In this Baton Rouge Housing updating, January 22-28, 2012 are reported for the eight (8) parish MSA including East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and West Baton with  Iberville, East and West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee combined as “ALL”. 

Other Greater Baton Rouge Housing Statistics January 22-28:

LISTINGS:

Total Current Listings: 5,035

Foreclosure Listings: 490 or 10% of total listings

3rd Party Active Listings: 330 or 7% of total listings

Short Sale Active or Potential SS Listings: 250 or 5% of total listings

SOLDS From 01/22/2012 – 01/28/2012:

Total Number of Solds: 65

Foreclosures Sold: 14 or 22% of Solds

3rd Party Solds: 8 or 12% of total solds

Short Sales Solds: 8 or 12% of total solds

Foreclosure, 3rd Party and Short Sales Solds: 30 or 46% of all solds

Low To High Sales Prices: $16,000 to $475,000

New Home Sales: 18 or 28% of all sales

East Baton Rouge MLS Area with most home sales: 43 with 9 sales

CUMULATIVE TOTALS FOR 2012Total Number of Sales: 290

ASCENSION: 65
EAST BATON ROUGE: 149
EAST FELICIANA: 0
LIVINGSTON: 59
IBERVILLE: 2
POINTE COUPEE: 8
WEST BATON ROUGE: 6
WEST FELICIANA: 1

Foreclosures Sold: 69 or 24% of Solds

3rd Party Solds: 33 or 11% of total solds

Short Sales Solds: 47 or 16% of total solds

Foreclosure, 3rd Party and Short Sales Solds: 149 or 51% of all solds

AVERAGE SALES PRICES FOR LOCAL PARISHES:
EAST BATON ROUGE: $192,043
ASCENSION: $190,747
LIVINGSTON: $144,439
OTHER: $158,993

MEDIAN SALES PRICES FOR LOCAL PARISHES:
EAST BATON ROUGE: $158,500
ASCENSION: $166,450
LIVINGSTON: $138,900
OTHER: $159,900

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET (CONTINUOUS):
EAST BATON ROUGE: 116
ASCENSION: 105
LIVINGSTON: 133
OTHER: 157

LISTING-TO-SALES PRICE RATIO (What Percent Below Listing Price Home Sell For):
EAST BATON ROUGE: 97%
ASCENSION: 99%
LIVINGSTON: 97%
OTHER: 92%

_____________________________________________________________________

Important Video: Foreclosure Mythbusting by John C. Jones

_____________________________________________________________________

OTHER NATIONAL AND LOCAL HOUSING NEWS:

December Existing-Home Sales Show Uptrend

 Business Report Releases Baton Rouge’s 10 most expensive home sales of 2011

Juban Crossing Developer: Site work continues; deals with retailers in the works

 _____________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of 01/01/2012 to 01/28/2012.  This information was extracted on 01/29/2012.  Excludes Manufactured Housing.

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Difference Between Baton Rouge Home Appraisals Versus Home Inspections In A Mortgage Loan Process.

The Home Appraiser is hired by the bank to decide the estimated market value of a house.  The Appraisal Report protects the Bank or Lender and not the home buyer. The buyer pays for the home appraisal and that price will depend on if the lender is employing a third party to order the appraisal.  Depending on how the appraisal is ordered from the Bank, the cost can range from $350 up to $600, the higher price is if an AMC or Appraisal Management Company is hired (a middle-man that orders, reviews and delivers the report by hiring local home appraisers).  

Home Appraiser’s inspection generally consists of an inspection of the neighborhood first, then measuring the home based on national ANSI standards, taking lots of required photos of interior and exterior and determining condition and quality level of home.  Appraiser takes this “subject” data and compares other recent home sales in the same market, applies market adjustments of pluses and minuses for differences and arrives at an estimated value.  NOTE: Home Appraiser condition inspection is limited to what can obviously be seen with the eye, at eye level.  An Appraiser inspection is not a roofing inspection, hot water heater inspection or central heat and air inspection, the major expensive items that tend to lead home buyers into believing that home appraisers should inspect these items and guarantee them.

Call or email Accurate Valuations Group for more details: 225-293-1500 or info@accuratevg.com.

FHA even protects the Appraiser with this form below presented to buyers that tells them to “Get A Home Inspection”!

Home Inspections inspect detailed condition. are a very detailed inspection of various items around the home and inside the walls, attic and underneath the home  if there’s crawl space. Inspectors can inspect things like pest control, roofing, chimney, electrical, plumbing, for harmful mold and other negatives that might cost the buyer money in repairs soon after they buy the home. They are hired by the buyer to inspect the condition of the home on the day of inspection.

The home inspection fee is normally paid by the buyer. The costs for home inspections is not known and is really based on the size and complexity of the home.  Naturally, the longer the inspection will take, the higher the fee.

There are TWO (2) local Greater Baton Rouge Home Inspectors I recommend because I’ve known each of them for years now and can count on them to do their job right and not sorry that I referred them. 

Kevin Dinkel, Advantage Services, 225-753-8114 email info@extramileteam.com

James Bohac, Alltell Home Inspection 225-806-7572 4alltell@cox.net

The GBRMLS Trends chart below shows a substantial home price correction taking place within Baton Rouge’s Sherwood Forest Subdivision. The Average Sold Price Per Square Foot has declined from $80.66/sf in 2007 down to $68.61/sf in 2011, back to 2005 levels and a -15% correction. The Median Sold Price has declined from $181,000 in 2010 down to just $165,500 in 2011, a -9% correction (rounded). Some of this recent decline is due to foreclosure activity. And, the reason the chart shows a dip in 2009 to $165,000 was due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Gustav on this heavily treed neighborhood. In fact, there are still some homes that were renovated in 2009, after Hurricane Gustav in 2008, that are still on the market and haven’t yet sold.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2005 to August 23, 2011. This information was extracted on 8/23/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

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/

Below is a compare and contrast showing the marketing differences in perspective of home listing photo at normal elevation versus elevated elevations. Local Real Estate Agents prefer to combine normal photos and elevated photos in their marketing plan for their listings.

This service is also included in Bill Cobb’s AVG Pre-Listing Appraisals whether those are ordered by Local Real Estate Agents or for those selling FSBO without an Agent, see Greater Baton Rouge Pre-Listing Appraisals

Tags: pap, pole aerial photography, pole photography, baton rouge, baton rouge real estate, baton rouge homes, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Housing, East Baton Rouge, Greater Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Realtors, Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents, Baton Rouge Homes For Sale, baton rouge real estate elevated photos

GBRMLS data for the Forest Oaks Subdivision revealed these interesting findings. From 2004 to 2009, the median sales price increased from $84,700 to $106,200. From 2009 to 2010 to 2011, median sales price declined from $106,200 down to $97,500 and $93,000. There are currently 13 MLS Listings from $46,500 to $115,000. Ten of these are active listing at an average price of $74/sf, which is substantially above market. In contrast, the 3 pending listings are pending at an average $54/sf and the 6 home sales in Forest Oaks in 2011 sold for an average of $62.88/sf. SO, If you plan on buying a home in Forest Oaks in 2011, ask yourself why these 10 listings are priced $10.67/sf ABOVE what the other 6 homes sold for and then order a Greater Baton Rouge Pre-Purchase Appraisalto make sure you don’t pay too much for Baton Rouge Real Estate.

