Homefinder_12.20.2020

DECMBER 20, 2020

See page 4 for details!

723 & 700 Bayou Tortue Rd. Broussard, La. 70518

Penny McGehee, Realtor, ABR, SRES, SFR Cell: 337.344.7777 Direct: 337.267.4043 pmcgehee@latterblum.com LA-1000708166

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

112 Baker Street Cajun Estates 3BR/2BA - 1544 LA - $175,000

NEW

912 Broadmoor Boulevard Broadmoor Terrace 3BR/2BA - 1650 LA - $188,400

103 Westward Avenue Westward Heights 3BR/2BA - 2188 LA - $209,900

NEW

105 Henry James Metairie Park 4BR/3BA/1HB - 3168 LA - $549,900

301 Bourdette Drive Couret Farms 2BR/2BA - 1314 LA - $222,500

NEW

107 Hershey Court Sugar Trace 3BR/2BA - 1640 LA - $215,000

505 Bourdette Drive Couret Farms 3BR/3BA - 1714 LA - $274,240

121 Conque Drive Acadian Place Estates 4BR/2BA - 2323 LA - $225,000

taking time to visit our open houses and our agents are waiting to assist you.

NEW

1138 Fontelieu Road 1BR/2BA - 1600 LA $599,000

entering the homes listed below. Thanks for

304 E Third Street City of Crowley 3BR/3BA - 4014 LA - $299,900

OPEN HOUSES 12:30 - 2:30

105 Henry James ................... $549,900 ............................... Joel Bacque

1:00 - 2:30 202 B Princeton Woods Lp . $625,000............................. Susan Martin

1:00 - 3:00 309 Begnaud Dr...................... $208,000.......................... Kellie Kinsland 115 Concerto Crest ................ $330,000.............Ann Breaux Thornton 120 Thames.............................. $394,900..................... Padgette Richard

2:00 - 4:00 304 Upland Drive................... $269,000.................Donna Christianson

1404 Roper Road 4BR/3BA - 2646 LA $249,900

302 Richland Avenue 201c River Ranch 1BR/1BA/1HB - 993 LA - $238,000

600 Richland Avenue River Ranch 5BR/4BA/1HB - 4175 LA - $995,000

514 Princeton Woods Loop River Ranch 3BR/3BA/1HB - 4100 LA - $1,750,000

105 Bluff Lane Vermillion Bluff 4BR/3BA/1HB - 3856 LA - $1,850,000

906 Richland Avenue River Ranch 6BR/5BA/2HB - 6465 LA - $2,565,000

108 Harolyn Park Drive Harolyn Park 3BR/3BA/1HB - 2515 LA - $315,000

417 Kim Drive Live Oak Park 4BR/2BA/1HB - 3034 LA - $390,000

120 Club View Drive Club View 3BR/3BA/1HB - 2218 LA - $439,000

124 Snapping Lane Bayou Tortue Manor 5BR/3BA - 3195 LA - $365,000

162 White Wing Lane Songbird 4BR/2BA - 2236 LA - $295,000

241 Wilson Lane Kimbleton Lake Estates 5BR/4BA - 3490 LA - $499,000

4231 S Richfield Road 5BR/5BA - 4131 LA $749,000

101 Mission Hills Drive Le Triomphe 4BR/4BA - 3759 LA - $898,000

205 Spyglass Lane Le Triomphe 4BR/3BA - 2735 LA - $360,000

303 Cypress View Drive Cypress Gardens 4BR/3BA - 1850 LA - $290,000

104 Stonehurst Drive Sugar Mill Pond 2BR/2BA/1HB - 1895 LA - $229,000

300 Clay Ridge Drive Highland Ridge 3BR/2BA/1HB - 1570 LA - $209,900

203 E Main Street 4BR/4BA/1HB - 5785 LA $1,385,000

104 Windmill Palm Lane Sabal Palms 4BR/3BA - 2377 LA - $439,745

102 Windmill Palm Lane Sabal Palms 4BR/3BA - 2363 LA - $437,155

123 Olivewood Drive Woodlands of Acadiana 4BR/3BA - 2149 LA - $330,000

214 Greenspoint Commons Points of View 3BR/2BA/1HB - 2320 LA - $272,000

410 Claystone Road Meadows Bend Lakes 3BR/2BA - 1925 LA - $259,900

104 Alma Drive Huval Holiday Phase IV 3BR/2BA - 1797 LA - $250,000

211 Rue Du Maurier Frenchmans Creek 3BR/3BA/1HB - 3250 LA - $695,000

2 | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

3:00 - 4:30 121 Conque Drive.................... $225,000 ............................. Susan Martin

