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.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Questions to ask realtors you are interviewing:
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.
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.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Buying is cheaper than renting in most cities
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
(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
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sales Tax on your Home~ correct information
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.
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.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lafayette LA
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!"
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!"
Friday, January 7, 2011
Treat Everyone with Respect
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
http://www.zacharytoday.com/pages/full_story/push?article-The+old+man-%20&id=10473727&instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Throwback to 1956
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
ACADIAN, CAJUN OR CREOLE?
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Cleaning ceramic tile grout (floors)
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.
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.
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