CHART OF FOREST OAKS HOME SALES SINCE 2004

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2004 to July 26, 2011. This information was extracted on 7/26/2011. 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/

According to the University Hills Civic Association website, “University Hills has one of the widest entrances of any subdivision in Baton Rouge. And, it has the one of the oldest and most historic live oaks on public property in the city. The larger Centennial oak has been estimated to be nearly 300 years old. (In 1979 , it was designated “Legacy Oak” 0002 by the City-Parish Beautification Commission, meaning that it was the second oldest live oak on public property in East Baton Rouge.) The other oak, on the corner of Delgado and Tulane Drives, is approximately 200 years old.”

Legacy Oak Designation Above!

The Homes Of University Hills Below Ranging in sizes from 768sf up to 4,168sf

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/

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/

Ascension Parish

Solds: 9 from $86,700 to $385,000, Average Sales Prices $186,403 or $100.32/sf, Median Sales Price $137,500, Average Days On Market 59.

Listings:

Currently Pending: 229 $191,106 Average Listing Price and Median Price $172,500.

New Listings: 48 With Average Listing Price of $197,932, Median Listing Price of $174,950

Pending Listings: 39 With Average Listing Price of $195,857, Median Listing Price of $189,000

East Baton Rouge Parish

Solds: 31 from $5,500 to $1,054,000, Average Sales Prices $216,768 or $106.51/sf, Median Sales Price $161,000, Average Days On Market 96.

Currently Pending: 585 $208,328 Average Listing Price and Median Price $166,000.

New Listings: 120 With Average Listing Price of $268,194, Median Listing Price of $186,000

Pending Listings: 100 With Average Listing Price of $208,382, Median Listing Price of $165,000

Western Livingston Parish

Solds: 10 from $29,000 to $455,000, Average Sales Prices $189,525 or $97.54/sf, Median Sales Price $168,500, Average Days On Market 98.

Currently Pending: 177 $149,140 Average Listing Price and Median Price $147,900.

New Listings: 31 With Average Listing Price of $175,716, Median Listing Price of $168,900

Pending Listings: 24 With Average Listing Price of $120,687, Median Listing Price of $127,950

West Baton Rouge Parish

Solds: 4 from $51,500 to $226,000, Average Sales Prices $166,600 or $106.33/sf, Median Sales Price $194,450, Average Days On Market 68.

Currently Pending: 21 $187,983 Average Listing Price and Median Price $193,000.

New Listings: 0

Pending Listings: 1 Listing Price of $124,900

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of April, 9, 2011 to April 15, 2011. This information was extracted on 04/16/2011.

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/

Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals) has completed an analysis of the West Baton Rouge Parish housing market from First Quarter 2010 versus First Quarter 2011. The results are below. CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE.

This study explores ALL Single-Family Residential home sales for the three (3) zip codes below. In Q1 2010 there were 27 home sales versus 28 in Q1 2011. So, for 2011, number of sales were up by 1 or approximately +3.7%.

70767 Port Allen. For Zip Code 70767, home sales volume was down 14%, Average Sales Price was down -0.7% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down -5.5%.

70719 Brusly. For Zip Code 70719, home sales volume was up 50%, Average Sales Price was down -11.4% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was virtually unchanged at 0.4%.

70710 Addis. For Zip Code 70710, home sales volume was up 18%, Average Sales Price down -9.9% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down -2.7%.

These declines are consistent with the CoreLogic report on national home prices falling for the 7th straight month, as reported on Thursday, April 7, 2011. This is the trend for much of Greater Baton Rouge home prices.

Visit West Baton Rouge Appaisers Here

Visit West Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz On Facebook

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/

Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals) has completed an analysis of the East Baton Rouge Parish housing market from First Quarter 2010 versus First Quarter 2011. The results are below. Click the chart to view in a larger size.

This is a lot of data to report on in one (1) article with “20″ zip codes. A short summary follows:

Number of Home Sales Decreased by 3% Over 2010! For the number of home sales, only 9 zip codes reported a smaller number of sales. And, Ten (10) Zip Codes experienced more sales in Q1 2011 than in Q1 2010, which is great news for our market. Still, in Q1 2010 there were 738 home sales versus 714 in Q1 2011, which is a difference of 24 sales or -3%.

Average Sales Prices Overall Decline! This is consistent with the CoreLogic report on national home prices falling for the 7th straight month, as reported on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Thirteen (13) of the 20 Zip Codes showed declining average sales prices versus only Seven (7) showing increases. Local home prices are continuing to correct.

Average Sales Price Per Square Foot Overall Declines! This is consistent with the CoreLogic report. Fifteen (15) of the 20 Zip Codes showed declining average sales prices per sq. ft. versus only Seven (5) showing either no change or just slight increases.

Biggest Gainers. Zip Code 70807, the Scotlandville market, showed a 450% increase in number of home sales. Zip Code 70739, the Central or Greenwell Springs market, showed a +16.2% increase in Average Sales Prices AND +5.6% in Average Sales Price Per Sq. Ft.. Central is a “hot” market viewed by locals as having a favorable school district.

Largest Declines. Zip Code 70820, the market below LSU off Brightside, showed a -35.3% decrease in number of home sales. Zip Code 70802, the market in and around Central Business District, showed a -33.4% decline in Average Sales Prices AND -30.2% decline in Average Sales Price Per Sq. Ft..

Visit Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz Here

Visit Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz On Facebook

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/

We provide property tax appeal home appraisals for East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish. Cities we cover are Baton Rouge, Zachary La, Baker La, Greenwell Springs La, Port Allen La, Brusly La, Addis La, Prairieville La, Gonzales La, Geismar La, Saint Amant La, Denham Springs La, Walker La, Watson La. Appeal your property taxes today.

NOTE: It’s Responsible To State Here That We’ve Found Less Than 13% Of Local Housing Is “Over-Assessed”. Over-Assessments ARE NOT A Major Problem Locally! Most Local Housing Is Fairly Assessed By Assessor Teams That Strive To Be As Accurate As Possible! See “VIDEO EXPLANATION” for Parish by Parish Results…And, In West Baton Rouge Parish, We’ve Found No Over-Assessments Year-To-Date! This is not a cheap shot directed at our public servants as this video is complimentary of them. Our Tax Assessors are fair and will generally make it right. Bill Cobb, Appraiser

RESIDENTIAL PERMITS DECLINE Were Down In 2010! As a whole, residential building permits were down from 2,184 in 2009 versus 1,964 in 2010, a decline of 220 permits or -10% (includes all residential permit types). December 2010 versus December 2009 saw an increase from 177 in 12/2009 to 201 in 12/2010.

