$259,900 Lake Charles, 2423 Emily Ann Lane - 05/30/10 04:07 PM
You Don't Want to Miss This One! French inspired home with presently 2 master suites or second suite could serve as a large game room with its own private bath.
This beautiful 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home South Lake Charles home provides large closets even in secondary bedrooms. 
 
 
 
 
Included in 2534 square feet of living area are many built-ins and wired for security system and surround sound.
120' x 140' lot is landscaped and has a large covered patio with in-ground pool.
 
… (6 comments)

Fighting the “Bad Guys” - 05/30/10 03:38 PM
The Internet has become the most widely used media, without which a REALTOR® could not effectively compete in today’s market. How could we promote our client’s properties effectively without the many tools provided for today’s technically savvy individuals? These techniques and tools increase astronomically on a daily basis.
We are approaching 90% of all Buyers initiating their property search on the Internet prior to contacting a REALTOR®. I received a call last week by Grandparents. Their 12 year old Grand Daughter regularly searches Realtor.com for them and calls to tell them the potential Commercial properties they should go see. They did … (7 comments)

Kudos and Thanks to McNeese Football Coach Matt Viator and English Teacher Schantel Viator - 05/29/10 06:53 PM
I grew up in a Family as the "Baby Girl" with three older brothers. Football was everything and I developed a deep love and appreciation for not only the game, but also the skills and intelligence needed to play the game well. Perhaps this is why, as I strolled through the rain this morning, that a blog by Gary Woltal, caught my interest.
Great coaches, coach the entire BODY, SOUL, and MIND of their athletes. They develop Winners in LIFE, not just in a Friday or Saturday night game. These young people, if they are truly smart, will apply these skills in … (0 comments)

The Children's Museum in Lake Charles, LA - 05/28/10 02:11 PM
With 7 Grandchildren and a previous life as a science teacher, I'm sensitive to venues for kids.
For years, I've been taking my Grandchildren to The Children's Museum in Lake Charles.
There are 19,000 square feet of exhibits for kids and parents. The big water table is one of our favorites. It is a rather simple device...maybe 5 or 6" deep. It is at a slant and has a pump of some sort such that the water is in constant motion. The kids can experiment with the water by creating a dam, changing the current, floating boats and all sorts of … (2 comments)

Sulphur Heritage Festival - 05/28/10 01:40 PM
Like most Lake Charles REALTORS, I am very familiar with all of Calcasieu Parish and most of the surrounding parishes of Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Beauregard.
As such, I can honestly tell those moving to the Lake Charles area that Southwest Louisiana offers a multitude of locations and housing styles.
When I'm asked where I live, I proudly answer, "Sulphur, LA!"
Today, I'm proud to remind locals and visitors to check out the Sulphur Heritage Festival.
Admission is free and the hours are as follows:
5-10 p.m. May 28 10 a.m.-10 p.m. May 29 For more information, call 527-0357 or 527-4500.
… (2 comments)

Downtown at Sundown - 05/28/10 01:22 PM
Every Friday through June 4th, residents and visitors to Lake Charles can enjoy a free outdoor concert series from 6:00-9:00 PM.
Unless bad weather forces the concerts to move to the Civic Center, all events are held at the Downtown Merchant's Parking Lot at the corner of Ryan and Broad Street.
This evening's (May 28th) concert features T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers.
Besides the concert and dancing, come out and enjoy the food booths, tabletop galleries and children’s activities.
… (3 comments)

Marketing Lake Charles homes on KPLC TV - 05/26/10 08:41 PM
Providing the most comprehensive marketing for my Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana listings has been a consistent goal since I first started my real estate career.
While I'm immensely proud of the multiple internet sites that I utilize, I'm very excited to be a part of the CENTURY 21 Bessete marketing program that offers a home of the week on award winning KPLCTV.com.
Besides promoting our listings, KPLCTV.com, a true internet leader, provides a forum for Century 21 Bessette agents to provide buyers and sellers tips.
This month, I am featured on KPLCTV.com, offering the Buyer Tip of the Month.
Hope you can take time to … (0 comments)

