Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Archives • Page 3 of 3 • Your Real Estate Whisperer

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #14- Droop!

June 9, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #14 – Droop.

Mark Taylor started a Facebook Fan Page sometime back in 2009. This page started out as an admiration for the man they call Droop and ended up turning into something much bigger. Fans from across the world have liked the page. People posting Droop sightings throughout the Parish. Occasionally snapping a picture of him at the local Wal-Mart or just riding along Black Bayou Rd. Over the years the page kind of took on a life of its own. Droop has gotten older and he is not able to get around as well as he used to. After a car accident in July of 2016 many people in the Parish heard about Droop being hit by a car. The Parish rallied around their beloved Droop; getting him a recliner chair and other supplies he may need while he recovered.

What I love about our community of Ascension Parish is our ability to see the humility in people. We as a community truly care and show this to Droop when he is in need. With the help of Mark Taylor’s, Facebook Fan Page and the caring members of our community Droop over the years has received a new bike, t-shirts and even a snowball or two from some young kids who were passing by.

You may or may not see the man who rides his bike almost daily, collecting cans or just taking a tour of his beloved Ascension Parish. Never bothering a soul, just living his life in the simplest way, earning money on his daily bike adventures. But if you do see him, make sure you shoot a wave and a smile it will surely make his day.

Thank you, Mark Taylor, for continuing to help out Droop and further the page along over the years. I know you never wanted to make the Droop Facebook Page about you but you sure have made it something that everyone in Ascension Parish can smile about. Just another reason why these simple acts of kindness make me love the Parish of Ascension.

“Because YOU Matter”
Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
http://kristinasmallhorn.brl.exprealty.com/
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatWhisperer/
https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievillerealestate/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk-What Happens When You Apply For A Home Loan?

June 2, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #13

I wanted to show the people of Ascension Parish the in’s and out’s of the loan process when buying a home. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that we never get to see. Even as a realtor, I was unaware how all their systems worked.

In today’s episode, I was able to go to GMFS lending again and meet the family of employees that work there. Ryan Larussa discusses the process a new home buyer goes through when he meets them for the first time and introduces his team of employees to us. We also meet other members of GMFS Lending, Carol Gremillion discusses with us the reverse mortgage programs that GMFS has to offer, Aaron Taravella, Doug Bickley and Toby Arceneaux pop in to say “hello” to the Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Family. My daughter, Aubrey Smallhorn does the audio duties this week as she takes on her new role as “Your Real Estate Assistant”

Make sure to watch this all the way to the end and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any new episodes. I post every Friday at 8:30 am every Friday. Why? “Because YOU Matter”

Looking For A Project To Do In Ascension Parish? Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #12

May 26, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #12, SLIME!

This week I changed things up a bit since the Ascension Parish schools had let out just a day ago. The first days of summer are always the easiest. Kids are not bellowing yet “I’m bored” but as you know, Here in Ascension Parish we have some pretty crazy rainy days. Kids won’t be able to go to the neighborhood pool or play outside with their friends on those days. So this video will give you an inside project to do.

Slime!!

I know if you have young children you must have heard of this craze for making slime. It’s all over YouTube and if you are one of my facebook friends you know I have posted pictures of all these slime making supplies often. I have no clue what the appeal is for the kids of Ascension Parish but they love this stuff. I personally am not a lover of the slime but it doesn’t bother me either. To hear them laugh and giggle, turning themselves into mad scientists in the kitchen, it’s quite funny.

The ingredients,
Borax
Warm Water
Elmers Glue
Mixing Tools
Shaving Cream
Parental Supervision

The ingredients in these products are pretty safe when used with parental supervision. I have read some stories online of children being burned making slime but this has never happened with either of my children. If this concerns you, you may want to have your children wear gloves (still wash afterward properly).Make sure to keep the borax solution away from eyes, nose, mouth and ears. After making your slime be sure to wash your hands properly. My oldest daughter wanted to point out that if you have a cut or open sore you may want to wear gloves at those times as well so that the sores don’t burn or become infected.

