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.

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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