Please take a moment and watch this inspiring video. - 05/26/10 06:15 PM
Watch.
Via Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty - Monterey Peninsula Realtor#01248430):
Warm Regards,
tel.:831-406-1455DRE:01248430angelicablatt@gmail.com … (2 comments)

8 Steps to a Successfull Home Purchase - 05/26/10 09:19 AM
Written by a home inspector from an entirely different market. Regardless, some sound advice.
Via Scott Warga (ACSI American Construction Specialists & Investigations):
When you are considering buying a home there are certain steps you should take to make sure the experience is a successful one.
Don’t get me wrong, there will be stress but you can reduce that stress by following these simple tips.
Hire a experienced Realtor, not just a real estate agent.
A Realtor has access to tools that other agents do not and they tend to have more education in real estate than other agents as well. A Realtor … (0 comments)

Splash around in the 'Pool Safely' - 05/26/10 09:08 AM
The national pool safety effort was launched yesterday.  This re-blog provides some important tips.
Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten, Phoenix Property Shoppe:
Splash around in the 'Pool Safely'
The weather has been beautiful lately, but we all know those temps will be rising soon.
And what better way to cool down than jumping in a pool? But remember to be safe!
The national campaign Pool Safely launched yesterday (Monday, May 24). This campaign aims to reduce child drownings and entrapments as well as change the way people think and act about pool and spa safety. This is "first-of-its-kind" national effort not only educates, but … (2 comments)

BEWARE - Dallas Criagslist Rental Property Scam - 05/25/10 01:55 PM
This is an EXTREMELY thorough explanation of the Craigslist Rental Property Scam.
Via John Jones (JR Premier Properties):
Over the last few months, a new scam involving bogus rental listings has surfaced on Craigslist in the Dallas / Fort Worth area.  Recently, I had a client who forwarded me an ad she found on Craigslist that seemed a little too good to be true.  The ad featured a very nice home in the Park Cities area, walking distance to Bradfield elementary, complete with three bedrooms and two baths and well over 2000 square feet. 
According to the ad, the owner was only asking … (3 comments)

Text Message to CraigsList: It's Over, You've Cheated On Me For The Last Time - 05/25/10 01:50 PM
Beware of offers of rentals. Be careful with your deposit money! 
Via Sally English|Atlanta Georgia Real Estate (The English Team at REMAX Executives):
Text Message to CraigsList: It's Over, You've Cheated On Me For The Last Time
The scammers now own CraigsList in Atlanta.  After an up and down relationship for the past few years, I am throwing in the towel and calling it quits on CraigsList Postings.  Everytime I post a house "for sale" on CraigsList, I start getting calls from people who want to know if the house really is "for rent" at the incredibly low price of $800 per month. 
Scammers copy … (0 comments)

Memorial Day And "The Star Spangled Banner" - 05/25/10 01:43 PM
A great blog with a wonderful version of "The Star Spangled Banner."
Via Gary Swanson (Broker, Realtor - Re/Max Ideal Brokers, Inc.):
Memorial Day And "The Star Spangled Banner" Now that Memorial Day is again approaching us, I got to thinking about oft-forgotten or loosely remembered moments in history. How many people think that Francis Scott Key wrote the "The Star Spangled Banner" during our Revolutionary war?  A lot, right? Well, he wrote the poem during the war of 1812 at the battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. This was in 1813, and the British bombarded our brave soldiers with close to … (0 comments)

7 REASONS TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUYERS! - 05/25/10 09:30 AM
A Re-Blog of interest to prospective buyers.
Via Paige Walker, Broker and Owner - Your Louisiana Real Estate Connection (Century 21 Millennium):
7 Reasons to Own Your Home

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to … (2 comments)

Input requested by North Lake Charles Redevelopment Authority - 05/25/10 09:23 AM
The map helps to better imagine the possibilities. Thanks for the informative post.
Via Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC:
Today's paper included an article regarding the request for input by the North Lake Charles Redevelopment Authority.
Chairman Rick Richard cited a recent Corp of Engineers study showing that "north Lake Charles is really the place to build." Richard mentioned that a lot of the work will be educational to show people that "this is the place to be."
Some of the ideas mentioned based on a recent study:
areas for building a warehouse district marina with condos and a walking pat most of the … (0 comments)

