 1st.  One of Choice Title’s Buyers will be spending less time in the Summer of Louisiana Heat! Click here or the picture below for more info! Product purchased from: Topline Equipment 3021 S. Ruby Ave. Gonzales, LA  70737  www.ToplineEquipment.net   Trow’ Me Sum’tin Missstah! With the festival season upon us there will be a lot of going ons in the next couple days.  To help you keep track here’s a list of some of the best parades to check out. Baton Rouge: On Friday Feb. 1, Southdowns rolls at 7pm.  Sat Feb. 2, you can see the Spanishtown Parade downtown at 12 noon. Jefferson (Metairie): Fri Feb.1, Aquila-7 p.m., Knights of Jason-7:30 p.m. Sat Feb. 2, Isis-6 p.m.,Napoleon-6:30 p.m. Lundi Gras, Mon Feb. 4, Zeus-6:30 p.m. MARDI GRAS DAY, Tues Feb 5, Argus-10 a.m., Jefferson Trucks-follows Argus, Elks Jefferson-follows Jefferson   New Orleans: Fri Feb.1, Uptown, Hermes-6 p.m., d'Etat-6:30 p.m., Morpheus-7:45 p.m., Muses-After Morpheus. Sat Feb. 2, Iris-11 a.m., Tucks-Noon, Endymion - Mid-City, 4:15 p.m. Sun Feb. 3, Babylon-t.b.a., Okeanos-11 a.m., Thoth-11:30 a.m.,Mid-City-12:15 p.m., Bacchus-5:15 p.m. Lundi Gras, Mon Feb. 4, Proteus-5:15 p.m., Orpheus-6 p.m.  MARDI GRAS DAY, Tues Feb 5, Zulu-8 a.m., Rex-10 a.m., Elks Orleans-follows Rex, Crescent City- follows Elks   River Parishes: Sat Feb. 2, Lul- Luling, Noon, Towahpasah - Reserve, 1 p.m., Sunday Feb. 3, Du Monde rolls in Laplace! I grew up going to this parade and it’s always a lot of fun and family centered. (Congratulations to Jenna Sonnier, Queen du Monde XXIX!!), Des Allemands-Des Allemands, 2 p.m.   St. Tammany: Fri Feb.1, Selene-Slidell, 6:30 p.m., Orpheus-Mandeville, 7 p.m. Sun Feb. 3, Tchefuncte-Madisonville, 2 p.m., MARDI GRAS DAY, Tues Feb 5, Lions-Covington, 10 a.m., Covington-Covington, follows Lions   ~Have a fun and safe Mardi Gras from the Choice Title Family		Contact the Choice Title Marketing Team…   Sheila Bonnette       President/Notary Sheila@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 423 Bryan Castillo In-House Marketing Bryan@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 413 (504) 559-4664 | Cell Jennifer Beale Marketing Publications Jenny@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 431 Alanea Champagne    Marketing Specialist Alanea@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 437 (504) 427-0784 | Cell Mitzi Anthony Marketing Specialist Mitzi@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 430 (225) 910-1422 | Cell Photo Coming Soon!  Toni Carruth Marketing Specialist Toni@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 417 (985) 974-4132 | Cell    Gareth Beale Marketing Specialist Gareth@ChoiceTitle.com Office Ext. 432 (225) 819-7670 | Cell Click here for a Full List of Services! Contact Choice… Online Title Order Online Closing Cost Quote Contact a Choice Title Rep See our website at www.ChoiceTitle.com   Now with Choice Title Offices in:     ·         Baton Rouge ·         Laplace ·         Prairieville ·         Destrehan ·         Zachary ·         Mandeville ·         Denham Springs       If you need any services or have any questions, there is no need to wait! Call us, send an email, stop by our Web site, ChoiceTitle.com, or stop in at any of our offices to learn how Choice Title can serve you!         Sheriff’s Sales and Foreclosures   Did you that Sheriff offices post foreclosure and Sheriff sale information to the public?  The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office even publishes foreclosure and sheriff sale properties online.  Some parishes, like St. John the Baptist, only post the sales information twice a year in the local newspaper.  You can click here to see East Baton Rouge’s Sheriff’s page or click the picture below to see Ascension Parish Sales.              Future Mardi Gras Dates     ·   2008 - February 5th ·   2009 - February 24th ·   2010 - February 16th ·   2011 - March 8th ·   2012 - February 21st ·   2013 - February 12th ·   2014 - March 4th ·   2015 - February 17th

  

 

 

Did you that Sheriff offices post foreclosure and Sheriff sale information to the public? The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office even publishes foreclosure and sheriff sale properties online. This information is available to the public but I thought i'd put it here to be easier to find.

