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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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Ascension Parish Coffee Talk #17, Louisiana Fireworks, Gonzales LA

June 30, 2017

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching so I stopped into one of my favorite local Ascension Parish’s firework stores, Louisiana Fireworks!, located right off Hwy 44 in Gonzales (Close to the Lowe’s Hardware Store)

Tim Tullier was kind enough to show me around some of his top-selling fireworks as he describes how some of them fire off, He also tells of several safety tips to keep you and your family safe this year and years to come.

I’ve added the safety tips from the Nation Council of Firework Safety below, this came directly from their website at fireworkssafety.org

“Because YOU Matter”

PROMOTING SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS

Recommended Safety Tips

Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!
Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

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

Take A Tip Tuesday- 4 Tips On Why You Need An Ascension Parish REALTOR® When Buying New Construction.

June 27, 2017

It’s exciting to walk into a new home with the possibility of being your next home. All the finishes are polished, The carpet hasn’t been stepped on looking worn, The granite counter tops would make any of your friends jealous, so what could go wrong by just buying it from the builders themselves. I mean, it is new. Well, as you probably could have guessed many things can go wrong and do go wrong when you go at it yourself. Below Ive listed 4 reasons why you should really hire a licensed local Realtor®.

1. Contracts and Addendum’s

When buying a new home in the state of Louisiana, many builders use their own contracts. Realtors® always have clients sign a state contract as well, so the buyer can understand their legal rights as buyer. Other builders do use the state contract but will add many addendum’s along with it. Those addendum’s vary from, explaining the elevation of the home, to explaining the flood zone the home is being built on. They can be extremely confusing especially if you haven’t seen anything like them before. Many buyers get so excited by the idea of the new home and just sign away before really reading through the papers they are signing. An experienced Realtor® knows the in and outs of what you should and shouldn’t be signing.

2. Finding a reputable builder.

When a Realtor® has lived and worked in Prairieville like I have, we have seen the good, the bad and the really, really awful in home building. You should want to know who’s been building in the area for years, and who can be trusted to come back if you have any issues with your home after the closing date.

*** I have a list of builders that have built homes for my clients in the past, I know they are completely trustworthy, and stand by their work. If you’d like some more information on home builders in Prairieville feel free to call or email me.***

3. Assist you in negotiations.

Generally here in Prairieville the listing price is the price and builders will not negotiate it lower but a savvy agent knows how to get you a sweeter deal with incentives. For example adding an appliance package or upgrading counter tops for the buyer to get a little extra for the same price. Some builders are still willing to work with agents to get the deal done.

4. When something goes wrong.

Nobody likes to feel like they didn’t get what they paid for. When things go wrong your Realtor® should be going to bat for you. They know how to handle situations that can get pretty ugly if you don’t have someone in your corner protecting your best interests.

BONUS: When deciding on upgrades it can be difficult to know which one will give the best bang for your buck. Your Realtor® does, especially in our area. When it comes time to sell your home at a later date, it is always good to know what appeals to buyers to make your home sell quicker in the future.

New home buying can be smooth sailing, you just need to have someone on your side during the process. If you are looking in the Prairieville area and would like to talk, feel free to call or email me with your questions.
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/YRRealEstatW…
https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievill…
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0L…

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #16, BOWTIE CHICKEN ALFREDO!

June 23, 2017

ASCENSION PARISH COFFEE TALK #16, BOWTIE CHICKEN ALFREDO!

Because of tropical storm Cindy, my scheduled interview had to cancel. In their place, my daughter came to the rescue and decided to show the people of Ascension Parish how the make the pioneer woman’s, Chicken Alfredo with bowtie pasta. Aubrey does most of the cooking after Sydney bails out to talk to one of her friends. Aubrey takes the position of head chef seriously as she explains all the steps in detail to the residents of Ascension Parish.