DECEMBER 2010 RESIDENTIAL SFR PERMITS TOTAL “53″! For Residential Permits only for “Single Family Residences”, December 2010 saw 53 permits issued versus 44 for November 2010.

ANY IMPROVEMENT IN JANUARY 2011? NO! According to EBRP Department of Public Works Permit Office, “Building permits are down from 1,763 in December 2010 to 1,673 in January 2011.” For Residential ONLY, there were 30 permits issued for Single Family Residences and 62 for Additions-Remodeling for a total of 92 permits. This is a -36% decrease compared to the 143 permits issued in January 2010. And, this is -48% decrease compared to the 177 permits issued in December 2010. However, December 2010 did see an odd “88″ permits for “Duplexes”, which was more than any recorded in recent history.

NOTE: Top Image Source: www.remodeling-sanantonio.com

Tags: Baton Rouge Homes, Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Real Estate Housing, Baton Rouge Real Estate Trends, Baton Rouge Realtor, Baton Rouge Realtors, East Baton Rouge Residential Building Permits

http://www.homeappraisalsbatonrouge.com/

Ok, we know from the recent LREC release that in all of 2010, the number of home sale was down -7.3%. Total home sales volume was down -5.2%. And, that the “Average Sales Price”, which I am not a fan of reporting on, rose 2.3% from $197,587 in 2009 to $202,138 in 2010. To find out why I’m not a fan of using Average Sales Price, see this explanation under “AVERAGE SALES PRICE IS NOT INDICATOR WHAT WE SHOULD BE RELYING ON! .

WHAT INDICATIONS CAN WE DRAW FROM JANUARY 2011 NUMBERS? So, with 2010 being a down year for the number of home sales, how did January 2011 perform to give us an indication of what 2011 might result in?

On Facebook in 2011, there’s been a lot of positive comments from local Agents about the uptick in Agent showings and buyer interest. Is that translating into actual increase in the number of home sales?

Number Of Home Sales Down 9%. January home sales were down 9% from 2010 with 328 total sales recorded for the first month of the year versus 360 for January 2010.

No Improvement In Number Of Sales By Parish. There was no improvement in the number of home sales for ALL four local Parishes. Ascension had 73 sales in 2010 versus 72 in 2011, down 1%. East Baton Rouge had 206 sales in 2010 versus only 183 in 2011, down 11%. Livingston had 74 sales in 2010 versus 66 in 2011, down 11%. And, West Baton Rouge had 7 sales in 2010 versus 7 in 2011, unchanged.

Average Sales Price Unchanged. Average home sales prices were up 0.61% from 2010 $188,529 to $189,688 for 2011.

Median Sales Price Up 2.5%. Median home sales prices were up 2.5% from 2010 $164,850 to $168,950 for 2011.

Average Sales Price Per Sq. Ft. Down 2.3%. Average home sales prices per square foot was down 2.3% from $99.70/sf in 2010 versus $97.40 in 2011.

Days On Market Increased. Marketing time periods also increased in 2011 to an average of 103 days versus 92 days in 2010

Number of Existing Home Sales Down, Prices Up Just Slightly. Existing home sales made up 79% or 259 of the total sales recorded with an average sales price of $189,356, median sale price of $159,900. In 2010, Existing home sales made up 76% or 274 of the total sales recorded with an average sales price of $185,144 and median sale price of $159,450. So, the 2011 average sales price is up 2.3% while the median sales price was virtually unchanged.

Number of New Home Sales Down, Prices Up. New home sales made up 21% of the total sales recorded. There were 69 new homes sold in 2011 with an average sales price of $202,197 and median sales price of $179,900 versus 86 in 2010 with and average sales price of $199,313 and median sales price of $176,598.

Number of Foreclosure Sales Up 15%, Prices Down! Bank sales were up 15% from the prior year and average bank sales prices were up 21%. Average REO Sales Prices in 2010 were $113,265 versus only $106,247 in 2011. There were 60 “REO” sales in 2011 versus 52 in 2010.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2011. This information was extracted on 02/11/2011. Source For Quarterly Indicators chart is LREC.

Search Parameters were Ascension, Livingston, East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge Parishes, All property types except Manufactured Housing and All ages.

Tags: Ascension Parish Real Estate, Baton Rouge FHA Appraisers, Baton Rouge Home Appraisers, Baton Rouge Homes, Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents, Baton Rouge Real Estate Housing, Baton Rouge Real Estate Trends, Livingston Parish Real Estate, West Baton Rouge Parish

As a local Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser and local online real estate marketer, Accurate Valuations Group will now be able to offer semi-pro style photos for my PRE-LISTING Appraisal Clients along with HD Video Tours! Bill Cobb with Accurate Valuations Group recently made the investment in a Sony HX1 with 16mm ultra wide angle lens. The differences with the lens versus without the lens is impressive, see Before and After photos below.

BEFORE: Interior Photo Without The Wide-Angle Lens

AFTER: Interior Photo With The Wide-Angle Lens

Visit http://www.gbrprelistingappraisals.com/ for more details coming soon.

What Type Of Homes Qualify For Our Pre-Listing Appraisals?

Generally, homes in restricted subdivisions between the value ranges of $40,000 up to $500,000. Bill Cobb doesn’t perform Pre-Listing Appraisals on Complex or Extraordinary Homes or Rural Homes On Acreage.

What Is Our Service or Coverage Area?

Ascension Parish/County – Only Northern Ascension: Geismar/Dutchtown 70734, Gonzales 70737, Prairieville 70769, Saint Amant 70774 and Sorrento 70778

East Baton Rouge Parish/County – ALL

Livingston Parish/County – Only Western Livingston: Denham Springs 70706 & 70726, Livingston 70754, Walker 70785

West Baton Rouge/County – ALL

Photographing Greater Baton Rouge on Flickr @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/billcobb/

RESIDENTIAL PERMITS DECLINE In 2010! As a whole, residential building permits are down from 2,184 in 2009 versus 1,964 in 2010, a decline of 220 permits or -10% (includes all residential permit types). December 2010 versus December 2009 saw an increase from 177 in 12/2009 to 201 in 12/2010.

DECEMBER 2010 RESIDENTIAL SFR PERMITS TOTAL “53″! For Residential Permits only for “Single Family Residences”, December 2010 saw 53 permits issued versus 44 for November 2010.

