Real Estate GoGetters of Acadiana!

Rhythms on the River Fall 2011 Schedule

2011-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Located in the village of River Ranch, behind City Club

September 29th - The Molly Ringwalds
October 6th - Nik-L-Beer
October 13th - Louisiana Red
October 20th - Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
October 27th - Krossfyre
November 3rd - Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars
November 10th - GTO & the "D" Street Brass Band

FOOTBALL SEASON SCHEDULES!!!

2011-09-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Sept 18 CHICAGO 12pm FOX
Sept 25 HOUSTON 12pm CBS
Oct 2 @Jacksonville 12pm FOX
Oct 9 @Carolina 12pm FOX
Oct 16 @Tampa Bay 3:15pm FOX
Oct 23 INDIANAPOLIS 7:20pm NBC
Oct 30 @St. Louis 12pm FOX
Nov 6 TAMPA BAY 12pm FOX
Nov 13 @Atlanta 12pm FOX
Nov 28 NY GIANTS 7:30PM ESPN
Dec 4 DETROIT 12pm FOX
Dec 11 @Tennessee 12pm FOX
Dec 18 @Minnesota 12pm FOX
Dec 26 ATLANTA 7:30pm ESPN
Jan 1 CAROLINA 12pm FOX

ULL
Sept 24 @FIU
Oct 1 FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Oct 8 TROY
Oct 15 NORTH TEXAS
Oct 22 @Western Kentucky
Oct 29 @Middle Tennessee St.
Nov 5 LOUISIANA-MONROE
Nov 12 @Arkansas State
Nov 26 @Arizona

LSU
Sept 24 @West Virginia
Oct 1 KENTUCKY
Oct 8 FLORIDA
Oct 15 @Tennessee
Oct 22 AUBURN
Nov 5 @Alabama
Nov 12 WESTERN KENTUCKY
Nov 19 @Ole Miss
Nov 25 ARKANSAS

Downtown Alive 2011!

2011-09-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Fall 2011 Season Schedule 5:30-8:30pm

September 2 - Parc International
Nik-L Beer (Classic Covers & Variety)

September 9 - Parc International
The Charmaine Neville Band (New Orleans Jazz & Funk)

September 16 - Parc International
T.K. Hulin, Steve Adams & Smoke with Special Guest Charlene Howard (Swamp Pop)

September 23 - Parc International
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys (Cajun/Zydeco)

September 30 - Parc Sans Souci
Robbie Taylor Three (Rockabilly)

October 7 - Parc International
6 -7 p.m. Mercy Brothers (Hillbilly/Gospel)
7-8:30 p.m. The Original Bluerunners (Cajun/Zydeco)

October 14 - Parc International
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles Celebration & UL Homecoming Pep Rally
5:30-7 p.m. Horace Trahan and The Ossun Express
7-9:30 p.m. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble
(Cajun/Zydeco)

October 21 - Parc Sans Souci
Red Stick Ramblers (Cajun/Swing/Blues)

October 28 - Parc Sans Souci
True Man Posse (Creole Reggae)

November 4 - Parc Sans Souci
Brass Bed (Psychedelic Power Pop)

November 11 - Parc Sans Souci
5th Avenue Band (80's Covers & Variety)

November 18 - Parc International
Tab Benoit (Blues/Traditional Country/Vintage R&B)

November 23 - Parc Sans Souci
Special Thanksgiving Eve Performance with the Lighting of the Official City Christmas Tree - Toys for Tots
Pine Leaf Boys (Cajun)

Tropical Storm Lee is approaching

2011-09-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

For the benefit of all my friends and clients; especially Cajun implants...see below for general info I snagged from the internet for preparing for a storm. Feel free to ask me anything you have a question about...I've lived here all my life.

Checklist:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

I would like to also add the following:
1. Hurricane lantern or glass candles (church-like ones)
2. Bleach
3. Fill the tub with water before the storm starts
4. Know which place in the house is best for a surprise tornado

What is a tropical storm and what do the categories mean for hurricanes?
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale / Hurricane Catagories
1) 65 to 83 knots; 74 to 95 mph; 119 to 153 kph; > 980 mb
2) 84 to 95 knots; 96 to 110 mph; 154 to 177 kph; 980 - 965 mb
3) 96 to 113 knots; 111 to 130 mph; 178 to 209 kph; 964 - 945 mb
4) 114 to 134 knots; 131 to 155 mph; 210 to 249 kph; 944- 920 mb
5) 135+ knots; 155+ mph; 249+ kph; < 920 mb

Once a tropical depression has intensified to the point where its maximum sustained winds are between 35-64 knots (39-73 mph), it becomes a tropical storm. It is at this time that it is assigned a name. During this time, the storm itself becomes more organized and begins to become more circular in shape -- resembling a hurricane. Most of what to expect from a tropical storm is heavy rainfall, but that can cause serious problems such as flooding.

July 2011 Market Stats

2011-08-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Many people talk about the decline of the real estate market here in Acadiana. Fact of the matter is, we are actually stable. The problem lies from Hurricane Katrina, which caused an unnatural spike is real estate prices in 2005 that held until 2007. So when looking at the graph (for a visual, please email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com) , it looks as though we are on a decline but we are still above 2004’s sales. If we wouldn’t had Katrina, the graph would look stable, growing steadily.

Here are the facts, from 2004-2007, the number of sold homes reported to MLS increased by 29.4%, with 22.6% of that happening in 2005, the year of Hurricane Katrina. From 2007-2010, sales have decreased by 15.3%. This still puts us at 14.1% increase compared to 2004. Hope that puts things in perspective for you. It’s not a decline of the market, it’s a correction of the unnatural bubble.

In Acadiana, the number of homes sold in July 2011 compared to June 2010, have increased by 9.05%, with a 19 day increase of days on the market. July 2011 has slowed down with sales compared to June 2011’s with a 21.36% decrease. The heat coupled with the impending school year approaching must’ve slowed down sales.

The average sales price for the 2011 year thus far is $168,018, a 2.26% increase from 2010 at this time of the year. Homes are currently selling for 95.71% of the list price, on average.

Information provided by Van Eaton & Romero, CEO Bill Bacque. Reviewed and summarized in this blog by Kisha Kana, REALTOR

Lafayette LA got it's name from......

2011-07-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

My son came home from city hall with the following "The Legacy of Lafayette" and I thought it would be nice to share.

Note: During the revolutionary war there was a French man named Marquis De LaFayette who helped America win the war.

THE LEGACY OF LAFAYETTE

When he came to America in 1777, LaFayette was more interested in fighting the English to avenge the death of his father than he was in the ideals of democracy. That soon change when he worked and fought alongside the founding father of our country, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Lafayette also learned much from two close friends that he made: Alexander Hamilton and John Laurans. They debated topics such as the nature of justice, the role of the government and the responsibilities of the individual. LaFayette came to understand that he was fighting for more than just America's seperation from England; he was fighting for the creation of a new era in world history where people could be governed by a rule of law rather than a tyrant's whim, a world where all people would be considered as equals before the law.

LaFayette came to understand that prejudice based on religion was wrong. When he left France in 1777. France recognized only one religion and persecuted all others. When LaFayette returned to France, he was able to secure state recognition of the Protestant religion. LaFayette also had a complete change of heart about racial prejudice. When he first came to America, he had a plan to buy and sell slaves; when he left America in 1885 he set up and funded an organization in French Guyana to free enslaved Africans.

LaFayette learned another very important lesson: education is not confined only to school-we continue to learn from each other and from our experiences throughout our lives. He discovered that simply winning the Revoluntionary War did not create democracy. Democracy requires the work and committment of all of its citizens, and it needs to constantly evolve to keep up with changes in society technology and circumstances. LaFayette left us a legacy of freedom-it is our job to keep it.

America love LaFayette. More than 600 villages, towns, cities, countries, mountains, lakes, rivers, educational institutions, and other landmarks were named for him, or for his chateau at La Grange. LaFayette loved America. He carried a box of dirt from Bunker Hill, site of the first major battle of the American Revolution, home with him to France. LaFayette left instructions that, when he died, this dirt must be placed in his grave so that he could be buried in American as well as French soil, and an American flag has flown over his grave for over 170 years.

A Market in Harmony by Bill Bacque' CEO Van Eaton & Romero

2011-07-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

June 2011 real estate market statistics find us in a state of synchronization rather than anomaly. In juxtaposition to 2010, when as a result of the Federal tax credit, home sales shot up from March through June and then cratered for most of the
remainder of the year, our local market has sustained a remarkable level of
normalcy during 2011. This is exemplified by the 219 closed residential sales totaling $41,057,718 in closed dollar volume reported for June 2011. While
underperforming June 2010’s numbers by 22%, June was the culminating month of last year’s tax credit surge. The number of pending residential sales best
reflects the “normalcy” of this year’s market. With 203 homes in contractual stages, June, as well as April, exemplify the steady momentum of pending sales that we we’ve enjoyed all year versus the “rollercoaster” effect that last year’s limited stimulus
created. June’s 21% increase in number of pending sales was complimented by a 28% increase in the corresponding dollar volume of those pending sales. This is reflective of the uptick in upper end buyers ($300,000 and up) that we have experienced during 2011.

In that same spirit of normalcy, the local market is experiencing near harmony in the listing/selling cycle. The ideal ratio of new listings to sold homes
is 1:1 — that means for every home listed, another one is sold. While many of the nation’s markets are seeing ratios that reach 6:1 and beyond, Lafayette
Parish has maintained a ratio below 2:1 with June 2011 at 1.65:1 ratio. Even though we are not experiencing a perfect equilibrium of listings to sales, we’re close enough to admit comfort. As we cross the halfway mark of 2011, the Lafayette
Parish housing market appears primed to retain the level of harmony we have come to expect.

To receive a copy of our latest Acadiana Residential Real
Estate Report, call Kisha Kana @ 337.255.5884 or email Kisha@KishaKana.com

Market Analysis April 2011

2011-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

In coming the reported home sales to MLS is all of Acadiana for April 2011 to April 2010, seems like it's taking 23 days longer to sell a home and they are selling at 95.29% of the list price. That's a drop down from 2010's 97.13%. Good news is that the average sales price increased by 1.54% bringing it up to $166,234.

For a full report from Van Eaton & Romero, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com

March 2011 Residential Market Stats

2011-04-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

• Acadiana home sales fell 10.5% in March, with the REALTOR Association of Acadiana Multiple Listing Service reporting 289 sales in the nine-parish area compared with 323 reported in March of 2010. While the annual monthly count declined, the month-to-month sales increased from February to March 2011 by just under 28%, indicating that demand is picking up as we head into our traditional spring and summer peak selling season. For the first quarter of 2011 total home sales are nearly equal to the number reported in 2010 (Page 1).

• In Lafayette Parish the home sale numbers are a bit bleaker. March 2011 home sales reported (171) were 18.6% below March 2010 (210), although the month-to-month (February to March 2011) sales showed a robust increase of 19.6%. Cumulative 2011 Lafayette Parish home sales (427) are 8.8% below 2010 first quarter sales (468). The bulk of that decline is in new construction sales with a drop of 17.76% while re-sales dropped by 4.43% (Page 2). This first quarter underperformance has to be viewed in light of what was driving home sales in the first half of 2010 – the federal tax credits. In 2010 home sale demand was pushed into the first half of the year in order to take advantage of the tax credit. Once they expired in June 2010, home sales plummeted for the remainder of the year. Amid that backdrop, an underperformance in the first half of 2010 was virtually guaranteed. In observing the graph found on page 2 of this report, one can visually see the impact of the tax credits and the corresponding drop once they expired. The fact that new construction has seen the largest percentage drop in 2011 is also not surprising considering that it was the beneficiary of much of the demand spurred by the tax credits with 2010 new construction sales increasing nearly 10.5% over 2009.

• Despite the drop in demand, Lafayette Parish home values continue to perform surprisingly well. Page 4 of the report shows that the average sale price of a Lafayette Parish home for the first quarter of 2011 was $189,163 as compared to $189,771 for the same period in 2010. That is a decline of only three-tenths of one percent. The median sale price as of March 2011 was $164,000 compared to $166,400 as of March 2010; a decline of 1.44%.

• While March 2011 pending sales (those homes that went under contract), were below March 2010, they are substantially above the 2010 levels shown in the months after the contract deadline date for the 2010 tax credit which was April 2010 (Page 6).

• When studying the balance between current demand and supply in Lafayette Parish, the reports on pages 15-17 reveal much as to what is currently being sold versus what is listed for sale. Page 15 deals with all home sales reported in Lafayette Parish. Page 16 looks at just new construction while Page 17 highlights re-sales. In looking at page 15, the first point to note is that the number of home sales in the $150,000 - $299,999 range is where all of the drop in demand is centered (-20.68% from 2010). Again, that’s somewhat understandable inasmuch as this was the price range that saw the greatest increase last year due to the tax credits. Overall the number of month’s supply of housing in Lafayette has increased from 7.7 months in March of 2010 to 8.8 months in 2011.

• Page 16 reveals that re-sale buyer demand has declined not only in the mid-range $150,000 - $299,999, but also in the upper-range ($300,000 and up) and that the total number of month’s supply has grown from 8.2 months in 2010 to 9.2 months in 2011.

• Page 17 depicts the new construction market. Here we see that the mid-range home demand has declined substantially (-30.97%) but in the upper-end, particularly the $300,000 - $400,000 range, buyer demand has risen strongly over 2010 levels.

The bottom line is that just as in all aspects of life, the Acadiana housing market numbers contain both good and bad. Whichever area you wish to gravitate to, you’ll find what you’re looking for. I see our market as resilient and in pretty good shape considering the 2010 benchmarks we are forced to compete with. I believe it could be the end of the third quarter of this year before we will really be able to forecast our 2011 housing market performance in comparison to 2010. With the current level of pending sale activity, I remain optimistic.

William J. "Bill" Bacque
Chief Executive Officer

***for a copy of the full report, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com

The Truth about Foreclosure Sales

2011-03-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Many people believe that they can get a great deal on a foreclosure sale. They can! But not near what most people imagine. You won't get a home for half or less than what it's worth. The majority of the time, repairs will need to be done as most bank repos are sold 'as is' with no repairs. If you are a buyer with financing, it's even tougher to buy a foreclosed home (especially with Rural Development, FHA or VA financing). There are some gems that qualify, but cash buyers take on most of the foreclosed market.

Below is an article I came across that gives the reality of foreclosed sales in the U.S. They also provided stats on each state. Although I won't list all the states here, you can email Kisha@KishaKana.com if you'd like to see them.

LOUISIANA: Foreclosures made up 9.70% of sales (2,524) in 2010 That is a -4.36 decrease from 2009. The average sales price for a forclosed property was $131,574. The average discounted price is 25.15%.

RealtyTrac: 1 in 4 sales is a foreclosure
By Inman_News
Created 2011-02-23 21:00

Foreclosure sales accounted for 26 percent of U.S. home sales in 2010, with those properties selling for more than 28 percent less, on average, than homes not in the foreclosure process, data aggregator RealtyTrac said in its latest report .

A total of 831,574 U.S. residential properties either owned by banks or in some stage of foreclosure sold to third parties in 2010, a decrease of 31 percent from 2009 and a decrease of nearly 14 percent from 2008, RealtyTrac said.

Homes in foreclosure accounted for a larger percentage of sales in 2009 -- 29 percent -- but their share of total sales was up from 23 percent in 2008.

While controversy over loan servicers' handling of foreclosure paperwork put a dent in fourth quarter foreclosure sales, the impact of the so-called robo-signing controversy seemed to be waining in the final month of the year.

RealtyTrac recorded a total of 149,303 foreclosure sales in the fourth quarter, down 22 percent from the previous quarter and down 45 percent from the same period a year ago. That decline was in spite of a 21 percent monthly uptick in foreclosure sales volume in December.

"The catch-22 for 2011 is that while accelerating foreclosure sales will help clear the oversupply of distressed properties and return balance to the market in the long run, in the short term a high percentage of foreclosure sales will continue to weigh down home prices," said RealtyTrac CEO James Saccacio in a statement.

A total of 512,886 bank-owned (REO) properties sold to third parties in 2010 at an average discount of 36 percent, up from an average discount of 33 percent in 2009.

Another 318,688 pre-foreclosure properties -- homes in default or scheduled for auction -- sold to third parties in 2010 at an average discount of 15 percent, down from an average discount of nearly 17 percent in 2009.

February 2011 Market Analysis

2011-03-18T14:17:00.001-07:00

The following is provided by Van Eaton & Romero. Information extracted from MLS sales in Acadiana.

The number of home sales increase 17.26% compared to February of 2010.

The average days on the market has increased by 8, bringing it to 120 days.

The average sales price is $161,633, which is a -3.06% decrease.

The average list to sold price ratio is 96.01%, which is a .7% decrease.

For a full report, email Kisha@KishaKana.com

Tidbits on Mardi Gras

2011-03-05T02:16:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are not from Southern Louisiana (or an area that celebrates Mardi Gras) first off, you must experience Mardi Gras if you haven't already. It is quite the spectacule. Of course, New Orleans is wild, crazy and fun! But Lafayette, in my opinion, is best for families.

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday". Although widely celebrated by non-Catholics, it is a Roman Catholic tradition. It occurs every year on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (which kicks off Lent, a time of fasting/abstinence for spiritual cleansing and respect for Jesus' suffering on the cross, lasting until Easter) Typically occuring sometime in February or March, the turn of the new year usually kicks off with various Mardi Gras balls. The balls are in mock-wedding fashion with the court 'walking down the aisle' as they are presented. A King and Queen reins over the court. Tuxedo and Ball Gowns are worn by both court and guest. In order to attend, you must be invited by the organization putting on the ball.

But no invitation is needed for parades! Parades consists of floats sponsored by Krewes (organizations that puts on parades and/or balls) and business and marching bands from schools in the state. A variety of items are thrown from the parades to awaiting patrons but the most prominent is beaded necklaces. One might think it's silly to stand at the baracaded streets for hours in hopes of catching cheap plastic beads. And it is! But that's the point! The world is filled with heartache, disappointment, stress, hardship and all that can go wrong. We have responsibilities that make us all too serious the majority of the time. Mardi Gras is our time to be silly. It's a day when you can where whatever you want to wear....you can dress down, you can dress up or you can dress ridiculous. It doesn't matter, everyone's goal for the day is eat,drink and be merry......and collecting as many cheap plastic beads as you can! It is so exciting to feel the beads slide through your fingers and in the palm of your hand. Even more exciting if you can get the attention of a person riding on a float to throw you something 'special'. There is also a fair at Cajunfield in Lafayette with carnival rides and Downtown area has stages with bands. It is really a good time, for people of all ages. For those of you that live here but arean't really into Mardi Gras, hey..at least you get a day off!

2011 Acadiana Parade Schedule

2011-02-25T17:39:00.001-08:00

February 26
Krewe des Chiens Parade
Downtown, Lafayette. Costume contest at noon, parade at 2 p.m.
www.paradefordogs.com.

Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parada
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. Lafayette's newest krewe parades with spectacular new floats and nearly 600 riders armed with over 60 tons of the coolest collection of beads and throws. 337-984-6522,
www.kreweofrio.co.

February 27

Courir de Mardi Gras - Old-Fashion Mardi Gras Run
Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Rd., 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lafayette. The Basile Mardi Gras Association returns to stir up mischief and fun by bringing their country Mardi Gras to the city. On Sunday, they will bring many of their deep-rooted traditions including costumes and begging for gumbo ingredients in a tradition "run" through the historic village. After the run, gumbo will be available for purchase. Don't miss out on the king cake demonstration at 12:30 p.m. or the Lafayette Rhythm Devils performance that afternoon at 1 p.m. Adults - $8, Senior Citizens - $6.50, Children - $5, Under 6 yrs. - FREE, Memberships honored. AAA Members receive $1.00-OFF admission. 337-233-4077, www.vermilionville.com.

Scott Mardi Gras Parade
1 p.m. 337-269-5155 www.scottlouisiana.org.

March 4

Friday Night Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. Featuring multiple krewes from the Greater Southwest Mardi Gras Association. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.gomardigras.com.

March 4-8

Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette
Cajun Field, Lafayette. Presented by the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, the festival includes an exciting carnival midway, native Cajun foods and an outstanding line-up of live entertainment. To make the festival a complete Mardi Gras experience, all of Lafayette?s parades roll through the festival grounds. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.gomardigras.com.

March 5

Carencro Mardi Gras Parade
Downtown, Carencro. 11 a.m. Organized by the Carencro Mardi Gras Association, the parade begins at Carencro High School. 337-896-4147.

Children's Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. 12:30 p.m. Featuring Greater Southwest Mardi Gras Association children's krewes. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.gomardigras.com.

Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade *the Real Estate GoGetters will be on a float in this parade! Let us know where you will be standing and we’ll try to throw you something!*
Public Works building to Fountain View, Youngsville. 1 p.m. 337-856-4181.

Krewe of Bonaparte Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. 6:30 p.m. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.gomardigras.com.

March 7 ~ Lundi Gras

Queen's Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. 6 p.m. Celebrating Queen Evangeline and her Court. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.gomardigras.com.

March 8 ~ Mardi Gras Day!

King's Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. 10 a.m. Celebrating King Gabriel, who reigns over the Lafayette Mardi Gras. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.gomardigras.com.

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. 1 p.m. Celebrating King Toussaint L'Ouverture and Queen Suzanne Simmone. 337-232-3737, 800-346-1958, www.Lafayette.Travel.

Fox 15 Independent Parade
Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette. 2 p.m. 337-237-1500, www.gomardigras.com.

What to look for in a buyer's agent

2011-02-24T17:36:00.000-08:00

Excerpts from an article written By Reno Berkeley

Real estate agents may work exclusively with buyers or may switch between sellers and buyers, depending on preference. In some states, real estate agents must also work under a licensed broker. When you choose a buyer's agent, there are a number of things to look for to make your experience more pleasant and less stressful.

A Clear Cut Contract
Your buyer agent should offer you a contract that is clear and concise. Most agents do not require a retaining fee to work with you. The reason for this is because the agent will receive a percentage of the sales price from the selling agent. Some buyer's agents, however, do require a fee to work with you, and this should be delineated within the contract. The agent should also be upfront about any fees charged before you sign any paperwork. A fee or a lack thereof does not necessarily indicate an agent's skill or experience, and depending on your locale, a retainer may or may not be the norm.

Experience and Knowledge
A buyer agent should know how to do the following: locate and assess properties in your chosen price range, decide on the best offer amount based on fair market value, develop a negotiating strategy with you and prepare a purchase contract. Buyer agents should have your best interest in mind. Therefore, once a property is under contract, the buyer's agent should recommend the best home inspector for you if you don't already have one, and walk through the home herself to determine possible issues with the property.

Strong Credentials
•Buyer agents should have strong credentials that set them apart from uncertified agents or those without certain designations. For example, if you are looking for a home in a certain neighborhood, your best bet is to find an agent who is a neighborhood or residential specialist for that area. Most real estate agents are also Realtors. In order to be one, the agent must have a GRI designation, meaning "Graduate Realtor Institute." This entails more training and knowledge than agents who do not have this designation. Buyer agents who come with referrals from previous clients can also be a good indication of the level of service you will receive during your home search.

Become an educated buyer

2011-02-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

This is an article By Rick Perkins
Stark County Asociation of Realtors
I wanted to add that as realtors we know that you want to do alot of research on your own, which is great! But you don't have to settle in dealing with whichever realtor is on the sign outside (the seller's realtor). You owe it to yourself to research realtors and find a buyer's agent who works for you, someone you trust. That buyer's agent can help you with any home on the market, regardless of what real estate company it's listed with, including for sale by owners. You just have to call your realtor first when you see something of interest. When visiting an open house, just be honest and let the seller's agent know that you have a realtor. Happy House Hunting!

With the prequalification and preapproval process behind you, now is the time to start doing your homework and taking some field trips. Consider using the remaining cold winter months to plan for your buying needs.

Become an educated buyer: Research neighborhoods, read ads and visit open houses.

If you were changing cities, the standard advice is to subscribe to the newspaper in the new town and start reading local news and classified ads to get a feeling for different neighborhoods. Although that is a good idea, you can simplify and streamline the house-hunting process by using the Internet to find a home, find a Realtor, find a neighborhood and find resources.

For local moves, you have the advantage of driving around neighborhoods that interest you and looking at lawn signs. Particularly on weekends, you will see “Open House” postings. Do not hesitate to visit open houses, as it is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the market.

Your Wish List

Making sure you end up with the right home involves figuring out what features you need, want and do not want in a home. Before starting your search, make a “wish list” to decide which features are essential, which are nice “extras,” if you happen to find them and which are completely undesirable.

The more specific you can be in what you want, the more effective your home search will be. Keep in mind, that in the end, every home purchase is a compromise. Create your own personalized “wish list” and when you are finished, share it with your Realtor-partner.

Is it close to your favorite spots?

Make a list of the activities — movies, health club, church, etc. — you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you are considering to engage in your most common activities.

Check out the school district. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The Ohio Department of Education can provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you are considering.

Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type, such as burglaries or armed robberies, and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. In addition, is crime in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?

Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with the city’s economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments do not necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?

See if you will make money. Ask your Realtor-partner to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be. Your Realtor-partner also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood — like a new school or highway — that might affect value.

Make personal observations. Once you have narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around the area. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.

Buying a home can be one of life’s most exciting experiences — and one of the most challenging. The more prepared you are at the outset, the less overwhelming and the buying process will be.

If you have any questions about the home buying or selling process, or if you are having trouble making your monthly mortgage payment contact a Realtor with the Stark County Association of Realtors. A Realtor will help you in the process from start to finish. Keep in mind, legal questions regarding real estate should be directed to an attorney

The Truth about the Real Estate Market

2011-02-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

You can watch the national news and think that you know what the market in Acadiana is like based on that. But here are the real statistics for 2010:

The number of homes sold in 2010 compared to 2009 increased by 3.44%.

The average days on the market increased to 104 from 96.

The average sales price decreased -2.48% to $168,847.

The average list to sold price ratio was 96.42%, which is a .12 decrease.

Van Eaton & Romero ranked number one in the market on sold homes, beating out Coldwell Banker Pelican-it's closest competitor by double the dollar volume sales.

Top Five in 2010: Company, Transaction Sides, Dollar Volume
Van Eaton & Romero 1772.5 $344,230,899
Coldwell Banker 1005.0 $166,919,868
Keller Williams 524.5 $ 85,810,048
ERA Stirling 392.5 $ 66,276,899
Remax Acadiana 338.0 $ 54,978,825

Information provided by market analysis prepared by CEO of Van Eaton & Romero, Bill Bacque'. For a full market report, email Kisha@KishaKana.com

Data compiled from MLS sales only in all GEO areas, both listing and selling sides.

Questions to ask realtors you are interviewing:

2011-02-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Came across this article online last week and these are MY answers:

1. How long have you been a real-estate agent? As with any profession, experience matters. The more seasoned the agent, the better representation you're likely to get. Kisha: I’ve been a realtor since June of 2003, so almost eight years.

2. Do you sell homes part or full time? The real estate industry has its share of part-timers hoping to stumble onto a few home sales a year. If you're considering hiring a part-time real-estate agent, ask yourself: Am I confident this agent has tracked local activity closely enough to understand today's unpredictable market? Will he or she be able to give my home sale the time and attention it requires? Kisha: I am and always was a full time agent dedicating all my business time to real estate.

3. What training do you have? Has the agent earned industry designations or completed specialized training in areas like negotiation or working with first-time buyers? If not, think hard about whether the agent is dedicated enough to the profession to acquire and develop the skills necessary to succeed. Kisha: I am constantly and consistently continuing my education as a realtor. I not only take the mandated 12 hours required by the Real Estate Board of Commission but also have received the following designations by completing and passing courses as well as maintaining a level of production.
CRS Council of Residential Specialist
GRI Graduate of the Realtor Institute
SRS Seller Representative Specialist
ABR Accredited Buyer Representative
GREEN Certified in Green Real Estate Education

4. How many homes have you sold in the past month, quarter and year? Sales statistics are a quick way to gauge real-estate agents' competence. "I asked three agents for sales statistics from the last six months, because I didn't think the last month or quarter were fair to evaluate in this economy and my home's market," says Gordon. "The agent I chose sent me a spreadsheet showing his statistics and his company's, compared to others within the last two years." Kisha: I have statistics available upon request.

5. What's the average "days on market" for your listings? The best real-estate agents know their clients and market so well that they sell homes faster than their competitors. Ask agents for data that compares the average time it takes them to sell homes with the average time it takes all other agents in the local market. Kisha: I have statistics available upon request, tailored to your area since I service all of Acadiana, market conditions vary by area.

6. What will you do to market my home? There's a debate among real-estate agents over the value of traditional marketing tools like open houses and newspaper advertising versus website advertising and virtual tours. "I was looking for a well-rounded plan with print and website ads and Internet virtual tours, along with information on how agents would follow up based on what their web statistics told them," says Gordon. If you're not sure which marketing tools are best, ask agents which tools they think will sell your home, and why. Kisha: In the age of technology and internet, we are able to exposed our listings on a much broader range than print ads ever could. Therefore, we spend most of our time and money generating leads and interest through our website, affiliate websites, facebook and craiglist. Although our listings are still present in local print ads.

7. How will you keep me informed? A common complaint among consumers is that after they've hired a real-estate agent, there's radio silence. "That was my biggest problem," says Gordon. "I had to call the agent to call to find out information. This time, I specifically asked agents, 'How am I going to know what's going on?' The agent I chose told me he'd send me market statistics every week. I also told him I wanted to chat every six weeks to see what was selling in my home's market."
Gordon knows that she asked a lot of her real-estate agent, but she offers no apologies. "I probably drove this real-estate agent nuts," she says. "But I've been very active this second time around." Kisha: Radim does weekly reports for sellers that include number of showings, inquiries, website hits, new competing listings and sold comparables. This helps our seller stay on top of the market as it constantly changes. When we receive feedback from showings, he also sends the feedback. Everything is done electronically for fast convenient service.

Buying is cheaper than renting in most cities

2011-02-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Provided by Van Eaton & Romero:

(SAN FRANCISCO) – Research conducted by Trulia.com finds that buying a home is actually cheaper than renting in 36 of the country’s top 50 markets, and it’s about break-even in most of the others.

The company said its study showed that only in New York, Seattle, Kansas City and San Francisco is it cheaper to rent than buy.

"Since the start of the recession, many former homeowners have flooded the rental market. Following the principles of supply and demand, renting has become relatively more expensive than buying in most markets," said Pete Flint, CEO and co-founder of Trulia.

The study was based on the cost of renting or buying a two-bedroom

Sales Tax on your Home~ correct information

2011-02-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

Information from Van Eaton & Romero:

A 3.8 Percent “Sales Tax” on Your Home?

Q: Does the new health care law impose a 3.8 percent tax
on profits from selling your home?

A: No, with very few exceptions. The first $250,000 in
profit from the sale of a personal residence won’t be taxed,
or the first $500,000 in the case of a married couple. The
tax falls on relatively few — those with high incomes from
other sources.

The sort of people who would have to
pay the tax might include, for example:
■A single executive making $210,000 a year who sells his
$300,000 ski condo for a $50,000 profit. His tax on the sale
of that vacation home would amount to $1,900, in addition
to the capital gains tax he would have paid anyway.
■An "empty nester" couple with combined income of over
$250,000 a year who sell their $1 million primary residence
to move to smaller quarters. If they cleared $600,000 on the
sale, they would be taxed on $100,000 of the profit (the
amount over the half-million-dollar exclusion). Their health
care tax on the sale would amount to $3,800 over and
above the usual capital gains levy.

However, a typical home sale would not incur any tax. In
March, for example, half of all existing homes sold for
$170,700 or less, according to the National Association of
Realtors. Obviously, none of those sales could possibly
generate a $250,000 profit, and so none would be subject to
the tax.

Thus, for the vast majority, the 3.8 percent tax won’t apply.
The Tax Foundation, in a report released April 15, said the
new tax on investment income (including real estate) "will
hit approximately the top-earning two percent of families"
when it takes effect in 2013.

Lafayette LA

2011-01-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Found the following info online....great history and info!

Introduction to Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette is located in the southern central part of Louisiana, at the intersection of Highways 10 and 49. It is the fourth largest city in Louisiana and is the only major city in Louisiana that has grown in population since the year 2000. Lafayette resides in an area called Acadiana, which is known as the Cajun Heartland, and is the unofficial Cajun Capitol of the south. Lafayette lies 15 miles west of the Atchafalaya Basin and 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by bayous, swamps and marshes along with forests and prairies. The city got its name in 1844 when it was named after the French Marquis de Lafayette.

Lafayette has a history almost as colorful as the history of the state of Louisiana, which actually was governed by 10 different flags from the period of time beginning 1541 until 1803 when it became a possession of the United States. The rich French heritage of Lafayette was mainly due to "Le Grand Derangement" in 1755. That year, thousands of French Canadians were forced from their homes because they refused to renounce their Catholic religion for the Anglican Church and pledge allegiance to the British flag. More than half of the Acadians lost their lives as their homes and crops were burned by the British and they floundered at sea. Most of the survivors ended up in Louisiana after the King of Spain allowed them to settle in South Louisiana. They eventually ended up in the areas around Lafayette, where they could raise their own crops and fish and trap according to their traditions. Thus, the Cajun culture was born. Interestingly, the word Cajun originated when the French of noble ancestry would call the Acadians "le Cadiens", dropping the "A". Later, the Americans who could not pronounce "Cadien" shortened the term and just called them "Cajuns". These Cajun people were known for their unique culture. They are deeply religious, hard working but enthusiastic and fun people. Their food, spicy and flavorful, became famous throughout the country and still is a favorite among the visitors of the "Bayou Country".

In 1803, Louisiana had become a part of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with Napoleon because of the region's importance to the trade and security of the American mid-west. Much of the produce of the mid-west traveled down the Mississippi River so this area became vital for America. The fertility of the land in this region gave rise to important crops such as sugar and cotton, making the planters of Lafayette some of the richest in America. After the Civil War, sulfur was discovered in 1869 and oil was discovered in 1901. Now Louisiana has become one of the leading producers of oil and natural gas in the country.

Lafayette Points of Interest

Lafayette has a strong tourism industry, attracted by the wonderful Cajun food of this region. It has more restaurants per capita of any city in the entire area. The city has a thriving arts community, consisting of theatre, visual arts, and especially music. Cajun music is a combination of bluegrass and French with a little European folk music thrown in. Almost every weekend, there is a music, dance or street festival and the city is known for its great Mardi Gras celebrations when Lafayette explodes with color and wild costumes.

Because of its year-long warm climate, Lafayette is known as "The Sportsman's Paradise". The bayous and swamps are great places for canoe rides and the fishing is very popular. In addition, there are championship golf courses nearby and lots of hiking and biking trails to explore. The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns is the team name of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 1960, the name referred only to the football team which was formerly called the Bulldogs, but now the name refers to all the sports of the university, including basketball and baseball. And, since 2003, Lafayette is home to the Lafayette Bayou Bulls, its semi pro football team.

Lafayette has a diversified and interesting college life. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is the largest campus within the eight-campus University of the Louisiana System and the second largest university in Louisiana. It is recognized mostly for its excellence in computer science and its graduate courses in environmental biology. In addition, Lafayette is home to the South Louisiana Community College and the Louisiana Technical College at Lafayette.

Located only 135 miles from New Orleans, Lafayette is a popular destination for tourists looking for the flavor of New Orleans; the food, music and festivals rival its famous neighbor and the warm climate is perfect for a relaxing southern vacation. As the Cajuns say, ""Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez", or "Let the Good Times Roll!"

Treat Everyone with Respect

2011-01-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

I read the article below and it saddens me to know that we have people in this society who do not stop to help the elderly nor speak to the elderly (or anyone for that matter) with the respect that they (we) all deserve. Remember that no matter how your day is going or how much in a rush you may be in, your smile or kind words will lift some one's spirits and will have a domino effect. You never know who you are speaking to. We shouldn't adjust our common manners according to some one's age, color or social status. But I see it happen everyday. There is a place for everyone in society and blue collared jobs are just as important as white collared jobs. We need all types of people and workers to make this country run well. We also need each other and need to be treated with respect, we are all in this together.

http://www.zacharytoday.com/pages/full_story/push?article-The+old+man-%20&id=10473727&instance=secondary_stories_left_column

Throwback to 1956

2011-01-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

The following information was extracted from a column written by Floyd Knott published in the Teche News:

Sayings from 1956:

"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for ten dollars."

"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit smoking. Twenty cents a pack is ridiculous"

"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $1,000 will only buy a used one."

"I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open a whole lot of foreign business."

"When I first started driving, who would have thought that gas would someday cost 25 cents a gallon?"

"Did you hear that the post office is thinking about charging seven cents just to mail a letter?"

"If they raise the minimum wage to $1, no one will be able to hire outside help at the store."

"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the president."

"No one can afford to be sick anymore. At $15 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood."

"If they think I'll pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it"

"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more ever since they let Clark Gable say "damn" in Gone with the Wind."

"The drive in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."

"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. they even say some fellows they call astronauts are preparing for it down in Texas."

"I never thought I'd see the day when all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."

"It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where some married women have to work to make ends meet. It won't be long before young couples are going to have hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work. "

"Thank goodness I won't live to see they day when the government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to govern."

I would love to hear any thoughts/comments. Which is your favorite? I wonder what those people would have thought if someone told them THEN what it's like NOW.

ACADIAN, CAJUN OR CREOLE?

2010-10-27T02:28:00.000-07:00

special thanks to Debbie Duplantis for sharing this article with me.
ACADIAN, CAJUN OR CREOLE?
There is a difference!

If you are a native of south Louisiana, you are most likely Acadian or "cajun" to some degree. Even though often regarded as "creoles", there is a difference in the hertiage between the two people.

Acadians are descendants of those French immigrants who settled in what are today the Maritime Provinces of Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. In 1632, three-hundred French settlers arrived in Acadia to carve out frontier homes near the community of Port Royal. The Acadian pioneers were characterized by individualism, adaptability, pragmatism, industriousness, egalitarian principles, and an ability to pull together when threatened. They also possessed extended families and distinctive language and speech patterns. The Acadians were typically non-materialistic, seeking only economic independence and a decent standard of living through an agrarian way of life. Some ethnic diversity did exist among the Acadians as time went by to include English, Scottish, Irish, Spanish, Basque, and even American Indians. Those of French origin, however, dominated the cultural landscape, and as intermarriage occurred the Acadian population quickly became homogenized.

In 1710, Acadia was passed from France to England as a prize of war and for the next forty-five years the Acadians lived in relative peace under British administration. But in 1755 came the expulsion known as Le Grand Derangement (the Great Disturbance). These people were scattered to nearby territories , New England, England and France. Contrary to popular belief, they were not "sent" to Louisiana; Louisiana was a French colony to where many Acadians turned to for resettlement due to it's less hostile environment. Today, it is estimated that there are between 700,000 and 1,500,000 Acadians worldwide. In the 1990 US census about 520,000 people in Louisiana claimed either Acadian or French-Canadia heritage.

Dictionaries generally define Cajuns as "a Louisianian who descends from French-speaking Acadians". However, that is not totally accurate. Because of circumstances, an Acadian is not a Cajun; however, cajuns are in-part descendants of Acadians! The word "cajun" is itself a dialectal derivation of Acadia. But Louisiana Cajuns are more homogenous than that due to the early mixture of several ethnic groups such as Spanish, German, French Creole, Anglo-American as well as the native Indians. Thus this cross-cultural pollination of several ethnic groups resulted into a single new ethnic group---the Cajuns. And of course, today we have what is considered a "cultural cajun" which is someone of non-cajun origin who becomes a Cajun through immersion in Cajun culture and an accompanying, gradual process of ethnic assimilation. Therefore, being Cajun is being part of a culture, developed by living and working in close proximity, shut off from the rest of the world for many years. So if you "walk like a Cajun, talk like a Cajun, think like a Cajun and look like a Cajun, then - Mon Cher" you're a Cajun!

Creoles were originally descendants of early French and Spanish settlers in the New World. The term "creole" became very popular in the colony. It was used to apply to people and things native to the colony. The word comes from the Spanish "criollo...a child born in the colony". The term first applied to natives of the West Indies, Central and South America, and the Gulf States region, but eventually became synonymous with the race of people found in Louisiana.

Folks interested in more information on "creole" subject, Northwestern State University at Natchitoches, La. through The Louisiana Creole Hertiage Center maintains a website at http://www.cp-tel.net/creole

In many places, Cajuns are referred to as "CoonAsses", even by Cajuns themselves! In fact, bumper stickers adorn many a pickup truck or automobile bumpers in south Louisiana with slogans such as Coonass and Proud! There are countless explanations of how and where the word came from. Reference was given to the word in an article written by Jim Bradshaw in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser to which he suggested that it came from the Caribbee Indian word cunaso which means someone who lives simply, on and with the land. Some even suggest it came about because of the coonskin caps worn by Andrew Jackson's soldiers in the Battle of New Orleans. These explanations are probably unlikely. And rest assured, despite what some folks might think, the term has nothing to do with a raccoon's anatomy either!

The most logical explanation goes back to the time of the Acadian Expulsion in 1755. After the expulsion, more than 3000 Acadians sought refuge in France. French administrators had promised the displaced Acadians that they would be compensated and resettled on farms comparable to what they were forced to relinquish in Acadia. Several blundering attemps were made to resettle the Acadians on barren lands; however, all failed. The Acadians having been farmers most of their lives, were unwilling to abandon the independence they were accustomed to and adapt to France's feudal system. Unable to compete in the skilled urban job market, they were compelled to live in the French seaports on a meager Royal dole. The native Frenchmen, already over-burdened with taxes, resented the exiles they were forced to support. Soon the Acadians were labeled "conasse", a derogatory French slang word used to humiliate, embarrass or degrade another. The word has been defined as several different meanings such as "a prostitute who has not had her regular health inspection; a stupid man or woman; a man who does stupid things". The French now use the word for more broadly meaning "a grossly stupid person".

As Louisiana's Cajun soldiers went to war in the first and second World War to help liberate France, the Frenchmen renewed the name calling. These Cajun soldiers were used as interpreters for the French, but since most of these men spoke a French that was not of the same quality of the French, Belgian, and Canadian interpreters, they labeled these people conasses. Soon the Louisiana Cajun in the heat of an arguement or to make a point would say something like How should I know, I'm nothing but a dumb conass! The word and label stuck and was brought back to the states by the Americans as a harmless nickname.

Despite efforts by Cajun activists like James Domengeaux and Warren Perrin to stamp out the term's use, the name continues to circulate in South Louisiana and beyond. A large portion of the Cajun population does not know why they were given that name and generally tend to accept it; however, acceptability varies according to circumstances depending on who says it and with what intention it was said! To the informed Cajun, the term is considered a demeaning, racial slur like other racist words used against other people and some have been known to correct well-meaning outsiders who use the epithet and "enlighten" those who use it with less than well-meaning intentions!

More information on this and other topics may be found at http://www.cajunculture.com/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/search.htm

Market Analysis~September 2010

2010-10-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

Brief Summary:

January to September 2010 in comparison to January to September 2009

The average days on the market are 102 (5 day increase)

The average sales price is $166,097 (a 5% decrease)

List to Sold Price Ratio is 97.11% (a .10 decrease)

**stats were taken from sold listings reported to MLS in all areas of Acadiana**

Brought to you by the Real Estate GoGetters~Radim & Kisha Kana
For a full report, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com

Cleaning ceramic tile grout (floors)

2010-08-31T11:11:00.001-07:00

I recently became obssessed with the grout in my light colored tile floors. It was dark and was supposed to be white which told me that it needed serious cleaning. I turned to google to find out how to clean it. I found the following (below) and tested each on a small portion. The most effective was the bleach, with the baking soda running a close second. I also mixed the peroxide and baking soda and it didn't have better results than the two I just listed. But scrubbing tiles on my hands/knees (especially with bleach) wasn't the best option for my pregnant state. My husband rented a buffer from home depot and cleaned the tile with bleach, baking soda and some cleaning solution. the results are awesome! Only thing is after the floor is dry, the baking soda needed to be swept out of the grout. The whole process took him 4 hours (kitchen, dining and 2 bathrooms).

Cleaning Grout (from google)
VINEGAR
My husband is a ceramic tile setter. He says the best thing to clean your grout with is vinegar. Just put it on, scrub than rinse with water. It will clean better than any household cleaner. It's very cheap. As a added bonus; it isn't toxic.

PEROXIDE
I have a large home with 5 bathrooms, all have ceramic tiles, most with white grout. A 12 year old boy gave me the tip I needed to keep the grout in great shape and EASILY as well as CHEAPLY. Hydrogen Peroxide. Spray it on, mop it on, sponge it on. It works. If there is a build up it must be cleaned first, then use the peroxide. Do not wax, as this will cause grout in floor tiles to look dirty. I apply the peroXide, leave it 10 minutes or so, then wipe off excess. disinfects too. DO NOT use with bleach. if you have stubborn stains, make a paste of peroxide and baking soda and rub. WORD OF CAUTION - peroxide wll discolor fabrics, be careful.

BLEACH
Fill an empty spray bottle with bleach and water (1 part bleach and 1 part water). Just before retiring in the evening, after everyone is through using the room, quickly spray the grout with this misture. The mold will disappear within 1 - 2 weeks. To keep the mold from returning, spray the grout with this solution 1 - 2 times per week. Also, make sure that your bathroom has adequate ventillation. Install an exhaust fan if you do not have one. Also, check the exhaust fan ducts to make sure that they are not clogged.

BAKING SODA
I just discovered this one myself, so I'm happy to pass on a frugal, relatively simple way to clean the grout between ceramic tiles. Baking soda! I dampen the area Gust wipe it with a damp c1oth--nothing too tricky) and sprinkle baking soda over the grout. I let it set a few minutes and then use an old toothbrush to scrub it. It really takes minimal elbow grease and absolutely amazed me the first time I tried it. I keep baking soda in an old spice shaker and use it to clean my sinks as well.

Seven Reasons Why You Shouldn't Buy a Home - DailyFinance

2010-08-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

A friend recently sent this article to me to see my opinion about it. Upon reading it, I realized that it must have been written by an investor who owns rental property. That could be the only explanation of the absurd arguments in the article.

First of all, in reference to the "American Dream" mentioned in #6: I always thought the “American Dream” was that you have the opportunity to do anything you want in pursuit of happiness. You can be dirt poor and turn yourself into a self-made millionaire, for example. But I believe the American Dream varies from person to person. I guess for some, homeownership is a part of that. What am I saying…I KNOW it’s a part of it. I experience people crying in closings because their dream has come true.

Here’s my take on the article:

1) No diversification. Most people put the bulk of their net worth in their house and then they borrow money to pay for the rest of it.<--fact of the matter is that if people don’t put their $$ somewhere, it’ll be spent, not invested. So if people’s only investment is in real estate, I think that’s good because it’s a solid investment that has use.

2) It's illiquid. When times are tough and you need cash, you can't sell it.<--sure you can. Not only that, you can take out a home equity loan for hard times which is much cheaper (on interest rate) than a credit card or personal loan, plus it’s tax deductible.

3) It costs a lot more than renting. Most people think you are "throwing money away" when renting. Quite the reverse. There are many hidden costs when buying a house: Transaction costs (legal, real estate agent, title check, inspections, etc.) often come to 7% to 10% of the cost of a house. So you are 7% to 10% down immediately.Home improvement (adding a bathroom, upgrading the kitchen, installing double-pane windows, landscaping, etc.)Ongoing maintenance and repairs (periodic roofing, plumbing repairs, yard upkeep, fixing things, etc.)Your real estate taxes (which will ultimately be more than the tax savings you get on your mortgage interest) First of all, buyers don’t pay the realtors..sellers do. Second, you’re not “throwing $$ away” when renting…you’re helping the homeowner pay his mortgage while he builds equity in the home over time not to mention the rental amount includes his property taxes, insurance plus an income on top. So if you’re renting a home for let’s say $1200/month, you can BUY the same home for like $900/month. Closing costs can run up to 6% of the mortgage but you can also ask the sellers to pay for it. Plus it’s tax deductible. And the argument that your property taxes cancels out your income tax savings generated by homeownership can be true but also laughable. When renting, you ARE paying the property taxes and have no tax breaks on your income tax. The costs of upkeep on a home doesn’t costs less than renting. Like I mentioned before, all of that is figured into your rental note per month. If rental property owners were losing out, we wouldn’t have investors…no one would mess with it..what would be the point? Also, there are home warranties you can purchase for unexpected break downs. And generally speaking people will care for their own property better than they do a rental property so problems don’t arise as often. If you need a lot of work done to the home when you buy it, most likely you bought a distressed property in need of repairs that had a sales price to reflect that. So you are still coming out ahead. You chose work over payment. If you don’t want to do repairs, choose a home that doesn’t require it and pay top dollar for it. It’s that simple.

4) It's not fun. I'd much rather have my landlord shovel the snow than me shovel the snow. And, by the way, heart failure goes way up during a snow storm. A sedentary lifestyle doesn't lend itself to the arduous task of shoveling our driveways. Well we don’t deal with snow down here in Louisiana but we do deal with rapid growing grass. Most renters are responsible for their own grass cutting, which can be up to twice per week. The ones that aren’t responsible for it, a lawn company is usually hired by the landlord and that expense is rolled into your monthly rental payment. If you’re a homeowner that doesn’t want to do yard upkeep, hire a professional just like you did when you were a renter.

5) Your down payment is not a down payment. It's the sound of a flushing toilet. Think about it: You never get that money back. Even when you sell the house, you just put it into the next down payment for tax reasons. You can say goodbye to that money once you put it into a house. This is a flat out lie. As stated, you get your down payment back when you sell. If you choose to reinvest in another home, that's a choice. It's still not wasted, it enabled you to have a down payment for another home. Bringing back home equity loans, you can always do that to utilize your funds if needed. If you've lived in your home for at least two years, there is no need to reinvest to avoid taxes on the sale because you won't owe any.

6) No job flexibility. Why did owning a house become "the American dream"? Not to sound socialist (since I'm the opposite), but Corporate America was happy to propagate that myth so it would be harder for you, the homeowner, to leave your job if there were few jobs in your area. You'd have to both move and quit your job if you wanted to leave your job. Moving is harder when you own. Really? Moving is hard, period. Whether you are buying or renting. If you’re renting and you’re stuck in a lease, you have to pay to be released from it. When you have to sell your home, you actually come out with profit to start in your new location.

7) I think in the long run, housing prices go up. But if you really believe in housing as an investment, then own a good REIT or two and diversify by buying REITS that own residential homes throughout the country so you aren't tied to any one area. If you really want to borrow 300% and put 50% of your net worth plus debt into one investment, then that's what you should do. But I wouldn't really recommend that either. I really don’t have a comment on this because I have no experience with REIT but plan to research it.

Residential Market Analysis-July 2010

2010-08-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

In July 2010, there were 518 new listings, which is a 1.37% increase from July 2009.

For sold properties from January to July 2010,

The average sales price is $164,410, a 6.28% decrease from 2009.

The average days on the market are 101, a one day increase from 2009.

The list to sold price ratio is 96.97%, a .09% decrease from 2009.

All information used was reported to MLS and provided by Van Eaton & Romero, in all GEO areas.

For a full report, email me @ kisha@kishakana.com

Market Analysis~May 2010

2010-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

This report is provided by Van Eaton & Romero, Inc.

If you would like a full copy, please email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com

In summary: the report is based upon reported sold homes to MLS in all areas.
The # of closed homes from January to May 2010 compared to January to May 2009 increased +18.66%

The average days on the market are 103, which is a decrease by 11 days compared to last year.

The average sales price is 165k (rounded), which is a 5.99% decrease compared to Jan-May 2009.

The list to sold price ratio is currently (Jan-May 2010) 97.53%, which is a .86% increase.

Latest info brought to you by The Real Estate GoGetters.

Interesting Story from St. Martinville

2010-06-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

This article was published in the Teche News (St. Martin Parish weekly paper) Wednesday, May 26, 2010. It was written by Jim Bradshaw and titled "Durand wedding one of fanciest ever".

One hundred forty years ago this month, on May 21, 1870, Gerome Charles Durand staged a wedding that has become the stuff of legend in Acadiana-so much so that it is sometimes difficult to tell how much of the story is true and how much of it is embellishment that has grown with each telling.

Durand was supposedly one of the wealthiest of the wealthy in St. Martin Parish in the days when aristocrats fleeing the French Revolution supposedly transformed St. Martinville into Petis Paris. According to the stories told about him, he traveled in gold-ornamented carriages drawn by horses bedecked in the fanciest harnesses he could find. His home was at the end of a three-mile oak and pine alley between St. Martinville and Catahoula and was filled with the finest furnishings Europe could offer.

It is said that he gave standing orders that he and his family were to be awakened each morning with delicate sprays of perfume. He wore the fanciest clothes he could find.

It was only to be expected that he would throw the finest wedding ever when two of his daughters decided to get married on the same day. Marie Louise Heloise Durand announced her engagement to James E Mouton at the same time as her sister, Corine Marie Philomene Durand, became betrothed to Zachary Fournet.

The proud poppa promised that they would have the most beautiful, elegant, and unusual wedding ever seen in Louisiana.

To fulfill that promise, as the romantic legend is told, he ordered a million spiders imported from Chinaand sent couriers to California to fetch hundreds of pounds of silver and gold dust. (A less romantic version of the story says the spiders came from nearby Catahoula Lake, but I like the China version better.)

Shortly before the wedding day, the spiders were set loose to spin millions of yards of delicate webs amoung the limbs of the oak and pine alley. On the morning of the wedding, servants armed with bellows filled with the silver and gold dust sprayed the cobweb canopy to set it glittering in the sunlight like something from a fairy tale.

Other servants placed fancy carpets beneath the trees, creating a colorful pathway to the open-air altar where the ceremonies were to be performed. Tables set beneath the trees were filled with food and drink. Musicians played from hidden spots up and down the avenue.

Two thousand guests attended the marriage ceremony. Toasts, dancing, laughter and song lasted until dusk, when a steamboat chugged up Bayou Teche to take the newlyweds to New Orleans honeymoons. Fireworks filled the air as the boats departed.

The wedding proved to be Durand's last grand gesture. He died Nov. 26, 1820, just months after the remarkable festivities.

Over the years his grand manor fell into disrepair and eventually tumbled down. The 1927 flood washed away its last remnants. The only reminder today of his opulent life is a stretch of oak and pine trees brandhing away from Highway 96 northest of St. Martinville.

A plaque near the highway tells the story of the famous wedding. There is little else there but cane fields.

But, once in a while, in the early morning when the dew is still bright on the trees and golden sunlight strikes them just right, there is a fleeting glimpse of just what it might have been like on that festive day nearly a century and a half ago whend Charles Durand created a legend that has become symbolic of the glories of Petit Paris, real or imagined.

House Cleaning Tip~Removing Wax

2010-05-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

To Remove Hair Removal Wax from countertops/floors and the wax pot itself:

***i recommend testing a small area to be sure it doesn't ruin the surface of the item***

While wearing gloves (and changing them if they get wax on them not to wax up your hair dryer) blow dry the wax to melt it, wipe with a dry towel (one that you can throw away afterward). Then finish off by cleaning the surface with a multi-purpose cleaner.

Seafood Harvest & Oil/Gas Industry

2010-05-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

25% of the continental U.S. seafood harvest comes from Louisiana.

27,000 jobs are generated by Louisiana's fishing industry.

207 million pounds of oysters were caught in Louisiana waters in 2008.

90.4 million pounds of shrimp and 52 million pounds of crab were caught in Louisiana in 2008.

70% of oysters harvested in the U.S. are from the Gulf coast.

72% of seafood caught in the Gulf comes from Louisiana.

80% of the oysters in the Gulf are harvested west of the Mississippi River.

45,000 people in Louisiana are employed in oil and gas exploration/production, and four additional jobs are created in Louisiana for every job in exploration/production.

Louisiana Bayou Quiz

2010-05-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

**this quiz has been taken from LOUISIANA LIFE magazine and is just for fun. To check your answers, email Kisha@KishaKana.com

1. This bayou originates as a tributary of the Mississippi river at Donaldsville. As it heads south, the bayou will become much wider and lined with shrimp boats. What is the bayou?
A. Teche B. Grosse Tete C. Lafourche D. Contraband

2. Voodoo rituals were once practiced, and occasionally still are, along this bayou in New Orleans:
A. Sauvage B. Metarie C. Laveau D. St. John

3. Your friend has a plan for his escape from the Houma city jail. After breaking out, he will head to the bayou and float downstream on a raft made of reeds. Which bayou goes through Houma?
A. Des Glaises B. Vermillion C. Teche D. Terrebonne

4. This town, known for its emerging arts scene, is located at the junction of Bayou Teche and Bayou Fuselier. St. Martin and St. Parishes also split it. What is the town?
A. Arnaudville B. Homer C. Eunice D. Bordelonville

5. Don't tell the police, but once your friend's escape from the Houma jail is complete, he plans to hide out along the same bayou once occupied by the pirate Jean Lafitte and his men. What bayou is that?
A. Bienvenue B. Barataria C. Bartholomew D. Blue

6. Although bayous are thought of as being uniquely Louisiana, which Texas city was founded along Buffalo Bayou?
A. Dallas B. Beaumont C. Houston D. Orange

7. With a navigable length of 125 miles, which bayou is the Louisiana's longest?
A. Lafourche B. Terrebonne C. Macon D. Teche

8. Two Louisiana bayous have the same name. That name is:
A. Bayou des Glaises B. Bayou Petit Amite C. La Rose Bayou D. Bayou Plaquemine

9. A wildlife refuge named after this bayou includes parts of Ouachita and Union parishes. What is the bayou?
A. D'Arbonne B. St. Denis C. Maringouin D. Natchitcohes

10. Your friend's escape is foiled when he stops in Napoleonville, thinking that under the Napoleonic code, he cannot be arrested again for the same crime. As he gazes wistfully out from the Napoleonville jail, what is the nearest bayou?
A. Teche B. Grosse Tete C. Lafourche D. Contraband

March 2010 Residential Market Stats

2010-04-18T14:26:00.001-07:00

Information provided by the CEO of Van Eaton & Romero extracted from recorded MLS sales only.

The number of sales in March 2010 was 310, which is a 16.1% increase compared to March 2009.

The Average Days on the Market from January to March 2010 is 108, which is a decrease of 4% from Jan-Mar 2009.

The Average Sales Price for Jan-Mar 2010 is $163,350, which is a 5.64% decrease compared to Jan-Mar 2009.

The list to sold price ratio is 97.31%, a .52% increase compared to 2009.

For a complete market analysis, please email me at Kisha@KishaKana.com

Febraury Market Analysis

2010-03-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

February 2010 Market Analysis created by CEO of Van Eaton & Romero, Bill Bacque.

In short, home sales reported to MLS in all areas of Acadiana Jan-Feb.2010 have decreased in comparison to 2009 by 3.63%

The average days on the market has increased by one day.

The average sales price has decreased by .77%.

The average list to sold price ratio has increased by .13%.

Any additional questions or for a copy of the full report, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com

November 2009 Lafayette Market Report

2009-12-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

The following report was extracted from sold homes reported to MLS in Lafayette Parish only, courtesy of Van Eaton & Romero.

There was a 22.75% increase in closed sales reported in November 2009 compared to November 2008. Overall comparing the year to date in 2009 to Jan-Nov 2008, there was a .94% decrease. Respectively the days on the market have increased by seven days.

The average sales price decreased 1.69%. The median sales price increased .18%. The list to sold price ratio decrease by .15%.

I believe this to be uplifting news. When you speak of the real estate market, it is always good to have the facts.

Extended Tax Credit Information.

2009-11-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Senate Approves Tax Credit Extension, Expansion
The Senate yesterday passed legislation to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to May 1, 2010, for first-time buyers and add a $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers if they've lived in their home for five of the past eight years. Home prices are capped at $800,000.

The legislation was included in a bill to extend unemployment benefits and is expected to be passed by the House today or tomorrow. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation when it's sent to his desk.

Under the bill, income limits are expanded to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for joint filers. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.

Households who have binding contracts in place by April 30 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete their transaction. The deadline for members of the military serving out the U.S. for at least 90 days between Jan. 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010, has been extended one year.

Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a check. Taxpayers will be able to claim the credit on their 2009 income tax return for purchases made in 2

Q&A

1. Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?

A. No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

2. I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

A. Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

3. I am a first-time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?

A. Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out range).

4. I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?

A. No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.

5. I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?

A. Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

6. I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?

A. You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Information provided by Bill Bacque' CEO of Van Eaton & Romero

Market Stats January to October 2009

2009-11-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Lafayette Parish residential sales reported to the REALTOR Association of Acadiana’s Multiple Listing Service for September and October 2009 significantly outperformed the corresponding monthly sales reported in 2008. Typically, fourth quarter residential sales are the slowest for sales. The exception to that in our market was 2005 due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita which caused a enormous increase in sales for the end of that year. Also, last year with the national financial meltdown which began in July-August of 2008, closed sales for the fourth quarter were understandably slower beyond the normal seasonal dip. The sales numbers for September and October of 2009 for Lafayette Parish clearly indicates that stability has returned compared to last year. With Lafayette Parish cumulative sales reported through October 2009 just 2.89% below 2008 and the pace of the past two month’s sales well ahead of last year, we are becoming more confident that year end 2009 Lafayette sales will exceed those of 2008.

While Lafayette Parish residential sales have been surprisingly strong, those sales reported outside of Lafayette Parish (Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jeff Davis, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermillion parishes) continue to experience significant drops in sales when compared to 2008 levels. The cumulative January – October combined sales for those parishes declined by nearly 24% versus the same period in 2008.

Lafayette Parish new construction home sales reported through October 2009 are actually up by 1.25% over 2008 while re-sales are 4.5% below their corresponding 2008 level.

In comparing Lafayette Parish home sales to past years, 2009 sales are ahead of 2004 (pre-Katrina year) by 9.4%, but lag behind the post-Katrina boom years of 2005, 2006 and 2007 by 10.75%, 14.3% and 17.2% respectively.

Based on January – October 2009 sales reported, the average sale price for a home in Lafayette Parish was $195,777. The average sale price for the same period in 2008 was $199,420. That represents a 1.8% overall decline in average sales price of 1.8%. The median sale price for 2009 versus 2008 remained essentially the same with 2009 being $171,250 versus $171,500 for 2008.

The average sale price for Lafayette Parish new construction sales declined from $228,153 in 2008 to $207,062 in 2009. That is a 9.24% decline. The new construction median sale price also declined to $177,500 from $187,200; a drop of 5.2%. Caution should be taken not to interpret these figures as indicative of actual value loss for newly constructed homes, rather it indicative of the change in the product type that most builders have moved to over the past two years and what the consumer is purchasing – lower priced, entry-level homes. That conclusion is further evidenced in the data provided on page 16 which indicates that sales of new construction in the under $150,000 price range has increased over 2008 by 25%. Just two years ago it would have been difficult to find any new homes in Lafayette Parish available at all.

The number of months supply analysis for Lafayette Parish home sales, indicate that the demand/supply ratio remains quite positive in all price ranges except those above $300,000. That is consistent for both re-sales and new construction indicating that this segment of our residential marketplace remains significantly challenging.

Our overall forecast for the Acadiana residential marketplace remains positive. Certainly, Lafayette Parish appears more stable than our adjacent parishes. With interest rates remaining near or at historic lows and with the renewal and expansion of the housing tax credit, we remain confident in the value of home ownership in our area.

Provided & Written By: Bill Bacque', CEO of Van Eaton & Romero, INC

Techinal Connection=Social Disconnection

2009-09-20T14:01:00.001-07:00

We have each other at our fingertips. Now, more than ever, we are able to connect with friends and family within seconds. The internet and I phones have given us the ability to tell the world what we’re doing and find out what’s up with everything else. But has being technology connected somehow made us socially disconnected?
I have a twitter, myspace and facebook account. I’m connected to people from my past and new incredible people I wouldn’t have met in normal circumstances. I absolutely love it! But at the same time feel that it shouldn’t replace your social life. It should enhance.
I’ll give a few examples of what I’m talking about. Ever met someone online (or connected with an old friend) and clicked so well only to meet up in person and face awkward conversation? What happened here? We seemed to have so much in common chatting online? Is this online social networking affecting our ability to interact well with others in person?
Ever been out with friends and everyone was on their cell phone text messaging or on a social networking site and not talking? Very awkward feeling. You don’t want to speak because it seems as though you are bothering them. I see this a lot with a group of teenagers too. Everyone is sitting in silence consumed with the applications on their cell phones.
Ever had your children and spouse vying for your attention while you obsessively update your status? Ever looked around your house and saw everyone on technology devices, not interacting with each other?
I’m guilty of all of the above. I am aware of it. I still think that being technology connected has a lot of advantages. But I also strongly feel that the human touch is much more rewarding that the feel of a keyboard.
I do not want to be socially disconnected. When I have to wait during the day, (doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store) I do connect to the internet if I don’t have a book handy. But I also take time to acknowledge that there are other people in the room. I smile at them. I say hi if I feel compelled to do so. If they start talking to me, I talk to them, even if I don’t feel like it. They may need human compassion. They may be lonely. What is 5 minutes of my day? 5 minutes of my time may make that person’s whole day.
When I’m with friends, I’m not on social networking sites. I’m engaging with my friends. I don’t answer calls that I know will take longer than a minute. Otherwise doing so is just rude. You’re sending the message that they don’t deserve your attention. I will text but not excessively. That too is also rude.
I don’t stay on social networking sites while I’m at work so what makes me think it’s okay to do so while I’m while I’m with family? I update my status throughout the day but I don’t linger on. At night, I’m no longer staying online when I should be spending time with my husband and son. When my son looks back at his childhood, I don’t want him to remember his mom as a permanent fixture at the computer.
I think that staying connected via social networks is great because it exposes us to a lot of different types of people and opens our world to different opinions and inspirations. But if we become socially disconnected, we have a greater impact on the people around us whom we love. And not a positive impact.
My best suggestion is to be in the moment. Wherever you are, be there. If you’re sitting in class, be in class. If you are with friends, be with friends. If you are at work, be at work. Focus and savor each experience without being somewhere else mentally. When it’s time for technical time, then be there.

July 2009 Residential Market Report

2009-08-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

This report consists of residential home sales reported to MLS in all areas of Acadiana.

In comparison with June 2009, July 2009 has seen a decrease of 3.61% of new homes on the market. Comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008, there has been a decrease of 10.74%.

The dollar volume of July 2009’s closed sales increased 12.79% in comparison to June 2009 but decreased 12.68% overall comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008.

The following is comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-June 2008”
Average Sales Price increased .71%
Median Sales Price increased 2.56%
List to Sold Price Ratio increased 2.65%
Compared to June 2009, the number of sales for July 2009 increased by 13.88% but decreased 13.30% overall comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008.

There is a 12 day increase on the average days on the market for Jan-July 2009 in comparison with Jan-July 2008.

For a complete report or questions, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com

In the news....regarding appraising

2009-07-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Appraisal rules backfire in down market
By Jack_Guttentag
Created 2009-07-27 00:00
Enacting rules to curb abuses arising during a housing bubble, which don't take effect until the succeeding financial crisis, can easily do more harm than good. This is the case with new rules requiring that property appraisals be insulated from pressures exerted by any of the parties with a financial interest in an appraised value: primarily lenders, mortgage brokers and Realtors.
Appraisals are informed judgments regarding the value of specific properties. They are not perfect because appraisers must work with incomplete information. Further, appraisers are subject to bias, and more so if less complete information is available to them.
During periods of rising house prices, such as 2000-06, many appraisers erred on the upside because they were part of a community that expected further price increases. This tendency was sometimes reinforced by pressures exerted by lenders, Realtors and mortgage brokers. None of them wanted to see deals torpedoed by appraisals below the prices buyers had agreed to pay.
In late 2007, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo sued the appraisal subsidiary of title insurer First American for allegedly conspiring with WaMu, a major mortgage lender at the time, to inflate appraisals. Because WaMu sold a large portion of its mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Cuomo embarrassed the agencies into issuing a Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). The code declared that the agencies would then purchase only those mortgages supported by an "independent" appraisal.
The objective of HVCC was to insulate the appraisal process from influence by any of the parties with an interest in the outcome. Mortgage brokers and Realtors could no longer have any contact with appraisers, and lenders had to obtain appraisals in some manner that prevented them from exercising any control.
The problem with this well-intentioned rule is that it was issued in December 2008 to become effective May 1 of this year, or squarely in the middle of the worst housing market since the 1930s.
With house prices declining, the upward bias in appraisals that had prevailed during the bubble had morphed into a downward bias. Many deals are not getting done because appraisals are coming in too low, and HVCC is seriously aggravating the problem.
To protect themselves from liability, most lenders are ordering appraisals from appraisal management companies (AMCs), which intermediate between the lender and the appraiser. The AMC selects and pays the appraiser, receives and evaluates the appraisal, and passes it to the lender, which has no direct contact with the appraiser.

Because AMCs operate nationally but do not have appraisers everywhere, more appraisals are being done by appraisers who are not familiar with the local market. Appraisers working for AMCs are also paid less per appraisal than independents, which may induce them to invest less time.
Less knowledge by appraisers means more scope for bias, and in a declining-price market, the prevailing bias is toward lower values.
Intermediation by AMCs also lengthens the period required to complete purchase transactions. People involved in the process tell me that it can add an extra week. In an increasing number of cases, the paperwork doesn't get done by the contracted due date or the expiration date of the buyer's mortgage lock, either of which can derail the transaction.
The objective of HVCC was to prevent pressures being imposed on appraisers to raise values. But HVCC also prevents the loan officers, mortgage brokers and Realtors who work with borrowers from pressuring appraisers to get a deal done in time to meet a deadline. Further, they can no longer keep their clients informed about the status of an appraisal because they are no longer in the loop.
In addition, the loan officers, brokers and Realtors who fashion deals for consumers used to have access to informal value opinions from the appraisers with whom they worked. Such opinions allowed them to abort house purchases and refinances that clearly would not fly because of inadequate property value. This source of information is now closed to them, with the result that deals that previously would have been screened out are now going through the system to be rejected, imposing needless costs on everyone involved.
HVCC has also pretty much eliminated the ability of a borrower to use the same appraisal with multiple loan providers. Before HVCC, mortgage brokers could use one appraisal with any of the wholesale lenders with which they dealt, and lenders sometimes accepted appraisals ordered by others. Today, brokers are out of it and lenders using AMCs will not accept appraisals ordered by other lenders because they cannot be sure that the other lenders are following the HVCC rules. The upshot is that borrowers often have to pay for more than one appraisal.
In sum, the HVCC "cure" for the appraisal problem of overvaluation has been implemented in a market where the problem has become undervaluation, and HVCC is making that problem much worse. It should be scrapped. When normal markets reemerge will be time enough to reconsider how appraisals can be made independent without disrupting business relationships that have served borrowers well.
NOTE: I am grateful to Kevin Iverson for his insightful comments.
The writer is professor of finance emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Comments and questions can be left at www.mtgprofessor.com [2].

In the news....regarding real estate

2009-07-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Home sales show third month of gains
By Inman_News
Created 2009-07-23 09:10

Existing-home sales rose for a third month in a row in June, and prices may stabilize in many areas by the end of the year if inventories continue to decline, the National Association of Realtors said today [1].
Sales of resale homes, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 3.6 percent from May to June, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million units -- virtually the same as a year ago, NAR said.
At that rate of sales, the 3.82 million homes on the market represented a 9.4-month supply, down from 9.8 months in May.
A six-month supply of homes is generally considered a healthier balance of supply and demand, but the "raw inventory" total, or number of homes on the market, is down 14.9 percent from a year ago.
A Wall Street Journal analysis of housing fundamentals [2] in 28 major real estate markets during the second quarter showed considerable variation in inventory, ranging from a high of 18.1 months in Chicago to just 2.7 months in Sacramento, Calif.
"If we can keep the volume of sales above the level of new inventory, prices could stabilize in many areas around the end of the year,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a press release.
Distressed properties accounted for 31 percent of sales in June, a factor in the 15.4 percent decline in median home price from a year ago, to $181,800, the group said.
Appraisal issues
Yun repeated past claims by NAR that new rules for appraisals on loans slated for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that took effect May 1 continue to dent sales.
In a survey of the group's members in June, 37 percent of Realtors claimed to have lost at least one sale because of the new rules, and 70 percent said consumers were paying higher fees, Yun said.
The Home Valuation Code of Conduct [3] was intended to protect appraisers from coercion by lenders to "hit the numbers" and produce appraisals that support a contractual sales price.
But critics say the new rules have shifted work to appraisal management companies, some of which are allegedly relying on inexperienced appraisers who are unfamiliar with the markets they are assigned to work in.
Some appraisers say market forces that continue to push home prices down in many markets are often to blame when appraisals don't support an agreed-upon sale price, and not the new rules (see story [4]).
The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, issued an update [5] Wednesday defending implementation of the code, saying it has not led to lower appraisals or encouraged the use of appraisal management companies.
But NAR, which has called for an 18-month suspension of the code, continues to push for change, saying inexperienced appraisers too often use distressed properties as comparable sales when valuing nondistressed properties without making appropriate adjustments.
"Clearly the process needs to be revised, but the most logical approach is to use appraisers with local expertise, industry designations and access to local data, who make a physical examination of the property and use apples-to-apples comparisons with nearby home sales,” Yun said.
Freddie Mac issued a bulletin to lenders [6] July 10 stating that appraisers "must be familiar with the local market" where they are valuing properties, choose "appropriate comparable sales," and certify them as the homes "most similar" to the property being appraised.
But the bulletin said appraisers must consider using distressed properties -- including short sales, foreclosures or real estate-owned properties -- as comparable sales if they are "representative of the properties available to typical purchasers for the market in which the property is located" (see story [7]).
This week, Fannie Mae updated a 10-page "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) on the Home Valuation Code of Conduct [8], making similar points.
The code "does not speak to foreclosure data," Fannie Mae said in a new section of the FAQ. "It is up to the appraiser to determine if the data is applicable and appropriate or not."
When appraisers sign Fannie Mae's residential appraisal report form, the FAQ noted in another new section, they are certifying that they "have knowledge and experience in appraising this type of property in this market area."
Freddie Mac also updated its Home Valuation Code of Conduct FAQ [9] this week, noting among other things that the new rules address "the relationship between the lender and the appraiser, not appraisal standards."
Housing breakdown
NAR said single-family home sales rose 2.4 percent from may to June, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.32 million -- about the same pace as a year ago. Median price was down 15 percent from a year ago at $181,600.
Existing condominium and co-op sales grew 14 percent from May to June, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 570,000 units, down 3.1 percent from a year ago. The median existing condo price fell 18.9 percent from a year ago, to $183,300.
Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 2.5 percent from May to June, to an annual pace of 820,000 in June, down 4.7 percent from a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $249,400, down 5.9 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the Midwest increased 0.9 percent from May to June, to 1.1 million a year, down 1.8 percent from a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was down 9.1 percent from a year ago, to $157,000.
In the South, existing-home sales rose 4 percent from May to June, to an annual pace of 1.81 million, down 3.7 percent from a year ago. The median price in the South was $163,200, down 11.9 percent from June 2008.
Existing-home sales in the West were up 6.4 percent from May to June, to an annual rate of 1.16 million, an 11.5 percent increase from a year ago. The median price in the West was $214,800, down 24.9 percent from a year ago.

Anti-pity party

2009-07-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

I think that losing someone as a young child really puts things in perspective and sets the precedent for one’s ability to deal with issues. At least, it did for me.

I decided right then and there that nothing could hurt as much as having death capture someone you love. Everything else seems so insignificant in comparison. Consequently it has made me fearless. Knowing that I’ve been through the greatest thing that could ever hurt me, more than once, I know I can handle anything.

I used to think that grieving is the worst possible thing anyone can go through. Now that I’m older, I realize that everyone is different. Whatever anyone has been through, regardless of the tragedy, that is their most emotional experience. I’ve learned not to compare my definition of pain to someone else’s. We’re all on this journey together and have all experienced pain.

When I find myself feeling stressed, tired, lonely, angry, sad, confused, disappointed and broken….I remember that it could always be worse. I am healthy. I have loved ones who are healthy. I love everything about life. Even the bad stuff. I’m grateful to say that I have “inconveniences”. That means that I’m comfortable enough to recognize the aggravation.

I am appreciative that I have the opportunity to take what I don’t like and change it. As an American, there is no excuse not to succeed in what you set your mind to. All too often we feel sorry for ourselves for our shortcomings. Truth is, it’s probably your fault. Where you are in life now is a result of choices you’ve made. If you don’t like it, change it. We cannot control what happens to us but we can control how we react to it.

Whatever pains you bear, whatever you’re struggling with…know you have the power to overcome it. I don’t buy into excuses and I feel sorry for no one. No American at least. We have every opportunity at our fingertips and we take it for granted. People in this world don’t have what we have and we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to that fact. Even the poorest of the poor in America still have it better than third world countries. Most of my generation and the ones after have no idea what struggle is. Even in this recession, we are still blessed.

Happiness is not a result of the events surrounding your life. Happiness comes from within. Don’t wait to be happy. A common misconception is that one will be happy once they are financial secure. The sooner you deal with the fact that money will always be a constant worry in your life, the better. More money, bigger bills. If you cannot find joy in your current life, winning the lottery will not help you. You will be the same person with the same problems, only with more money.

I don’t really know where I’m going with this blog or what’s the purpose. But that’s what is in my heart at the moment.

Mid Year Real Estate Market Report 2009

2009-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

The following report consists of residential properties reported to the MLS by all real estate companies in the Acadiana area. These are excerpts from Van Eaton & Romero's report. To view the report in it's entirety, please email me at Kisha@KishaKana.com

Closed Sales January to June: 1476 18.60% decrease from 2008

Average Days of the Market: 105 17 day increase from 2008

Average Sales Price: $176,726 2.09% increase from 2008

List to Sold Price Ratio: 96.78% 2.35% increase from 2008

Pending Sales Jan. to June: 1872 7.35 decrease from 2008

New Listings Jan. to June: 2936 11.25% decrease from 2008

In comparison with the other 80 companies in Acadiana, Van Eaton & Romero sells 25.56% in number of total sides and 32.29% in total dollar volume, making them #1 in Acadiana.

Based on solds in all of Acadiana on either side, reported to MLS:

#1-Van Eaton & Romero 753 sides $168,201,944 volume
#2-Coldwell Banker Pelican 474 sides $ 81,731,519 volume
#3-Era Stirling Properties 199 sides $ 40,142,579 volume

Not caring what people think

2009-07-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

People often wonder how I came to be the type of person that doesn’t care what people think. Either that or they wonder why I feel the need to pretend like I don’t care what people think. For those who think the latter, I can assure you that it’s not an act but very much factual. For the rest, here’s my take on the topic.

Here are a few things I truly believe in my heart and live every day.

#1: I do not care what people think of me. The reason: They do not live my life. Just because someone has an opinion of you (good or bad), it does not make it a fact. Face facts. People are going to talk about you whether you like it or not. Your best friends and your family WILL talk about you behind your back. It’s how people relate to other people. Keep in mind that this is an opinion based on third party observation. You know in your heart if their words hold any merit.
#2: I do not get offended by criticism. The reason: I look at it this way: It’s possible that this person is trying to help. Especially if it’s someone close to you, they may be telling you something that you need to hear no matter how much it hurts. I absorb criticisms with an open mind and if I believe it’s something that I can use to improve myself, I work on it. Then there are people who are criticizing things about you that they do not like within themselves. Almost always when people speak badly about one another, it’s regarding something that they, themselves are insecure about.

#3 I’m not flattered by praises/awards. The reason: I do not measure my self-worth by my income, my successes or my failures. When someone praises me, I appreciate it. But I view it with the same mindset as noted in #1. That’s their opinion. I would never refuse an award because the people/organization put time/money into presenting it to me. But I don’t have a shrine to myself hanging in my home either. Awards do not make me the best. And lack of recognition doesn’t make me the worst .

#4 I have no interest in fashion. The reason: I dress how I feel like dressing. If I like it, I’m wearing it. End of story. If people like or don’t like it, that’s okay. It’s fine to have an opinion. But it won’t dictate how I dress.

#5 Don’t ask me if you don’t want to know. The reason: I don’t give false praises. When someone compliments you, I accept it by saying thank you. . I also don’t lie when I’m asked for my opinion. I will not feed into your need for approval.

#6 I stay open minded. The reason: I do not know where these people have been. I usually try to understand where they are coming from to understand their outlook or thought process. I realize that my thoughts and opinions are not the “be all, end all to the universe. I respect the beliefs of others while still holding true to my own.

#7 I don’t keep up with the Jones’. The reason: I am not materialistic. I am not jealous of things that other people have. Material items do not make you happy. Happiness comes from within. I will not buy something because everyone else has it. And I’m really not impressed with the price of one’s possessions.

# 8 I am not bitter towards others. The reason: This isn’t a competition. We are here on earth for our personal journey. You don’t know what it’s like to be someone else. While things may look perfect from your point of view, there is always more to the story. It doesn’t matter if someone has a nice house, good career, happy marriage, etc. Everyone has their cross to bear. I have enough time dealing with my own crosses to want to wish to be in someone else’s shoes and deal with theirs.

#9 I treat everyone the same. The reason: You never know who you are talking to. First impressions can be deceiving. Everyone deserves to be treated with friendliness and respect unless proven otherwise. We are all equals regardless of race, religion, social status, etc.

# 10 I live my life the way I want. The reason: I’m living my life while people are sitting around talking about it.

Record Breaking Temps

2009-06-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

In the Past Seven Days Records Have Been Tied or Broken at SeveralLocations in the Forecast Area. Records are Listed Below: New Record(2009) Old Record/year

Lake Charles
June 24 102 99/1937
June 25 102 99/1914

Beaumont
June 24102 97/1995
June 25 100(t)100/1902
June 28100 97/1969
June 29100 96/1969

Lafayette
June 24 102 99/1930
June 25 100(t)100/1930
June 28 99 98/1954
June 29 101 100/1930

Alexandria
June 23 102(t)102/1932
June 24 102 101/1930
June 28104 101/1932

New Iberia
June 23 100 97/1953
June 24 102 97/2005
June 25 101 97/2005
June 26 101 98/1951
June 27 97(t)97/1952
June 28 98 97/1950
June 29 100 97/1950

near Record High Temperatures will Persist Through Much of TheWeek. Additional Records May be Tied or Broken During this TimeFrame. Increased Rain Chances this Weekend Should Bring an End toThe Oppressive Heat.

Olivier/jones
Expires
7/1/09 4:15 PM
County/Area
Lafayette, LA (latitude: 30.2159, longitude: -92.0904)

To the most amazing person I've met

2009-06-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

I know being with me is a tall order… I write this to the man who can handle it

When I was younger, I imagined what my husband would be like
Or what I wanted him to be, rather
Then, shortly realized that I’d probably never marry
My ideal man was unrealistic for someone as difficult and complex as myself
I decided that the things I wanted to do in life didn’t have a place for someone who would bring me down
Little did I know that the only way to accomplish the things I wanted to do was to have the man I now call my husband
God sent him to me in spite of myself and my ideas about my life
I have joined forces with someone who completes me
My weaknesses are his strengths
I can confide in him without being judged
I always have his support in everything I go through
He understands me when I don’t understand myself
He challenges me to be the best version of myself
I’m very grateful to walk this earth with the most amazing person I’ve ever known
I can’t wait to see where our path will lead us as we grow and love together
I love you baby

To the most amazing person I've met

2009-06-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Market Conditions

2009-06-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

The following statistics were extracted from reported sales to MLS, courtesy of Van Eaton & Romero.

Analyzing sales from January to May of 2008 in comparison to January to May 2009. All residential sales in Acadiana in all areas were considered.

There was a 20.66% decrease in number of home sales.

The average days on the market have increased by 22 days.

The current average sale price is $175,458, a 1.63% increase.

The current average median sale price is $177,609, a 2.58% increase.

The average list to sold price ratio is 96.63%, a .57% decrease.

For a full report, email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com

Not all yard sales are created equal

2009-06-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Debbie Duplantis with Home Mortgage
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for holding a yard sale. But simply holding a yard sale doesn't necessarily mean you'll end the day with lots of extra money in your pocket. If you're planning on clearing out your clutter this summer, here are ten tips to help make your yard sale a success:

1-Start your yard sale earlier than other yard sales in your area so shoppers will start their shopping day with you.

2-Don't schedule your yard sale on a holiday weekend or during a big event in your area (like a sporting event or festival).

3-If it rains, take down your signs and reschedule your sale so you can maximize traffic on the day of your sale.

4-Before your own yard sale, visit other sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of typical prices.

5-Place all of your items (except for large items) on tables so shoppers don't have to bend.

6-If you plan to sell electrical items, have an outlet and extension cord handy so you can show shoppers that the items work.

7-If you want to sell larger ticket items, look for those items in a local circular and then attach the ad to your item so shoppers can see that they are getting a great deal.

8-If you have a variety of items that men would like, place them on their own table. If married couples stop by your sale, both parties will enjoy looking.

9-Advertise your sale ahead of time in your local newspaper classified section, on community boards at your local food stores, and online at places like www.Craigslist.org.

10-Wait until the morning of your garage sale to hang signs in your neighborhood, and make sure you take them down that day to avoid any fines from your homeowner's association or your town. You don't want to have to use all the cash you earn to pay a fine!

And remember, a successful sale is also a safe sale. Keep money in a pouch around your waist instead of in a cash box (which could get stolen while you are helping shoppers), don't accept checks (which could bounce), and never allow strangers inside your home to use the bathroom or telephone.

Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to having less clutter in your home, and more cash in your pocket!

Downtown Alive! 2009 Schedule

2009-03-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

DOWNTOWN ALIVE! 25 YEAR ANNIVESARY CONTINUES WITH SPRING SEASON

Downtown Alive! is now a 25-year-old community tradition and a popular staple in Acadiana’s cultural and social calendar. Downtown Alive! was first produced by Downtown Lafayette Unlimited in fall 1983 and has continued with a spring and fall season of free, family-friendly, outdoor concerts each year since.

The 25th Anniversary continues this spring, with a concert each Friday between March 13 and June 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at two downtown park venues. DTA! is sponsored by Cox, Lafayette Coca Cola, and The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.

Spring 2009 25th Anniversary Series features four Grammy nominated artists, and DTA! favorites of the past and present with genres from Cajun & Swamp Pop to Reggae and Rock.

Spring 2009 25th Anniversary Season Schedule

March 13 T.K. Hulin, Steve Adams & Smoke w/Special Guest Charlene Howard – Swamp Pop - Parc International

March 20 Louisiana Red - Classic covers & variety - Parc Sans Souci

March 27 Lafayette’s Bayou Boys - Cajun variety - Parc Sans Souci

April 3 Tab Benoit – Blues/Traditional Country/Vintage R&B - Parc International

April 10 Good Friday – No DTA!

April 17 Marcia Ball – New Orleans R&B/ Gulf Coast Blues - Parc International

April 24 Festival International de Louisiane

May 1 Rex Moroux – Roots Rock - Parc Sans Souci

May 8 Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys w/Special Guest Geno Delafose – Cajun/Zydeco - Parc International

May 15 Krossfyre - R&B/Variety - Parc Sans Souci

May 22 Lil’ Buck Sinegal – Blues - Parc Sans Souci

May 29 Brass Bed w/special guests The Howdies – Rock/Americana - Parc Sans Souci

June 5 True Man Posse – Creole Reggae - Parc Sans Souci

Acadiana Residential Market Stats February 2009 vs. 2008

2009-03-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

In summary, the number of home sales have dropped by 25% and the time on the market has increased by 21%. The average sales price has only seen a 2% drop in price. These figures are rounded. For a full report courtesy of Van Eaton & Romero and prepared by CEO Bill Bacque...please email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com

Properties that my realtor can help me with....

2009-03-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Survey Question #6: A realtor can only help me with the homes that their company has listed:

A) True 11%
B) False 84%
C) They can only help me with the properties that they are the listing agent on 5%

I've covered most of this on the other survey Q & A blog. And most of the participants got this question correct. But I still constantly hear that people are confused about this. The correct answer is FALSE. Once again, your designated realtor can assist you with ANY home on the market. That includes homes listed with other realtors, other companies and even for sale by owners. So when you see a sign and you want information, call your realtor before the number advertised for the home. Your realtor can access all of the information and your interest will be represented.

On a different note, the GoGetters have a couple charities we are currently raising money for. Please let us know if you're interested in contributing.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We will be walking in May to raise money to help find a cure for this disease. Our niece, Myla Mistric, was born with this. It is a disease that affects the lungs and causes children and peoople to live a life of constant medical attention. Currently there is no cure and the median life span for someone with CF is 40 years. We are selling donation "certificates" for $1 each.

We are also selling raffle tickets for the Catahoula Church Fair. This is my hometown. Tickets are $2 each and the drawing will be on April 26, 2009. Prizes are as follows:
1st place Homemade Quilt
2nd Cypress Gun Cabinet
3rd Gas BBQ pit
4th 20" digital LCD TV
5th Kitchen Aid Mixer
6th Canon Digital Camera
7th AM/FM/CD player
8th $100 Cash

2009-03-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

FIRST‐TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2008, Congress enacted a $7500 tax credit designed to be an incentive for first‐time homebuyers to purchase a home. The credit was designed as a mechanism to decrease the over‐supply of homes for sale.

For 2009, Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

Tax Credits ‐‐ The Basics

1. What’s this new homebuyer tax incentive for 2009?

The 2008 $7500, repayable credit is increased to $8000 and the repayment feature is eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. It is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

2. Who is eligible?

Only first‐time homebuyers are eligible. A person is considered a first‐time buyer if he/she has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day of the 2009 purchase.

3. How does a tax credit work?

Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income taxes by a dollar. Credits are claimed on an individual’s income tax return. Thus, a qualified purchaser would figure out all the income items and exemptions and make all the calculations required to figure out his/her total tax due. Then, once the total tax owed has been computed, tax credits are applied to reduce the total tax bill. So, if before taking any credits on a tax return a person has total tax liability of $9500, an $8000 credit would wipe out all but $1500 of
the tax due. ($9,500 ‐ $8000 = $1500)

4. So what happens if the purchaser is eligible for an $8000 credit but their entire income tax liability for the year is only $6000?

This tax credit is what’s called “refundable” credit. Thus, if the eligible purchaser’s total tax liability was $6000, the IRS would send the purchaser a check for $2000. The refundable amount is the difference between $8000 credit amount and the amount of tax liability. ($8000 ‐ $6000 = $2000) Most taxpayers determine their tax liability by referring to tables that the IRS prepares each year.

5. How does withholding affect my tax credit and my refund?
A few examples are provided at the end of this document. There are several steps in this calculation, but most income tax software programs are equipped to make that determination.

6. Is there an income restriction?

Yes. The income restriction is based on the tax filing status the purchaser claims when filing his/her income tax return. Individuals filing Form 1040 as Single (or Head of Household) are eligible for the credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Married couples who file a Joint return may have income of no more than $150,000.

7. How is my “income” determined?

For most individuals, income is defined and calculated in the same manner as their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their 1040 income tax return. AGI includes items like wages, salaries, interest and dividends, pension and retirement earnings, rental income and a host of other elements. AGI is the final number that appears on the bottom line of the front page of an IRS Form 1040.

8. What if I worked abroad for part of the year?
Some individuals have earned income and/or receive housing allowances while working outside the US. Their income will be adjusted to reflect those items to measure Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Their eligibility for the credit will be based on their MAGI.

9. Do individuals with incomes higher than the $75,000 or $150,000 limits lose all the benefit of the credit?

Not always. The credit phases‐out between $75,000 ‐ $95,000 for singles and $150,000 ‐ $170,000 for married filing joint. The closer a buyer comes to the maximum phase‐out amount, the smaller the credit will be. The law provides a formula to gradually withdraw the credit. Thus, the credit will disappear after an individual’s income reaches $95,000 (single return) or $170,000 (joint return).

For example, if a married couple had income of $165,000, their credit would be reduced by 75% as shown:

Couple’s income $165,000
Income limit 150,000
Excess income $15,000

The excess income amount ($15,000 in this example) is used to form a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the excess income amount ($15,000). The denominator is $20,000 (specified by the statute). In this example, the disallowed portion of the credit is 75% of $8000, or $6000
($15,000/$20,000 = 75% x $8000 = $6000)

Stated another way, only 25% of the credit amount would be allowed.
In this example, the allowable credit would be $2000 (25% x $8000 = $2000)

10. What’s the definition of “principal residence?”

Generally, a principal residence is the home where an individual spends most of his/her time (generally defined as more than 50%). It is also defined as “owner‐occupied” housing. The term includes single-family detached housing, condos or co‐ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling. Even some houseboats or manufactured homes count as principal residences.

11. Are there restrictions on the location of the property?

Yes. The home must be located in the United States. Property located outside the US is not eligible for the credit.

12. Are there restrictions related to the financing for the mortgage on the property?

In 2009, most financing arrangements are acceptable and will not affect eligibility for the credit.
Congress eliminated the financing restriction that applied in 2008. (In 2008, purchasers were ineligible for the $7500 credit if the financing was obtained by means of mortgage revenue bonds.) Now, mortgage‐revenue bond financing will not disqualify an otherwise‐eligible purchaser. (Mortgage revenue bonds are tax‐exempt bonds issued by a state housing agency. Proceeds from the bonds must be used for below market loans to qualified buyers.)

13. Do I have to repay the 2009 tax credit?

NO. There is no repayment for 2009 tax credits.

14. Do 2008 purchasers still have to repay their tax credit?

YES. The $7500 credit in 2008 was more like an interest‐free loan. All eligible purchasers who claimed the 2008 credit will still be required to repay it over 15 years, starting with their 2010 tax return.

Some Practical Questions

15. How do I apply for the credit?

There is no pre‐purchase authorization, application or similar approval process. All eligible purchasers simply claim the credit on their IRS Form 1040 tax return. The credit will be reflected on a new Form 5405 that will be attached to the 1040. Form 5405 can be found at www.irs.gov.

16. So I can’t use the credit amount as part of my downpayment?

No. Congress tried hard to devise a mechanism that would make the funds available for closing costs, but found that pre‐funding would require cumbersome processes that would, in effect, bring the IRS into the purchase and settlement phase of the transaction.

17. So there’s no way to get any cash flow benefits before I file my tax return?

Yes, there is. Any first‐time homebuyers who believe they are eligible for all or part of the credit can modify their income tax withholding (through their employers) or adjust their quarterly estimated tax payments. Individuals subject to income tax withholding would get an IRS Form W‐4 from their employer, follow the instructions on the schedules provided and give the completed Form W‐4 back to the employer. In many cases their withholding would decrease and their take‐home pay would increase. Those who make estimated tax payments would make similar adjustments.

Some “Real World” Examples

18. What if I purchase later this year but can’t get to settlement before December 1?

The credit is available for purchases before December 1, 2009. A home is considered as “purchased” when all events have occurred that transfer the title from the seller to the new purchaser. Thus, closings must occur before December 1, 2009 for purchases to be eligible for the credit.

19. I haven’t even filed my 2008 tax return yet. If I buy in 2009, do I have to wait until next year to get the benefit of the credit?

You’ll have a helpful choice that might speed up the process. Eligible homebuyers who make their purchase between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 can treat the purchase as if it had occurred on December 31, 2008. Thus, they can claim the credit on their 2008 tax return that is due on April 15, 2009. They actually have three filing options.

• If they purchase between January 1, 2009 and April 15, 2009, they can claim the $8000 credit on the 2008 return due on April 15.

• They can extend their 2008 income‐tax filing until as late as October 15, 2009. (The IRS grants automatic extensions, but the taxpayer must file for the extension. See www.irs.gov for
instructions on how to obtain an extension.)

• If they have filed their 2008 return before they purchase the home, they may file an amended
2008 tax return on Form 1040X. (Form 1040X is available at www.irs.gov)
Of course, 2009 purchasers will always have the option of claiming the credit for the 2009 purchase on their 2009 return. Their 2009 tax return is due on April 15, 2010.

20. I purchased my home in early 2009 before the stimulus bill was enacted. I claimed a $7500 tax credit on my 2008 return as prior law had permitted. Am I restricted to just a $7500 credit?

No, you would qualify for the $8000 credit. Eligible purchasers who have already claimed the $7500 credit on a 2008 return for a 2009 purchase may file an amended return (IRS Form 1040X) for the 2008 tax year. This amended return will enable them to obtain the additional $500 credit amount.

21. If I claim my 2009 $8000 credit on my 2008 tax return, will I have to repay the credit just as the 2008 credits are repaid?

No. Congress anticipated this confusion and has made specific provision so that there would be no repayment of 2009 credits that are claimed on 2008 returns.

22. I made an eligible purchase of a principal residence in May 2008 and claimed the $7500 credit on my 2008 tax return. My brother, who has never owned a home, wishes to purchase a partial interest in the home this spring and move in. Will he qualify for the $8000 credit, as well?

No. Any purchase of a principal residence (or interest in a principal residence) from a related party such as a sibling, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle is ineligible for the tax credit. Since you and your brother are related in this way, he cannot qualify for the credit on any portion of the home that he purchases from you, even if he is a first‐time homebuyer.

23. I live in the District of Columbia. If I qualify as a first‐time homebuyer, can I use both the $5000 DC credit and the $8000 credit?

No; double dipping is not allowed. You would be eligible for only the $8000 credit. This will be an
advantage because of the higher credit amount, plus the eligibility requirements for the $8000 credit are somewhat more easily satisfied than the DC credit.

24. I know there is no repayment requirement for the $8000 credit. Will I ever have to repay any of the credit back to the government?

One situation does require a recapture payment back to the government. If you claim the credit but then sell the property within 3 years of the date of purchase, you are required to pay back the full amount of any credit, including any refund you received from it. A few exceptions apply. (See below, #24). Note that this same 3‐year recapture rule applies, as well, to the $7500 credit available for 2008.

This provision is designed as an anti‐flipping rule.

25. What if I die or get divorced or my property is ruined in a natural disaster within the 3 years?

The repayment rules are eased for many circumstances. If the homeowner who used the credit dies within the first three years of ownership, there is no recapture. Special rules make adjustments for people who sell homes as part of a divorce settlement, as well. Similarly, adjustments are made in the case of a home that is part of an involuntary conversion (property is destroyed in a natural disaster or subject to condemnation by eminent domain by an authorized agency) within the first three years.

26. I have a home under construction. Am I eligible for the credit?

Yes, so long as you actually occupy the home before December 1, 2009.

WITHHOLDING EXAMPLES:

Note: The impact of estimated tax payments would be the same.

Situation 1: Sally plans her withholding so that her withholding is as close as possible to what she
anticipates as her income tax liability for the year. When she fills out her 1040, her liability is $6000.
She has had $6000 withheld from her paycheck. She also qualifies for the $8000 homebuyer credit.
Result: Sally’s withholding satisfies her tax liability and reduces it to zero. She will receive a refund of the full $8000.

Situation 2: Nick and Nora file a joint return. Nick is self‐employed and makes estimated payments; Nora has taxes withheld from her salary. When they compute their taxes, their combined withholding and estimated tax payments are $11,000. Their income tax liability is $9800. They also qualified as first time homebuyers and are eligible for the $8000 refundable tax credit.

Result: Ordinarily, their combined estimated tax payments and withholding would make them eligible for a refund of $1200 ($11,000 ‐ $9800 = $1200). Because they are eligible for the refundable tax credit as well, they will receive a refund of $9200 ($1200 income tax refund + $8000 refundable tax credit =$9200).

Situation 3: Cesar and LuzMaria both have income taxes withheld from their salaries and file a joint return. When they file their income tax return, their combined withholding is $5000. However, their total tax liability is $7200, generating an additional income tax liability of $2200 ($7200 ‐ $5000). They also qualify for the $8000 first‐time homebuyer tax credit.

Result: Cesar and LuzMaria have been under‐withheld by $2200. Ordinarily, they would be required to pay the additional $2200 they owe (plus any applicable interest and penalties). Because they are eligible for the refundable homebuyer tax credit, the credit will cover the $2200 additional liability. In addition, they will receive an income tax refund of $5800 ($8000 ‐ $2200 = $5800). If they owed penalties and/or interest, that amount would reduce the refund.

NOTE: This information was developed by The National Association of REALTORS Governmental Affairs Division. It is being distributed by Van Eaton & Romero, Inc. as a public service and is not intended to replace or supersede the advice of a competent tax professional.
We recommend that you direct any specific questions beyond the scope of the information contained herein to your tax advisor.

Shopping Experiment

2009-02-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

I have a confession. I don’t cook very often. Everyone in my family cooks really well. For me? It’s a swing and a miss. I decided recently (as I’ve done before) that I want to start cooking. Not all the time. But I definitely want to contribute to my family’s meal experience. By doing this I’ve learned many things.

#1: I’m about to be banned from the kitchen. It’s quite funny how bad I am at it. Rather than learning how to cook, I’m actually learning what I can pull off and what to stay away from.
#2: The crock pot and I don’t always get along.
#3: My son loves to help me cook so I can get in QT with him
#4 My husband will eat anything….God bless him.
#5: It really takes strategic planning……….or shopping rather.

My typical shopping consists of a minimum of 3 weekly trips to the grocery store to buy items of need, as they come up. (this is in theory of course because I rarely do the shopping) That’s a lot of wasted time when you think about it. Each trip is a minimum of 30 minutes. 30 minutes x 3 times per week= 6 hours per month. Not to mention the cost of gas and impacting the environment with the trips. For people who are so pressed for time these days, 2 hours is a lot. That’s enough time for a monthly massage and a trip to the park. I remember my mother and grandmother taking weekly grocery trips. In which they would buy massive amounts of food, usually hitting sales. Sales were their thing. It was a sport for them. I remember them discussing what needs to be done (what meat to take out of the freezer) the night before, planning dinner for the next day. Everything was already there. I never remember them starting a dinner and then realizing that they were out of something. Well, I didn’t pick up this lifestyle. For New Year’s Day while cooking for friends/family, I sent my poor husband four, that’s right FOUR, times to the store. So I decided now I want to have more of plan like the women before me.

I have a tight nit group of friends whom I talk to about everything. A friend of mine told me her secret. Which, now I know, is not a secret at all, lots of people do this. She takes the weekly sales papers that come in the mail (I usually throw it directly in the recycle box, without even glancing) and brings it to Wal-Mart where she normally does her shopping and they match any sales price. I’m thinking that sounds like a lot of work. I want to minimize my time not add to it. But she claims it really saves money. So I decided to conduct a little experiment, because I was not convinced.

Next time the sales papers came in, I started looking at them. I found things we normally buy and started circling all these great prices. My husband saw me and wanted to know what I was doing. I told him and he pointed out that most of the items I circled are what Wal-Mart usually charges. This is when it hit me. I have no earthly idea how price of things. How is this possible? My hobby is planning and budgeting for crying out loud! I can tell you right now how much we spend per month, how much we save, how much we donate, how much we invest, etc but I can’t tell you how much individual items are such as gas, food, etc. It really hit me hard when I realized that a gallon of milk isn’t $2.16. I really thought I was close too. It’s embarrassing. I started surveying people to see if they knew the price of things and most of them did. It took me a week to get over this.

And the sale papers came once again. So my experiment began…again. This time, I circled everything we normally buy. I typed up a grocery list with the items, the sale price and which paper it’s from. I did this because I’m used of shopping with a list and didn’t want to dig in each sale paper for each item. I dragged my husband with me to Wal-Mart for help. He totally thought I was nuts trying to save a few cents here and there. But it was for research!
I had to find each item and compare. Wal-Mart was already cheaper than half of items on my list. As for the other half, I saved a grand total of $12.73. That was actually a lot more than I expected. The discount on each item varied from $.06 to $4.84. Still, I’m thinking that the time spent circling the items, typing the list, having to point out each discounted item to the cashier and holding up the line of growing disgruntled shoppers at the register isn’t worth the savings.

On the other hand, let’s look at the big picture. Let’s say that $12.73 would be the average savings per week. $12.73 x 52 weeks= $661.96 per year. A huge chunk of Americans don’t have a nest egg (savings account). Let’s say you take those savings and put it in a savings account that earns 4% interest. How much do you think it’ll grow? Yep, you guessed it, I researched that too.

Current Savings:
$0.00
Years to Enrollment:
10 years
Interest Rate on Savings:
4.00%
Contribution Frequency:
Annually
Amount Saved Per Period:
$661.96
Total Contributions:
$6,619.60
Number of Contributions:
10
Total Interest Earnings:
$1,645.87
Interest Earnings Percentage:
19.91%
Total Projected Savings:
$8,265.47

This could help you in a number of ways 10 years from now. This is nothing but money you would have normally spent on food. Even if you’re not looking that far ahead, couldn’t you use an extra $661.96 per year? You can use it towards Christmas gifts, pay an extra mortgage/car payment, buy yourself something nice. Don’t care about having that extra money? Don’t need it? There are people in this world who greatly need it. You can donate it to the ones that do need it. Most people don’t donate money because they don’t have disposable income. Saving money that you normally spend on food can create disposable income to be able to give back.

Even in a recession, Americans are still very fortunate in comparison to the rest of the world. Yet we take our luxury for granted.

It’s not only about saving a buck. Most of us are fortunate enough not to worry about each nickel and dime. But I think it’s time for us to start thinking about how our actions affect us, our family and the world around us. Any small alteration to our lifestyle could greatly impact us, our family and others.

Will I continue to search for the sales? Maybe. Maybe not. But the research on this was fun and definitely a learning experience. I’m curious to hear your feedback.

Viewing Properties for Sale

2009-02-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

I recently conducted a survey among friends, relatives and clients. There are many...many misconceptions about the home buying process. Here is one of the Q & A, which I elaborated on:

As a buyer, when I see a listed property I like, it's best to:

a) Call the listing agent/company who has the property I'm interested in 11%
Note: If the realtor currently represents the seller, and you don't have a buyer-agent agreement with that realtor....how well are you being represented in the event you decide to buy the home? Were you even offered a buyer-agent agreement? Who's interest does the agent hold? Yours? the sellers? Is she/he just seeing dollar signs?

b) Call my realtor to ensure my interest are represented 74%
Note: This is the best answer possible and the majority knew this. Most people start their search online (which is great!). However, they usually end up with whatever realtor they get on the phone when calling/emailing to inquire or schedule a showing. What most buyers don't realize is that they have a choice of many realtors who provide different levels of professionalism and service. Before you start searching online on your own, you should interview realtors and choose the one that suits you and your needs. By doing this, you'll have a realtor to call in the event you find something (online or driving by) you'd like
to view. Realtors can help you with anything on the market regardless of what company it's listed with. And with a buyer-agent agreement, you will have mutual promises in writing to ensure your interests are represented. The GoGetters conduct interviews via phone, online chats, webcam and in person....whatever fits your lifestyle. Email us: Kisha@KishaKana.com or Call 337.291.4754 for a buyer counseling session.

c) Call the list agent/company to get info and look at the property, then call my agent to assist me in buying it 16%
Note: I cannot stress enough on how big of a "no-no" this is. By doing this, you are unintentionally leading another agent into thinking that you are their client. By doing this, it causes unneccessary problems that are easily avoidable by communicating only to your realtor for information and showings.

For more information, please contact us.

Mardi Gras, Charity & Opportunities

2009-02-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

Acadiana’s Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Carencro Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 21
The Carencro Mardi Gras Parade is held each year on the Saturday before Mardi Gras beginning at 11 a.m. The parade travels down University Avenue from Butcher Switch Road to Railroad Street.

Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 21 1pm
Starts at the Public Works building and ends at Fountain View

Children's Parade
Feb 21
Mardi Gras parade featuring Lafayette's children's krewes.Lafayette. 12:30 p.m.

Krewe of Bonaparte Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 21Lafayette. 6:30 pm

Queen's Parade
Feb 23Mardi Gras parade honoring the Southwest Mardi Gras Association's
Queen Evangeline.Lafayette. 6 p.m.

King's Parade
Feb 24
Mardi Gras parade honoring King Gabriel, reigning royalty for the
Southwest Mardi Gras Association.Lafayette. 10 a.m.

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
Feb 24
Mardi Gras parade honoring King Toussaint L'Ouverture and Queen Suzanne Simonn.Lafayette. 1 p.m.

Independent Parade
Feb 24
Sponsored by KADN Fox 15/KLAF UPN TV.Lafayette. 2 pm.

January Charity Event Report:
In January we collected donations for the Faith House of Acadiana. This charity helps abused women break free from their abuser and start fresh. Thank you to those of you who were kind enough to contribute. We were able to bring four bags of clothes/household items along with a monetary donation to the Faith House.

February Charity Event Goal:
Help us support the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Acadiana. This program provides mentors to under privileged kids who are missing that adult figure in their life. Radim, Khaison and I will be bowling to raise money for this great cause. Please consider donating (even small amounts help). Minimum amount we need to raise is $105.
Please respond if you'd like to contribute.

Take advantage of every opportunity: The tax credit in the Stimulus Bill is $8000, or 10% of the value of the home for any first time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November. It starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000, and buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.

Slow down.....

2009-02-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

What a gorgeous weekend Lafayette LA displayed! Perfectly clear blue skies, sunny and about 70 degrees with a breeze. Why the weather report? It has a lot to do with how I structured my weekend.

Normally, I work seven days a week. Even in my free time, I'm working. Filing paperwork, analysis, statistics...all which I consider fun. I can't sit still. I'm constantly in motion. And I'm not alone. We live in a very fast paced society. Everything was due yesterday and we are programmed to constantly do things quickly, with little to no tolerance for delay.

With today's technology, we are constantly connected. We are available to everyone all the time. But how connected are we to the things around us? Are we so immersed with our cell phone and the internet that we don't notice others around us? How often do we sit in silence? How often, when running from place to place, do we really notice the view?

