Gayle's Blog

Extension & Expansion of Tax Credit PASSED the House!

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:22:34 -0600

The House voted 403-12 on Thursday to pass the bill after the Senate unanimously approved it Wednesday. The legislation includes provisions for the homebuyers' tax credit as well as extension of jobless benefits.

The bill would extend an $8,000, first-time home buyers' tax credit on all house contracts entered into before April 30, 2010, and closed by June 30 the same year. It would create a new, $6,500 credit for existing property owners who sell their home and buy another during the same period of time. The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

Mr. Obama is expected to sign the bill into law on Friday.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension stated, "This is probably the last extension."

Gayle Causey
Realtor, Relocation Specialist
318-614-5615

Keller Williams Realty, 1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA 318-812-7653
Each office independently owned & operated.

Cross your fingers! Congress set to expand tax credit for buyers!

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:08:02 -0600

Buying a home with a tax incentive from Uncle Sam is almost here for a whole new crop of homebuyers.

First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package. But the program will expire November 30. The Senate voted Wednesday to extend and expand the tax credit to include many buyers who already own homes.

If the House approves the bill on Thursday, Nov. 6, buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers - or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years - would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups will have to close on a home purchase by June 30, 2010.

About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.

The credit is available for the purchase of your principal residence that would cost $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

The credit would be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011, for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.

Keep watching the news for updates on actions taken by Congress, or call me and I will tell you the latest info I have on the legislation.

Gayle Causey
318-614-5615
Realtor, Relocation Specialist

Keller Williams Realty, 1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA
Each office independently owned & operated.

Have you seen Frannie?

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:48:20 -0600

Sweet Piper Needs a NEW HOME!

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:20:41 -0600

You may not know it, but people are moving to Monroe, LA, all the time! I recently met a new family who will be moving here soon to a new job. They are looking forward to new adventures in Monroe, but their move is a little more complicated because they have baby TWINS, plus an adorable 2-yr. old.

This family needs to find a home for their 70 Lb shepherd mix named Piper. She is very affectionate but would be happiest in a home with older children and no other dogs. She has all of her shots and has no health problems. If you can open your heart to sweet Piper, please email spencerlange@hotmail.com or email me and I will get the message to him.

Finding homes is my specialty. I guess I'll branch out to 4-legged clientele!

Gayle Causey, 318-614-5615
Gayle@GayleCausey.com
Equal Housing Opportunity.

Keller Williams Realty
1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA, 318-812-7653
Each office independently owned & operated.

SAVE $$$ on Christmas!

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:22:45 -0500

BIG NEWS!

Watch for details coming soon about a special, invitation-only event with discounts for my friends and customers at one of the area's largest electronics and appliances dealers. The store will be closed to the public for this special event, so you can expect to receive excellent service and the best prices!

If you want to know more about it, email me at Gayle@GayleCausey.com for details. I will let you know the time, date and all other details. Your invitation will cost you NOTHING (-$0-) except what you choose to buy during the shopping event. There is absolutely no obligation.

This event will be at a store in Monroe, LA, on a SUNDAY evening in time for your holiday shopping.

I hope to hear from you soon, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Gayle Causey
318-614-5615
Gayle@GayleCausey.com

Keller Williams Realty, 1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA 318-812-7653
Each office independently owned & operated.

ULM is not like every other university...

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:22:11 -0500

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is known for several outstanding academic areas: pharmacy, nursing, aviation, etc. But, to be honest, you can find these curricula in many colleges and universities around the country.

How many universities, though, are tops in WATERSKIING?

ULM's water ski team won its 22nd national championship title at the National Collegiate Water Ski Association's 31st National Championship Tournament in Bakersfield, Calif., this weekend. This is the fourth consecutive year ULM won the Division I Team Overall title.

ULM skiers won the tournament by more than 1,000 points even though twelve of the nation's top teams competed in Division I.

ULM men's team won first in the slalom, tricks and jumping categories, winning first place overall.

The women's team won first in the slalom competition and placed second in tricks and jumping categories, winning first place overall.

You can often see the team practicing near the ULM Alumni House in Bayou DeSiard on Hwy 80. When you have time, stop and watch them for awhile. You will be AMAZED!

For more about the Monroe/West Monroe area, visit my websites http://GayleCausey.com or http://WestMonroeRealEstate.com

Gayle Causey
318-614-5615
Relocation Specialist

Keller Williams Realty, 1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA 318-812-7653
Each office independently owned & operated.

Can it possibly be FALL?

