Baton Rouge Real Estate News Video Resource: http://www.batonrougehousingreports.com/

Baton Rouge Real Estate News

Why Baton Rouge Housing Reports?

Because a home is the largest, most important investment most locals make in their lifetimes. Because of the importance of getting this decision right, housing market facts, trends and analysis are provided to help locals execute competent, informed home purchase or home selling decisions.

There’s a new Premier web video resource in Baton Rouge with a residential focus: Baton Rouge Housing Reports Dot Com. This site offers the good news in our market as well as the on-going correction, tips on what improvements really add value, local REALTOR® video update of the month, local real estate expert interviews, local remodeler’s tips, trends videos, monthly and quarterly reports, Top 150 Subivisions trends, current housing charts and stats, gbrmls stats, local NAR stats, special investigative series and a long list of local online resources. Visit Us for the scoop on local housing.

Baton Rouge Housing Reports Dot Com – Local Real Estate Professionals Providing Trends, Analysis & Tips Helping Locals Make Informed Housing Decisions!

Keywords: Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Homes, Baton Rouge Housing, East Baton Rouge, Greater Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Realtors, Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents, Baton Rouge Homes For Sale, Baton Rouge Home Appraiser, Baton Rouge Home Appraisal

What Are These Baton Rouge Vote For Amendment #1 To Stay Tax Free Signs About?

The Louisiana REALTORS® Association is supporting a constitutional amendment on the November 19th ballot to prohibit any new real estate transfer taxes in the state.

A vote FOR Amendment #1 on November 19 will…

*Protect your home from double taxation. Most homeowners in Louisiana already pay property taxes. Transfer taxes are simply another tax on the same piece of property.

*Keep Louisiana free from additional taxes, especially those that unfairly target homeowners and homebuyers.

If approved by Louisiana voters, we believe this will be an extremely positive development for residential and commercial consumers of real estate – and good for the overall real estate market and economy in Louisiana.

Monitor this important initiative thoughout the fall at STAYTAXFREE.com. Browse the site for related news, background on the issue, answers to frequently asked questions, and learn how you can get involved.

http://www.baton-rouge-real-estate.com/ – Baton Rouge Housing Makes Homevestors Top 100 Markets To Invest In Rental Property List

Homevestors of America, Inc., the We Buy Ugly Homes national real estate investor franchise, recently graded the Top 100 United States Housing Markets for their potential to be in the best rental property markets. Baton Rouge was ranked #66. Read more abut the this news here!

About HomeVestors

Dallas-based HomeVestors of America, Inc., the #1 buyer of houses in the U.S., was incorporated and began franchising in 1996. The first real estate franchise investment company, HomeVestors trains and supports its independently owned and operated franchisees that specialize in buying older homes in need of repair, and updating or rehabbing them. Most commonly known as the “We Buy Ugly Houses” company, HomeVestors strives to make a positive impact in each community. In 2010, for the fifth consecutive year, HomeVestors was among the prestigious Franchise Business Review’s “Top 50 Franchises,” a distinction awarded to franchisors with the highest level of franchisee satisfaction. For more information visit www.HomeVestors.com . HomeVestors has franchise opportunities available in 97 of the 100 markets listed on the current ranking. To learn more about the HomeVestors franchise, visit www.HomeVestorsFranchise.com . NOTE: Source is Homevestors Website.

http://www.baton-rouge-real-estate.com/ – Baton Rouge Home Appraisers: Where’s The Bottom For Greater Baton Rouge Housing? Correct Answer Is Based On Local Incomes!

Last week, David Jacobs, with the Baton Rouge Business Report, reported a startling study about how high and out of sync Greater Baton Rouge housing prices are when combined with transportation. The article, Baton Rouge-area household spends 52% of income on housing and transportation, was published on 8/9/2011. In the article or study, the CNT recommends spending no more than 45% and that combining local housing prices with true transportation costs provides “an accurate measure of of the true affordability of housing”.

Other Studies. We also know that according to Core Logic, Baton Rouge is in its’ 9th straight month of home price correction. We also know from the 24/7 Wall Street study that Baton Rouge made America’s 10 Sickest Housing Markets list this month.

