louisiana real estate: Affordable New Construction Will Lead Way to Housing Recovery - 03/03/09 10:42 PM
Touched by hurricanes and recent economic trends, the Louisiana housing market is a bit different than elsewhere in the U.S. After hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, request for building permits soared to 6,500 in 2006 as there was great demand in East Baton Rouge Parish for new homes. The demand for new homes fell off as many potential homebuyers returned home. As the poor economy was reflected in housing, new housing permits in 2008 fell to only 2,500. In Baton Rouge itself, the drop off was from 1,199 in 2007 to 722 in 2007. More hurricane activity in 2008 from … (0 comments)

louisiana real estate: A Match Made in Heaven - 03/01/09 10:28 PM
Buying a home is a lot like marriage -it is a long term relationship.   With buyers suffering from a fear of commitment and many homes on the market, how do you make yours the Belle of the Ball?  Here are a few hints to help your home catch the eye of potential buyers.
It's time to look at your home with new eyes.  Take a real long look at your home, inside and out.  Do you see a yard only a mother could love?  Well, it is time to do something about that.  Try to see the house as if you … (0 comments)

louisiana real estate: The Stimulus Package Will Have Positive Impact on Housing - 02/25/09 12:33 AM
The $787 billion recovery package has been signed in a massive attempt to revive our nation's distressed economy. But what does this package really mean and what will it really do, especially for housing?
First and foremost, the package will cut taxes so potential home buyers will have more money to work with. Paychecks will increase about $13 a week until singles see a $400 tax credit and couples receive $800 throughout the rest of the year. Low income families can expect a $1000 child tax credit if they do not make enough throughout the year to pay income taxes. Middle-income and wealthy taxpayers will … (36 comments)

louisiana real estate: Mardi Gras is Here!! - 02/20/09 05:13 AM
Are you ready for some almost-spring fun in Baton Rouge?  That's right it is Mardi Gras!! Let the good times roll!  
If your idea of a good time includes catching a few parades, grabbing some bead, and dancing to the bands, then this is your time of the year!  Whether you are a wild and crazy kind of person or looking for family fun, Mardi Gras can meet your needs - just like a great realtor can do when you're looking to buy or sell a home.  Nothing is more fun than watching a lively and colorful parade go by … (1 comments)

louisiana real estate: Hello from Prairieville, Louisiana - 02/15/09 10:06 PM
My name is Sandy Ogburn Sandlin.  I offer you a big Southern hello from Prairieville, Louisiana, just outside of Baton Rouge.  Though I'm new to Active Rain, I've been serving buyers and sellers in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension Parishes for nearly three decades.  If you look at my Sandy's Team website, several things should stand out to you.
First, you will notice that the motto that appears on every page of my site says "We specialize in the homes that should have sold but didn't."   While many people who want to sell their homes come to us first, we … (2 comments)