Lake Charles, LA

I am so proud to chair the 2012 Palm Sunday Weekend events and in particularily, the 37th Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes. that will celebrate the centennial of my neighborhood, the Margaret Place Historical District!

Read more on pages 34 and35. Major salute to Thrive Magazine for their coverage.

Note, a 3rd brunch has been added! Brunch ticket holders are allowed access to the nine (9) homes on the tour at 11:00.

121 Artisan's Bistro, located conveniently across from one of the 4 ticket sales areas, will now host THREE seatings: 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30! Learn more and check out the scrumptious menu.

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2012

I recently wrote a blog that was about real estate closings and the Lake Charles Market Budding With Buyers.

Sellers also are getting Spring Selling Fever, I just listed two new homes today! This recent activity just re-enforces that the Lake Charles Real Estate Market is active and healthy!

If you are a Buyer who has been waiting to purchase a home, here is a heads up that April 1st it will cost you more....FHA fees are poised to become more expensive.

"If you're considering buying a house with an FHA mortgage and expect the seller to help out with your closing costs, here's a heads-up: The Federal Housing Administration plans to impose significant restrictions on the amount of money that sellers can contribute at closing in the near future."

This is very important because most Buyers in the SW Louisiana market ask the Seller to contribute up to 6% in seller concessions.

FHA loans are one of the most popular loans next to USDA loans in our area and the rates are still historically low, if you can get a rate in the 4's or below that is incredible since the average rate since 1972 has been 8.92%

If you have been shopping for a home, get under contract NOW and save yourself some money on that FHA loan!

Head to the Iowa Rabbit Festival

March 15-17, 2012

Cute bunnies are not just for Easter here in Louisiana! Each Spring residents of Southwest Louisiana look forward to the Iowa Rabbit Festival. Southwest Louisiana is known for its festivals and the Iowa Rabbit Festival is a Top 20 Event for the Southeastern United States!

The Iowa Rabbit Festival was started in 1986. It began as a way to promote the only rabbit processing plant in the area. The first festival was held in 1987 with a small rabbit show, a parade, and booth to sale crafts. The few bands they hired played from the back of a flatbed trailer.

The festival has since grown from year to year. The processing plant is long gone, but the festival lives on. An average of 20,000 people attends the festival each year. We have added a carnival, an actual bandstand

The festival is always held the 3rd weekend in March in the Lawrence Toups, Jr. Memorial Park (formally Iowa City Park). During the festival, attendees can sample a variety of local foods. The Cook-off on the Saturday morning gives people a chance to taste rabbit cooked many ways. There are also many arts and crafts vendors displaying and selling their wares. The main attraction is, of course, the bandstand. We have at least 13 different bands playing a variety local music, including Cajun, Zydeco, and variety bands. There is also a rabbit show sponsored by the Acadiana Area Rabbit Breeders.

The Iowa Rabbit Festival is alot of fun for everyone in the family. Purchase tickets online and plan to head out to Iowa, LA on March 15-17

Everyone is always looking for Things to Do and ways to spend time with the Family and entertaining kids.

THIS IS YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA!

I have shared several of these Southwest places in previous Blogs. With Louisiana celebrating the Bicentennial of our statehood this year in 2012, The Louisiana Bicentennial Commission has shared “200 Free Things to Do” and listed below are highlights of things to do in Southwest Louisiana. For the complete list, go to the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission website — www.louisianabicentennial2012.com.

Let's visit some of the places you can enjoy and plan a family outing to experience here in Southwest Louisiana!

• Admire the Sallier Oak Tree. The 375-year-old tree at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum has withstood many hurricanes and is a sought-after spot for the avid photographer.

• Step back in time through a traditional Southern neighborhood. Explore the more than 40 blocks of Victorian homes and massive mansions in the Charpentier Historic District in downtown Lake Charles.

• Peek on into the Cottage Shops in midtown Lake Charles. These unique locally owned boutique shops are set in old cottage homes.

• Visit the Lakefront Promenade behind the Civic Center. Walk the cobblestone pathway along the lake and view the cityscape of Lake Charles.

• Picnic at Prien Lake Park. This 29-acre park features walking paths, canoe and boat launches, a children’s playground and an interactive fountain.

• Have fun in the sun at the “Brown Sugar” beaches. Fishing, shelling, birding, crabbing and relaxing can be accomplishment along the 26-mile stretch of Gulf of Mexico beaches.

• Visit the 180 mile-long Creole Nature Trail . Lush marsh, wildlife and 400 species of birds for those avid birders, you even might spot an alligator.

• 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center houses world class exhibits.

• Hop a train at the DeQuincy Railroad Museum. It offers family-friendly fun with a steam engine, passenger car and caboose on display and library located upstairs.

Lake Charles is rich in culture and history. Lake Charles has been my home for 29 years where I have enjoyed living, working and playing throughout the years. I love Lake Charles and enjoy sharing my knowledge of our city with those relocating to Lake Charles or visiting Lake Charles.

This is just glimpse of a few of the FREE things to do in Southwest Louisiana. For more on local attractions, events and festivals be sure to go online to www.visitlakecharles.org. Be sure and subscribe to my Blog where I also highlight upcoming Community events!

To learn more about Lake Charles and Lake Charles Real estate, visit my website. I am passionate about real estate and enjoy "matching people with properties"

516 Contour, Lake Charles LA

SOLD!!

Courtesy of Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Mike D Bono & Co.'s

I begin working with first time home buyers Josh and Patricia 45 days ago. They wanted to find a home in South Lake Charles that had a big backyard and was large enough for their family of 4.

We viewed about 10 homes total and kept coming back to this South Lake Charles home located in University Subdivision. University Place is located close to McNeese State University and conveniently located to everything in South Lake Charles.

516 Contour is a 57 year old home located on a large lot size of 200 x 140 with 2325 sq ft of living. This 4 bedroom 3 bath home had been renovated with new flooring, tile and updated bathrooms. Originally listed for $189,500 this home sold for $188,00 with the seller paying closing costs of $4,119 and a $419 home warranty.

We closed on time with no extension and no appraisal issues! Thanks toCraig Boudreaux at Louisiana Mortgage Associates in Lake Charles for getting this couple an awesome rate in the 3% range on an FHA 30 year Mortgage!!

This was truly a closing where everyone was all smiles!!

Congratulations Josh & Patricia!