I’m a Realtor and as such, part of my job is to let people know that I’m a Realtor. If I don’t, I will never have clients, and if I don’t have clients, I won’t be a Realtor for very much longer.*

To let people know that I’m a Realtor, I sometimes wear my name tag, I write on this blog, I use social media, I sponsor events,** and I advertise my listing and myself in different ways.

Because of this, I don’t think that a day goes by without someone asking me: “So, how’s the market?”

Dear Curious mind,

If you haven’t already conveyed to me that you are in the market to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, my initial answer to you will likely be (with a smile): “Why do you ask?”

I know. Some people really hate it when one answers a question with a question. At the same time, I’m sure you want more than: “Wow! The market is great!” Right? One thing I’ve realized over the years is that when people want to know how the market is doing, they are, in fact, wondering how they are doing in relation to the market.

Therefore, to properly answer your question, I need to know what your relation with the market is. So when I say, “Why do you ask,” I am actually asking:

• Are you thinking about buying your first home?
• Are you thinking of moving up or moving down?
• Do you want to know if now is a good time to invest in real estate and rental properties?
• You heard that your neighbor is losing his house and you wonder how it will affect you and your home’s value?
• Are you about to lose your home and you wonder what to do?
• Are you thinking about selling your home and moving to another state or country?
• Do you own a home and wonder if now is a good time to sell?
• Are you thinking about becoming a Realtor you wonder if now is a good time to get your license?

Obviously, there is a different answer to each of these questions, not to mention that home values differ from one town to the next and from one neighborhood to the next. And I know you don’t want to me to talk about investing in real estate if you are about to lose your home.

Are you wondering how the market is doing in Lafayette, LA and the Acadiana area? Go ahead, ask me, and don’t forget to tell me why you are asking!

 

* The other part of my job, of course, is to assist my clients in buying, selling or investing in real estate. Email me or Call me (wherever you are) if I can be of assistance.

 

** I’m sponsoring the 8th annual Archive Aid again this year and it is tonight (June 4th, 2011) at the Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette. Archive Aid is a fundraiser for the Archives of Cajun and Creole Folklore at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Music begins at 5 pm with main stage performances by Joe Hall, Tepetate, a Charivari Reunion and Feufollet with members of BeauSoleil. In between each performance will be front porch sessions with David Doucet, Kristi Guillory & Anya Burgess and David Greely. A minimum donation of $10 gets you in the door and allows you to enjoy complimentary traditional and veggie jambalaya (provided by yours truly and Warmbelly Catering).

 

 

You may have seen homes in the Chateau Vermilion Subdivision before, but now is definitely the time to take another look! And you are cordially invited to our Grand Re-Opening taking place Sunday, June 12th, from 2 to 4 pm at 8940 Rue Blanc in Chateau Vermilion. Refreshments and snacks will be served as you view our newest model home for sale.

“We are excited about the new direction our subdivision is taking,” said Vince Hayward of Champion Homes, the builder. “We are now building custom cottage style brick homes, on slab, and we can be as creative as buyers want us to be.”

The newest cottage is now ready to move in and it is, without a doubt, the best value for the money in the North Vermilion area and the Maurice school district. Well built and energy efficient, this home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, 1490 square feet of living area, a large double carport and the lot is nearly ½ acre (70 X 260)!

Other features of this home include: vaulted ceilings in the living room and in the master bedroom, beautiful stained concrete floors in living, dining, and kitchen areas, stainless steel appliances, and a beautiful glass backsplash in the kitchen. The master suite is roomy, especially the master bath with double vanities, separate shower and tub, and a large walk-in closet with built-ins.

“Our goal was to build a home with the best possible features at a price people can afford,” said Hayward. “Buyers like the open and split floor plans, the tall ceilings, the crown molding, and stainless appliances. We are giving them all of that, and more!”