Home for sale in Sulphur, LA at 1206 East Kent Drive - 05/25/10 09:18 AM
This great cottage is centrally located in Sulphur and is close to libraries, exercise, shopping and more.
The home features a very large master bedroom recently renovated with a handicap accessible "large" shower and bathroom. Plus, this listing is loaded with storage!
The fenced backyard has a 12x12 building and offers many possibilites such as a great outdoor kitchen or grilling station!
This 3 bedroom 3 bath is a must see to believe.
Directions: From I-10 at Sulphur, north on Ruth, east on Cypress, south on East Kent at Dynamic Demensions/Calcam, house on east side.
Schools: Frasch Elementary, W.W. Lewis Middle, Sulphur High … (0 comments)

Pie Chart Your Way To Better Time Management - 05/24/10 06:20 PM
A Re-Blog of a post about time management by Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth.
Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
Did you know a clue for you being better organized with your time and aligning what is truly meaningful to you with how you spend your life both in business and personal is sitting on your dining room table in the form of a tasty dessert?
Pie Chart Your Way To Better Time Management.
Yes, the venerable apple pie. If you take your roughly 18 hours a day you are awake each day … (2 comments)

Lesley Ashworth to visit, speak in Lake Charles this week - 05/23/10 04:59 PM
Earlier, I re-blogged a post about the upcoming workshop, "Preventing Family Violence."  The following is a re-blog that is specific to one of the speakers.  Sounds like a well planned workshop with top-notch speakers!
Via Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC:
Nationally recognized expert, Lesley Ashworth, will be one of 5 speakers at this Saturday's Preventing Family Violence Workshop to be held in Lake Charles. She will speak on the link between animal violence, domestic abuse and elder abuse, including discussion on how they effectively incorporate projects and programs that pair therapy dogs which have been rescued and rehabilitated in their work with women and … (2 comments)

Homes on the water in Lake Charles - 05/23/10 04:44 PM
What about homes on the water in Lake Charles?
Send me information about homes on the water in Lake Charles.
This type of question and/or request is typical for me and many other real estate agents in Lake Charles. The Lake Charles area is blessed with numerous lakes and beautiful bayous.
The following is a statistical snapshop of active listings of homes on the water throughout the Lake Charles area, including Moss Bluff, Sulphur, Westlake, etc.
Number of Active Listings:  50Average number of Bedrooms:  3Average Square footage: 2923Average list price:  $576,008Lowest list price: $82,000Highest list price: $3,500,000
If you are interested in a … (0 comments)

Sulphur Real Estate - 05/23/10 04:33 PM
The following is a review of statistics for Sulphur Real Estate in MLS area 80 for Residential closed sales, (Status = "S")
Average Square Feet: 1,719Average Days on Market: 76Total number Sales over the previous 12 months (as of today): 93Average List Price: $138,623 Average Sales Price: $133,092
See the geographical boundaries of area 80 on this page on Derenda.com.
For information specific to your area, including competitive offerings, feel free to give me a call.
… (0 comments)

Moss Bluff Real Estate - 05/23/10 04:17 PM
The following is a review of statistics for Moss Bluff Real Estate in MLS area 110 and 120 for Residential closed sales, (Status = "Sold")
Average Square Feet: 2041Average Days on Market: 83Total number Sales over the previous 12 months (as of today): 181Average List Price: $190,328 Average Sales Price: $1,844,487
See the geographical boundaries of areas 110 and 130, Moss Bluff Real Estate, on this page on Derenda.com.
For information specific to your area, feel free to give me a call.
… (0 comments)