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:46:28 -0500

In Louisiana, September usually has 90+degree temps. We've had a little reprieve lately that leads me to the hope that fall may be coming soon. During this week's "rain event" in which the Monroe/West Monroe area has received 2" of rain per day since Saturday, the temperatures have been lower than the norm. Chances of rain today are 80%, so I think it will be another mild, though soggy, day.

Three things are the signs of fall to me:

1. The majestic pecan trees in my back yard are heavy with pecans. This is good news because last year was a year of rest for the trees. We had NO pecans in the area. In contrast, my 2 trees yielded 72-lbs. of pecans in 2007! I don't know if another record crop is in the cards, but I'm looking forward to the time when the nuts begin to fall. In the meantime, leaves from the pecan trees are beginning to slowly leave the tree. Nothing dramatic enough to crank up the lawnmower to chop them up, but I know that day is coming!

2. It's LOVEBUG season! I had to look up the scientific name--Plecia nearctica Hardy. The common name "lovebug" has been given to these black colored, orange-backed flies because they are most often seen flying around in mating pairs. If you're driving in Louisiana this time of year, you'll be smart to visit the car wash a little more than usual to rid your vehicle of the bodies of the insects. Experts say they do not fly at night and heavy rains dimish their numbers. Even though they are a nuisance, their life span is short, only about 4-5 weeks.

3. Friday night football! No matter where you live in the US, you've probably heard about the LSU Tigers and their famous stadium, nicknamed "Death Valley". Many LSU players are the product of Louisiana high school football, especially healthy in all of north Louisiana. The insane antics of Tiger fans are duplicated in and around the stadiums in Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington, Calhoun and the surrounding small towns on Friday nights. This is definitely a football-loving area! Football fans have the opportunity to go to so many games each week that the choice is often difficult. Rivalries are very strong. I don't dare have a favorite, so GOOD LUCK to all our local teams!

If you are moving to Monroe, West Monroe, Calhoun or Sterlington and want to know more about the area, don't hesitate to call or email me. You can also find links to many points of interests and local schools at http://WestMonroeRealEstate.com and http://GayleCausey.com

Gayle Causey
Relocation Specialist
318-614-5615

Keller Williams Realty, 1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA 318-812-7653

What is there to do in Northeast LA? PLENTY!

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:12:33 -0500

Those of us who live in the Monroe area are sometimes guilty of going to another city to find "something to do." If you take the time to look, you'll find that there's plenty of good entertainment right here in your own back yard!

Gayle Causey, 318-614-5615
Relocation Specialist

Keller Williams Realty
1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA
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Options on tap
Sept. 12, 2009, The News Star

By the time Clay Couturiaux raises his hands at the Monroe Civic Center to start the Monroe Symphony Orchestra's 2009-10 season, the ULM Warhawks will be playing the second quarter against Texas Southern at Malone Stadium, the home opener for the football team.

As halftime nears at Malone, country music singer and songwriter Linda Davis will begin presenting "An Evening with Linda Davis" at the Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston, concluding two days of local events surrounding that talented Texan, who appeared last in Ruston three years ago.

None of this helps you choose where you want to be Saturday night. You may want to be at all three events. No can do, folks.

The symphony is spectacular, a hometown treasure for those who hold great music close to their hearts. The Warhawks, well, we're talking about the home team, where hope springs eternal every autumn. And Linda Davis is not only lovely but gracious and a first-rate performer.

What the surfeit of entertainment happenings does do is remind us that the answer to, "What's going on in northeastern Louisiana?" can be wrapped up in a single word: Plenty. Or, more expansively, more than we can handle on a given night.

Those three superior - different, sure, but superior - entertainment choices are offered at reasonable and family friendly prices. Presenters make that happen. Where you won't want to be come Saturday night is home, where you would miss them all.

Where you choose to land Saturday night is up to you. But it's a nice problem to have: plenty of good entertainment options. Right at home.

September 11, 2001, We Remember...

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:03:54 -0500

We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.

Summer Home-Buying Season in Monroe & West Monroe, LA

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:18:46 -0500

You probably know by now that I like to keep up with the real estate market in Ouachita Parish. After all, that's my JOB! I want to know how we're doing. The news from every media source will lead you to believe that the housing market is terrible, but that's not the case in Monroe, West Monroe, Calhoun, and Sterlington.

Let's compare the summer selling season in 2009 to 2008, specifically the months of June, July & August.

From these numbers, you can see that houses have stayed on the market for 9 days longer (DOM), but more houses have SOLD in 2009 than in 2008. It's also interesting to compare the difference in the east side of the river vs. the west side. Both sides had an increase in sales from 2008, but the West Monroe side of the Ouachita River had a larger percentage of sales and a drop in Days on the Market (DOM).

What's going on with FORECLOSURES? Louisiana is # 40 in the US for the number of foreclosure filings for the month of July, 2009, the most recent statistics available from RealtyTrac. As I view the MLS, I see no significant change over the past several years in the number of foreclosures locally. We have no way to count bank-owned properties through our MLS, though, so this is only my personal observation.

Bottom line: Ouachita Parish is a great place to live and it's still a smart move to invest in real estate here. As you can see, values have not declined, and HOMES ARE SELLING!

Let me know if I can help you in any way. Call, text or email me if you would like details on any particular neighborhood.

Gayle Causey--318-614-5615
HOMEwork is my specialty.

Keller Williams Realty, 318-812-7653
1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA
Each office independently owned & operated.

Tax Deductions for Private School Tuition in Louisiana

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:23:25 -0500

Did you know? Starting with your 2009 return, you will be allowed deductions for private school tuition and supplies on your Louisiana state income tax return. Home schooling parents can deduct the cost of supplies and public school parents can deduct the cost of uniforms.

See details at
http://revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/publications/viewrelease.aspx?id=242

Start saving receipts!

Gayle Causey
Find your house with your mouse:
http://GayleCausey.com or http://WestMonroeRealEstate.com
Keller Williams Realty
Monroe, LA USA
318-614-5615

Box Tops For Education

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:44:05 -0500

Attention Ouachita Parish and Monroe City schoolers! Get out those scissors!

By the way, you don't have to have a child in school to save box tops that will ultimately benefit all children in our community. I don't know about prizes in local schools, but I'm sure any school will really appreciate the contribution.

Start clipping!

Gayle Causey
*** *** *** ***

Via Sandy Childs (Keller Williams):

Every year my nephew has a contest at his school to see which kids can bring in the most box top for eduction, and of course there is a prize for the kid who bring in the most of the box tops. I found a site on the computer that lists all of the products that carry box tops for eduction and thought that you might like to take a look at it:

www.boxtops4education.com

This was you can save them all along and not make a mad dash to the store!

Happy Clipping!

How I saved money by spending money. A few changes does make a difference.

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:33:03 -0500

This is GREAT info to pass along! Thanks to my ActiveRain friend June who lives in North Carolina.

Gayle

*** *** ***

Via June Tassillo Your Go to Girl & Realtor for Life! (Classic GMAC Real Estate - Franklin, NC 28734):

Ya know the old saying the shoe makers kids never has shoes? I am a builders wife and this year since he was slow I got some things done around our own home!!! Here is a few things we did ourselves this year that will save us money month after month, year after year.

Insulated Siding is the most energy efficient siding on the market. With an industry system R-value range from 2.2 to 5.1. Insulated Siding is the only energy efficient siding with custom-contoured foam that delivers continuous coverage for maximum energy savings.

Insulated Vinyl Siding ~

StructuDow STYROFOAM is an ENERGY STAR® siding from Aloca is the first premium insulated vinyl siding bonded with Dow STYROFOAM®, a recognized leader in insulation. Structure provides superior strength, style and performance and a significant improvement in your home's R-Value (resistance to heat flow) up to 25%. This panel also features our patented T3-Lok System, withstands winds up to 160 mph and is an ENERGY STAR® qualified insulation product!

The first premium siding permanently bonded with STYROFOAM® insulation

Insulates entire home exterior... even over wood framing where heat loss is significant

Can improve the R-Value (resistance to heat flow) of your home up to 25%

Reduces high frequency noise and wind sounds by up to 50%

Withstands 160 mph windload

Foam backing provides a straighter appearance and a solid feel.

Extremely low moisture absorption compared to other foam-backed siding

Helps keep heating and cooling costs down in all climates and conditions, even in the presence of moisture

We have installed this on many of the homes we built. If its good enough for them its, good enough for us!

Next was windows. I have wanted the tilt in since they came out so I would clean them. He wants to see this happen... They are easier than you think to replace.

We picked Jeld-Wen.

Color: White

All frames are assembled utilizing fusion-welded technology for added strength and durability

Frames incorporate a traditional Brickmould profile with an integral J-channel and nailing fin

Insulating Low-E glass

Tilt sash for easy cleaning

Next we wanted to replace the roof & gutters and the easiest way for us was to go right over our roof with metal. I didn't not personally participate in this, I don't like heights that much so he summoned a few friends and we had a professional gutter man come.

