Kristina Cusick

Ascension Parish Market Stats for October 2009

Monthly Sales were 88 units. Comparison to last month: Decreased 27% from 121 units. Comparison to this month last year: Decrease 6% from 94 Units.

Average Sold Price was $205,143. Comparison to last month: Increased 7% from $191,622. Comparison to this month last year: Decreased 5% from $215,793.

Current Inventory is 6.56 months. Comparison to last month: Increased from 4.76 months. Comparison to this month last year: Decreased from 8.54 months.

Average Days on Market were 86. Comparison to last month: Increased from 83 days. Comparison to this month last year: Decreased from 97 days.

So what do all these numbers mean? In a nutshell, it means that the historic fall/holiday slow down has begun. Most of the first time home buyer's purchased earlier because the tax credit was due to expire on November 30, 2009. I think we will continue to see our slow down over the holidays. On November 6, 2009 it was announced that the tax credit was extended until April 30, 2010 and there was an expansion for "long time resident" purchasers of $6,500. This should spark some more interest but I wonder if people will wait until after the holidays.

The good thing about the holidays coming up is this. The sellers putting their homes on the market are serious sellers. They need to move and will price their properties appropriately. The buyers that are out looking are also serious. They are not the spring time buyers just out enjoying the weather.

Average Sales prices are back up. They are closer to the 12 month average which is $211,985.

Enjoy your holidays and don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

These stats are for areas 90,91 & 92 in Ascension Parish. Information used from Greater Baton Rouge MLS. They include only single family dwellings. Mobile home and land sales are not part of these numbers. If you would like information on either of these, feel free to let me know.

Today, I woke with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for all of the Veteran's that have sacrificed so much for me. Without these men and women, I would not be able to sit here and enjoy the laughter of my children while they are getting ready for school, kiss my husband goodbye as he leaves for a job that he loves, or help a young couple find their first home. Think of all the small everyday tasks that we enjoy.

We get to experience these moments because a Veteran fought for our freedom.

I ask you this... Next time you see a Veteran, shake their hand, say thank you, buy them a cup of coffee. A small gesture of kindness is just a drop in the bucket for what they have done for us. With that being said, I think I will make my way to the local donut shop to buy a round of coffee and donuts for the gentlemen that I know hang out there in the morning.

Happy Veteran's Day to all who have served and fought for our freedom. Thank you!

Today, November 10, 2009, the Marine Corp turns 234. Happy Birthday Marines!

Thank you to all who have served for your tireless dedication in keeping our country safe.

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem. [Ronald Reagan, U.S. President; 1985]

Saturday, November 7, 2009, Ascension Parish had a strong showing from their parish.  Three of the local high schools, Dutchtown, East Ascension and St. Amant competed in the Showcase of Marching Bands at ULL's Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana.

All three bands had excellent performances.  It was such a pleasure to watch our Ascension Parish band students excel in what they do.  The crowd loved what they saw!

A huge round of applause is needed for all of the band directors, students and parents.  All of your hard work certainly showed on Saturday night.  I personally thank the band directors for their dedication and genuine care of the students that they teach. You have inspired these young people to excel at so many levels.  Each of you are truly special.  I also would like to thank all of the parents that help the bands.  Without the help you all give, much of this would not be possible.  From the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU. 

It is no secret that I am a St. Amant High School Band Fan...  I have a special interest there.  With that being said, you can click the video below to view the performance of the St. Amant Golden Gator Band.

I will monitor YouTube and as I see the other schools performances uploaded I will provide a link for those as well.

The first time home buyer's tax credit that was scheduled to expire on 12/01/2009 has been extended until May 1, 2010.  The income limits for this have also been increased!

Here are the specifics:

• Purchasers must be first time home buyers.  This means that you must not have owned a home in the past three years.
• The credit is for 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000
• Adjusted Gross Income limits are now $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers
• Purchasers must have a contract signed by April 30, 2010 and will have until June 30, 2010 to close
• The credit is only available for the purchase of principal residences priced up to $800,000 or less

There is also a new tax credit for "long time resident" homeowners!

Here are those specifics:

• Purchasers must have lived in their primary residence for five consecutive years in the past eight years
• Tax credit for existing "long time resident" homeowners will be 10% of purchase price up to $6,500
• Stipulations for dates, Adjusted Gross Income limits and purchase price remain the same as for First Time Home buyers

This is good news. Many people will now be able to purchase their first home or possibly move up to a bigger home.  The move up part of this is crucial to the continued growth real estate market .

Please note:  I am NOT a tax professional!  These are the rules and regulations as I understand them as a Real Estate Professional.  If you have any questions or unique situations, please contact your tax professional.  If you do not have one, I will be glad to give you some recommendations.