St Tammany Tax Millage Meeting Scheduled

The Parish Council has scheduled a meeting for adopting the 2009 tax millages for September 3 at 6 p.m.  This meeting will determine the amount of property tax due on each property in St Tammany Parish.  Property taxes are a combination of the value of the property as set by the Parish Assessor and the number of mills due for each property as set by the Parish Council.  At present, all of the millages are below the limit set by the Louisiana state mandates and approved by Parish voters.

According to the Assessor’s office, there is the possibility that our property taxes for 2009 will be increased by 2% – 3%.  Since the Assessor’s office is still in the process of updating property records, how much of an increase, if any, has not been determined.  The Parish Council members have agreed to keep the millages as low as possible while maintaining current services.

The meeting is a public hearing.  So, it is to your benefit to attend.  Remember: property values, millages and taxes affect everyone.  For more information regarding the current millages, visit the parish government website.

Patsy Lang, the Lang Team – Different by Design, for all your Mandeville real estate needs

Jammin’ on the Trace in St. Tammany

Round two of the three-part ”Jammin on the Trace” competition will take place this Thursday at the Tammany Trace Trailhead on the Caboose Stage (21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville).  Five local bands will participate in this week’s competition beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Five bands will compete for first, second and third place and receive cash prises.  However, only the top two of this week’s competition will move on to the final battle of the bands.

Round three of the three-part series will be held on July 23.  The winning bands from round one and two will meet and compete for the coveted title of Jammin on the Trace Champ.  For the competing bands, this is what Jammin on the Trace is about: the final battle and the “Jammin on the Trace Champ” title, although they appreciate the cash prizes, as well.

If you miss any of the competition, you will be able to see all three sessions which will be aired on Access St. Tammany (Charter – Channel 10).

“Jammin on the Trace”
Supported by the Ronnie Kole Foundation and the Louisiana Diviosn of the Arts.
Presented by the Tammany Trace Foundation and the Tammany Parish Government

Patsy Lang, The Lang Team, Different by Design

St Tammany First-Time Buyers Get Tax Credit

First-time buyers have many good reasons to buy a home in St. Tammany Parish.  One of the best advantages (for a limited time only) is the  first-time buyers federal tax credit.

    * First-time Buyers Federal Tax Credit

   1. First-time buyers get an $8,000 (max – 10% of the sales price) tax credit when filing their 2009 taxes next year if they purchase a home in 2009.  However, escrow must close no later than November 30, 2009.
   2. The Tax Credit does not have to be repaid.
   3. The Tax Credit applies only to homes purchased as a principal residence.

    * First-time Buyers Tax Credit As A Down Payment or Closing Costs

   1. FHA has just announced that first-time buyers may now use the $8,000 federal tax credit to supplement their down payment.
   2. FHA will also allow you to use the tax credit to pay your closing costs when purchasing a home with FHA financing.

First-time buyers can take advantage of St. Tammany’s excellent real estate market.

    * Stable Market:

   1.  Unlike many areas in the nation, the real estate market is stable in St. Tammany Parish.
   2.  The foreclosure disaster has bypassed the state of Louisiana because we did not need high-risk loans to sell our homes.
   3.  Home values are not declining in St. Tammany Parish.  Values have remained stable even in the midst of the current recession.

    * Buyers Market:

   1. Our market is stable.  However, the number of homes available on the market has risen, giving home buyers the edge.
   2. Sellers are pricing homes at very competitive prices.
   3. Sellers are willing to help buyers with closing costs.

First-time buyers can take advantage of the FHA home loan program.

    * FHA Financing for First-time Buyers

   1. FHA does not require a 10 -20% down payment.  The FHA required down payment is only 3.5% – 5% of the agreed sales price.
   2. FHA does allow gifted funds for the required down payment from certain government programs, the buyers’ parents or employers.

For first-time buyers, now is an excellent time to invest in future.  First-time buyers can take advantage of the excellent real estate market in St. Tammany Parish, a first-time buyer federal tax credit and FHA financing.  Remember, the federal tax credit currently available to first time buyers will end on November 30, 2009; escrow must be closed on or before that date.

