Mike's Blog

As shocking as this might seem, our very own J. Philip Faranda, NY Broker, made Louisiana headlines! It's true. At first, I didn't want to trust my eyes. I must have stared at the page several minutes before reading the news article. Now that I have your attention, you're probably wondering, "So ...

"Mais oui! [may wee] How you dun pronounce dat word, Mike?" So you want to Speak Cajun like a native. I consider myself blessed to have been born in Louisiana. The French influence is abundant and self-evident. We possess a distinctive culture, a rare outlook on life, and truly unique words and v...

I took my pet raccoon to the vet today. I told him that something seemed wrong with him. He examined my pet and advised me my ‘coon was dead."I don't believe you", I replied. "I'd like a second opinion."My vet thought it over for a moment and then agreed. He left the room  returning shortly there...

The Property Value Freeze Program enables eligible homeowners to "freeze" the assessed value of their homes at the January 1, 2011 value. In other words, if your home in Lafayette Parish was valued at $100,000 as of January 1, 2011, that value will be frozen until the home is sold or remodeled. I...

One of the questions I'm often asked by sellers is, "Mike, do those "Just Listed" postcards really work? Are they effective?" My answer is, "Yes they do when they are carefully designed, professionally printed and engage the recipient." It's important to realize that we live in a society that is ...

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival will be held on Friday, May 6th through Sunday, May 8th, 2011 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Where else except in Louisiana will you find a 3 day celebration totally devoted to this most celebrated crustacean, the Crawfish? Every year on the first full weekend in...

This charming French Country style home located at 105 Firefly Lane in Florence Gardens Subdivision in Lafayette (near Carencro), Louisiana is back on the market. The home is "move-in ready" and seeking new owners! If you're looking for a spacious, newer construction residence with loads of ameni...

New York may have the hot dog. Chicago may have pizza. Philadelphia may have the cheese-steak sandwich. But Acadiana has BOUDIN! Throughout Acadiana (a.k.a. Cajun Country), of which Lafayette, Louisiana is the hub, boudin is ubiquitous: signs and banners encouraging the passersby to stop and buy ...

Many years ago I had the distinct pleasure to befriend an exceptional young woman, Connie. She explained that in the Asian culture, it is common for people to remove their shoes when entering a home out of respect and as a matter of hygiene. I learned this is a common practice in almost the whole...

April 2011 marks the 43rd anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event by reconfirming our commitment to upholding Fair Housing Laws and offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property. The primary pur...