We’re In For More Correction. It would appear, based on these 3 studies, that Greater Baton Rouge Housing is in for more correction.

This is my reply below to David Jacobs submitted on 8/10/2011:

I read your Business Report Weekly and wanted to thank you for reporting on this. This has really helped me. Just 3 weeks ago, I was ready to go for a visit to the LSU Real Estate Research Department with similar questions as to where should GBR Housing be priced relative to local incomes? I think this is a foundational question going forward and might possibly shed some light on where the bottom might be in local housing prices in the future. If GBR housing is out of proportion, by how much or by what percentage? Are the current still nose-bleed high housing prices sustainable? Obviously if we asked this question in 2007 from some of the Zachary and ASC $300,000 neighborhoods, the answer today is probably not. $140/sf for new homes wasn’t sustainable across the board. This is why builders like DSLD Homes are having such success……because the insanity in local new home prices from 2006 to 2008 was never sustainable based on local incomes.

As a local home appraiser, I’ve been scratching head all along here wondering WHY local housing is so expensive…..in Louisiana. Baton Rouge has been a wonderful place to grow up and now raise my family, but we’re not California with almost a perfect climate where one would expect high prices. Why are home prices so high here….still in 2011? Even with the modest correction, it would certainly seem that we’re still at nose bleed levels on the pricing of some local housing relative to local incomes. I scratch my head monthly on this issue.

Please understand, I’m not a conservative appraiser. Whatever the housing market’s decision has been, in the form of home sales, I reflect in my reports. However, we’re now about 9 months into this local correction and I’m beginning to think that locals are finally coming to their senses on what they pay for local housing relative to local incomes. There are A LOT of sellers in denial right now, and Hurricane Katrina didn’t help with that at all. It only made it worse. Today, some local Real Estate Agents are hiring me for my Listing Appraisals on their listings that have been on the market for months now, they know are overpriced and they bring me in to show the seller the reality of the local numbers in comparison to sellers perception that their home is worth more.

The chart below doesn’t indicate a huge problem in GBR housing, not like some sour markets in the USA where there’s 3-4 years of supply. However, talk to most appraisers locally and you’ll find that we’re checking “Slow” market for growth or sales and in some subdivision/markets, there’s been such few home sales that it’s become very difficult to complete appraisals for the lack of comps sold within 3 to 6 months, especially under $125,000.

These are some of the things I’ve been thinking about in GBR Housing since 2007 and going forward. Are we fairly priced or still way out of balance? Yes, the market is correcting back to some sense of sanity…..finally…..and how many more months or years will it be till we reach equilibrium (sanity) based on local incomes.

New Homes Are Still Priced High. I still see a local builder and have them say something like, “This market is killing me…when the market coming back?!”. And that builder just doesn’t get it….that the post Hurricane Katrina builder’s market isn’t coming “back” in terms of such exaggerated pricing. The odd thing here is the LHBA (La Home Builders Association) would probably tell you today that we’re too low for their builders to make a decent profit on local home building. What they experienced in 2006-2008 (unsustainable pricing) and expect in the future just wasn’t/isn’t sustainable.

This is why I believe that new TND in Zachary recently announced will take a decade or more to build out because $140/sf to $200/sf just isn’t what local incomes will support and until local builders understand this, they’ll be more developments started and then finished by DSLD Homes. This is also why I believe that new Wyndam Estates development in Denham Springs with 1600sf homes on “tiny lots” in $190′s or $120/sf will also take much, much longer than expected to fill and should be filled with homes in the $150s to $160s. It’s about market economics and local incomes and the local economics, at least outside of Baton Rouge itself, is in favor of DSLD Homes pricing. Those builders and developers that fail to understand local incomes will continue to have their fledgling developments sold to and finished by developers like DSLD Homes after spending millions to break the dirt.

