Bryan Castillo's Blog

Democrats Kick Ass

Bryan Castillo — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:56:23 -0700

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

Why limit Happy to an Hour?

Bryan Castillo — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:52:03 -0700

Our recent REALTOR Happy Hour with Choice Title in Destrehan was a huge hit! So great in fact, that we’re doing it again. This time we’re bringing it home at the remodeled Airline Motors in Laplace. Come by and kick back and relax. Have a few drinks and unwind. You know you’re job is stressful, right?

April Buyers incentive

Bryan Castillo — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:39:54 -0700

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!

Bryan Castillo — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:44:58 -0800

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.

Title Insurance 101

Bryan Castillo — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:40:06 -0800

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.

Happy Friday2

Bryan Castillo — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:38:10 -0800

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 1^st. 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 4^{th
·   2015 - February 17^th}

East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish Sheriff Sales

Bryan Castillo — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:38:46 -0800

Ascension Parish

SHERIFF SALES SCHEDULED FEBRUARY 13, 2008

#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

FEBRUARY 20, 2008

#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.

Choice Title's January-March Buyer Incentive

Bryan Castillo — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:59:57 -0800

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

Bryan Castillo — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:14:05 -0800

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

Mardi Gras Open House!!

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:51:01 -0800

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!!

Happy Friday!

Bryan Castillo — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:31:33 -0800

The other day I was flipping though the channels when I caught my favorite TV show, the Wheel. And lo and behold look what one of the puzzles was! Can you figure this one out?

Online File Status

There’s been a feature turning heads lately on the Choice Title website. The Online File Status application has gotten stand up reviews! This feature when matched with our paperless closings, and instant access communication is paving the way for the future of real estate! Click here or on the picture below for a how-to on this.

Mardi Gras Open House…

Choice Title will be hosting an agent open house extravaganza! Mark this one on your calendars. A Mardi Gras celebration January 24, 2007 at 35326 OAK HAVEN AVE, GEISMAR, LA. Come eat, drink, and be merry! For more information please contact Bryan Castillo.

~Bryan Castillo

Contact the Choice Title Marketing Team…

	Sheila Bonnette President/Notary Sheila@ChoiceTitle.com (985) 651-5241 x 223 (225) 744-4241 x 23		Gareth Beale Marketing Specialist Gareth@ChoiceTitle.com (225) 819-7670
	Bryan Castillo In-House Marketing Bryan@ChoiceTitle.com (504) 559-4664		Jennifer Beale Marketing Publications Jenny@ChoiceTitle.com (225) 744-4241 x 31
	Alanea Champagne Marketing Specialist Alanea@ChoiceTitle.com (504) 427-0784		Mitzi Anthony Marketing Specialist Mitzi@ChoiceTitle.com (225) 910-1422
	Traci Adams Notarial Processor Traci@ChoiceTitle.com (225) 744-4241 x 434		Diane Elkins Notary Diane@ChoiceTitle.com (225) 744-4241 x 414

Click here for a Full List of Services!

Contact Choice…

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 at (225) 744-4241, 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!

Track your Closing File Status Online!!!

Bryan Castillo — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:40:27 -0800

As we all know, i'm not above a little shameless self promotion, but this is a really useful feature we offer on our website...Online Status, where you can check the status of your closing file online!

To do this is REALLY simple...

go to www.ChoiceTitle.com

On the left sidebar, click "Online Access"

Navigate to "Online Status"
- Enter the File Number and Buyer's Last Name and click "Submit"
And Voila!, from here you can access all the information on the status of the file. For confidetiality purposes, the example below is blank. But in a real closing situation, as the file is being worked, the name or the notarial and date completed will appear next to each step, along with any closing notes entered!

Now, this is not a replacement for updates sent by the Notarials or Processors. This is just one more tool in our communication arsenal. Being able to view files online, utilizing paperless transactions and using instant messenger for real time communication makes this and effective tool for clients, REALTORS, and Choice Title employees alike.

Aubrey's Lock of the Week

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:55:21 -0800

ok guys, this is an email that went out to all of our friends yesterday. I thought i'd share it, especially since she was dead on with some of her predictions. Enjoy!!! Geaux Tigers.