South Lake Charles Real Estate (Area 40) - 05/23/10 04:06 PM
The following is a review of statistics for South Lake Charles Real Estate in MLS area 40 for Residential closed sales, (Status = "S")
Average Square Feet: 2,154Average Days on Market: 89Total number Sales over the previous 12 months (as of today): 143Average List Price: $234,128 Average Sales Price: $228,782
See the geographical boundaries of area 40 on this page on Derenda.com.
For information specific to your area, feel free to give me a call.
… (2 comments)

South Lake Charles Real Estate - 05/23/10 03:58 PM
The following is a review of statistics for South Lake Charles Real Estate in MLS area 30 for Residential closed sales, (Status = "S")
Average Square Feet:  2,321Average Days on Market: 79Total number Sales over the previous 12 months (as of today): 130Average List Price:    $234,187Average Sales Price:  $225,776
See the geographical boundaries of area 30 on this page on Derenda.com.
For information specific to your area, feel free to give me a call.
… (0 comments)

MLS Areas in Lake Charles - 05/23/10 03:45 PM
No need to be confused about MLS areas in Lake Charles!
Thanks to my chart identifying the MLS areas in Lake Charles as well as major subdivisons, your search for a home in the Lake Area will be easier!
Simply follow this link and scroll down just a bit to the section entitled, "MLS areas and major subdivisions."
Besides learning the geographical boundaries for each MLS area, I've also provided a list of major subdivsions within each area. In many cases, links are provided that lead to more information about the subdivision along with photos.
Now, when you see the term "MLS area" you … (0 comments)

Lake Charles Real Estate Market Snapshot - 05/23/10 03:37 PM
For those curious as to available real estate inventory in Southwest Louisiana, the current statistics as researched through the MLS system are as follows and provide a Lake Charles Real Estate Market Snapshot (all of Southwest Louisiana.)
Residential listings - 969 with an average price of $181,160
Condominiums - 27 with an average price of $139,927
Multi-Family - 36 averagae price of $362,462
Commercial -144 average price $391,048a
Vacant Land - 967 average price $75,184
This totals 2,143 available properties.

Note: These statistics are relative to Active Status only and are as of May 23rd, 2010 2:30 PM. … (0 comments)

Preventing Family Violence Workshop - 05/23/10 03:11 PM
Having heard Beth Zilbert speak about the New Leash on Life program, I can only imagine that this is going to be a worthwhile conference. As such, a worthwhile REBLOG!
___

Via Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC:
Preventing Family Violence Workshop Saturday, May 29, 2010 McNeese State University-Para Ballroom CEU and CLE Accredited 8:00-8:30a.m. – Registration $40.00
Check out this impressive agenda and speakers
8:30a.m. - 11:45a.m. – Dr. John Simoneaux, Consulting Psychologists of Central Louisiana: “Does Witnessing Violence Beget Violence?” 3 CEU credits approved for LPC/Social Worker/Counselor attendees
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch and Guest Speaker Dr. Martha Littlefield, … (1 comments)

$344,900 Moss Bluff, 1140 Rue Brooklyn - 05/22/10 06:23 PM
Custom Built Home! This Lake Charles home redefines the term "custom built."  Designed by an interior decorator and contractor team, this beautiful home offers spacious rooms with tall ceilings throughout. 
Custom built-ins are everywhere in this 2711 square foot home!
It is not just the list of amenities but how they are combined that makes this home a standout. For example, the open air garage doubles the size of patio deck area.  The third garage is presently utilized as a shop.
The home also features an outdoor kitchen. Ninety percent plus of the yard offers underlined irrigation. Plus, the yard is fenced … (0 comments)

Lake Charles Dress Shop - 05/22/10 06:05 PM

When Barbara Dubose opened The Perfect Fit a few years ago, she realized a life-long dream of owning her own Lake Charles dress shop. The fulfillment of that dream also meant that ladies looking for the perfect outfit could do so with ease right here in Lake Charles! The fact of the matter is simple. The Perfect Fit is one of the area's best fine dress shops.Her shop is conveniently located at 312 Pujo Street in historic downtown Lake Charles, midway between City Hall and the Pujo Street Cafe. The Perfect Fit may have been new at the time she welcomed her … (3 comments)