NEW LISTING

COMPLETE UPDATE

111 DEVIN LANE, LAFAYETTE, LA 3BD/23BA-3372 SQ.FT.LA

802 S WASHINGTON, ABBEVILLE 3BD/2BA-1731 SQ.FT.LA

$399,000

$175,000

NEW LISTING

CONDO/MOVE IN READY

1410 Maude Avenue, Abbeville 3BD/2BA-1401 SQ.FT.LA

1400 East Bayou Parkway #3D 2BD/1.5BA-1000 SQ.FT.LA

$65,000/$2000 in Closing Offered

$124,900

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-1000708095

COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS BEST

13139 WEST HWY 82, ABBEVILLE Completely remodeled home with 1657 Sq. Ft. Living Area, sheetrock walls, updated bathrooms, large laundry room, all appliances, double carport, and a storeroom included. The home has a new 30-year architectural roof 2019. New AC 2020, walk in shower, jacuzzi tub, 3rd bedroom or office, and all on a large tree shaded country lot with no restrictions.

PRICED @ $158,000.00. Move in Ready

ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 3

St. Landry Parish

Published every Sunday by:

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GEOGRAPHIC INDEX Acadia Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Iberia Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I

724

342

Crowley, Rayne, Church Point

St. Martin Parish

Svonnie Trailer Account Manager

342

337.289.6454 343

Jeanerette

Endorsed by

St . Landry Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L Opelousas, Sunset, Port Barre Grand Couteau, Cankton, Arnaudville

Vermilion Parish

St . Martin Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M Cade, Butte LaRose, Arnaudville

92

339

www.realtoracdiana.com 89

Vermilion Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V Kaplan, Erath, Delcambre, Maurice

Iberia Parish

ON THE COVER

CALL FOR VIEWING!!!

L

og cabin home nestled under 200 year old mossy oaks on a near 7 acres! The home is a solid ‘’Hideaway Lodge’’ built to last with 1 1/2 stories, 2 bedrooms, 2

baths, separate loft, open floor plan and move-in ready. The floor to ceiling windows make for a picturesque setting as you feel as though you live in the native trees! There

Broussard, La. 70518 2 BR/ 2 BA – 2,284 Sq. Ft.

$549,000

is a two sided wood burning Stone Fireplace which is the focal point of the great room with vaulted and beamed ceiling, views from every room of the magnificent grounds, live oaks, pond and greenery. There is balcony decking around most of the home as you enjoy the ultimate privacy in a serine southern setting and a separate decked area for BBQ’s and family gatherings. The kitchen has hickory custom cabinets, a nice

Listed by Penny McGehee Cell: 337.344.7777 Direct: 337.267.4043 pmcgehee@latterblum.com Licensed in Louisiana

pantry and solid quartzite countertops.There is one bedroom and bath down and the Master bedroom upstairs with plenty of closet space and spacious bath and separate loft. One of a kind.

2000 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 101, Lafayette, LA 70805

4 | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

Find the home of your dreams...

Just Ask

ALLEN Allen DuhÉ www.JustAskAllen.com

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.

403 Comanche Drive Lafayette - $420,000 4 BR/3BA - 2882 Sq. Ft.

212 Gleneagles Circle Broussard - $67,500 Phase II of Le Triomphe LOT SIZE 67.52x153.5x67.5x151.9 +/In addition to a wonderful corner lot, owning in Le Triomphe gives you the chance to play golf on a championship course.

606 Kyle Landry Lane New Iberia - $372,500 4 BR/4.5 BA - 2,880 Sq. Ft. - 1.28 acres.

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

Allen DuhÉ Realtor®, GRI, CRS Licensed in Louisiana

ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 5

Find a home that fits your family in a neighborhood that fits your life.

Debi Smith

Kathy Benoit

Stephanie Hanks

Jay Smith Broker

981-4595

2701 Johnston St. Suite 219

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY!

