DECEMBER 6, 2020
Open House Sunday, December 6th 1-4 PM See page 4 for details!
Debbie Delhomme Greene 337.962.6945 Suzanne D’Ambrosio 832.509.9422
300 Adrienne Street Lafayette, LA 70506
Always Building 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd • Suite 101 • Lafayette, LA • Main: 337.233.9700 www.latter-blum.com
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW Please visit our open houses this weekend. While attending open houses it’s encouraged that you follow CDC guidelines when
1915 Alonzo Street City Park Addition 3BR/2BA/1HB - 2057 LA - $167,000
NEW
309 Begnaud Drive Northwood 3BR/2BA - 1750 LA - $208,000
205 Shadow Bend Magnolia Trace 5BR/3BA - 2716 LA - $488,880
NEW
124 Channing Circle Cross Creek 3BR/2BA/1HB - 2736 LA - $305,000
103 Tea Rose Magnolia Trace 3BR/2BA - 1762 LA - $317,700
NEW
130 San Sebastian Drive San Sebastian 4BR/3BA - 1800 LA - $279,900
101 Tea Rose Magnolia Trace 3BR/2BA - 1849 LA - $331,200
NEW
302 Richland Avenue 205-C River Ranch 3BR/3BA/1HB - 2285 LA - $571,250
170 Maple Street Three Mile Lake 2BR/2BA - 1520 LA - $290,000
NEW
108 Oakforest Drive Oakbourne Estates 4BR/2BA/1HB - 3155 LA - $394,000
entering the homes listed below. Thanks for taking time to visit our open houses and our agents are waiting to assist you.
OPEN HOUSES 12:00 - 2:00
104 Drifting Sands Ln........... $396,500 ........................ Cody Musgrove 107 Drifting Sands Ln. .......... $406,125 ......................... Cody Musgrove
NEW
1:00 - 3:00
204 Dublin Circle C Hyland Square 3BR/2BA/1HB - 2000 LA - $164,500
182 Riverside Drive Channelview Harbor 3BR/2BA - 1680 LA - $475,000
536 Rue Novembre 3BR/3BA - 2963 LA $695,000
301 Rue Novembre Jade Andrus Development 4BR/3BA/1HB - 4821 LA - $799,900
605 Silverstone Road 203b River Ranch 2BR/2BA/1HB - 1788 LA - $419,000
106 Androcles Rd Lot C ....... $115,000.......... Katelyn Garrett-Meador 412 Burgess Drive.................. $175,000................................ Philip Bailey 502 Beacon Drive................... $186,000........................Kimberly Lafleur 114 Sunny Peak St.................. $235,000 ....................Stacey Arceneaux 107 Brighton Drive................. $259,900 ........................Penny McGehee 136 Brightwood drive ........... $333,500 ...............................Asim Baloch 980 Austin Road..................... $379,000 ...................Sharon Henderson 210 St. Girons Drive............... $585,000............................. Susan Martin 207 Southern Pines............... $750,000 ..............................Bill Stephens
1:00 - 4:00 300 Adrienne Street ............. $314,550 ................ Debbie and Suzanne
1:30 - 4:00 403 Comanche ....................... $430,000..................................Allen Duhe
2:00 - 4:00 102 Tomahawk Trail .............. $475,000 ..... Allyson Van Eldik Thieme 103 Catalpa Place................... $479,500 ...................Sandy Thibodeaux 202 Sawgrass Lane ............... $780,000...............................Kathy Welch
303 Roswell Crossing River Ranch 3BR/2BA - 1860 LA - $430,000
302 Richland Avenue 207c River Ranch 2BR/2BA/1HB - 1891 LA - $444,385
202 B Princeton Woods Loop River Ranch 4BR/4BA/1HB - 3175 LA - $625,000
213 Brickell Way River Ranch 3BR/3BA - 2875 LA - $665,000
207 Southern Pines Drive River Ranch 4BR/4BA - 3344 LA - $750,000
100 Ravenswood Lane River Ranch 3BR/2BA/1HB - 3729 LA - $829,000
407 Arabella Boulevard River Ranch 4BR/3BA/2HB - 3759 LA - $859,000
216 Princeton Woods Loop River Ranch 5BR/3BA/2HB - 4434 LA - $899,500
