Calcasieu Parish Mortgage Credit Program - 04/28/10 02:10 PM
Via Blog from Craig Boudreaux of Louisiana Mortgage Associates
This is another savings for buyers!!
 
Calcasieu Parish  Mortgage Credit Program
There is a program from the Calcasieu Parish Trust Authority called the MCC Program (Mortgage Credit Certificate)  This is a grant from the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act that placed five parishes of Imperial Calcasieu in a federally designated targeted area.  The maximum limit of the home purchase price is $316,177.  There is no first time homebuyer requirement.  The income limits for Calcasieu and Cameron Parish are $65,280 for a family of less than 3 and $76,160 for a family of … (0 comments)

L'Francois Subdivision Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/28/10 12:59 PM
L'Francois Subdivision, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Located off of Ihles Road in South Lake Charles, L'Francois Estate is one of Lake Charles finest new neighborhoods. Shopping, Schools and Prien Lake Park are located nearby.  This subdivision is 5 years old so the variety of homes range from 2-5 years old and are 4-5 bedrooms, and 3,000-4,000 sq ft.
Brick courtyards, stucco finishes, ironwork, and french country architecture can be found throughout the neighborhood. Interior features include intricate woodwork, crown molding,  fine cabinetry wine coolers,granite and stone finishes.
If you don't find what you are looking for in L'Francois Estate, Lake Charles … (0 comments)

Short Sale: The Basics - 04/28/10 12:27 PM
We are seeing more short sales pop up in our market, thought this would be a good guide to help us out!
Via Cheryl Thomson, SFR (Buyers Advantage Real Estate Corp.):
....if you are purchasing a home and don't know by now, here is a brief summary.
A short sale is when a home is sold for less than the amount owed on the mortgage for the home. This occurs when the bank agrees to take less than the full amount due on the mortgage.
A seller does not have to be behind on a home loan to seek a short sale. If … (1 comments)

The Mortgage Commitment Date - Can realtors hurt the commitment date? Yes.... - 04/28/10 12:24 PM
I have had several contracts recently where the listing agent countered my original contract dates moving the loan approval  date up 2 weeks  ahead of contract date which I think is unreasonable.  Typically loan officers don't get final commitment until 2 days before close date if we are lucky! 
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
Are mortgage commitment dates important?  YES…
 

Mortgage Commitment dates are very important for several reasons.  I wrote about this below... please read -
What time is it? It's COMMITMENT time!! … (0 comments)

What is a Liberty Belle You Ask? - 04/26/10 10:01 PM
What is a Liberty Belle You Ask?
Well, we are not cracked like the Liberty Bell.We are not masked superheros either!
 
The Liberty Belles is a group of women of the Junior League of Lake Charles who Sing!  The Liberty Belles were formed in 1976 and since it was America's Celebration that year (1776-1976), the group named themselves the "Liberty Belles". The Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc., is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  The Junior League has initiated … (1 comments)

Resthaven in Lake Charles, Louisiana is a Premier Facility - 04/26/10 09:27 PM
Resthaven in Lake Charles, Louisiana is a Premier Facility
Some will question why I am writing about an Assisted Living/Nursing Facility.  There are times that our paths and even our own personal lives will identify with families selling the home of an elderly parent.  As Realtors we need to be well versed and prepared for just about anything these days!
Our Greatest Generation of Seniors go through several seasons in their lives.  More often than not, Sr. Citizens are emotionally attached to their homes and the many memories they have experienced there. Where do Senior Citizens go when they Sell their … (2 comments)

Home Has Always Been the American Dream - 04/25/10 11:13 PM
I just finished watching the Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation "When Love Is Not Enough"
It was the touching story of Bill and Lois Wilson following their lives and Bill's struggle with alcoholism and his financial ruin.
After Bill's recovery, Lois and Bill  went on the road across the country helping others and forming support groups, as passionate volunteers! Lois's Father comes to visit her and tells her that the bank told him she and Bill have not been making the mortgage payments. Eventually,  Lois loses the family home.  Lois and Bill then spend two years in 51 different places sleeping … (2 comments)

Crawfish Classic at Graywood Sports Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/24/10 09:06 PM
Crawfish Classic at Graywood Sports Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana
It was a beautiful day for the Crawfish Classic held at Graywood and sponsored by my favorite mortgage company, Louisiana Mortgage Associates.

