3 Myths About Home Inspections In Ascension Parish.

 

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.

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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 

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #22, Louisiana Nursery Home & Garden Showcase.

 

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #22, Louisiana Nursery Home & Garden Showcase

Located @ 39245 Highway 42 In Prairieville 70769

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John MacMillan was kind enough to let me stop in and give the people of Ascension Parish a private tour of Louisiana Nursery Home & Garden Showcase.  This is not just a place for plants, they have got a ton of items for your outdoor needs.
 
Their selection of outdoor plants will work perfectly with our Louisiana climate they also have pottery, outdoor decor, wind chimes and bird feeders, the list goes on and on. You can spend hours here just looking around but if you need more help with your outdoor garden and yard their friendly knowledgeable staff are more than eager to help.
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John also said that if you have any issues with your plants they can help you with the correct type of treatment for them. Bring a picture of the diseased plant and a clipping then they can prescribe the right kinds of chemicals to bring your plants back to life. Such a great service to offer the people of Ascension Parish.
 
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If you’d like to call before hand you can reach out to them at 225-677-7984, They also have a Facebook Page (click here https://www.facebook.com/LouisianaNurseryPrairieville/ to “like” and comment) or visit their website http://louisiananursery.com/
 
If you haven’t been here, you have to stop by, When you do, Tell them the Your Real Estate Whisperer sent ya.

“Because YOU Matter”

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The Following Comes Straight From the Louisiana Nursery Home & Garden Website.

About

Louisiana Nursery:

Roger Mayes started the business from scratch as a family owned retail Garden Center in February of 1983 with his son Mitch, and wife Marilyn. In March, he turned over the lead position to Mitch, who now serves as President. Roger remains actively involved as Vice President. Their business has expanded to 3 locations over a 25-year span.

Louisiana Nursery has been selected as a Baton Rouge Favorite Store for 10 straight years by the readers of Parents Magazine. We are also recognized as a “Top 10 Southern Nursery” (#48 Nationally) by Nursery Retailer Magazine.

Louisiana Nursery is also proud of the 25 Louisiana Certified Nursery Professionals that we have on staff! Come to our experts for answers to your questions!

A Note from Roger Mayes:

LOUISIANA NURSERY was established in 1983 with one Baton Rouge location. The business has grown dramatically over the years to become one of the 10 largest independent retail gardening centers in the south. (45th in the US.)

We now have 3 Baton Rouge area locations, each with 2.5 or more acres, and each uniquely different. Our stores are definitely a fun place to visit at any time of the year.

Besides our year round stock of plants, we also offer a unique gift department, several collectible departments, and a huge Christmas decorating selection.

Our goals are to provide you with a good selection, good quality, and good service. We hope our web site will help you.

Thanks,

Roger Mayes

Kristina Smallhorn
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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
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Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana

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

 

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

[email protected]

Your Real Estate Whisperer

eXp Realty LLC

LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601

225-246-1812

Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149

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

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE #21, THE UNIFORM POST!

 

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #21, The Uniform Post.

Is it that time of year again? Back to school! As parents hum the lyrics “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” kids grumble under their breath that the time has come for back to school shopping.

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When I think back to school my first thought is “The Uniform Post” owned by Shawdell Anderson. Her friendly staff has clothed my school children for the past 10 years since moving to Louisiana. Her quality products last through out the school year and that’s why I personally have said they are Ascension Parishes “Premier” school uniform store.

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If you are not from here, in Louisiana, many Parishes have public school and private school children wearing uniforms, Ascension Parish is one of them. Each school has their own colors that must be worn. If you are new to the area and are unsure you can always stop the into Ascension Parishes own local uniform store, The Uniform Post and they can help you out with all you will need.

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They have shorts, skirts, spirit shirts, polos, sweater shirts, jackets and can even add the school’s logo that’s in compliance with schools policies. The Uniform Post in Gonzales has been in our area since 1999 so they are more than familiar with the rules so no need to worry if your jacket or polo shirt is in compliance with your school’s rules.

