Sandy Ogburn Sandlin - Fine Baton Rouge area homes

As soon as the President signed the new law for the $787 stimulus package, states began considering ways of using the aid to improve different areas in their states. Faced with budget shortages, governors and mayors are envisioning how the stimulus might help their local areas. The main concerns are improving roads, bridges, improving schools, creating jobs, improving health care, and the development of new energy programs. Louisiana could put the funds to good use, but officials are concerned about "strings" attached to the funds, so they are planning slowly.

With an estimated 11% of the stimulus aimed at improving infrastructure, Louisiana is looking to receive $308 million. The state already has plans to improve roadways, lessening congestion into major cities throughout the south. One $10 million project will expand I-10 by one lane in each direction from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. There are also plans for I-12 improvements costing $100 million. Another $109 million of the federal money would be dispersed throughout the state to planning commissions to repair other roads and bridges. All projects would create new jobs and help our distressed economy since they have to be started within 120 days.

The state may also receive $1.7 billion for health care, but the state is hesitant to plan on spending this money as they question the Federal calculation. Louisiana may use part of the monies dispersed from the package to clear up debts it already owes for health care costs - $700 million. Officials are viewing this as a one-time allocation of money and want to be very careful how the aid is spent. As of Oct. 1^st, the state will have to pay the increase in the costs for Medicaid. This leaves $500 million over a 2 year period left for medical purposes. The state may have to stop expanding care for uninsured Americans, as state matching funds are necessary to qualify for Federal dollars.

Though more details coming out of Washington in future weeks will clarify what states have to do to qualify for aid, the money could boost Louisiana's already hopeful job employment picture and underwrite many other programs and improvements that would make the state an even better place for people to settle and raise their families.

Ready to settle in a new Ascension, East Baton Rouge, or Livingston Parish home? Contact Sandy's Team today to see your new home.

The $787 billion recovery package has been signed in a massive attempt to revive our nation's distressed economy. But what does this package really mean and what will it really do, especially for housing?

First and foremost, the package will cut taxes so potential home buyers will have more money to work with. Paychecks will increase about $13 a week until singles see a $400 tax credit and couples receive $800 throughout the rest of the year. Low income families can expect a $1000 child tax credit if they do not make enough throughout the year to pay income taxes. Middle-income and wealthy taxpayers will no longer pay the minimum alternate tax amount. Car buyers will be able to write off their sales tax on any car purchase made before the end of the year.

The stimulus will aid housing and improve local communities. First-time home buyers purchasing a home before Dec. 1st will receive an $8000 credit. Homeowners making upgrades to more energy efficient homes are eligible for a reimbursement up to 30% of the costs. Fifty-four billion was earmarked for improving our education systems, and neighborhood schools. Students and parents will see up to $2500 in tax credits to help with tuition. To make communities safer, law enforcement will receive $3.7 billion for police programs and another $2 billion for task force programs and another $1 billion for programs to hire new officers. To ease access to our cities and maintain the quality of life there, the package also contained $90 billion to upgrade and repair the United States' infrastructure - roads, bridges, pipelines, etc.

The unemployed and low income population will get some relief. . Unemployment benefits will not be taxable until at least $2,400 is received. Americans living in poverty who receive benefits will see more money and be entitled to draw benefits longer. Medicaid will distribute $87 billion, and Cobra benefits after workers have lost their jobs will be subsidized.

In summary, taxes will be cut, jobs will be created in certain areas, Americans living in poverty will see assistance, and schools and education programs will be better funded. What happens to the national deficit, you ask? Our national deficit will increase to approximately $10.7 trillion. Statistically speaking, that makes every person in the US about $36,000 in debt per household.

Will the debt affect this generation? Absolutely. This new law will not only affect us directly, but our children, and grandchildren. The key to remember here is this package can help everyone struggling now to maintain and better all of our lives now and in the future.

First time homeowners - claim your credit. Contact Sandy's Team today to see a beautiful selection of Louisiana homes in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, or Ascension parish. Whether you set your sites in Baton Rouge or in one of the nearby communities, we would like to show you your affordable new home.

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On February 19^th, 2009 Sandy Ogburn-Sandlin and her team at RE/MAX Excellent Properties attended the annual RE/MAX Awards luncheon. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge to honor the most successful RE/MAX associates in Louisiana.

Sandy was awarded the highly coveted Circle of Legends Award, recognizing her achieving $10 million in gross commission after being with RE/MAX 10+ years. Sandlin is the only agent in Louisiana to ever have won the award. Also awarded to Sandy and her team was the Diamond award. This award was given for the highest annual commission earned in the state. Other awards included highest number of homes sold and the highest number of sales per agent.

When asked how she achieved such accomplishments with declining real estate values Sandy said "Buyers and sellers realized more than ever they need someone with experience, knowledge, and integrity." Sandy said "It's times like these, when many Realtors are getting out of the business, that my team will shine because of their empathy for buyers as well as sellers."

Want to see the magic of Sandy and her team at work? We specialize in homes that should have sold but didn't - and would love to put you in one!

Are you ready for some almost-spring fun in Baton Rouge? That's right it is Mardi Gras!! Let the good times roll!

If your idea of a good time includes catching a few parades, grabbing some bead, and dancing to the bands, then this is your time of the year! Whether you are a wild and crazy kind of person or looking for family fun, Mardi Gras can meet your needs - just like a great realtor can do when you're looking to buy or sell a home. Nothing is more fun than watching a lively and colorful parade go by with beads and goodies flying through the air. You can catch the Southdowns Krewe Parade at 7 pm in the Southdown neighborhood off Perkins Road on February 20^th. You can find more information at www.southdowns.org. If you prefer pink instead of the traditional Purple, Green and Gold of Mardi Gras then you can't miss the Spanish Town parade! This pink-hued parade rolls out at 12 noon on State Capitol Drive with a fleet of 70 floats. Let your funky side run wild and dig out your eclectic attire. Grab your lawn chairs and be there early and you can dance away to the Marching Bands with the 2009 Dignitaries: King Mr. Rob Payer, Queen Ms. Margie Moore & the 2009 Grand Marshal is Mr. Jim "Batman" Spain. Whatever you do, don't forget your goody bags for all the parade goodies and practice your best, "Throw me something, Mister!!" We just want to say "enjoy your da" as you take in all the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge. And don't forget, as you're out with all the revelers, Baton Rouge makes a great place to call home.

Give Sandy Ogburn Sandlin and her "krew" a holler and you could be a part of it all next year as one of Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Krewes! Please have a happy and safe Mardi Gras!!

Despite the grim news and barrage of constant layoffs among major companies throughout the United States, there is a beacon of light in Louisiana. The city of Baton Rouge has a trend that contrasts what appears to be the norm these days - there was an increase in the job market.

As the rest of the country shipped into recession, Baton Rouge has seen a 4,000 job spike over the past year with 400 new jobs created just within the month of December. What is this due to? The unified work force development system that was recently created by the governor and the Legislature may be a factor in the increase. It also could be due to the transitioning of Hurricane Katrina/ Hurricane Gustav victims to the Baton Rouge area? Gary Perilloux from The Advocate stated the real estate in Baton Rouge alone produced $1.29 billion in income largely in part to a real estate boom starting from 2006 to 2008. There is not a major mortgage crisis in this area!

In fact, it's a great time to buy OR sell a house! Sandy's Team is here to help you list your home for sale or match you up with your dream home!