 
Boiled Crawfish and Wayne Toups playing some Zydo-Cajun music at the Sports Club at Graywood  made for a perfect afternoon!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Graywood is a master planned golf community and it is the place you want to be!
This is just a little preview of the life at Graywood and a beautiful Spring day in Lake Charles, Louisiana. … (0 comments)

The Oaks At Heyd Place in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/23/10 02:30 PM
The Oaks at Heyd Place in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Live Among The Oaks At Heyd Place in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Once you enter the grand cobblestone entrance you will be able to view the majestic oaks that grace this neighborhood.

When the wooded land for this subdivision was initially cleared, the beautiful 50 year Oak trees were saved for each lot creating a picturesque tree lined established neighborhood.


Homes typically are 4-5 bedrooms with 2-3 car garages


The Oaks At Heyd Place offers a variety of styles from traditional Southern, to Grand Estate.     … (2 comments)

Historic 1880's Lake Charles Louisiana Churches Tell a Story - 04/22/10 09:57 PM
Historic 1880's Lake Charles Louisiana Churches Tell a Story
Lake Charles Louisiana has its share of beautiful historic homes, many of which are located in the Charpentier District or Downtown Lake Charles. However there are many Churches in Downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana which are also historical landmarks of Lake Charles. The architecture of each building tells a story of the eras gone by.  Several of these buildings from the 1880's and 1900's are: First Methodist Church, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Temple Sinai and First Presbyterian Church.
One of my favorites which is near and dear … (5 comments)

Happy Earth Day Let me Introduce you to Eco-Joe - 04/22/10 02:31 AM
HAPPY EARTH DAY!Just when you thought the only "green" things in real estate were grass and money ....think again!
 
Apparently even St. Joseph the "Underground Real Estate Agent" is getting on board, going green.  For those of you not familiar with St. Joseph, Real Estate agents and Sellers alike have sworn that by burying a St. Joseph statue in your yard and saying a prayer your housewill sell.  I live in Louisiana and we have ALOT of Believers in St. Joseph.  The statues practically fly off the shelves at our local Catholic Bookstore that stocks ole Saint Joe.  Well let … (1 comments)

Welcome to The Shadows in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/21/10 11:24 AM
Welcome to The Shadows in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  

Its all about Location in Lake Charles, Louisiana and The Shadows is located on Sale Road between Ihles Road and Weaver Road in South Lake Charles.

The Shadows Subdivision is an established South Lake Charles neighborhood. The homes are typically custom built traditional Southern Louisiana style homes ranging in size from 4-5 bedrooms and are 15-20 years old. 
 
The Shadows is a popular neighborhood because of the close proximity to shopping with Albertsons Grocery, Banking, Womens & Children's Hospital and medical complex, Gigi's Fitness, Prien Lake Park … (2 comments)

No more FAN Pages on Facebook! - 04/20/10 10:04 PM
I have been debating whether I like the new change or not.  Thought this would be a timely Blog to share.  Oh and as Elayna suggested....why not go to my page and see if you LIKE it too!
Via Elayna Fernandez - Marketing Expert - Naples FL (Designed 2 Impress, Inc.):
No more fans on Facebook, just "likes and interests". Your fan page is now called an “Official Page” and your fans will be friends who go to a page and click on the like button to like the page.  This change was introduced with the new Facebook Connections settings.
 
 
 
… (2 comments)

Geddings Estates in South Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/20/10 12:49 PM
Geddings Estates in South Lake Charles, awaits you!

Location is everything in Lake Charles.  Geddings Estates is located off of Country Club Road in South Lake Charles.  Cormie's Grocery (a Lake Charles favorite)The Lake Charles Country Club and Graywood are all located close-by.

