Closed and Moving Forward!

23 Monday Jan 2012

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mccleary title office We closed on January 6th, 2012 at McCleary Title in Baton Rouge at 11616 Southfork Ave.…http://www.mcclearytitle.com  mc title logo  Thanks to Steve Landy and his team at McCleary we were able to move forward with the closing that had been delayed since November 2011.   There were outstanding issues with right-w-ways and title that had to be dealt with but once we had those issues resolved Steve closed on the house very quickly and without any more problems!  A big thank you goes out to Steve for guiding us and keeping everything on track.  Once closed RL Bennett surveyors confirmed out NO Work…. and off we go.  NOT to forget that our local branch hb_logo of Denham Springs is our go to source. Thanks to Craig Coleman our loan officer.  Thanks for hanging in there with us while we worked out our issues. 

NOW, on to the important things at hand.  What to do next??  Call the framer Robert Jones and meet with him to determine when we can form the slab, and of course we had to deal with the decision of post tension or not to post tension.  Solution… call back  Chris Hoyt, our dirt man and remove some of the mound and bring it back down a few inches. 

Now water permits, Port a Potties, follow up with Holmes Building Materials in Denham Springs and Chris Knippers.  holmes building referral from my brother-in-law Gerald Cotton    cotten custom homes       and have the form material delivered. 

OK!! we are ready to go…. Oh wait a minute the former has to go to MS. to finish a job but will be here for the weekend….

No problem we can finish up with concrete prices and checking out the new Boracare Termite treatment with Salvants Pest Control.    salvant

Now that we have the temporary electric pole taken care of with Rainbow Electric and Jonathan Williamson we are ready to begin the visual work of seeing the layout!

So as you can see Robert Jones and his crew were busy on January 21,2012…. ,exactly three months to the day that the mound was formed, here are the pic results along with the start of plumbing from our famous plumber… at…. Dubois Plumbing Company!  Thumbs updubois plumbing company

Next up on the planning is slab survey, Lobell’s Engineering,  check ordered with, Hancock Bank, (Craig Coleman)  hb_logo    and decide on our doors and windows with Holmes Building Materials in Denham Springs.

 

photo

Next we will be getting the diggers out….Open-mouthed smile, and the slab poured!  RAIN RAIN GO AWAY COME AGAIN WHEN WE CAN BE INSIDE TO PLAY!

Cannot wait to be able to post more!  Of course decisions about shingles and brick color are next along with wall color, trim color, cabinet color, stained concrete color,  Whew.. time to take a break and go to pinterest for some therapy time! and OH sale some houses…. Hope you enjoy my ranting’s and seeing our progress!

Buying a Home is More Affordable than Ever!

30 Wednesday Nov 2011

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Check out this video for more info. and call us today to get started!

Our First Home Construction Journey continued….

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

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Since my last update… on October 19, we were required to get MORE document disclosures to the bank for the processor.  So once again I contacted my CPA and gathered more data to send off.  Not sure if they just sit around and think… “hmmm what else could we ask for that seems a little ridiculous?”  Anyway we scurried around like little squirrels gathering more info., to send off, to prove who we are and what kind of track record we have had the last few years.   For most of you, this will not take as long and you will probably not be required to gather soooo many things together, but since we are self employed they are a little over the top with certain things.  However, we …. The Carol Cotten Team….. carol and janice new Sisters Tak’n Care of Business!

have noticed an increase in unusual and strange request regarding loan documents and verifications this last year.   I guess that is to be expected with new standards on all mortgage loans.

There was progress made, and on November 4th the appraiser came to the land and Hallelujah… started the appraisal on the house, and the bank sent Champlin Title the request to begin the closing process.

Denham Springs  206 Veterans Blvd.  Denham Springs, LA 70726   Telephone:  (225) 665-1220   Fax:  (225) 665-1240

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In the mix of all of this we have continued to gather bids together from framers, electricians, painters, etc., as well as cost of materials from local building supply stores with the help of image

Of course the final decision on our plumber is made, and if any one is in need of a plumbing bid, on a new construction or commercial project, make sure to check out the best plumber in town… LOL 24390_103608156348719_100000986064125_31999_2066849_n 225-505-9436

Still working on making a final determination on the bids, but will update that info.  once we know. 

We also had a speedy approval from the Parish Permit office with our plans and have that step completed!!! YEAH…

Soo, while we wait,,,,, tic tock, tic tock,  we are getting a little bored and decided that we might as well set the post for the deck on the pond.  Here are a few pics to let you see how that is going.  Oh and the plumber is also somewhat of a jack of all trades.  Kind of handy to have around the last almost 33 years…

. IMG_1616 IMG_1615 TIMG_1618 IMG_1617

Slow work in progress…

But the post are set!