502 Princeton Woods Loop River Ranch 6BR/4BA/2HB - 6422 LA - $3,850,000
109 Mossy Oaks Avenue Oaks The 5BR/4BA/1HB - 5100 LA - $1,450,000
104 Shannon Road Greenbriar Estates 5BR/6BA - 5800 LA - $1,595,000
104 Billeaud Lane Tanglewood 3BR/2BA/1HB - 2308 LA - $229,000
723 & 700 Bayou Tortue Road 2BR/2BA - 2284 LA $549,000
1862 Hwy 107 4BR/3BA - 3457 LA $1,500,000
2894 Main Hwy Joseph Hollier 3BR/1BA/1HB - 1456 LA - $125,000
706 Chevalier Boulevard Delmar Estates South 4BR/3BA - 2476 LA - $360,000
107 Drifting Sands Lane Summer Wind 3BR/3BA - 2375 LA - $406,125
308 Vanburg Place Elan 4BR/2BA/1HB - 2684 LA - $435,000
213 Ruthwood Drive Meadow Ridge Estates 4BR/3BA/1HB - 3862 LA - $450,000
2 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
3:00-5:00 309 Begnaud Dr...................... $208,000.......................... Kellie Kinsland
New Price!
111 Devin Lane, Lafayette, LA 70508 3 BEDROOMS/3 BATHS 3372 SQ.FT.--$399,000.00
Kathy Dyson Realty LLC
Kathy Dyson -Owner/ Broker 203 South St. Charles Abbeville,LA 70510 Office: 337-893-6236 • Cell: 337-652-6236 Website: www.kathydysonrealty.com Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission in Louisiana USA
LA-1000707936
A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS-111 DEVIN LANE, LAFAYETTE,LA 70508-- A GRAND HOME with all the bells and whistles one could possibly desire. Enter the home through a custom front door with the natural light pouring through the custom glass inserts on the door and sidelights. This home , triple crown moldings, marble, tile, and wood floors. This home features a 3372 sq.ft. floor plan of living area, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a custom kitchen with a six burner gas stove, custom cabinetry, breakfast area , built in TV cabinet, built in wine cabinet, and microwave. To finish the kitchen off the countertops are custom 3� granite with under cabinet lighting, coffee bar, and a pantry. The Master bedroom is spacious with a spectacular bath with a custom granite shower and granite countertops a vanity area with custom light features. the master closet is a one of a kind creation. One of the most unique things about the home is the MAN CAVE, GREAT ROOM, OR SHE SHED with pine wood floors and cypress walls, a full bath, coffee/ wet bar, beverage cooler, and wall to wall closet storage all with a private entrance. The garage is climate controlled with storage, and an insulated garage door. The large covered patio is fantastic for all of your family gatherings or just for evening grilling. The home has a 45KW generator ready to go, a tank less hot water heater, custom hurricane shutters, the yard is professionally landscaped with a sprinkler system. The yard has a wood privacy fence with gated entries. There a two fenced dog kennels. PRICE REDUCED TO $399,000.00
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 3
To Submit an Open House Call: 337.289.6454
DECEMBER 06 – 12, 2020 Open Houses & Featured Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
OPEN SUNDAY 1:00-3:00PM 114 SUNNY PEAK ST
$
235,000
4BR/2BABeautiful and open 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in convenient DSLD subdivision! Step into the foyer and immediately be greeted with natural light pouring into your living/dining/kitchen area! The backyard has a covered porch, ready to entertain, with plenty of grass space! Conveniently located (walking distance) to Southside High! Schedule your appointment today! Directions: Right onto Hwy 92 (Young St), left onto S. Larrivierre Rd, neighborhood on right.
