My beautiful new listing at 2143 Oakcliff in under contract! Accepted Contract within 2 weeks! Want to know the secret? Pricing. Let's not forget that pricing homes correctly is crucial in any market! 07/29/2008

SIGN THIEF STOPPED !! Front page news.  My husband said "Sal, they got the sign thief" so I looked at the Metro section of the morning paper.  "Where is it?"  "Front page," he said.  There it is, at the top of "The Advocate" front page.  http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/26028934.html All of the Realtors in Baton Rouge know about the Sign Thief.  And most of us have had our own experiences with disappearing signs.  His argument is that he takes signs only from public property, and he surely feels that he is doing his civic duty.  One Realtor made a very determined effort to place her sign in a landscaped garden that is within the subdivision's common private property.  Before her open house opened, the sign was gone. In one discussion at the office, another Realtor said "Just get over it... 07/29/2008

Baton Rouge Three Bedroom Homes: High Range$270,000+ WoodgateOakridgeCountry Club CrossingJefferson PlaceLake at White OakLakewood   Median Range$170,000+ TaraShenandoahRiverbend LakesCamelot Park ForestHickory RidgeSherwood ForestNatchez TraceWestminister   Low Range$96,000+ Park ForestSouthdownBroadmoorForest OaksGarden District   Baton Rouge Four Bedrooms: High Range$280,000+ Santa MariaWindermereBocageWoodgateWaldenWoodchase Median Range$238,000+ Oak HillsDeer LakeWoodchaseRolling MeadowsLive OakLake at White OakAscot Low Range$170,000+ Sherwood ForestShenandoahOld MillCobblestone KenilworthGates of Windsong   Baton Rouge Five and up Bedrooms: High Range$460,000+ Country Club of LouisianaHundred OaksFair OaksLakes at HighlandSanta MariaHeritage Estates Median Range$287,000+ Lake at ... 07/26/2008

At the Lake at White Oak, there are two lakes, referred to as the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake.  The Upper Lake is the smaller one between Hagerstown Rd and North Shore Drive.  The Lower Lake is the larger one, between North Shore Drive and South Shore Drive.  The lakes are a terrific feature of the neighborhood.  See all that green on the right of the photo?  All of that land, full of trees, belongs in part to subdivision community property, private property, and hunting clubs.  The Amite River runs through that area and is navigable, of course, when the water level is high enough.  It is a favorite route for boaters to head on down to Fred's Restaurant and Bar.  The area surrounding the lakes provides a great place for walking, jogging, biking, fishing, photography, and bird watchin... 07/26/2008

                       Picture perfect gardens.  Laden with neatly-placed bunches of caladium and coleus plants.  A stroll around this front yard in the shade of a large oak tree is a pleasant experience.  Begonias and hostas add to the texture and color that make this garden well deserving of the yard of the month award.  Congratulations. 07/26/2008

  Baton Rouge DreamHome Giveaway Take a chance on winning the St. Jude DreamHome® Giveaway and help thekids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fight cancer andother catastrophic childhood diseases. Reserve your $100 ticket for achance to win our beautiful house valued at approximately $450,000.Located in the Acadiana of Ascension subdivisionin Prairieville, Louisiana, the 3,972-square-foot,four bedroom, three bath house, was builtby Alvarez Construction on a lot donated by Bilwood Smith RealEstate.Baton Rouge DreamHome House Information13275 Rue Maison Blvd.Prairieville, LAHouse features:      3,972 total square feet; 3,170 heatedsquare feet        four bedrooms, three full baths        granite kitchen countertops        stainless steel appliances        wood floors        cypres... 07/16/2008

Top 5 Summer Vacation Tips 1. When booking an airline flight, book early.  Summer flights fill up extremely fast  and the longer you wait the more expensive it will be.  Another way to save money?  Do not buy your tickets during ‘peak' times.  Try to book between Monday through Thursday and between mid-morning to early afternoon or even the evening.  Prices will be substantially lower during these times and less busy. 2. Dress and pack with security in mind.  For a smoother trip, be up to date on all the prohibited items and rules at the Transporation Safety's Administration's Web site.  TSA Pack your medicine, jewelry, and other valuables in your carry-on baggage but remember the TSA's new  3-1-1  for Carry-ons (for liquids):  "3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear,... 07/15/2008

Bathrooms Photo by:Wasuna.com  More and more bathrooms are becoming a major selling point in homes.  Home buyers are more than likely to  pass on a home with a pink sink, floor to ceiling flowery wallpaper, and out-dated tile for a home down the street with bathrooms that give them a spa feeling.  How do you achieve this while making your money back (and then some)?...   • First give your bathroom(s) a major cleaning!  Simple things like dirty grout can turn a buyer away.  Dirty/Moldy grout solution?  Bleach and water.  • Tubs still dirty?  LaPorta of HGTV's Designed to Sell says "Tub refinishing is a great improvement to make, and it saves you a lot of money in labor because you don't have to pay someone to rip out your old bathtub. It usually costs around $250, and that's a great inve... 07/14/2008

    New A/C and updated ceramic tile and laminate floors in this 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo. Built-ins and wood burning, masonry fireplace added attractions. Great location at One Florida Place II located at Florida and Sharp. Don't miss this great buy!!   $85,500                (MLS B08195375)      07/11/2008

