Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 3.28.12

Interest rates jump up a little bit

Dan’s Activity this week:
Busy week last week and it continues into this week.  I had a full weekend of showing buyer’s homes and holding an open house.  This week brings more buyers shopping (and buying) and a listing presentation for a nice home in Fishers.  Sunday brings another client ready to sell in Noblesville, that home will come on the market April 10th.  Their marketing plan will kick into high gear with the virtual tour photo shoot, online marketing to line up, their yard flyer to create and open house to schedule!  It’s going to be a good year!

The basement bar of one of the homes I showed buyers this weekend

Rates for the Week
From the IBJ...The average rate for 30-year mortgages rose from 4.15 percent to 4.29 percent for the week ended March 21, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages rose from 3.38 percent to 3.48 percent.



Friday, March 23, 2012

Voice of the Agent: Give Back!

I learned early on in my business that in order to truly be able to reach as many people as possible, you must be focused on being a resource in the community.  Being a resource is just part of the profession by being willing to give back.  There's no "payment" to receive from it other than knowing you're helping people get more info and learn about new things.  Mindy and I agreed to find ways to enrich our community and we've seen them be a real blessing in our lives and to those around us!

Three ways we're giving back right now involve other blogs and Facebook pages.  When we find great info, we don't just keep it, we pass it on!


For You and the Crew
FYC is a blog and Facebook page used to pass on any family and kid-friendly info we find about events and venues going on in the area.  Mindy runs this page/blog and features monthly events calendars, community highlights, and lists on the blog for birthday party venues, outdoor photography locations, VBS venues, kids eat free, and community coupons.  She also features vendor giveaways for free passes, meals, and coupons to area businesses.  Wanting to find out about events around Indy?  Join the FYC family!

Facebook Page Here!
Blog Here!








Fit Gal Club
Mindy has lost 92 pounds after the birth of our 4th child, and she is passionate about living a balanced life of diet and fitness.  She started the Fit Gal Club midway through her journey and it's since grown to help other women and men everywhere keep on keeping on.  She has a blog and Facebook page for this, too, and uses it for daily motivation and accountability of anyone needing it!  Other features on the blog include: a list of her favorites in fitness, a 12-week challenge, recipes, and fitness celebrations of others on their journey. 


Facebook Page Here!
Blog Here!

Mindy was also featured in a few magazines and writes an ongoing column about making yourself a priority.  Read her articles below!

-activelife Guide Success Story, January 2012

-"Hamilton County Family" Featured "Real Mom" for March/April 2012

-Mindy's debut column entitled "Fill Your Bucket" in "Hamilton County Family Magazine"

(These magazines can be picked up at any Kroger and Marsh location in Hamilton County!)




Community Awareness
We each use our own Facebook pages and the DM Irish Facebook Page and blog to highlight anything house and home and anything about the community that others might want to know.  If it's a school info meeting, a product, a restaurant, an app, or just a fun place we find for the family, we'll tell you about it!

In order to stay connected with us, please make sure to join one or all of our Facebook pages above.  We have lots to share and we desire for you to receive what we have to give!  Then the key is to pass it on to others in your circle, too....pay it forward!


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Planning for HSE HS Growth 3.22.12

Hamilton Southeastern Schools - Planning for High School Enrollment Growth 


Last night I attended the open informational presentation of how HSE schools will handle the growth we've experienced over the last decade that will hit the HS level by 2015.

The presenters were: Superintendent Dr. Smith, CFO Mike Reuter, Fishers HS Principal Jason Urban, Fishers Assistant Principal Valarie Piehl, and Hamilton Southeaster HS Principal Matt Kegley.

Below I have posted all the slides from the presentation and I'll comment with more info/details when appropriate.  Feel free to call or email me to ask any other questions.

phone: 317.910.4293
email: dirish@realestatelinks.com

Dan Irish
REALTOR® ERA Real Estate Links

Executive Summary
Due to the feedback from the community, parents, kids, staff, etc from the initial third high school site proposal that was to be selective in its nature, the administration has come up with another option called Senior Academies.  

These Academies will be new additions to each high school.   All Seniors will be in these facilities that will be ready to open in 2015 if it goes as planned.  The goal is to have a more collegiate and student union feel to give the seniors the opportunity to learn how to manage their time and new freedom while still in a fairly controlled atmosphere.  They liken it to a transition program that will blur the lines between the "end" of high school and what lies ahead for the students, whether it be entering college or entering the job force.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for students to take classes that will count as dual credits for high school, but also for collegiate level classes.  Theoretically, a senior could graduate from HSE and enter college as a SOPHOMORE!  With a year of state college costing around $20,000, that is a big deal.  While not all the costs have been worked out, if there is a fee for those courses, it will be small in comparison to the cost of the actual college price.

In summary, from my perspective as a REALTOR®, this will be a great addition to our community.  It will take Fishers to another level in state and national prominence and continue to maintain and increase our property values.


Slides and Comments

Explanation of costs.  Shows a third high school is much more expensive and not needed at this time.  Also shows that the Academies might only be a little more costly.

Showing how our growth has slowed and almost stopped.

Hard to read, but the red is Fishers High, green is HSE High boundaries.  The blue star in the middle of the green is 160 acres that HSE purchased a few years ago in anticipation of a third high school site.  All the blue little dots are homes with high school students.

Basic explanation.  Grades 9-11 will be allowed into the Senior Academies for advanced courses.


More explanation...

additional explanation

Showing how an onsite expansion accomplishes some key objectives.

Separate parking, entrances, cafeteria, lockers etc, just for the seniors...wouldn't that have been nice!

Class examples...

more...

and more...

and yet more!

Explanation of a concept for a cumulative senior opportunity called a Capstone Project

more...

Showing that at best (IU of course) only 49.4% of students graduate in four years.  So if you can knock off at least one class all the way up to the entire first year of college, how helpful would that be, parents??!!

Most, if not all, of the cost can be covered via the state... 


A little complicated but the essence is that we'll have the capacity by the time we need it at the start of the  2015-2016 school year

Timeline....


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 3.21.12


Interest rates hold steady

Dan’s Activity this week:
Since last week’s update, I’ve been to New Orleans and back (had lots of great eats), sold two listings and picked up two new clients, whew!  The ERA International Business Conference was full of new ideas, new apps and fresh inspiration.  It was also a great reminder to show up and keep doing the basics and doing them consistently well.  I’ve already implemented three major ideas I picked up and seen results.  It’s always great to learn from other great REALTORS®!

Saint Louis Cathedral 
Rates for the Week
From the IBJ: The average rate for 30-year mortgages rose from 4.14 percent to 4.15 percent for the week ended March 14, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages rose from 3.34 percent to 3.38 percent.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 3.14.12

Up & Down

Lock it in now for the long haul, it would be hard to believe that the rates can get any better!

Dan's Activity this week:
Two offers on one listing, second showings on the others, I’d say it’s been a busy week…and its going to get busier!  After showing homes to clients and responding to offers, I’m off to the Annual ERA International Business Conference.  This year it’s in New Orleans!  It’s also ERA’s 40th Anniversary.  I’m looking forward to learning new ways to improve my business, gain more expertise, and as iron sharpens iron, talk with my colleagues from around the country and the world. I’ll have some great info to pass along this time next week, so check back in!


Rates for the week:
From the IBJ: The average rate for 30-year mortgages rose from 4.10 percent to 4.14 percent for the week ended March 7, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages fell from 3.35 percent to 3.34 percent.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 3.7.12


15 & 30 year rates decrease

The market is heating up.  Great time to refinance or buy that bigger home at a lower rate!

Dan's Activity this week:

On Sunday, I'm holding an Open House for a new listing in Carmel.  Today I'm meeting with an investment group to present a portfolio of homes.  On a related note, I received a call last week from an investor in California who is looking to sell his Indy rentals so I'm moving forward in that endeavor as well.  Mix in some home shopping and the Indianapolis Flower and Patio show and you have a full week!


Rates for the week:
From the IBJ: The average rate for 30-year mortgages fell from 4.16 percent to 4.10 percent for the week ended Feb. 29, according to Bankrate.com. 
The rate for 15-year mortgages fell from 3.38 percent to 3.35 percent. 


Sunday, March 4, 2012

Indy House of the Week, 3.4.12

The Indy "House of the Week"

is chosen by DM Irish to highlight what's available on the Indianapolis market
and to feature a home with a very attractive curb appeal!


Wonderful custom ranch built in 2003.  The home features 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Great attention to details, boxed beam and tray ceilings, hardwood floors, built-ins and beautiful trim work. Kitchen has granite countertops & plenty of cabinet space, two-sided gas fire place between the great room and office. Master bedroom includes a garden tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. Enjoy the outdoors from the screened-in porch! Only minutes from Hamilton Town Center in Fishers!

$299,900

Friday, March 2, 2012

Foreclosure Friday, 3.2.12

Times are hard and many people have lost their homes due to the challenges in the economy. "Foreclosure Friday" is our way of bringing awareness to the availability and potential of distressed properties in the Central Indiana area. Buying a distressed home, whether if it's in Short Sale or already Bank Owned, is a great way to help stimulate the economy.


Here Are A Few Of Our Reasons Why:

-Sellers/Banks are able to depart from their current home
-Jobs are created for Realtors®, Contractors, and Suppliers
-Neighborhood home values can be regained
-Buyers may get a positive equity position
-Lonely homes get happy homeowners!


Our short list of distressed properties below are currently active on the market in the Indianapolis area. DM Irish does not own, nor have these properties listed, but rather is being a resource for what's available to purchase.

Stay tuned biweekly as we pass along homes in the area that might be a good match for you!
Need more info on one that catches your eye or want helping searching for any home in the area?



Home A
4860 sf including finished basement; 4 beds, 5 baths
131st and Cumberland Road, Fishers; HSE Schools
Possible Short Sale; Great condition, excellent area in a custom neighborhood, home features in-ground pool



 Home B
2570 sf including basement; 4 beds, 3 baths
SR 38 and Little Chicago Road; Noblesville Schools
Possible Short Sale; Home has many character features and may need some updates; Great area and sits on Morse Reservoir with water views and access in back yard



 Home C
3500 sf including finished basement; 4 beds, 4 baths
126th and Hazel Dell Parkway; Carmel Schools
Possible Short Sale; Needs cosmetic updates; Great sun room overlooking golf course in back yard!




 Home D
2362 sf on a slab; 4 beds, 3 baths
116th and Cumberland Road, Fishers; HSE Schools
Bank Owned; Bank has done improvements and updates to the home such as fresh paint, some repairs, and newer carpets.  Home is move-in ready and offers great space in a central Fishers location.  Excellent lot has field views and backs up to the privacy of the adjacent church property.




Home E
2576 sf on partially finished basement; 4 beds, 3 baths
216th in Sheridan; Westfield Schools
Bank Owned; Home needs cosmetics and updates; Basement had some flooding, but is now dry.  Home sits on 4 acres and is perfect for someone looking for land and a fixer upper!