Selling Lake Charles Real Estate? - 05/22/10 05:07 PM
If you are selling Lake Charles Real Estate, I'd like to share with you a few of the internet sites where your property will be advertised on the Internet when you list with me.
Realtor.com is generally considered the number one real estate website in the world. Many sellers do not realize that agents are given an opportunity to purchase different levels of service on Realtor.com. A quick glance of Realtor.com when of Lake Charles listings reveals that my Lake Charles real estate listings stand out.
Virtual Tours via RealEstateShows.com.Realtor.com was one of the first major platforms to prove that consumers want lots of photos. Now, virtual … (0 comments)

How To Get Rid of Nasty Odors - 05/05/10 04:24 PM
This re-blog is a great article worthy of attention by those trying to sell their home, especailly if you have an odor problem.
Via Patsy Overton (Stage, Show & SELL Home Staging Co. Atlanta, Georgia):
Have you ever walked into a beautiful, well-maintained home only to be put off by a pungent odor?  That was my experience a few weeks ago.  As a result, I started a discussion on LinkedIn to get some ideas from other stagers as to how they get rid of them.  Knowing that we all run into this problem from time to time, I wanted to share what I learned … (4 comments)

510 West Verdine Street in Sulphur, LA - 05/04/10 06:47 PM
This is one sweet cottage! It is on large, landscaped lot with huge oak trees. And, it is simply charming!
The 1826 square feet of living area is well maintained and has just received a fresh coat of exterior paint, new fixtures, etc.  It qualifies as "Fresh and bright!"
There is a 20 x 20 area that was previously a beauty shop and is not included in the total square footage. This could be an apartment or great teenage hangout. In short, another 400 square feet of space for your imagination to go wild. 

Directions:  In Sulphur from light at Huntington and Highway 90 go west on … (0 comments)

Help Clean up the Gulf Coast - 05/04/10 01:51 AM
Here's a re blog featuring a Facebook page to Help Save the Gulf Coast.
Via Dedra Lipscomb Daphne and Fairhope, AL Real Estate (Coldwell Banker United, Realtors - Daphne):
     There are grassroots efforts from Texas to Florida to get some feet on the ground to assist in this mess we're in.  This Facebook page is gathering information for volunteers and volunteering, as well as posting contact information for training.
   Apparently you can't just walk out onto an oily beach and start bathing creatures without some kind of guidance.  The training opportunities are posted there, as well as some updates.
    Help … (0 comments)

What Can We Do to Help with Oil Spill Cleanup? - 05/04/10 01:49 AM
If a blog offers ways to help with the oil spill cleanup, I will be re-blogging! This one is courtesy of Lisa Heindel in New Orleans.
Via Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty Crescent City West Bank Partners):
In New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, we take for granted easy access to fresh fish and seafood.  We take for granted that we are home to many species that are reliant on the condition of our coastal waters and wetlands to survive.  We take all of this for granted until they are threatened by something that is out of our control.
… (2 comments)

A License Required for your HOUSE? IS THIS FOR REAL? - 05/03/10 07:55 AM
The ramifications of Cap and Trade is an example of one of the topoics discussed at last week's Louiisana REALTORS spring meeting.  (See my blog about the LR meeting below). The following blog, by Marty Gale, deserves our attention.
Via Marty Gale (Re/Max Metro ):

Marty Gale, Branch Broker, CRS, CDPE, e-Pro
email: Marty@GaleTeam.com
Contact us: 801-205-3500 or 801-205-1600
RE/MAX Metro Realty, Utah
(Search all Utah Homes for Sale) www.realestatesource.com
(Short Sale Foreclosure, Loan Modification and Broker Price Opinion) www.UtahTeam.com 
(Utah Real Estate Information) www.GaleRealty.com
(Free Over the Net Home Evaluation) www.Home-Value-Utah.com
www.Homes-In-Utah.com
Connect with me:
Facebook | Linkedin
… (0 comments)