While asphalt traps heat... Metal Roofs reflect solar energy... And pigments re-emit heat.

Most metal roofing, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenance-free strength and beauty.

The secret to metal roofing's energy savings is in its variety of finishes. As shown above, the basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed.Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated metal roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation.

Last we changed out our 19 year old Heat & Air unit that could not keep up in the hot months or winter cold days. We just upgrade that and again had a professional replace that.

Energy Star® qualified-meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for energy efficiency

High-efficiency outdoor coil-provides exceptional heat transfer and low air resistance for high-efficiency operation
       Environmentally Responsible

Chlorine-free R410A refrigerant-provides exceptional comfort without exacting a costly environmental toll

         Reliable Performance

Corrosion-resistant cabinet-protects against rust and corrosion with heavy-gauge, galvanized steel construction and a durable, baked-on finish

Durable coil guard-provides long-lasting coil protection with a mesh shield around the coil and PVC-coated steel wire guard.

OK, we did a few other things like laminate flooring and paint the inside but that wasn't the money saving items. Last year our electric bill at this time of the year ran around $160.00 and up per month. I just got the bill in the mail Friday and it was.....DRUM ROLL PLEASE $113.00 WOW!!! Now if I can get the husband to turn the air up just a little bit more maybe we could get it under a hundred.

There ya have it. Even the builders home needs updating. We saved a ton of money doing most of the work ourselves. Typical home owners either do not want to tackle such a big job or do not know how to. Most builders in our area have become busy updating or remodeling homes including our company ~ Future Homes by Joe Tassillo, Inc. (828) 369-0336

Needless to say I am a happy home owner!

www.JunesRealtor.com

June Tassillo ~ Realtor/Broker

Classic GMAC Real Estate

office: (828) 369-6720 ext. 204

cell: (828)371-2339

What's the market like in Monroe and Sterlington, LA?

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:46:50 -0500

Monroe and Sterlington,LA Housing Market Update August 19, 2009

How many homes are for sale in Monroe, 71201/71202,71203 and Sterlington, LA 71280?

As of Aug. 19, 2009, there are 408 homes listed for sale in the Monroe and Sterlington areas, east of the Ouachita River in Ouachita Parish. The average listing price is $205,594. The majority (230) are 3-BR homes; 112 homes have 4-BRs.

How fast are homes selling and how much are they selling for in Monroe and Sterlington?

From May thru July, 150 homes have sold on average for $156,134. Prices varied, but statistics show that homes sold for 96.63% of the listed price and stayed on the market for 114 days before closing. Keep in mind these figures are the AVERAGE.

Great Reasons to Live in Monroe, LA 71201/71202/71203 and Sterlington, LA 71280

Beautiful waterways with public access
Outstanding restaurants, parks and comprehensive shopping complex
Higher education: University of LA Monroe and Delta Community College
Lower than average cost of living
Sports and cultural activities available for all ages
Friendly neighbors, attractive neighborhoods, easy access to services
Growing economy

If you would like to know about your specific neighborhood, call or send me an email and I will get that info to you--pronto!

Gayle Causey
318-614-5615
http://GayleCausey.com
Keller Williams Realty
Monroe, LA USA

What's the market like in West Monroe and Calhoun, LA?

Gayle Causey (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:23:06 -0500

West Monroe / West Ouachita Housing Market Update August 19, 2009

How many homes are for sale in West Monroe, LA 71291?

As of Aug. 19, 2009, there are 283 homes listed for sale west of the Ouachita River in Ouachita Parish. The average listing price is $187,792. The majority (176) are 3-BR homes; 66 homes have 4-BRs.

How fast are West Ouachita homes selling and how much are they selling for?

From May thru July, 155 homes have sold on average for $158,169. Prices varied, but statistics show that homes sold for 96.5% of the listed price and stayed on the market for 121 days before closing. Keep in mind these figures are the AVERAGE.

Great Reasons to Live in West Monroe, LA 71291 & 71292 and Calhoun, LA 71225

Public schools with consistently high test scores
Community features outstanding restaurants, parks and movie theater multi-plex
Lower than average cost of living
Sports and cultural activities available for all ages
Friendly neighbors, attractive neighborhoods, easy access to services
Growing economy

If you would like to know about your specific neighborhood, call or send me an email and I will get that info to you--pronto!

Gayle Causey
318-614-5615
http://WestMonroeRealEstate.com
Keller Williams Realty
Monroe, LA USA


While asphalt traps heat...	Metal Roofs reflect solar energy...	And pigments re-emit heat.