  Looking for something to do in Baton Rouge? Want to stay up to date on the latest Baton Rouge events, organizations, community groups, news, & more? Visit AmericanTowns. Not only can you find the best local information but you can also share...You can post your group and add your events to share with the community! Venture out and check what's going on in nearby cities! Find something to do with the family this weekend, discover a new dinner spot, read the latest Baton Rouge headlines, and check movie times all in one spot! 07/09/2008

Curb Appeal photo by: www.exteriorencounters.com  You must make a good first impression or some buyers may not even step inside! Take as much time as possible to update the outside of your home with the following tips...   Edge, Cut, and Water the lawn Weed lawns and flowerbeds adding red mulch around trees or certain flowerbeds to liven things up and add more color Check the doors and windows for peeling paint and then touch-up Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door as it's the first thing your future home buyer will touch! Clean those gutters! Are there any loose or damaged shingles? Take the appropriate action. Liven your doorway up with potted plants! If you have a front porch, clean it up, add some decorative furnishings, and take advantage of the extra square footage! Overa... 07/07/2008

East Baton Rouge Active Sold Total 2018 340 Total List $592,038,272 $73,538,057 Total Sold n/a $71,612,619 Average List $293,379 $216,288 Average Sold n/a $210,625 Average DOM 106 64 Median Price $214,900 $168,000 %SP/LP n/a 97% 07/01/2008

East Baton Rouge Active Sold Total 735 98 Total List $165,332,464 $19,804,739 Total Sold n/a $19,131,600 Average List $224,942 $202,140 Average Sold n/a $195,220 Average DOM 119 100 Median Price $189,900 $165,525 %SP/LP n/a 96% 07/01/2008

The annual ‘Best of 225' Awards have been announced!  View below to see a brief view of some of the Best of Baton Rouge!  Some you may agree with, others you may oppose.  Let me know who you think is the best! For a full list of current and past winners/runner-ups in all categories, click here.    Best Burgers: George's     Best Dessert: Copeland's CheeseCake Bistro     Best Fast Food: Raising Cane's     Best Overall Restaurant The Chime's       Best Local Festival Jazz Fest     Best Place To Take the Kids for Fun Baton Rouge Zoo     Best Place to Listen to Live Music The Varsity     Best Local Band Benjy Davis Project     This is just the beginning!  Pick up the latest 225 Mag or Click here to see the full list of winners in categories from Best Gourmet Restaurant to Best Spa to Best P... 07/01/2008

#1  All Real Estate Agents are "Realtors" To be a Realtor®, agents must join the National Association of Realtors®.  This means that we have additional training and only Realtors pledge to uphold higher ethical standards set by the NAR's Code of Ethics.  In fact, fewer than half the licensed agents in this country are Realtors.  Realtors also have access to MLS listings, what I consider to be the most important point of exposure for your home, which is to advantage of both the buyer and the seller.   #2  All Realtors® are the Same Now that we have identified what a Realtor is, you must realize that not every Realtor is the same.  It does not mean you have found the perfect person to help you with buying or selling your home.  First, Realtors can have different specializations - i.e. fir... 06/30/2008

Buying Baton Rouge Real Estate We are finding that people that are buying Baton Rouge Real Estate are taking an average of eight months to do so. One of the things that I offer to make this process easier is my daily email service. All you have to do is go to my Dream Home Finder and sign up and I will get you set you to where you will receive a daily email that will give you the link to each Baton Rouge area home that is listed, no matter who lists it. 06/26/2008

Baton Rouge Home Appraiser, William D. Cobb, Reports On Rushmore Subdivision, 70819. SOLDS: An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 5/27/07 to 6/17/08 reveals: Average Sales Price: $141,392 Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $97.66 Median Sold Price: $141,400 Low Sales Price: $127,000 High Sales Price: $152,000 Average # of Days On Market: 62 # of Sales: 12 CURRENT LISTINGS: # of Homes Listed In MLS: 8 Priced From: $128,900 to $153,900 Priced From: $87/sf to $109/sf # Active Listings: 5 # Pending Listings: 3 Data Used With Permission From Greater Baton Rouge Board of Realtors. Accurate Valuations Group Appraiser, William D. Cobb, has operated as a home appraiser for 16 years now primarily in the Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana market. For more information about Accurate Valuations Home Appraisa... 06/18/2008

http://batonrougerealestateappraisers.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate Monticello Subdivision 9th Filing Video 06/17/2008

http://batonrougerealestateappraisers.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate Condos Video Channel - Georgetown Condos in Zip Code 70808. 06/17/2008

                      6016 Arborwood Court Approaching this Arborwood Court cul-de-sac, you take in an extraordinary view of a large crepe myrtle tree in full bloom - absolutely stunning.  A quick turn around the cul-de-sac, and you will see the June Yard of the Month.  The front gardens on both sides of the walkway show a selection of flowering plants and colors that are a nice complement to the color of the front porch. White and red caladiums.  Yellow ixora, daisies, and lantana.  Purple gomphrena and Mexican petunia.  Red ardesia berries.  All of the plant materials are arranged in a pleasing pattern that welcomes guests to the front door.  Another well-deserving Yard of the Month in the Lake at White Oak. Congratulations to the homeowners.  06/16/2008