Three Bald Cypress Tress to be planted on the edge of the Pond.

Future Growth of Trees… Hmmm I wonder how long that will be before ours look like this? 

And our little Mags looking on in curiosity… she is loving being a dirt dog. 

Our next step is getting the closing date set, once we have the appraisal in.  AND then on to the real project where I hope to be able to bring you updates on a weekly basis. 

Thanks for spending a few minutes checking in on us, and remember it is the season to be Thankful!  We are very excited and thankful for our family and all that God has in store for our future, for he know the plans he has for you! Jeremiah 29:11

Be Blessed!

More to come ASAP! 

Our First Home Construction Journey!

19 Wednesday Oct 2011

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I am writing this blog after a few friends and family members ask us to keep them updated on the progress of the building process, and since we have a BLOG anyway I thought what a great opportunity to connect with others who might enjoy and appreciate someone’s perspective and experiences throughout the journey.  Since this is of course mine and Randy’s first construction we are somewhat feeling our way through.  We do understand some of the steps since I am in Real Estate with Sisters Tak’n Care of Business

carol and janice new      and we own a plumbing company  24390_103608156348719_100000986064125_31999_2066849_n    where we do mostly new construction and commercial work, but we quickly found out there is a lot more to this adventure than meets the eye, so lucky for us my brother-in-law is also a contractor “Cotten’s Custom Homes”

cotten custom homes

and he graciously has allowed us to incorporate him on this project.  Having a knowledgeable, experienced contractor on board gives us peace of mind.  

 

As we began to consider, if this was our time to move forward, b/c we had only been thinking about this for ???? years

                                                                                                                                                    RANDY AND JANICE WEDDING 2-3-1979.

We decided to start and the process started with a call to the lender on October 5th, 2011…

We knew that interest rates were at an amazing ALL time low and we might not ever see this again in our lifetime.  So ….since the land was available (the kids had bought their house and moved) we felt the first test was getting the interest rate where we wanted, and if that went through, that would be our sign that the planning should begin.  I am a believer in Jeremiah 29:11….”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  and in all things.. good and bad… we give God the glory.  If this was the plan, that our Big Daddy had for us, all things would work out.  The banking process is TIME consuming and they want everything, including your first born.  Yes, seriously the paper work was daunting and there were days I was more confused than sane, on how to fill out and gather all the docs that were requested, but somehow after 500 emails, unaccounted phone conversations… we had managed to pile all the paper work together and get the approval where we felt at peace.  After our first test was cleared, and all indications were go, we began the hunt for the perfect plan….Ha HA.. as if that existed. 

So the hunt for the perfect house plan began…  IMG_1497  Here are a few of the ones we considered, not counting the plans that we looked at while visiting online and Architects. After hours of looking and hunting, and discussing, and thinking, and re-thinking, and meeting with Architects, and..OH yes keeping it under a certain sq. ft. we found the ONE… Plan # 09-169 Madden Home Design.. (picked up on October 11,2011)….and of course we still tweaked a few things, and added some sq. ft. on, but basically this is it.

IMG_1499 NO this is MILA who is rather interested in the new house.. all of the time…

This is the Plan…             

IMG_1498    IMG_1501

THREE BEDROOMS W/LARGE OFFICE.. FRONT VIEW AND REAR VIEW

OK, so we have the plan… now what?   First stop permit office to pick up the “Packet” for New Construction guidelines for permits.   IMG_1502

The process began with filling out multiple papers and then delivering a set of plans to the Parish Permit office, October 17,2011…and yet there were more forms to fill out once we arrived.  We were told the process of submitting the plans and approval could take three weeks, so now we wait… Well kind of. 

Our attention has since turned to getting bids on lumber, electricians, and formers, and framers, to start.  We will get to the rest ASAP…After numerous road trips dropping off plans from Ponchatoula to BR, we now wait on the bids to come in.  Oh and we are also waiting on the bank to finish their paper work for closing.  There is a lot of hurry-up and waiting going on during the process.

Now this brings us back to the place where we have decided to build…. That is another whole story blog, but basically after buying land in Livingston, off of Madison Ave and Red Oak, we changed our mind and decided that we just could not leave the land that we have lived on for the last TWENTY-SEVEN years.  The land on Madison and Red Oak is now for sale… HINT HINT, if anyone is interested!  Beautiful by the way, and the neighbors are to die for.  The best…. Gerald and Carol Cotten.. (:

Now that we had another 2.3 acres to add to our one acre we felt complete peace and JOY at the decision to stay HOME!  

Since we know guys love to play in the dirt, Randy wasted no time in getting our local dirt worker, HOYT’S TRUCKING AND DOZER SERVICE, out to begin the dirt work and pond digging on October 18,2011.. Here are a few updated pics of the process so far.

We are loving what we see!! And yes the excitement has set in!   

