Drew Park  in Lake Charles LA was dedicated by Harrison Drew in the 1900's   Pictured above is the Drew Park archway entrance along Shell Beach Drive.  The Park is named after Harrison Drew who was a  lumber merchant who came to Lake Charles from Galveston, Texas in 1878. Prior to his death in 1916, Harrison Drew presented to the city, the  land adjoining Fourth Ward School to be used for a public park.  This is a photo of Drew Park  in 1909 This is the entrance as it appears today on S Ryan Street in Lake Charles LA   Drew Park  is maintained by the City of Lake Charles Department of Recreation & Parks. The City of Lake Charles Recreation and Parks Department also schedules the  community center that can be used for birthday parties and other events. With the close proximity to St. Pat... 03/29/2012

Chosen Valley is a subdivision in South Lake Charles located off of Ham Reid Road. View Larger Map   Homes for Sale in Lake Charles Chosen Valley average $110 per sq ft. Homes are 3 and 4 bedroom 2,000 or more sq ft. There is a man made pond in the back of the subdivision. There are currently 4 Homes for Sale in Chosen Valley Subdivision in Lake Charles LA 1443 Jamie Renee 1485 Addie Gail 5816  W Kayleigh 1474 Jamie Renee ****Note 1485 Addie Gail is already under contract in 5 days!!***** 03/29/2012

Spring Crossing in Lake Charles LA is located on South Lake Street and consists of two streets, North and South Kade.     View Larger Map Homes for Sale in this Lake Charles LA subdivision average $115 sq ft. There are currently two homes listed for Sale in  the Lake Charles LA Spring Crossing Subdivision: 936 Kade 4 Bedroom 2 Bath Home 1147 Kade 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home 03/26/2012

It is not too early to begin your search for housing your Lake Charles, LA McNeese State University student! Buying a Home is now than Cheaper Than Rent. I have received several calls lately from parents searching for property in Lake Charles LA close to McNeese State University.  One of the newer local apartment complexes charges $1,100 a month for a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom unit.  With the lower interest rates, chances are a Lake Charles cottage style home or a Lake Charles LA townhome can be purchased with a lower monthly note! There are  several homes for sale in and around McNeese and the University area.   To give Lake Charles LA consumers an idea of what is available I am going to feature 4007  Center Street located off of Common Street near the McNeese softball field.      Center St... 03/25/2012

Louisiana and Texas are the only two states in the South that have more jobs today than at the beginning of the national recession.   2011 was the best year the Louisiana economy has had in several years. The State of Louisiana is up approximately 47,000 jobs.     Louisiana and Texas are the only two states in the South that have more jobs today than at the beginning of the national recession.   2011 was the best year the Louisiana economy has had in several years. The State of Louisiana is up approximately 47,000 jobs.           2011 was a great year for major project announcements in the Lake Charles area with the Chenier project, the Sasol (gas-to-liquid facility), Governor Jindal coming to announce the new hangar project at Chennault in Lake Charles, which is a great addition. The ... 03/20/2012

  COLUMBUS SHIPS COME TO LAKE CHARLES!   Lake Charles will welcome a cool exhibit April 20- May 8 at the Lake Charles Seawall!   The ‘Pinta and the ‘Nina’ will open in Lake Charles. The ships will be docked at the Civic Center. The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology  magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever  built.” Both the Nina and Pinta ships tour together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children   This is a terrific educational opportunity for teachers and organizationS who can schedule guided tours with a crew member!  There is an $8 admission for adults and $6 Admission for students.   Visit the website at www.thenina.com  OR EMAIL columfn... 03/20/2012

Louisiana is enjoying great temperatures and Spring weather which is a perfect backdrop for Live Music in the evenings and activities along the Lake Charles Boardwalk.  I attended the inagural Music Event Live at Lakefront sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council this evening.  The weather was great at 7:00pm it was 77 degrees with low humidity and blue skies!   The next two Fridays, March 23 and March 30th, Lake Charles residents can come out and enjoy Live @ Lakefront and hear some great music while enjoying a New Orleans Snowcone or Shrimp on a Stick!         Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy music on the hill in front of the Ampi Theatre     Art is also on display       03/16/2012

I am very excited to share  another achievement that I’ve completed in terms of  improving my real estate career advancement and service: I’ve become a Verified Professional Agent™.   The VPA™ is the real estate industry’s first Verification. This is a critical distinction from designations, which are common in the real estate industry.  There are many designations in real estate…but there is only ONE Verification. The Verification is NOT something an agent does – it’s something an agent IS. Further, the Verification is not something an Agent can BUY, which is the case for most designations. If you don’t meet the qualification, you can’t be a VPA™. Period. This ALONE separates it from most designations. As a result, many designations don’t carry a lot of weight with   the buying and se... 03/16/2012

1137 Ravenhurst For Sale in Moss Bluff LA Schedule a Showing Search All Homes For Sale Moss Bluff Homes for Sale Moss Bluff Real Estate See Property Details 337-499-9592 Cell 337-478-1578 Office Visit Property Website Courtesy: Marilyn Boudreaux Email Me Now 337-478-1578 Licensed In: LA 1137 Ravenhurst, Lake Charles, LA Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 full List Price: $178,000 Living Area Approx: 1736   Sit in Your Rockers and Enjoy the Front Porch! Landscaped home on a large lot in Moss Bluff, LA. Extended Covered Patio, Kitchen is open to both the dining and living area with an eat in bar and spacious work area. This home is move in ready waiting for a Buyer! Have questions? Ask me. 03/14/2012

Home for Sale in Spring Crossing Schedule a Showing Lake Charles Homes for Sale Lake Charles Real Estate Search All Homes For Sale See Property Details 337-499-9592 Cell 337-478-1578 Office Visit Property Website Courtesy: Marilyn Boudreaux Email Me Now 337-478-1578 Licensed In: LA 936 N Kade, Lake Charles, LA Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 full List Price: $295,000 Living Area Approx: 2657   French Country Design Home Sits on Corner Lot in Spring Crossing Subdivision. Covered Patio is great for entertaining, crawfish boils and watching sports! Master Bedroom is spacious with a sitting area, Master Bathroom has his and her vanities with separate tub/shower and lots of cabinets! Floorplan is Open with large living area convenient to the kitchen, informal and formal dining areas. Three bedroom... 03/14/2012

Looks like I better step up my fast walk to a quick run on the treadmill!  I have just signed up for the ReALLIEty Challenge in Lake Charles, March 31, 2012.   ReALLIEty Challenge is a nation-wide event for those who strive to overcome obstacles.   I figured that if I can overcome the day in day obstacles and challenges of Real Estate and life in general, this Challenge should be a slam dunk!     The thing that I like best and sold me on signing up for the ReALLIEty Challenge is that this is not a charity, its a challenge!  The Challenge supports The Mission Continues which challenges returning Veterans to utilize their skills and leadership to continue serving our country at home. Through service, veterans find renewed strength and purpose while building stronger communities.   The "Wa... 03/13/2012

          It's time for the 4th Annual Free to Breathe Lake Charles Lung Cancer 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk. This year's event is in memory of Ben Mount and in honor of Cindy Hornsby.  Never take for granted the breath we take in and out each day it is truly a gift.  Free to Breath provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support in the movement to defeat lung cancer. Proceeds  benefit the Louisiana Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs.     It's always great to see the community come out and support these events. The 5K course begins behind the Lake Charles Civic Center on Bor-du-Lac Drive and winds through the Margaret Place Historic District. The course continues along Shell Beach Dr... 03/13/2012

I am so proud to chair the 2012 Palm Sunday Weekend events and in particularily, the 37th Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes. that will celebrate the centennial of my neighborhood, the Margaret Place Historical District! Read more on pages 34 and35. Major salute to Thrive Magazine for their coverage. Note, a 3rd brunch has been added! Brunch ticket holders are allowed access to the nine (9) homes on the tour at 11:00. 121 Artisan's Bistro, located conveniently across from one of the 4 ticket sales areas, will now host THREE seatings: 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30! Learn more and check out the scrumptious menu. Open publication - Free publishing - More 2012 03/13/2012

  I recently wrote a blog that was about real estate closings and the Lake Charles Market Budding With Buyers. Sellers also are getting Spring Selling Fever, I just listed two new homes today!  This recent activity just re-enforces that the Lake Charles Real Estate Market is active and healthy! If you are a Buyer  who has been waiting to purchase a home, here is a  heads up that April 1st it will cost you more....FHA fees are poised to become more expensive. "If you're considering buying a house with an FHA mortgage and expect the seller to help out with your closing costs, here's a heads-up: The Federal Housing Administration plans to impose significant restrictions on the amount of money that sellers can contribute at closing in the near future." This is very important because most Bu... 03/12/2012

Head to the Iowa Rabbit Festival March 15-17, 2012   Cute bunnies are not just for Easter here in Louisiana!  Each Spring residents of Southwest Louisiana look forward to the Iowa Rabbit Festival.  Southwest Louisiana is known for its festivals and the Iowa Rabbit Festival is a Top 20 Event for the Southeastern United States! The Iowa Rabbit Festival was started in 1986. It began as a way to promote the only rabbit processing plant in the area. The first festival was held in 1987 with a small rabbit show, a parade, and booth to sale crafts. The few bands they hired played from the back of a flatbed trailer.   The festival has since grown from year to year. The processing plant is long gone, but the festival lives on. An average of 20,000 people attends the festival each year. We have ad... 03/11/2012

Everyone is always looking for Things to Do and ways to spend time with the Family  and entertaining kids.  THIS IS YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA!   I have shared several of these Southwest places in previous Blogs.  With Louisiana celebrating the Bicentennial of our statehood this year in 2012, The Louisiana Bicentennial Commission has shared  “200 Free Things to Do” and listed below are highlights of things to do in Southwest Louisiana. For the complete list, go to the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission website — www.louisianabicentennial2012.com.   Let's visit some of the places you can enjoy and plan a family outing to experience here in Southwest Louisiana!   Admire the Sallier Oak Tree. The 375-year-old tree at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum has withstood ma... 03/07/2012

516 Contour, Lake Charles LA   SOLD!!   Courtesy of Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Mike D Bono & Co.'s     I begin working with first time home buyers Josh and Patricia 45 days ago.  They wanted to find a home in South Lake Charles that had a big backyard and was large enough for their family of 4.   We viewed about 10 homes total and kept coming back to this South Lake Charles home located in University Subdivision.  University Place is located close to McNeese State University and conveniently located to everything in South Lake Charles.    516 Contour is a 57 year old home located on a large lot size of 200 x 140 with 2325 sq ft of living.  This 4 bedroom 3 bath home had been  renovated with new flooring, tile and updated bathrooms.  Originally listed for $189,500 this home sold for $... 03/01/2012

      Experience the backdrop of a Lake Charles sunset on the water  March 16-30 during Live@Lakefront!   This inaugural music festival will highlight some of the best local music, food, artwork in Southwest Louisiana.   Come hear great bands for a great cause and support the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana!   Check out the line up of entertainment       EXPERIENCE LIVE@LAKEFRONT March 16-30   02/29/2012

    Continuing in my Louisiana and Lake Charles Charles Centennial Celebration Seres Let's revisit the 1900's!!   After the great fire of 1910 in Lake Charles, the City rebuilt and one of the new neighborhoods in the heart of Lake Charles as a result of new 1900 period construction was Margaret Place. In previous blog posts, I shared  the 100 year old homes of Margaret Place and  also re-visited the history of the Shell Beach Homes. Today, let's travel back in time once again and preview what it was like living in Margaret Place in the 1900's in this video tour shared by Lake Charles historian Adley Cormier!   The Return of 1900's Street Cars The South Ryan Streetcar Re-enactment. City of Lake Charles Transit will recreate the route of the historic South Ryan Streetcar line both for cit... 02/28/2012

TRUST YOUR REALTOR NOT GOOBER!       A real estate home inspection is when a licensed qualified home inspector takes a look around the property you are considering purchasing and informs you of obvious and potential damage or problems with the property. Louisiana requires that all professional home inspectors be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors.   Why Should a Buyer Obtain a Home Inspection?   Property inspections often shed light on items or repairs that may not be visible. Knowledge is very important and can mean the difference between taking on a project or thousands of dollars in repairs and/or professional help.  Buyers want to know ahead of time what works and does not work in the house before proceeding further with the sale.   What if a Buyer Cannot Affo... 02/26/2012