Alexandria, LA

A recent listing appointment turned awkward when it came time for the sellers to complete the home condition disclosure. In Louisiana sellers must complete a property condition statement at the time of listing. This form simple asks the sellers to disclose any defects they are aware of.

Apparently one spouse was more aware of the home's blemishes than the other. The husband was racing through the form checking "no defect" at the speed of light. As is usual the case the wife was the voice of reason. "Honey, don't you remember that the pipe under the house leaks. You were under there just last week". The look on his face was priceless! Let's examine what might have happened had the sellers not truthfully disclosed the defect...

1) Possibly nothing-- There is a chance the new owners would not find the problem until much later, then fix the problem themselves. Nobody would be the wiser, except the previous owners who sold their home on a lie...

2) The Buyers discover the defect during inspections-- in which case the seller will likely be asked to repair the problem. Or perhaps this is the straw that breaks the deal's back and they walk. How's that lie looking now?

3) The problem is discovered AFTER closing-- Keep in mind AS-IS does not cover fraud. If the seller knew of the problem odds are they will be in some trouble. We live in a small market. That plumber who came to your property last year may be the same person who comes out for the new owners. "I was at the Miller home last year. He told me he was going to cover up the leak." Believe it or not I have seen this happen. Think a plumbing leak is expensive? Go price an attorney...

When in doubt, disclose. Buyers understand that every home has a few winkles. If properly documented, there is no need for small defects to deter a serious buyer.

Need help selling your home? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today at (318) 613-1994.

I am still reaping benefits from the Raincamp I attended in 2010. Over my professional life I have attended dozens of conventions. Sadly, most were forgotten not long after my plane landed at Alexandria International Airport. There was always a nagging sense of regret for spending so much money for so little in return.

Raincamp was just the opposite. The speakers were great, and the information was first rate. I remember watching the clock with dread that afternoon realizing the training would soon come to an end.

Due to logistical/financial constraints Raincamp had to go virtual. And while I did benefit from the seminar, nothing beats the real thing. How about one mega camp once a year?

Frankly I would probably attend a yearly raincamp over NAR. The training is just that good. What would you pay for a one day raincamp? I would drop 199.00 in a heartbeat, maybe more. My guess is other members would as well. How about it community...would you pay to attend an old school Raincamp?

Even though real estate can be challenging at times, I am blessed with the best clients in the world. A seller called yesterday needing to talk "face to face" right away. For those in the industry, you know such calls are rarely a good thing!

Imagine my surprise when the client handed me 6 quarts of farm fresh Louisiana Strawberries! As late as Thursday these babies were on the vine just outside Hammond, Louisiana. During the late Winter/ early Spring me client sells these delicious gems. Needless to say, residents of Alexandria scoop them off the shelf. In fact, he typically runs out of strawberries before noon.

Why the tiny picture? Needless to say my four kids jumped on them as soon as they hit the door. And a neighbor who I haven't spoken to in over a year "popped in" to say hi when the strawberries were being unloaded. I think I will keep his weed eater...

Live in the area? If so call Jerome Duncan at (318) 481-5846 for a batch of the best strawberries Louisiana has to offer. So thrilled about fresh strawberries that you want to move to Central Louisiana? If so call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today (318) 613-1994.

Can you believe that in some cultures they use these treasures as bait? Down in Alexandria, Louisiana we understand that these little critters make a handsome meal. Here are some common questions outsiders have when faced with a tray of pleasure.

1) How Are They cooked-- Though you can get them fried or in etouffee (think a thick soup), true Alexandria natives know crawfish were made to be boiled.

2) Are they hot-- Depends on the seasoning blend your crawfish chef uses. Normally the crawfish get more spicy the closer you get to the bottom of the tray. Those babies have been soaking up all the yummy juices.

3) How Much Do They cost-- Who cares? Yes they are that good...

4) How Much Should I Order--Anywhere between 4-6lbs depending on how much you enjoy life.

5) How Do I peel them-- The best meat is in the tail. Simply pick up the crawfish, twist the tail off, and peel the shell. For those wanting a little Lagniappe (Cajun for something extra) the claw meat is sweet just expect to work for it.

6) Do I Need Dipping Sauce-- Cocktail, garlic butter, and remoulade are popular with the locals. And most self respecting crawfish shacks have a house sauce.

7) Are They Healthy-- eating crawfish is a total body workout. Your eyes water, your nose will run, the stomach will expand, and well, let's just say most Cajuns keep a well stocked bathroom library.

8) When are Crawfish available-- The season depends largely on early winter rainfall. Look for the first batch around Mid-January and the last of the crop by mid-May.

Ready to move to an area blessed with such good food? If so, call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty today at (318) 613-1994.

I met Brent in line at the dorm cafeteria waaay back in the day. "Hello, my name is Brent and I'm from Vernon,Texas. Where you from"? How could I not became friends with someone like that? We became fast friends and had more fun in those few years than most folks have in a lifetime.

Sadly, our time at Stephen F Austin State University soon came to a close. By some miracle, both of us left town with a degree! I went East he went West and we soon lost touch. Fast forward 16 years...

About a month ago I got a Facebook request from him out of the blue. There on my computer screen was my partner in crime from the mid-1990's! He sure got old! My guess is he was thinking the same thing about me!

After a few Facebook messages we were finally able to talk on the phone tonight. And wouldn't you know it, that cheapskate try to get some free advice out of me. It seems he is buying a home, and since I am a Reelotor perhaps I could tell him what to offer.

Just to screw with his head I gave him all sorts of advice! Our markets could not be more different. Along the Oklahoma border things like "head of cattle" and "access to water" are critical. In Louisiana "number of sue-happy neighbors" and "keeping the darn water out" are buyer concerns.

So much like the dating advice I gave him back in 1994, my real estate tips were worthless. Near the end of the conversation I did tell him to hire a LOCAL professional. Will he do it, who knows? That boy is hard headed, but it sure was nice to talk to my friend.