LR – Louisiana REALTOR® Spring Meetings – Where do I start to describe these events? - 05/03/10 07:33 AM
I find it hard to believe a REALTOR® would want to miss these meetings. The classes and speakers offered are TOP Notch. I made a special effort to talk to individuals coming from the other sessions that I could not attend. There are more selections than you can partake of all. Each individual seemed to think theirs was the best. How could that be? The only way would be if each session was exceptionally good and of course the person only saw one.
We started off on Wednesday, for those who had participated in the LARPAC Major Donor Drive with a … (0 comments)

Results of yesterday's vote - 05/02/10 10:31 AM
Calcasieu trash collection fails by 8 votes, jail maintenance by 1,136 votes.
Regardless of your positon on either of these issues, it truly is a shame for issues of such importance to be decided by so few.

Via Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC:
The polls in Calcasieu Parish have closed.
And, in probably less than an hour or so,we'll know the results of the Parish wide issue.
For now, my concern is what I suspect will be a very low voter turnout.
When I voted at 1:00, I was the 21st voter out of 1,100.
This is so very, very sad.
I'm … (0 comments)

Observations about the Lake Charles real estate market - 05/02/10 10:02 AM
The following are bullet points as to some observations about the Lake Charles real estate market for March, residential only:
The area with the highest average sales price, Area 40.  $231,596 
The highest sales price to list price % with a minimum of 5 sales, Area 20. 96.7%
Area with the most homes available for sale, Area 50. 139
Most new listings for the month, Area 120. 24
Check out a page dedicated to MLS areas and major subdivisons for geographcial boudaries or give me a call. 
 
… (0 comments)

A snapshot of real estate inventory in Southwest Louisiana - 05/02/10 09:27 AM
For those curious as to available real estate inventory in Southwest Louisiana, the current statistics as offered through the MLS system are as follows:
Residential listings - 1,267 with an average price of $183,952
Condominiums - 22 with an average price of $110,096
Multi-Family - 49 average price of $349,224
Commercial -158 average price $407,745
Vacant Land - 1,480 average price $180,313
This totals 2,695 available properties.

… (0 comments)

MLS areas and major subdivisions in Lake Charles - 05/02/10 09:14 AM
Some time ago, in an effort to make the home buying process easier, I created a chart identifying the MLS areas in Lake Charles and major subdivisions in Lake Charles and all of Southwest Louisiana.
To see this chart, follow this link and scroll down just a bit to the section entitled, MLS areas and major subdivisions.
Besides learning the geographical boundaries for each MLS area, I've also provided a list of major subdivsions within each area. In many cases, links are provided that lead to more information about the subdivision along with photos.
Now, when you see the term "MLS … (0 comments)

510 West Verdine Street in Sulphur. Only $92,500! - 05/02/10 08:00 AM
 
Sanctuary Tucked Into the City This cottage is located on a large landscaped lot with huge oak trees. 
Charming, well maintained and has just received a fresh coat of exterior paint, new fixtures, etc.  Fresh and bright! 
There is also a great 20x20 additional room. Previously a beauty shop, it could be an apartment or great teenage hangout.  This square footage is not included in the  total.  That's another 400 square feet of space for your imagination to go wild. 
This is a great home on a great lot!
Since the server will not accept the virtual tour embedded code, please … (0 comments)

We can play the blame game, or we can help clean up the oil spill - 05/02/10 12:49 AM
It looks like this is going to take a massive clean up effort.
These links are a good place to start.
Via Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC:
The National Wildlife Federation's home page offers several ways you can help with the oil spill clean up, including volunteering for the cleanup efforts. As of this evening, over 16,000 people "liked" the National Wildlife Federation's Facebook page. The Facebook page also offers links to various causes which are accepting donatons.
Something I learned on the Facebook page is that it takes the following to clean just ONE large bird:
Up to 4 People 45 minutes 300 … (0 comments)

 
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Derenda Grubb, GRI, ABR, CRS

Lake Charles, LA

More about me…

CENTURY 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s

Address: 4410 Nelson Road, Lake Charles, LA, 70605

Office Phone: (337) 478-1578

Cell Phone: (337) 842-2696

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