tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121977192012-02-14T07:28:02.471-05:00Ready to buy or sell a house in the Indianapolis area? I'm ready to help. Looking for a professional that knows the Indianapolis real estate market? Let me put my knowledge and experience to work for you.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.comBlogger631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1149024919336576442006-05-30T18:34:00.000-04:002006-05-30T17:35:19.453-04:00

Is Indianapolis gearing up for a housing boom like California, Florida, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston have experienced in recent years? That remains to be seen, but this article provides some rational as to why we may be due for above-average price increases in the coming years.========================================(May 30, 2006) -- A new statistical analysis of housing price

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1148407070082361852006-05-23T14:00:00.000-04:002006-05-23T13:57:50.686-04:00

Indianapolis is the nation's cheapest major housing market for a third consecutive quarter, according to a new report from the National Association of Home Builders. More than 90 percent of homes sold in Indianapolis in the first quarter of 2006 were affordable to families earning the area's median household income of $65,100. The median sales price was $113,000. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale,

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1148408360866805212006-05-15T17:18:00.000-04:002006-05-23T14:19:21.186-04:00

I came across this great Top 10 list from hometips.com today.===================================When buying a brand new builder house, potential buyers often think they can dispense with the need for a house inspector. If it’s new, it must be in good shape, right?Not always true.New homes can be just as problematic as old ones. In fact, because they haven’t been tested by years of use and abuse,

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1148407794245034652006-05-08T23:01:00.000-04:002006-05-23T14:09:54.426-04:00

Indianapolis has popped up near the top of a couple of city ranking lists in the news recently. This time we came in at #14 on The Kiplinger’s Personal Finance List of “50 Smart Places to Live.” According to the article, to come up with the list of cities, Kiplinger began by surveying their readers, to see what factors they consider most important when choosing a place to live. The top two were

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1145564150460607362006-04-20T16:15:00.000-04:002006-04-20T16:17:14.256-04:00

Should you start out with a HIGH listing price? Many sellers think there is nothing wrong with pricing a property "too high" when the listing is new because they can always lower the price later. I came across this article today that helps explain why this is a bad strategy.==========================================Because of the change in real estate market conditions, more sellers are competing

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1145564004127586082006-04-12T22:11:00.000-04:002006-04-20T16:13:24.460-04:00

When you are thinking of buying a home, it may be time to get back to basics and focus on what makes for good resale value. Location, Location, Location.Location – Local Community, Town or CityBefore you can actually pick out a house, you need to choose what communities you would like to live in. There are many factors you should pay attention to, not only for yourself, but because you intend to

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1144203034068627412006-04-04T22:06:00.000-04:002006-04-04T22:10:34.580-04:00

If April’s showers are keeping you indoors, here are some idea’s to help pass your time:Now-May 15, Sports Heroes/National Art Museum of Sport – If you appreciate sports and art, make your way to IUPUI’s largest collections of sport themed art works in the world. Here you will find historic collections of photographs, paintings, and memorabilia profiling several Sport icons from Muhammad Ali to

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1142821805433351242006-03-19T20:59:00.000-05:002006-03-19T21:38:21.110-05:00

For those that didn't see this article in the Indy Star unfortunately Indiana once again led the nation in foreclosures, hitting an all time high. Here are the highlights from the article.More than 7,000 Indiana homeowners faced foreclosure in the final three months of last year, a record high for a state that has led the nation in foreclosure proceedings since July 2004. Foreclosures in Indiana

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1142265917790716252006-03-13T10:54:00.000-05:002006-03-13T11:05:18.230-05:00

Most of us that live in Indianapolis probably already know this, but for those that don't (or those considering a move to Indianapolis) the National Association of Home Builders named Indianapolis the nation's most affordable major housing market for a second consecutive quarter at year end 2005. I've included a couple of highlights from the announcement below.====================================

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1141789392227425572006-03-05T22:40:00.000-05:002006-03-07T22:43:12.463-05:00

If you aren’t ready to begin spring cleaning, here are some ideas to keep you busyMarch 2-6/9-12, Women’s/Men’s Big Ten Basketball Championships – If the NBA has left you a little disgruntled, come and watch some real basketball. The Big Ten is back in Indy as our national college team’s fight for the rights to the Final four. This is what basketball is really about.Tickets: Women’s all session