Cooking is something that has always been a way for my family growing up to be a part of. I’m so happy to pass on this tradition to my children. They both have been cooking on the stove ever since they could reach it. This has been such a wonderful help to me on nights when I get too busy to cook for them. I like having home cooked meals, they love stepping in when I get busy assisting home buyers and home sellers to make some of their favorites. The one featured today is on the top of their favorite list.

I hope you like it, just to let you know, this recipe feeds a family of four pretty easily. It goes great with steamed asparagus. Please give Aubrey a BIG “GREAT JOB” to show her support and be sure to like, and comment below.

(This is the original recipe from the pioneer womanthepioneerwoman.com/cooking/bowtie-chicken-alfredo/)

“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…

5 Tips For The Day You Close On Your Ascension Parish Home.

June 20, 2017

When waiting for your home to close, it can be a crazy time. The list of things “to-do” is lengthy. Packing, deciding what items to sell, changing your utilities, switching children’s schools, finding local shopping and last but not least, where the heck is the post office? These activities can often make you lose focus on the details of your closing and easy to forget things. Here are 5 tips to remember for your day of closing your home.

#1.Bring Your Drivers License.

Not just any form of ID will do, It must be a military ID, Passport or drivers license. Make sure your ID is still valid and not expired or you won’t be able to close.

#2. Call Ahead of Time.

Make sure you call the title office to verify the office address and the dollar amount you will need to bring to the closing table. You CAN NOT bring a personal check to closing over $2500.00, be sure it is a cashier check made out to the title attorney’s office. Luckily, you have hired an Ascension Parish local realtor to handle the hiring of a closing attorney to help with the Ascension Parish title process; review the closing documents and calculate the amount of money you may have to bring to closing. Your loan officer will also be there to explain what some of those closing costs will add up to. A few days before closing (as many as 5 days) your Ascension Parish Realtor® will do a final walk-through of your new home to go over the items on the repair list to make sure they have been completed and the home is in the same if not better condition as at the time of the initial sales contract. (to read more about what buyer need to know click here ( https://yourrealestatewhisperer.com/2017/02/20/what-prairieville-home-buyers-need-to-know-before-closing-day/ )

#3. Switch Utilities-

Make sure you have switch ALL the utilities in your name on the date of closing. You don’t want to be left in the dark minutes after you’ve closed on your new home.

#4 (My Favorite) Take the day off!

Closings get delayed often or yours can take longer than anticipated. You don’t want to make your employer angry because you’ve missed half the day to close on your home.

#5 Keep Those Closing Docs. Close In Hand!

After you’ve closed you are going to want to go to the local courthouse and file your homestead exemption. If this home is your primary residence you will get this state tax credit saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

So What Does A Closing Look Like in Ascension Parish?
The closing is defined as a performance of all agreements made by you, the lender and the seller, a means to an end of the purchase of a home. If you are buying your home with all cash, you will not have lender requirements, but if you are financing your home with a loan, the financial arrangements will close at the same time.
A closing involves the simultaneous exchange of document and monies required to complete the transaction. You, as a buyer, pay the purchase price of the home to the seller and in exchange, the seller gives you the title and transferred documents to the home; simple as that.
(Both buyer and seller pay their respective fees and costs to the various parties who contributed funds, services, or documents to the closing.)
****A side note: Closings can take as little as a few minutes if buying cash, or take over an hour or more for financed homes, so don’t make firm plans and allow plenty of time for your closing.****
So Where Do You Go For Your Closing Of Your Ascension Parish Home?
Your closing of your home doesn’t have to be in the Parish you are buying in, although it definitely makes it more convenient, sometimes it could be a few Parish’s away! You can request a preferred title company from your lender unless the seller is paying closing costs, then the sellers make that choice. This can be part of your negotiations if you are adamant on a particular closing attorney.
Not all closings are the same, that’s a given. Some closings do not require a closing attorney for signatures and may only require a notary. The difference between the two is that notaries can only provide legal advice or services on very specific types of matters. Another difference between attorneys and notaries is that attorneys generally must obtain two university degrees in order to be certified to practice law; an undergraduate degree plus a law degree.
If you’d like to know more about the closing of a home in Ascension Parish, I’ve done a YouTube Video with a Title Attorney from Commerce Title on my weekly show, “Ascension Parish Coffee Talk.” (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg )

“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://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk, Episode #15- Chad Blouin of Ascension Parish News Network

June 16, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk, Episode #15- Chad Blouin of Ascension Parish News Network.

