exclusive buyers agent: Baton Rouge ranked #9 in the Top 10 Hottest Real Estate Markets in the country for 2009!
- 01/26/09 07:57 AM
There is proof yet again that now is the time to buy a home in the Greater Baton Rouge area. "Housing Predictor" released their yearly ranking of the top 10 hottest real estate markets for buyers and Baton Rouge was #9. The ranking represents areas of the country where the housing market is expected to appreciate (bucking the national trend) based on factors such as; stronger employment,prospects of growth and promises of prosperity. You may see the list in its entirety here. Now is a great time to buy a home in the Baton Rouge area. The interest rates are … (0 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Update on the Bond Money
- 11/14/08 08:01 AM
LHFA (the agency that handles the bond loans) met this morning and below are the notes from a lender who attended: Shannon, According to the meeting I attended for LHFA Bond this morning, the 2008B Bond Issue will be available the last week of November or the 1st week of December. It is anticipated to go very quickly, probably less than 48 hrs. We must have executed purchase agreements by all parties to send in reservations to LHFA as soon as it is released. So you need go shopping for houses ahead of time!! If you wait for the money to … (2 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Baton Rouge refuses to particapate in the national recession
- 10/23/08 06:45 AM
According to RealtyTrac.com only Syracuse,NY has a lower foreclosure rate nationally then Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge ranks near bottom for foreclosure activity Baton Rouge was ranked 99th on a list of foreclosure increases for the nation's 100 largest housing markets. The Capital Region had foreclosure filings against .12% of all homes during the third quarter, according to RealtyTrac.com, only Syracuse, NY, had a lower rate at .10%. Baton Rouge remained low despite a nearly 175% jump in the number of foreclosures from third-quarter 2007. Foreclosures were filed against 373 homes in Baton Rouge during the quarter. Stockton, Calif., had the country's … (3 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Good News!! Rural Development Loans (100% financing) are Available for Some Areas in Baton Rouge!
- 07/30/08 02:02 AM
As stated in one of my earlier post, the area approved for Rural Development or RD Loans was expanded after the hurricanes to included parts of East Baton Rouge parish. However, what I was not aware of until recently was that this included parts of actual Baton Rouge! If the home is located in the unincorporated areas of Baton Rouge than it is eligible for this 100% loan. Each address will need to be checked to verify whether it falls outside of the city limits but as an example, most of the Shenandoah area and large sections of the Perkins Road … (1 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Join Shannon Sims for an informative and free buyer's seminar August 10th, 2008!
- 07/28/08 05:16 PM
Earlier this year I hosted my first home buyer seminar; "Home Buying 101". It was such a great success that I have decided to do a second one! The next seminar is planned for August 10,2008 from 10:00 a.m. Until 12:00 p.m. If you or anyone you know would like to attend please contact me at (225)296-7723 or by email at shannon@Judyburkett.com. Space is limited so please reserve your seat as soon as possible! We will cover a range of topics including financing options and the process involved in selecting and purchasing a home. I hope to see you there! Remember, … (0 comments)
RD loans are government back loans that have great terms and rates. Below are some of the benefits and guidelines of the program: 100% financing-no downpayment required Closing cost may be included in the loan up to the appraised value and no limits on seller contributions No PMI or MIP Gifts are accepted as … (0 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Going Green in the Red Stick...Recycling Oppurtunities in Baton Rouge
- 05/19/08 07:15 AM
Did you know that Baton Rouge has one of the most innovative curbside recycling programs in the country? It is true, we do! If you are a resident or business in the East Baton Rouge parish,free weekly curbside recycling is available to you. All you need to do is contact the City Parish and request a recycling cart. You can visit the website and get more info here. Another unique service offered in our area is RedStick FreeCycle. Essentially RedStick Freecycle is community of Baton Rouge citizens who post items of all types that are given for free. Their goal is … (0 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Fun Events in the Baton Rouge area for May 16-18 2008
- 05/15/08 07:50 AM
Events for FRIDAY May 16,2008: Live After Five: Feautring "Phat Hat": When: Friday 5/16/2008, 5 p.m. Where: Galvez Plaza Downtown Baton Rouge Cost: Free Age limit: All ages Live After Five is Downtown Baton Rouge's live music concert series.Do It Downtown Baton Rouge with live entertainment every Friday evening. Cajun Dances (Dance Lessons) When: Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Where: The American Legion Hall, 151 South Wooddale Blvd, Baton Rouge Cost: $7 Age limit: All ages The Cajun French Music Association is offering dance lessons for those who want their moves to be a little more authentic. A live Cajun band … (0 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: The REAL news about the housing market in Louisiana Part 2
- 05/12/08 05:48 AM
The latest issue of "Money Magazine" ranked Baton Rouge ninth on the list of hottest real estate markets in the nation. According to the article, home prices in Baton Rouge are expected to climb 1.9% over the next 12 months. The good news is not limited to only Baton Rouge; New Orleans is ranked number seven on the list with an estimated growth rate of 2.2% through May of 2009. The full article is available here. … (0 comments)
This is beautiful custom built newer home that is in like new condition. It feauters five bedrooms, three and a half baths. Other amenities include a sunroom, formal living and dining rooms, an oversized laundry room. Wonderful closets and storage are found throughout the home. The property also contains a ;arge master suite. The master bath has large jetted tub. You will find wood floors downstairs, new carpet and paint. There is … (1 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Home Buying 101: Free Buyers Seminar featuring informaton on Bond Loans and other lending options
- 03/05/08 12:22 AM
Are you interested in buying a home in the Greater Baton Rouge area? Are you unsure of the process and costs involved? You are invited to attend "Home Buyers 101" a FREE buyer's seminar with REALTOR® Shannon Sims. A reputable lender will be in attendance to answer all your mortgage questions and pre-approve you for a variety of programs including but not limited to East Baton Rouge bond money,FHA,VA,Rural Development and 100% My Community conventional loans. The seminar is scheduled for Saturday March 8,2008 from 10:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m. The location for the seminar is Judy Burkett REALTORS® 8280 YMCA Plaza Bldg 1, Baton Rouge, La. … (0 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Be sure to catch the Festival Of Lights in Downtown Baton Rouge this Friday!
- 11/27/07 12:26 AM
This Friday(November 30th 2007) from 3:00-9:00 p.m. marks the start of the holiday season in Baton Rouge. The Festival of Lights in downtown Baton Rouge is the oldest holiday tradition in the Capitol City. It is also one of the Sims' family traditions! Every year we walk(not run!) in the Reindeer Run and enjoy the living Nativity Scene. There is so much to do that I can not list it all here. For a complete list of events and time visit Downtown Festival of Lights. Some of my favorite events include: Ice Skating in River Center Mayor Kip Holden lighting the City … (3 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: URGENT NEWS CONCERNING THE CURRENT 2007 LOUISIANA STATE BOND PROGRAM!
- 11/17/07 12:08 AM
Effective 11/15/07, LHFA has announced that some parishes including East BatonRouge are no longer considered "targeted areas" for the State Bond Program. Effective immediately that means the income limits and sales price limits are LOWER for anyone buying in these parishes. For East Baton Rouge, the following income and price limits now apply: EBR Income Limits: 1-2 people: $56,200 3 or more people: $64,630 EBRP Acquisition/Sales Price Limits: New or Existing, 1 unit $237,031 West Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension Parishes Income Limits (still considered targeted): 1-2 people: $67,440 3 or more people: $78,680 WBR, Livingston and Ascension Parishes Acquisition/Sales Price Limits (still considered targeted): New or Existing, 1 unit $289,704 All of our … (0 comments)
Interest Rate: 6.25% for 30 years Loan Types: Conventional,FHA,VA or RD Income Limits: 1-2 people: $67,440 3 or more: $78,680 Sales Price Limit: $289,704 Misc Info: This loan will give the buyer assistance equal to 4% of the sales price. This assistance can be used towards downpayment, closing cost and prepaid items. You DO NOT have to be a first time homebuyer!!! The Bond Authority has only issues $4,000,000 for the entire … (4 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: I have GREAT news for anyone interested in Louisiana State Bond Money Loans!
- 09/17/07 12:09 AM
In an effort to keep buyers in the Baton Rouge housing market updated, I am ELATED to announce that the Louisiana Housing Finance Authority (LHFA) released a memo on 9/14/2007 announcing the rerelease of funds for the Louisiana State Bond Program. This is money that was reserved for sales that did not close within the alloted period of time.
The terms and conditions are the same as in my earlier posts concerning Bond Money: You do not have to be a first time homebuyerYou can go either FHA,VA or Conventional loansThe interest rates are reducedIf you qualify the bond will give you 4% … (1 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Shannon's Loan Calculator: What is that house going to cost you each month? Now, you can figure it out for yourself!
- 09/16/07 09:59 AM
The first (and arguably the most important) consideration for most home buyers is what monthly payment they are comfortable with and what price range will that monthly note place them in. All lenders and most REALTORS(r) have the tools and ability to answer that question for you but what if you can't reach anyone? In an ongoing effort to give my buyers in the Baton Rouge housing market the information and tools necessary for them to make an informed decision; I am adding Shannon's Loan Calculator:
Keep in mind as you use the calculator, its purpose is only to give you … (0 comments)
I have it on very good authority that the LHFA (Louisiana Housing Finance Authority) will be releasing the next state bond issue this coming Tuesday! That is much sooner then was earlier anticipated!
While the interest rate is still a mystery(rumor has it at about 6.25% for the assisted program) the guidelines and the qualifications are not. The guidelines will be the same as the last issue. This is the link to my blog concerning qualifications for the bond loans. So in summary, if you are in the market for a new home in the Baton Rouge area, … (3 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: New Louisiana State Bond Issue released March 16,2007-No longer only for first time homebuyers!
- 03/30/07 07:24 AM
The long awaited LHFA State Bond program has finally been released! A total of $103,855,247.00 in funds are allocated for this issue. While this is a major increase in funds that are available; the demand will still be great for the bond money and time is still very much of the essence! Just as in the Louisiana bond programs for 2006, the Greater Baton Rouge area is still considered a targeted area due to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Other Katrina/Rita affected areas include the 37 parishes below St. Landry Parish.
As a Targeted area the following changes apply to bond loans … (3 comments)
exclusive buyers agent: Representing buyers in a seller's market- Part 1
- 02/26/07 04:48 AM
Baton Rouge is one of the few areas in the country where values are still increasing and competition for housing is still high. This is a trend that is expected to continue through 2007 and 2008. The local housing market has seen an increase in value of 12.7% in the last quarter of 2006 over the same period the year before. This particular stat has added significance when you take in to account in the "Katrina Factor" of the last quarter of 2005. The median home price in the Capital Region was $173,400 the last three months of 2006. Where does that leave … (0 comments)
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