The new issue of Forbes magazine includes an article titled "America's Best and Worst Housing Markets.  You can read it at  http://www.forbes.com/2007/01/25/strongest-housing-markets-forbeslife-cx_mw_0125strongest.html.

According to Forbes, median home prices in the metro Baton Rouge area have increased 14.1% in the third quarter of 2006.  New Orleans' median price increase 7.6% in the same time frame.  Overall the entire gulf coast region showed an increase in 2006.  According to www.housingpredicator.com, this is a trend that will continue through 2007. 

While this is very good news for Baton Rouge sellers, it should serve as a caution to Baton Rouge buyers.  If you are considering buying a home in the BR market sooner is probably smarter than later.  If the trend forecasters are correct, a 6 months waiting period could cost you any where from a 3% to 7% increase in housing prices.  Time is of the essence...