Tag: eXp Realty

PHRESH SOAP IS BACK! ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #35

November 3, 2017

PHRESH Is Back On Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #35!

Back in March of This Year PHRESH opened up and they allowed me to feature them on Ascension Parish Coffee Talk (to see the original show click here PHRESH SOAP CO. #2) I thought it would be time to check back in with them to see how things are going here in Ascension Parish. Cheri Wilson took time out of her busy schedule (no joke this woman also is helping open a new restaurant in Prairieville “Industry Grill” right next to the old Check Engine building, FYI that opens November 10th) to share with us how the store looks now since the opening and some of the new products they have brought in since March.

BATH BOMBS BY PHRESH, IN ASCENSION PARISH
3 LARGE BATH BOMBS BY PHRESH IN ASCENSION PARISH LOUISIANA

If you are unaware of PHRESH you have to check it out their fantastic selection of bath bombs, fresh cut soaps, body butter’s, sugar scrubs and lip balms that will make anyone smile. With the holiday season creeping up on us soon enough, it would be a great time to stock up on stocking stuffers. If you have teenagers they LOVE bath bombs and we all know how tough it can be to choose the right kind gift for them. You can’t go wrong with PHRESH’s bath bombs and body butter’s that smell absolutely heavenly. They even have some shaped like cupcakes, always a great way to make a bath time fun. If you want to take a look at some of their unique products you can visit their website @ https://phreshsoap.com/ or if you favor social media they post on Facebook often @ https://www.facebook.com/phreshsoap/ they also have an Instagram account @phreshsoap

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #35 PHRESH SOAP SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA SITES FOR PHRESH SOAP

 

PHRESH Soap location in Prairieville is in The Ultima Plaza

37459 Ultima Plaza Blvd.
Suite E
Prairieville, LA 70769
To Call Them Directly (225) 677-7627

They also have a kiosk in the Mall Of Louisiana in the lower level of the mall

Ascension Parish is growing by leaps and bounds, PHRESH soap is another great business making our area a wonderful place to live. If you’d like a home close to PHRESH you can visit my website @ yourrealestatewhiserer.com. If you’d like to know more about buying homes here in Ascension Parish please feel free to download my FREE ebook @https://goo.gl/ux3mYz.

My Name is Kristina Smallhorn, Your Real Estate Whisperer For Ascension Parish, And I Tell You All This “Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
eXp Realty LLC
2900 Westfork Dr
Baton Rouge LA 70817
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
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Your Real Estate Whisperer Kristina Smallhorn "Because YOU Matter"
Your Real Estate Whisperer For Ascension Parish, Kristina Smallhorn.

 

Fall Flower Beds Looking Scared From The Summer Heat?

October 3, 2017

So What Do Your Flower Beds Look like Here In Louisiana?
Mine, Look Disgraceful And If You Are Trying To Sell Your Home Now Is The Time To Spruce It Up! I Went To Louisiana Nursery, To Get John MacMillians Opinion Of What Was The Best Plants To Add.

Need More Curb appeal for selling your home in the fall season?

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When selling a home during the fall months in South Louisiana it is still important to keep your yard looking its best (even though the grass has now turned brown and the green luster not to come back until the spring). I’ve listed some things below that could help your prospective buyers still be in awe of your yard, ignoring those brown blades of hay-looking grass.

  1. Rake your yard from falling leaves. This alone can make a yard look fresh in comparison to other homes that are for sale.

  2. Plant fall flowers and put a lot in. I say it to my clients almost as a joke, but I’m slightly serious as well. If you see an empty spot in your flower beds and add as many fall flowers as you can. Nothing makes a house feel more like home than bright flowers to greet you before you enter. I found that pine straw works best here in Louisiana instead of mulch because of our heavy rains we get here.

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  1. Add color to your front door. If it needs painting, now is the perfect time to do it. A nice fall colored wreath can add a nice dress-up to the entry making the first impression inviting.

  2. Outdoor lighting. As the days become shorter, now is a good time to invest in some great outdoor lighting, A well-lit home from the outside always adds great curb appeal.

  3. Pot Some Plants- If your home doesn’t have many flowerbeds that you can add to, you can spruce up your outside by getting large flower pots and adding flowers with color in those. That always looks charming around a home.

