Shannon Sims

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.

We have all be bombard with the terrible national news concerning the housing market. In fact the local news media has basically regurgitated the same stats and figures the AP disseminates with very little if any local numbers or content included. In an effort to educated the Baton Rouge public on the true picture of the housing market in our area; the Greater Baton Rouge Board of REALTORS® teamed up with the Capitol Region Builders Association and Growth Coalition to get the word out.

Attached you will see the first print product that we hope puts a clearer perspective on exactly where our fair state stands in all of the housing debacle. As you can see Louisiana is NOT, I repeat NOT, in a down market, in fact we are one of only two states in the country that is expected to show growth in the year 2008. I think it is important to point out that the comparision used in this campagain are the numbers for the year 2007, not 2006 when Katrina had such a huge impact. The only figure that is quoted here that would include the Katrina bump is the 30% increase in value over the last 3 years. If you remove the increase in 2006 and include only our totals from 2005 and 2007; the increase is closer to 7% yearly.

One of the most frustrating and heartbreaking situations I am repeatedly finding myself in lately, is buyers who listened to all of the generalized news and assume it applies to us. This misinformation can be and is costly. The wait and see attitude of the rest of country will cost you money and location in Baton Rouge. That is the true picture of our real estate market today.

For more information on the local campaign please visit: www.LAhomeownership.com. If you would like a printed copy of the attached information or if you would like to discuss your homeownership options please contact me, Shannon Sims at shanon@judyburkett.com or (225)296-7723

If you purchased a home in East Baton Rouge parish this year, you need to file for homestead exemption before June! The tax assesor's office in East Baton Rouge will close their books from June until December.

To file for your homestead exemption you will need to bring the following documents: Signed Cash Sale * Signed Settlement Statement. There are two locations for your convenience:

1. The Main Office: 2. Coursey Blvd

222 St. Louis Street, Room 126 10500 Coursey Blvd., Suite 303

Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Baton Rouge, La 70816

(225)389-3901 (225)389-3920

There is also a helpful website for your convenience.

Some points to remember:

• Only one owner needs to be present to file for homestead
• You only have to file once
• If you go to the main office, it is easier if you take a buddy and the buddy drops you off and makes the block. The process is quick and easy and parking downtown is not!
• You MUST file the year that you buy the property
• Do not forget to file!!! It will save $750 per year!

Please join Shannon Sims this Sunday ( April 6, 2008) from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at an open house located at 16749 Centurion Avenue. This spacious home is conveniently located in Centurion Place subdivision off of O'Neal Lane.

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 also new tile in baths. The kitchen features granite counter tops and brick paver floors. The den has a massive fireplace.

The home is located on an over sized half acre lot. There is a separate over-sized enclosed garage.(space over garage fully floored for extra storage

This expansive family home boast 3,644 living area and is reasonably priced at $390,000. If you or anyone you know would like to see this home and will not be able to attend the April 6,2008 open house, please call Shannon Sims at (225)296-7723 or email shannon@judyburkett.com to set up your private tour!

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. Seating is limited so please RSVP TODAY!

Some of the topics we will cover include:

1. The real costs involved including mortgage, title, and inspections
   
2. How to write a strong contract
   
3. The difference between an appraisal and an inspection
4. Why you need an inspection
5. Why all lenders are not created equal
6. What is a buyer's agent and how they protect you
7. An explanation of the buyer's contract and how it protects you
8. Overview of the local market and how to stay current in the market
9. What's important for the resale value of your home
10. A step by step explanation of the home buying process
11. Setting home buying goals and expectations

To reserve your seat at the March 8,2008 HOME BUYERS 101 seminar please RSVP by email to shannon@judyburkett.com or call SHANNON SIMS at (225)296-7723. If you know anyone who would like to attend please have them RSVP.

If you are unable to attend on March 8,2008 and would like to schedule a private appointment with Shannon please contact her at (225) 296-7723 or by email at shannon@judyburkett.com