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1141152413347870972006-02-28T13:38:00.000-05:002006-03-01T15:34:37.496-05:00

Came across this article today from the Associated Press and thought it was relevant as we inch closer to the busy selling season.==========================WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sales of existing homes fell for a fifth consecutive month in January as the once-sizzling housing market cooled further.The National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday that sales of previously owned homes dropped by

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1140830809265142442006-02-24T20:00:00.000-05:002006-02-24T20:31:31.913-05:00

According to recent studies in the housing industry which include the National Association of Realtors; single women are the second largest group of homebuyers. Next to married couples, single women bought 20% of the homes purchased in 2005. Single men stand at 9% of the homes purchased.In general, women live longer and are now motivated to purchase homes desiring financial independence, security

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1140186902009011912006-02-17T09:28:00.000-05:002006-02-17T09:35:02.086-05:00

Came across this article today on Realty Times and I highly recommend that all sellers read this one.When buyers gain more leverage in a housing market, sellers must think out of the box to entice buyers to their homes, then to lock in their asking price. Below are 10 ways to get your home sold and, if not at your price, at least a little closer than what you might have gotten otherwise.Finished

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1140232468686169222006-01-31T22:09:00.000-05:002006-02-17T22:30:39.646-05:00

Unless you pay cash for your home, you'll need a valid homeowner's insurance policy before you close on your mortgage. The policy will protect you and the lender from:Casualty, like fire, wind or hail – damage to the structure of the house. For flood prone areas, you may need a separate flood policy. Liability in case a visitor is injured at your home. Personal property coverage for damage to

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1133927208757636702005-12-06T22:45:00.000-05:002005-12-06T22:46:48.940-05:00

If shoveling snow is not on top of your list of fun, try some these picks of the month…December Now-19, Country Christmas – Haven’t got your tree yet? Do you want to have a taste of Christmas that the whole family will remember? Then you need to visit Stoneycreek Farm where you can take a hayride out to their tree farm and cut down your own tree! There are also many fresh wreaths and swags to

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1132634784460108412005-11-21T22:32:00.001-05:002006-02-17T10:36:04.506-05:00

Looking for a great buy in Broad Ripple? As investor’s my husband and I are always on the prowl for a great buy. A couple of weeks ago we happened to stumble upon a fabulous opportunity for buyers in Broad Ripple. I’m sharing this with you because there are more than twenty of these properties available, but I have a feeling as word gets out they won’t last long.If the high prices of Broad Ripple

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1132199478342483162005-11-16T22:39:00.000-05:002005-11-16T22:51:18.356-05:00

Indiana’s housing market has seen better times. On a national scale, our state ranks #2 in the number of foreclosed homes. The average dollar loss on Fannie Mae and HUD homes is $36,000. Neighborhoods are slowly declining in value due to the surplus of foreclosed inventory. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, Indianapolis only ranks 121st in home appreciation out of 129

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1131593290359072912005-11-09T22:20:00.000-05:002005-11-09T22:28:10.373-05:00

Now that we have watched the leaves turn, here are some other suggestions to keep you busy during…November 9-13, Christmas Gift and Hobby Show – The time is now to start your holiday shopping! Over 400 exhibitors will be featuring everything of your hearts desire from toys, crafts, cookware, clothing, and more.Tickets: $7 (children under 12 are free) Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds/West

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1128657751014600282005-10-06T23:01:00.000-05:002005-10-06T23:02:31.023-05:00

No tricks here, just some fun treats for you and the family!October 13, Indiana Pacers – We all know I’m not the biggest sports fan, but something about the Indiana Pacers preseason starting without Reggie actually does make me feel a little empty inside. I do miss him. However, Ron and the guys…we’re glad to see you back and ready to kick some butt! Pacers preseason begins with their first home

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1127358954237043642005-09-21T22:14:00.000-05:002005-09-22T09:41:59.580-05:00

In today’s market, there are many types of foreclosure sales, but recently, the most advertised on T.V., radio, and newspaper classifieds are HUD homes.What exactly is a HUD home?A HUD home is a mortgage insured home through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in which a mortgagor has defaulted with its lender. When this happens, HUD then pays off the lender and in return becomes

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1125630301431785352005-09-01T22:00:00.000-05:002005-09-01T22:05:01.446-05:00