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The Uniform Post is location 1809 S Burnside Ave, Gonzales, LA 70737. They have a website and Facebook Page as well.
Website: http://www.theuniformpost.com/
Facebook: The Uniform Post

Follow them on Facebook for their sale items and special offers, The website, owner Shawdell Anderson says is more informational. So you to know the good offers Facebook is the best place to find those.

Be sure to stop in before school starts and tell them “Your Real Estate Whisperer” sent ya! “Because YOU Matter”!

Kristina Smallhorn
[email protected]
Your Real Estate Whisperer
Serving The People of Ascension Parish and Surrounding Areas.
eXp Realty LLC
2000 Lake Street
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
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Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR® with the state of Louisiana

 

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

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/

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

 

 

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

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Take A Tip Tuesday- Not So Smart, Smart Products In Ascension Parish

TAKE A TIP TUESDAY- NOT SO SMART, SMART PRODUCTS

Smart Products Are Not Always So SMART When Comes To Your Ascension Parish Home.

We are addicted to home products that will make our lives easier. Smart homes are trending here in Ascension Parish. People in the area have been rushing to stores to find the right “Smart” products to make their home not only easier for them to live in but also be more appealing to home buyers that are on the fence about a newer smart home over older technology.

Below, I’ve listed some products that really didn’t make the grade for being “Smart” for your Ascension Parish home.

I’m Not Forking Around.

Nice silverware is in most homes in Ascension Parish, but this product has got to be the dumbest idea yet. The smart fork!?!, Seriously, this thing supposedly monitors your eating habits, then lets you know that you’ve eaten too much. Click this link to preview this “not so smart” fork.
https://www.hapi.com/product/hapifork

Paranoid About A Cheating Loved One?

A cheating significant other is no laughing matter, but to go to the lengths of buying a mattress that lets you know if he or she has been rolling around in your bed seems a bit too far. There are much better methods than making this kind of investment. If you are worried about your lover in Ascension Parish and want to look into how this mattress works, here’s the link.

http://www.smarttress.com/en/

Hate Cleaning Your Grill?

I mean we love our outdoor barbecues here in Ascension Parish. I think we spend more time outside our home than inside during LSU football season, so this product seems like a pretty stupid one to me, but you may have a need if you think cleaning your grill is a daunting task. Here’s the link if you’d like to check it out.

https://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/barbecue-grill-cleaning-r…/

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall.

For the very vain in Ascension Parish, you can not only stare at yourself in the mirror, but you can also post all your magnificent features to all your social media accounts. To really feed your narcissistic tendencies, you need the “Selfie Mirror” – a product that really makes people fall more in love with themselves. I kid you not, it’s a real product http://selfiemirror.me/. I do know a couple of Ascension Parish residents that would love this for Christmas, If you were thinking me, I already have 3, so you can take it off the Christmas Gift idea list.

When The Sound Of The Flush Is Too Much.

Believe it or not, they have come out with a toilet that has Bluetooth technology, so you can really work with the acoustic sound of the space by piping in your favorite Justin Bieber tune via connection to your toilet. It’s not a cheap though. Kohler has one for $5,625.00. Not only is the price point just plain stupid for something that really should be an in and out kind of process, it goes way beyond dumb for most residents of Ascension Parish since we are a much more practical community. You don’t believe me about this? check out this link. https://goo.gl/rgWzwR.

I hope you get a kick out of these ridiculous “Smart” products. If you’d like more information on what “Smart” items would be to upgrade your home, please feel free to reach out to me. All of my contact information is listed below.

“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

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #19, NIKI’S PET SERVICES!

 

L?KING FOR A PET SITTER?

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #19, NIKI’S PET SERVICES!

This week in keeping with the theme of “Pets” I was able to have Niki Hatampa of “Niki’s Pet Service” come to my home to talk about what her local business does for our Ascension Parish pets.

