Dr. Chantal Saucier

As a Realtor, I often get calls on my listings from people who are looking for homes to rent or lease (they want to know if my sellers would lease and well, most sellers actually want to sell). Unlike homes for sale which can be found in the MLS, there is no one database for rentals in Acadiana but there are a couple of places where you should look if you are looking to rent or lease a home in our area:

Quick Quarter: This is a Classifieds-only publication that comes out once a week. You can find it in convenience stores in the area and other local businesses. You can also browse online in the homes for rent section.

Homefinder: In the Sunday edition of the Daily Advertiser, there is a section called the Homefinder. While it mostly features homes for sale, some of the local property managers also advertise their rentals and you can find them in the last couple of pages of the insert. You can also browse rentals online here.

Rentology.com, the science of renting, is a web site specializing in rental properties. You can search for homes, apartments, or townhomes.

Of course, if you are looking to buy a home in our area, I would love to assist you in finding the perfect property for you.  Contact me today!

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

With interest rates remaining very low, investors are out looking for properties where they can put their money to work for them and make a profit. One way some are doing this is by flipping properties or the process of finding, fixing, and reselling homes.

The book "Flip" is, in my opinion, the best "how to" manual on the subject (and I've read a few). In fact, when I received a call from a friend last week who told me she was looking for her first flip, I told her to get a copy of the book immediately.

As with any money-making venture, there are risks involved in flipping properties. What if it doesn't sell fast once it's ready or for the price that was expected? What if the renovations end up costing more (even a lot more) than anticipated?

On the other hand, some investors are very successful with this venture. A friend of mine even quit his job after a couple of years of flippin' part time because he was making more money with this flips than with his job. He is now a full-time investor/flipper and doing very well.

The best way to approach flips is do to your homework ahead of time and make your money when you buy the property, as oppose to when you sell it. One of the key component of the process is also patience as it often takes time to find the right property at the right price. Again, "Flip" gives you the road map that will help you minimize the risks and maximize your profits.

And so, I am actively looking for properties that offer flip potential for my clients (perhaps even for myself). If you have or know of a property that has flippin' potential, please contact me today and let's make a deal!

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

This billboard made me laugh out loud when I saw it. It also made me realize that every day, we drive around and see dozens of billboards while very few will actually stick in our minds (or make us laugh). The message here is funny, memorable and to the point. Simply brilliant!

This billboard is located on Vermilion Parkway (Hwy 167) between E. Broussard Road and Maurice. You can see it if you are driving from Maurice to Lafayette on the left hand side of the road.

When is the last time you saw a sign and thought: "I wish I had come up with that idea?"

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

You may have seen signs around town that say "Vote For Amendment #1 to stay tax free" and you are wondering what it's about. This amendment on the November 19th ballot is about real estate transfer taxes, something we don't need in our state.

Louisiana is one of only 13 states that currently do not impose a real estate transfer tax when property is purchased or sold. This amendment will help it remain that way by preventing local, parish, and state governments from imposing any new tax on the sale or transfer of real property. Right now, the Louisiana constitution is silent on the subject, meaning nothing prevents governments from trying to enact this taxation. In addition, Mississippi and Texas do not have real estate transfer taxes. If Louisiana had one, it would clearly make our state less competitive and hurt property owners.

For example, if you bought a home for $150,000, a transfer tax could add as much as $3,000 (or more) to your closing costs and it would have to be paid by the buyer or the seller when the property is transferred. Real estate owners already pay property taxes. A real estate transfer tax is nothing but another tax on the same property (or double taxation).

For more information about Amendment #1, please visit  www.staytaxfree.com

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Sales remained strong in October for Lafayette and especially Acadiana where more homes were sold in October than in September.

This is good news since sales usually are slower in the fall and going into the new year.

When compared to last year, home sales in Lafayette parish were pretty much what they were in 2010 with only 5 more homes sold in October of this year.

Pending home sales have also been pretty stable. There are more pending sales in Lafayette parish this month but slightly fewer in Acadiana.

Available homes are the same this month in Lafayette parish as they were last month with 1300. In Acadiana, the inventory went down by 8 homes from 2406 homes available to 2398.

To search for homes in Acadiana and Lafayette, visit my web site.

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News