When people think about Louisiana today, they may remember the devastating destruction of New Orleans and surrounding areas during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. And yet surprisingly, many parts of Louisiana are doing quite well these days, weathering the financial storms of the current recession much better than most of the country. Unemployment rates have stayed low compared with the nation and the oil and gas industries continue to thrive in the Gulf Coast state. Other companies continue to move into Louisiana and invest their resources in the state's growing business sector. Because of all these factors, real estate there continues to be a great investment both for primary residences and rental properties. Louisiana offer real estate buyers many unique features. For one, it is the only state in the union with a heavy French influence. New Orleans is the best example of this with its French Quarter neighborhood with its distinctly French-style buildings. The New Orleans culture is steeped in Jazz tradition and Cajun spices and gumbos. Then of course, you have the state capitol of Baton Rouge. This city still has the French influence without the Mardi Gras and other chaos. It is the home of Louisiana State University, making it the major hub for college football in the state. It currently has a population between 300,000 and 400,000 and is doing very well financially with a median home price that continues to rise in the mist of free-falling national prices. If you are considering buying real estate in Louisiana, you would do well to sit down with a real estate agent and discuss all your concerns and make a list of your priorities. You might decide whether you want to buy in a quiet, rural area or whether you would prefer property in the hustle and bustle of one of the state's major cities like Baton Rouge or New Orleans. Just be aware that city real estate is typically more valuable and expensive than property outside of city limits. You should let your real estate agent know if it is important to buy within the boundaries of certain school districts or nearby one of Louisiana's many colleges or universities. And of course, if you are looking for a rental property it will be helpful to determine whether you are interested in single family homes, duplexes, several units, or large apartment or condo buildings. Your real estate agent can probably steer you in the right direction when it comes to finding the right mortgage loan for your purchase. You will need to decide between a fixed rate home loan and an adjustable rate mortgage. The former is the safest option, but the latter can offer lower initial rates. You will also need to figure out how much of a down payment you are willing to for over as well as how long you want the loan to last. It could be anywhere from five to forty years. And if you are looking for the best mortgage interest rate you could consider paying a few points (one percent of the purchase value) in order to buy down the rate and save money in the long run. Buying real estate in Louisiana is still a good idea. The state has many great schools, sports teams, and nice, family-friendly neighborhoods. The properties there hold their value well and offer great amenities for potential homebuyers. Louisiana real estate agency website offers useful tips for home buyers and sellers on various real estate issues including homestead exemption, insurance, environmental issues and many more. Visit www.realestatelouisiana.com to find the information you need.
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