Tim Houk

B.R. home prices down slightly

A new report says Baton Rouge home prices dropped 0.41% in August from the year before. First American Core Logic says the local Home Price Index was down from August 2008, after a 0.8% increase in July. That local decrease is much better than the 10.1% drop reported in First American’s national index in August. Louisiana’s index was down 3.9% during the month. First American predicts U.S. home prices will hit bottom in March, because of the increasing number of homes entering the foreclosure process and the expiration of a tax credit for first time homebuyers — although members of Congress are working to extend the credit into next year. By August 2010, First American projects the home price index will be up 4.6% nationally and 0.51% in Baton Rouge.”