5 Tips When Buying A Home – Take A Tip Tuesday.

Take A Tip Tuesday! 5 Tips For Buying A Home.

 

It’s Take A Tip Tuesday and in this weeks video, I discuss 5 big things that people should know when buying a home.  Whether this is your first home or tenth home, these tips should always be helpful. In Ascension Parish, we have lots of people moving in and out an all around but people seem to forget what needs to be done when buying a home. Below I’ve listed 5 key tips to remember.

Get Approved!

I must say this about 1000 times in my past videos and I know if you have been following me for awhile I may sound like a broken record but I’m telling you, people jump the gun when home shopping and tend to forget all about being “pre-approved” prior to their home quest.

Size Doesn’t Matter!

This is another thing that some people can get hung up on. They want a HUGE home but did you know that if you have the largest home in a neighborhood you will get a lot less per square foot than your surrounding neighbors. Bigger doesn’t mean better and maybe an unwise investment.

Shiny New Toy Syndrome.

Imagine walking into a home that has all the bells and whistles, super thick granite, custom cabinets and all upgraded modern appliances. It’s your dream home but it’s over the budget you set for yourself. Delayed gratification can be better in the long run, especially for your wallet as well. Don’t get stuck with a home that you can barely furnish because you had to have the newest, latest and greatest.

Budget For Other Costs.

When you go on sites like Realtor dot com, Trulia, and Zillow, they will give you an estimated mortgage payment. Many of these sites do not factor in the other costs, like escrows, insurance, and taxes. Make sure you have more money set aside for these items.

Hire An Inspector.

I can’t say this enough, even if you are buying a brand new home you should have it inspected by a professional. Even though the new home has to pass building code inspections things get missed and the inspector you hire is looking out for your best interest. (To Read More About Inspections Click Here  3 Myths About Home Inspections)

I hope you found these tips useful If you’d like to read more about buying homes in the Ascension Parish Area, please download my free e-book https://goo.gl/ux3mYz. If you like to search for homes in the Ascension Parish Area Click Here. To watch all my tip videos please subscribe to my YouTube Channel by Clicking HERE!

 

Your Real Estate Whisperer Kristina Smallhorn "Because YOU Matter"
Your Real Estate Whisperer For Ascension Parish, Kristina Smallhorn.

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

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

 

 

Yucky Baseboards In Ascension Parish- It’s Take A Tip Tuesday!

 

Everyday Household Products For House Cleaning.

All you need is …….

baking soda

vinegar 

lemons

an old tennis ball

broomstick

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Having a clean home is important, especially when you have your home listed for sale, and I know that money can be tight when you are buying or selling. Frankly, I am the world’s worst for buying every single cleaning product under the sun. Recently, after years of spending WAY too much money on cleaning products, I discovered some really wonderful ways to get your home clean for pennies on the dollar and they really clean just as good. Below I’ve listed my favorite ways to use very inexpensive household items to clean your home and one bonus item I just remembered. 

My Counters Need To Be Cleaned, BADLY! 

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Clean your countertops and sinks with this easy recipe of 1-quart hot water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda, add it to a spray bottle and voila! Cheapall-purpose cleaner; add a little lemon juice to the mix for a fresh scent.

My Closets Don’t Smell Great! 

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The culprit may be your shoes, so before you put away that baking soda after you’ve cleaned your counter tops, sprinkle some in each of the shoes. Baking soda absorbs the smells of yucky feet. Make sure to shake the baking soda out of them before wearing them again :).

I Cleaned The Sink, Why Does It Still Smell?

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Leftovers in the garbage disposal usually are the reason. I have two solutions for this. My first fix is to run hot water, and as the water is running I squeeze dish soap down the drain with the garbage disposal running. After a few seconds, I turn off the disposal and water. If the smell is still there, I will grab a half of a lemon and run that through the disposal. Generally, the dish soap trick works most of the time for me.

***Bonus*** While you have that other half of lemon out you can get stains off of cutting boards with the other half of lemon.

My Kids Art Work Doesn’t Belong On Walls.

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As much as you love your children, their colored artwork on your walls isn’t something most of us would like to keep there forever. Believe it or not, removing crayon isn’t as hard as you would imagine. Remember that box of baking soda? Sprinkle some on a damp sponge working it in circles over your little Picasso’s masterpiece.  Make sure to get a picture first so you can remember it after you’ve wiped it off.

BONUS TIP!

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I hate cleaning floorboards. When I was pregnant, many, many, moons ago I found it difficult to bend down to clean them. A client of mine told me how to clean them without ever bending over. First, you cut a slit into a tennis ball, then you put the opening of the cut tennis ball over the end of a broomstick; cover that with an old washcloth, wrapping it on with an elastic band. Now just walk around your house with the wrapped tennis ball wiping down your floorboards. You can spray a little cleaner if you need to on the washcloth.

I hope you found these hints useful, and if you would like some more tips and tricks you can always visit my website @yourrealestatewhisperer.com. 

“Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn

Your Real Estate Whisperer

info@yourrealestatewhisperer.com

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 

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

 

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****

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

 

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

 

Take A Tip Tuesday- One Year After The Flood, Flooded Remodeled Home

You May Recall A live Video I Had Done Of A Flooded And Gutted Home (The Link To That Video https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatWhisperer/videos/1300391263341318/) Here Is The After Video Of The Home Completely Remodeled.

Sincerely,

Kristina Smallhorn

(Your Real Estate Whisperer)

Cell 225-246-1812

Office 2254129982 ext#149

Website www.yourrealestatewhisperer.com

Email Info@YourRealEstateWhisperer.com

eXp Realty LLC. 

2900 Westfork Dr. 

Baton Rouge LA 70817

 

Kristina Smallhorn is a licensed REALTOR with the state of Louisiana, USA.

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
kristina.smallhorn@exprealty.com
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
Follow Me On Facebook
Tweet Me On Twitter
See My Photo’s On Instagram
Watch My Videos On YouTube
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/

https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp

https://www.instagram.com/prairievillerealestate/

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

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

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

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

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

 

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!

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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!

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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

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

Party Time

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

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

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

I tell you all this “Because YOU Matter”

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