Aubrey's Lock of the week

For all of you who don’t know, Gareth is one of Choice Title Marketing Gurus. His daughter, Aubrey, has some opinions on the SEC Championship Game tonight. Read below and GEAUX Tigers!!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had a chance to ask Aubrey some predictions on tonight’s game.

Choice Title: “So Aubrey, as tonight’s game approaches how do you feel about the Tiger’s offensive line holding up to the Buckeye’s D-line and those great line backers?”

Aubrey (smirking): “Bly Bly Bly Bly Bly spittle spittle MIMIMIMIMMIMi” – translation; While I appreciate the bald nut’s defensive talent and they are known as a defensive team, LSU’s all around athletic talent should hold up to all defensive schemes that Ivan Meisel can throw at them. In the end Matt Flynn will be well protected, plus with all his targets healthy he may have a lot of point and shoot opportunities.

Choice Title: “Seems like a lot confidence, does the fact thatOhio is ranked number 1 and an underdog play into the prediction. Meaning don’t you think they have something to prove?”

Aubrey: “ABABABABABABABA, PSSSS PSSSSS mola mola mola” - translation; I’m 7 months old, I haven’t learned numbers yet, but I know those vegas guys are smart. So with LSU favored by 5.5 and the over under at 51.5 it’s no easy pick. But since I need to learn numbers anyway, let’s take a look at them. LSU average ppg is 38.7. Ohio State’s average ppg is 32. I’m no math professor (yet), but 38.7 is greater than 32. While I don’t think either will score that many points I still like LSU minus 5 and half.

Choice Title: You mentioned the over/ under what do you like?

Aubrey: “COOO cooo cooo Bal blab la” - translation; I think a lot are people are going to get burned by the hook, It’ll be close but I am taking the under.

Choice Title: “Well we are all waiting what’s the prediction?”

Aubrey: abla abla abla, mi miiiiiii spittle – translation: “I should charge for this, LSU 31 Ohio State 20, take LSU and the under.

2007 NAR Conference in Las Vegas

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:25:07 -0800

Choice Title has a representative at the 2007 National Association of Realtors Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sheila Bonnette, CEO/President of Choice Title, will be attending the conference. Sheila has owned Choice Title since 1989 and managed to lead the company to success over the time since. Sheila is a licensed notary, member of the River Parishes, Ascension, and East Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerces, Commissioner on the Board for the Port of South Louisana (the largest port in the United States) and also owns Bonnette Insurance Agency, dealing in Property and Casualty along with Life, Health, and Investments.

Please feel free to stop and say hello if you happen to run into her at the conference or contact her office to schedule time for a one on one visit to discuss business matters.

Business on Facebook

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:35:14 -0800

I recently read an article by Joel Burslem entitled "Advertise your Real Estate Business on facebook." Check it out here. It concerned a new development on the popular social-networking site, Facebook.com. You can now add your business as a page that acts alot like a group on the site.

With this you are able to have "fans" of your business, post pictures, videos, upcoming events, post blog-like entries, reviews of your business, and general info. Best of all it's FREE. It's not hard to set up. Check out
Choice Title's new page here.

With 53 million people that have gone to Facebook.com within the last 30 days this isn't a bad idea...

Thanks for visiting us at the expo!

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:22:58 -0800

We wanted to thank everyone who came out to see us at the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors Expo on Thursday. We had alot of fun and met alot of great people! If anyone would like a followup from the expo please feel free to contact any of the Choice Title Marketing Reps!

Condo For Sale in Baton Rouge:Lakes on Bluebonnet

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:03:30 -0700

This is a condo my brother is selling. Thought i'd go ahead and list it.

RE/MAX First Ascension
Crystal Boudloche
Cell: 225-921-2298
Home Fax: 225-612-4879
Office Phone: 225-647-1155
Website: http://www.cboudloche.remax-louisiana.com/BTB07172103
E-mail: crystal@tigertownrealtor.com

Price: $205,000
Bedrooms: 2
Full Bathrooms: 2
Half Bathrooms: 1

BEAUTIFUL NEW ORLEANS STYLE CONDO WITH STUNNING VIEW OF FOUNTAIN. CONDO IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD AND IN IMPECIBLE MOVE IN CONDITION. AMENITIES INCLUDE 9' CEILINGS, CROWN MOLDING, NEUTRAL COLORS, COMPUTER NOOK, KITCHEN ISLAND, BLACK APPLIANCES, BEAUTIFUL FRENCH DOORS LEADING TO THE MASTER BEDROOM BALCONY OVER LOOKING THE LAKE. OFF ATTACHED REAR 2 CAR GARAGE IS PATIO AREA WITH COVERED BREEZEWAY AND STORAGE ROOM. CLOSE TO LSU, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, AND MEDICAL FACILITIES. A FABULOUS NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME.

Annoucement: Short Sales and Foreclosures

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:11:14 -0700

Chocie Title will be holding a lunch and learn at the RE/MAX First Baton Rouge office tommorow Wednesday Oct. 25th. Sheila Bonnette President/CEO of Choice will be presenting. This is open to any RE/MAX First agents or brokers.

Please check back with me after the presentation for a summary of material to be posted.

Affiliated Business: The new trend.

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:58:22 -0700

First off, Affiliated Business Arrangements (AfBA) are not new. They have been around for years. They are however, starting to be seen more and more. They can be seen as good or bad, depending on where you stand on this matter.

What is an Affiliated Business Arrangement?

An AfBA is when someone is able to refer business to a company that the person has part or complete ownership in.

Example:

A mortgage broker and a real estate agent decide to jointly open a title company. The mortgage broker agrees to direct his customers to the real estate agent and the real estate agent will use the title company for the closing. At the end of the year they split the profits from the title company.

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act) strictly enforces these type relationships.

Anyone that is involved in an AfBA can follow these steps to be safe.

Provide a written disclosure of the AfBA and the potential monetary gain from any transactions. Have all parties involved sign it. A great example and guide on disclosures can be found on the HUD’s website here.

Make sure the customer is aware they do not HAVE to use the AfBA. Forcing them to use the AfBA through either intimidation or any other coercion is illegal.
Do not give any form of kickback. The only money able to be received has to be for services rendered and represent ownership percentage in the receiving company.

For example: If the mortgage broker and real estate agent from the first example each put in 50% to startup the title company, all the profits have to be distributed representing the 50% split.

This is some basic information on how to protect yourself legally. This is by no means all that needs to be done. For more information checkout the HUD website or contact a RESPA specialist.

Is your Resume safe?

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:07:35 -0700

With many job searching websites out there (hotjobs.com, careerbuilder.com, monster, etc) it's easier than ever to get your resume exposure. But the people you want are not the only ones seeing your resume.

More and more, phishers (people who look for your personal information to use for illicit purposes) are gaining alot of personal info from resumes posted online. With just a little personal info someone could get a credit card in your name, get information about your debts, and potentially damage your credit rating.

Ways to Protect Your Resume From Phishers

Never put your Social Security Number on anything posted online
Consider making personal information harder to find, such as a street address or phone number.
Really think about what sensitive information you are giving to complete strangers.

In today's dangerous internet we all must be wary of phishers and hackers.

New Prefab Home Builder in Reserve, LA

Bryan Castillo — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:38:42 -0700

Word is that a new pre-fab housing manufacter is going to be setting up shop in Reserve, LA. This is good news to us because Choice Title has an office in neighboring LaPlace, LA. Housing International Gulf Coast Inc. will be the first unionized housing manufacter in Louisiana. They are partners with AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corp. and Telesis Corp.

They recieved 4 million dollars in federal New Markets Tax Credits which are issued to investors who buy into companies certified to do business in low income communities and is intended to offer jobs and more income to those communities.

Going full speed they should produce about 2,000 prefabs and employ about 300 workers.

Telesis will use the New Markets credits to provide below-market financing of the project.

Cox Communications in Baton Rouge, LA

Bryan Castillo — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:18:50 -0700

I just had to tell someone about this! I recently moved back to Baton Rouge. I moved in on a Saturday and waited until the Monday to take care of my Cable/Internet. I was hoping for good service activating it, but what I got was beyond expectations!! It took all of 7 minutes on the phone and half an hour later, BAM, internet and cable both on! Here I am expecting to have to wait for the cable guy to show between yesterday and sometime next week, never knowing when he'll come, but i didn't get that at all. I feel kinda left out.

I was literally shocked!!! I mean this is a huge company servicing all of Greater Baton Rouge. How could they do that?!? I can't even order a pizza in that amount of time. I'm hoping i won't need to move service again soon, but if i do, i'm looking forward to doing with them.