NOTE: Top Image Source: www.remodeling-sanantonio.com

Tags: Baton Rouge Homes, Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Real Estate Housing, Baton Rouge Real Estate Trends, Baton Rouge Realtor, Baton Rouge Realtors, East Baton Rouge Residential Building Permits

Homewood Subdivision is very conveniently located within the 70810 zip code and has home sizes ranging from 1,317sf up to 4,075sf, but most are in the 1,350sf to 1,500sf range. Since January 2007, home sales have ranged from $112,000 up to $178,500 with home sizes from 1,344sf up to 2,366sf. The average home is approximately 45 years old as the first filing was approved by East Baton Rouge Parish Zoning in 1959 with construction of some homes between 1961 to 1970. NOTE: There were no 2009 MLS sales in Homewood to use for comparison purposes in this blog post.

Difficult Appraisal Assignment. I’m currently appraising a home between 2,100sf and 2,200sf because of an addition, which is a very difficult assignment because most homes are 1350sf to 1500sf and the five (5) that sold in Homewood in 2010 were 1,344sf, 1,356sf, 1,364sf, 1,493sf and 1,626sf. These smaller homes mainly sold between $95/sf to $102/sf (1 REO sold or $75/sf). BUT, it would not be correct to compare homes that are 750 sq. ft. smaller than the home I’m appraising to 1,400sf homes. Nor would it be correct for an Agent to take that $95/sf to $102/sf and multiply it by subject’s 2,150sf living area to arrive at a listing price of say, $210,700. This means I have to mainly go outside of Homewood to find comparables, again, making this a very difficult assignment because there aren’t many subdivisions that compare in predominant prices and smaller sizes.

Part of the reason this larger home complicates matters in reporting is that Fannie Mae requires the 1004 MC or Market Conditions form as of March 2009 to be filled out, which reflects the “Sub-Market” comparison data. Sub-Market data would be data on both solds and listings comparable to a 2150sf home in this market, within reason and comparable to Homewood itself. As one can see above in the last 3 months, comparable home sales have plummeted, competing active listings have increased from 5 to now 12 and there’s now a “36″ month supply of competing homes on the market. 1 Year ago, there was only a 4.3 month supply. Can you see how this market is struggling now? However, BASED ONLY ON “1″ SALE IN THE CURRENT 3 MONTH PERIOD, that $160,000 sale reflected an increasing median sales price trend. I wouldn’t call it a new trend based on only 1 sale, but FNMA does and requires me to check the “increasing” property values box. Can you begin to see the difficulty in being a home appraiser within this market and assignment?

Solds In Homewood S/D from 1/2010 to 12/14/2010 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $134,500
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $94/sf
Median Sold Price: $134,000
Number of Sales: 5
Average Number of Days On Market: 69
Low To High: $112,000 to $155,000
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 1
Current # Listings: 4, 1 Is A Foreclosure
Current Listings Prices: $124,900 To $270,000

Per GBRMLS, there have been two (2) REO or foreclosures in Homewood.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2007 to December 15, 2010. This information was extracted on 12/15/2010.

East Baton Rouge Foreclosure Trends: East Baton Rouge 2009 2010 Foreclosure Sales Numbers! 2010 Foreclosures total 12% of sales YTD; 2009 Foreclosures totaled 11%. 7% of all EBR MLS Listings are Foreclosures! Foreclosures are negatively impacting this market.

Where Are The 2010 East Baton Rouge Foreclosures Concentrated?

AREA 11 FORECLOSURES, Primarily Baker. In Area 11 in 2010, there have been 33 solds in Baker and 13 in Zachary. In 2009 and 2010, the Baker market has experienced a significant amount of fore closure activity as it was one of the markets where real estate investors flipped houses at high prices to post Hurricane Katrina buyers. Fore closure activity is cyclical in the Baker market, just as it is in the other troubled lower priced markets in Areas 31, 41 and 53. So, the fact that Baker is a higher than average REO market is no surprise to this appraiser.

In Baker, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Baker Estates, Baker Heights, Baker Hills, Baker Lots & Acres and Brown Heights. In Zachary, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Oak Shadows, Castle Place, Deer Park and The Cottages AT Blue Heron Lakes – those expensive town homes, expensive for the Zachary market.

AREA 31 FORECLOSURES (70802 & 70805). In Area 31 since 2008, there has been a significant amount of fore closure activity in the 30%+ of total sales range as it was one of the markets where real estate investors flipped houses at high prices to post Hurricane Katrina buyers.

AREA 41 FORECLOSURES (Park Forest Area). In Area 41 since 2008, there has been a significant amount of fore closure activity broadly throughout this market. In Area 41, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Forest Oaks, Park Forest, Park Forest East, Villa Del Rey (9 reo sales in 2010) and Windsor Place.

AREA 43 FORECLOSURES (Some Surprises). A higher fore closure rate in Area 43 is an example of how this is a different market downturn than in the 1980s and 1990s. In this downturn after the mortgage meltdown, the fore closure activity AND FUTURE LOCAL FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY are located in ALL income brackets throughout all of Greater Baton Rouge. Hurricane Katrina may have been a blessing for sellers in 2005 and 2006, but some of the resales at lower than purchased prices and some of the resulting fore closures are a part of the 12% REO solds rate for EBRP.

In Area 43, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were High Point, Lake At White Oak (a surprise, higher priced homes), O’Neal Place (no surprise), Old Jefferson (no surprise), Shenandoah (a surprise) and higher priced Condos in Windsor Village (no surprise in the over supplied Baton Rouge Condo market and some of these condos were marketed to and sold to California investors who are now giving these back to the the banks possibly because of challenges with the California market now).

AREA 53 FORECLOSURES (1 Surprise – University Club). In Area 53 since 2008, there has been a significant amount of fore closure activity broadly throughout this market. In Area 53, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Hermitage, Mayfair Park, Perkins Village, University Club Plantation (3 and very higher end homes), and Village St George.

Ascension Parish Foreclosure Trends: 2009 2010 Foreclosure Sales Numbers! 2010 Foreclosures total 7% of sales YTD; 2009 Foreclosures totaled 6%, an increase of +1% since 2009. 5% of all Ascension MLS Listings are Foreclosures! Foreclosures are only moderately impacting this market.

Where Are The 2010 Ascension Parish Foreclosures Concentrated?

AREAS 90-92 2010 FORECLOSURES. In 2010, there have been 68 solds. The vast majority of these foreclosure solds were “Rural” properties (10). In restricted subdivisions, foreclosures of note were in Ascension Trace (2), Autumn Woods (2), Lakes At Dutchtown (2), Manchac Harbor (2), Oak Terrace (3) and Porte Cochere (3).

Above $200,000, Both Solds and Current Listings. The number of 2010 foreclosures that sold above $200,000 has been 19 or 28%. Out of the 46 total REO MLS listings, there are 16 current listings above $200,000 or 35%.

