Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Best of Zionsville

Wow, third year in a row!  Thank you  for this special honor for my office!

Why Wait?

Did you know there are 261 homes for sale in Zionsville?



If 261 seems like a lot to you, consider that Zionsville usually has between 600 and 700 homes for sale.

What does this mean to you?  If you've been thinking about selling, get on the market now to avoid the spring rush and take advantage of less competition.

Overall, there are about 10,000 fewer homes for sale in central Indiana than there were last year at this time. 

Call me and I'll help you get the process started!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Color of the Year

There is it, Pantone's color of 2012, Tangerine Tango.  I think it's a happy color, and in my opinion, is a great color to represent the feeling of optimism that I sense for the new year. Is it just me, or do you get that feeling, too?  Almost everyone I've talked to is so pumped about the new opportunities for a fresh start this new year.

So how to use this color to make a fresh start in your home?  Well, check out these gorgeous designs, all by Palmer Weiss of San Fransisco, that use tangerine in pops of color. How could you not smile walking into these rooms?



                                                                                             

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!

As this year comes to a close, I've been reflecting on the roller coaster that was 2011.  I've been so blessed to find success as a realtor--a career I enjoy, one that gives me the opportunity to help others and allows me to have a balanced and rich family life.  I'm so thankful for family & friends, clients & colleagues who have helped me to grow in 2011.


And as for 2012?  Well, it promises to be a great year...because I'm going to make it one.  The best is yet to come!
My wish for you is that 2012 is full of health, happiness and prosperity; that you can live your dreams and make it your best year yet.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

No Chimney for Santa? No Problem!

 If your house doesn't have a chimney for Santa, hang a special key on your doorknob.  Santa's magic will allow him to open your door, deliver the presents and enjoy the milk and cookies you've left for him. 
Santa will leave the magic key by the empty plate of cookies so you can hang it up again next Christmas.  No chimney, no problem!

Rent vs. Buy

Should you rent or buy a home?  With interest rates at their lowest point in sixty years and rents briskly increasing in most cities, for most people, the answer is buying a home. 

Of course, home ownership carries other costs in addition to the monthly mortgage payment—including taxes, insurance, homeowner association dues and maintenance—which may dissuade some potential home buyers. But keep in mind these extra costs allow you to build equity in your home. If you plan to stay in your home for at least five to seven years, the equity from your down payment and monthly mortgage payments is a primary way for middle class families to build net worth. 

The New York Times buy vs. rent calculator is an interesting tool.  It takes into account the costs of home ownership, even calculating the lost opportunity cost of using  funds for down payment versus investing that money.  It also calculates the lost opportunity cost of using rental payments for investment purposes.  The reality is that you need to pay to live somewhere, whether you rent or buy, so really those funds wouldn't go solely to investments. 

Whether you use an online calculator to crunch the numbers or follow the anecdotal principle that real estate success is to be made on the "buy side" (and, wow, is it a great time to buy), give me a call and we can talk about renting vs. buying in your specific situation.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Deadline for Deductions Approaching

You have until December 31, 2011 to file your homestead and mortgage exemptions.  If you've purchased, sold, refinanced, or changed title, please make sure you have taken care of this to drastically reduce your property taxes owed.  Deductions reduce the amount of assessed value a taxpayer pays on a given parcel of property.

For more information, in Hamilton County, visit the website for the auditor's office.  In Boone County, visit the auditor's website or call (765)482-2940. 


You do not need to do this every year, only in the cases of selling, refinancing or changing title.  Give me a call if you need any further assistance. I'm happy to point you in the right direction.