Blog by Mary Kay Hopkins

A friend posted this on Facebook earlier and I could not resist immediately sharing here. You've got to watch this amazing video until the end!!!!! Can you imagine being in that boat????? This is one smart, lucky, and resourceful Penguin!I'm not sure I would have been comfortable in the boat but ...

The post that follows is an example of why I subscribe to Leesa Finley's real estate blog.While she is based in Wake Forest, NC, her advice is just as valuable in Southwest Louisiana. The only thing I would insert for area sellers would be to request a copy of the property disclosure form from yo...

Compiling statistical data for Margaret Place is not an easy task, as there are several sales that did not go through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). For the purposes of this report, I am only using MLS data. There is currently only one home for sale, $449,900. There is one "Under Contract" ...

Here, I answer the question, "Where is Margaret Place Historical District Located?" The map below is a rough outline of the city district which is comprised of three subdivisions, Margaret Place, Margaret Manor, and McCain Subdivision. Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive (formerly South Ryan), the Griffith...

MaryAnn's Cafe is a true institution and is a classic example of another great restaurant in Downtown Lake Charles. When I discovered that a friend shared my appreciation for MaryAnn's, I quickly seized the opportunity to ask my friend, a far superior writer, to provide me with insights about Mar...

This is one of the best post I've ever had the pleasure of reblogging. Lake Area buyers,sellers, and agents would do well to heed this adivice.It's Closing Day! Everything has gone like clockwork and you have nothing but the formalities of closing between you and home ownership! The mover's truck...

  Illinois Mortgage broker Gene Mundt asks some important questions in this post. Those buying locally, especially relocating buyers, are encouraged to utilize his post as a checklist to make sure the infrastructure of the home you are going to purchase measures up.            Building Your Poten...

Relocating pet owners looking for Veterinarian in Southwest Louisiana need not worry about the quality care their dogs, cats, and/or  birds will receive. In the Lake Area, we are blessed with multiple high caliber clinics for pets.  Several of the clinics listed below offer multiple veterinarians...

According to this Bloomberg Businessweek article, the answer would be.........LAKE CHARLES. That is right, Lake Charles is projected to be the strongest housing market in Louisiana by 2014! Further, the same report projects a 6% increase in home prices over the next four years." The articles als...

The most prestigious award offered by the Calcasieu Parish Historical Preservation Society is the Landmark Award. The Landmark Award is a decorative wooden plaque that can be seen on numerous homes and buildings throughout Southwest Louisiana. They are usually attached to the front of a structure...