I hope 2008 is off to a great start for all!  There is some exciting news in the Baton Rouge real estate scene that I wanted to share with you. 

First, do not forget about my instant email notification system.  I am now including my clients who may be interested in keeping an eye on their neighborhood.  This is a great program that will email you nightly any homes that come on the market in a particular neighborhood or area of town.  The system will also notify you if a home in your area/subdivision goes under contract or sells.  If you would like to receive email notifications of real estate transactions in your neighborhood or other neighborhoods, please email me at Shannon@judyburkett.com and let me know what areas you are interested in receiving information.  If you are planning on selling your home or just curious about its value, it would be my pleasure to enroll you in my system.

Second, the East Baton Parish Bond Authority released the new bond program this week.  The bond will allow you to buy a home at a reduced interest rate and will give you 4% of the sales price to use towards your closing cost/down payment.  Most of my bond buyers chose the conventional my community loan option (no down payment) and the 4% assistance covers most of the closing cost and prepaid items.  Typically my buyers do not bring any money to the closing table!

Below is a brief breakdown of the criteria for the EBR bond:

1. CAN NOT HAVE OWNED A HOME IN THE LAST THREE YEARS

2.  HOME MOST BE LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

2. INCOME LIMITS:  FAMILY OF 2 OR LESS: $67,400 FAMILY OF 3 OR MORE:$78,680

3. MAXIMUM SALE PRICE: $289,704

4. THE COBORROWERS DO NOT HAVE TO BE RELATED, 2 UNMARRIED BUYERS ARE       ELIGABLE

5. THERE IS A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL

6. THE INTREST RATES ARE: 6.375% FOR 30 YEARS FOR THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, 5.50 FOR 30 YEARS FOR THE LOW RATE PROGRAM

7. FHA, VA, RD AND CONVENTIONAL LOANS ARE THE LOAN TYPES

If you, your friends or family members are interested in purchasing a home and would like to explore the bond money option please contact me ASAP. You can reach me at (225)296-7723or by email at shannon@Judyburkett.com.  Remember; if you call make sure to ask for Shannon Sims.

If you are interested in a home outside of East Baton Rouge, GOOD NEWS there is still a small amount of State Bond Money available. State money can be used in any of the parishes and DO NOT have to be a first time homebuyer.  The rate for the assisted program is 6.5%. 

Also , the Conventional rates are GREAT!!!  The Conventional 30 year rate today is 5%!!!!  Now is the time to buy. If you or anyone you know is in the market to buy or sell please give me a call at (225)296-7723 or email me at shannon@judyburkett.com