 

The custom built homes in  Geddings Estates are usually 4-5 bedrooms ranging from 3,000-4,000 sq ft of living with traditional southern style to popular French Country styles. Geddings homes are 2-12 years old. These Fine Estates & Homes typically feature high ceilings, beautiful porches, patios and swimming pools.

Visit my website to SEARCH … (0 comments)

Avast Ye Matey--Be on the Lookout for Jean Lafitte and his Band of Pirates - 04/19/10 08:47 PM
Avast Ye Matey--Be on the Lookout for Jean Lafitte and his Band of Pirates
Lake Charles is the Festival Capital of the State of Louisiana.  That will be evident when the largest and oldest Festival--CONTRABAND DAYS  takes over the Lake Charles Civic Center April 27-May 9.  This year will be the 53rd year of Contraband Days.  This festival is a "Pirate" themed event held out and about the grounds and water of the Lake Charles Civic Center.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jean Lafitte can be seen yearly greeting … (2 comments)

South Lake Charles Neighborhood, Chosen Valley, Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/19/10 02:27 PM
SOUTH LAKE CHARLES NEIGHBORHOOD CHOSEN VALLEY

The name Chosen Valley says it all!  This South Lake Charles neighborhood was built by developer, Arnold Natali of Friendly Builders.  Although most of the homes are custom designed, Friendly Builders constructed several spec homes for sale and there are still a few lots left for more custom homes.
Located off of Lake Street on Ham Reid Road, Chosen Valley one of the most popular neighborhoods for growing families.  The price of new construction homes makes it very attractive to home buyers.
12 homes sold in the last year for an average sales … (0 comments)

Country Club Acres Home for Sale in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/18/10 01:20 PM
COME HOME TO COUNTRY CLUB ACRES!

This very popular neighborhood is a favorite in South Lake Charles.  The homes in Country Club Acres are 25-30 years old, 3-4 bedroom ranging from 2,400-3,500 sq ft.  Don't let age stand in your way,many of these homes have been updated with an effective age of 2-5 years.  Location is important and Country Club Acres is conveniently located off of Country Club Road with grocery, churches, restaurants and fitness are all located nearby. Country Club Acres is also in the Barbe School District.  There are only two streets in the subdivision, W and E … (1 comments)

A.M. Barbe High School, Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/18/10 01:15 PM
A.B. Barbe High School located in South Lake Charles District Calcasieu Parish School Board

When selling real estate in South Lake Charles, Louisiana I am often asked about the schools.  A.M. Barbe High School is the high school for the South Lake Charles district so I decided to feature it in my blog. neighborhoods.
A.M. Barbe High School  often referred to as "Barbe" for short, is located at the end of W. McNeese Street and Weaver Road in Lake Charles.  
View South Lake Charles Neighborhoods in a larger map View South Lake Charles Neighborhoods in a larger map
Barbe … (1 comments)

Real Estate is About Making Friends for Life! - 04/17/10 09:36 PM
Real Estate is About Making Friends for Life!
A few months ago I worked with a young couple and SOLD them their First Home. They were actually a Referral from another couple which is a compliment every Realtor loves!  As First Time Homebuyers I guided Johnathon & Josie along the way in a rewarding transaction.  They were so excited when we closed on their dream home and they also just claimed their $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Credit!
Tonight I got to witness another dream come true, in their lives when I attended their beautiful wedding!   I recently posted a … (8 comments)

Rebuilding Together in Your Community - 04/17/10 04:16 PM
Rebuilding  Together in Your Community
Today I was a community volunteer!  My husband and I participated in Rebuilding Together- Calcasieu with our church team, Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles.  The church sponsored 3 homes in North Lake Charles. Volunteers become plumbers, painters, construction workers for a day. There are many other sponsors in Lake Charles who organize teams.  April 24 is National Rebuilding Together day across the country.
The house we refurbished is the home of an 80 year old woman, Mrs. Chesson.  Her daughter lives with her in a small  2 bedroom 1 bath home in North Lake … (2 comments)

Beautiful Shell Beach Drive in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/16/10 12:50 PM
Beautiful Shell Beach Drive in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles, Louisiana has it's share of Fine Homes & Estates.  I usually preview the subdivisions South of town, but don't want to forget one of the most memorable landmarks of our City which is Shell Beach Drive.
Located on the Southeast side of the Lake, Shell Beach Drive runs from Clarence Street all the way to the Port of Lake Charles. 
This stretch of drive is lined with beautiful 100 year old trees
with a view of the lakefront.
There is an entrance to Drew Park and the neighborhoods of … (0 comments)

Downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana, Sha Sha's of Creole on Ryan Street - 04/16/10 12:45 PM
Downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana, Sha Sha's of Creole is a delight!

There is a new point of interest in Downtown Lake Charles that is sure to draw residents from the South side of town.  Sha Sha's of Creole is a new restaurant locally owned by Sherry Styron.   The name Sha Sha's was originally a restaurant in Creole, Louisiana (near Cameron) that was destroyed in the hurricane.  So "Creole" is now incorporated in the new name and is a now an asset to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Our downtown area has been revitalizing in North Lake Charles as new businesses are added … (2 comments)

Gators on the Geaux in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/15/10 08:50 PM
Gators on the Geaux in Lake Charles, Louisiana
When you think of Southwest Louisiana Alligators come to mind right?

You thought I was going to show you real Gator's didn't you??
Several years ago the Lake Charles Symphony  created a fundraiser allowing businesses to purchase artistic Gators to place in front of their businesses. It was well received and the donations contributed to the support of the Symphony projects.  The Gator idea caught on and  soon became known as "Gators on the Geaux"  Businesses and organizations jumped on board and the creative themed Gators began to pop up all across … (7 comments)

Is Your Moving Box Full or Empty? Tips to Simplify Your Move - 04/14/10 01:50 PM
Tips to Simplify Your Move:
ITS MOVING DAY
You found your new home, you’ve signed your contracts and the closing date is near.  Now the not so fun begins – Packing your entire life into boxes for your move to your next home can be an overwhelming process.  The trick is to stay organized, focused and stay on track.  Try to make it a project to weed out the old so you can enjoy the new. 

Here are some simple ideas to make the process a little easier on you and your family:
Plan & Prepare:   Highlight your move date … (0 comments)

The 3 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions For Homebuyers - 04/13/10 03:22 PM
Sharing a very timely post when it comes to taxes!
Via Jess and Julie Lyda (RE/MAX Northwest Realtors):
Most of us all know about the 2 most common home ownership tax deductions available.· Home Mortgage Interest· Real Estate TaxesBut did you know that there are 3 MORE VERY IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL tax deductible items that are usually overlooked?These are 3 important deductions that every homebuyer needs to know!
1. Points Paid By Seller (for borrower):You say what? How could dollars contributed by the Seller (which shows up on the Seller side of the HUD statement) be a tax deduction for the buyer?Well according to … (1 comments)

Graywood Real Estate in Lake Charles, Louisiana - 04/11/10 01:12 AM
 GRAYWOOD REAL ESTATE IN LAKE CHARLES
SOUTH LAKE CHARLES LIVING AT ITS FINEST
 
When it comes to Graywood living there is a wide variety of homes to choose from, including townhomes, patio homes and fine executive homes ranging from 289,000-$799,000  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRAYWOOD IS THE PLACE TO BE!
Graywood  is a planned master community and consists of several neighborhoods(Azalea, Cypress Turn, Dogwood, Indigo, Jasmine, Persimmon, Primrose, Sawgrass and White Oak). Each neighborhood has unique design, all with Southern French Country charm.  Homeowners enjoy golf cart ownership … (1 comments)

Why Some Homes Will Never Sell - 04/10/10 12:05 PM
This article was written for the Southern Maryland market but it is true in any market. 
Lake Charles, Louisiana has a stable market and we have not experienced a depressed market like many of the others around the country.  Our sellers tend to be very spoiled and insist on listing "high"  What happens is the homes sit, the sellers wonder why their home is not selling and agents end up doing price reductions only to finally sell at the price suggested by the CMA in the beginning!  When houses sit too long Buyers wonder "whats wrong with the house?"
if sellers … (3 comments)

Fearless Friday- Spring Art Walk 2010! - 04/09/10 05:39 PM
If you think nothing ever happens in downtown Lake Charles, you need to come out to the Spring Art Walk 2010, Friday, April 9th from 5-9pm.

Hosted by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, the 2010 Spring Art Walk will feature more than 75 regional artists in several locations.
Come stroll through the Charpentier District and experience what our community has to offer.  Some of the landmark venues will be The Children's Museum, Pujo Street Cafe, Frame House Gallery, Sweets and Treats, Luna Bar and Grill, Mullers Lofts, 1911 Historic City Hall, Gallery by the Lake, Central School … (2 comments)

Premier Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana! - 04/09/10 04:40 PM
We have a Premier Park in Lake Charles, for our enjoyment, Prien Lake Park! This is the best time of year in Southwest Louisiana.  I decided to take advantage of the Spring temperatures and head out today to feature of one of the favorite outdoor places in Lake Charles, Prien Lake Park. Prien Lake Park offers recreation and relaxation for all ages.  This jewel of a park is managed and maintained by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The park overlooks Indian Bay on the Eastern shore of Prien Lake.  At a glance Prien Park features: Canoe and Boat Launch Playground Sprayground … (0 comments)

Understanding Foundation Problems - 04/08/10 08:08 PM
Quite often here in Lake Charles, Louisiana you will have some structural issues that are not always just the "house settling".  Concrete expands and even with a newly poured slab the concrete will develop small cracks. A few years ago it became stylish to stain your concrete, homeowners were cutting corners- staining and scoring the concrete to resemble tile flooring.  Its a great look for a gameroom or family area and there are some beautiful creative techniques used however, when the cracks develop, buyers are turned off because they think there is a cracked slab. Sometimes there can be a cracked … (2 comments)

Along the Weather Beaten Path- New Home Product - 04/05/10 03:19 PM
Its Spring in Louisiana and  our HOT temperatures are upon us.
 
 
 
 
 
Every Spring/Fall I restain and clear coat my front window which takes quite a beating with the Lake Charles, Louisiana sun, heat and rain.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I was using the same product that the builder orginally used when our home was built (Coronado Nordik Exterior Clear Wood Finish.)  The problem with this product is that it  doesn't last long. With the extreme temperatures and sun exposure, the product doesnt weather … (0 comments)

Lake Charles Louisiana Spring Surge in Real Estate= - 04/05/10 11:24 AM
Pending Home Sales Show Healthy Gain, Hint at Spring Surge
According to the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales rose in February, potentially signaling a second surge of home sales in response to the home buyer tax credit
Lake Charles Louisiana March Real Estate Sales
Lake Charles Louisiana Real Estate statistics for the month of March, show an average of 455 homes for sale ( on average per week(, Total of 56 homes sold , with an average of 90 days on the market.  High price sold was $410,000, Low price sold was $30,000 for an average sales price of … (0 comments)

 
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Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles REALTOR® Lake Charles LA Real Estate

Lake Charles, LA

More about me…

Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s

Address: Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s, 4410 Nelson Road, Lake Charles, LA, 70605

Office Phone: (337) 478-1578

Cell Phone: (337) 499-9592

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Author Bio: Marilyn Boudreaux Marilyn Boudreaux is a full time REALTOR® licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission and affiliated with Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s in Lake Charles, LA. Marilyn Boudreaux is one of the top 100 real estate agents within the entire Century 21 South Louisiana/Texas Region

This Blog highlights Lake Charles Real Estate Market Trends, Tips for Lake Charles Home Buyers and Sellers, Current Lake Charles Homes for Sale, Video Tours, Lake Charles Community Lifestyle and Fun Things to do in Southwest Louisiana. Click subscribe to stay informed!

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