REALTOR® Association of Acadiana Pages . . . . . . . . . . . .10-12
LATTER & BLUM STACEY ARCENEAUX 337-257-7234
General Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Licensed in Louisiana
OPEN SUNDAY 2:00-4:00 PM 102 GLENBROOK DR | BROUSSARD
Reserve ad space or schedule an appointment with our advertising consultant
$
269,999
4 BD/3 BA - 1,908 sqft - JORDAN ESTATES - Beautiful and well maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath home features an open floor plan great for entertaining your guests and flows out to a patio area that has been screened in for relaxing. Three of the four bedrooms are downstairs with two full baths, and another bedroom and full bath upstairs. Outdoor patio area has a corner fireplace, outdoor kitchen and BBQ gas grill. Stop by to take a look, it won’t last long! Directions: Amb. Caffery to Hwy. 90, left at Stine's Lumber, right on Albertson's Pkwy, then left into Jordan Estates on Heathwood, first right on Glenbrook, home is the second one on the right.
FOUR BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS!!!
Acadiana Home
Svonnie Trailer
Builders Association . . . . . . . . . 14-15
337.289.6454
Published every Sunday by:
DWIGHT ANDRUS REAL ESTATE MIA ROBINSON 337-349-8370
1100 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, La 70506
Licensed in Louisiana
Account Manager
Endorsed by
www.realtoracdiana.com
COVER D ETAILS OF 300 ADRIENNE STREET
J
ust around the corner from the University of Louisiana, you will find the quaint and beloved neighborhoods of the Saints Streets. Located in this area is Oaklawn Subdivision and 300 Adrienne Street, a Southern-style cottage built in the 1940’s. This four-bedroom,
three bath, 2330 sq. ft. home is nestled on a corner lot between the majestic oak trees and
300 Adrienne Street Lafayette, LA 70506 4 BR/ 3 BA – 2,330 SF $314,550
azaleas that adorn the popular historical area. While approaching the front entrance of the newly painted white cottage, you will be greeted with a 200-year-old live oak tree and beautiful mature landscaping. Exercise on the best walking street in Lafayette, Myrtle Place, steps out from your front door, or ride your bike to the nearby neighborhood park with the family. You
Debbie Delhomme Greene 337.962.6945 Suzanne D’Ambrosio 832.509.9422 Licensed in Louisiana
are conveniently located biking distance to U.L.L, Downtown, and the Cajun Dome. If you are looking for old charm in the city, this one-of-a-kind cottage is just for you. Come to our Open House Sunday, December 6th from 1-4 PM 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101, Lafayette, LA 70508
LA-1000707939
4 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
Find the home of your dreams... Just Ask
ALLEN Allen DuhÉ www.JustAskAllen.com
OPEN SUNDAY - 1:30 - 4:00 PM 403 Comanche Drive Lafayette - $420,000 4 BR/3BA - 2882 Sq. Ft. Step into the romance of Tuscany when you enter this beautiful home. Venetian plaster walls and the soaring ceiling with its multiple arches in the foyer set the tone. Amenable to classical formal decor or laid-back contemporary, this home accommodates it all. One large bedroom, currently used as a music room, can be a fourth bedroom or an office/library.
127 Princeton Woods Loops $835,000 - River Ranch 4 BR/4.5 BA - 4,011 Sq. Ft.
2315 Belle Ruelle New Iberia - $575,000 4 BR/3 BA/1 Partial BA - 3,972 Sq. Ft.
223 Country Club Drive New Iberia - $550,000 - Daigre 3 BR/2 BA/1 HB - 3,481 Sq. Ft.
SALE P E N D IN G 606 Kyle Landry Lane New Iberia - $372,500 4 BR/4.5 BA - 2,880 Sq. Ft. - 1.28 acres.
212 Gleneagles Circle - Broussard $67,500 - Phase II of Le Triomphe LOT SIZE 67.52x153.5x67.5x151.9 +/-
337-254-7812 Cell • 337-291-4724 Direct 233-9700 Office • www.JustAskAllen.com aduhe@latterblum.com 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd. #101, Lafayette, LA 70508
160 Abby Lane Opelousas. $130,000. 3 BR/2 BA - 1,536 Sq. Ft.
Allen DuhÉ Realtor®, GRI, CRS Licensed in Louisiana
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 5
Debi Smith
Kathy Benoit
305 E D ST
2238SF, 3B/2.5BA, BUILT 2016, 2AC W POND $357,000
2986SF, 4B/3.5BA, 2.5 LOTS $240,000
1080SF, 2B/1B
Jay Smith Broker
HANDYMAN SPECIAL!
