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'Business is brisk,' says realtor association chief

Top reasons downsizing, low interest
  • By JERRY WALLACE
  • Real estate editor
  • Published: Dec 30, 2005

Real estate in Baton Rouge is experiencing a "very healthy level of activity," according to Judy Burkett, president of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors. "Business is brisk."

"It would be very hard to single out any particular area or areas of the metropolitan market," she says. "Homes are selling very well everywhere.

"In the past there would be areas that would be more popular than others but that's not really the case right now. There seems to be a market for any home that's in decent condition and priced reasonably," she explains.

Families relocating into the Baton Rouge area are, predictably, responsible for a certain percentage of sales, Burkett continues, but that is far from the only source of business these days.

Other reasons for the brisk sales activity she says are:

  • Families moving to the suburbs, most notably Ascension and Livingston parishes.

  • Conversely, there are those who are interested in getting closer to their place of business or other attractions and looking for homes in or close to the city itself.

  • Some people are simply taking advantage of low interest rates.

  • Getting more house - more square footage or more amenities – is another reason people are on the market.

  • Downsizing, either because of a desire for lower maintenance or because the kids have left the nest is yet another spur to home shopping.

    Combined, these factors have led to a real estate market in which homes are, on average, appreciating about six percent a year.

    "A well-priced home can sell literally in days," Burkett says. "We're even seeing bidding wars in some cases."

    These conditions are all good news to sellers, but she adds that there's plenty for buyers to be happy about.


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