Gulf Oil Spill Will Cost Shrimp Prices to Rise Here in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Calcasieu Parish, we love our seafood!  This is Shrimp Season when many people enjoy heading out to Cameron Parish to cast their nets for a day of shrimping. Not only do consumers enjoy a day of shrimping, but many Cameron Parish residents rely on shrimping for their livelihood. The BP Oil Spill is not only environmentally hazardous but it is also economically hazardous effecting Gulf shrimpers all along the Coast.  As with any product it all comes down to supply and demand.  With shrimp being high in demand but low in supply that means consumers will pay a costly price to continue enjoying our favorite shrimp dishes! I don't know about you but I'm stocking up while I can!  It won't be the same without Lo... 05/17/2010

Beautiful Ironwork designs enhance Lake Charles,  Louisiana Homes Wrought iron work has been around for centuries.  Ironwork design  is not  just limited to fences and gates anymore. French inspired home designs have taken off in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Many new  construction homes and subdivisions in Lake Charles, Louisiana are incorporating ironwork to enhance the beauty of the architecture. One neighborhood in particular is Canal Place.  Most of the ironwork designs you will see driving through this South Lake Charles neighborhood, were created by Custom Iron by Josh. This is a new home just finished in Canal Place and Custom Iron by Josh created the iron balcony railings. Josh is very talented and creative and he will custom design any project idea you may have. Custom Iron by Jos... 05/15/2010

Downtown at Sundown in Lake Charles, Louisiana   Downtown at Sundown in Lake Charles is a series of 4 Friday evenings beginning in May and as the name implies, is held  from 6-9pm.   Its a free event for everyone where there is food, music, and artists scheduled in the Downtown section of Lake Charles.  This is the twelfh year for Downtown at Sundown and tonight was the largest crowd gathered ever! The event is sponsored by the City of Lake Charles and the Arts and Humanities Council to promote the diverse culture of our city and introduce what Downtown has to offer with regards to merchants, etc.  Folks bring their lawn chairs and set up in and around the bandstand to "pass a good time" as we say here in Louisiana. So "Boudreaux and I" headed out to have some fun as the Sun was going d... 05/14/2010

Read the Neighborhood Restrictions! What once was something homeowners had never heard of years ago  is now  growing in popularity--  Neighborhood restrictions help maintain the home value of the subdivision.  Restrictions help maintain the value of your property and that of the neighborhood.  Most all new subdivisions developed have restrictions and covenants in place.  If a subdivision is brand new, the neighborhood has to fill up with a certain percentage of homeowners before the HOA can be formed.  Usually the developer and or contractor is a Board member in the beginning phase of a new project. When homes are listed it is the agent's responsibility to have the seller complete the  property disclosures.  In the disclosures, there is a place where the HOA amount can be entered but re... 05/14/2010

Patio Retreats We all love spending as much time as possible outdoors in the warmer summer months, so why not treat the outside of our homes as an extension of your living area?  Southwest Louisiana offers alot of opportunity for entertaining and outside events.  As a Realtor in and out of many homes around Lake Charles, I have seen many with outdoor kitchens, screened patio retreats, great decks, and patios. Patios are extensions of the home that are both functional and appealing to the eye.  Create a patio retreat,  reflective of your personality so you can have maximum enjoyment of your personal space. There are a variety of designs and many different materials you can choose from depending on the size of your patio that you want to enjoy.  Some things you might need to consider befo... 05/13/2010

Make a Splash in a Home With a Pool It is pool time here in Southwest Louisiana.  Why not invest in your own backyard vacation? There are advantages to owning a pool: Pools are nice to look at and come in many different types and designs which can enhance the value of your home. A fountain, grotto  or adjoining hot tub spa can be very relaxing after a long day of work. Easy entertainment--especially for kids.  Who doesn't  loves a pool party ? Its a long  hot summer in Southwest Louisiana-you can easily jump in your Pool to cool off! Pools offer health benefits too, you can swim laps or do water aerobics which are low impact. Lots of fun for the whole family!   There are currently 16 Active Homes for Sale in Lake Charles with inground pools. If you are looking for a home with a "splash"... 05/12/2010

KINGS POINT SUBDIVISION IN LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA Kings Point as the name implies is a neighborhood of Fine Homes & Estates fit for any King! Located off of Country Club Road in South Lake Charles, Kings Point adjoins the Lake Charles Country Club Golf Course. You will find spectacular, spacious homes built for entertaining friends and family in this subdivision. Homes are new-10 years old, with a few lots still available for your custom build.  Some homes have waterfront views and golf paths to the adjoining Lake Charles Country Club.  Fine features are incorporated in each home design with intricate woodwork, natural stone, courtyards, patios and pools.  Home owners take pride in the appearance of their well manicured and lushly landscaped yards.  Kings Point is truly a Lake Charles ... 05/11/2010

National Real Estate Firms offer $8,000 Programs Century 21 and Coldwell Banker are both offering $8,000 benefits on the heels of the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Program. Both are structured differently with one focusing on the SELLER, the other on the BUYER CENTURY 21 $8,000 Sweepstakes for Sellers When a Seller lists during the 3 promotion periods, they receive an entry for the $8,000 Sweepstakes 3 Promotion periods (April, May, June) 1 winner from each geographic zone (Total of 21 Total Grand Prize Winners) Geographic Zones are Desert West, Pacific West, Midwest, Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Southeast and South Central Century 21 Awards the $8,000 COLDWELL BANKER Buyer Bonus Event Homeowners will refund 3% of accepted offer price up to $8,000 with credit to the buyer Buyer Cre... 05/10/2010