307 Tapestry Cir- Off E Milton Ave3Bd/2ba, home completely remodeled with designer grade upgrades- 1,975 sq ft- $264,500
512 Jefferson- off Evangeline Thruway- 3Bd/2ba home in historic area- 1,959 sqft- $119,900
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
FEATURED RENTAL
IDEAL LOCATION!
RENTALS
Is your rental vacant? We have tenants! Do you need one? We run credit reports, check references, and more. Or if you have tenants and are tired of the hassle, we can provide professional management. Are you interested in filling your vacancy or in having someone else handle your ownership headaches, call Jay Smith 981-5601 108 Lyons, 4 Bed/2 bath, sep living, family room, and eat-in kitchen, cov patio, oak trees, fenced, pets yes$1,200
108 Lyons 4 Bd/2 ba, sep living, family 230 Marcon Dr-Off N UniversityCommercial Building in ideal location room, and eat-in kitchen, cov patio, oak trees, fenced, pets yes- $1,200 with 4 offices- 3,035 sqft- $239,000 FEATURED RENTAL
407 Brook Ave- formerly Saint Street Inn - Main Building is 1200sqft, back is 200sqft- includes restaurant and bar fixtures - $1,500
706 Picard #21, MiltonQuiet area, 3Bed/1bath, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$1,000
100 W LA AVE
4 AC. E JEFF DAVIS
43.63 ACRES 535 ROLLER RD
22 AC. E JEFF DAVIS
4.04 AC, IN CITY LIMITS, COMMERCIAL; SFR; MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL/RECREATION, GRAZING $219,900
RES/MULTI-FAMILY USE, CAN BE DIVIDED
IAL E RC MMSTING O C LI
3990SF RETAIL; 4458SF WAREHOUSE; SOLID BRICK CONSTR; HIGH TRAFFIC $350,000
706 Picard #14, MiltonQuiet area, 2Bed/1bath, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$750 COMMERCIAL 407 Brook Ave, formerly Saint Street Inn- Excellent location by Olde Tyme Grocery- Main building is 1200 sf, back building is 200 sf- includes restaurant and bar fixtures - $1,500
$75,000
Marianne Dupuis 337-581-0379 Amy Gossen 337-581-4378
$121,200
3.15 ALONG I-10 - NEXT TO FROG CITY TRAVEL PLAZA, $210,000
www.alcRealEstate.com
Licensed in Louisiana
$25,000/ACRE
102 1ST ST, DUSON 1 MI FROM I-10, 11,700SF $2800/MONTH FOR LEASE
facebook.com/alcRealEstate
Residential • Commercial • Land
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! NEW PRICE
Great Commercial location!
Solid Brick Home!
Historic
119 St Landry St., Lafayette 2 BR/ 2 BA - 1,600 SF - $229,000
502 W Canal St., Church Point 2 BR/ 1 BA - 1,082 SF - $89,000
2308 W Landry St., Opelousas 3 BR/ 1.1 BA - 2,138 SF - $135,000
205 N Lombard St., Opelousas 3 BR/ 2 BA - 1,300 SF - $69,000
Dianne DeJean BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR® LA-1000707940
Cell: 337.319.1274 ddejean@latterblum.com
2000 Kaliste Saloom Road | Suite 101 | Lafayette, LA 70508 | 337.233.9700 | Agent Licensed in Louisiana
6 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
LA-1000707428
NEW LISTING!
