Louisiana Home Sellers Must Provide Buyers With a Sewer Inspection - 06/30/11 11:44 AM
 
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If you are selling your Lake Charles, LA home and you have a mechanical sewer, community sewer system or septic services  and do not have city utilities, you will need to have a sewer and a possible water well inspection  (if lender requires) when you sell your Louisiana home.
Mechanical sewers and water wells are not limited to country living.  Here in Lake Charles, LA the City has expanded with communities to the South and Southeast.  The expansion rate has occurred so quickly that the City of Lake Charles has not annexed alot of new areas into the … (3 comments)

Newlyweds say “I DO” to FHA Bridal Registry Gift Funds - 06/29/11 11:16 PM
This one is worth re-blogging.  Originally posted by  Rebekah Radice a Mortgage Loan Originator in Colorado Springs, CO and worth sharing with Lake Charles, LA Newlyweds.
All newlyweds want to purchase a home to begin their lives together.  I work with many engaged couples  in Southwest Louisiana who are pre-approved for FHA financing.  Local lenders will explain "gift letters" to Lake Charles Home Buyers  but  did you know there is a nationwide program available  for newlyweds?
Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):
Are you planning to get married and buy … (2 comments)

Wordless Wednesday: Patriotic Lake Charles Home - 06/29/11 12:21 PM

 
Are you ready for the 4th of July?
Lake Charles, LA will celebrate with RED, WHITE, BLUE AND YOU
… (8 comments)

Dress Up that Lake Charles New Construction Home to Sell - 06/28/11 09:02 AM
Lake Charles New Construction Homes Often Need Personality or Warmth
I am a big believer in personality.  When Lake Charles Buyers begin to  view  new construction "spec" homes sometimes they just all start to look the same and run together!
Lake Charles Home builders  build beautiful homes but most are very neutral and kind of boring.  There is no personalization in most new construction homes.  When  Lake Charles home buyers walk in an empty house most of them don't know what to do with the floorplan or rooms, or how they will place furniture. 
I'm a Realtor not an interior designer … (6 comments)

Do you know what your Lake Charles neighborhood restrictions are? - 06/27/11 09:30 AM
Read the Neighborhood Restrictions Before You Purchase a Home!

When working with savvy home buyers and viewing Lake Charles properties, the buyers will frequently ask me about the neighborhood restrictions.  Savvy home buyers relocating to Lake Charles are particularly aware of HOA's and Restrictions because they are usually coming from an area or moving from a neighborhood where restrictions are strictly enforced.  I have had two instances recently where  buyers asked the Lake Charles home seller for the HOA and/or restrictions so they could familiarize themselves with the do's and don'ts.
Restrictions are  something Lake Charles homeowners have never heard … (12 comments)

An Ode to Cormie's Grocery A Lake Charles Landmark in South Lake Charles - 06/24/11 11:09 AM
 

It is a sad day in Lake Charles.  Overnight, Lake Charles residents lost a favorite landmark-- Cormie's Grocery . Early this morning, Lake Charles Fire Fighters arrived to find  Lake Charles Cormie's Grocery engulfed in flames. Smoke could be seen from I-210 and residents report smelling smoke as far away as Sulphur. Lake Charles Fire Chief T.A. Jones shared that "entire inside of the grocery store is scorched and the gas pump awning singed."  The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation.
Those of us who have been Cormie's patrons over the years are stunned and … (10 comments)

Rebuilding Millinneum -Shiver Me Timbers Park in Lake Charles - 06/23/11 09:44 PM
Shiver Me Timbers Park is being rebuilt in Lake Charles.
 

 
 
Last Fall  Millennium Park in Lake Charles burned to the ground in a an arson fire. 

The City of Lake Charles, businesses and volunteers have coordinated a task force to rebuild Millinneum Park -Shiver Me Timbers Park in Lake Charles.  The park is going to be bigger and better than before and will include a giant Pirate Ship and has been renamed Shiver Me Timbers Park!

 
 
Features of the park will be climbing nets, cargo nets, slides, tunnels, ladders, suspension bridges and a … (4 comments)

Appraiser Advice for REALTORS and Sellers in Lake Charles, LA - 06/22/11 08:53 PM
Lake Charles, LA Appraiser, Gary Moyer, was a guest speaker  this week  for REALTORS at Century 21 Mike D. Bono  where he spoke to  agents and answered frequent FHA/VA Appraisal questions.
 