Dress Up Your Home Southwest Louisiana and Calcasieu Parish is in full bloom and garden centers and home improvement stores are filled with lush, healthy plants and garden decor to choose from.  As you drive through many Lake Charles neighborhoods, you will notice homeowners showcasing a colorful trend of incorporating beautiful pottery into their landscapes. Like an empty stage just waiting for your theater direction, a deck, patio or balcony can display beautiful pottery with stunning drama.  Potted plants and flowers make natural accessories to these outdoor spaces. Home entrances demand attention and almost all can benefit from some colorful pottery.  There are alot of choices to suit any taste and the size will depend on the area around the entrance. Pottery or plants also make gre... 05/10/2010

Lake Charles Real Estate Connection Lets think about what a connection is. The wonderful Webster's dictionary gives these definitions/examples of connection: "casual or logical relation or sequence between two ideas social professional or commercial relationship as a position or arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another set of persons associated together" Real Estate is not just about selling, its about making a connection.  We all make important lasting connections with individuals throughout our lifetime.  For most people real estate is a major step in their lives. Selling real estate in today's market requires knowledge, creativity, experience, enthusiasm, and above all should be a personalized service.  Century 21 has tapped into this focus with the Spring Connec... 05/08/2010

Lake Charles, Louisiana Real Estate Stats Stats for the  first week of May in the Lake Charles Real Estate Market indicate a lower inventory from April. shorter average Days on Market increase in higher average selling price The first week of May stats for all areas within Lake Charles Real Estate Market are as follows with 5 Homes selling May1-7 464 homes in inventory 54 average days on market Average Selling Price = $197,696 High was $290,000 Low was $115,000 For more information monthly stats breakdown in Lake Charles   05/08/2010

Party by the Pool and Network Many Lake Charles residents have been waiting for the return of Party by the Pool at L'Auberge.  Last night the wait was over and I was pleasantly surprised when I attended with friends for the first 2010 Party by the Pool event with music by Better Than Ezra! Every Thursday beginning in May through the Summer months  L'Auberge puts on their Party by the Pool event beginning at 7pm (when it begins to cool off here in the South as the sun sets!)  The name pretty much says it all, its an event staged around the beautiful L'Auberge resort pool.  Entertainment is provided by favorite hot area bands who take the stage and set the party theme with great music. Once you enter the grounds and facilities of L'Auberge you get that same feeling (as Dorothy would say..... 05/07/2010

Making Dreams Come True Through Home Ownership   On the heels of the First Time Homebuyer's Credit  which just expired April 30,2010, The National Association of Realtors NAR, has  just launched a new public awareness campaign reminding consumers that home is where we make memories, build our future and  feel secure. Its true what they say, "Home is Where the Heart is" To quote Dorothy's famous line in the movie The Wizard of Oz....."There's no place like home."  I've said it before and this campaign reminds us, Home Ownership is the Foundation of the American Dream!  There have been numerous news articles and media interviews informing consumers that all indicators point in the direction that NOW is still a good time to purchase a home.  The most recent article via CBS Money Watch give... 05/06/2010

Attention Dog Lovers in or near Lake Charles, Louisiana Spring cleaning can be interpreted several different ways. We have been giving our yard attention with new landscaping, washing windows and freshening up the house.  Somehow I just have not gotten around to the "spring grooming" of the dogs, it was so cold this winter we sort of let them keep those winter coat. So I turned my attention to my out of control unruly Pomeranian who was in need of some "spring grooming"!   Rosie is our 11 years old Pomeranian and I was surprised when she weighed in at 12.2 lbs at the Vet recently!  Obviously she eats well.  Well ,my little furry friend needed to shed that winter coat and the Vet said she would probably lose a pound once she lost some of that hair-- So I turned my attention to making her... 05/04/2010

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 area" you know what it means AND have a place to identify the MLS areas and major subdivisons in Lake Charles. 05/02/2010

A few weeks ago, preservationist Alan Walker created a tremendous Facebook Page, "Lake Charles Historic Neighborhoods. His labor of love quickly grew and now has well over 200 members. Within the Facebook page, he also mentioned the Preservation Society's website, CalcasieuPreservation.org. I'm pleased to announce that these two functions are going to combine efforts to deliver an ever better photo experience for those who love and appreciate the beauty and charm of the Lake Area's older neighborhoods. Alan's goal of documenting the historic homes and buildings of Lake Charles has a sound basis with hundreds of photos as proof. Within the next several weeks, those photos will be available in an organized format on the Preservation Society's website. A huge THANK YOU to Alan Walker! 05/01/2010

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 3 or more.  A Mortgage Certificate Credit may save you up to $2,000 a year.  Simply put, it is a reduction of the federal taxes you owe. 04/28/2010

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 has many other fine neighborhoods.  Located nearby are similar neighborhoods, The Shadows, and Oaks at Heyd Place.  If you are lookin... 04/28/2010

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 home?  Where do Senior Citizens go when they need extra care?  Sometimes the siblings have to make this decision and handle the affairs of aging parents.  I know I have been there done th... 04/26/2010

What a full and exciting weekend. It was impossible to get to every event, but did want to get in my two cents about the $1,500 the 4 Paws raised at the Go Orange Event on Saturday! I seldom win anything so was thrilled to learn on Sunday that I had won a door prize of a $25.00 gift certificate to the Pujo Street Cafe! Besides the money which will go a long way toward the care, feeding, and medical expenses of the dogs being cared for by the  4 Paws Society, visitors received literature and advice to help prevent cruelty to animals.  The SWLA Humane Society was in attendance as well as the Hobo Hotel for Cats, and the Parish Animal Services. I was quite pleased to see the Hutchins, my neighbors and owners of one great dog, Satchmo! (Photo Below) 04/26/2010