Monday, November 12, 2012

The November "Color of the Month"!

Each month we highlight HGTV's "Color of the Month".  Many of us are looking for ways to make changes around the home and what better way than to use suggestions, pictures, and color input from industry leading pros at HGTV who know homes inside and out!  
Watch monthly as we put our spin on their info and pass it on to you!







What a warm color for any room or any season in the home.  Use it on walls, accents, furniture, and fabrics throughout your home!  As their blogger puts it, "To me, it’s the color equivalent to a warm hug — it’s inviting and welcome in every kind of room, from modern to the most traditional," or "It's like hot chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon!"  
DM Irish can't agree more!



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 11.7.12


The morning after…

Dan’s activity this week:

Now that the elections are over, how will this affect residential real estate?  Well, it looks like Health Care Reform will continue on so the 3.8% tax that goes into effect on 2013.  In reality its impact is limited and it won’t affect all too many of us.  However, what does this mean…click here to learn the Top 10 Things You Need To Know About the 3.8% TaxIf you’d like to see what the National Association of REALTORS® have been working on in 2012 check out this list.

From the two calls last week, I've got 4 new transactions!  Each client is looking to sell and buy a new home.  While the sale of their homes won’t be a windfall for them, the purchases they are looking for will be a great financial move for the future, great buys and low low rates.  The few thousand they thought they might get on the sale of their homes pale in comparison to the tens of thousands they stand to enjoy from the new purchase and cheaper financing!

Meanwhile, one listing received an offer that we are negotiating as we speak and another looks to get a second offer!  I expect that both offers work out well for my clients and come early December, each will be on to the next phase of their lives. 

Also a consultation I had a few weeks ago looks to be ready to list.  So next week looks to bring that activity and I’ll be gearing up for that soon.

Although us REALTORS® typically enter a slower sales season coming up, mine hasn't slowed yet and I hope it doesn't.  While working hard on Q4 of 2012, I’m prepping for Q1 of 2013 and am excited about what that will bring!


Rates for the week
From the IBJ... The average rate for 30-year mortgages fell to 3.57 percent from 3.61 percent in the week ended Oct. 31, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages fell from 2.90 percent to 2.89 percent.


Friday, November 2, 2012

Foreclosure Friday, 11.2.12


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 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


  Westfield; Westfield-Washington Schools; Foreclosure; 4078 sf, the listing doesn’t give the basement size but I’m guessing 1746 sf; 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and ½ baths, 4 fireplaces; 3 car garage; 0.92 acres; now sitting on the market only 11 days; it will needs some updating for sure but it’s in a great neighborhood in Westfield!


 Home B
 

 Fortville; Mt Vernon Schools; Foreclosure; Built in 1900 this home has 4010 sf with 2013 sf in the basement I mean cellar; 4 bedrooms, one full bath and one ½ bath; 4.2 acres; This property will take you back in time… lawn & pasture, the home, carriage house & horse barn, this Bedford brick home has the unique amenities of the 1900 era. Wraparound porch, leaded glass windows, with elegant marble stair case, painted murals, French doors, servants stairs & quarters, 2 fireplaces, and of course nooks & crannies.  Let’s go see this one!


 Home C


 Fishers; Hamilton Southeastern Schools; Foreclosure; 3324 sf on 1716 unfinished basement; 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and one ½ bath; .35 acres; 3 car side load garage; home will need light renovations but has hardwoods, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island and double oven; Huge master closet 20’!; All bedrooms have walk-in-closets and the basement has daylight and egress windows.


 Home D 
 Fishers; Hamilton Southeastern Schools; Foreclosure; 3141 sf on 1418 basement; 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and one ½ bath; 3 car side load garage; Great neighborhood; homes needs updating and could use some light renovations; not much of a backyard but that is overcome with a nice side yard;  The front yard is a great sledding hill!  A little TLC and some elbow grease will do this home well!
  
Home E
 
 Pendleton; Pendleton Heights Schools; Foreclosure; 4726 sf, no basement; 6 bedrooms, 3 full baths and one ½ bath; 8.84 acres!; 3 car side load garage; home has a in-ground pool; close to the interstate; it looks to me almost like the front elevation is from the show Dallas!; all this for under 300k!

  

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 10.31.12


What’s scarier?

Dan’s activity this week:

Its Halloween today and the question is what’s scarier…your little angels dressed up like goblins or missing out on great financing rates and getting more house than you thought for the next 30 years?  Its most people’s biggest investment and you should treat it as such.  Use a professional that surrounds himself with professionals.

This week I received two calls out of the blue from now clients who both want to sell their homes and move up!  I met with one the other day and we are going to be out looking at houses this weekend or next. 

The other client and I are finding a date to meet and talk in the next few days.  They haven’t done this much and feel uncomfortable with the entire process so this consultation will be a great time for them to ask any and all questions and for me to help a young family down this road…I can’t wait!



