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 and as you drive through the community you will frequently see carts going to and from neighborhoods  along the intertwining pathways. As of April 2010 there are 6 homes for sale ranging from $327,50... 04/10/2010

As often as I travel down Wilson to turn at Shell Beach Drive, I am constantly enthralled by the beauty of the area's live oak trees.  It makes me quite grateful to the Calcasieu Preservation Society for periodically placing the Live Oaks on the "most endangered" list.  This tree officially resides in Margaret Place Historical District which is reportedly the oldest recorded subdivision in Calcasieu Parish. In 2012, the subdivision will be 100 years old!  I wonder how old this tree is? 04/10/2010

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 Arts and Humanities Center. Enjoy a mule-drawn carriage ride and disembark along the way to enjoy the sights, sounds, wine and Hors d' oeuvres of each location. The purpose of the Spring Art Wal... 04/09/2010

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 waterpark for kids Walking paths with measurement markings Picnic Areas Wireless internet connection throughout the park Beautiful plaza fountains, streams and landscaping The backdrop of the Prien Lake and the land... 04/09/2010

If you've been thinking of volunteering with a Lake Charles Dog Rescue Group, a perfect opportunity awaits! This Sunday, from 10:00 - 4:00, new and old volunteers are invited to take part in a Volunteer Work Day at 4 Paws on the Bayou on Hardy Road in Sulphur. A map with directions is provided on their website, 4PawsSocietyInc.com. Over the last year, I have come to know and respect the leadership of this awesome group.  So much so that I wrote a blog specifically about the President, Wanda Williams. The 4 Paws Society is blessed, thanks to Wanda and Mike, to have a place that houses most of the group's rescue dogs.  Fortunately, a strong Foster program bridges the gap. This weekend, the facility AND the dogs are going to get some special treatment. Read more. Most of all, join the fun.... 04/07/2010

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 well and protect the wood.  The result is crackling of the clear coat,it just deteriorates and the stain underneath fades. My friend and owner of South City Paint in Lake Charles, recommended that I try a new product called Sikkens.  This clear coating is specifically designed for do... 04/05/2010

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 $153,615. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the improvement is another hopeful sign. “The rise in buyer contact activity may signal the early stages of a second surge of home sales this spring. The healthy gain hints h... 04/05/2010

Even if I had not spent the last 30+ years in real estate, I would still have a fascination as to Lake Chares street names. Oftentimes, I know the answer just because I've been around the block...how's that for a sort-of-pun! Other times, I think I know, but have reservations. This is because, when it is all said and done, I'm not a native of Lake Charles...can't even claim Louisiana as my native state. As a result, local history does not come easy. Yet, the families that migrated to and/or employed their independent spirits to shape and build Southwest Louisiana have always held my interest. So much so that I'm planning a blog strictly about our pioneers.  In the meantime, I would refer you to Adley Cormier's Timeline History of Southwest Louisiana on CalcasieuPreservation.org. Street ... 04/02/2010

This month commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1910, a major event in the history of Lake Charles. April 23, 1910. Seven city blocks destroyed resulting in $750,000 in property damage within an area two blocks wide and ½ mile long. 109 commercial buildings destroyed.  Homes, churches and government offices destroyed. Courthouse records destroyed. A fact practically every title opinion mentions to this day! An exhibit commemorating the Great Fire of 1910 will open at the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center on April 7th. The exhibit will contain photos and artifacts chronicling the event and will include: Photos from local historian Maude Reid’s scrapbook. Artifacts discovered during the recent re-landscaping and construction of the Center’s plaza. A documenta... 04/02/2010

Given that I stopped walking last year and have the pounds to prove it, this is an especially timely topic for me. Of course, the gorgeous weather we are having is an inspiration as well. Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana are blessed with numerous great places to walk.  Most of our neighborhoods are walk-friendly.  Walks in my near 100-year old neighborhood are always a special time.  There isn't a walk I take down Grove, Wilson, Park, Pithon or Griffith that I don't marvel at the beauty, character, and variety of styles in Margaret Place. Longer walks can be achieved by taking a right on Shell Beach Drive and heading to the boardwalk along the Civic Center or a left (West) and strolling down beautiful Shell Beach Drive.  The more serious walkers take it to the Port of Lake Charles, ... 04/01/2010

Every year after Mardi Gras, Louisiana residents begin to look forward to the next best thing, and that would be Crawfish Season!!!  During Lent and especially on Good Friday, there are alot of crawfish boils taking place! Thats right when Spring hits so do the Crawfish Boils. Where do you start? Pick up bags of live crawfish at your local seafood store Empty the bags into a tub, or large container to "purge" the crawfish (what you are doing is cleaning them.)  You do this by sprinkling the crawfish with salt and then rinsing the crawfish. Fill your boiling pot with water and empty crab boil, cajun seasoning and sliced lemon to the pot for flavor. When the water is heated, add the live crawfish to the pot and bring to a boil.  You can also add corn on the cob and red potatoes. The crawf... 03/31/2010

If you are new to our area or do not know about this subdivision with homes on the water in the middle of Lake Charles, then you've missed out on a hidden gem, Lake Marie! Like Jean Lafitte's treasure, Lake Marie is a bit hidden.  Unlike the pirate's loot, it is easy to find! This, of course, is part of its appeal as neighbors enjoy far less traffic than most subdivisions, while enjoying the locational benefits. As you can see by this aerial view, Lake Marie's convenient location would be fabulous without the prescense of a lake stocked with bass awaiting your supper-catch! McNeese State University, home of the McNeese State Cowboys is nearby as well as LaGrange High School and College Oaks Elementary. Hospitals play a locational role for many of today's home buyer so put another notch ... 03/31/2010

