Bessette Flavin Blog

Get Out and Be Seen Baton Rouge!

By Tara Demarie | Jun 12, 2025

🎬 Outdoor & Family-Friendly Events Movies on the Plaza (Main Library at Goodwood): Family-friendly outdoor film nights every Friday in June at Goodwood Library Plaza axios.com+9batonrougefamilyfun.com+9visitbatonrouge.com+9axios.com+8225batonrouge.com+8batonrougefamilyfun.com+8. Food Truck Round-Up at Perkins Rowe (Friday, June 13): Sample eats from ~15 mobile vendors like Capitol Seafood and Ninja Snowballs, with live music by Derrick Lemon visitbatonrouge.com+4225batonrouge.com+4225batonrouge.com+4. KID […]

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What’s Happening SWLA?

By Tara Demarie | Jun 12, 2025

🦀 Holly Beach Crab Festival (Cameron, June 13–15) A beloved coastal event celebrating all things crab, with cook‑offs, crab bingo, contests, live Cajun music, dance contests, food vendors, and family fun near the Gulf Beach. explorelouisiana.com+3kplctv.com+3facebook.com+3 🎷 Downtown at Sundown (Lake Charles, Friday nights through June 13) Catch live music at L Bar (L’Auberge Casino […]

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First time Homebuyers

Breaking into the Market: Smart Strategies for First-Time Homebuyers

By Tara Demarie | Feb 13, 2025

For many aspiring homeowners, the biggest challenge isn’t just finding the perfect place—it’s affording it. With rising costs affecting everything from groceries to gas, housing prices are no exception. But despite these financial hurdles, homeownership doesn’t have to remain just a dream. By adopting a strategic approach, you can make owning your first home a […]

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Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home

Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home

By Tara Demarie | Feb 6, 2025

Selling your home successfully requires the right strategy and a realistic approach to today’s market. However, some sellers are making avoidable mistakes that could cost them both time and money. With more homes available and buyers being more selective with their budgets, it’s essential to adjust your expectations and work with a knowledgeable real estate […]

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What-To-Know-About-Credit-Scores-Before-Buying-a-Home.jpg

Credit Scores and Homebuying

By Tara Demarie | Jan 27, 2025

When it comes to buying a home, your credit score plays a big role. Lenders rely on it to decide what loan options you qualify for and the terms of your mortgage. However, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about credit scores that might stop some potential buyers from even trying. Myth: You […]

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Keys in a door Down Payment Assistance Programs

Unlock Homeownership: Explore the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs

By Tara Demarie | Jan 23, 2025

Today’s housing market is challenging, with rising home prices and unpredictable mortgage rates. Every resource counts when pursuing the dream of homeownership. Thankfully, down payment assistance (DPA) programs are making that dream more achievable. The best part? The number of these programs has grown significantly, creating more opportunities than ever. The Growth of DPA Programs […]

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Gumbo weather

Chuck Eats Week 2025: A Culinary Adventure in Lake Charles

By Tara Demarie | Jan 13, 2025

Get ready, foodies! Chuck Eats Week 2025 is returning to Lake Charles from January 17-26,2025, and it’s shaping up to be the most flavorful week of the year. This highly anticipated event brings together the city’s vibrant culinary scene, showcasing local flavors, creative dishes, and the talent of chefs who make Lake Charles a food […]

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Open House visitors

The Ultimate Open House Checklist: Look Beyond the Décor

By Tara Demarie | Jan 8, 2025

Attending an open house can be an exciting part of your home-buying journey. Beautifully staged furniture, immaculate interiors, and the perfect lighting can easily make you fall in love with a house. However, it’s important to look past the superficial appeal and focus on the functionality, condition, and potential of the home. After all, buying […]

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A charming small-town street with colorful storefronts, awnings, and a clear blue sky, capturing a quaint shopping district

Celebrate SWLA Small Business Saturday: Shop Local and Make a Big Impact

By Tara Demarie | Nov 26, 2024

Small Business Saturday is more than just a day of shopping—it’s a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and dedication of small businesses in Southwest Louisiana (SWLA). Held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this special shopping event encourages residents to support local businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities. If you’re in […]

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