Hopefully, The people of Ascension Parish don’t want to kill me for posting my kids recipe for slime. I just wanted to share something I know parents could do with their children on a rainy day when school is out. “Because YOU Matter”

If you’d like some more information on Ascension Parish homes that you and your kids can make slime in, you can always visit my website at yourrealestatewhisperer.com

“Because YOU Matter”
Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
http://kristinasmallhorn.brl.exprealt…
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatW…
https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievill…
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0L…

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk, Inspection Connection-Episode #11

May 19, 2017

The Home Inspection

Anytime you purchase a home in Ascension Parish or Anywhere in Louisiana. You have the right to inspection. There is no “Pass or Fail” grading to a home inspection. It just helps the buyers make a clear knowledgeable decision to what problems, if any may be wrong with the home. Some sellers have a pre-inspection done on the home to know of any unseen problems and make the repairs prior to listing. I’d still strongly advise getting your own inspector to look over the home when you have your inspection time. I’m listing some things you should know about the inspection period of a signed purchase agreement.

Time Frame-

Most purchase offers the state a ten day inspection period, but that, of course, that time frame can be negotiated. During this time the buyers have the right to have the home inspected at their expense. This means the can hire or not hire anyone to go over the home to detect problems that may not be known to the seller.

Who gets to inspect the home?-

Like I said before, anyone can inspect the home for the buyers. A licensed inspector holds more weight than let’s say your cousin who does home improvements for a living. The buyer can also have a structural engineer inspect the foundation, Have another inspector check for mold and another to take soil samples for various reasons. They can hire whomever they want during this ten day period to look over the home. These inspections are always approved by the sellers to allow the buyers to do this prior to the appointment. They can’t just show up during this time unannounced.

Do the sellers have to do all the items the inspectors find?

The best answer for this is NO! Inspectors can find major problems and not so major problems. An A/C not working properly is an issue for concern. Chipped paint from a weed wacker along the hardy board on the side of the house, not so major.

How long do the sellers and buyers have to respond to the request?

In the state of Louisiana, they have 72 hours after receipt of inspection request to respond to the repair request. This time frame is for the sellers to make calls and get quotes for the cost to them of the requested repairs. In turn, the buyers get 72 hours to respond to the seller’s response to the report. Meaning if the seller chooses to only half the repairs requested the buyer has the same amount of time to get quotes and make decisions to the items that were declined from repair.

Do I still have to buy the home if the seller doesn’t want to make repairs?

Unless stated in the agreement prior, the buyer does not have to buy the home if the seller is unwilling or incapable of making repairs. As long as the inspections were done within the time frame allotted for inspection.

Can the sellers negotiate the price if repairs aren’t going to be made?

Yes, The buyer can request instead of the seller making the repairs that either the sales price can be reduced or the buyer can receive closing costs. This part is something you can negotiate after you have determined the costs of the requested repairs.

Many things can and will happen during the inspection period. At a more recent inspection, I was in the kitchen as the inspector was checking a bathroom plumbing. As I sat, I began to felt water dripping on my head. I look up and the A/C drip pan was leaking from the ceiling. The inspection ended right there. The sellers had no idea that there was a problem but the buyers didn’t want the home when they saw this. The thought the sellers were trying to dump their problems on an unsuspecting buyer. This wasn’t the case but you can see how the buyers would feel like this.

It’s important for buyers to hire a professional inspector, this example was more obvious than other problems that could come up. If you are concerned about issues with your home prior to listing you may want to consider a pre-inspection. I tell you all of this “Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because YOU Matter”
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatWhisperer/
https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievillerealestate/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #10, Shake Ya Tails Crawfish!

May 12, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #10, Shake YA Tails Crawfish.

Two local boys have started a side business on the weekends selling Louisiana’s finest spillway crawfish. Brian Schexnaydre and his good buddy Danny Armond have taken their childhood passion of catching crawfish for small dinners to now bringing large sacks to sell to the people of Ascension Parish. All you have to do is call to order in advance. Brian and Danny share their way of boiling an amazingly delicious pot of crawfish, the right way in my opinion. They share their tips and tricks to how long to soak them and cool them off. I know from trying their recipe they come out PERFECT. Make sure to contact them in advance of the Mother’s day weekend to get your sacks ordered.

