Baton Rouge, Louisiana is relaxed and casual, say local Realtors, and it's real estate market is taking a snooze.
"Baton Rouge offers great food with Cajun spice, a "laid-back" casual atmosphere of fun-loving people who enjoy the warm climate, the music, food, and local traditions," says Realtor Wynona Squires, "Baton Rouge offers easy access to schools, shopping, and the Interstates. Major Universities include LSU and Southern. Bounded by the lazy Mississippi River to the west and the Carnival City of New Orleans to the south, visitors will enjoy the beautiful blooms of the magnolias, azaleas, camellias, and jasmine. Homeowners find it a "gardener's paradise" because the local weather provides for beautiful landscaping almost year round."
Explains Squires, "Baton Rouge is currently in a slightly upward market due to the low interest rates, with sales stronger in homes between $150,000-$250,000. Buyers tend to lean toward newer construction on homes above $150,000, thus, older homes are not selling as well. In homes above $200,000, new construction is strong. Home buyers are willing to pay more per square footage for newer construction even if getting less total square footage, but expect the current amenities which are offered in new home construction."
"The Baton Rouge market is currently a neutral one, with sales fairly strong in homes in the $90,000-$130,000 range," says Realtor Marlene Grose. "Above that price the competition from new construction is making older homes stay on the market a little longer. In homes priced $200,000 and above, new construction is strong, with buyers seemingly willing to pay more for less space as long as that space has today's amenities--high ceilings, luxury baths with whirlpool tubs and open plans. Growth continues in Livingston and Ascension Parishes and many buyers are taking advantage of the price advantage in these areas, due to the greater abundance of vacant land. Still, as construction costs continue to rise, buyers are rejecting the long commute and are looking at older homes in Baton Rouge for value."
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Published: August 11, 2003
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