Check out my other blog

My other blog is now what I will be using full time. www.timhoukblog.com!

Baton Rouge one of the best places to ride out a recession!

Baton Rouge, a Great Place to Ride Out Recession

By David D'Aquin

Story Created: Oct 17, 2008

Story Updated: Oct 17, 2008

A national magazine says Baton Rouge is one of the best places in the country to ride out a recession. Economic forecasts are grim across the nation, but in Baton Rouge, its a different picture.

Baton Rouge appears to be on stable ground. Economists expect about 2,500 new jobs over the next year and Business Week says it's the ninth best city in the nation to ride out a recession.

Most folks in Baton Rouge hear about the national economic problems and they fear financial turmoil here at home.

Jimmy Russel, who is worried about the economy says, "It's just going downhill real fast."

According to Business Week, don't worry. Business Week Magazine says Baton Rouge is one of the safest spots, and because of post-Katrina recovery there is currently $6.5 billion in construction going on in Baton Rouge. On a typical year there is only $750 million worth of projects.

Jimmy Russel, who is worried about the economy says, "it's just going downhill real fast."

Another driving force behind Baton Rouge's solid financial foundation bottom line is a diversified economy and workforce. And it's a workforce that is scheduled to grow by 2,500 workers over the next year.

Some Baton Rouge investors say they've been a lot more careful when choosing where to put their cash.

Baton Rouge resident, Bill Morgan, says he has, "been trading stocks - betting against the Dow for example. But I would much rather lose money on that and see the economy recover."

Although there's national trouble, things in Baton Rouge are good and getting better. Although credit lines may get tighter and natioanl economic forecasts look discouraging, economists say Baton Rouge, through construction and a diversified workforce, will be a great place to ride out the recession.

New Listing on Hwy 42 in Prairieville

Great piece of commercial land with 235 ft. of frontage on La Hwy 42. Great potential for a small business, retail. Could situate a 5000 sq. ft. property with about 32 parking spots. Total acreage is 1.449 acres.

Call me for details!
www.timhouk.com
301-7467

My thoughts on home renovation

I have been out previewing LOTS of property lately and have noticed a few things about the 'updates' that have been done to homes in order to get them to sell. Here are a few of my observations and opinions:

New floors - Yes, sometimes they are an absolute MUST. However, if you have new floors but severely outdated fixtures, a paint job that looks 20 years old, and antique appliances you may have just wasted your money. Homes should have a continuous feel throughout with all additions. A flow from room to room provides a nice feeling of continuity and pleasure when walking around the home. You are better off spreading the updates around the home to include other areas

Paint - While I am a big fan of changing colors in a home, do not over do it! Yesterday I was previewing a home. Standing in the living room I could see 5 different rooms and they were all different colors. It would have helped had they been in the same color family, but alas they were not. It created a sense of confusion almost. Keep it simple

Thats all for now. I will be back with some other observations soon

Baton Rouge one of the fastest growing real estate markets

Interesting article! Baton Rouge seems to be one of the best markets in the country. Read the article here

Great home for a first time home buyer

3 bedroom home in Prairieville that has been completely remodeled inside and out. 118,000...what a great price!

Want to pay off your mortage early with same monthly payments?

I have been working with the guys here in Baton Rouge for some time with this program and its fantastic. If you have questions about how to pay your mortgage off early without putting ANY extra money down (sounds crazy but it works) contact me for a reference. Or you can email Mike Montgomery directly at malone12@mac.com. Here is a link to their monthly calendar

Baton Rouge getting back to normal

The storms are over. While Baton Rouge did sustain the brunt of Hurricane Gustav, we are back to normal operations. Rates are fantastic...everyone is safe...back to business! Call us if you have any questions about the market or properties that you may be interested in.

Tim Houk

Hurricane Preparations in Baton Rouge

I have been watching this site to monitor where Hurricane Gustav will land. HOPEFULLY, it will change course and not affect us too badly. However, everyone should start making preparations just in case.

This link lists some activities that may help. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Tim Houk

Short Sales in Baton Rouge

In todays market we are starting to see a lot more 'short sales' in the Baton Rouge area. We receive a lot of questions regarding the specifics on these transactions. This article covers most questions you should have regarding this topic. Contact us should you need more information!

Tim Houk and David Vercher

Summary of the Housing Stimulus Bill

This is going to be a great boost for first time homebuyers until June of next year! Read here for the National Association of Realtors summary of the bill.

Riverton Plantation receives approval

Riverton Plantation receives approval. The development will be similar to the lavish River Ranch in Lafayette. This will be a development to watch in the near future.

Welcome!

Thanks for visiting our blog. Post any thoughts, comments, or questions you may have about Baton Rouge Real Estate here.