John Walters (Licensed in Louisiana U.S.A.)

I don't know how many of my fellow citizens received or saw their 2008 property tax bill this year. I live in St. Tammany and I assure you mine went up 300% this year. Before hurricane Katrina I paid a little over $800. My new bill is now over $2200. In this economy where every nickel counts the greedy hand of government wants more of my hard earned dollars.

The homestead exemption for Louisiana is currently $75,000. If they had indexed this to inflation it would be around $150,000. So whats happening is an unfair burden is falling on the working people. My parents are over 65 and they pay only $200 a year. I also don't want to hear business are going to pay an unfair share. A business is just going to pass the cost on to us. At least this way it will get spread out more evenly. Here is a link to the online petition. Please go and sign your name today.

I viewed my property taxes online this week and blew a gasket. In these times when property values at best are holding steady my taxes went from pre-Katrina ($800) to over $2200. I don't know how in the world some people will be able to come up with the extra cash. This is a Republican dominated parish that is supposed to believe in low taxes. I don't think it matter any more what party you belong to.

I wonder what my home is really worth when someone has to pay taxes, flood and homeowners insurance on top of the house note. I don't know if I can sell this house anymore. This is really a problem.

I really don't feel like paying for parish employees retirement at 55 anymore. The old argument was they made less money. I don't believe this holds water anymore over a plain working stiff. I can tell you I wouldn't be looking to move to St. Tammany parish any longer if I was considering a move.

Here is a tax tip I didn't know about, and may be you didn't either. I had two buyers last year I know of paying PMI. They can deduct it from last years taxes using schedule A line 13. Let your buyers know they may appreciate this tip. Remember every little bit helps.

Clipper Estates Subdivision is an exclusive gated waterfront community located just outside Slidell city limits. It is one of several waterfront neighborhoods in the area. One of it's best assets is it's location. Clipper is located much closer to the lake than most others. This translates into less idling time to and from the lake.

• 2007 sales were 11 units sold. Average sale price $361,000 or 137 sq. ft.

• 2008 sales were 12 units sold. Average sale price $347,000 0r 137 sq. ft.

That's quite a feat considering the national housing market. One more home sold in 2008 and the price per square foot stayed the same. Anyone considering selling, buying or re-locating to the Slidell, Louisiana area please call your Northshore Real Estate Expert today.

I am sorry I missed this party fellows. This must have been a good one in Spartan Trace Slidell. As one can see there wasn't an economic problem in 2008 for these guys, at least they didn't show it. I didn't

notice anyone outside the home this morning. I guess they were shaking off a good night. When I was younger (in my good ole days), we had some good party's. But I think they outdid me.