“Because YOU Matter”
Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
eXp Realty LLC.
kristinasmallhorn.exprealty.com
225-246-1812
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see all the local businesses I feature each week.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #9 Athletes In Motion, BLOG.

May 5, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #9 AIM GYM, Athletes In Motion
I know many of you in Ascension Parish have driven past the large white building on Airline Hwy with the big red letters that read ATHLETES IN MOTION. I also know that you probably were aware of their wonderful gymnastics program after seeing many photo posts on Facebook of little gymnasts, (in perfectly wrapped in a bun) hairdo’s with several medals wrapped around their necks. But many of you didn’t know they offer SO MUCH more!

AIM offers a wide variety of activities for children including recreational gymnastics, competitive gymnastics, summer day camp, birthday parties, and specialty camps, AIM KIDZ, offers daycare and a before/after school program.

Summer Camp!

For ALL 10 weeks of the summer, they have a fantastic summer program. This is for children as young as 2 years old. The kids will not be in your ear all summer saying “ Mom, I’m bored ”.
Like Kayla the camp director said, “ We like them to go home tired ” and they really do. I know from personal experience of having my child there she always coming home from summer camp smiling and tired.

AIM KIDZ

They have a great pre-school child care program. The building is separate from the large gym in the front and has an open concept learning center. The kids are served breakfast, lunch, and snack so no need to pack anything for them, it is included.

Party Time

Two Saturdays a month Athletes in Motion will host a private party for your child. (Not during the summer months) No other parties are scheduled, so your private party is just that, PRIVATE. The kids will get to play in the gym at the KIDZ Corner and you as the parent get to see from the clear glass observing room from up above. It’s really neat to watch the kids bounce around and jump in the foam pit.

To Contact AIM
225-673-4966
15074 Airline Hwy
Prairieville, LA 70769
Owner/ Manager: Michelle aimmanager@eatel.net
Owner/Team Director: Shelley gymgemcoach@me.com
Office Manager: Leigh aimleigh@eatel.net
Billing: Karen aimbilling@eatel.net
Summer & Holiday Camp Director, Field Trips: Kayla aimkayla@eatel.net
Recreational Gymnastics Director: Chad aimchad@eatel.net

You have to go and see it inside, I didn’t feature all the separate rooms they use during the camp season. Call or Go in and a member of their staff will take you on a tour and get you set up for the upcoming 2017 camp season.

I tell you all this “Because YOU Matter”

Your Real Estate Whisperer
yourrealestatewhisperer.com
Kristina Smallhorn
Cell 225-246-1812
EXP REALTY, LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-412-9982 ext 149
Kristina Smallhorn is a Licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #8, Sal Palmisano Ster-L-Kleen.

April 28, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #8 “Ster-L-Kleen”!

This week’s show, Sal Palmisano will discuss his company Ster-L-Kleen. I believe to be one of the most important companies I’ve brought on the show. Mostly because so many homes have been affected in Ascension Parish by mold and moisture intrusion since the great flood of 2016. Unknown allergens have been floating in the air that could be keeping you sick. I know we in Ascension Parish have mold and we always will with this moisture-rich area but if there was a way to clean your air inside your home, wouldn’t you? Well, there is Ster-L-Kleen. Ster-L-Kleen has 2 different techniques that will make your home smelling fresh and your air a lot cleaner for nearly a year.

I know from personal experience in one of my Ascension Parish rental homes that this really does work. I had Ster-L-Kleen come out and do a shock treatment of Ozone and by the next day, you’d never known that the house had been closed up for nearly five years with no AC, mind you. So you can only imagine how that smelled with our wild weather here in Ascension Parish.
If you’d like a chance to win an ozone shock treatment for free you can like my Facebook Page and Ster-l-kleens as well. Ster-L-Kleens Facebook Link & Your Real Estate Whisperer Facebook Link Do Forget to LIKE the Pages to win!