I make it a point to be in the moment, no matter where I am. When I'm with clients, I don't answer the phone because I believe it's rude. Same when I'm having lunch or dinner with someone. When I'm attending a continuing education class...I don't text or email. I save that for the breaks, along with returning calls. I don't bring my phone down at all in church. You get the point. I'm pretty good about balancing "being connected" with "being in the moment".

But where I find I lack is enjoying the simple things. Paperwork and statistics will be there tomorrow. How often to I sit still and do nothing? The day was so gorgeous Saturday that I gave away my afternoon phone duty to venture out and do something different. I was going donate blood for a friend in need and couldn't go to the park if I showed up for phone duty (which is floor time at the office to answer incoming calls, for those of you not in real estate). So I packed up the car with a blanket, soccer ball, husband(who had to cancel his workout) and son and headed to the park. I thought about bringing a book because I knew I'd be bored otherwise but decided against it. The whole point was to do nothing. And not feel guilty for it. We did make a pit stop for sandwiches from Quiznos. (if you haven't realized, I'm not all that domestic and was not prepared for a real picnic)

The park was packed with people but not in an annoying way. There was plenty of space for everyone. We sat and ate our sandwiches. Then we sprawled out on the blanket. Sometimes talking, sometimes not. We stared at the sky. We watched other people. We even did yoga. Khaison, our son, didn't want to play on the playground. He was content kicking around a soccer ball.

The theme continued to the night. We didn't watch tv or play the Wii. We played Monopoly for three hours. Khaison seriously beat his two realtor parents....go figure.

For those of you that are thinking, "What is this chic writing about? My weekends are always like that." Good for you! You get it! You are already enjoying the little things in life. For those of you who can relate to me...you should definitely try just doing nothing. I felt the grass beneath my feet yesterday. How often do you feel the grass beneath your feet? How often do you take in the scenery? How often do you play a board game?

I now feel rejuvenated. Remember that life is good but if you don't slow down and enjoy it, it'll pass you by.

Perception of a realtor

2009-02-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

What do people think of when they picture a real estate agent? Most likely they will see a very busy individual that is constantly running around on the phone , emailing, texting and driving all at the same time. Most people probably see someone who is constantly in a hurry to make that next commission. People most likely will feel that there agent is overpaid. Why pay this person when I can do it myself for free?
Problem is…there is some truth to the perception, depending on what type realtor that person has dealt with. Bottom line is, the public has no clue what realtors do nor do they need to know exactly all what we do. What they do need to know is that we know what we’re doing when we are providing services to them.

How do the Real Estate GoGetters overcome the negative perception the public has of realtors?

Everywhere we go, people want to talk to us about real estate. We take that opportunity to listen and learn from it. People are quick to tell us negative experiences. We rarely hear of the positive ones. We try to take those negative perceptions and use them as a tool to perfect our services.
Effectively communicating is key. Most complaints are due to poor communication between realtor and client.
First off, before engaging in a realtor/client relationship…we conduct a counseling session, tailored for a buyer or seller, whatever the case may be. In this session, the process of buying or selling is broken down and explained to them. Our roles as well as theirs are identified. We feel that by doing this, the client knows what to expect.
Our services are systematic and consistent. Through continuing education, such as CRS courses…we have been able to put a system in place that allows us to cater to our growing clientele. Clients see that we are steadily busy but not frazzled nor overwhelmed.
Our means of communication is flexible and tailored to the comfort level and preference of each individual client. Our clients have the option of phone calls, internet chatting, text messaging, emails and webcam chats. Our clients also have our full attention when interacting with us. We do not answer our phone when we are with clients. We live in the here and now. It’s not necessary to constantly be “plugged” in order to be successful. We return calls and emails the same day. Clients respect that about us. They are okay with waiting on a return call because they are confident that it will be returned and with full attention.
Throughout any process, listing or selling, the client is constantly informed of what’s going on through weekly updates and copies of emails regarding the transaction.

As far as perception on honesty, integrity and ethics…there should be no problem. I’m appalled that this is not obvious. If you, as a client question your realtor’s honesty, integrity and ethics—run fast!
GoGetters on Honesty: Don’t ask if you don’t want an honest answer. It’s like diarrhea of the mouth for us…it’s coming right out! We don’t use “sales” tactics. We’re not in sales. We are service providers. We are here to assist you in accomplishing your real estate needs/goals.
GoGetters on Integrity: Our clients’ needs are put first. Seriously. We love what we do. We get paid for it. But our clients are not a paycheck to us. We only work with clients that are committed to us. We work with clients with different needs in all price ranges.
GoGetters on Ethics: We work with buyers and sellers by contract only. We pay close attention to our fiduciary duties. We do not steal other realtor’s clients. If we learn that you were working with a realtor prior to us, we are willing to work with you only if there services were unsatisfactory to you. We also give the realtor a courtesy call and possibly more depending on the situation. We don’t compete…we create! Maintaining professionalism is very important to us.

In a nutshell, we run our real estate services as a business. An honest, professional, successful real estate business. Money comes and goes but relationships last a lifetime.
Please contact me with questions or if you’d like for me to elaborate.

Home is where your heart is...

2009-01-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'm from a small town. A really small town. I still have the same friends as I did in kindergarten and the ones I made in highschool. Our friendships have evolved. We don't spend alot of time with each other. We see each other at weddings, showers, funerals and occasionally out shopping. But there is comfort in knowing that we're there. A phone call away. I'd like to think that everyone has this but I know it's special and rare.

We recently started a supper club with just the girls from the actual graduating class (not including the ones who graduated elsewhere). Tonight was the first night. I really didn't want to go. I've been working alot. I'm tired. I'm worn out. I badly needed rest. I actually cried on the way there because I'm exhausted and depressed. Why do I put so much on my plate? I think to myself. I have a really fast paced high demand job that I love but leaves little to no time for a social life outside of work. But I'm determined to squeeze in charity work, family time, social activities and time for myself. Most of the time I love the chaotic lifestyle and the efficiency of the way I fit all corners of my life into my daily schedule. However, a day like today I was feeling sorry for myself and stressed.

I wiped my face before I arrived. I "pushed" through a 20 minute panic attack and ended up having a great time. No matter how much time passes between visits with my friends, it feels like yesterday when we get together. There are no awkward pauses. There is a constant flow of chatter gaining octaves as one tries to be heard over the other. These people know me. Really know me. No matter where I go in life, or how many people I meet, I only really feel comfortable with these people. Truly comfortable. We can laugh. Really laugh, not laugh to be polite. We can talk really fast without having to worry about our accents and dialect. I have changed so much yet stayed much of the same. We all except each other for who we are. We will always have each other in our hearts. And sometimes we have each other for a few hours of conversation and laughter.

I know they have there own lives that are just as busy and between work and kids it's hard to share themselves with others. But tonight they really lifted my spirits and reminded me that we all have to make time and share ourselves with others. Even simple things can make the world of difference in someone else's life.

Local Market Facts

2009-01-12T07:48:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love to talk about real estate. Usually everywhere I go, I try to direct the conversation, at some point, towards real estate. It’s what I do, it’s what I know and it’s what I love. Lately, I don’t have to weasel real estate into the conversation. Now it’s the first thing people want to talk about when they see me. Fantastic! However, thanks to the national media (who is always just full of positive news) , I usually get “How’s the market?” asked gingerly with pity. When I respond, “Great!” They are shocked and may not even believe me.

Lately, I have buyers and sellers who are informed by peers and family members who watch and read the national news. It’s absolutely wonderful that everyone is concerned and taking an interest in real estate. One question that you should always ask yourself when being fed someone’s facts (opinions) about the market. What is their source? Are they a real estate professional? It is always wise to double check the information with your local real estate professional. I’m always open for questions. Kisha@KishaKana.com

Here are some local market facts for Acadiana, which is located in Louisiana and consists of the following parishes Lafayette, St. Martin, Iberia, Vermillion, St. Landry, Acadia and St. Mary.

Data was gathered from the Realtor Association of Acadiana’s MLS system. There is no implied warranty of the accuracy of the information. I can only go by what was reported to the MLS. Years studied were 1993 to 2008.

Today you can buy an averaged priced home for the price of $170,000 that was on the market for an average of 88 days. Rewind to 15 years ago in 1993, and you could have bought an averaged priced house for $90,000 that was on the market for 98 days. That is a 53% increase in average sales price over the course of 15 years. 1738 homes were sold in 1993 in comparison to 2008’s 3488. Here’s the last 15 years in review:

Year: Average Sales Price Comparison to previous year
1993 $90,037 N/A
1994 $94,353 5% increase
1995 $102,397 8% increase
1996 $108,623 6% increase
1997 $114,924 5.5% increase
1998 $120,808 5% increase
1999 $123,840 2.5% increase
2000 $124,283 less than 1% increase
2001 $129,536 4% increase
2002 $128,886 1% decrease
2003 $133,692 4% increase
2004 $142,171 6% increase
2005 $162,712 13% increase
2006 $175,837 7.5% increase
2007 $178,453 1.5% increase
2008 $169,858 5% decrease

After the one decrease in 2002, the rates dropped to similar numbers we’re seeing today in 2003 and business picked up again. Acadiana has always done their own thing, real estate wise, than the rest of the country. When parts of the nation were rising to incredible prices, were still gradually increasing. The only spikes you’ll see is 2005-2006 that were a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Lots of newly homeless people had no choice but to relocate in Acadiana. The 5% decrease you see in 2008? That’s the market correcting itself from the unusual price spikes we saw. Overall, Acadiana’s market seems to increase 4% per year. We are still ahead! Although NO ONE can predict the future of real estate, one could assume the following: If history repeats itself, as it usually does, one could invest in a $170,000 home and in 15 years would receive a $102,000 return on investment.
My professional opinion of today’s market is this: It’s still a powerful investment. The rates are at an all time low and that is going to jump start sales. Lots of buyers are sitting on the fence waiting for “rock bottom” prices. But just like the stock market, you don’t know it hit “rock bottom” until it’s already on its way back up. Don’t delay. Buy when it’s the right time for you. Take advantage of the super low rates today because we don’t know how long it will last.

Hugs...good or bad?

2009-01-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

A little before Christmas, the CEO of the company I work for sent me the following youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4 I thought it was such a cool idea. How simple but profound...free hugs. I then visited www.freehugscampaign.org and read what this was all about. My take on it was that it was a great way to show others that time and compassion are much more valuable than any gift that can be bought in a store. Lafayette, LA isn't the type of city that has heavy foot traffic. The only place I knew would be packed Christmas Eve day would be the mall. Even better!!! While people are running frantic to find that "perfect gift", a hug or the idea of a hug could shed some light and help them to remember that it's about people, not things.

So I went down to the mall on December 23rd with my great spinoff idea. I'm just smitten, thinking to myself that I'll make this an annual thing. For those of you who didn't click on the above links....here's the plan, in a nutshell. I was planning to hold a sign that says "FREE HUGS". People who want or need one can approach and hug me. Those who don't want to can pass me by. Simple right?

I went to the mall office (i didn't even know one existed until I spoke to customer service). I met with a young man in his office. I asked permission for the above plan. He sat laid back with one foot propped (on a coffee table I think) and asked a series of questions. His main concern was that people were going to feel violated. Their personal space is at stake! To answer that concern, I explained that there is no violation of personal space. No one would be approached or spoken to unless they approached me. He decided to give me an example. The booths in the middle aisles of the mall where the salespeople use very aggressive sales tactics to where they stand in your way, violates people's personal space. HHmmm...okay...then why are they in the mall if that is a major concern of yours? I wonder to him. The response was that it's contractual and he has no control over it. Okay....

On the the next obstacle, which was that I would need a MILLION DOLLAR insurance policy to be able to do this on the mall premises. This shouldn't be a big deal I'm thinking to myself. I could make a phone call my my liability insurance agent and find out if it would cover this. But for what? So I inquired of the reason. He responded that I could get hurt such as slipping and falling. Again, I wondered aloud....Every person in the mall could potentially slip and fall, do you require your shoppers to carry million dollar policies?

My mission wasn't to inspire others to hug strangers. It was beyond that. I was hoping to inspire others to think outside the box. I was hoping to shock folks with the oddity of it all. My mission was to help people realize that ANYONE can do charity work. Think simple. Well, this guy didn't get it and he wasn't having it in his mall.

To shut me up, his bottom line was actually that he doesn't think that the mall is the best place to test drive this idea. Fair enough. I asked where would he suggest an idea like this would be more acceptable. He actually had a couple of good ideas....social events and college campus. I thanked him and left.

Out of curiosity, before leaving, I asked what would have happened to me if I would have gave out free hugs in the mall without consulting him. He informed me that I would have been arrested on trespassing and assault charges. WOW!

I was in awe. My mind played back to when I visited YouTube and the site for Free Hugs. I read briefly on how Free Hugs were banned but didn't pay much mind to it. I thought that was absurd. How can you have a law against hugging people who want to be hugged? I realized that the guy I spoke to at the mall did his job well. I'm not criticizing him. He's doing what he knows needs to be done because of past experience, I'm sure. It just makes me sad that there is so much red tape for something as simple as this. Come to think of it, there is red tape and precaution for EVERYTHING. Why is that you think? I would love here others ideas on this....

New Year's Resolutions 2009

2008-12-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

The GoGetters’ mentality is all about living a healthy, quality life. We care about our friends, family and clients. Whatever your new year’s resolution may be, we encourage you!

90% of all resolutions dissolve before the month of January is up. The GoGetters always have a list of resolutions and complete 70% of them. It’s important to focus on your productivity and not get held back by your faults. Except yourself as human and take pride in your accomplishments. Here are some tips from the GoGetters on how to stick to your new year’s resolution:

#1 If you have more than one, don’t try to tackle them all at once. Take one at a time, for 30 days. Once you’ve reached your thirty day mark of implementing a new habit, then add the next resolution and repeat until you’ve implemented all of them.

#2 Break down your resolutions in steps. “Pay off credit cards” isn’t sufficient. What do you need to do to accomplish this? Your steps may look like this: 1) Get a part time job to generate more income used to pay down debt. 2) Cut out eating out to only once per week. 3) Pay $500 towards credit cards monthly

#3 Create a visual in a place that you will see it every day, such as the bathroom mirror. And keep it positive. If your goal is to get in shape, don’t put a recent picture of yourself. Put an old picture of yourself if you’d like to have that shape back. Or put a picture of someone’s body you admire. You can also put it on the fridge or pantry.

#4 Review your goals weekly or monthly. Depending on the resolution, you need to constantly review and excite yourself about it. Set time aside to reflect and plan and alter your goals to stay on track.

#5 Make resolutions that are important to you, not what others expect from you. Bottom line is.. if you really want it, you can achieve it.

If you can’t think of a resolution on your own or if you’re not the resolution type of person but are open to ideas of change for well being, here are some simple suggestions to implement in everyday life:

*FEED YOUR BODY AND MIND Take a 10-20 minute walk each day alone(time to yourself) or with your spouse and/or kids (quality time, which is hard to squeeze into our busy lives) This will give you more energy and relieve stress/depression.

*FEED YOUR SOUL Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes(or meditation/prayer) We are constantly connected—to the cell, the internet,etc running around all day, only gaining “peace” when sleeping and then if it’s not restless. Take time for silence…the world will still be there in 10 minutes.

*FEED YOUR BODY Take your weight and divide it by 2. That’s how many ounces of water you need to consume daily. There are numerous benefits to proper water consumption, too many to list here. Google it.

*FEED YOUR MIND Watch less TV/negative news and Read positive self growth books. Or any books. Reading expands the mind and vocabulary. Carry a paperback with you (in your car, purse, back pocket, etc) There is plenty opportunity to read in everyday life. Waiting at the doctor’s office. In line at the grocery store. While your child is at soccer practice.

*FEED YOUR FAMILY. Seriously. Eat dinner at the table. Turn off the tv, the computer, the video games and sit down , eat and talk. Talk about your day. Kids who eat dinner at the table are less likely to go behind your back and lie to you. It’s a great bonding experience.

May you have a prosperous New Year!!!