Niki is a personalized pet sitter, she lovingly takes them in, creating a warm friendly home away from home for your special fur babies. I could tell after the first phone conversation I had with her that she really loves her career and take care of all the animals as if they were her own. She doesn’t just play with them or take them for walks, she also will give your furry friend his/her medications including ones that need daily shots.

There are also many ways you can reach her if you want to have your animals taken care of when you’re out of the in Ascension Parish. You can visit her website @ http://nikispetservices.webs.com, Instagram@ Nikis.Pet.Services, Facebook @ Niki’s Pet Services or you can find her on the ROVER app/website.

I know for many residents of Ascension Parish it can be hard to know what to do with your animals when your home is on the market, “Niki’s Pet Services” is just another option I wanted you to know about, “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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What Should I Do With My Pet’s When I Have A Showing?

What Should I Do With My Pet’s When I Have A Showing?

Let me start off by saying I LOVE animals. It doesn’t matter to me, from reptile to bird, dog or cat all of them I think of as a friend some of these animals don’t look at me in the same way. Over the years I have encountered some not so friendly animals. Most recently I tried to enter a home to be greeted by a mid-size mixed breed hound that was showing his teeth as the key slipped into the tumbler. The buyers and I agreed that we wouldn’t be taking a tour of that home that day. Too bad the sellers missed out on an opportunity to sell their home. So that brings me to my point of this blog post. What do you do with your beloved pets in Ascension Parish when you have a showing?

Pet Sitter? Is That Even A Thing?

Yes, Its is. Many veterinarian offices board your animals for the day and some dog grooming places as well. You can also ask around you’d be surprised at how many people know of someone who does this. The best reference to get is from someone who’s used them before.

To Crate or Not To Crate

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If you have an old cat or dog that lazily walks around the house and really doesn’t bother you, you may think it’s ridiculous to put them in a crate but some people are truly frightened by animals and may just walk out of the home as soon as the see your precious fur baby. My best advice if you can’t really shell out the money to board your animal is to crate them during a showing. Most people put the crate in a laundry room or utility room so it doesn’t distract from the showing.

***Keep in mind if your animals are aggressive and can pose a danger to anyone you can be liable if your animal attacks anyone during the showing. It’s up to you the seller to handle your animals prior to confirmed showings.***

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Many of your friends love your animals as much as you do. You can always ask a friend to pick up your pets for the times of the showing. You can always ask your agent for a window of time before the showing so either you or your friend can take care of the animals prior to the showing.

On A Side Note- The Nose Knows Everything

You may not think your home has a pet odor but people who do not like animals or do not have them can smell them immediately. Please clean your cat’s little box daily, the same goes for birdcage liners and the doggy dropping in the yard. Nobody even animal lovers likes having your pet poop on their foot after taking in your large backyard.

 

 

One Last Thing

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Before you list your home you may want to check all to see if your fur babies have chewed or scratched any wood or painted areas. Nothing screams deferred maintenance like a backdoor that the door has ruined by an animal that includes the weather stripping as well. (I don’t know why animals love chewing and scratching at it)

Hopefully, these tips will help you out on deciding what to do with your animals.

“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

41493 Creekstone Ave. Prairieville LA Has Been Re-Listed!

 

I take a new client, Kobra the Doga instructor, to my newest listing in Prairieville Louisiana, 41493 Creekstone Ave. MLS #2017009659.

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THIS HOME IS A 4/2 BEDROOM HOME IN SOUGHT AFTER GREYSTONE SUBDIVISION. WELL KEPT HOME WITH HARDWOOD FLOORING IN MAIN LIVING AREA, CARPETED BEDROOMS, TILED WET AREAS, CYPRESS CABINETS IN THE KITCHEN, 9+FOOT CEILINGS, WITH A LARGE BACKYARD. HOME WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE 2016 FLOOD.

To view more details and schedule a showing of this home visit this link, https://goo.gl/vGAnbE

 

“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://www.instagram.com/prairievillerealestate/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg