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Take A Tip Tuesday- Things You Need To Know When Buying Your First Home

May 31, 2017

5 ways to get started with the home buying process in Ascension Parish (or anywhere for that matter)

When you make the decision to buy your first home it can be a daunting task. There are a million people that want to give you advice, including people who haven’t bought a home since 1976 and ones that have never bought a home in Louisiana. All states have different rules, disclosures, and addenda that are required. When getting advice, I strongly suggest interviewing a REALTOR® in your immediate area. Below are 5 tips that can help you get started before you jump on the internet to buy your dream home:

The very first thing you need to do is get your paperwork together so you can talk with a lender. I know it’s so tempting to get on a website to start looking up homes for sale, but you can certainly save yourself a lot of heartache by speaking to a lender first. Nothing crushes a new or even seasoned buyer than finding out the home of their dreams is out of financial reach.Now that you have spoken to a lender and know what your budget will be now you can start combing the internet. There are many great websites including my own that will not only give you great information but can give you the most accurate home listings. Some of the big chain websites do not update their websites often, so just because Trulia says it’s for sale, it was actually for sale over a year ago. It’s best to check with your REALTOR® on any home listing before getting your mind set on it.

You found the house, but now who do you call to show it to you. If you have a REALTOR® chosen you call them first ALWAYS! No REALTOR® is too busy to help out their clients. If they are then it’s time to shop for a new one. If you call from the number on the For Sale sign in the front yard, know that the agent showing you may be the one who represents the seller’s interests only. It’s best to call several offices and talk with a few REALTORS® before you find the one who matches your needs. (or you can just call me)Now you have found your agent and the home you want, and it’s in your price range. What’s next? Now is the time for your agent to prepare an offer. They will guide you through the contract and show you what other homes in the area have sold for so you can make an offer that will work for you and the sellers.

Let the negotiations begin- Just because you present a good offer doesn’t mean the sellers will accept your conditions the first time around. You may get a counter offer with a new price. They can change closing dates and various others stipulations. You are not fully under contract until ALL parties have signed on the dotted line, and the deposit check has been presented to the listing company’s office. So don’t drag your feet when negotiating because someone else can come in and get your dream home.
The home buying process is very exciting but can be stressful if not handled by a seasoned REALTOR®. Please take your time to pick your agent as carefully as picking your next home, It can make the experience so much more pleasant when someone truly cares about you and your needs in a home.

“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
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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…

Take A Tip Tuesday-Buying An Ascension Parish Home From Out Of The State.

May 23, 2017

Buying An Ascension Parish Home From Out Of State? Tips To Help You Handle That.

Buying a home in Ascension Parish from across the country has become a much easier task. I would have told you several years back “Anyone buying a home off the internet is crazy” now I’m eating those words. As scary it may sound I’ve had several clients do this recently and it has become more popular with access to video, virtual tours and signing documents with electronic signatures buying across the world has been a piece of cake and all of my cross country buyer have been tickled pink with their new home purchase. Here are some tips that can help you handle the process a little easier.

Investigate Your Ascension Parish Neighborhood.

It’s important to do your homework when buying in Prairieville or anywhere for that matter. A Realtor® can help you with this and the Internet is your friend. You can get neighborhood market reports from your Realtor® and look up crime statistics from a quick Google search. Even if you don’t have children it is important to find out what the schools are like in the area so when you go to sell your home it will be appealing to future home buyers.

Budget Your Travel.

Not only will you need to know your moving expenses but you will need to create a budget to view your future home at least once. I strongly recommend this, even though I have had a few clients that bypassed my advice and follow through the process without ever seeing the home in person until after closing. The reason I recommend this is only because you really can’t poetry a feel of a neighborhood by pictures or video. Unless you have a friend or relative that can help you with this I’d take a trip to see your new digs.

Narrow Down What You Really Want.

To make it easier for yourself its best to make a list of absolute “must haves” in your next home. After you have done your homework on location, price and size you need to narrow down the list to thing like fenced in backyard, 2 car garage, and open floor plan. This will make your choices more tailored to your specific needs and not have to rifle through several listings being sent to you. Working with a local Realtor® is essential with this aspect of cross country home buying.

Overcoming Cross Country Home Buying.

For some home buyers, the thoughts of buying across the country can be overwhelming. Even with all the technical advances, it does little to settle their nerves. This would be a perfect idea for those clients to consider renting in our area for 6 months to get a feel for the area, traffic peak times and convenient shopping areas. Many people opt for this but please consider how much it will cost to store your items that won’t fit in your rental. Make sure you will be able to break your lease after 6 months with our penalty and be sure to add your deposits to your budget when making this choice.

For the most part, Internet home buying has become a new way of life for many. Even my 84-year-old Aunt bought a home that she strictly saw in videos and pictures I had sent to her. Be sure to find a Realtor® that will take the time to do this for you so you get the best representation of the home you will be buying.

“Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn

Your Real Estate Whisperer

My Second Website, Click HERE!

eXp Realty LLC

LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601

225-246-1812

Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149

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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/
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Zillow Gets Sued Over Zestimate.

May 18, 2017

Is Zillow® Gonna Get What’s Coming To Them?

Last week the story came out that a woman in a suburb of Chicago has had enough of Zillow’s Zestimates. She is suing after hers was valued at $70,000 under her asking price. We in the real estate industry knew this was coming. Many Ascension Parish Realtors® had been saying it was only a matter of time before someone had had enough of these ridiculous “Zestimates.”

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I can explain it like this. Type “Zillow .com” in your web browser and you’ll see an area for you to type in your address. When your home pops up, a little further down the page you will then see your “Zestimate,” a basic number pulled from the sky claiming to be your home’s value. Zillow says in the fine print that this number can be as far off as 5%. If you knew your neighbors home just recently sold for $250,000 you figure yours would be close to the same amount. Zillow’s Estimates can be around 5% off from that amount. That’s a $12,500 difference.

This is why many buyers and sellers get frustrated. With information becoming so easily accessible, it’s no wonder buyers not being represented by an Ascension Parish REALTOR®, lean on these numbers they see on Zillow to make an offer. They feel like this is a well-known company, how could they possibly be so wrong? Being a Realtor® in the Ascension Parish, I’ve seen these Zestimates being off MORE than 5%! The system they use to gather the numbers takes the subject property and draws in all the properties that have closed within a 5-mile radius. If you are from Ascension Parish you can see how this can become a major problem.

There is more to a home’s value than drawing a circle and pulling numbers! Appraisers get paid to do this job for a reason. The same home, with the same floor plan, in the same neighborhood can have two completely different values. The condition, location, and various other factors come into play when determining value. No computer software algorithm can judge what homes current value is because they have no idea what the home owners have done to the home to adjust that value. Did the home owners upgrade the kitchen? Have they added a pool in the backyard? Did the current home owners rip out every stitch of carpet and add beautiful wood flooring wall to wall? All these things add value! Of course, if the home has been literally ignored for the past 10 years, that will have a negative effect on value just as the homeowner who kept their home up will produce a positive effect.

Back to the woman who is suing, I believe she has a case. In her state, the way the law reads, the value determined by Zillow can be construed as an appraisal and that’s against their state’s laws. With that, I really hope she wins her lawsuit. Zillow is really doing a disservice to the people they give this information to. People trust that they are getting accurate information with these “Zestimates” no matter what the fine print says. The home buying and selling can be a frustrating one if you are not being represented by a REALTOR®. We do not need a large company that the consumer trusts to be throwing random numbers at a home with the intent of figuring out its value. It doesn’t help anyone and should be eliminated from the site. Zillow’s Zestimates are as useful as weeds in your grass; they literally choke the value of people homes with inaccurate information.