Your Real Estate Whisperer

Kristina Smallhorn

“Because YOU Matter”

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #7, Galvez Hardware & Outdoor Kitchen

April 21, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #7

This week I stopped into one of my husband’s favorite hardware stores. It’s located right off Highway 42 right next to the Sonic fast-food restaurant.

The warm and friendly staff are not the only thing that will have you coming back. They have a wide selection of outdoor kitchen supplies, Yeti products, replacement hoses for your propane tanks and grills and of course everything hardware.

Donna Bruno, the store’s manager was kind enough to take me on a tour, explaining to the Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Audience, all the cool products they have. Each isle has a new adventure of products and services that Galvez Hardware and Outdoor Cooking has to offer.

Stop in for yourself, There was no way to feature all the items they have to offer the people of Ascension Parish or I’d still be filming them. Tell them I sent ya. “Because YOU Matter”

On A side note, I couldn’t pass up on that pirogue and I got the green on for my husband to do crawfish this weekend.

Your Real Estate Whisperer

Kristina Smallhorn

eXp Realty LLC.

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #6 Your Customers Shoes

April 14, 2017

This week I was able to catch up with the owner of Your Customers Shoes, Elle Robertson. She has been a big part of my transformation into the social media marketing world and really has transformed my view of business on the internet, The best part about it, she’s LOCAL!. She has focused her expertise for businesses of Ascension Parish.

To see the full interview of “Your Customers Shoes” Click here

Elle Robertson dropped her busy schedule to discuss her new business she has started. Even though this is a new business for Ascension Parish she has been in the business world for some time. She was the owner of a million dollars company that she single-handedly built from the ground up and she’s able to pass along her great skill in social media, website and personal branding onto you the customer.

What’s In A Name?

Her clever name for her business came from the simple concept of looking into a business she is working with and seeing it from the customers’ viewpoint. With that information, she is able to tailor a website, social media, and branding for your company. In the sea of the internet, Your Customers Shoes will find your businesses “niche” by locating your target customers for your area. Letting your customers feel more connected to you and your business.

When you hire “Your Customers Shoes” how much is it?, (From the Owner, Elle Roberson)

********It takes 6-8 weeks to complete this adventure, depending on how quickly you respond to things like your new logo, slogan, and website design. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can reach more of your local customers and increase your revenue.

How much does a single paying customer bring to your business? For example, if you are a local daycare in Ascension Parish, then your weekly rate is somewhere between $120-$250. We will use the lower figure for this example.

Each new customer brings in roughly $480 per month ($120 x 4 Weeks Per Month). This translates to $5,760 per year ($480 x 12). This is just for one customer. As we all know, we refer people to the businesses that we know, like and trust. Let’s assume that this one new customer ultimately brings three new families to your daycare over the course of the few years that their children attend your daycare. This is a very realistic situation, as I myself have referred at least three families to my children’s daycare center.

Those three customers each bring in $5760 per year, and that’s if they only have one child each. Children typically attend their daycare center for 4 years, so this one new customer will ultimately contribute $23,040 ($5760 x 4). When you add in the other three families, the new increase in revenue is $69,120 ($23,040). The total is $71,420 ($23,040 + $69,120). That’s roughly a $70,000 increase in revenue for gaining one new customer.

I take care of everything on the list below, so that you can focus on running your business. I am not a ‘website designer’. I am a trained and certified Customer Experience Designer with more than 13 years of experience. I live locally here in Ascension Parish, so I am a part of your community.

If you are interested in connecting with more of your local customers to grow your brand, my greatest joy would be to have the opportunity to serve your business in this way. I love connecting local businesses with their ideal customers to grow a dedicated and loyal customer base. Let’s find your local customers together.

************via, yourcustomersshoes.com*********************************

If you’d like to connect with Your Customers Shoes visit their website @ yourcustomersshoes.com or email them at info@yourcustomersshoes.com

I can say from own personal experience that “Your Customers Shoes” has reshaped my whole business plan in an exciting way. I’m so happy to have someone local to Ascension Parish that can help our community in this way. If you are looking for examples of what she can do for you, you can always visit my website @ yourrealestatewhisperer.com.