As for now I am just starting to think about colors, lighting, counters, flooring, fixtures… OK I have been thinking about that for some time, but now that this has become a forever decision I am feeling the pressure.  So onto Pinterest I go, and that in itself has become an addiction. I need someone to narrow down the choices and give me three to choose from.  Here are a few of my likes…..  If you go to Pinterest you are going to see that I am all over the place on choices.  Help will be needed at some point.

OK, that is all for today..back to my real job as a Realtor, Carol and I have two houses to list tomorrow and I have plenty to do!  Update coming when more choices are made, and more work is complete.  Hope you guys enjoy… I think I will use this as a stress reliever in visualizing just how far things have progressed. 

Winterizing Your Home!

11 Tuesday Oct 2011

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WinterizingYourHome200x133

 

The fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter.

Autumn is invariably a prelude to falling winter temperatures, regardless of where you live. It might rain or snow or, as David Letterman says, "Fall is my favorite season in Los Angeles, watching the birds change color and fall from the trees." Did you know there is only one state in the United States where the temperatures have never dipped below zero? Give up? It’s Hawaii.

Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter:

1) Furnace Inspection
  • Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
  • Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
  • Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
  • If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
  • Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.
2) Get the Fireplace Ready
  • Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
  • If the chimney hasn’t been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
  • Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
  • Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
  • Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.
3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows
  • Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
  • Use weather stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
  • Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
  • If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
  • Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.
4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
  • If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
  • Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
  • Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
  • Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
  • Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.
5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment
  • Drain gas from lawnmowers.
  • Service or tune-up snow blowers.
  • Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.
  • Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.
  • Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.
6) Check Foundations
  • Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.
  • Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
  • Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
  • Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.
  • Secure crawlspace entrances.
7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.
  • Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
  • Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.
8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes
  • Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
  • Drain all garden hoses.
  • Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
  • Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
  • If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces
  • Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
  • Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.
  • Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.
  • Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
  • Don’t automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.
  • Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.
10) Prepare an Emergency Kit
  • Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
  • Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.
  • Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
  • Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
  • Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.

Preparing Your Home for Winter

By Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide

At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, DRE # 00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.

Looking for a Festival this Fall? Check out Clarence’s Festival List for the Fall Season….

22 Thursday Sep 2011

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September Festivals in Louisiana:
September 1-30, 2011 There are Baton Rouge cajun dances that are a lot of fun.
September 1-30, 2011 Baton Rouge Free Downtown Outdoor Concert Series
September 1-30, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in New Orleans.
September 1-30, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Louisiana.
Aug 31-Sept 5, 2011 The Southern Decadence Festival is in New Orleans, Louisiana.
September 1-5, 2011 The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is in Morgan City, Louisiana.
September 4, 2011 The Creole Zydeco Festival is in St. Martinville, Louisiana.
September 5, 2011 The BooZoo’s Labor Day Zydeco Festival is in Iowa, Louisiana.
September 9-10, 2011 The Uplifting the Coast Festival is in Grand Isle, Louisiana.
September 16-17, 2011 The Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival is in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
September 23-24, 2011 The Jim Bowie BBQ Duel and Festival is in Vidalia, Louisiana.
September 23-25, 2011 The Aligator Festival is in Luling, Louisiana.
September 24, 2011 The Magnolia Mound Cajun Festival is in Baton Rouge (Clarence organizes this).
September 25, 2011 The Calca-Chew Food Festival is in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Sep 30-Oct 1, 2011 The Lecompte Pie Festival is in Lecompte, Louisiana.
October Festivals in Louisiana:
October 1-31, 2011 There are various Cajun Dances in Baton Rouge
October 1-30, 2011 Baton Rouge Free Downtown Outdoor Concert Series
October 1-31, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in New Orleans.
October 1-31, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Louisiana.
October 1, 2011 The Denham Springs Fall Festival in Antique Village is in Denham Springs, Louisiana.
October 1, 2011 The St. Luke’s Arts and Crafts Fair is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
October 1, 2011 The Plaisance Zydeco Festival is near Opelousas, Louisiana.
Sep 30-Oct 1, 2011 The Lecompte Pie Festival is in Lecompte, Louisiana.
October 1-8, 2011 The Red River Revel is in Shreveport, Louisiana.
October 7-9, 2011 The Gretna Heritage Festival is in Gretna, Louisiana.
October 7-9, 2011 The KBON Fan Appreciation Party and Festival is in Rayne, Louisiana
October 6-8, 2011 The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta is in Zwolle, Louisiana.
October 8-9, 2011 The Awesome Art in Autumn Gardens Arts and Cultural Festival is in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
October 13-16, 2011 The Louisiana Cattle Festival is in Abbeville, Louisiana.
October 13-16, 2011 The Sunshine Festival is in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
October 13-16, 2011 The Louisiana Cotton Festival is in Ville Platte, Louisiana.
October 14-16, 2011 The Lafayette Festivals Acadiens et Creoles is in Lafayette, Louisiana.
October 14-16, 2011 The Bridge City Gumbo Festival is in Bridge City, Louisiana.
October 14-16, 2011 The International Acadian Festival is in Plaquemine, Louisiana.
October 14-16, 2011 The Andouille Festival is in St. John Parish, Louisiana.
October ?-?, 2011 Cancelled The Sorrento Boucherie Festival is in Gonzales, Louisiana.
October 15-16, 2011 The Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival is in Madisonville, Louisiana.
October 16, 2011 The Louisiana Tournoi is in Ville Platte, Louisiana.
October 16, 2011 The French Settlement Creole Festival is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
October 20-22, 2011 The International Rice Festival is in Crowley, Louisiana.
October 21-23, 2011 The Louisiana Gumbo Festival is in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
October 23, 2011 The Baton Rouge International Heritage Celebration Festival is in downtown Baton Rouge.
October 27-31, 2011 The Yambilee Festival is in Opelousas, Louisiana.
October 27-Nov 6, 2011 The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
October 28-30, 2011 The South Louisiana Black Pot Cookoff and Festival is in Lafayette, Louisiana.
October 28-30, 2011 The Harvest Festival on False River is in New Roads, Louisiana.
October 29, 2011 The Louisiana Book Festival is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
October 29-30, 2011 The Cajun Village Oktoberfest is in Sorrento, Louisiana south of Baton Rouge.
Still working on dates below. However, festival dates are generally only off by a couple of days and you can click on the links for the actual dates.
November Festivals in Louisiana:
November 1-30, 2011 There is Baton Rouge Cajun Dance in Louisiana.
November 1-30, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in New Orleans.
November 1-30, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Louisiana.
October 27-Nov 6, 2011 The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
November 6-Dec 12, 2011 The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is in Hammond, Louisiana.
November 6, 2011 The Militon Festival is in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.
November 6-7, 2011 The Audubon Zoo SwampFest is in New Orleans, Louisiana.
November 10-13, 2011         The Red Stick International Animation Festival will be held in Baton Rouge Louisiana.
November 12-15, 2011 The Rayne Frog Festival is in Rayne, Louisiana.
November 13, 2011 The Atchafalaya Basin Festival is in Henderson, Louisiana.
November 19-21, 2011 The Celtic Nations Heritage Festival is in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
November 19-20, 2011 The Broadmoor Arts and Crafts Festival is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
November 19-30, 2011 The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
November 27-28, 2011 The Native American Powwow is in Gonzales, Louisiana.
December Festivals in Louisiana:
December 1-31, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in Baton Rouge.
December 1-31, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in New Orleans.
December 1-31, 2011 There are Various Cajun Dances in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Louisiana.
November 6-Dec 12, 2011 The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is in Hammond, Louisiana.
December 1-31, 2011 The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
December 4-5, 2011 The Le Feu et l’Eau (Fire and Water) Festival is in Arnaudville, Louisiana.
December 11, 2011 The Baton Rouge Festival of Lights is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
December 11-13, 2011 The Festival of the Bonfires on the Mississippi River is in Lutcher Louisiana (this is a lead up event to the Dec 24th big event).
December 12, 2011 The Baton Rouge Christmas Parade is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
December 13, 2011 The Baton Rouge Bonfire at Magnolia Mound Plantation is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
December 18-Jan 3, 2011 The Baton Rouge Ice Skating is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
December ??, 2011 The Port Allen Bonfires on the Mississippi River is in Port Allen near Baton Rouge.
December ??, 2011 The Festival of the Bonfires on the Mississippi River is in Lutcher, Gramercy and Paulina Louisiana between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
This is located at www.cajunradio.org/louisianafestivals.html
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Huli’s Louisiana Festivals 2011 and Events Calendar (a physical calendar available for purchase):
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Huli publishes a great physical calendar that features Louisiana Festivals 2011 and Events. It is the most complete listing of events in Louisiana. It lists over 500 Louisiana events with dates, town names, phone numbers and websites. It is available for purchase at www.louisiana-festivals.com or at numerous stores in Louisiana. These are festivals in Louisiana.
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These are Clarence’s favorite 2011 Louisiana Festivals.
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Clarence really likes Festivals Acadiennes et Creole in Lafayette, Louisiana. Also, Louisiana Festivals 2011 events that make Clarence’s top list are the Red Stick International Animation Festival in Baton Rouge and Mardi Gras. The Festival of Bonfires 2011 is also a great event. A Louisiana Festival 2011 favorite is the Baton Rouge Country Music Festival. Festivals in Louisiana are always a lot of fun.

site http://www.cajunradio.org/louisianafestivals.html