Bill Cobb, Appraiser

http://www.zacharylouisianarealestate.info/ – Zachary LA Home Appraisers: Zachary Hills Estates Subdivision 2011 Update. Zachary Hills is built up with a variety of both older 16-20 to 21-30 year old homes as well as newer homes in the 1 to 10 year old range, which creates a wider gap in the up and downs of home price trends charting. I said that to say that the ups and downs on the chart may not be as wide if the same age homes were compared.

Since the Federal Tax Credit Expiration in May 2010, the number of home sales in Greater Baton Rouge has continued to decline. Zachary Hills Subdivision, with only 1 home sale in the first 5 months of 2011 (as of 5/27/2011), appears to be experiencing this same trend of lower number of home sales.

A recent analysis of and home appraisal in Zachary Hills Estates Subdivision revealed this interesting finding. From 2008 to 2011, the median sales price has continued to remained in flux. From 2008 to 2011, the median sales prices have varied from $185,500, $193,500, $186,900 and in 2011 it’s currently $159,900 BUT based only on 1 sale at $91/sf of an older 21-30 year old home. The chart below has not yet been updated to reflect this 2011 sale.

CURRENT LISTINGS. There are 3 current listings from $170,900, $180,000 to $199,900 with 2 active and 1 pending or under contract. The Average Listing Price per sq. ft. is $99/sf.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2008 to May 27, 2011. This information was extracted on 5/27/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

ABOUT ZACHARY LOUISIANA HOME APPRAISERS:

Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

Can Zachary LA Real Estate Agents Talk To Home Appraisers During A Purchase Appraisal? In short, they absolutely can!

HVCC was retired yet the policies it set in motion remain in motion. Now, Dodd-Frank’s Appraiser-Independence Legislation is the rule of the day and there is a lot of confusion out there between both Home Appraisers and Real Estate Agents on communication! I just had an Agent this week contact me complaining about an Appraiser that came in short on an appraisal because the Appraiser didn’t understand the home on the river had 2 boat slips instead of just 1. This Agent didn’t understand that he could have spoken with the appraiser at the beginning to clear all facts up about this property.

The November 8, 2010 article in Live Valuation Magazine written by Larry Disney, Change to Appraisal and Appraiser Regulation Has Arrived – Are You Ready? sheds some light on this topic. The language in the new Dodd-Frank legislation appears to help the communication process between Agents and Appraisers and Sellers and Borrowers. For example, in this article, Mr. Disney states,

“The above language is not meant to imply that mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, real estate brokers, appraisal management companies, employees of appraisal management companies, consumers, or any other person with an interest in a real estate transaction cannot ask an appraiser to consider additional information, including comparable sales; provide further detail, substantiation, or explanation for an opinion of value; and correct errors in the appraisal report.“

It sounds to me like Agents can communicate with home Home Appraisers.

I asked two (2) nationally known Home Appraisers these questions below:

At what point can the RE Agent talk to the appraiser regarding the purchase appraisal?

*When the initial appraisal inspection is setup?
*After the appraiser has inspected the property?
*If only at the initial setup, then can that agent provide their comps / support then to avoid an appeal later?
*What’s your policy or understanding on this?

*Was I wrong in what I’ve told this agent that asked me below:

I as an appraiser have always considered there to be 3 Real Estate Professionals in the deal: Listing Agent, Selling Agent and Appraiser. To avoid appeals, I ask for the Agent’s comps at the time I set the inspection up. Some Agents are offended that I do this because they take it as if I’m questioning them. I’m not questioning, just trying to give them their opportunity to “talk” to the appraiser before I go out for the inspection and avoid an appeal later. I think you should be proactive with Appraisers and take as much control of your deals as possible……and that’s done initially when the appraiser calls to set up the appraisal inspection. It’s a myth that Agents can’t talk to Appraisers, it’s just that the communication must take place before the appraiser inspection and not after the inspection.

Their two (2) responses I received are below:

In summary, one Appraiser stated that there has been a lot over reaction and that they try to talk to the Agents of most deals. If a value issue arises, the appraiser said he contacts them for their data, which could be before or after the inspection, without letting on that there is a value issue.

Washington State Appraiser, Dave Towne, Said:

“I’m with you on this. I sometimes will ask agents for their ‘cma’, saying “I want to be sure I understand how you priced this property at the time of listing. I want to be sure I don’t miss any properties that you may have considered.” I do this when I determine the price is too high based on comps I pre-research prior to inspecting.

Often, they don’t even have those in their file, and just provide listings at inspection time that support the price, but that are not necessarily comps from our perspective.

An appraiser has to be careful about accepting carte blanche properties provided by someone financially connected to the deal. But I don’t think trying to understand the preliminary pricing process is out of line. However, after the inspection and the report is complete/submitted, that’s not the time to complain – especially if the agent was uncooperative at the start.

We are supposed to ‘verify’ every sale. That involves communication with the players involved prior to report completion. Unfortunately agents sometimes have an adversarial attitude, and appraisers don’t do an effective job discussing this. I think you do, based on your info.

And anyone connected to the assignment can discuss aspects of the property with the appraiser in advance of report submittal, as long as there is no attempt to influence the value.”

What does the Home Appraiser’s Client Instructions Say About This Topic – The AMC’s or Appraisal Management Companies?

I reviewed three (3) recent appraisal orders for home purchases. These Appraisal Orders were 8 pages, 3 pages and 4 pages in length. None of these orders stated the Appraiser couldn’t communicate with the Agent. Two sets of the instructions read,

“Purchases require that you review the sales contract and state in report that contract was reviewed. Obtain contract from Agent/Contract or Contact AMC for help. Contract must be fully executed.” Fully executed means the contract must have ALL signatures or you the Agent hold up the deal!

“For Purchase transactions, if AMC does not provide you with the sales contract governing the transaction, you must contact us or the borrower/REALTOR to obtain it.”

Conclusion. It appears from ALL sources reviewed that Agents can communicate with Appraisers during a purchase transaction. My advice as a Home Appraiser is to provide the Appraiser with a list of relevant features, upgrades, your Sketch showing your measurements and a list of your supportable comps used to market the property. By providing your comps up front, you are avoiding an appeal after the appraisal is completed, which will also help speed the closing process.

Why Did I just state, “your Sketch showing your measurements”? Because in the month of May in my market, one deal did not appraise and another deal was very, very close simply because the Agents either did not measure the homes, simply copied a previous incorrect MLS listing or measured them incorrectly per the National “ANSI” Standards. The MLS Listings were incorrect by 173sf and 215sf. The 173sf error was in a market where homes were selling in the $121/sf range. If you have your own sketch, you can be sure that your listing is the right size, priced properly and be less questionable in terms of the appraisal.

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

http://www.zacharylouisianarealestate.info/ – Zachary LA Market Metrics: 2008-2011 Pointe South Homes Sales Report. I recently completed an appraisal an an 1,800sf 5 year sold home in Pointe South Subdivision and made these discoveries. The Pointe South market itself is generally performing better than competing home sales in Zachary as a whole.

For Example, the GBRMLS Chart for Pointe South itself below shows a continuing upward direction for Median Sales Prices. This MLS chart for Pointe South shows the 4 solds in 2011 have increased the Median Sales Price to $259,450, a substantial increase over 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 when the Median Sales Prices were $234,000, $230,000 and $248,000. However, the second MLS chart below shows All competing solds since 6/2008 and a correction downward since 5/2010. Because Pointe South itself is performing well, no declining markets adjustments were applied.

The Chart below shows a correction since May 2010 for competing homes in general.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2008 to May 16, 2011. This information was extracted on 5/16/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

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http://www.batonrougerealestatebuzz.com/ – Greater Baton Rouge Housing Update For Week of April 22, 2011 (From April 16-22, 2011). This report covers the primary four (4) Parishes that make up Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate.