Patsy Lang and the Lang Team: Different by Design

St Tammany’s Business Expo

Whether you are an established business owner, a new entrepreneur or thinking of opening a business, today is the day made for you.  The St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 17th Annual Business Expo today (May 6) from 11 am to 7 pm in Mandeville at the Castine Center.  The trade show is the largest in the region and an event business owners will be wise to attend.  The trade show will feature 100 exhibits which will display the latest tools and services for business owners.  Be sure to stop by the St. Tammy’s Parish Hospital and meet DaVinci, the Surgical Robot.
 
The St. Tammany’s Business Expo is a great place to meet, greet and network.  Admission is free and door prizes will be give to some lucky attendees.  Following the expo, there is an After Hours event, where food and drinks (including champagne) will be served.  The After Hours admission is a reasonable $10.  Chamber members will receive a $5 discount.

Patsy Lang and the Lang Team, Mandeville real estate

Can Mandeville Save This Piece of History?

That was the subject at the Mandeville City Council meeting.  The piece of history in question is the house located at 2603 Lakeshore Drive which was built around 1852.  The home is currently owned by William Jourdan.  Unfortunately, the house received substantial damage during Hurricane Katrina.  Mr. Jourdan has tried to find a way to restore the historic home.  However, he has come to the conclusion that he cannot complete the necessary repairs and has applied for a demolition permit.
 
Mr. Jourdan would live to see the home preseved and has offered an alternative plan to the city.  He would like to donate the home to the City of Mandeville.  The city would be required to move the house to another location and restore the home.  Some residents and council members feel that saving this bit of Mandeville history is well worth the price tag, which is still to be determined.
 
The city has contracted with historian and archivist Sally Reeves to identify architectural and historic structures in Mandeville.  At this time, there are about 450 buildings in Mandeville which have been identified as significant structures, including Mr. Jourdan’s home, in her report.  In Ms. Reeves’ report, she has identified the Lakeshore Drive home as  the “singular Mandeville-style cottage now found in Louisiana.”  The council has authorized Mayor Price to advertise for bids to move the home to another location.  Mayor Pro Tem Lenfant offered a suggestion to auction the home.  The new owner would be required to move the house to a location within the city limits and to restore the home. 

This year is the 175th anniversary of the founding of Mandeville.  The city is currently working to develop guidelines for protecting and preserving historic structures with the city before they are lost to future generations.  Ms. Reeves will present her report on Mandeville’s historic structures later this year during the City of Mandeville’s 175th anniversary events.

Come One, Come All to Madisonville , Louisiana

The wonderful community of Madisonville , Louisiana welcomes you to come live, work and play.  Madisonville is a quiet little town in the St. Tammany Parish.  It’s one of the oldest towns in Louisiana .  Madisonville can be found along Interstate 12 north of Mandeville and south of Covington .

Madisonville was once home to the Choconcte Native Americans before it was renamed Madisonville in honor of President James Madison in 1810.  The economy of Madisonville thrives on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway providing bricks and other trade items to small towns along the river.

Madisonville offers great public schools served by the St. Tammany Parish School District.  Public schools serve students in grades pre-k through 12 with two schools in Madisonville .  Students are provided a great education along with after school clubs, sports, and other programs.

Anyone looking for fun will find all they could ever want in Madisonville .  It’s the perfect place to enjoy the ocean and shores of Lake Ponchartrain .  Take advantage of the many water activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, sunbathing, water-skiing, volleyball, and much more.

The city hosts three annual boating events with all proceeds from each event going to the 30,000 square foot Lake Ponchartrain Basin Maritime Museum .

For those who prefer dry land, the city has eight historical sites to visit.  Each one is on the National Historic Register.  Just strolling around the city you will find a variety of architecture from Creek Revival to Creole Cottage.  Some must see historical sites include the old Madisonville Town Hall and Jail, the Madisonville Bank, the Otis House, and the Regent Square Home. 