PRICE CHANGE!

307 Tapestry Cir- Off E Milton Ave3Bd/2ba, home completely remodeled with designer grade upgrades- 1,975 sq ft- $263,500

Teurlings–Near Teurlings High-1.86 Acres -141x472x174x451-$89,900

FEATURED RENTAL

FEATURED RENTAL

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 211 Longfellow, Off Robley3bed/2Bath home, patio, large lot, available January 1st- pets yes- $1,200 108 Lyons, 4 Bed/2 bath, sep living, family room, and eat-in kitchen, cov patio, oak trees, fenced, pets yes- $1,200

211 Longfellow- Off Robley- 3bd/2Ba home, patio, large lot, available January 1st- pets yes- $1,200

521 Brook- near UL- 2Bd/1ba home, CH/A, fridge, cook top, washer and dryer, pets YES - $900

521 Brook, near UL- 2Bed/1bath home, CH/A, fridge, cook top, washer and dryer, pets YES - $900

FEATURED RENTAL

FEATURED RENTAL

706 Picard #14, Milton-Quiet area, 2Bed/1bath, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$750 706 Picard #2, Milton- Quiet area, 1Bed/1bath, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets yes -$500 COMMERCIAL

706 Picard #14- Milton-Quiet area, 2Bd/1ba, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$750

Your dreamdream home should a dream Your home come shouldwith come

407 Brook Ave- formerly Saint Street Inn - Main Building is 1200sqft, back is 200sqft- includes restaurant and bar fixtures - $1,500

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

800 1445 S CUNNINGHAM PROVIDENCE

210 W BUTLER ST

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

with aThat’s dream neighborhood. whyneighborhood. theadvertiser.com/homes That’s why <Local Market Name> | Homes provides exclusive details on neighborhoods, lifestyles amenities withwith every listing. lifestylesand andarea area amenities every listing. provides exclusive details on neighborhoods,

100 W LA AVE

$75,000

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

AL RC I METING M C O L IS

3990SF RETAIL; 4458SF WAREHOUSE; SOLID BRICK CONSTR; HIGH TRAFFIC $350,000

Marianne Dupuis 337-581-0379 Amy Gossen 337-581-4378

3.15 ALONG I-10 - NEXT TO FROG CITY TRAVEL PLAZA, $210,000

www.alcRealEstate.com 6 | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

$121,200

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

LA-1000707436

theadvertiser.com/homes <newspaper.com>/Homes

ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 7

NEW LISTING

402 WOODS CROSSING - 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 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

LA-1000707422

Merry Christmas NEW PRICE

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. $1,150,000

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

216 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 5 BR / 3.2 BA - 4,434 SQ. FT. $899,500

600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 3, LAFAYETTE $195,000

101 CELLAR COURT, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 3 BR / 4 BA - 3,574 SQ. FT. $1,150,000

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

125 GIRARD WOODS RD., LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 4 BR / 3 BA - 3,490 SQ. FT. $625,000

600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 1, LAFAYETTE $515,000

225 BILTMORE WAY, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 3.1 BA - 2,410 SQ. FT. $585,000

115 SHANNON RD. LAFAYETTTE - AREA G2 – 4 BR / 4.2 BA – 4,685 SQ. FT. $1,350,000

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SALE PENDING

SALE PENDING

225 BILTMORE WAY, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 3.1 BA - 2,410 SQ. FT. $585,000

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

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 LISTING

NEW PRICE

308 N STATE ST. ABBEVILLE - AREA V1 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 2,420 SQ. FT. $239,900

105 CRESCENT RIDGE PLACE, LAFAYETTE – AREA G2 – 4 BR / 4 BA – 3,951 SQ. FT. $725,000

117 CHERBOURG CIRCLE, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR/ 3.1 BA - 3,350 SQ. FT. $750,000

419 RICHLAND, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 3 BR / 2.1 BA -2,177 SQ. FT. $545,000

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 20, 2020 | 9

Hoping your holidays are filled with love, family, and happiness 10 | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

Jason Ray President

Reid Smith President-Elect

Cindy Herring Treasurer

Jim Keaty Immediate Past President

Tyler Albrecht

Bart Broussard

Jacquie Cain Gleason

Tony Cobarrubia

Suzanne Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ambrosio

Toni Effingger

YPN President

RCA President-Elect

Director

Director

Director

Out-of-Parish Director

Lindsey Fitzgerald

Rachel Hebert

Shannon Higginbotham

Dennis Jones

Kimberly LaFleur

Helen Thibeaux

MLS Chair

Director

Director

Alternate

Director

Director

ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 11

HOME BUYING IN 6 STEPS

1

Get Ready for Home Ownership

2

Find a Real Estate Professional

3

Find the Right Property

4

- Build a good credit history - Get mortgage pre-approval - Find out what type of mortgages you quality for - Consider hiring an attorney to review all contracts and agreements associated with the home buying process - Save up for a down payment (typically 10-20% of property’s value; if FHA-qualified, then possibly less) - Consider closing costs which can include taxes, attorney’s fees, and transfer fees - Consider utilities and monthly bills, such as homeowner's assessments

- Get a referral from friends, family, and work colleagues, or search realtor.com® and look for real estate yard signs and advertisements - Ask the real estate professionals you interview about buyer's representation contracts and agreements; make sure you understand the terms - Explain your needs and expectations to the real estate professional you choose to work with

- Determine what is important to you, such as particular schools, neighborhood amenities, monthly mortgage payment, public transportation, walkability, etc.

- Make sure you include home owner’s assessments, utilities, and taxes when calculating the monthly mortgage payment

Finance the Right Property - Contact your mortgage broker or lender - The lender or attorney will run a title search to ensure there are no clouds on the title - Make sure you understand the financing terms—ask the lender for clarification, if needed

12 | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

5 6

Make an Offer - Ensure the property is inspected by a licensed home inspector - Acquire title insurance - Make sure the title is clear, or make your offer contingent upon title clearance - Read all contracts before signing—make sure you understand all of the terms, ask questions - Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counter-offer - Keep your credit score stable and in-check by waiting to purchase any big-ticket items until long after the closing - Only one offer will result in a sale, so be prepared to move on if your offer is not accepted

Closing and Life After the Big Purchase - Protect your new asset by obtaining insurance such as homeowner’s, flood, disaster, and fire - Weatherproof your new home - Maintain files—digital or print—for all warranties, insurance documents, contracts, etc.

- Keep original closing documents in a safe place, preferably outside the home (such as a safety deposit box) - Set up utilities bills in your name, maintain files - Implement desired aesthetic changes such as painting, minor construction, and re-flooring - Set a move date and hire movers or plan a move party with your friends - Get to know your neighbors and explore your new neighborhood - If you're happy with the work of your real estate professional, be sure to recommend her/him to friends and family

WHAT EXACTLY IS A RATE LOCK?

GENERAL COUNSEL®

Stephen J. Oats

Q: WHAT IS A RATE LOCK? WHAT IF I LOCK IN AT ONE RATE AND THE INTEREST RATE DROPS BEFORE THE CLOSING? IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? A: A rate lock is a guarantee from a mortgage lender that they will give a mortgage loan applicant a certain interest rate, at a certain price, for a specific time period. The price for a mortgage loan is typically expressed as “points” paid to obtain a specific interest rate. Generally, the longer the length of the lock, the higher the points or interest rate will be; the longer the lock, the greater the risk for the lender offering the lock.

For example, let’s say you lock in a 30-year fixed loan at 2.75% with 1 point for 30 days on January 2nd. The lock will expire on January 31st.

If it falls on a holiday, then the lock will usually be extended until the next business day. If the lender does not disburse funds by January 31st, your rate lock has expired, and your original rate lock commitment is no longer valid. You will have to relock, probably at a higher rate.

A longer lock at the same interest rate will

probably cost you more points. For example, you might be able to get a 45-day rate lock at 2.75% with 2 points. If you need a longer lock and don’t want to pay for more points, your lender also might offer you a little bit higher rate instead.

Lenders are taking a risk by allowing you to lock in a rate in advance. If interest rates increase, the lender is forced to give you the rate you locked in at, even if it is significantly lower than the current rate. Most lenders protect themselves against rate fluctuations by hedging on the interest rates they offer.

