Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Welcome to My Relocation Clients

I just had the privilege of working with two wonderful families moving into Indiana. One camefrom California and one from Massachusetts. It is always a pleasure working with nice people but there is a special joy in sharing the city and state you love with newcomers!
Indianapolis is the most affordable housing market in the country which makes us a draw for families interested in more living space for their money but I think we also offer a great quallity of life. There is plenty to do, the city is easy to navigate and the natives are very friendly!

Downtown Indy Pics

These are some pictures I took a couple of weeks ago after attending a seminar at the Etiljorg Museum. Downtown Indianapolis offers so many great views. I am admittedly a rank amatuer when it comes to photography but I'm going to try to keep taking pics and posting them. If you have never been to Indianapolis, maybe you will see something that will inspire a visit! (or even a move!)

Friday, June 6, 2008

Locality

There is a saying in real estate that all markets are local. This is brought home to me frequently these days as we deal with the unrelenting media coverage of the "housing crisis" and all other things dire. I am working with a great couple that were interested in buying a ranch home on the NW side of Indianapolis. We looked at acoupld the first day we went out, and while both were nice, one of the homes had an outstandingly landscaped back yard. My clients wanted to digest what they had seen and meet with their lender again before making any decisions.We talked and I told them that since the home showed really well, I didn't think it would stay on the market long but since the media has drilled it into everyones that it is a "buyer's market" and nothing is selling, I think my clients thought I was exaggerating. We called a couple of days later to schedule a second showing and surprise, the home was under contract. We scheduled showings on six more homes a couple of days later and made an offer on one. It got two other offers the same weekend! We made an offer on their next choice and they got it, for 97% of list.
There are many great properties available now and there are motivated sellers as well as REO and distressed properties but buyers should be aware that depending on the neighborhood and the condition of the home, they are selling.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Why No One Should be Bored in Indy!

I have lived in Indianapolis since 1978 when I moved from my childhood home in Muncie, IN. I loved it from the beginning but there have been so many positive changes that have made it a home to be proud of. Here are just a few of the things I love about Indianapolis :
• The new library addition downtown. It is so open and filled with light, and offers one of the best views of the downtown skyline as well as an impressive mix of new and old architecture. It is a fitting representative of Indianapolis, an appreciation of the old and embracing the best of the new!
• Fall Creek Place- the revitalization of this neighborhood has been a joy to watch. Public and private money and tax incentives have brought a run down, crime ridden neighborhood back to its former glory. Older homes were rehabbed and new homes were built with their exterior architecture designed to blend in with the old.
• Downtown-so much to do! The new Colts stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse, Victory Field, Circle center Mall, White River state Park, The Zoo, The Indiana State Museum, The Eiteljorg Museum. Walking along the canal, enjoying the many festivals at Military Park, walking or riding bikes around the Circle. Visiting one of the great restaurants, walking the War Memorial Plaza.
• Mass Ave.-the theatres, the art galleries, the restaurants and the cool new condos
• The Monon Trail, the new Cultural Trail , the tow path and all the great biking and hiking trails that will take you from one end of the county (and beyond) to the other.
• The Children’s Museum, sometimes more fun for adults without their children! After all, kids tend to have a short attention span and there is so much to see and read and do!
• The Indianapolis Art Museum, with its new addition and fabulous grounds it is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon any time of the year but you can’t miss the Penrod Art Festival in September. Great art, music, food and a perfect Fall Day-what could be better?
• Broadripple Village-long the home of the young and hip and the Baby Boomers who are or were once young and hip too! Stopping in at one of the bars or restaurants with outdoor seating after a run or walk with the pooch on the Monon Trail. Visit one of the unique shops, stop in at the health food store that has been there since the 70”s, feed the ducks along the Canal.
• Meridian Street-driving along the street that divides the East and West sides of the city is a treat. True mansions dating from the early 1900’s including the past and present governors mansions.
• Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis-wow, how this campus has changed since I graduated from there in 1980! I transferred from Ball State University in Muncie to finish my last two years at IUPUI. This was before the Natatorium, the Track and Field Stadium and the rest of the incredible expansion which has made it a full fledged urban campus!
• Concerts at White River State Park and Verizon Music Center, not to mention smaller venues like The Murat & Egyptian Room, The Vogue, The Music Mill and others.
These are just some of the reasons to love living in the Indianapolis area, come visit or come and stay!