In addition, the subdivision features a small lake with fountain in the back where there is now a covered picnic area and small fishing pier for the residents to enjoy. 

Think you can’t afford such a home? Think again!

Chateau Vermilion qualifies for 100% financing through the Rural Development program, which means that you can live in this home for less than $1,000/month, including mortgage principal & interest, homeowner’s insurance, and Property taxes (principal & interest only is $808/month). In addition, the seller is offering $3,500 toward buyer’s closing costs.

There are also other lots available and plans to choose from with homes starting in the 140Ks.

Chateau Vermilion is located just 5 miles south of Maurice on Hwy 167 and it is in the Maurice Elementary and North Vermilion High School district.

From Maurice, head south on Hwy 167. The subdivision will be on your left immediately after you cross the intersection of Hwy 696. From Abbeville, head north on Hwy 167 for 2.5 miles, the subdivision is on your right before you cross Hwy 696.

We look forward to seeing you for our Grand Re-Opening on June 12th from 2 to 4pm or come for our next open house on June 29th between 2 and 4pm.

For those of us living near the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, June 1st marks the beginning of the hurricane season.

A few days ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its predictions for 2011.

12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which: 

6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including: 

3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Click here to read the full article on NOAA’s website.

 

One thing they can’t predict is the trajectory these hurricanes will take and the areas they will affect.

The truth is, hurricanes can be, and often are, destructive in many ways, including with high winds, tornadoes, flooding, and storm surges for those living near the coasts.

Do you have a plan?

We are need to be prepared and have a plan ahead of time. In addition, homeowners should be aware of their home’s weaknesses and how it might be affected by high winds and flooding. While we all need to have a family plan, homeowners also need a plan to secure their home.

The NOAA website is filled with information and tips on how to prepare for hurricanes. Unless you want to be scrambling to secure your home and your family once you know a hurricane is heading your way, now is the time to evaluate your emergency preparedness and establish a plan.

Photos from NOAA

RED Day was a success once again here in Lafayette, LA as it was across North America. RED Day (Renew, Energize, Donate) is “an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates from across the United States and Canada participate in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve.” (From KW. To read more, click here.)

Our market center, Keller Williams Realty Acadiana, traveled back to the Acadian Village and helped by painting the tables and benches used in the village’s event hall. They most definitely needed it!

The first picture below is of all the benched and tables we painted.

The Village was created to serve three purposes. It preserves a piece of early Acadian heritage. Also, its revenues benefit LARC (Lafayette Association of Retarded Citizens) by helping to offset government cuts to the program and by providing employment for LARC clients. With RED Day, Keller Williams saved the Acadian Village thousands of dollars in paint labor and I believe I speak from all of us when I say that we had a wonderful day!

PS: I can’t believe it’s already been a week since RED Day and I am just now getting to this post. There is so much going on every spring with real estate, festivals, and on our farm that I am constantly trying to catch up, or so it seems.

It is still a great time to buy in Lafayette, LA and Acadiana. Click on the logo below to visit my web site and search for your dream home!

I will be hosting an open house at 8940 Rue Blanc in Abbeville this Sunday, May 15th, from 1 to 3pm. Come join me and view this beautiful new construction in the Chateau Vermilion subdivision.

This darling cottage features:

• Beautiful stained concrete floors in living areas
• Vaulted ceilings in living room and master bedroom
• Glass tile back splash in the kitchen
• Crown molding throughout
• Large master suite
• Double carport
• Half acre lot (70X260)!
• Maurice elementary and North Vermilion High School district
• And more!

There are other plans and lots to choose from. This home also qualifies for Rural Development financing (100%) and the seller is offering $3,500 towards closing costs!

Directions: From Lafayette, head south on Hwy 167 (Johnston Street), Chateau Vermilion will be on your left immediately after you pass the intersection of Hwy 696 and before your reach Abbeville.

Come view this home between 1 and 3pm, Sunday May 15th or call me to set up an appointment.