I was able to catch up with CEO Chad Blouin of the Ascension Parish News Network. Chad pontificates his story of how he acquired the little know online news source in October of last year after the great flood of 2016 that affected nearly 110,000 homes over the Greater Baton Rouge area, Livingston Parish being the hardest hit. One-third of homes in Ascension Parish were affected by flood waters according to The Advocate in an August 2016 article written by Andrea Gallo and Gordon Russell.

As horrible as the flood was, Chad was able to be a voice for many in Ascension Parish when many major news stations were barely even mentioning the fact we had flooded. He acted as a reporter too many who were concerned about loved ones they couldn’t get to dues to high waters around their own home. Facebook was his a platform to get our voices heard and Chad amplified his loud and clear voice, in turn, the Ascension Parish News Network was posting his reports and his posts were shared hundreds of times during this period of distress. It opened the door for Chad to acquire the news organization several months later when the owner of Ascension Parish News Network called to thank Chad for his updates. Chad was no stranger to being in the public eye after working in sports news casting on many major news networks and also hosting his own radio show for many years.

Life hadn’t always fallen into place so easily for Chad Blouin. Chad explained that he wasn’t always doing the right thing in life, but after giving his life to the Lord and following his message the doors of opportunity came his way. He lovingly explains that none of his blessings would have come his way if he had taken the direction that God was giving him. He truly is a man dedicated to his faith and expresses that in some of the logo’s he uses in his advertising for Ascension Parish News Network.

Now that Chad has taken over the Ascension Parish News Network it has literally exploded here in Ascension Parish. You see it nearly daily in the newsfeeds of many Ascension Parish residents Facebook pages. With gift card giveaways and interviews of local businesses, Chad and his news network have really become a one-stop shop for all your local news and events. Make sure to download their new app here’s a link, New App Link Click HERE!

I was pleased to finally meet the man behind the now revamped Ascension Parish News Network. As for Chad Blouin’s future? He says he doesn’t really know, He just knows he’s going to keep doing the job he loves, in the Parish, he admires with the people of Ascension Parish that he adores and the rest will fall into to place as long as he keeps following Gods plan for him.

Are You An Ascension Parish First Time Home Seller? 5 BIG TIPS!

June 13, 2017

Are You An Ascension Parish First Time Home Seller? 5 BIG TIPS!

Below I’ve listed five things to keep in mind.

What About Price?

One of the most important factors when listing your home is pricing the home correctly. You want to make sure you are not overpriced. If you go too high with your price and keep dropping after being on the market for weeks, buyers believe there is something wrong with your home, or worse they don’t even consider your home because it was priced too high. Make sure to discuss with your Ascension Parish REALTOR® what the comparable sales for a home like yours sold for in the last year, so you can be confident in the price. You and your Ascension Parish agent need to be in agreement as to price.

Time To Prepare!

You know your home is clean and well kept, but what you don’t realize is what buyers do and do not want to see! In order to appeal to the masses, you’re going to want to take the advice of your Ascension Parish REALTOR® or a home stager when getting your home prepared to list. All those personal items that you walk past daily without much notice, can be a glaring eyesore to a potential buyer! As much as you love the pictures from your bachelor days, many buyers will not.

It’s Show Time!

In order to get your home sold in the fastest amount of time (other than price) is showings. I know from personal experience that showing your home during dinner time hours, especially with young children, can be a real hassle. But the sale of your home depends on how many showings you get! Most people work until 5 pm generally, and they like previewing homes after work. I suggest making a picnic for nights like this; it can be fun for small children when you have to leave your home during these evenings when you have showings.

Open House In Ascension Parish Is On Sunday.

Every Sunday between the hours of 2-4pm, Ascension Parish REALTOS® typically showcase their newest listings for the public to view. This is a great way for you as a new home seller to give your home a preview to the public without the pressure of a potential buyer to make a decision immediately. Generally, from my experience with open houses, many people are what I call “Tire Kickers,” which means they really aren’t sure if they want to buy at this time. Often when those same “tire kickers” really likes a home, they LOVE to tell their friends and co-workers about it. So don’t dismiss an “Open House” when it’s suggested! You just never know who’s going to be speaking great things about your home.

Homework ??

Now that your home is on the market and has hit all the online sites, it’s time for you to do a little homework. Yes, I said “Homework!” With the internet the way it is, information gets sent out so quickly that small mistakes can be made when data goes from website to website. Make sure your home listing has the correct data on the major websites and tell your Ascension Parish REALTOR® if you find any mistakes or misinformation.

I trust you found this information helpful if you’d like some more tips on selling your home you can always visit my website at yourrealestatewhsiperer.com. “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://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

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.

Take A Tip Tuesday- 3 Things You Should Ask Yourself Before You Consider Buying A Home,

June 6, 2017

Take A Tip Tuesday-Are You Ready To Buy A Home In Ascension Parish?

3 Things To Ask Yourself.

If you have been sitting in your apartment wondering if you could possibly buy your first home, there are a few things you can ask yourself before you pick up the phone to call a mortgage company. Many people, not just in Ascension Parish, wonder if they can get a home of their own but they are either afraid of the answer or they think that the process is too difficult to take on. Before you choose your lender or Ascension Parish REALTOR®, ask yourself these simple questions.

Do I Pay My Bills On Time?

Lenders look at few things when it comes to debt. First is debt to income ratio. In simple terms, how much do you make and how much of that is spent on paying your bills. If you make $1500.00 a month and $1200.00 is spent on bills then you probably aren’t ready to buy a home. Your credit score plays a big part as well. If you can’t pay your bills on time, this will affect your credit score and makes you look like you won’t be able to pay the mortgage on time. No lender wants their money late or have a payee not make a payment. The risk is too high for the lender/bank to want to take on.

Learn your credit score! There are so many sites that offer free credit reports. Even if you’re not looking to buy a home currently, it’s a good idea to know where you stand. You need to know if something needs to be removed from your credit report or if you need to close that old Bed Bath and Beyond credit card that you have never used.

Do I Pay More In Rent Than I Would For A Mortgage?

If you are not sure, you can look for a mortgage calculator online. You can find one on my website, http://yourrealestatewhisperer.idxbroker.com/idx/mortgage to help you to make that determination. Make sure to consider the taxes, insurance, and monthly utilities. Many times, especially with rent being as high as it is here in Ascension Parish, the cost of a home will be lower than your current monthly rent, AND there are usually significant tax advantages to home ownership!

Do You Have Any Money Saved?

There is a misconception that you won’t need any money to buy a home if your credit is good. While there are financial assistance programs, and even some 100% financing, you will still need some money! You will still need funds for the costs of appraisal (around $500) and the cost of inspections (around $350-450.) These fees are not typically added into the 100% financing plus you’ll want some extra reserves for things like the cost of your move, refrigerator, washer, and dryer or other unexpected costs that could arise during the home buying process.
Now that you’ve asked yourself these questions, are you ready to buy? If you feel pretty confident with your credit score and savings account, plus you know your rent is higher than a mortgage, it’s time to call a lender to get qualified. I have the names and numbers of local lenders that I have often used who would be happy to work with you and help evaluate your home loan needs. Every client is different and so are their home loans; let them speak to you about your unique situation.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me. You can always reach me by phone, email or text. I tell you all this, “Because YOU Matter”.

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”