706 Picard #21- Milton- Quiet area, 3Bd/1ba, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$1,000
210 W BUTLER ST
981-4595
2701 Johnston St. Suite 219
FEATURED RENTAL
Stephanie Hanks
800 1445 S CUNNINGHAM PROVIDENCE
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 7
NEW PRICE
115 SHANNON RD, LAFAYETTE - AREA G2 - 4 BR / 4.2 BA - 4,685 SQ. FT. $1,350,000
105 CRESCENT RIDGE PLACE, LAFAYETTE-AREA G2 4 BR / 4 BA - 3,951 SQ. FT. $725,000
402 WOODS CROSSING, LAFAYETTE-AREA G1 5 BR / 4.1 BA - 5,973 SQ. FT. $1,925,000
Direct: 337.267.4108 Cell: 337.654.6881 SoldbyCharlie@cox.net 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd. • Suite 101 • Lafayette, LA 70508 • 337.233.9700 • Licensed in Louisiana 8 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
LA-1000707415
I Want To Be Your Realtor
203 MAIN STREET BROUSSARD - AREA 4 BR / 4.5 BA - 5,785 SQ. FT. $1,385,000
906 RICHLAND AVE. LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 6 BR / 5.2 BA - 6,465 SQ. FT. $2,565,000
104 SHANNON RD. LAFAYETTE - AREA 5 BR / 6 BA - 5,800 SQ. FT. $1,275,000
117 THIBODEAUX DRIVE, LAFAYETTE - AREA G2 4 BR / 4.1 BA - 5,700 SQ. FT. $1,995,000
600 RICHLAND AVENUE LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 5 BR / 4.5 BA - 4,175 SQ. FT. $995,000 NEW PRICE
NEW PRICE
123 SHANNON RD LAFAYETTE - AREA G2 6 BR / 4.1 BA - 7,450 SQ. FT. $2,950,000
210 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 4 BR / 5.5 BA - 3,896 SQ. FT. $850,000
502 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 6 BR / 4.2 BA - 6,422 SQ. FT. $3,850,000
NEW PRICE
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
216 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 5 BR / 3.2 BA - 4,434 SQ. FT. $899,500
308 N STATE ST. ABBEVILLE - AREA V1 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 2,420 SQ. FT. $239,900
125 GIRARD WOODS RD., LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 4 BR / 3 BA - 3,490 SQ. FT. $625,000
600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 3, LAFAYETTE $195,000
SALE PENDING
SALE PENDING
232 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 5 BR / 6.2 BA - 7,000 SQ. FT. $4,900,000
132 A STEINER RD LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 2 BR / 2 BA - 1,370 SQ. FT $175,000
607 RICHLAND LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 3,035 SQ. FT. $665,000
301 OLD SETTLEMENT, LAFAYETTE - AREA N 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 3,333 SQ. FT. $545,000
600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 1, LAFAYETTE $515,000
600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 2, LAFAYETTE $495,000
SOLD
419 RICHLAND, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 3 BR / 2.1 BA -2,177 SQ. FT. $545,000
225 BILTMORE WAY, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 3.1 BA - 2,410 SQ. FT. $585,000
117 CHERBOURG CIRCLE, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR/ 3.1 BA - 3,350 SQ. FT. $750,000
Direct: 337.267.4108 Cell: 337.654.6881 SoldbyCharlie@cox.net 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd. • Suite 101 • Lafayette, LA 70508 • 337.233.9700 • Licensed in Louisiana ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 9
11 Easy-Up, Easy-Down Decor Hacks for Stress-Free Holidays by Amy Howell Hirt Start saving those egg cartons! Give or take a Scrooge or two, everybody loves the holidays: Decorating the tree, hanging lights, hanging holly ... all those things! But you know what nobody loves? Taking all those things down. Because, wow, what an unorganized mess. Before you go all Scrooge, get your jolly back with these simple holiday decorating hacks.
#1 Protect Ornaments With Holiday Recyclables Trimming the tree should feel like the happy ending of a Lifetime holiday movie, not a game show guessing which box will contain broken memories. Keep ornaments safe for next year by stowing them in leftover party cups, hot-glued onto a piece of foam board cut to fit inside a storage bin, recommends Lisa Woodruff, a Cincinnati-based professional organizer. Or pack ornaments away using bubble wrap from holiday packages, or egg cartons from those countless cookies you made. All of these options make for shock-absorbent padding that’s more durable than paper towels or tissue paper.
#2 Create a Year-Round Focal Point You dream of decking every hall, every year, but when the holidays roll around, you’ve got a brisket to bake and cocktails to clink.
#3 Get a Decorating Toolbox Before you can hang a single strand of lights or sprig of mistletoe, you have to find the gosh-darn zip ties, track down the floral wire, and repurpose a few extension cords. Just thinking about the prep work makes you ready for a long winter’s nap. But this year’s going be your prep for next year, and the years to follow. As you put everything up, keep a running checklist of what you need. Then stock a toolbox that gets replenished every year.
#4 Leave Your Light Hooks and Nails in Place for Next Year
If you like to trim your home’s roof and siding with holiday lights, you know what a hassle it is to find last year’s nail holes while balancing on a ladder with your extremities slowly freezing. So, this year, use hooks that match your siding (not nails because they fall out easier) or paint them so they are indistinguishable from your siding or trim before you put them up. Then leave them up when you take down your lights. Come next year, just rehang your lights and bask in your twinkling success.
#5 Wrap Lights Around Cardboard There’s nothing like a multicolored knot of lights to put a damper on your bright holiday spirit.
So focus your festive energy on just one iconic focal point — a wreath on the front door or greenery on the mantel — something that easily changes with the seasons.
So as you take down this year’s lights, wrap them around empty gift boxes or cardboard. Make a small notch on each side to keep the ends snugly in place.
Or, create a display that makes you feel merry year-round. (Try repurposing storefront letters to spell out “LOVE” or “JOY” — sentiments that never go out of season.)
Next year you’ll spend less time untangling your lights and more time basking in them.
10 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
Continued on next page
#6 Hang Wreaths on Rods or in Rafters
#9 Trim Those Trimmings
All year you look forward to hanging that wreath you got for a steal at an after-Christmas sale.
Getting out decorations should be a welcome walk down memory lane — not a guilt trip through items you “should” display but ... ugh.
Rather than tossing it in a trash bag, where it can too easily get seriously mushed or even forgotten, hang it on a rod or from nails hammered into the attic rafters or garage walls, Woodruff recommends.
So when you take down this year’s decor, follow the old rule for paring down your wardrobe and get rid of anything you didn’t use — you know, that carol-singing mounted fish from your dad or Nana’s crocheted coaster set — and donate them.
It will be easy to find, and will be in pristine shape for next year.
“If it’s a sentimental item, take a picture of it,” Woodruff says.
#7 Store Your Tree With the Decorations on It
You won’t waste storage space and, come next year, you’ll be greeted only by items you love and use.
No, seriously. If strategizing the placement of skiing Garfield and his 107 dangly friends is your least favorite part of holiday decorating, skip it after this year. Ask someone to help you tightly wrap this year’s decorated (artificial) tree — yep, ornaments and all — with heavy-duty stretch plastic wrap (the type that professional movers use, which you can find at home improvement stores). Next year, just cut the wrap and reshape the branches. Happy holidays indeed.
#8 Or Give In and Buy a Tree Bag Every December 26, you begin to dread awkwardly wrestling your artificial tree back into its original packaging. This year, go ahead and spend the 50 bucks on a tree bag or box, Woodruff says. It will seal out dirt, dust, and bugs, won’t smash the branches, and some styles even allow you to store your tree fully or partially assembled.
#10 Organize By Room If you’ve got snowmen in every bathroom and a jingle bell on every drawer, you may end up with mountains of half-empty boxes piled everywhere for longer than you spend enjoying the decor. Get your halls decked more efficiently by sorting your boxes of trimmings by room, Woodruff suggests. Then, label each light strand by location — mantel, doorway, tree, etc. Decorating is merrier when you can grab a bin and make an evening of it, one room at a time.
#11 Create a “Must-Have” Bin Put all your favorite decorations in one “first-up, last-down” bin. Next year, you’ll spend more time enjoying your cherished menorah or manger and less time rummaging to find it.