  The new FHA Funding Fee goes in to effect on Monday, April 5, 2010.  Currently it is 1.75% of the amount of the loan.  New amount will be 2.25%.  If you have a signed contract before April 5th and it has been registered in  the FHA system the fee will be 1.75%. If your contract is signed before April 5th and registered in FHA  after April 5th, the fee will be 2.25%!  NO EXCEPTIONS.       SELLER CONCESSIONS CHANGING ! Also going into effect with FHA changes will be the amount allowed in Seller contributions toward buyer's closing costs.  6% is what is currently allowed but when the new FHA change goes into effect April 5, FHA will only allow 3% in seller concessions. Do you clients a favor, check with the  lender if you have just signed an FHA contract or plan on signing one this week... 03/30/2010

It's true that I don't get out much!  But if/when I do leave my office, the McNeese Banners Cultural Series is on my wish list. And I hope that my friends George and Beth keep asking me to join them and that they continue to tell me how much they enjoy this local, affordable opportunity. A hardworking group of volunteers led by top-notch director and great lady, Mary Richardson, combine to deliver a significant cultural program to Southwest Louisiana. Every year starting in the spring, The Banners Series delivers top quality arts and humanities programs to the people of Southwest Louisiana. The 25 or so programs range from music to lectures.  They also present outreach programs to Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis Parish schools. To learn more, visit their website. To stay in touch, be... 03/30/2010

8th Annual Leaguers & Links Golf Tournament was held at L'Auberge du Lac Contraband Bayou. If you are a golfer, you will enjoy the courses available in Southwest Louisiana.  This is the best time of year when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the beauty of our local golf courses. One of the favorite courses is Contraband Bayou at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino. The Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge, designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, is noted for its emphasis on the marsh and lowland features of Louisiana’s natural environment. The unique 7,077-yard, par-71 championship 18-hole golf course is the only public Fazio course in the state, and features a combination of aquatic and natural vegetation among eight spectacular lakes. Combine perfect weather, the ... 03/29/2010

Animals have always been important to me.  And, in the last several years, I've come to have a greater understanding and appreciation of those who champion our furry friends. I've written previously about The Hobo Hotel For Cats and the 4 Paws Society, but an e-mail earlier today served as a a reminder that next on my list is the SWLA Humane Society. The e-mail "sender" was the President of the SWLA Humane Society, Beth Zilbert. While Beth does a great deal in her role as founder and President of the SWLA Humane Society, she has the talent, vision, and credentials to take the mission of the Humane Society to a level not always possible by a local organization.  You see, Beth is an attorney who takes on the causes of children, animals, and victims of domestic violence, including immigran... 03/26/2010

I've been contemplating ideas for several blog "series."  For now, I'm going to provide a sneak peak of what is in store for the days and weeks to come. Subdivisions in the Lake Charles Area: For some time, I've worked to capture photos of our beautiful deed-restricted subdivisions.  Many of which you can see on Derenda.com.  To introduce the quality and variety of our area, I'm going to blog about subdivisions in the Lake Charles area.  Retail in the Lake Charles Area:  As an agent catering to those who are relocating to SW Louisiana, I am often asked about our shopping. In an effort to provide insight to the myriad of opportunities available in the retail arena, it only seems appropriate to blog about shopping available in Southwest Louisiana. There is more, but a "sneak peak" is all ... 03/24/2010

Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s is #1 in Lake Charles Real Estate I am proud to be affiliated with Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s a leader in Southwest Louisiana real estate since 1976.  Last week I attended our Century 21 District Awards Banquet held in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our office won #1 in units and volume and was awarded the Century 21 Presidents and Centurion Award.  Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s was #1 in the Louisiana District and #3 in the Texas/South Louisiana Region!!  Our entire office walked away with many awards!I am an award winning multi million dollar top producing agent recognized for sales volume and client satisfaction.   "Century 21 Awards Banquet"Create a free slideshow with Picnik! SELLING YOUR HOME?When listing your house you want the best representation po... 03/23/2010

My appreciation for organizational effectiveness runs deep so when I see something the magnitude of Clean Bayou,  I'm compelled to give credit where credit is due and a great deal of credit goes to the board of directors of this new, non-profit organization that is tackling the cleanup of SWLA waterways head-on. The efforts of this grassroots group is such that it is a no-brainer to declare their first event, the clean up of Contraband Bayou, a success a month before the big day, April 24th. Why such a bold declaration?  Although the first official organizational meeting was held on Feb 3rd, the growth of this group is nothing short of phenomenal. Their officers and board of directors are certainly a chief reason for their success. As listed on their Facebook Fan Page, their officers ar... 03/23/2010

Today was one crazy Monday with the bulk of it on the phone.  I only had one dropped call and one failed call.  Both of which I reported via AT&T's Mark My Spot application on my I-Phone. That's the good news.  I'm sorry to report that both problems occurred with my general settings set to 3G = OFF. Oh well, it is nice to receive the automated response back from AT&T that they appreciate the effort. Once again, I urge anyone experiencing dropped calls to secure this "app" and consistently report problems.  Let's be a part of the solution. As soon as I have time, it is off to the store to switch out the Sims card. 03/22/2010