Rates for the week
From the IBJ... The average rate for 30-year mortgages fell from 3.62 percent to 3.61 percent in the week ended Oct. 24, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages fell from 2.91 percent to 2.90 percent.


Monday, October 29, 2012

Overview of the 1st Annual "Irish Fall Family Fest"!





On Sunday, October 14, we scratched off the final to-do on our renovation project list, bought some tasty food, created the party favors, organized the entertainment and had 150 people and over 50 groups into our home that day!  It was a great time of meeting new neighbors and welcoming friends, family, and clients in to catch up with our family and celebrate the completion of our recent renovation.  Even though the winds were present, the sun was out and we had a fabulous time!







As a gift from us, each family received a homemade jar of brownie mix to take home and use when needed.  




We also drew names for those in attendance and gave away six prizes!


Conner Prairie 1-Year Membership: The David Family
 2 sets of Ram Kids' Meal and Ben and Ari's Coupon: The Kerpsack and Blunk Families
$15 Orange Leaf Gift Card: The Hoener Family
YMCA $25 Gift Card and Guest Passes: The Murphy Family
$25 Bub's Burgers Gift Card: The Dalton Family





The tables were set and the centerpieces were arranged!




The fall decor welcomed the guests through the new front doors.




The banner was hung, the mums placed, and hay bails directed people to the front door.




The entertainment included a magician, the Kona Ice Truck, a balloon twister, and a glitter tattoo artist....the kids loved it!





The pinata was a big hit!!





Fruit, veggies, Conner Prairie dipped marshmallows, pretzels, and rice krispie treats; Paradise Cookies, sandwiches, and beverages....the food was a hit!




The kids had a make-your-own goody-bag bar.  They selected from all types of treats and toys to create their own party favor bag.




We had "before" pictures put up to showcase what the home looked like in each room before the renovation.  





The fire pit was in action and s'mores were ready to be made and eaten!




We also welcomed some of our trade vendors and set out sign-up sheets for our guests to get more info from them.


We thank these vendors for sponsoring a portion of the party:

Barbara Fisher with Stone Artisans
Mark Kuchik with Access National Mortgage
Phil Ennis with PJE Lawncare and Landscape
Amanda Wilson with Clay's Flooring

We totally enjoyed this event and are so thankful for all the people that took the time to stop by.  The 2nd annual Irish Fall Family Fest will be in October 2013, so stay tuned for more details!

Mission Accomplished!
The Irish Family!



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 10.24.12


A great weekend!

Dan’s activity this week:


I know why it was quiet last week on the showings…all the REALTORS® were down in Bloomington riding in the Hilly Hundred bike ride!  I should know…I was there and saw a lot of agents riding.  Day 1 was a little chilly and wet but that helped keep the 57 miles a cool ride.  Day 2 was much warmer and sunny, perfect for a 43 mile outing.  It was a great weekend, but my legs are still feeling the effects.

The consultation last week went well.  One thing to consider out there: if you purchased a home with the First Time Homeowner Tax Credit offered by the US Government in 2008-2010, make sure you read the fine print.  If you sell that home before your 36 month commitment is up, you owe the entire amount back on that year’s taxes!   

Also received a call, while in Bloomington, from a friend of a friend who is ready to sell their home in Carmel and move up in either Carmel or Fishers!  They had been using another agent and it just wasn’t working out for them.  I’m ready for the opportunity, let’s get going!



 Rates for the week

From the IBJ... The average rate for 30-year mortgages rose from 3.59 percent to 3.62 percent in the week ended Oct. 17, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages rose from 2.88 percent to 2.91 percent


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Weekly Rate and Real Estate Update, 10.17.12


What an event!

Dan’s activity this week:



Ahh, the closing of the Short Sale, of course not without its own set of drama right up through the end.  Weather it was the 5 light fixtures of the home that were taken by the former owner and then some of them returned, or funding pushing the closing from morning to the evening, it was a hectic day but in the end, my clients now own their new house.  After some fixing up it will be their home.


More multiple showings on the listings in this last week!  One of the homes we received a contingent offer that my clients accepted.  So now that buyer just has to sell his home and we are good to go. 

I've got a consultation tomorrow with a past client who needs to sell his fiancée’s home.  There are also two other prospects who are in the process of getting ready to sell. Although Fall just started, we are thinking Spring of ’13 now!

WOW!  We had over 150 people come to our Irish Fall Family Fest!  A great turn out and the rain held off for us.  Unfortunately, the wind did not and forced the cancellation of both the rock wall and bounce house…we didn't want to be in the news for kids getting flying off the rock all or the bounce house rolling down the street in 50 mph wind!  We called in a Magician last second and he did a fine job along with the balloon twister, glitter tattoos, piñata and a visit from the Kona Ice truck!    



 Rates for the week

From the IBJ... The average rate for 30-year mortgages rose from 3.52 percent to 3.59 percent in the week ended Oct. 10, according to Bankrate.com. The rate for 15-year mortgages rose from 2.84 percent to 2.88 percent.