Plus, just knowing you can skip the reassembly next time makes for an extra happy New Year.
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 11
12 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
GENERAL COUNSEL
®
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH PROPERTY LEFT BEHIND BY TENANT Q: I OWN A RENT HOUSE IN LAFAYETTE. THE TENANT MOVED OUT IN NOVEMBER, BUT PAID RENT FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH. HE LEFT BEHIND SEVERAL LARGE OBJECTS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS THINGS IN THE OUTSIDE STORAGE AREAS. HOW LONG MUST I WAIT BEFORE I CAN DISPOSE OF THESE ITEMS?
Stephen J. Oats
A: Louisiana law provides some guidance with regard to Lessor’s privilege on items left behind when the tenant owes rent or damages that aren’t covered by the security deposit. However, the law is less clear when it comes to items of value that have been seemingly abandoned by the tenant. The first thing you should do is review the lease for any provision that may address abandoned property and disposal thereof. If the lease is silent on the issue and you’re fairly certain the property has been abandoned, then you should take the following steps for your own legal protection: • Take an inventory of the property (photographs or a list) • Store any property that may have
value Give written notice to the former tenant, pursuant to the notice provisions in the lease agreement detailing how and where he can pick up the property with a set deadline. • State that failure to claim the property by the deadline will result in the disposal of the property. After these steps have been implemented, and the deadline is passed you can dispose of the property without having to worry about liability on your part. You have already place the former tenant on notice. If you have not taken an inventory, you should go ahead and do that. I recommend one last correspondence to the former tenant with a deadline to pick up the property. If he fails to comply, then the property can be declared abandoned and disposed of accordingly. You should also consider revising the lease agreement for the next tenant that includes a provision on dealing with property left behind after the lease agreement terminates. If you are uncertain about how to move forward, we suggest that you get professional advice from an attorney who handles landlord-tenant issues. •
BI-MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS General Counsel® answers are provided by the
Law Firm of Oats & Marino, which is general counsel to individuals, businesses and government entities throughout the state of Louisiana. The information contained in this article is intended to be general in nature. Before any action is taken based upon this information, it is essential that competent, individual, professional service be obtained. Send Questions for this column to General Counsel®, 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 400, Lafayette, LA 70501 or e-mail your questions to generalcounsel@oatsmarino.com. Sorry, no personal replies.
Q: I READ SOMEWHERE THAT IF YOU MAKE TWO MORTGAGE PAYMENTS PER MONTH; YOU CAN SHORTEN YOUR MORTGAGE BY 6 TO 10 YEARS. IS THIS TRUE? A: Bi-monthly mortgages payments are a good idea as long as you aren’t putting yourself in a financial bind. For example, if your original loan was $130,000 and your interest rate was 7.25 percent, you would have a monthly payment of about $875. Paying an additional $75 per month, about 1/12 of your monthly payment, shaves between 6 or 7 years off of your 30-year loan. In other words, you would have paid your mortgage off in 23 or 24 years instead of 30 years. And, the good news is without doing anything else, you’ll save approximately $50,000 in interest payments over the
life of your loan. If you increase your prepayment to $150 per month, or 1/6 of your monthly mortgage payment, this would mean you would be making 2 extra payments a year. This would shave a little over 10 years off your loan, meaning you would repay your mortgage in 20 years rather than 30. And, you would save about $77,000 in interest. The only time I’m might advise against bi-monthly mortgage payment programs is that if they charge you a substantial fee to enroll, and if you can’t stop the program at will. If you run into financial difficulties, you want to be able to go back to your regular mortgage payment. Many lenders are also setting up autodebit systems which allow you to prepay yourself, electronically, for nothing, at least once a month, and sometimes more. Check with your lender for details.
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 13
ACADIAN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Home Buying Interest Increased Amid the Pandemic
By Jeff Wood, President, Acadian Home Builders Association
The pandemic changed consumer purchasing habits this year, from more restaurant take out to fewer live, in-person entertainment ticket sales. How did the pandemic affect larger purchases like homes? According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) latest Housing Trends Report, survey responses show that home buying interest increased amid the pandemic in the third quarter of 2020.