Unfortunately, if you lock in at one rate and the rates drop before you close on the loan, most lenders will not allow you to take advantage of the new lower rate. However, if the rates substantially drop, 3/8% or more, some lenders will allow you to re-lock at a lower rate.

Most lenders will only let you lock in an interest rate on a specific property; however, there are some lenders that offer a lock-and-shop program that lets you lock in a rate before you have found a house. This type of program is useful if interest rates are consistently on the rise, but not all lenders offer this option.

CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY VS. CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY Q: I AM CONSIDERING FILING BANKRUPTCY, BUT DON’T KNOW WHICH KIND IS RIGHT FOR ME. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY AND CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY?

®

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.

A: If you haven’t already done so, you should first consider consumer credit counseling.

Bankruptcy should only be a last resort.

In a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you file a petition asking the court to discharge your debts. The basic idea in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is to wipe out or discharge your debts in exchange for you giving up your property.

In most cases, all your property will be exempt, however, property which is not exempt will sold, and the money received from the sale of that property will be distributed to your creditors.

There are some items that are exempt, meaning you will be allowed to keep them, however everybody’s situation is different. You should consult with a bankruptcy attorney if you have specific questions about what is and what is not exempt.

If you want to keep certain property, like your home or your car, but you are behind on the mortgage or car payments, a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is probably not the right choice for you. This is because a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy does not eliminate the right of mortgage holders or car loan creditors to seize your property and

sell it to cover your debt.

In a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you file a “plan” with the Bankruptcy Court showing how you intend to pay off some of your debts over the next three to five years. The most important thing about a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is that it allows you to keep valuable property--especially your home and car--which might otherwise be lost, if you can make the payments to your creditors which were ordered by the Bankruptcy Court.

In most cases, these payments are at least as much as your regular monthly payments on your mortgage or car loan, plus some to your other creditors, so that you get caught up on the amount you have fallen behind.

If you (1) own your own home, but are in danger of losing it because you are behind on the mortgage payments, (2) are behind on other debt payments, but think you could catch up if given some extra time, or (3) have valuable property which is not exempt, but you can afford to pay creditors from your income over time, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy might be better for you than Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

But remember, when filing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you have to have enough income to pay for your necessities and to keep up the required payments. If you are unable to make the required payments, the court could convert the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 13

ACADIAN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

New Year, New Career in Construction

By Jeff Wood, President

The pandemic changed the way people lived and worked this year and many industries laid off employees due to economic constraints. One of the overall bright spots in the economy, however, was the home building and remodeling industry. Residential construction was deemed an essential business by many state and local governments across the country during COVID-19 business restrictions. Throughout the pandemic, many individuals working in the skilled trades remained gainfully employed. If you or someone you know is seeking a career change or a fresh start in the new year, the skilled trades can offer a rewarding career path and a wellpaying salary.

Working in the home building industry is more than just another job, it is a pathway to earning a great salary.

Half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $49,030 and the top 25 percent make at least $68,690, according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics Survey data and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In comparison, the U.S. median wage is $39,810, while the top quartile (top 25 percent) makes at least $64,240.

The earning potential is strong for both men and women in the industry. On average, women in the United States earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns. Recent studies show women gaining ground in the industry. The number of women employed in the construction industry grew substantially last year, rising to around 1.2 million and surpassing the peak of pre-recession employment levels, according to NAHB. Not only is the residential construction industry inclusive, training programs offer a viable alternative to the 4-year college track without the burden of sky-high student loan debt. In the 2018-19 school year, the average amount borrowed by bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree recipients who took out loans to pay for college was $28,800, according to the College Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trends in Student Aid 2020 report. The residential construction industry offers a variety of training programs at a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree.

There are many resources available to help individuals get started in a career in the trades. Acadian Home Builders Association can connect students to apprentice programs or other job training programs locally.

The National Housing Endowment, in partnership with the Home Builders Institute, offers several scholarships to students pursuing a career in the building industry.

Working in the trades brings a sense of satisfaction for completing high-quality work that contributes to home building and ultimately helping to fulfill the American Dream. For more information about career training opportunities in Acadiana visit 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 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM

Source: 12/14 Thoroughbred Research Study

36% of The Daily Advertiser readers are likely to purchase a home or other real estate in the next year.

ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 15

337-266-2220

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

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 20, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM