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Maximize Your Investment~Indianapolis Real Estate
2007-06-02 23:46:56
You’ve decided to sell your home and know you have to do some things to get it ready for the market. Where’s the best place to start and what repairs will return the maximum amount? I’m glad you asked! For starters, clean out anything you don’t need! Box it, donate it, or throw it away. It will make unpacking at your new home a much easier task. read the rest Tags: Preparing+Home, Selling+Home add to:
Read more: Estate , Indianapolis , Maximize

Do I Know You? Opening Doors For Strangers!
2007-05-28 10:48:29
In the last few weeks, I have had several e-mails and a few phone calls asking me to show a home. These requests are from people who have come across a home on my website and call me. While this is very cool and the goal of my website, it is not something I am open to. Why, you ask? Isn’t that what I am supposed to do? Well, yes and no. I am happy to provide general information as well as send a list of homes to people who ask. When I am asked to just show up and open a door for someone, I am not willing. These people are strangers to me! More importantly, they are strangers to the homeowners whose home I am opening. Certainly there can be no harm in opening a home for someone to view, can there? Generally, no! It is my opinion, homeowners have an expectation that if I am opening their home, I have some knowledge of the people I have opened it up for. It doesn’t matter whether they are my client or the client of a fellow Realtor. I have a list of reasonable ques
Read more: Doors , Strangers

A Picture’s Worth A Thousand Words When Selling Your Indianapolis Home
2007-05-19 21:24:15
Selling a home in todays market requires several steps in the marketing process. One of the most important steps is having your home show ready! Once the task is accomplished, how your home is displayed to the public can make a difference whether your home is shown or not.   In the not so distant past, putting a home on the MLS and having Open Houses could guarantee some traffic. Today, many of the buyers who contact me, already have a list of homes they want to see.  Recent statistics suggest over 80% of homebuyers start their search online. As gas prices rise, we may see the percentage of online buyers rise also. Having an online presence is no longer an option and your online presence must present your home in it’s best light. Imagine for a moment you are a buyer, searching online for homes. You certainly do not want to spend all day looking at homes which do not meet your criteria. You search diligently and save the homes which most interest you. With so many available,
Read more: Indianapolis , Picture , Thousand , Words , Worth

Facing Foreclosure in Indianapolis, Who Ya Gonna Call?
2007-05-14 09:39:49
Are you facing foreclosure on your Indianapolis home? Do you feel like you’re losing the race against time in your effort to keep your home? Who Ya Gonna Call? Since you are unlikely to find a foreclosure busting trio to assist you in the fight, the first person you should call and be in contact with is your mortgage company.  There are some calls you may want to avoid! If you are a few months behind in your mortgage payments, you have probably received numerous letters, postcards and phone calls regarding your home and your options. The messages are all the same. We pay cash for homes! We can help you stop foreclosure! We can get you refinanced! Who do you believe? Can one of these companies help you? There are many “Foreclosure Rescue Companies” and I say that facetiously. The one thing they all have in common is a plan to help you. Can they really help? Sometimes they can, it just may not be in your best interest. What you should understand is many of these com
Read more: Facing

Time, Time, Time Is On My Side! Is it?
2007-05-12 08:34:39
If you’re Buying an Indianapolis Home, time may not be on your side! The current market conditions will not hold for long. There will be changes, there always are. Everyday, someone will ask me if this is a good time to buy a house. My short answer is yes! My long answer depends on your purpose and your financial  goals. The indicators are good for buying a home. The Indianpolis real estate market is the most affordable housing in the nation. The income/housing ratio in Indianapolis is 20%, meaning the average homeowner in Indianapolis spends 20% of their income toward their housing costs. Did you know in some parts of the country the figure is 50% or more? Interest rates remain historically low. There is a lot of inventory available. It is a buyer’s market!  It is currently a buyer’s market in Indianapolis and the surrounding area, as well as most of the Unites States. Once the supply of homes decreases, the tide will turn to a more balanced market, interst ra


