Good news Slidell residents.  Flood insurance rates are going down.  Thanks to efforts by Slidell city government improving drainage in our area.  Our zone class is going down from a nine to an eight.  Ten being the worst.  This should result in a reduction of about ten percent a year.  I will take whatever I can get. 11/12/2008

Seems most of the taxing boards in St. Tammanywill roll back their millage to help compensate for increased property tax rolls.  The school board and parish government would not seek any increase in revenue.  The school board alone is over fifty percent.  The fire districts in Covington and Lacombe indicated they would seek an increase.  Also the First fire district in Slidell would seek an increase.  I don't know for sure if Eagle Point Subdivision falls within the first district.  None of the boards would say how much they would seek.  I hope they don't get too greedy. 11/07/2008

Earlier this month the homeowners of St Tammany Parish received their new home tax valuations.  Some of these values appreciated 200% in four years.  Four years?  Yes, four years.  Mine personally went up quite a bit.  I still believe mine are fair.  I just hope and pray the local taxing boards don't charge all of the millage allowed.  Then my tax bill would almost triple. I can assure you many people won't be able to afford their home anymore.  If insurance continues it's steady advance and taxes are charged at the allowable rate many homeowners will see their note go up $300 per month.  How many people have this extra amount to pay.  I will be hard pressed to make ends meet.  The government like us has to cut back when times are very tough.  They should be forced by law to downsize. 10/30/2008

I hope everyone who wants to contest their property taxes has filed their appeals.  I don't think the assessor is going to roll over and go easy.  I have included a link to wwl radio where assessor Core and parish president debate this assessment.  I can still give you information on homes sold in your area for free.  Here is a link to listen to the assessor onWWL radio this morning.  You will find it on the lower right hand side.  Good Luck 10/16/2008

Just a reminder for residents of St Tammany Parish that this coming Thursday is the deadline to appeal your new property assessment.  I have already written two letters to residents to give them a fair market value of their home.  The assessments were raised since four years ago.  As you know in this difficult market we are currently in, many will not sell for this new amount.  Don't give up without a fight.  This is your money not theirs. 10/13/2008

How many of you heard or noticed that the co called credit bail out bill has numerous other "PORK" added into it?  There is a provision for the maker of wooden arrows.  Something for NASCAR and something for the wool industry.  This is the problem in our capitol.  Too many special interest groups period.  Really wooden arrow makers???? 10/02/2008

Those of us that have property in St Tammany Parish can go to the website and see the damage.  This was a re-assessment year.  My taxes doubled and I am sure yours did also.  I believe you have two weeks to challenge these new assessments.  This is going to be hard on homeowners hitting when the economy is in a downturn.  A kind of double whammy.  If you go to the site be patient the sever must be near over loaded. 10/02/2008

You know it's football season when the kids from area schools strike the homes of other school mates.  They call it White Wednesday the week of homecoming.  I think this may be the same ones who stole Realtors signs and placed them on my property earlier this year.  I know I was to good in my youth to do thing like this. 09/25/2008

Here is a picture of my most recent fishing trip in Reggio in St. Bernard Parish.  Located about twenty miles from downtown Louisiana.  We had to fight a strong East wind that was pushing up the tides.  I think about two feet above normal.  The fish are in the marsh thanks to the recent storms.  I am afraid a lot of damage was done to the coastline once again.  Enjoy the picture. 09/25/2008

Bond money is avalaible again for moderate income families in Southeast Louisiana.  This includes St. Tammany Parish and Slidell, Pearl River and Lacombe.  This is only for first time buyers not for refinancing or previous homeowners.  One can call 866-310-7971 of visit the web site for more information.  In these times of turbulence in the financial markets this is a welcome gift to many.  Some closing assistance is available also if needed. 09/21/2008

I know how everyone loves to bitch about the insurance companies denying claims.  I have another twist here for you.  When I came back home after hurricane Gustav we were without electricity for over a day.  Rather than take a chance I threw out all the food in my freezer and refrigerator.  I didn't have all that much in there since it was storm season.  Past experiences taught me this.  Anyway my mom informed me of something I had missed.  None of the supermarkets in the area had any sales.  They knew almost everyone would have to restock their food supply and therefore didn't give the consumers any breaks.  So you see it isn't just the insurance companies it's many industries.  Kick em when they are down. 09/15/2008

I wanted to show my friends what Gustav thought of my utility shed.  I am two for two on these things.  Katrina ate the first one and Gustav got this one.                           I really didn't like it very much.  Hit my head on it all the time.  Here are some photos of my dads home who lives on Carr Drive in Slidell Louisiana near Lake Pontchartrain.  This home had water underneath for Katrina but was high and dry inside. 09/15/2008

My client's have cash and are ready to close.  Problem is the government.  We need a wetlands permit to build a driveway.  Three and a half acres and we need fifteen by twenty foot area of land to span the drainage area.  We have been waiting two months.  They finally got a Nationwide Permit #14 but now need a USACE #29 and a water quality certification from the LA Dept of Natural Resources.  Can you believe how much the government gets in the way.  We have to get this otherwise the land is basically worthless.  I would love to hear other stories similar to this. 08/27/2008

Slidell Louisianais eligible for the rural development loan program.  Homebuyers will get lower interest rates, no PMI and possibly zero money down.  This program is available until the end of September.  Call me for further information.  As you know there are numerous listing to choose from so don't delay.  the clock is ticking. 08/25/2008

Huntwyck VillageSlidell LA. In Slidell LA there are many subdivisions. One subdivision which is centrally located is Huntwyck Village. The subdivision is support by a great schools district: •1.       Carolyn Park •2.       Slidell Junior High •3.      Slidell High School There is an Active Homeowners Association. There contact information is 985-641-9946. Huntwyck Village is locate a very short drive to the Northshore Square Shopping Center. 08/23/2008

  This is a video my wife took while boat riding in Lake pontchartrain.  You can see them jumping out of the water only 50 feet away.  They hardly even acknowledged we were there.  I have fished this lake since I was very young.  I have never seen dolphin in the lake before.  They arrived after the hurricane.  I guess they were blown into the lake.  I just wanted to show you what mother nature can do. 08/19/2008

I have to comment on the diet of our Olympic hosts in the Far East.  Have you seen the news reporters eating the scorpions?  Can you imagine eating grilled scorpion over grilled beef and chicken?  I can't imagine eating this to live.  I know it acceptable over there but gee whizz, give me a break.  I guess if it moves it can be eaten. 08/14/2008

I found this picture when doing a search of new listings.  I think it's easier to sell a home when the tastes are more conservative.  This kitchen is far from that.  I would have told this seller to repaint this kitchen.  Just wondering what the active rain members thoughts are on this one. 08/12/2008

My wife was just discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She needed to have three units of blood.  This kind of came out of the blue.  The local bloodbank is now short three units of blood.  Two friends of mine and myself are going to replace this blood.  This way it will be available for the next person who needs it.  I wish to thank the unselfish donors who gave blood to help my wife.  Fellow active rainers please donate blood.  I know you are busy and really don't think of these things.  You will be glad it is there if you are a loved one ever needs blood.  08/06/2008

Broker Tour Slidell, LA. 1241 Magnolia StSlidell, LA. 70460MLS # 745462LP 1,500,000    Wednesday 23, 2008 Time: 11:00 - 1:00 Brokers/Agent: Bring your clients to see the Estate. Please direct your calls or email to Rubi@7824.com Susanne Christoffersen 504-621-6711 Specialized Real Estate Services, Inc. 3525 Hessmer AveSte 301Metairie, LA. 70001 504.319.9696 www.sresinc.com 07/21/2008