Special offer

Lake Charles, LA Real Estate News

By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
  Is Your Lake Charles Home Listed  For Sale During the Holidays?     Tips For Lake Charles Home Sellers who have a Home Listed for Sale during the Holidays Of course Sellers may still decorate  their Lake Charles home is currently listed for sale during the holidays.  It may be more of a challenge to keep  the house clean  and clutter free with the kids home from school during the holidays but remember a neat and clean home shows well! It is still important to keep the house in "show ready" condition.  There will still be home buyers who anticipate buying a home in the near future who are out driving around and admiring Lake Charles Homes for Sale during the holidays!  Curb appeal and neatness is still important! Here are some simple suggestions to ensure your home captures the holiday...
Comments 2
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Allow Time to Close on a Home During the Holidays   The holidays are fast approaching and holiday decorations can already be seen in stores and homes in Southwest Louisiana!    As 2013 draws to a close so is a buyers time frame to close on a  Southwest Louisiana home in 2013! I have written three contracts in the last two days with Buyers needing to close in mid-December or end of December 2013!!!   If you're have been searching for a  home in Southwest Louisiana  or are currently just going "under contract" there is a possibility to close in 2013.  However, keep in mind that as the holidays approach it becomes a busy time of year and  it is hard for both buyers and   sellers to pack up an entire family and be moved  by Christmas! Be prepared to allow time for your Southwest Louisiana  ...
Comments 3
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
 Taste the Spirit of Louisiana   Louisiana Spirits Opens in Lacassine LA! Located off of Interstate I-10 Exit 48 in Lacassine is the new Louisiana Spirits  Distillery where Bayou Rum is bottled!       Welcome to Louisiana Spirits, home of Bayou Rum!       There is a Gift Shop in the  foyer where you enter the Visitor Center building.   At the back of the main room inside you will see the Tasting Bar area behind a short wrought iron fence.     Bayou  Rum is made from local Louisiana Sugarcane!       Rum making from Louisiana Sugarcane has quite a history.  During the Civil War, Union Soldiers confiscated Louisiana rum and destroyed stills during war.   Later in the late 1890's Louisiana struggled  to attract sugar mill owners to revitalize.  Then of course during prohibition things went...
Comments 3
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Why Don't I recommend Sellers/Homeowners Rent their Property?  There will always be special circumstances or exceptions and if a Seller absolutely has to rent to offset the expense of the mortgage then they may do so.  Usually my advice if a Seller insists on renting their residence is to recommend a Property Management Company who will execute a Lease and deposits with the potential renter. There are several reasons why I frown upon a Seller or homeowner Renting their home on their own. Wear and tear on the house Damage to the house Repairs that will need to be made Pet Deposits Decrease in value of the property if it is torn up No Recourse or Proper Lease executed with Deposits Even the best friend or college buddy you know can still mess up your house! The scenerio below is exactly w...
Comments 3
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Termites can damage your home quickly.  Take it from me first hand as I go through the process of remodeling my own home which was damaged by termites! Recently we discovered some odd looking planks in our wood flooring located near our front door.  We purchasesd our home as a new construction home six year ago.  The wood floors were already in the home and they are a beautiful hand scrapped maple finish.  Upon first glance, it appeared like there was damage to the wood glue between the planks.  I keep a door mat at the entrance so this section was covered and we don't see it everyday. I called the flooring company where the floors had come from to come and look so we could replace the damaged planks.  The Flooring guy had never seen anything like it before and said the boards were soft...
Comments 28
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
The Real Blind Side Leigh Anne Tuohy visits Lake Charles!  Leigh Anne Tuohy provided an inspirational message to hundreds of women who attended the 2013 Women’s Commission Fall Conference. Every Fall, the SWLA Women’s Commission sponsors a conference for women held in Lake Charles, LA   It is a day of educational speakers, fun workshops, a marketplace of vendors and a luncheon with a  keynote speaker at the Lake Charles Civic Center.  The  come and go session workshops throughout the day offer  women a variety of spiritual, health, creative, career and fun topics of interest.  This year the keynote luncheon speaker for the 2013  Fall Conference was Leigh Anne Tuohy    Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family were portrayed in the hit movie The Blind Side which is the inspirational story of Micha...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
1264 Tomahawk closed but not without a price paid by the Sellers! 1264 Tomahawk located in Indian Ridge Subdivision in Moss Bluff, LA is a 5 bedroom 3 bath 2265 sq ft home.  The property was listed on the market for 135 days which is just a little over the average for Southwest Louisiana.  Most Lake Charles homes for sale sell within 120 days and this number is shortening due to the lack of inventory we currently have available of homes under $200,000 TITLE MUST BE REVIEWED When buyers and sellers approach closing date, during the interim period, the Title Company is reviewing the title on the property and issuing the title commitment to the buyer's lender.  Merchantable Title must be delivered to the Buyer . There is language in the Louisiana Agreement to Buy/Sell that addresses the m...
Comments 0
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Windsor Court is a  Lake Charles community of new construction homes and homes 1-4 years old.  Windsor Court is located off of  Lake Street  in the South Area of Lake Charles, LA.  All lots in Windsor Court have been  a SOLD !! Many Lake Charles home buyers are searching for new construction homes in South Lake Charles priced between $250,000-$300,000. Windsor Court Subdivision still has some new construction custom homes being built by individual builders.  Buyers may find a Builder who is currently building a home that is not yet listed.  Realtors can work with a Builder and present a contract with a one-time listing contract. I had the privilege of working with first time home buyers who were very patient and knew what features they were looking for a in Lake Charles home.  We viewed...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
The City of Lake Charles is located on the banks of the Calcasieu River in Southwestern Louisiana, and borders both Lake Charles, Prien Lake, Contraband Bayou and English Bayou that flow through various parts of the city.  History has documented that even the famous Pirate "Jean Lafitte" sailed along our beautiful Lakeshore.  Within Southwest Louisiana  you will find an abundance of lakes, streams and rivers truly making Southwest Louisiana a “Sportsman’s Paradise”  There are many water activities available to Lake Charles LA residents and visitors, Paddle Boarding, Boating, Fishing, Nature Trails, Parks, even a Beach!  Because the weather in SW Louisiana is mild, outdoor activities are celebrated year-round!      Lake Charles residents are fortunate to enjoy beautiful "red sunsets" and...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Lake Charles LA Historical Home 915 Iris Street SOLD!   Located just off Kirkman Street heading North, 915 Iris Street has the charm of a time gone by, this Lake Charles historical property is listed on the National Registry of Historical Homes.  Original characterics include stained glass and original wood floors and this cozy bungalow home has been updated with new plumbing and electrical for a 2013 modern convenience! There is a side  deck off the kitchen and breakfast area and a private brick patio that is lushly landscaped including a hot tub and it is all fenced in for privacy!   The upstairs features a huge bonus room which can easily be a third bedroom if needed and has a full bathroom!  The dining room has a built in window seat and there is an enclosed sunroom with french door...
Comments 0
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Lake Charles, LA Investment Property 913 13th Street, SOLD!  This 2 bedroom 1 bath home is larger than it looks with 1177 sq ft of living space.  What makes 913 13th St attractive is it is clean, neat and remodeled so it is RENT READY! When choosing a Lake Charles home for investment, look for what can be rented right away without the expense of making repairs.  Good clean interior and condition will be attractive  to a renter when viewing. Savvy and novice investors alike  are on the hunt for Lake Charles Properties that can be rented.  Investors look for ROI (return on investment) and how much profit they can make on top of rent.  Many investors choose will purchase a property with a line of credit and/or finance their purchase, so the rental income needs to exceed that note to provi...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Buyers and Investors are fascinated with the HUD home site and "bargain homes" listed there.  I have never had much luck with buyers getting HUD homes to the closing table--that is until today! There are many reasons  why a HUD home may not be the best bet for a buyer.  Investors usually have to wait until HUD opens the bid up for investors which can be 10-14 days after the home has been listed. Most home buyers these days obtain some of financing in order to purchase a home.  Many times all a home buyer has saved is a small 3.5% down payment and the option is FHA financing.  Sometimes a home buyer may qualify for USDA financing 100% or even VA.   All three of these loans are government loans and the financing guidelines for appraisal are pretty strict. Typically a HUD home or foreclosu...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
  SEC football Its Saturday and Fans everywhere are glued to their TV when their team plays.  Today was no exception when the LSU v. Georgia game hit the air waves at 2:30 pm.  Here in Southwest Louisiana most residents  bleed LSU purple and gold!  Before the LSu game began, I received a call about my new listing 498 Hardwood in Moss Bluff, LA.  The caller wanted to go and view it and when I gave the option of a time I could show it later at 6pm, the interested Buyer said "oh I don't know if the game will be over by then"!     Yes just about everything stops when the LSU Tigers play. Case in point, I had a final walk through scheduled for today on a home that is closing Monday.  The Seller was moving out today and would only allow us to view between 6-6:30 today.  So the buyers and I ar...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
  Schedule a Showing/Request Info Search All Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work What is Your Home Worth?   Marilyn Boudreaux Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co 337-478-1578 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 125984   Licensed In:LA Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 498 Hardwood Drive Lake Charles, LA Just Listed    Description Photos Maps & Local Schools           View the Property Details, More Photos, Map & Schoolinformation here at the updated Virtual Tour!   Acadian Style home sitting on 1 acre!  Large covered front porch with new decking and covered back porch for enjoying outside.  The kitchen is updated with new stainless appliances and lots of cabinets.  Utilize the eat in ba...