The Tax Man Cometh To Indy– Pay Your Dues Or Get Out!
2007-05-07 16:21:23
The conclusion of last weeks General Assembly did not create “relief” for Indiana Home owners. Instead, some homeowners are burdened with exorbitant tax increases which threaten their ability to keep their home. Some simply will not be able to afford their homes any longer. But, alas, the tax man will be paid! There is a silver lining, though, in the form of a credit or rebate. About this time, you should be jumping up and down with joy just thinking about receiving a credit. But wait – don’t over-exert yourselves just yet……..we don’t know how much or when the credit will be given. This “rebate” is unlikely to make a dent in the real cost of property taxes. It certainly won’t help those who struggle to make ends meet now. Consider what an extra $100. monthly could mean to someone on a fixed budget. Another concern is how the assessed values are calculated. I have current clients who are looking at homes. Some of these homes are assessed at $50,000 more than the list


Defining the Indy Real Estate Market Means Going Local
2007-04-30 18:47:41
Where do you go for local real estate news in Indianapolis? Is it the local newspaper? The news channel; or, do you listen on the way to work? When these media outlets speak, it is usually in general terms. How local does the news have to be to have an affect on your homes value or your decision to move? I believe you need to go very local. A “general” real estate market really doesn’t tell the story. Generally speaking…see how the words are…..well, too broad! Exactly what does a general real estate market look like? According to Encarta the word general means; overall, usual, widespread, miscellaneous, not specialized and not specific.   First, we have the words; overall, usual and widespread. Too generic to describe a particular market. How about miscellaneous, which means…….having a varied content or wide scope. The definition is only somewhat accurate. Real estate is certainly varied and wide in scope, which is why the following definitions are of more imp
Read more: Estate , Going , Local , Market , Means

Indianapolis Property Tax Rebates ~ Clear As Mud
2007-06-30 10:41:34
Dear Prospective Client: I must tell you up front there is a new form attached to  the Indiana Residential Real Estate Contract I do not understand. Oh, I will try……..but even with these boots, I’m not sure I can trudge through the uncertainty of the current “new” form (2007 Property Tax Rebate Disclosure Form) I must have you sign. One thing is certain, I won’t be alone! By now, all the great citizens and taxpayers of Indianapolis have been made aware of property tax increases affecting  homeowners. As a Realtor, one of my obligations and required documentation I must have is a estimated costs sheet for buyers or an estimated net proceeds for sellers. Generally this is not too complicated, except for one little cost…..the tax rebate. The new form requires me to let you know about the possible rebate. The form acknowledges there may be some confusion and/or disagreement over which party (buyer or seller) should receive credit for the anticipated tax rebat
Read more: Clear , Rebates

The Skies Are Looking Sunny in West Indy
2007-06-29 22:03:50
Never mind the days of rain we have had recently or cloudy skies! The business news this week is bright for the western portion of Indianapolis.   Purdue Research Foundation announced plans for a technology park at Ameriplex Indianapolis business park. Appropriately named, Purdue Accelerator Park at Ameriplex-Indianapolis, the park will help create new high-tech businesses and promote the expansion of established companies. The park will accommodate up to 75 businesses and create 1500 jobs. The business park will be located along the I-70 corridor near the new Indianapolis International Airport, consisting of 78 acres. Indianapolis and the State of Indiana will help fund the project with a 5 million dollar city grant and another 2 million dollar state grant. The state grant is contingent upon the creation of 2000 jobs. Job creation is good news for the city of Indianapolis. The finished business development will provide: -50,000 - 70,000 square foot multi-story office building -
Read more: Skies , Sunny

Forestall Future Foreclosure in Indiana
2007-07-03 17:29:31
Forclosure rates in the State of Indiana have been the subject of many opinions and news stories. National ranking has the state placing in the top ten most months. While it is better than the first place rank we held, the moniker is one which we would like to place elsewhere. We have all heard the stories where greed and corruption within the industry has left entire neighborhoods with vacancies and lower property values. Mortgage Fraud and fraudulent loan broker practices have contributed to many of these transactions which have resulted in foreclosure. The State of Indiana has enacted new laws and regulations regarding loan brokers. Major provisions of House Bill 1717 include: Requirement for the creation of a principal manager who will oversee the loan brokers at each firm. The principal manager, who must have at least three years of experience in the financial services industry, will be hired privately by each firm. Requirement for criminal background checks on loan broke
Read more: Foreclosure , Future

Indianapolis Property Tax Crisis ~ A Solution
2007-07-21 22:15:28
The property assessment and tax system in Indianapolis is in dire need of an overhaul. This is a sign in front of many homes I have seen all over the city this weekend, while out showing homes. I noticed something I find very disturbing. I’m not sure if it was just the areas of town I was showing homes in or if is an actual happening. These signs were apparent in many of the revitalized areas of Indianapolis. I thought it rather odd. As a city and as homeowners, we take great pride in the revitalized districts around town. It has taken many years to makes these neighborhoods what they are today. To think all the work accomplished could be undone by the current tax situation is disturbing. As a Realtor, I am proud to fight for fair and equitable property taxes. I encourage all to let your voice be heard. There are many solutions being advocated. One I am in favor of is sponsored by Advance America. You can also start right in your neighborhood with the this petition. add to:
Read more: Crisis , Solution

Do You Know Your Absorption Rate?
2007-08-07 09:52:48
Absorption rate isn’t a topic of interest to most people, as it relates to Real Estate. Unless, of course, you are buying or selling a home or are a Realtor who studies the market. Then, it becomes a very interesting topic. While it may be a bit boring, I hope to simplify the information, as well as help you understand the importance of knowing the absorption rate of your Indianapolis home.   The absorption rate is a number which represents a particular market’s ability to sell the current inventory based on supply and demand. In real estate, this number is determined by dividing the current amount of homes available by the amount sold in the previous month. If the available inventory or currently listed homes on the market is 600 and the sales in the past month were 65, the absorption rate would be 9.2 months. This indicates it would take a little over 9 months to sell all the currently available homes, if no additional homes were to come on the market. Example:
Read more: Absorption

A Silver Lining for Property Taxes?
2007-08-09 22:37:03
Property Taxes  in Indianapolis has been the subject of many articles, questions and water cooler converstaions. I have even cast my voice into the well of objective (okay, maybe not objective) opinions. My objectivity is clouded, not by my personal agenda, but, by what I see happening and how it has affected the advice I can provide my clients, as well as my ability to negotiate in the best interest of my clients.   I wasn’t going to write anymore about the tax situation…..then, I was asked recently if there is a silver lining in the property tax fiasco. I am generally conservative in my opinion of future events, especially when those events are left to the decisions of politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises. Yes, I believe there is a silver lining….. The sharp rise in property taxes has provided a sense of awareness among the community. While many have bemoaned their tax bi
Read more: Silver , Silver Lining

Indy Real Estate News Flash - Buyers Control the Market?
2007-08-11 20:34:59
National news reads the real estate market is now controlled by buyers throughout much of the country. As news goes, it is generally one-sided and often distorted, with a predetermined conclusion to coincide with the story line. Since this is my news page, I get to write what I want with the conclusion I want. No distortion! The news, as I see it, is the real estate market is controlled by buyers. The truth is, it always has been. Even in the midst of the strong seller’s market of recent years, buyer’s still had the final say about how much they were willing to pay for a property. They also had the final decision about the terms of the contract they submitted and agreed to. The seller could accept or reject the offer. While there was less negotiating room, the buyer still made the decision. Today, the buyer is negotiating from a position of strength. Some believe this indicates they can offer almost anything and the seller is at their mercy. Lately, I have heard, more th
Read more: Buyers , Control , Estate , Estate News , Flash , Market

Green Savings in Indianapolis
2007-08-18 12:45:04
One of the questions I hear repeatedly from my clients who are buying a home in Indianapolis , is, “how much are the utilities”? This is a difficult question to answer. Although we can easily access the past history of utility charges for a given property, utility costs are more dependant on personal usage. While the current costs of utilities are a consideration when buying a home, there are some simple changes you can make to reduce the cost. Today, there are many options available which provide both savings and protect the environment. Integrating just a few of these ideas will help reduce your overall utility costs. Water Usage: Repair leaky faucets and running toilets. Use the correct water level when washing clothes.                   Run the dishwasher when it is full. Green Options: Install low flow toilets and plumbing fixtures to reduce water usage Front load washers use up to 66% less water and 75% less detergent Tankless water heaters - hea
Read more: Savings

Pictures - A Homebuyers Inside Look!
2007-08-18 23:58:55
My daughter was sitting with me at the computer one night, looking at homes on the MLS. She and her husband are thinking about buying a new home, maybe getting something a little bigger. When we came to a home with no pictures, I would stop to read the info - does it have a basement, square foot, bedrooms, etc. She said, “forget it, why don’t people post pictures with these homes“? Her question was valid! I had to tell her I honestly have no idea. She knows I tote my camera everywhere and am perplexed at the absence of pictures in the MLS. Now I know there may be a few homes on the market, where, there is no way around it, you just can’t get a good interior shot. I think at least one good shot of the front, some idea about the home should be given. I’m not even sure they have to be the best photos and you don’t have to be a professional photographer (I’m not). But good photos with a digital camera are fairly easy. Gone are the days of waiting f
Read more: Homebuyers , Pictures

First Home
2007-08-18 23:27:09
I love real estate! One of my closings this week was a young couple who wanted to buy a home, rather than throw their money away on rent. Their price point was going to be a bit difficult, even in Indianapolis, where we have the most affordable housing in the nation. I was up for the challenge! I love a challenge! We found the perfect house for them! This cute one bedroom bungalow, totally remodeled, original wood floors, large yard, 1.5 car garage and they love it. Not only will they save a couple hundred a month versus renting, the rental history on this home has their payment at about $200. less than rents. They will have a great little investment property once they decide to move up or move on. They signed yesterday, grabbed their keys, walked to their car and everyone in the closing room was excited as we watched them walk across the parking lot. I was on cloud nine the rest of the day!  This is what I do, help make dreams come true! Later in the afternoon, I received a call fro
Read more: First

Posh’d
2007-08-27 17:15:23
                                                                 I have been Posh’d, well, my Blog site has. Posh’d is a website which is dedicated to featuring and promoting websites and blogs which are trying to break the mold amd make real estate sites a better experience for everyone. My site is one of 22 sites which you can vote on this month. I would appreciate the votes and the constructive criticism as well as the applaud about what you like and don’t like about it. I consider this an honor to me and Jim Cronin at Real Estate Tomato. Please vote, we have a few days left! Click on the Posh’d logo to enter their site. My Blog is IndyRealEatateTalk.com. Thanks, Paula Tags: Indianapolis+Blog+Poshd Share This


The HOA Will Have It’s Way!
2007-08-27 00:18:57
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home besides the size and location. When considering the purchase of a home which is governed by a Home Owners Association, you need to confirm the CC&R’s or Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions allow you the flexibility to live and enjoy the lifestyle you want. Every HOA has different guidelines and restrictions; some are much stricter than others. While many enjoy the benefits a Home Owner Association provides in the development and continuity of the neighborhood, there are others who refuse to live in such a neighborhood.  Some of the more common restrictions in Indianapolis which home buyers should be aware of are:  * Fences - Some neighborhoods do not allow fences at all, while most have definate guidelines in place for the style, heighth and  placement of fences. Many Associations also do not allow the drainage area around the property line to be fenced. Confining limits of children and pets at home can be


Your Home, Your Way by Renovation Resources
2007-08-30 22:12:25
This post is by an industry colleague, Jeff Echols, of Renovation Resources . If you have a question for Jeff about renovation and remodeling, be sure to ask. Welcome, Jeff! I write a free, monthly, electronic newsletter for my company, Renovation Resources. Like blogging, the obvious key to success in this area is selecting the relevant topics every month. One thing that’s been on most peoples mind over the past couple of months has been property taxes. Theres a topic. But it’s worn out, overly negative, and too emotionally and politically charged. But still, it’s an important topic and better yet, it may have big implications for the remodeling / renovation market. So, I started talking to everyone I know, from Realtors like Paula Henry to Real Estate Investors to Contractors to Mortgage Brokers to Homeowners. I was in search of the silver lining. Paula has written a post on the subject already. Finally, the answer was obvious. The important article for my newsletter wasn’t ab


Back Home Again in Indiana
2007-08-30 15:25:36
Although I have been back a while, I recently submitted my post to “I Choose Indy”. The website is a tribute of sorts to those who choose to live in Indy. There are many reasons to choose Indy as home, mine has to do with family and  quality of life ( no more two hour commutes in traffic) the seasons, (fall is my favorite), and Hoosier Hospitality. Here’s the post I submitted to I Choose Indy! In the summer of the late 60’s, my family decided to leave Louisville KY. to start a new life in Indiana polis. You could say Indianapolis chose me! With six children in tow, my parents settled in the area now known as South Broad Ripple. Back then, the name and area of Broad Ripple did not hold the allure it does today. The Monon Trail was actually still a railroad track.   We used to play for hours at Arsenal Park, running under the water of the spray pool, swinging and singing the words of Rod Stewart’s, “Maggie Mae”
Read more: Again

The Realtor is The Seller……..
2007-08-29 21:02:24
Number one of a continuing series to get my home sold. We relocated to Indianapolis last year to be home where our family is and have maintained our home in Phoenix Arizona. We have now decided to put our home in Phoenix on the market. While I have been here for the last 10 days, I have looked at a few of the homes on the market which are my competition. This has given me a good idea about what I need to do to get mine ready. When we purchased this home, we had our work cut out for us. It is a 1979 Territorial style home with a flat roof (a foreign design to Hoosiers). Many of the interior items are the original and the exterior was; let’s just say, it was in need of attention. Since we have been here we have painted, installed a new A/C and Furnace, Hot water heater, completely remodeled the pool and landscaping, replaced all appliances, changed out fixtures, replaced all ceiling fans with new fixtures………you get the picture. We have done a lot! With all of these items com
Read more: Realtor , Seller

Ready, Set, Race!
2007-08-29 15:35:53
Just mention the word Indianapolis and it conjures images of auto racing. We now have to add Brownsburg Indiana to the list of major racing cities. In the April 2007 issue of National DRAGSTER The Indianapolis suberb of Brownsburg was dubbed the “New Drag Racing Capital of the World”. David Powers Motorsports, one of the National Hotrod Associations leading top-fuel drag racing teams, has announced it will relocate it’s Houston based headquarters to Brownsburg. The race team will invest more than 3 million dollars to locate a 30,000 square foot facility in Brownsburg, housing their headquarters, garage and a testing facility and create 42 jobs. Many racing teams have already made the move to Brownsburg: Kenny Bernstein Racing recently brought his top-fuel dragster and funny car teams here. J.J. Yeley Racing, Pedregon Brothers Racing, 360 Brakes, Schumacher Racing, Vance and Hines Motorsports, Indy Performance Composites, Beck Motorsports, Morgan Lucas Racing, Larry Dixon, Gotha