Home buying ramped up at the beginning of the second half of the year. Among the 13 percent of American adults considering a future home purchase in the third quarter of 2020, half (50 percent) have moved beyond planning and are actively trying to find one to buy — compared to less than half (44 percent) a year ago. The COVID-19 pandemic and record-low mortgage rates are likely contributors to this increased activity. The jump in interest primarily comes from a majority of millennials (58 percent), adults 24 to 39 years old, and Gen X (52 percent), adults 40 to 55 years old. Home buyer perceptions also changed in terms of the ease in searching for a home. More than onein-four prospective buyers (28 percent) in the third quarter of 2020 expect their search for a home to become easier in the months ahead, while a majority (61 percent) expect it will be harder or stay the same. By contrast, a year earlier, fewer buyers (21 percent) expected availability improvements and more (68 percent) thought it would be difficult to search for a home. Strong new and existing home sales in the summer of 2020 may have been a factor contributing to buyers’ improved expectations for housing availability. As the number of active buyers searching for a home increases, the length of time spent searching continues to grow. In the third quarter of 2020, 62 percent of buyers actively engaged in the purchasing process have spent three months or more looking for a home, compared to 58 percent a year earlier. Geographically, larger shares of prospective buyers in every region (Northeast, Midwest, South and West) are actively trying to find a home to buy compared to a year ago. In terms of the type of home prospective buyers are looking for, interest in a newly-built home rose to 31 percent in the third quarter of 2020, up from 18 percent a year earlier. For more information about home buying in Acadiana area contact www.acadianhba.com. Building a House? Is your builder LICENSED? Is your builder LOCAL? For a list of licensed, local contractors, visit www.acadianhba.com or contact AHBA at 337.981.3053. 14 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
L
ay D t as
s
uy! B to 102 Orchar Park Lane Farms Green F
Drawing: Wednesday, December 9th KATC-TV News at 6pm Proceeds to benefit Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, Faith House, St. Michael Center for Veterans and Healing House.
Media Provider: KATC-TV
LA Charitable Gaming Permit #E0005553.
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | 15
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @samrobertsonrealestateco Office Location 229 Heymann Blvd. Lafayette, Louisiana 70503
337-266-2220 New Price!
3140 Church Road Port Barre, Louisiana
2 Stories * 6,000 Sq. Ft. 4 Bedrooms * 4 1/2 Bathrooms 60 x 200 Covered Arena with 6 Stalls 8 Outdoor Horse Runs 25.3 Acres $1,099,000
Hwy 31 Opelousas, Louisiana 9.48 Unzoned Acres Not in a flood zone $175,000
5.09 Acres Great Location! Just north of I-10 Minutes from I-49 Additional acreage available. 2020 N. University Avenue $955,000 Climate Controlled Warehouse - 20,700 Sq. Ft $1,000,000
New On The Market!
Canadian Heights Subdivision 503 Acorn Drive Lafayette, Louisiana 1,250 Sq. Ft. 3 BR * 2 BA 1.18 Acres Huge Covered Patio RV Canopy and Shop
$165,000
Oakbourne Estates 108 Rimwood Avenue Lafayette, Louisiana 2 Stories * 4,334 Sq. Ft. * 5 BR 4 Full Baths and 2 Half Baths Bonus Room Lot is 100’ x 150’ $349,000 1.808 Acres
Warehouse 4,500 Sq. Ft. 120 Southpark Rd Lafayette, Louisiana
+/- 1.75 Acres G reat Location !
Office 4,300 Sq. Ft.
Lean-To 1,875 Sq. Ft.
Bertrand Drive Lafayette, LA $1,143,450
High Traff ic Intersection Ac ross from UHC Nea r ULL’s Athletic C omplex and Football Stad ium , C ajun Dome an d SLCC .
A Full Service Real Estate Co. • Residential • Commercial • Sales & Leasing www.samrobertsonrealestate.com 16 | DECEMBER 6, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM