Gayle Causey

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

Did you cross your fingers like I asked? I didn't think so. Yesterday's pleas for rain in northeast Louisiana went unanswered. No rain. We were teased with clouds and even the sound of a little thunder, but when it all came down to it, NO RAIN.

So, we're back to the same old weather forecast--lots of heat, lots of sun. No rain.

If your home is on the market at this time, plesae try to keep the grass green. I know it's a chore, but it really makes a difference when buyers are driving by. And, if you happen to be looking for a new home right now, please be understanding of the fact that Mother Nature is not cooperating. Grass may be a little crispy, but it will come back! One day's rain will make everything green again.

Call or email me if I can help you.

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

There's a COLD FRONT headed for northeast Louisiana--a real cause for celebration! Monday's high is predicted to be 94 degrees, according to The Weather Channel, and the low will be 66. That may sound high to you, but it's a welcome relief to those of us in Monroe and West Monroe who have been in sweltering heat for the entire month of June. We're hoping that this front will bring us a little rain. We haven't seen any raindrops since June 4.

Monroe's total rainfall this year is 21.6 inches, 8+ inches below average. Rain measurements at the Monroe airport found only 0.6 inches for the month of June, far below the average rainfall of 4.2 inches.

According to the Nat'l Weather Service, Sunday's high of 102 degrees tied the record set in 1988. The record marked the fourth time in seven days that temperatures were above 100 and the third time that the heat matched or set record highs. I told you it was HOT!!

Even though we've had no rain, the Endom Bridge that spans the Ouachita River between Monroe and West Monroe was recently struck by lightning. The strike cause electrical problems, so the bridge is closed indefinitely. I took the picture to the right in early June to show the unusually high level of the river. The bridge was in its normal position for traffic, but now it is in the open position until repairs are complete.

Looking for a home on the other side of the River? I'll be happy to show you some nice homes that fit your price range and desired location. Call, text or email me today.

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

OK, I realize I've written a lot lately about the good things happening in Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington and other parts of northeast Louisiana. Today I'm going to be completely honest. The news isn't all good. Reality: it's HOT here!

We've seen temperatures flirting with 100 degrees every day for more than a week with no rain during the month of June. Nighttime temps are very high, so there is little relief. Sprinklers are working all over town, grass is getting crispy, and even the birds look thirsty.

My hat is off to all our friends working at Habitat for Humanity construction projects right now. By the way, the local newspaper reports that Habitat could sure use some LARGE fans to help with the heat. If you have one that you can donate, please call the Habitat office at 318-323-8003.

Check out the good being done for good people by Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita at http://www.hfho.org/

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

Talk to anyone from any other state. The majority are singing the blues about their local economy. Here in northeast Louisiana, we have reason to celebrate! News of large expansions happening in the not-too-distant future makes us excited, but what is already happening BEFORE the new businesses is still good news.

If you're looking for a construction job, Monroe is the place to be.

Call or text me if I can help you make the move.

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

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From The News Star, June 25, 2009

Monroe's April sales taxes drop; West Monroe has increase

By Greg Hilburn • ghilburn@thenewsstar.com • June 25, 2009

Ouachita Parish sales tax collections dropped slightly in April for the first time this year, but the market economy remains solid in the face of a national recession, an economist said.

Combined collections for all Ouachita taxing jurisdictions fell about 2 percent in April compared with the same month in 2008, but calendar year collections are still showing a gain of more than 4 percent.

"One month isn't an indicator of a trend," said University of Louisiana at Monroe economist Bob Eisenstadt, who analyzes the market's retail sales. "We're still up on the year, and that's contrary to the national economy."

Monroe saw April collections drop 3 percent, but Eisenstadt and Mayor Jamie Mayo said they expect the economy to grow for the city and all parish jurisdictions as major commercial construction projects get under way this year.

The three biggest are the Delta Community College campus, the Monroe Regional Airport terminal and the expansion of the former Guide Corp. facility for production of the new V Vehicle Co. cars.

Delta construction is under way, and ground will be broken for the other two projects this summer.

"There's a large chunk of construction money that's about to land in Ouachita Parish, and that windfall will be followed by permanent jobs," Eisenstadt said.

While most Ouachita jurisdictions showed declines in April, the city of West Monroe posted a strong 9 percent gain. All other municipalities, as well as the hotel-motel tax, posted declines.