ASCENSION PARISH

SOLDS:

5 from $67,000 to $229,900, Average Sales Prices $168,180 or $99.98/sf, Median Sales Price $185,000, Average Days On Market 41.
LISTINGS:

Currently Actives Total: 744 $234,268 Average Listing Price and Median Price $198,200.
Currently Pending: 246 $194,128 Average Listing Price and Median Price $174,975.
New Listings: 40 With Average Listing Price of $195,992, Median Listing Price of $169,900
Pending Listings: 39 With Average Listing Price of $202,851, Median Listing Price of $189,000
Withdrawn Listings: 13 With Average Listing Price of $259,753, Median Listing Price of $224,900
Expired Listings: 7 With Average Listing Price of $155,673, Median Listing Price of $129,000

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

SOLDS:
42 from $21,900 to $575,000, Average Sales Prices $222,343 or $102.28/sf, Median Sales Price $187,000, Average Days On Market 123.

LISTINGS:
Currently Actives Total: 2695 $247,876 Average Listing Price and Median Price $176,900.
Currently Pending: 613 $209,906 Average Listing Price and Median Price $167,900.
New Listings: 133 With Average Listing Price of $220,158, Median Listing Price of $175,000
Pending Listings: 102 With Average Listing Price of $203,939, Median Listing Price of $169,450
Withdrawn Listings: 18 Average Listing Price $184,066, Median Listing Price of $142,500
Expired Listings: 23 With Average Listing Price of $468,832, Median Listing Price of $214,900

WESTERN LIVINGSTON PARISH

SOLDS:
19 from $22,500 to $448,000, Average Sales Prices $124,242 or $74.59/sf, Median Sales Price $89,000, Average Days On Market 74.

LISTINGS:
Currently Actives Total: 778 $193,809 Average Listing Price and Median Price $159,900.
Currently Pendings: 171 $151,976 Average Listing Price and Median Price $148,000.
New Listings: 37 With Average Listing Price of $186,735, Median Listing Price of $153,900
Pending Listings: 21 With Average Listing Price of $159,738, Median Listing Price of $146,900
Withdrawn Listings: 15 Average Listing Price $162,826, Median Listing Price of $147,500
Expired Listings: 17 With Average Listing Price of $170,894, Median Listing Price of $167,900

WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH

SOLDS:
1 for $179,700 or $127/sf, Median Sales Price $179,700, Average Days On Market 267.

LISTINGS:
Currently Actives Total: 109 $196,436 Average Listing Price and Median Price $186,300.
Currently Pending: 21 $186,897 Average Listing Price and Median Price $185,900.
New Listings: 3 Average Listing Price of $204,900, Median Listing Price of $134,900
Pending Listings: 2 Average Listing Price of $175,900, Median Listing Price of $175,900
Withdrawn Listings: 1 Average Listing Price $49,900, Median Listing Price of $49,900
Expired Listings: 1 With Average Listing Price of $195,000, Median Listing Price of $195,000

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of April, 16, 2011 to April 22, 2011. This information was extracted on 04/23/2011.

Author’s Bio:
Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.
Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).
Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

http://www.zacharylouisianarealestate.info/ – Zachary La Real Estate Minute: Windsor Place Subdivision 2010-2011 Report. With a marketing time period or average days on the market of only 31 in 2010 and 39 in 2011, clearly the market wants more of this housing! Since 6/1/2010 in Zachary and excluding Windsor Place home sales, the average days on market has been 140 days for other builders!

Metra Area Home Builder, DSLD Homes, has found a sweet spot in the Zachary market! In approximately one year, DSLD has filled up the first filing with new homes…new homes the market likes and wants at affordable pricing! This is the same company, or partners, that purchased approximately $10,000,000 in lots in Ascension Parish in the past two years! DSLD is meeting a need in the Greater Baton Rouge housing market by building larger homes locals can afford!

Here’s My Video Posted On March 28, 2010, 1 Year To The Day!

Here’s My Video Posted On 3/27/2011 of Windsor Place

Author’s Bio:
Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal: SFREP Appraisal Software Helps Underwriter Communication

SFREP or Software for Real Estate Professionals is a local real estate appraisal software company founded by R. Wayne Pugh, MAI. SFREP recently added a new mapping feature to their “Appraise-It” product, which aids the appraiser in better communication with the underwriters.

Video Link Is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtoXLINgvz8