Louisiana

What are YOU doing for the holiday? Many people look forward to fireworks on the 4th of July.
Here in Monroe & West Monroe, we always look forward to fireworks over the river
on the evening of the 4th.

It's been so hot lately, and no rain, that the state fire marshall has issued a
ban on outdoor burning of any kind. But, the fireworks at Forsythe over the
Ouachita River will still be going on, and I know they will be beautiful!
The level of the river is still high right now, so the reflections on the water will be very pretty.

If you're planning some fireworks at your own house, please don't. According
to the US Fire Administration, fireworks cause more than 30,000 fires each
year resulting in $34MILLION in property loss. Most fireworks injuries are caused by the little stuff, sparklers and Roman candles. But, 7 people died as a result of fireworks in 2008.

Leave it to the experts! Come on out to the river at dark on Saturday night and enjoy the show. I know I'll be there! Don't forget your mosquito repellent.

Oh, by the way. The secretary who makes appointments for agents to show our listings at Keller Williams told me Thursday that she had made more appointments in that one day than she had ever made in the past year. That means buyers are out looking! If you are a buyer, get out there and look, too, before the home you've been wanting is snatched up by someone else. If your home is currently on the market, don't be complacent because it's a holiday. Keep your home in showing condition because that one buyer you need may be coming to your house this weekend!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July, and remember to celebrate this great country!

Call me if you need information about the market, or if you want to start looking for your special home. I'm here to help.

Gayle Causey, 318-614-5615
Keller Williams Realty, Monroe, LA
http://GayleCausey.com
http://WestMonroeRealEstate.com

An Internet based company that sells its services to help Realtors and lenders in various capacities has launched a petition campaign asking for a reversal of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). Though Representatives Childers (D-MS) and Miller (R-CA) have introduced a bill that will place an 18 month moratorium on HVCC, this petition seeks to end the mess altogether.

If you're not familiar with that the HVCC is, Google it and find out. It will affect us all. The idea is nice, but as with most rushed things, it's having unintended consequences in practice. The Web Site for the company is thinkbigworksmall.com and the link to the petition page is on the right column of the home page.

Can you believe that it is the Fourth of July already? That means that it is time for the great celebration of the birth of our country. Today, I thought I would share with you some firework safety tips and where you can see great public fireworks displays in Tangipahoa Parish.

Home Firework Safety Tips:

* Obey local firework laws and restrictions. Fireworks are legal in Tangipahoa Parish. However, they are not legal within Hammond city limits.
* Do not alter the fireworks. Read the directions printed on the fireworks label and follow them.
* Do not place fireworks in any type of metal or glass containers.
* Always have an adult supervise children. It is recommended that no child under 12 should handle any type of fireworks.
* Always have a hose nearby. Place spent or misfired fireworks in a bucket of water immediately. Let them soak before disposing in a trash can
* Place fireworks on concrete when possible. Fireworks should be placed on a smooth, hard surface.
* Do not light fireworks while holding them.
* Light only one at a time and remember to move away quickly after lighting. Never try to relight a dud.
* Do not throw fireworks or point them at people, animals, structures or cars.
* Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings. Keep away from shrubs and brush.

Things To Remember:

* You must be 15 years of age or older to purchase fireworks.
* Fireworks and alcohol never mix. If your celebration includes alcoholic beverages, have a designated shooter present.
* Never carry fireworks in your pockets; the friction from your body and clothing can set them off.
* Never allow children to pick up spent fireworks; they could still be "live".
* Sparklers burn hot, can cause third degree burns and can easily set clothing on fire.
* Animals are sensitive to loud sounds. T he noise and brillance of fireworks can cause them extreme stress and frighten them. Keep your pet indoors to ensure their safety.
* There have been 173 wildfires in Louisiana in the month of June, so please use caution when igniting your fireworks.
* You are responsible for any injuries to people or animals and damage to any property. Parents are liable for their children's misuse of fireworks, which causes injury or damage.

Tangipahoa Parish Public Firework Displays:

* July 2: City of Hammond's Light of the Sky

Zemurray Park, Hammond. Hours: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
The firework display will begin at dark.
For more details call Rose at (985) 277-5630 or visit http://www.hammond.org/blog/index.php?id=116

* July 2: Ponchatoula's 9th Annual PARD Fireworks Show

Recreation District Park in Ponchatoula. Hours: 5:00 pm - 9 pm
The firework display will begin at dusk.
For more details, call Cathy at (985)370-7273 or visit www.pard1.com.

Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, your Tangipahoa real estate experts

Spring and summer are great times to plan and then carry out home remodeling projects. Things like painting, siding, roofing, and window repair are best done when it the weather is mild. This year, credits are available through the Stimulus bill for insulation, doors and window, and alternative energy sources, so there is extra incentive to make upgrades that make economic sense while making the home more attractive and comfortable. Finding a contractor might be a little more difficult in some areas where some owners are staying put rather than selling, but quality licensed contractors are out there waiting for your call.

The home remodeling industry is basically unregulated, so contractors can charge whatever people will pay. It is the career choice of scammers who "were doing a job in the neighbor and have extra supplies" and prey on the elderly and the uniformed.

Since many remodeling tasks are best left to licensed contractors, what should a homeowner look for before entrusting a job to a contractor?

There can be a lot of variation in the charges for different projects, so getting three estimates is a sound practice. It might be a good idea to visit Lowe's or Home Depot (or check on line) to get a ballpark price for the supplies. This could be helpful if there is a big spread in the estimates. Often the supply costs to contractors are similar, but the mark up on the materials and the labor vary widely. Even though you might want to stay within a budget you have in mind for the job, going for the cheapest contractor might not be the best idea; ironically, picking the most expensive one does not guarantee quality. If you anticipate selling your home in a few years, don't go overboard on the cost so your home's value is in line with neighborhood prices.

Using a contractor recommended by a friend can be a great idea - but still get a few estimates. Your friend's job might give you an idea of how the finished product looks and the workmanship of the contractor and his crew. You might also hear war stories and editorial comments that will help you assess if you're friend's contractor is good choice for you. If have to pick a contactor blind, make sure to ask for recommendations and actually call the customer to see if they would recommend the business. You might even call the Better Business Bureau to verify if the vendor has had complaints against and how he has resolved them.

If you are installing windows or other products that qualify for tax credits or rebates, make sure that the contractor gives you the proper receipts so you can claim the credit. Make sure to tell the contractor that you want to take advantage of the rebate so he buys qualifying materials.

When a contractor is at your home working with power tools and working on ladders, accidents can easily happened. To prevent liability and undue usage of your own homeowners' insurance, make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, insured, and covered by workmen's comp. A reputable contractor won't minds showing you're a copy of his paperwork.

After you have decided on the contactor, he will probably ask for a deposit. To make sure that he follows through and completes the work, give him the minimum he requests as a downpayment and make additional payments at intervals. Only pay the balance when the job is done to your satisfaction. Contractors often schedule several jobs and may not come back to work on your job if they have no incentive.

If you wonder which improvements you make will increase the asking price of your home in a few years, ask an experienced Realtor® for direction. Sandy Sandlin and her team at ReMax Excellent Properties can give you the help you need. If you are ready to buy or sell house now, Sandy knows Greater Baton Rouge real estate.