Westlake sits just across the Calcasieu River from Lake Charles, and it offers a bit of a different feel while still keeping you close to everything the metro area has to offer. Here's what to know about life in Westlake. Close to Everything, Its Own Community Westlake has a strong sense of identity as its own city, with a close knit, small town feel, while still being minutes from downtown Lake Charles. That combination is a big draw for buyers who want easy access to the ci

Before we ever step foot in a home together, there are a few things I sit down and go over with every first time buyer I work with. These aren't the fun parts of house hunting, but they're the parts that save you from heartbreak later. Here's what I tell my clients before we even open the MLS. 1. Get Pre Approved Before You Fall in Love with Anything It's tempting to start scrolling listings the moment you decide you want to buy. But without a pre approval, you don't actually

If you're shopping for your first home in Southwest Louisiana, you've probably come across a listing marked "For Sale By Owner." No agent, no commission built into the price, maybe even a little wiggle room on negotiations. It can look like a great deal on the surface. But here's what I tell every first time buyer who asks me about a FSBO home: the risk isn't the home itself, it's going into that deal without your own representation. The savings you think you're getting often

If you are buying your first home in Lake Charles, Westlake, Moss Bluff, or Sulphur, take a breath. This is a big step, and it is supposed to feel like a lot at first. My job is to walk you through it so it does not have to feel overwhelming. Here is what I tell every first-time buyer I work with in Southwest Louisiana. Start With Your Finances, Not Zillow I know it is tempting to start scrolling listings the second you decide you want to buy. But the first real step is getti