Comments 3
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Graywood Subdivision in Lake Charles LA is a planned master community.  The popularity of this South Lake Charles subdivision is that Graywood has everything located within the neighborhood! Graywood has a Sports Club Facility, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Club House and Golf membership ALL available to residents.  Various memberships are available depending on your lifestyle.  The Gray Plantation Golf Course at Graywood is an 18 hole 7,200 yard course, recently rated by Golf Digest as “Best Places to Play” Graywood is also the #3 course in the State of Louisiana! Homes of various sizes and townhomes are available in this exclusive Lake Charles community.  When building a home within Graywood architectural guidelines do apply with a review process by Graywood. New Construction and Lots...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
    Signs Warning of Flood Areas are common in Southwest Louisiana (photo via KPLC) Yesterday if you remained dry you were lucky, most of us wanted to build an Ark because it felt like we would be washed away!   I had a new listing appointment in Moss Bluff at 4:30 pm and it was raining so hard on the Interstate I could hardly see the road.  Earlier in the day I had already "backwashed" our swimming pool 3 times throughout the day because the water had gone to the top!! Throughout the night Calcasieu parish continued to get bursts of heavy downpours.  This morning it is clear but along with the break in the weather come the news stories of stranded vehicles and flooded roads.   I have already received a text message from a new homeowner who closed on a home a few weeks ago that said "I ...
Comments 0
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
It's no secret that Lake Charles is on the verge of economic boom!  With the Southwest Louisiana industry expansion comes the need for housing and not all workers moving to Lake Charles will want permanent residence or be able to purchase a home.  The calls for Lake Charles Rental Properties is on the rise along with Investors calling to locate "investment properties" Savvy and novice investors are on the hunt for Lake Charles Properties that can be rented and/or flipped.  Investors look for ROI (return on investment) and how much profit they can make on top of rent or the net profit after a flip purchase.    Included in the rental profit calculation you must also allow for wear and tear, repairs, insurance and maintenance of the property.  Depending on the investor, each will have a di...
Comments 3
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
  Lake Charles Home Buyers cannot always visualize new construction homes.  Walking through a Lake Charles new construction home that has just been framed up prior to interior completion, does not show the features the home will include.  Buyers will ask about moldings, floorings, lighting etc. The MLS does not always give a Lake Charles Buyer alot of information to go on when viewing New Construction Homes.  The buyer must rely on what information the Realtor can share with them.  This is when knowledge and experience selling other new construction homes in Lake Charles LA becomes important. Experienced Lake Charles Home Builders will be able to provide Spec Sheets that list all the details and features of their custom build homes.  This can usually be found on the Builder's website an...
Comments 1
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
It is no secret that Lake Charles, LA and Southwest Louisiana is booming!   We are beginning to see the beginning of more economic expansion with industries adding projects. It was just announced that another project is headed to Westlake, LA.  Juniper GTL , a Texas-based petrochemical company said it plans to build a natural gas-to-liquids facility in Westlake that would bring more than 140 jobs to the area Take a look at these industrial projections for growth and expansion! More development means more Lake Charles jobs and with that comes growth for our Lake Charles LA  housing industry! Builders and developers across Southwest Louisiana have been busy looking for land to build on.  There are more "proposed subdivison zoning" signs all over Lake Charles  more than I have ever seen! T...
Comments 2
By Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor
(Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty)
Homes on the water in Lake Charles LA are rare to find for under $400,000. This custom built home on Contraband Bayou was move in ready with 155' water frontage selling for $310,000! Looking for a Home on the Waterfront in Lake Charles LA? Contact Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Mike D Bono 337-499-9592   Schedule a Showing/Request Info Lake Charles Real Estate Search All Homes For Sale What is Your Home Worth?   Marilyn Boudreaux Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co 337-478-1578 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 124291   Licensed In:LA Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 409 Orchard Drive Lake Charles, LA Scan with your smartphone & take me with you. Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Virtual ...
Comments 3