• #84307-CHASE HOME FINANCE LLC VS. ANGELA T. DIEZ (ANGELA TIGER) & RONNIE J. DIEZ, $83,355.47, L. GRAHAM ARCENEAUX, 13253 HIMEL ROAD, GONZALES,LA.,TRACT MB-2B, SECTION 14-9-3
  

• #86935-DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY VS. GERALD J. KNESEL, JR. & MICHELLE KNESEL, $124,480.03, D. CLAY WIRTZ, 18572 PERKINS OAK RD., PRAIRIEVILLE,LA., LOT 56 PERKINS OAKS S/D
  

• #87559-JP MORGAN CHASE BANK VS. TARA ELIZABETH SCOTT & BRIAN ANTHONY SCOTT, $107,333.04, BENJAMIN B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 1226 LANOUX AVE., GONZALES, LA., LOT 4, LEXINGTON ESTATES
  

• #87370-MPOS PROPERTIES LLC VS. DAVID ADAM MORGAN & CHARLOTTE MOORE MORGAN, $32,666.04,CHRISTOPHER J. PIASECKI, 13413 ADAM TEMPLET ROAD, GONZALES,LA. TRACT A-2, SECTION 14-9-3
  

• #87502-NOVASTAR MORTGAGE INC VS. WILLOW BABIN THOMAS & ROBERT SPENCER THOMAS, $91,664.17, CANDACE A COURTEAU (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 250 MYRTLE GROVE DRIVE, DONALDSONVILLE, LA. LOT 22 BOCAGE PLACE
  

• #87260-NOVASTAR MORTGAGE INC VS. PEGGY O. SIBLEY & JIMMIE S. SIBLEY, $29,280.44, CANDACE A COURTEAU (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 14096 TROY DUPLESSIS ROAD, GONZALES, LA. LOT 46, ROCKFORD PLACE
  
• #86996-PRUDENT ACQUISITIONS LLC VS. HELEN MAE PIERRE, $25,033.86, THOMAS D. FAZIO, 14225 OAK MEADOW ROAD, PRAIRIEVILLE,LA.LOT 60 OAK MEADOW
  
• #87505-PRUDENT ACQUISITIONS LLC VS. MICHAEL A. WATSON, $6393.44, THOMAS D. FAZIO, 6219 JOHN TULLIER ROAD, SORRENTO, LA., LOT B-4 & 1980 TRAILER SECTION 36-T10S-R3E
  

• #87047-WELLS FARGO BANK VS. MARQUE D. PERKINS& EMELDA B. PERKINS, $146,027.02, D. CLAY WIRTZ, 40364 KIPLING DRIVE, DARROW, LA. , LOT 23, ASCENSION TRACE
  
• #83632-WELLS FARGO BANK VS. SANDRA E. SMYTHE, $95,317.69, ANNE E. RAYMOND, 205 EAST FREDDIE ST, GONZALES, LA., SECTION 28-T9S-R3

• #84366-CHASE HOME FINANCE LLC VS. MARTINA PARMS GREEN (MARTINE PARMS) D/W/O MALCOLM HALL, JR., & JOHN JOSEPH GREEN, $84,350.25, L GRAHAM ARCENEAUX, 15417 SHIRLEY DRIVE, PRAIRIEVILLE, LA., LOTS 20 & 21 BISHOP HEIGHTS
  
• #87661-CITIMORTGAGE INC VS. BRADFORD A. HINGLE AKA B. A. HINGLE & RENEE S. HINGLE AKA PAULA RENEE HINGLE, $160,427.32, CANDACE A COURTEAU (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 18511 BLYTHE ROAD, PRAIRIEVILLE,LA., LOT 48 OAK HARBOR CAMPSITES & LOT A-SECTION 41 & 42,T8S-R3E-4.0 ACRES
  
• #87388-CITIMORTGAGE INC VS. SCOTT EDWARD JARREAU & SHARLA OXFORD JARREAU, $159,802.15, CANDACE A. COURTEAU (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 39430 MADISON AVENUE, PRAIRIEVILLE, LA. LOT 27, MADISON PLACE
  
• #86271-COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS INC VS. D’SHEA SHELLINGTON YOSLUM AKA D’SHEA S. JOLIN YUSLUM, $194,279.17, BENJAMIN B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 12330 OLD MILLSTONE DRIVE, GEISMAR, LA. 70734, LOT 75 OLD MILL S/D
  
• #87738-COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS INC VS, SYLVIA JASMINE, $134,889.67, BENJAMIN B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 35213 CAROL STREET, DONALDSONVILLE, LA., PORTIONS OF LOT 5 & 6-CITY OF DONALDSONVILLE
  
• #85988-DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY VS. MELSIN S. BOUDREAUX & FLORETTA BOUDREAUX, $124,683.14, HERSCHEL C. ADCOCK, 38330 DUPLESSIS ROAD, PRAIRIEVILLE,LA., LOT 13, OAKLEIGH S/D, 1ST FILING
  
• #84443-EMC MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS. CECIL N. PALMER & SHELLY J. PALMER, $125,084.02,HERSCHEL C. ADCOCK, 39075 PRAIRIE NORTH DRIVE, GONZALES, LA., LOT 26, PRAIRIE VILLAGE ACRES
  