 
Tips that Gary shared was  by visiting the FHA and VA websites  REALTORS can review the FHA/VA manual and familiarize themselves with requirements.  The FHA/VA Manual says that mention has to be made of deficiencies.
Check for missing electrical junction box and plate covers Look for any visible peeling paint Look for  any cracked windows Lake Charles REALTORS can prepare Lake Charles Home Sellers for repairs and … (5 comments)

JUST LISTED in Carlyss LA 4 bedroom 2 bath Home qualifies for 100% financing - 06/21/11 09:39 AM
4641 Sterlington, Carlyss, LA
JUST LISTED!

4 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS QUALIFIES FOR Rural Development 100% Financing
www.4641Sterlington.view24hours.com
 
View WHERE IS CARLYSS, LA? 4641 Sterlington is a 4 bedroom 2 bath home on a corner lot in Carlyss, LA. This three year old home is priced at $225,000 and qualifies for 100% USDA financing. Home features include: tray ceiling granite counters stainless appliances fenced yard easy care tile flooring   Whether you are a first time home buyer, newlywed, or current Sulphur resident, you will be able to move right into this Carlyss home! View more details by visiting the website … (4 comments)

Lost Keys and Plumbing Crooks- The Chronicles After A Closing - 06/20/11 10:04 PM
When you hear stories about how hard it is to get a property closed these days it is usually not too far from the truth.  Sellers don't want to make repairs and Buyers want things fixed.  Once a buyer and a seller agree on inspection issues we all move full speed ahead towards closing and hope there are no title problems or other unforeseen issues that arise.
In Louisiana the Buyer has a final walk through 5 days prior to the Act of Sale.  This walk through is used to make sure the inspection items were corrected or a punch list … (5 comments)

4799 W Nick Claire 3 bedroom 2 bath Home for Sale in Lakes of Clearfield - 06/20/11 01:07 PM
JUST LISTED!!
4799 W. Nick Claire in Southeast Lake Charles  
4799 W. Nick Claire is located in the Lakes of Clearfield subdivision in  SE Lake Charles/South Iowa area.
Lakes of Clearfield is a three year old Lake Charles subdivision with  private community sewer and public water facilities. Lakes of Clearfield is located between Southeast Lake Charles and South Iowa, LA borders.View 4799 W Nick Claire, Iowa, LA 70647 in a larger map  The popularity of Lakes of Clearfield is the quiet country location and Bell City School District.  Lakes of Clearfield has the benefits of country living close to the city … (3 comments)

It's a Dad's Life of Big Screen HD TV and Lord of the Grill Today - 06/19/11 06:47 PM
I posted this last year and it is such a fun video I wanted to share again today on Father's Day!
This is for all the Dad's out there, hope you have enjoyed  your day and this little video brings a smile to your face, after all it's a Dad's life!
 
… (3 comments)

Moving or Relocating to Lake Charles, LA? - 06/18/11 09:57 PM
I have written a number of articles and website content which I hope you will find helpful as you are researching the Lake Charles, LA area. Working with Relocation Buyers I tend to wear alot of hats! Included here are several of my blogs that will highlight some of what the Lake Charles area has to offer as well as answer many  questions that I receive as a REALTOR working with buyers who are relocating to Lake Charles from other cities and states.   THE BASICS - WHAT IS HAPPENING IN LAKE CHARLES   Relocating to Lake Charles- I would recommend … (6 comments)

Short Sale Contracts in Lake Charles, LA - 06/17/11 09:03 AM
If you are buying a Lake Charles foreclosure or short sale you must put a great deal of trust in the hands of your Lake Charles real estate agent to negotiate your Lake Charles Short Sale purchase. As an experienced Lake Charles Real Estate Agent, Buyer's trust and rely on me as their Lake Charles agent of choice to guide them with my knowledge and advice when writing and negotiating a Lake Charles purchase contract. Because Lake Charles short sales can be a lengthy process sometimes revisions are necessary to the original purchase contract. It is helpful for the Buyer purchasing … (3 comments)

Lake Charles Home Inspections and Synthetic Stucco - 06/16/11 12:48 PM
Lake Charles Buyer's who are under contract to purchase a property have an inspection period in which the Buyer can inspect the home they are purchasing. Home inspection time frames can vary and begin the first day after the contract is accepted by the Seller. In Lake Charles a typical home inspection time frame is anywhere from 7-12 days.
 
Many things can be discovered during the home inspection. Recently I was at a home inspection and the inspector pointed out that the dormer of the second story had a crack in the dryvit (synthetic stucco). When initially viewing the house … (6 comments)

Red White Blue and You: Lake Charles July 4th 2011 Celebration - 06/15/11 01:46 PM
 
Red White Blue and You has become a local Lake Charles tradition every July 4th.