Above $300,000, Both Solds and Current Listings. The number of 2010 foreclosures that sold above $300,000 has been 8 or 12%. Out of the 46 total REO MLS listings, there are 3 current listings above $300,000 or 7%.

Livingston Parish Foreclosure Trends: 2009 2010 Foreclosure Sales Numbers! 2010 Foreclosures total 13% of sales YTD; 2009 Foreclosures totaled 9%, an increase of +2% since 2009. 7% of all Livingston MLS Listings are Foreclosures! Foreclosures are negatively impacting this market.

Where Are The 2010 Livingston Parish Foreclosures Concentrated?

AREA 80 2010 FORECLOSURES. In Area 80 in 2010, there have been 17 solds. The vast majority of these foreclosure solds were “Rural” properties and 3 in Three Rivers Island.

AREA 81 2010 FORECLOSURES. In Area 81 in 2010, there have been 51 solds. These foreclosures were concentrated in Acadiana Place, Easterly Lakes, Gravesbriar, Hidden Oaks Condos, Linda Lee, Richmond Place, Watson Little Farms, Wisteria Place and Wolf Creek Place. Wisteria Place is no surprise to this appraiser for a development which has experienced marketing challenges since the beginning.

AREA 82 2010 FORECLOSURES. In Area 82 in 2010, there have been 21 solds. The vast majority of these foreclosure solds were “Rural” properties and 2 in Spring Lake. There were 1 each in Lakes at Fennwood, Lakeview Acres, Live Oak Landing, North Walker Estates, Park Place, Peaks Crossing, Shalimar and Tall Oaks.

AREA 83 2010 FORECLOSURES. In Area 83 in 2010, there have been 24 solds. These foreclosures were concentrated in Forest Ridge, Plantation Park, South Point, Westminister Estates and Woodland Crossing. There were 1 each in Carter Hills, The Cove, Falconcrest, Quail Run Acres, South Haven and Stone Hill.

West Baton Rouge Parish Foreclosure Trends: 2009 2010 Foreclosure Sales Numbers! 2010 Foreclosures total 7% of sales YTD; 2009 Foreclosures totaled 5%, an increase of +2% since 2009. 4% of all MLS Listings are Foreclosures! Foreclosures are only moderately impacting this market.

There’s A Major “Caveat” with the numbers below! It’s also stated here that an article (The Landmines Within by Michael Tarabotto http://activerain.com/blogsview/930436/The-Landmines-Within ) stated that as much as 70% of REOs never make it into the MLS – Meaning that it might be impossible to know or state the exact # of competing REOs if they’re not being listed and that the foreclosure problem could be larger if up to 70% of REOs aren’t being listed.

REO is “Real Estate Owned”!

Data used with permission of the GBRMLS. Search dates are 1/1/2009 to 10/16/2010. Extraction date was 10/16/2010.

East Baton Rouge 2009 2010 Fore closure Sales Numbers! 2010 Fore closures total 12% of sales YTD; 2009 Fore closures totaled 11%. 7% of all EBR MLS Listings are Fore closures! Fore closures are negatively impacting this market. There’s A Major “Caveat” with the numbers below!

The answer is in the chart below: Areas 11, 31, 41, 43 & 53.

AREA 11 FORECLOSURES, Primarily Baker. In Area 11 in 2010, there have been 33 solds in Baker and 13 in Zachary. In 2009 and 2010, the Baker market has experienced a significant amount of fore closure activity as it was one of the markets where real estate investors flipped houses at high prices to post Hurricane Katrina buyers. Fore closure activity is cyclical in the Baker market, just as it is in the other troubled lower priced markets in Areas 31, 41 and 53. So, the fact that Baker is a higher than average REO market is no surprise to this appraiser.

In Baker, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Baker Estates, Baker Heights, Baker Hills, Baker Lots & Acres and Brown Heights. In Zachary, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Oak Shadows, Castle Place, Deer Park and The Cottages AT Blue Heron Lakes – those expensive town homes, expensive for the Zachary market.

AREA 31 FORECLOSURES (70802 & 70805). In Area 31 since 2008, there has been a significant amount of fore closure activity in the 30%+ of total sales range as it was one of the markets where real estate investors flipped houses at high prices to post Hurricane Katrina buyers.

AREA 41 FORECLOSURES (Park Forest Area). In Area 41 since 2008, there has been a significant amount of fore closure activity broadly throughout this market. In Area 41, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Forest Oaks, Park Forest, Park Forest East, Villa Del Rey (9 reo sales in 2010) and Windsor Place.

AREA 43 FORECLOSURES (Some Surprises). A higher fore closure rate in Area 43 is an example of how this is a different market downturn than in the 1980s and 1990s. In this downturn after the mortgage meltdown, the fore closure activity AND FUTURE LOCAL FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY are located in ALL income brackets throughout all of Greater Baton Rouge. Hurricane Katrina may have been a blessing for sellers in 2005 and 2006, but some of the resales at lower than purchased prices and some of the resulting fore closures are a part of the 12% REO solds rate for EBRP.

In Area 43, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were High Point, Lake At White Oak (a surprise, higher priced homes), O’Neal Place (no surprise), Old Jefferson (no surprise), Shenandoah (a surprise) and higher priced Condos in Windsor Village (no surprise in the over supplied Baton Rouge Condo market and some of these condos were marketed to and sold to California investors who are now giving these back to the the banks possibly because of challenges with the California market now).

AREA 53 FORECLOSURES (1 Surprise – University Club). In Area 53 since 2008, there has been a significant amount of fore closure activity broadly throughout this market. In Area 53, the subdivisions experiencing the higher percentage of fore closure sales were Hermitage, Mayfair Park, Perkins Village, University Club Plantation (3 and very higher end homes), and Village St George.

The chart above represents the number of recorded East Baton Rouge Parish REO or Fore closure Sales within the Greater Baton Rouge MLS, with the exception of Manufactured Housing sales.

Let’s put these fore closure numbers into perspective! In 2009, there were a total of 3,985 sales. 430 fore closure sales in 2009 represents only 11% of total sales. In 2010, there were a total of 2,856 sales. 330 fore closure sales in 2010 as of 9/30/2010 represents only 12% of total sales. The projected number of reo / fore closures at end of 2010 is approximately 440.

There’s A Major “Caveat” with the numbers below! Based on a 12% REO sold rate, which does appear to be an indication REOs are negatively impacting this market. It’s also stated here that an article (The Landmines Within by Michael Tarabotto http://activerain.com/blogsview/930436/The-Landmines-Within ) stated that as much as 70% of REOs never make it into the MLS – Meaning that it might be impossible to know or state the exact # of competing REOs if they’re not being listed. MLS is reporting 203 current REO listings for all EBR MLS Areas out of a total 2,795 total listings. So, 7% of all EBR MLS Listings are Fore closures!

REO is “Real Estate Owned”!