• #557531-FIDELITY BANK VS. SHENANDOAH VIEW COURT LLC, ETALS, $1,697,254.71, J. ERIC LOCKRIDGE, OAK ALLEY ESTATES-LOT 30, PRAIRIEVILLE, LA. 70769
  
• #83735-HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION II VS. PAUL FORET & SHEILA A. FORET, $203,419.62, CHARLES H. HECK, 47079 HIGHWAY 22, ST AMANT, LA. 70774-1ACRE (M/L) SECTION 33-T9S-R4E
  
• #85514-MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC. VS. CHARLES W. ROLLS & MARIA KAPAUN ROLLS, $113,360.18, BENJAMIN B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 42344 HIGHWAY 931, GONZALES, LA., TRACT X-1 (SECTION 3-T9S-R3E-1.50 ACRES)
  
• #87230-MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC VS. LYNDON PAUL POUSSON,SR & BRENDA K. AGUILLARD POUSSON, $365,635.92, D. CLAY WIRTZ, LOT 45, SETTLEMENT AT LAKESIDE S/D, PRAIRIEVILLE, LA. 70769
  
• #87197-THE BANK OF NEW YORK VS. CHARLES D. FERACI, JR., $99,00000, GEORGE B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 16562 LA.HWY 931, PRAIRIEVILLE, LA., LOT E-D-1-A, SECTION 36-T8S-R8E
  
• #86944-US BANK VS. CHARLES LYNN CURTIS, $147,475.03, BENJAMIN B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 11182 RIVER HIGHLANDS, BLDG 16, UNIT 16-A, ST. AMANT, LA. 70774 (RIVER HIGHLANDS ESTATES CONDOS)
  
• #86776-WACHOVIA BANK VS. SHELDON LYDELL MERRILL, $106,855.18, CHARLES H.HECK, 1112 E. DAWN ST., GONZALES, LA., LOT 7 BLOCK 3, PARK VISTA 2ND FILING
  
• #87575-WELLS FARGO BANK VS. MICHAEL WESLEY EWING & GAIL EWING A/K/A GAIL WRIGHT EWING, $206,530.62, BENJAMIN B. DEAN (DEAN & MORRIS LLP), 44279 LOOP ROAD, PRAIRIEVILLE,LA., TRACT B-SECTION 1-T9S-R3E
  

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sales are published here.

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Buyers who close January through March will be entered in a drawing to win this prize! Winner will be selected April 1st. One of Choice Title’s Buyers will be spending less time in the hot summer  sun!



TORO ZERO-RADIUS MOWER
TimeCutter Z Series

Cut your mowing time in half without sacrificing the quality of cut. The all new TimeCutter Z series will make you the envy of your neighborhood. There's no faster, neater way to groom your lawn all season.

Engine 19 hp** Kohler Twin Cam OHV
Fuel Capacity 3 Gallon
Mowing Deck 42" 2-blade
Height of Cut 1.5" - 4.5"
Anti-Scalp Wheels 2 - Standard
Blade Engagement Electric PTO
Deck Washout Port Standard
Transmission Dual Hydrostatic
Steering Dual Wrap Around Levers
Hydraulic Dampeners Standard
Ground Speed F/R 7.0 (F) / 3.4 (R)
Tires 10 x 4 (F)
18 x 7.5 ( R)
Seat 15" High Back, Adjustable
Footrest Steel
Cup Holder Standard
Tool Box Standard
Warranty* 3-Year Limited

Product Purchased from

Topline Equipment
3021 S. Ruby Ave.
Gonzales, LA 70737

www.ToplineEquipment.net


*Permitted by RESPA as per Reference and Compliance Handbook, January 2007 edition; Chapter 1, Item 17.

Chantilly Drive Office Condos





Beautiful new construction office condos.  Located off of rapidly growing Belle Terre Blvd in Laplace, with easy access to Airline Hwy and Interstate 10.  Floors of Stained Concrete, Ceramic Tile, and Carpet.  Offices situated on Lake Champagne with beautiful view.  Totally landscaped with ample parking.  Units range from 1000 sq ft to 2500 sq ft.  These upscale units will delight you!

• New Construction
  
• Designer Paint Colors
• Bronzed Fixtures
• Chandeliers in Conference Rooms
• Different Sized Units
• Crown Molding
• MLS #705627 (NOMAR)
• Copper Awnings

For more information please contact:

Sheila Bonnette
(225) 744-4241 ext. 423-office Prairieville
(985) 651-5241 ext. 223-office Laplace
(225) 205-7499 -cell
(985) 651-5241 -fax
Sheila@choicetitle.com-Email

I wanted to share this flyer. We recently did an open house with an agent and since the season is upon us... Happy Mardi Gras!!! We had king cakes and beads of course. Although it rained and was freezing cold we still had a good time. All the purple, gold and green really set a good carnival atmosphere!!