 
 
 
 
 
Last year when I attended Red White Blue and You, Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach said July 4th 2011 was going to be a spectactular event.  This year with the opening of the new Lake Charles Promenade, Boardwalk and Bord du Lac Marina, there will be lots of space to celebrate!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Here is a glimpse from last year's Lake Charles Red White Blue and You event.

  Mark your calendars now … (4 comments)

Oak Crossing in Lake Charles, LA - 06/14/11 02:52 PM
There are may subdivisions in Lake Charles that incorporate our beautiful oak trees!  If you drive along Shell Beach Drive you can admire the 100 year old Oak trees that line this beautiful Lake Charles scenic drive.

The Oaks of Heyd is another lovely subdivision developed in South Lake Charles where each lot in the subdivision has a large oak tree.

Lake Charles will soon have another development with a focal point incorporating  100 year old oak trees as we anticipate Oak Crossing, a 20-acre business and retail park at the corner of Nelson and Ham Reid Roads in … (5 comments)

A Picture of Flag Day: The Emblem of the Land I Love - 06/13/11 05:20 PM

 
The American Flag is an Emblem of the Land I Love. 
This is an abstract flag design found inside Jack Daniels Bar & Grill located at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, LA.  This is one HUGE Flag that hangs over the bar area inside Jack Daniels.  There is actually a series of 3 flag designs that make a  big wave curving around the bar area. What is interesting is the construction of the flag design  is made of chains!
This flag design hanging above the Jack Daniels bar is a permanent fixture inside Jack … (8 comments)

QR Codes Can Direct Buyers to a Landing Spot of Your Choice! - 06/12/11 09:23 PM
In the Kodak and Active Rain June Mobile Marketing Challenge   Active Rain members were asked to submit how they are incorporating and using QR codes in mobile real estate marketing.
I admit I don't know that much about QR codes and the Lake Charles Real Estate market is not exactly a tech savvy market.  However, I am beginning to see more and more QR codes used even at my own church!  You can find QR codes everywhere on bags of chips, toys, there seems to be no limit to the creativity.
If you are looking for a way to create QR … (6 comments)

Speechless Sunday: A Beauty Parlor Comb Out - 06/12/11 12:15 AM
  I spent some time at the Lake Charles AKC Dog Show this week and  while there, I saw this large poodle being groomed.
Interesting how the groomer had the dog's hair pulled up in mini ponytails--I have no idea what the little blue things are wrapped and tied around his hair.  This reminds me how I feel when I go to the beauty shop and have foil highlights put all over my head of hair! It's a sight to behold but we both look beautiful when have our hair combed out.
 

… (19 comments)

Create a Patio Retreat to Enjoy - 06/10/11 11:43 PM
Lake Charles, Louisiana Patio Retreats
We all love spending as much time as possible outdoors in the warmer summer months, so why not treat the outside of your Lake Charles home as an extension of your living area? Decorating your backyard does not have to be an overwhelming task, you can spruce things up without breaking your bank account!
Southwest Louisiana offers alot of opportunity for entertaining and outside events.  As a Lake Charles Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s Realtor in and out of many homes around Lake Charles, I have seen many homes with outdoor kitchens, screened patio … (9 comments)

Lake Charles Homes for Sale with Pools - 06/09/11 07:44 PM
Make a Splash in a Lake Charles Home With a Pool
It's summer time and when the temperature goes up in Lake Charles, homeowners wish they had a pool!  It is definitely pool time here in Southwest Louisiana and Lake Charles with 90-100 degree temperatures.
I am currently working with buyers who want a pool and new construction buyers installing a pool!  Lake Charles has a long summer and pools can be enjoyed from May-October.  There are currently 27 Lake Charles homes for sale with inground pools.
Kids stay entertained all summer with a backyard pool, so if you are making … (7 comments)

New Listing Coming Soon in Sterlington Place Subdivision, Carlyss LA - 06/08/11 11:02 PM
Sterlington Place is located in Carlyss, LA just off of Walker Road and Hwy 27 in Carlyss, LA.
Sterlington Place is a subdivision with a New Orleans flair lined with street lamps and also has underground utilities. Sterlington Place homes are typically brick 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Phase II of Sterlington Place is beginning with Sterlington Place lots selling for $33,500.
New Sterlington Place Homes Built must meet these requirements: be at least 1800 sq ft. 9' ceiling height minimum, landscaped Once this Carlyss LA subdivision is fully complete a HOA (Homeowner's Association) will be formed. There is … (8 comments)