With All Due Respect Kermit, It Is Easy Being Green
2007-09-18 18:02:44
Kermit the Frog once sang “It’s not easy being green.” And many people may be under the impression that “going green” or using sustainable materials or green design isn’t easy or is cost prohibitive. What with $13 light bulbs and all, you can appreciate their point. It’s also true that the very nature of sustainability is about life cycle costs and future savings not necessarily about saving money up front. But you don’t have to take your existing home off the grid and use 100% recyclable materials today. If you’re planning a new home or major Renovation, work with a design professional who is proficient in the issues of sustainable design. Work with them to design the most sustainable home that fits within your budget today and throughout the life of the home. If you’re not ready to take on a major Renovation project though, think green in smaller degrees. When a light bulb burns out, replace it with a compact fluorescent bul
Read more: Green , Kermit

Client Care is Good Business
2007-09-16 08:47:28
This is not specifically about real estate or Indianapolis. I know my readers can see the obvious connection of good client care practice regardless of the business or city. In search of new communication devices to keep me accessible wherever I am, I went online to find a new phone and wireless card.  The wireless company I have used since 1998 had a great offer for a Blackberry and the price of their wireless card was not too bad. I went through the online process only to discover I could not take advantage of the offer since I am an existing customer. For a new customer, the price was $149. For me, who has been a long term customer, the price for the Blackberry was $489. and an additional two year renewal period. Then there was the cost of a wireless card. I spend a lot of money monthly on their service for my families collection of cell phones, download ringtones and text message habits. I have college aged children:) I spoke to their virtual receptionist and “no”, the
Read more: Business , Client , Good Business

Zionsville Homes in Stonegate
2007-09-14 11:56:21
Stonegate in Zionsville is the location of this year’s Home-A-Rama Home Show. Although the show was a few months ago, you have an opportunity to view these beautiful homes again this weekend.                        September 15–16 – Noon-6:00 p.m.             This time, admission is free! Of course, they may not have the great golf carts out to drive you around. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend, so make plans to go look at the design and architecture of these new homes. The homes are no longer decorated, but are completely finished. They really are beautiful and you may get an idea or two to take home with you. I almost guarantee you will. I’ll see you there – I’ll be the one taking pictures……… Tags: Indianapolis+Homes +Show, Zionsville+Homes+Stonegate Sh


A Tribute From Indianapolis
2007-09-11 09:58:50
Today, September 11, will forever be a reminder to Americans of catastophic loss and commendable bravery. To all who are serving our country, those who have gone before and those who will bravely go, I thank you! God Bless You! In the heart of our city of Indianapolis is the Soldier and Sailors Monument. It is a monument dedicated to those who bravely serve. Although it commerates the war between the States, it was the first such monument specifically dedicated to the common soldier. Me, I don’t think there is such a thing as a common soldier. They are all heros in my eyes. Tags: Indianapolis+Monument, Soldiers+and+sailors Share This


HomeBuyer’s Online and What They Want
2007-09-10 20:42:06
  Homebuyers today have expressed their preference in what they want when searching for homes online. Not surpising to me, they want pictures and property information. Also, not surprising to me, was, only 31% found the real estate agents contact info important…..   Most buyers want to look around and find information on their own, before they contact an agent.     Photos 83% Detailing Property Information 81% Virtual Tours 60% Interactive maps 43% Neighborhood/Community Information 37% Real estate agent contact 31%   Information provided by National Association of Realtors.     Tags: Indianapolis+Homes+Search, Buyers Share This


Staging Matters When Selling Your Home
2007-10-09 10:56:47
Surrounding myself with other professionals in the industry provides my clients with the benefit of experience in all aspects of their real estate transaction. One of the professionals I have on my list is Linda Barnett at Home Matters. Linda is a home staging professional in Indianapolis, whose work has been praised by homeowners, clients and featured on Fox 59 News. Linda is a master of decorating and arranging space. A professional consultation with Linda is included with every listing I market. I firmly believe a well presented home is crucial when your home is on the market. Every home has one chance to make the best first impression; shouldn’t yours say “WOW”? Rather than try to extol the virtues of staging with the written word, I have provided a glimpse of Linda’s handiwork. The pictures are of both vacant and occupied homes.   When it’s time to sell your Indianapolis home, call me;
Read more: Staging

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