Data used with permission of the GBRMLS. Search dates are 1/1/2009 to 10/16/2010. Extraction date was 10/16/2010. 330 REO sales for 2010 was as of 9/30/2010. As of 10/16/2010, there were 339 REO sales.

Tags: Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Fore closure Rate, Baton Rouge REO Rate, Baton Rouge Fore closure Study

The chart below represents the number of recorded East Baton Rouge Parish REO or Foreclosure Sales within the Greater Baton Rouge MLS, with the exception of Manufactured Housing sales.

Let’s put these foreclosure numbers into perspective! In 2009, there were a total of 3,985 sales. 430 foreclosure sales in 2009 represents only 11% of total sales. In 2010, there were a total of 2,856 sales. 330 foreclosure sales in 2010 as of 9/30/2010 represents only 12% of total sales. The projected number of reo / foreclosures at end of 2010 is approximately 440.

There’s A Major “Cavaet” with the numbers below! Based on a 12% REO sold rate, which does appear to be an indication REOs are negatively impacting this market. It’s also stated here that an article (The Landmines Within by Michael Tarabotto http://activerain.com/blogsview/930436/The-Landmines-Within ) stated that as much as 70% of REOs never make it into the MLS – Meaning that it might be impossible to know or state the exact # of competing REOs if they’re not being listed. MLS is reporting 203 current REO listings for all EBR MLS Areas out of a total 2,795 total listings. So, 7% of all EBR MLS Listings are Foreclosures!

REO is “Real Estate Owned”!

Data used with permission of the GBRMLS. Search dates are 1/1/2009 to 10/16/2010. Extraction date was 10/16/2010. 330 REO sales for 2010 was as of 9/30/2010. As of 10/16/2010, there were 339 REO sales.

Tags: Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Foreclosure Rate, Baton Rouge REO Rate, Baton Rouge Foreclosure Study

High End Homes Market Appears Near Solid Support, Most Solid Within East Baton Rouge Parish. From 9/1/08 to 9/30/09, MLS reports 298 sales versus 294 sales 9/1/09 to 9/30/10, which is only a decrease of -4 sales or -1.3%. Average Sold Price for the 2009/2010 period is $539,650 compared to $548,036 for the 2008/2009 period. Median Sold Price for the 2009/2010 period is $500,000 compared to $495,700 for the 2008/2009 period. Average sold price per sq. ft. is $157.89/sf versus $159.43/sf for the 2008/2009 period. Average days on the market is 122 days versus 140 days in the 2008/2009 period. So, while the average sold price per sq. ft. is down $1.54/sf, and average sold price is down approx. $8,400, the median sales price has increased by $4,300 and the days on the market has improved.

Yes, There Are Certainly Exceptions! Copper Mill in Zachary is one example where the average sold prices were $161/sf in 2007, $158/sf in 2008, $157/sf in 2009 and $147/sf in 2010 based on 13 sales. That’s a $10/sf drop since 2009. Plus, the days on the market for the 13 sales were: 336, 850, 20, 274, 4, 393, 252, 1082, 50, 344, 197, 54 and 2. Renaissance in Prairieville is another example where the average sold prices were $137/sf in 2007, $141/sf in 2008, $133/sf in 2009 and $129.24/sf in 2010 based on 7 sales. That’s a -$4/sf difference between 2009 and 2010. And, MLS reports the average days on the market were 417 in 2009 and 252 in 2010. Actually, upon closer examination of total days on market, the actual continuous days on market were: 231, 1, 4, 561, 692, 1025 and 302. Greystone Golf in Denham Springs has only had 2 sales in 2010 averaging $142/sf and 6 sales in 2009 averaging $146/sf, a $4/sf decline. NOTE: For this paragraph, this includes all price ranges within these high end subdivisions.

High End Homes Market Absorption Rate Appears To Be Improving! The numbers of high end home listings has declined just slightly from 445 for September 2009 and 424 for September 2010. In September 2009, the Months Inventory showed 23.42 months. In September 2010, the Months Inventory showed 21.2 months and in August 2010 it was 19.4 months. Certainly, the market for homes requiring “Jumbo” loans remains slower in the overall Greater Baton Rouge market.

High End Homes Market NOTE: Parameters were $400,000 to $1,000,000, all price ranges within ASC, EBR, LIV and WBR for Property Types: DSF, ASF, PRC and PRA.

NOTE: Data For The September 2010 GBRAR MLS Report is used with permission of the GBRMLS from dates stated above and from 1/1/2008 through 9/30/2010.

Home sales in September continued to decline, declining 3% to $89,770,774 in September from August’s $92,501,330. This is a decline of 18% from last September, at $116,614,434. As we head into the seasonally weaker part of the year, it is distressing to point out that this is the worst sales level for September in the last 8 years by a large margin with the exception of September 2008 and that decline was only due to Hurricane Gustav interfering with loan closings. Source: Baton Rouge Trends Dot Com.

NOTE: This report, with the paragraph above, may be different that others recent reports because I have included “Other” MLS areas.

Area Home Sales Down 3.6% For The Year! According to the Baton Rouge Business Report Weekly, area home sales are down 3.6%! Home Sales Down 3.6% For The First 9 Months of 2010% for the first 9 months of the year. A short snippet is provided below. The link to their article is here!

Capital Region home sales are down 3.6% for the first nine months of the year, when compared with 2009 figures. There have been 5,052 houses sold through September, according to statistics from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service. Through September 2009, there were 5,241 MLS sales. Average sale prices were virtually unchanged, coming in at $193,264 through September 2009 and $193,599 this year”

NOTE: This report, from this section below, may be different that others recent reports because I have included “West Baton Rouge” MLS Area 70, not just the 3 Parish areas of East Baton Rouge, Ascension and Livingston.

Total Sales Unchanged, But Off 25% From September 2009. Total unit sales were unchanged at 441 in September and 441 in August. However, this is a 25% reduction from September 2009 at 587. Of the 441 September sales, 104 were new homes and 337 were existing homes. New home sales improved 7% to 104 homes this month from 97 in August, an increase of 7 units. Existing home sales declined slightly from 337 homes in September from 346 last month, a difference of 9 homes or -2.6%. NOTE: Based on all price ranges within ASC, EBR, LIV and WBR for Property Types: DSF, ASF, PRC and PRA.

Majority of GBR Home Sales Under $200,000. Of the 441 September sales, only 22 of them were over $400,000 or approximately 5% of the market. There were 288 sales under $200,000 or 65% of market. And, there were 105 sales between $200,000 to $300,000 or approximately 24% of market.

Inventory Decreased Slightly. Inventory decreased slightly from August 2010 at 4461 to 4369 in September, a decrease of 92 or -2%. However, the inventory has increased from 3974 in September 2009 to 4369 in September 2010, an increase of 395 homes or +10%. Inventory started January 2010 at 3,583 and has continued to rise for most of 2010 with August of 4,461 being the highest inventory level of 2010.

Absorption Rate Improved Slightly. Absorption for All homes in September showed 9.9 Months Inventory, which was a slight improvement from August 2010 showing 10.1 months of supply. This is much worse than the 6.8 months of supply last year at this time. Greater Baton Rouge area Average Days on Market for All homes was 89 compared to last month at 85. Average sales price for All Sold homes decreased to $194,941 from $199,289 last month. However, in January 2010, the average sales price was $188,188, so the average sales price has increased in 2010. Median sales price for All Sold homes decreased to $169,900 from $171,750 last month. However, in January 2010, the median sales price was $165,000, so the median sales price has increased overall for 2010. The twelve month moving median price line for both New and Existing homes is heading upward, reflecting stable home price support.

High End Homes Market Appears Near Solid Support, Most Solid Within East Baton Rouge Parish. From 9/1/08 to 9/30/09, MLS reports 298 sales versus 294 sales 9/1/09 to 9/30/10, which is only a decrease of -4 sales or -1.3%. Average Sold Price for the 2009/2010 period is $539,650 compared to $548,036 for the 2008/2009 period. Median Sold Price for the 2009/2010 period is $500,000 compared to $495,700 for the 2008/2009 period. Average sold price per sq. ft. is $157.89/sf versus $159.43/sf for the 2008/2009 period. Average days on the market is 122 days versus 140 days in the 2008/2009 period. So, while the average sold price per sq. ft. is down $1.54/sf, and average sold price is down approx. $8,400, the median sales price has increased by $4,300 and the days on the market has improved.

Yes, There Are Certainly Exceptions! Copper Mill in Zachary is one example where the average sold prices were $161/sf in 2007, $158/sf in 2008, $157/sf in 2009 and $147/sf in 2010 based on 13 sales. That’s a $10/sf drop since 2009. Plus, the days on the market for the 13 sales were: 336, 850, 20, 274, 4, 393, 252, 1082, 50, 344, 197, 54 and 2. Renaissance in Prairieville is another example where the average sold prices were $137/sf in 2007, $141/sf in 2008, $133/sf in 2009 and $129.24/sf in 2010 based on 7 sales. That’s a -$4/sf difference between 2009 and 2010. And, MLS reports the average days on the market were 417 in 2009 and 252 in 2010. Actually, upon closer examination of total days on market, the actual continuous days on market were: 231, 1, 4, 561, 692, 1025 and 302. Greystone Golf in Denham Springs has only had 2 sales in 2010 averaging $142/sf and 6 sales in 2009 averaging $146/sf, a $4/sf decline. NOTE: For this paragraph, this includes all price ranges within these high end subdivisions.

High End Homes Market Absorption Rate Appears To Be Improving! The numbers of high end home listings has declined just slightly from 445 for September 2009 and 424 for September 2010. In September 2009, the Months Inventory showed 23.42 months. In September 2010, the Months Inventory showed 21.2 months and in August 2010 it was 19.4 months. Certainly, the market for homes requiring “Jumbo” loans remains slower in the overall Greater Baton Rouge market.

High End Homes Market NOTE: Parameters were $400,000 to $1,000,000, all price ranges within ASC, EBR, LIV and WBR for Property Types: DSF, ASF, PRC and PRA.

NOTE: Data For The September 2010 GBRAR MLS Report is used with permission of the GBRMLS from dates stated above and from 1/1/2008 through 9/30/2010.

]]> http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/2010/10/baton-rouge-area-2010-home-sales-down-25-from-september-2009-detailed-report/feed/ 0 http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/2010/10/baton-rouge-real-estate-trends-september-2010-gbr-mls-numbers-are-released/ http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/2010/10/baton-rouge-real-estate-trends-september-2010-gbr-mls-numbers-are-released/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:28:40 +0000 Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/baton-rouge-home-appraisers/baton-rouge-real-estate-trends-september-2010-gbr-mls-numbers-are-released/ http://www.batonrougerealestatetrends.net/ – Baton Rouge Real Estate Trends: September 2010 GBR MLS Numbers Are Released!

Active Listings On 10/1/2010: 4245

Pending Listings On 10/1/2010: 795

SOLDS

Sept 2010-407 (Decline of 172 or -30% Compared to 9/2009)

Sept 2009-579

Sept 2008-374 ( Hurricane Gustav Meant Less Closings )

Sept 2007-695

Sept 2006-841

Sept 2005-1763 (Hurricane Katrina Meant Increase In Sales)

Sept 2004-635

NOTE: These numbers are provided by Tony Zito with Zito Real Estate Group and used with the permission of GBRAR MLS. Search dates would be 9/1/2004 through 10/1/2010, extraction date 10/1/2010. Parishes include East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension.

The Baton Rouge Business Report is reporting on a National Assocation of Realtors housing study “U.S. Home Sales Plunge To 15-Year Low” and I quote: “Sales of previously occupied homes fell to the lowest level in 15 years last month as the economy weakened. The National Association of Realtors says July’s sales fell by more than 27% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.83 million. It was the largest monthly drop on records dating back to 1968. June’s sales pace was revised downward to 5.26 million. Home sales picked up in the spring when the government was offering tax credits. But the market has struggled since the tax credits expired on April 30. It would take 12.5 months to sell off the 4 million unsold homes on the market at the current sales pace. The median sale price was $182,600, up 0.7 percent from a year ago.”

While the NAR study covers the entire U.S., how does the local Baton Rouge housing sales numbers compare? The answer is that I see a similar trend. Within the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors data extracted from 1999 through August 24, 2010, covering almost 12 total years, for all of East Baton Rouge Parish itself, the lowest yearly rate of home sales has been in 2010 with 2,032 year-to-date. If this pace of home sales continues, 2010 projections will total 3,048 sales, the lowest within the 12 year period.

What about a monthly sales numbers comparison? This comparison leads to the same conclusion. The two lowest monthly housing sales periods in East Baton Rouge since our MLS began tracking the numbers in 1999 have taken place in 2010, see chart.

HOWEVER,

I want to responsibly point out that just because the “number” of home sales have been declining in 2010 doesn’t mean the “housing prices” are equally declining significantly! And, this is an important point. As a home appraiser, the one thing I hear from local homeowners is a misunderstanding of the local market. They say things to me like, “I know this is a horrible time to be refinancing and getting an appraisal with the housing market the way it is, but we just couldn’t pass up the low mortgage rate”. I hear this constantly from locals and you can’t watch the national news and apply that to our local market. Linda Fredericks, former President of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, is correct when she delivered the message that housing marketings are “local” and you can’t apply the national news headlines to a one size fits all local housing market!

Take The Baton Rouge Business ReportPoll: When will the U.S. housing market recover? So far results are:

NOTE: Data Used With Permission of the GBRAR MLS. Data was extracted on 8/24/2010 from periods 1/1/1999 through 8/24/2010.

Tags: Baton Rouge Economic Report, Baton Rouge Homes For Sale, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents, Baton Rouge Realtors

The Baton Rouge Business Report Daily PM Report is report a Capital Region home sales plunge of 21% in July 2010. “The number of homes sold in metro Baton Rouge fell by 21% in July compared with the year before, as the market corrected itself after being bolstered by the federal homebuyer tax credit. There were 523 homes in the Capital Region sold in July, compared with 665 sales in July 2009, according to figures from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. An $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers expired earlier this year, and transactions had to be under contract at the end of April to qualify for the money. That led to Capital Region home sales posting 21% and 28% increases in April and May over last year. The average sale price in July was $197,076, down from the $203,735 average in July 2009. Sales were down nearly 31% in Ascension Parish in July, from 111 in 2009 to 77. Livingston Parish saw a 25% drop, from 114 homes changing hands to 85. In East Baton Rouge, there was a 24% drop in home sales, from 414 to 313. The other category, which includes MLS sales in West Baton Rouge, Iberville and the Feliciana parishes, actually saw an 85% increase, from 26 to 48. Through the first seven months of the year, home sales continued to run slightly ahead of the 2009 pace. There were 4,107 homes sold through the end of July, up 3% from the 3,985 sales total at the end of July 2009.”

The Baton Rouge Business Report Daily PM Report is report a Capital Region home sales plunge of 21% in July 2010. “The number of homes sold in metro Baton Rouge fell by 21% in July compared with the year before, as the market corrected itself after being bolstered by the federal homebuyer tax credit. There were 523 homes in the Capital Region sold in July, compared with 665 sales in July 2009, according to figures from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. An $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers expired earlier this year, and transactions had to be under contract at the end of April to qualify for the money. That led to Capital Region home sales posting 21% and 28% increases in April and May over last year. The average sale price in July was $197,076, down from the $203,735 average in July 2009. Sales were down nearly 31% in Ascension Parish in July, from 111 in 2009 to 77. Livingston Parish saw a 25% drop, from 114 homes changing hands to 85. In East Baton Rouge, there was a 24% drop in home sales, from 414 to 313. The other category, which includes MLS sales in West Baton Rouge, Iberville and the Feliciana parishes, actually saw an 85% increase, from 26 to 48. Through the first seven months of the year, home sales continued to run slightly ahead of the 2009 pace. There were 4,107 homes sold through the end of July, up 3% from the 3,985 sales total at the end of July 2009.”

Solds In Woodland Crossing from 1/2009 to 7/3/2010 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $149,374
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $92/sf
Median Sold Price: $147,150
Number of Sales: 110
Low To High: $99,900 to $210,000
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 7
Current # Listings: 31, 2 Are Foreclosures
Current Listings Prices: $129,500 To $199,900

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 18 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal 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/

Data Used With Permission of the GBRAR MLS. Data was extracted on 7/3/2010 from periods 1/1/2009 through 7/3/2010.

Solds In River Oaks from 1/09 to 6/19/10 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $129,370
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $87/sf
Median Sold Price: $132,500
Number of Sales: 10
Low To High: $78,000 to $158,000
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 1
Current # Listings: 5
Current Listings Prices: $118,000 To $225,000

Author’s Bio:

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal 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/

This is the section of Gardere Lane I’m describing, see map above. View the photos below in the slideshow. This section of Gardere Ln has been in this condition for close to 2 decades now. I call it “The War Zone”! Multiple units have the doors kicked in and are vandalized. It would seem that the residents of EBRP have been paying extra just to pay the EBRP Sheriff’s Office for their increased patrolling of this immediate area. This very immediate area, within the map drawn boundaries, is plaqued with crime (just check WAFB.com for verification). The photos below don’t even come close to showing all of the vacant and vandalized units in this immediate section. It’s years past time for the leadership of EBRP to have taken action and demolished this area to begin anew.

AND, by the way, I’m not a “Big Government” believer either.   But think about it!   Who’s on the tab for paying for this fraud (as described below)?   The US Tax Payer is!   That’s you and me!  How long are we going to allow the investors and crooked appraisers to keep sending us the bill for their “activities”?

Recent History. In the mid 2000′s, some local investors (and their repesentatives) courted the California money investors, which bought into multi-family (Duplexes and Fourplexes). A California investor would need to spend 2 to 3 times as much in California to receive the same ROI in a “stable” rental market. Many units were sold to naive California investors, some at exorbitant prices. Post Hurricane Katrina only made this situation so much worse – the fraud aspect! While there were at least 16 local immediate MLS solds of 4 plexes in the $105,000 to $147,000 range, appraisers (some from out-of-town) were brought in to appraise these for fraud purchases of $165K up to $250K and at the same time ignoring the conditions of these units. Instead of using the numerous MLS solds as comps, these appraisers used the “private” investor sales which were so exorbitant and fraudulent. Or, the appraisers went all the way over to the Staring Ln @ Perkins Rd for better comps. Some of the photos below are of a 4 plex that wasn’t worth any more than perhaps $130K, but fraudulently appraised at over $240K. One can see from the Blue Tarp that the roof was not in even acceptable condition at the time of appraisal.

This Denham Springs Housing Update proves what I’ve been saying for the past year – that the Denham Springs housing market is turning more affordable, to lower priced housing. The chart below shows the largest percentage of homes sold in Denham Springs in the $130,000 to $139,999 range. According to the Baton Rouge Business Report Weekly below, the March 2009 average sales price was $165,404 and $154,782 in March 2010, -6.42% decline.

Yesterday’s Baton Rouge Business Report Weekly Real Estate Update for March 2010 stated:

“For the first time this year, more houses were sold locally in a month than were sold the year before. There were 596 homes sold in March, according to figures from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, compared with 594 MLS sales in March 2009. The average sale price also increased slightly, from $194,321 in March 2009 to $197,042. The gain was entirely driven by Ascension Parish, where there were 142 MLS sales in March, compared with 105 in March 2009. Average sale prices were down somewhat in Ascension, from $213,600 to $201,082. Sale prices were also down in Livingston Parish, where there were 91 sales, three fewer than in March 2009. The average sale price in the parish was $154,782, compared with $165,404 in March 2009. East Baton Rouge sales were down from 351 to 320, while the average sale price rose from $202,975 to $206,061. And in the other category, which includes MLS sales in the Felicianas, West Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee parishes, the average sale price jumped up to $206,020, from $141,057, while the number of sales was virtually unchanged, from 44 in March 2009 to 43 last month.

Through the first quarter of 2010, 1,402 MLS sales have happened in the Capital Region, 2% less than the 1,431 sales in the first three months of 2009. The average sale price is $192,709, down slightly from the $193,216 figure in the first quarter 2009.“