School’s back in session, leaves begin to fall, but before snow starts coming…enjoy some of the warm weather’s last minute chances:September 1-5, 51st Mac Tools U.S. Nationals – This has been labeled the Super Bowl of drag racing folks…this means it is a MUST SEE. If the need to see speed is up your alley, this is the show for you. Location: Indianapolis Raceway Park. Tickets: prices and times

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1125024092558191742005-08-25T21:39:00.000-05:002005-08-31T21:36:06.726-05:00

Here’s a new twist on a historical home. Have you ever heard of a Lustron home? I came across my first one. My real estate partner and I are listing a Lustron home. These homes are registered as National Historical Homes and if you are looking for a totally maintenance free home…this is the home for you.Here’s the scoop:The Lustron homes were built by Carl Strandlunds between 1949 and 1950 as an

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1124336526676551302005-08-17T22:39:00.000-05:002005-08-17T22:42:06.683-05:00

In the Midwest, mid August marks a slowing trend in real estate. It is the time that most families have already settled into their new homes and are now busily preparing for the upcoming school year. With most local schools beginning this week, your child’s performance is more important than you think.Did you know that a student’s overall success and school performance often dictates the

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1124070923761152322005-08-14T20:54:00.000-05:002005-08-14T20:55:23.766-05:00

Efflorescence is a condition that often happens to brick masonry in which a whitish film appears on the bricks. This is caused by water-soluble salts in the masonry materials that are brought to the surface of the bricks surface once the water evaporates. Often times you will see this in new construction. Fear not, it can easily be remedied with some time and the right products. Basically you

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1123206421296544022005-08-04T20:43:00.000-05:002005-08-04T20:47:01.303-05:00

Before putting your home on the market and opening it up to potential buyers make note of anything around the house that needs repair, or that needs to be spruced up. Buyers are considering making your home their home. They don't want to buy your problems.Fix up or tear down broken fencing.Repair cracks in the concrete. De-grease the driveway.Fix the broken garage door. Does it need to be painted

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1122953487093403222005-08-01T22:29:00.000-05:002005-08-01T22:31:27.100-05:00

It’s Fair Time! But if that’s not your cup of tea; here are some other ideas:August 7, Allstate 400 At the Brickyard – It’s that time again! New name, same race..yadda yadda yadda…check times for practice runs as they do vary. Hopefully you have a ticket or you can try your luck at the gate with your neighborhood scalper. Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Info: 317-492-6700August 10-13, 2005

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1122610698228964072005-07-28T23:12:00.000-05:002005-07-28T23:18:18.236-05:00

Where you live is as important as the house you live in. Consider these items when organizing your list of preferred neighborhoods. 1. Commute: Do I need a quick commute to work? Keep in mind short commutes limit your neighborhood options.2. My personality: Do I prefer country, suburban or urban living?3. Family: Is a certain school district important to me? Do I need to live near my elderly

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1122432094527001802005-07-26T21:36:00.000-05:002005-07-26T21:41:34.533-05:00

Before you begin house hunting, create a realistic "shopping list" to narrow your search. Looking for a home can take time, especially if you have not focused on what is most important.Create a "wish list" and a "must have" list. Many people focus more on "wants" than "needs." As a result, they sometimes reject homes that perfectly meet their needs in search of homes that meet their wants. That's

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1121733396471798832005-07-18T19:33:00.000-05:002005-07-18T19:36:36.476-05:00

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has forecasted an all time record in home sales for the year 2005 for both existing and new home sales.The report concludes existing home sales this year will rise 2.8% to 6.97 million, while new home sales should increase 3.2% to 1.24 million. This year is also setting records with over 1.68 million homes plotted for new construction.Why all the rapid

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1121312205408245342005-07-13T22:30:00.000-05:002005-07-14T08:37:11.623-05:00

In my recent search to better educate myself of the state I live in, I came across these fun facts that I thought might be of interest to you:Indiana was the 19th state to enter the Union on December 11, 1816State Bird: CardinalState Flower: PeonyState Motto: Crossroads of AmericaState Nickname: Hoosier StateState Song: On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away by Paul DresserState Tree: Tulip Tree

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1121140010904761802005-07-11T22:37:00.000-05:002005-07-11T22:48:57.883-05:00

If you are thinking of selling your home, I came across a great TV show that I highly recommend watching. It’s called Designed to Sell on the HGTV channel. The show gives contestants $2000 and with the help of a designer, they transform their home into a show piece. This is a great show to watch for inexpensive tips on organizing, decorating, and minimizing clutter to help your home sell quicker

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1120620474442005162005-07-05T22:26:00.000-05:002005-07-05T22:27:54.453-05:00

Your auto mechanic holds a license.Your hairstylist holds a license.Your plumber holds a license.Your Realtor holds a license.So, why on Earth would your Home Inspector not hold a license? A Home Inspector’s report is one of the most relied upon pieces of information in the home buying and selling process.The Sunday Indianapolis Star published an article about the new Indiana law that came into

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1120232478652091032005-07-01T10:37:00.000-05:002005-07-01T10:41:18.660-05:00

If sitting next to the air conditioner sounds a little boring, maybe some of these events might get your day, or night going…July 1, Santana– If chillin’ under the starlit sky sounds good to you, then Verizon Wireless Music Center should be your destination tonight. Carlos Santana along with Los Lonely Boys, and his son’s band, Salvador Santana Band will be strumming some of the best Latin music

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1120189142765487122005-06-30T22:37:00.000-05:002005-06-30T22:39:02.770-05:00

I read an interesting article in the Indianapolis Star today in which home owners shared their frustration of selling their home in the summer market. Traditionally, in real estate, June is known as the ‘peak’ of the real estate season. This is the time in which inventory is at its highest and relocating families are ready to make their move before the new school year. There are several factors

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1120008572128567552005-06-28T20:25:00.000-05:002005-06-28T20:29:32.133-05:00

I will never claim to be a Green Thumb…that title belongs to my mother. My thumb is rather, black. Unfortunately, that particular gene was not passed onto me. However, I try.Every Spring I head to my favorite nursery’s to purchase bright flowers in hopes of creating my picturesque garden. I water every other day, or every day if it’s extremely hot…succumbing myself to the mosquitoes each evening

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1119920965464734122005-06-27T20:08:00.000-05:002005-06-27T20:09:25.470-05:00

A number of real estate professionals will mark 2005 as one of their top producing years…thanks in large part to Generation X. The housing sector in general is flourishing through job growth, continuing low interest rates, and price gains in some hot markets.Four years ago, the median age for homebuyers was 36. This year the median age is 31. According to this profile, Generation Xers represent

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1119580538680334562005-06-23T21:33:00.000-05:002005-06-24T10:08:46.033-05:00

The vote has been cast… the ruling made.The Supreme Court officially ruled today that local governments may seize people’s homes and businesses for private development, even against a home owner’s will.The practice of eminent domain is actually quite common in several states. The Fifth Amendment allows governments to take private property for public use; however, the owner must be justly

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1119410862651067632005-06-21T22:26:00.000-05:002005-06-21T22:27:42.656-05:00

A 1031 exchange is often a good option for investors wanting a tax deferment to postpone capital gains taxes. However, not everyone can use a 1031 exchange and of course there are very specific rules to follow.Only investment properties can qualify for a 1031 exchange or properties owned in a business. This means private residences or second non-rental homes will not qualify. The exchange must be

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1119061559865465442005-06-17T21:23:00.000-05:002005-06-17T21:25:59.870-05:00

Have you ever seen the houses with the greenish black roof or siding? Yuck! The algae that is growing on your roof is slowly deteriorating your roof and can easily be removed. It’s important to maintain your roof to maximize its longevity. The same goes for your siding.Algae is common in areas of the country that receive high amounts of rainfall and humidity (Indiana for one). It is also

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1118975578208278432005-06-16T21:30:00.000-05:002005-06-16T21:32:58.213-05:00

Thanks to a great observation and question from reader Torporific on Monday I answered the question why are so many Meridian Street mansions for sale. See post from June 12. The Indianapolis Star apparently thought that question was so important that they ran a front page story today covering the same topic.

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1118804954609357412005-06-14T22:07:00.000-05:002005-06-15T11:37:46.100-05:00

..for the month of May at least. I received a newsletter today from the Board of Realtors and decided to run the numbers. For several years, Indiana has ranked #1 with the highest number of foreclosures. This article in particular stated that across the nation foreclosures have dropped 17% in May. One website in particular RealtyTrac will give you the results of homes that are pre-foreclosures (

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1118634105518155132005-06-12T22:35:00.000-05:002005-06-12T22:41:45.523-05:00

There is always a sense of relief when you have an accepted offer on your home. However, never consider your home sold until you have passed inspection. A majority of real estate transactions that fail do so because of a failed Inspection. Many home owners either try to hide problems, or they just don’t know when to recognize a problem that can affect the outcome of a sale.Inspectors are paid to

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1118196846175452502005-06-07T21:12:00.000-05:002005-06-07T21:14:06.183-05:00

Here are some ideas around Indy that may sound “cool” during our heat wave!June 10-11, Italian Street Festival – The traveler in me absolutely loves this time of year. If you can’t make it to Italy this summer, well the Italian Festival is the next best thing. This is truly a day of food, music, culture, and food (did I already say that?). This event runs for two days incase one just isn’t

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1117769717084920292005-06-02T22:00:00.000-05:002005-06-02T22:48:51.920-05:00

Sorry I have not written in a while, but my husband and I went on vacation for two wonderful weeks in Egypt. We went on a tour through Grand Circle Travel and during the course of our vacation we toured most of Egypt’s most historical areas: Alexandria, Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. We stayed at the Cairo Marriott hotel for the first week and then we boarded a

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1116015377723412182005-05-13T15:12:00.000-05:002005-05-13T15:16:17.726-05:00

I'm headed off to Egypt with my husband for a couple of weeks, so I won't have any new blog entries until I return. I'll be back with more useful tib bits about the Indianapolis real estate market after memorial day weekend.

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1115784526665303392005-05-10T23:07:00.000-05:002005-05-10T23:08:46.670-05:00

Buying a home for the first time can be very intimidating; however, confidence will surely be gained if you are properly informed about the procedures up front. There are so many forms and decisions to be made…often on the spur of the moment. It is important that your agent sit down with you before you begin looking at homes to help you understand the buying process.I find this to be a useful

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1115693955942773782005-05-09T21:53:00.000-05:002005-05-09T22:00:11.636-05:00

Recently a friend of mine decided to purchase a new home…as in a newly built home. This brings me to the subject of new home builders and the risks involved when purchasing a home without a Realtor.It seems easy enough, drive through the new home community and find the Model home…walk in, haggle over which amenities you can afford and Viola! You have a new home.If only it were that easy.Let me

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1115611520896316572005-05-08T22:56:00.000-05:002005-05-08T23:06:29.933-05:00

What exactly is curb appeal?Curb appeal refers to the exterior appeal of your home. Even if you are not planning to sell your home, its curb appeal is still important for resale purposes as well as your neighborhood value.The exterior of your home is the first thing a person will see… and how your home will be judged. It can also make a difference as to how quickly your home may sell. Landscaping

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1115346002870384272005-05-05T21:17:00.000-05:002005-05-05T21:20:02.876-05:00

Besides your credit score and credit record, lending companies look at the following prior to deciding on whether to give you a mortgage: Stability of your income Employment history Monthly debt payments (credit card bills, car loans, etc.) in relation to your income How you save money and how much you have saved The type of mortgage you are considering The type and value of the property you

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1115178060885441772005-05-03T22:37:00.000-05:002005-05-03T22:44:55.960-05:00

Looking for something to do this month?If the freezing weather is keeping you out of the garden, here are some ideas that may be of interest:May 1-8, Herron Gallery – The Herron school graduates showcases a wonderful exhibit each year. This is your last chance to take in the gallery before it moves to its new location. Admission is free. Info: 317-920-2413May 1-8, Decorators Show House– This is

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114926435874213152005-05-01T09:21:00.000-05:002005-05-01T00:48:58.513-05:00

You can save yourself a lot of wheel-spinning if you take a few minutes to figure out how much mortgage you can afford. A lender will determine your maximum mortgage amount by using guidelines called debt-to-income ratios. This is simply the percentage of your monthly gross income (before taxes and other paycheck deductions are taken out) that is used to pay your monthly debts. Because there are

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114924808953680652005-04-30T22:05:00.000-05:002005-05-01T00:20:08.956-05:00

The sale of your house begins at the curb. Stand there, and take a good long look. The very first thing that someone looking at your home will notice is the exterior.Appearance is the single most important factor for maximizing your home's sale price. Do everything you can to make your home a buyer's dream. Pay attention to detail. Taking care of little things can make a big difference because

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114839085786825192005-04-29T22:13:00.000-05:002005-05-01T00:53:28.540-05:00

Your time is limited. Evenings and weekends are when most buyers are looking and you'll tire quickly of being on constant alert sacrificing that time. It won't be long before you let your guard down and lose potential buyers.By contrast, as a real estate professional, I will market your home using, for example, advertising in the multiple listing service (MLS), my Web site, newspapers, and other

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114743780524481382005-04-28T22:02:00.000-05:002005-04-28T23:24:15.160-05:00

I live in Broad Ripple and I absolutely love my community. It has such an eccentric charm from the Broad Ripple strip all the way down to the homes. The history of the city is just as magical.In 1836, the Indiana General Assembly began a massive improvement program among the many roads, canals, and rivers. During this time a man by the name of Jacob Coil moved his family from Virginia and

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114571887170683442005-04-26T22:15:00.000-05:002005-04-26T22:18:07.170-05:00

The U.S. Fair Housing Acts, which were established in 1968, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin. As a citizen, regardless if you are selling, buying, or renting a home, you have constitutional rights to be treated fairly without discrimination. Realtors, property owners, and landlords are upheld to these standards and

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114481734522955622005-04-25T21:11:00.000-05:002005-04-25T21:15:34.523-05:00

Here’s a quirky little fact that I recently came across:Have you ever wondered why Indiana is called the “Crossroads of America”?Our state motto was adopted by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana (try saying that quickly) on March 2, 1937, only after an Evansville newspaper columnist wrote an article stating that Indiana had no official state motto. The

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114314463238792402005-04-23T22:46:00.000-05:002005-04-23T22:47:43.240-05:00

There is a misconception among many first time home buyers that by using a Real Estate Agent, they will be subject to paying a commission. This is not the case. The commission for the sale of a home is paid for by the seller, not the buyer. If you went to your local appliance store and bought a new refrigerator, you wouldn't expect to pay a commission to the salesperson. The same applies when you

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114224559007401522005-04-22T21:45:00.000-05:002005-04-22T21:52:47.616-05:00

As a home owner in the Indianapolis area I’m sure you have been paying close attention to the property tax assessments that have occurred throughout our communities. For many families, the increases have been overwhelming and in some cases, devastating. Due to the increases, I recommend that you get a copy of your Tax Record and review your personal and property information, making sure it is

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114134072761917112005-04-21T20:30:00.000-05:002005-04-21T20:52:04.806-05:00

You'll love the feeling of having something that's all yours - a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. A thriving vegetable garden in the backyard, a tiled entryway, a yellow kitchen...when you own, you can do it all your way! But there's more to owning a home than personal satisfaction. You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1114055619834641882005-04-20T22:47:00.000-05:002005-04-20T22:53:39.840-05:00

Picture this: you and your loved one are driving through your dream neighborhood in the Indianapolis area on a beautiful Saturday afternoon…and there it is. That majestic home you have been eyeing is finally up for sale! You squeal of excitement knowing that the exterior is everything you have dreamed of…but what does the inside look like? Is the great room large enough to fit your sectional

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1113966651731514952005-04-19T22:09:00.000-05:002005-04-19T22:16:24.600-05:00

Desperate home owner in search of quality Repair Company who will show up on time and repair work requested in an honest, diligent manner……There is nothing more frightening than opening the Yellow Pages in search of a repair company, service man, or any known person that can help beautify your home. Where do you start? How do you know if that repair man is truly qualified for the job? Well fear

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1113882214357365512005-04-18T22:40:00.000-05:002006-03-07T08:49:30.410-05:00

I guess it is best that I first introduce myself to you…my name is Christina Woerner and I am a Realtor in Indianapolis, Indiana (the home of the Indy 500 for those not exactly sure where Indiana is). This is my Blog in which I will share with you my life as a Realtor, a home owner, as well as interesting Real Estate news with periodic guest writers within my industry. In fact, I believe that I

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197719.post-1113664643899708002005-04-16T10:00:00.000-05:002005-04-16T10:18:35.580-05:00

Definition:According to Marketing Terms.com, a Blog is a frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links.Information:A blog is often a mixture of what is happening in a person's life and what is happening on the Web, a kind of hybrid diary/guide site, although there are as many unique types of blogs as there are people.People maintained blogs long before the term was coined

Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374346778490140503noreply@blogger.com1