Are You are Lake Charles Home Buyer or Home Shopper? - 06/07/11 11:23 PM
Are you a Lake Charles Home Buyer Searching for  home in Lake Charles, LA? or Are you a Lake Charles Home Shopper?
Shopping for a Lake Charles Home for Sale  is similar to buyers shopping in favorite department stores.  When you go to the Mall you are probably looking for a bargain. You will look at alot of items before you make a purchase.  Consumers read the newspaper watch TV ads and see sales that perk their interest.  Retail stores market sales on items  throughout the seasons.  We just saw big Memorial Day sales and tax free weekends. 
Lake Charles Real … (12 comments)

Lake Charles May Real Estate Market Shows Stability - 06/07/11 12:01 AM

 
The Lake Charles Home Sales in May 2011 show lower home inventory and more homes sold as compared to May 2010 Lake Charles Market Statistics.
May 2011 Lake Charles Active Homes Listed on average was 464
Average Lake Charles Homes Sold Per Week was 13
The Average Days on Market was 87 days which is higher than the Average for May 2010
The High of Lake Charles Homes Sold averaged $468,750.  This number is higher than normal due to a  $939,000 Sale that occurred the last week in May.
 
 
The Average Price Lake Charles Home Sold in … (8 comments)

Why Some People Rent Instead Of Buying A Home - 06/06/11 11:09 PM
If you have to rent, these are some tips for Renters to remember and check into when signing rental agreements and leases.  It is also important to check the pet policy too!
Via Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE Homes Realty (Dutchess, Columbia & Ulster Cty, NY) (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC):
Today there are many reasons why people are renting instead of purchasing a home.  With the present economy, for many it is not a choice but a last resort.
Many of the people now renting would prefer to own a home; actually some did, but were foreclosed on or had to go the short … (0 comments)

Are you Relocating to Lake Charles, LA? - 06/06/11 12:20 AM
Relocation Expertise in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Are you Relocating to Lake Charles? We are right in the middle of prime real estate season when a lot of families move.

Lake Charles Louisiana has a steady relocation real estate market which has existed for a very  long time. Our strong petro-chemical industry brings in new employees to Lake Charles  or transferring out of Lake Charles.  Local real estate brokerages receive referrals from relocation companies to assist those relocating buyers/sellers moving to or from Lake Charles.
The chart shown below show the basics of a typical relocation incentive package offered to … (4 comments)

Speechless Sunday: Her Name is Lola! - 06/05/11 12:12 AM
 
Introducing Our New Addition
Little Miss "Lola" B. - Born April 7, 2011

… (23 comments)

Please Adjust Your Thermostat Before Showings! - 06/04/11 11:28 PM
This is a blog written by Ohio Real Estate Agents Liz and Bill Spear however this advice is applicable for any market especially here in Southwest Louisiana! 
Today we had a record high of 99 degrees breaking the record set of 97 in 1977!!  Its HOT!!
With the exception of most foreclosures that have no utilities, buyers need to feel comfortable when viewing a home and also feel how well the cooling system works!
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
Please Adjust Your Thermostat Before Showings! Summertime is just around the corner, but some … (8 comments)

Considering Selling Your Lake Charles Home: Clean it Out First! - 06/04/11 12:03 AM
The best advice I can give Lake Charles homeowners considering selling their Lake Charles home, is clean it out first! 
Families have a way of accumulating items and before you know it, the closets and storage areas of your Lake Charles home can burst at the seams.  Cleaning and emptying your home of un-needed items will save you in the long run, its not only less to move but your home will appear more organized and spacious. 
Have a garage sale Donate items to charity Sort items  creating a trash and keep pile  
As a Lake Charles real estate agent … (10 comments)

Lake Charles AKC Dog Show June 9-12 - 06/03/11 09:28 AM
Attention all dog lovers!  Head out to the Lake Charles AKC Dog Show June 9-12!  
The Calcasieu Parish Kennel Club will be teaming up with the Acadiana Kennel Club of Lafayette to host a combined American Kennel Club AKC dog show Thursday-Sunday June 9-12 at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, LA. Show hours are from 8:30-8pm daily and there is no admission fee. 
Competitions will include conformation, junior showmanship, obedience and a best new puppy competition!  If you have never been to a dog show, it is a fun event to go to where you can see all different types … (6 comments)

I Closed on a Lake Charles Condo and My Buyer is so Happy! - 06/02/11 12:13 AM
Earlier this spring I began to work with a Lake Charles first time home buyer who visited my Lake Charles Real Estate website.  
Christy is at that stage in her young professional life where she was ready to take the  next step and own a home of her own.  As a  first time home buyer and she was so excited to begin the journey of viewing homes.  It was a challenge to find just the right home for Christy. As a first time home buyer she wanted something of her own that would not require alot of maintenance or yard. … (9 comments)

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

Lake Charles, LA

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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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