If you’d like to know the real value of your Ascension Parish home for absolutely FREE, Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to showing you that your Zestimate from Zillow is WAY off.

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

FOLLOW ME ON

Take A Tip Tuesday- Flood Assistance

May 16, 2017

TAKE A TIP TUESDAY! FLOOD ASSISTANCE.

This comes directly from an email I received and I wanted to get the word out to all residents of Ascension Parish and surrounding areas.

The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program strongly urges all flood-affected homeowners to complete the initial homeowner assistance survey. The survey takes about 15 minutes and may be completed online at http://restore.la.gov or over the phone by calling (866) 735-2001 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The program recognizes that some homeowners may need help completing this survey and has scheduled six outreach events to ensure that those who need assistance can receive it.

These events will be held as follows:

May 16 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Southeastern Louisiana University – Student Union 500 W University Ave., Hammond, LA 70402

May 17 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ascension Parish Library – Gonzales 708 S Irma Ave., Gonzales, LA 70737

May 18 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bill Cockrell Recreation Center

4109 Pines Road, Shreveport, LA 71119

May 23 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Greenwell Springs 11300 Greenwell Springs Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70814

May 24 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Youngsville Sports Complex Gymnasium 801 Savoy Road, Youngsville, LA 70592

May 25 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Denham Springs Old City Hall

115 Mattie St., Denham Springs, LA 70726

The purpose of these events is to help homeowners complete the survey and answer any questions about the program. No formal presentation will be provided, but program information and materials will be available. While no documentation is required, we do ask that you bring your FEMA ID number if you have one.

For all updates, go to restore.la.gov

To be eligible for one of the six phases of the program, homeowners must meet all of the eligibility criteria listed below:

• Must have been the owner occupant at time of the disaster event

• The damaged address must have been the homeowner’s primary residence at the time of the disaster event

• The damage suffered must be a result of the March or August 2016 severe storms and flooding events

• The structure must be eligible as determined by the program, which includes single family homes, duplexes, mobile homes, and condominiums

• The structure must be located in one of 51 disaster-declared parishes

COMPLETING THE SURVEY DOES NOT REQUIRE THE HOMEOWNER TO STOP WORK.

******The description provided comes directly from The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program and does not belong to me. If you would like to see this information please visit the website in the description.******

Your Real Estate Whisperer

Kristina Smallhorn

eXp Realty LLC

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.
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Take A Tip Tuesday- Clean Your Pantry, Ascension Parish! (Including Me)

May 9, 2017

Take A Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 Time To OrGaNiZe, Ascension Parish (including me)!

When you are selling your home, now is the time to clean out your pantry and closets.
This is a view from my personal pantry and I know many of you have this in your home or at least seen it.
This may be shocking to you, but buyers open cabinets and they look in the pantry. As silly as it may seem you it could turn off a buyer or even get offered less money because your closets are in chaos. The little time it takes to get this stuff back in shape will pay off in the long run.
I know that some of you won’t be able to go with a professional organizer, so hopefully, this tip will help you home stage your closets yourself. I will be happy to help you prepare your home when listing with me. Please don’t hesitate to ask.

“Because YOU Matter”
kristinasmallhorn.exprealty.com
yourrealestatewhisperer.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg
225-246-1812
#yourrealestatewhisperer

41493 CREEKSTONE AVE. PRAIRIEVILLE LA 70769

May 8, 2017

41493 CREEKSTONE AVE. PRAIRIEVILLE LA 70769,
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.

MLS# 2017006243

Call For More Information

Kristina Smallhorn (Your Real Estate Whisperer)

Cell 225-246-1812

EXP REALTY, LLC

LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601 225-412-9982 ext 149

[email protected]

yourrealestatewhisperer.com

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 [email protected]
Owner/Team Director: Shelley [email protected]
Office Manager: Leigh [email protected]
Billing: Karen [email protected]
Summer & Holiday Camp Director, Field Trips: Kayla [email protected]
Recreational Gymnastics Director: Chad [email protected]

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