 

  1. Don’t forget to clean out those gutters and pick up any toys and lawn hoses.

Clean and paint your mailbox.

This is a rarely thought about item in your yard but used almost daily. A fresh coat of paint on a tired mailbox can make your home stand out as being well kept. This time of year it is typical for the market does slow down a bit.  Don’t take for granted how your outside decor can attract buyers. Sometimes the yard alone is what sells the house.

“Because YOU Matter”
Kristina Smallhorn
kristina.smallhorn@exprealty.com
Your Real Estate Whisperer
eXp Realty LLC
2900 Westfork Dr. Suite 401
Baton Rouge LA 70817
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg
Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana

 

Did You Know You Could FREEZE Your Property Taxes In Ascension Parish?

September 12, 2017

Do You Know You Could  Freeze Your Ascension Parish Property Tax Assessment?

A few weeks back I was sitting in a closing with an older couple who were selling their home here in Ascension Parish and moving closer to their children. When the closing attorney was getting to the part about property taxes, he said something about their frozen property taxes.

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I had never heard of this before and was a little disappointed with myself being a REALTOR® in Ascension Parish I should know something about it. I leaned into the table and asked the listing agent across from me “Did you know about this, frozen taxes?” She shrugged and said “No”. After that, I felt a little better but wanted to know more so I can tell the people of Ascension Parish about how they could save money.

So what is “Freezing Your Taxes?”

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Homeowners who become 65 can permanently freeze their assessments if they have an adjusted gross income below the scheduled amount. How much is that amount? When my parents went to the tax assessors office in Ascension Parish it was $72,000.00. The woman at the office was extremely friendly and was really willing to answer all my parent’s questions about their property taxes.

So How Do I Go About “Freezing Them?

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It is simple to apply. You must go in person to the Ascension Parish Tax Assessors office with a copy of your latest tax return and your driver’s license. You only need apply once, as you do not have to reapply every year.

The special assessment is permanent as long as you continue to qualify: That means you continue to own and reside in your home. In addition, your adjusted gross income cannot exceed the scheduled amount and the value of your house does not increase more than 25% due to any new construction.

If the owner dies, the special assessment passes to the surviving spouse who has minor children or who is 55 or older and meets the other qualifications. Veterans who are at least 50% permanently disabled also qualify to for the special assessment freeze.

In Louisiana, a property is reassessed every 4 years, so don’t wait to freeze your tax assessment.

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If you do qualify this could save you money in the future. Please share this information with anyone you know that could possibly qualify. I want everyone in Ascension Parish to save money, Why? “Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn

Your Real Estate Whisperer

eXp Realty LLC

2900 Westfork Dr. Suite 401

Baton Rouge LA 70817

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

Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana 

“Because YOU Matter”

 

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #23 Part 3- Linda Burt’s Her Story With Having Flood Insurance And Her Effort To Rebuild.

August 17, 2017

 

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk- Part 3 of Episode #23. Linda Burt.

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Linda Burt explains the exhausting process of rebuilding with having flood insurance. There are no real answers that have been giving to her by FEMA and she is unsure if she will be able to restore her home which sits on a 10-acre lot in Denham Springs Louisiana. Sondra Richard interviews Ms. Burt extensively to try to understand why FEMA isn’t helping her with answers and if she will be able to stay on her land with the FEMA trailer that was provided by the federal government. 

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The answers are unclear from the government, Although Ms. Burt is grateful for the home she was given temporarily, she’d still like to know if she will be able to keep her beloved home.

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Kristina Smallhorn
kristina.smallhorn@exprealty.com
yourrealestatewhisperer.com
Your Real Estate Whisperer
eXp Realty LLC
2900 Westfork Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70817
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
Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana

****music by bensound.com****

Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because You Matter”

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #23 Part 2- JD Pence One Year After The Flood

August 17, 2017

 

One year after the 2016 August flood many families are still struggling to get back home. Delay’s with the response from the federal government has left many with only a few months in their FEMA trailers left until the deadline. There has been no official answer if these families will be forced from their temporary housing, some of them including JD Pence, wasn’t given his trailer until February of this year. Please watch his story all the way to the end, he more than deserves to be heard.

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Music by: bensound.com

Kristina Smallhorn

kristina.smallhorn@exprealty.com
Your Real Estate Whisperer
eXp Realty LLC
2900 Westfork Dr. Baton Rouge LA, 70827
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
Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana

 

Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because You Matter”

3 Myths About Home Inspections In Ascension Parish.

August 8, 2017

 

The Home Inspection in Ascension Parish- What you need to know.

Anytime you purchase a home in Ascension Parish you have the right to get a home inspection. There is no “Pass or Fail” 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 so they can 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.

pass-or-fail

Time Frame-

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

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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.

Does the seller 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 whacker 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 costs to them for the requested repairs. In turn, the buyers’ get 72 hours to respond to the sellers’ response to the report. This means that if the seller chooses to only make half of the repairs requested, then 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.

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

Yes, the buyer can request, instead of the seller, to make the repairs so 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 the bathroom plumbing. As I sat, I began to feel water dripping on my head. I looked 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. They 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.

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It’s important for buyers to hire a professional inspector since 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

225-246-1812

eXp Realty LLC, 2900 Westfork Dr. Baton Rouge LA 70827

Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149

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Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana 

Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because YOU Matter”

5 Thing’s To Consider Before You Decide To Build Your Ascension Parish Home.

August 1, 2017

 

To Build Or Not To Build In Ascension Parish. 5 Things To Consider

That always seems to be the question here in Ascension Parish and all over the Greater Baton Rouge area. With so many new homes popping up with all the new upgrades, it’s hard not to be tempted by the “shiny new penny” home. Before you jump right into the idea of “new” here are a few things to consider when buying new in our area.

1. You’ll have to buy all new window treatments.dinner-table-663435_640

It doesn’t seem that a few blinds would cost that much but consider each window, some windows are not the “standard” size so you’ll have to pay for custom blinds on those windows. What about the front door windows that looked so pretty with that amazing arch, guess what? Those are custom as well (For the love of God, please don’t put straight blinds over the archway windows. Trust me, everyone notices and it looks like you were being cheap)

2. Sod.

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Many home builders here in the Greater Baton Rouge area, will only sod the front yard leaving the back yard looking like a giant mushy mud puddle. (don’t even think about walking back there after it rains, you’re gonna lose a shoe or possibly a small puppy) You could go the inexpensive route by seeding the backyard but I assure you you’ll spend the next ten years trying to combat the weeds and you’ll get very little “real” grass.

3. Appliances

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Sure you have a new stove, microwave, and oven that is part of the home purchase but what about the refrigerator? You have to buy one that fits the space the builder has made for the fridge. You could try to fit your old one in there but unless it’s stainless steel and matches the other appliances it will stick out like a sore thumb. Also note, most home builders will not provide a washer or dryer either.

4. Setting up your alarm system.

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When you buy a new home they sometimes have an alarm system already set up. This will have to be monitored by a company to be the most useful. Many homes built in Ascension Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge area have been prewired for alarms but you have to pay to have a company come out to add the system. This will cost you for initial setup and a monthly fee for monitoring. (We are talking hundreds of dollars)

5. “Dang it! My tire has a nail in it!”new-home-1664302_640

 

If you are moving to a new neighborhood with more construction being done, you can count on getting nails in your tires. I nearly have a standing appointment at the tire place to have roofing nails removed, worse yet, to have a whole new tire put on.

In closing, I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy a new home, I just got one myself in 2014 and couldn’t be happier. I just want you to be aware of added expenses that you may have not thought of.)

“Because YOU Matter”

Your Real Estate Whisperer-Kristina Smallhorn

Kristina Smallhorn

kristina.smallhorn@exprealty.com

Your Real Estate Whisperer

eXp Realty LLC

LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601

225-246-1812

Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149

Like Me On Facebook

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Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana 
Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because YOU Matter”

Take A Tip Tuesday, Moving Checking List For Your First Night In Your Ascension Parish Home.

July 25, 2017

Checklist: What You Need Your First Night In Your New Home.

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The first night in a new home is super exciting but also hectic. We tend to forget about the little things when the boxes start arriving that we will need. Here is a checklist of items that you should have with you as soon as you get the keys to your new home.

The Must Haves

  1. Toilet paper
  2. hand soap
  3. toothpaste
  4. tooth brushes
  5. bedding
  6. clean towels
  7. clean clothes for the next day (just in case you can’t find your clothing boxes)

For the Kids

  1. A full complete diaper bag
  2. Sleep wear and a change of clothes
  3. soft blankets and or sleeping bag
  4. night-light
  5. a small amount of toys
  6. coloring books and crayons
  7. DVD portable for watching movies

FOOD!

  1. Crackers and chip’s
  2. Plastic utensils
  3. Paper towels and napkins
  4. Take out menu’s of local restaurants
  5. Granola bars and breakfast type foods
  6. A cooler full of ice
  7. COFFEE Maker and all the items to make that magical brew. (coffee cups)
  8. Any pet food, pet beds and chew toy for your fur babies
  9. Bottled water

Thing’s you didn’t think of.

  1. Hammer and picture nails
  2. Trash bags
  3. Kitchen scissors
  4. Screwdrivers
  5. Flash light
  6. Chargers for all your devices you carry
  7. Pen and paper
  8. Sharpie markers (keep them from the kids, lol)
  9. Checkbook
  10. Important documents like birth certificates and social security cards.

These are just a few main things that I always carry with me when I move. Hopefully, this will help from not having to run out as soon as you walk into your new home. Congratulations! It’s now time to celebrate.

“Because YOU  Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn 

Your Real Estate Whisperer

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

“Because YOU Matter”

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #20, Sunset Smoothie In Prairieville Louisiana.

July 21, 2017

 

 

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE #20, SUNSET SMOOTHIE!!

When you are stuck in traffic, want a meal replacement or an after workout protein shake, Sunset Smoothie has you covered. Their large menu of custom made smoothie will suit just about everyone’s palate.

These are not the typical ice down smoothies you may get at other places, their recipe calls for milk and their own in house made protein powder. Not a fan of milk, lactose intolerant or vegan? They have those bases covered as well, all you have to do is ask.

Tyler Terrebonne shared that his shop added sandwich wraps over time that has been a big hit (I personally tried one and it really was amazing) Tyler also said for the super busy he provides a meal prep service. Perfect for the busy body builder or person training for a big event and doesn’t have the time or energy to do it themselves.

If you are looking for a cool down to beat the summer heat make sure to visit Tyler Terrebonne @Sunset Smoothie and tell him The Real Estate Whisperer sent you, “Because YOU Matter”Kristina Smallhorn

Your Real Estate Whisperer

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

*** Music provided By http://www.bensound.com/ *****

“Because YOU Matter”

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #17-Save Ali’s Sweet Shoppe!

July 7, 2017

 

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #17- Help Save Ali’s Sweet Shoppe!

I’ve always had a soft spot for young people taking life by the horns and trying to make a business at an early age. I met just that person this week, Ali Duplessis of Ali’s Sweet Shoppe, opened a Sno-Ball stand right outside the Tanger Mall in Ascension Parish. This twenty-one-year-old woman took her idea, own money and bought herself a Sno-Ball stand. She carefully made sure to get the proper license, approvals and lease from the Tanger Mall so she could be located right where the action is. As you know, It gets hot going from shop to shop around the Tanger Mall and she had the wherewithal to set up her Sno-Ball stand and do it the right way. Hours after opening her first day, she was approached to shut down the stand, told she wasn’t allowed to have it at the location she was given permission to be at but they would give her a special pass for a few days to find a new location.

Ali had made her business plan early on and made sure she would have the location she desired the correct way. Only to be shut down a few hours into opening because someone else had made a mistake, This is a costly mistake for a young girl just starting off in business but the part that burns my hide is that she made sure prior to putting up the stand. She HAD planned ahead, she did all the right things but that didn’t matter.

My goal for this young entrepreneur is for the people of Ascension Parish to rally for Ali’s Sweet Shoppe so Ali will be able to keep the location she worked hard to get in the first place. Please Share this video with everyone you know so they can help her save her location. We are counting on YOU Ascension Parish.

“Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
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

 

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