Madisonville offers great parks all around town too.  The Fairview Riverside State Park is one of the most popular to visit.  You can find the Otis House in this park.  The house was built in the 1880s and bought by Frank Otis in the 1930s.  After he renovated it, he donated the house and surrounding land to the state.  The park also has wonderful campsites and RV parks for overnight visitors.

Madisonville offers so many wonderful aspects for its residents: a beautiful community, good economy, great schools, convenience, plenty of recreation and so much more.  If you are looking for a great place to buy a home in Louisiana , be sure to stop by Madisonville and see it for yourself just how wonderful it is.

Madisonville, Louisiana Real Estate

Homes for Sale in Madisonville , Louisiana

Madisonville, Louisiana Realtor® Patsy Lang

Mandeville is a Doggy’s Delight

This Saturday, January 24th, Mandeville is all about man’s best friend.  Maxein’s Coffee House (115 Girod St) is hosting Bark at the Moon, a fundraiser for the Pelican Bark Park from 7-10pm.  For only $45 per person, you get to enjoy an evening of live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.  All proceeds from these festivities will go to the Pelican Bark Park.  For more information or tickets, call Maxein’s at 985-705-0809 or email doggiebarkpark@yahoo.com.

Also happening this Saturday is the Pawdi Gras at the Speakeasy Too (410 Covington St) from 5:30-7:30pm in Mandeville.  This is a fun Mardi Gras party for small dogs and their owners.  Admission is free.  For more information about this event, please email mserpas@transunion.com.

Motorist in Mandeville Using New US 190 Lanes

It seems a long time coming, but the construction in Mandeville is nearly completed and motorists are already taking advantage of the new lanes on US 190.

Driving the new stretch of highway makes the commute for Mandeville residents and visitors a little less stressful, more time efficient and makes for a much more pleasant drive than in the past. Bikers will be able to enjoy and take advantage of the new bicycle paths that run along part of the highway as well.

The construction of the widening of U.S. 190 from two lanes to five in November 2006 should be completed in a few more weeks, weather permitting. Day temperatures must be 50 degrees or more so that the final asphalting can be done. To complete the project, new traffic signals will be installed as well as the striping of lanes when they are completed.

Investment Properties and Lead-Based Paint

Are you looking to buy a rental property?  You first need to find out what the lead paint standards are in your area.  The government is taking a much tougher stand on lead paint restrictions in rental properties.  If your building contains lead paint, you may have to provide an extensive acknowledgement of this fact to the leasee, advising them of the hazards of lead-based paint as well, at the time of lease signing and continue to provide notices regularly.  Peeling paint is a definite no-no.  Not properly maintaining a unit can result in severe fines and major damages to the owner.  By maintaining rentals in accordance with state standards, you can avoid these penalties and problems.  Buying a rental property built after 1978 will lower the likelihood that lead-based paint was used in its construction.  Contact your local broker to find out more about what the state standards for lead-based paint are in your neighborhood before buying an investment property.

Senior Citizens Need Holiday Love, Too

At this time of year, many people remember to give to children and those less fortunate folk.  But, some may forget that this can be a lonely time for senior citizens as well.  Home Instead Senior Care has partnered up with local retailers for the Be a Santa to a Senior program to make sure that seniors don’t get overlooked this holiday season.  To accomplish this, they have set up Christmas trees at two Rouse’s Supermarkets (1644 Gause Blvd in Slidell and 3461 E Causeway Approach in Mandeville) and Franco’s Athletic Club (100 Bon Temps Roule in Mandeville).  Each Christmas tree is decorated with tags that signify a Christmas gift wish for a senior in the area.  Simply pull a tag, purchase the requested gift and return it to the location you got the tag from by December 18th and Home Instead Senior Care will make sure that each senior gets their wish delivered just in time for Christmas.  In addition to the co-operation of these stores, local school children are making homemade cards that will be attached to each present.  The company will hold two gift-wrapping parties on December 16th (at the Slidell Adult Day Health Care center in Slidell) and December 17th (at the Windsor Senior Living Community in Mandeville).  For more information on the Be a Santa to a Senior program or participating in the gift-wrapping parties, please call 726-2668 or visit their website.