The duty of helping one's self in the highest sense involves the helping of one's neighbors. - Samuel Smiles   Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. - Dale Carnegie   05/02/2011

If you are behind on your Indianapolis Real Estate, an Indianapolis IN Short Sale is something to consider.  A short sale is when a bank or mortgage lender agrees to take less than the mortgage balance owing due to an economic hardship on the part of the mortgagor. The home owner/debtor sells the mortgaged property for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, and turns over the proceeds of the sale to the lender. In this situation, the lender would have the right to approve or deny the proposed sale.Extenuating circumstances influence whether or not banks will allow an Indianapolis Short Sale. These circumstances are usually related to an individual borrower's financial situation.A short sale typically is executed to prevent a home from fully going through to foreclosure. Often a ... 05/01/2011

Indianapolis Open House - May 1, 2011 - 105 Lindenwald Drive Noon - 2:00pm -- Near downtown!   Marquis Manor, Indianapolis  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 105 Lindenwald Drive on May 1 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Directions:  From State Road 135 and Sumner, go west to Hermitage, turn north on Hermitage, then left on Lendenwald.  Home is immediately on left. Property information 05/01/2011

Indianapolis Open House - May 1, 2011       Diamond Ridge, Indianapolis  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 6642 Trail Ridge Way on May 1 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Directions:  From Southport Rd and I-65, go east 2.4 mi to five Points Road, turn north (left) and go approx 1/4 to entrance on east side.  Enter thru gates and turn right on Trail Ridge.  Home is on the left.  Call Steve, 317-506-6651 for details. Property information 05/01/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog The Metropolitian Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) has recently released their 1st Quarter Data.  The report shows that the first quarter of 2011 was 10.9% lower in homes sold from a year ago; keep in mind the First Time Buyer credit was available in the first quarter of 2010. They assemble the report by County; so let me give you both Lawrence Township (Marion County) data and Hamilton County Data since Geist Real Estate crosses both counties. Marion County was actually down 18.7% (so more than overall of 10.9%) and the average sale price was down 1.8%.  We currently have an absorption rate or inventory of just over 9 months.  A seller's market is at 5 months; so still heavily weighted towards buyers. Hamilton County was down 9.4% in h... 04/28/2011

As Spring approaches you may put your Geist home for sale or you may decide to renovate and stay a little longer.  If you want to just freshen it with some paint, I just wrote a post in the Carmel Real Estate blog on this. Renovations are tricky, how much and which rooms are always at the top of the question list.  As a general rule, kitchens, baths and backyards sell houses.  If you are on a higher end price point, a "to die" for basement helps too! Try to work smart.  For example, if you hate your cabinets, don't throw them out; think about either resurfacing/painting them or just getting new cabinet doors.  Sometimes just changing the hardware on the door fronts can give a new look. Another kitchen favorite is to remove the old lighting in the bulkhead (or remove the whole bulkhead) ... 04/23/2011

   I discovered a new place in Indy and wanted to share it with you!  On a field trip last week to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, our school stopped off at the Rhythym! Discover Center.  Located at 110 W Washington Street, right down the street from the IRT, is this hidden gem.  If you love music, this is a great place to visit to experience ways in which percussion and rhythms influence music accross the globe.  There are interactive exhibits where you can try instruments - including two sound proof rooms for those with inner-rock star dreams to go crazy on the drums. My favorite part of the group tour we had for the field trip was the "drum circle".  The tour guide ( who also seemed well versed in playing most everything he showed us) played Conductor to our group of 70 ish kids... 04/18/2011

Welcome to Ralph's Weekly Feature: Two Truths and a Lie: Guess Which One Is The Lie? Each week, I'm going to feature one Active Rain Member, with their photo, and what they are going to do is tell you 2 Truths about them and 1 Lie. The object of the game is to guess which of the 3 bits of trivia about them is a lie! The answer will be revealed by the featured member each Friday. It's a great way to get to know your fellow ActiveRain members and staff. This week, we will be featuring: Cindy "in Indy" Marchant   Cindy "in Indy" Marchant has been selling real estate in the Indianapolis Real Estate market since 2001.  She is with Fishers and Carmel Real Estate (Keller Williams Indy NE 317-290-7775 www.marchantteam.com)  She has the experience that will make a difference for you!   OK, Here ... 04/18/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog If you want great ways to search homes for sale on Geist Reservoir, while you are driving, running (training for the marathons!) or boating, consider scanning this app to search anywhere with your phone: It's another great tool brought to you for free from your Geist Real Estate agent! Search Indianapolis Waterfront Homes Read other Northside Blogs (Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville)        Cindy "in Indy" Marchant - Geist Real Estate AgentKeller Williams Realty Indy Metro NEGeist IN Real Estate Website 04/15/2011

  I love my dogs!  We recently adopted a long hair miniature chihuahua a week ago.  The joy of a puppy is contagious!  So where to take my precious poochies on a sunny day to play?  Here is some information about Indianapolis Bark Parks.... Broad Ripple Bark Park http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/BroadRipplePark.aspx Eagle Creek Bark Parkhttp://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/EagleCreekPark.aspx Paul Ruster Parkhttp://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/Paul%20Ruster%20Park.aspx All of these parks require the purchase of a pass.  To buy a pass for your pooch, which includes a tag for them to wear, you have to bring proof of rabies, parvo, distemper, and bordetella vaccinations and fill out an application for the park.  Daily passes are $5 (... 04/08/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog Trying to find a home with a walkout basement for sale in Geist with waterfront access can be challenging on an Internet Search site.  The criteria doesn't get specific enough to see those homes.  I just pulled with that criteria and found 44 homes for sale in Geist, 16 of those are over $1,000,000.  So let's focus on the 28 that remain. Six of those are in the Admirals, with all of them havng two levels, at least a three car garage and at least 5 bedrooms and three full baths. Other popular neighborhoods for this search include Feather Cove with four; there is a ranch with a walkout basement in this neighborhood. Masthead is also popular with 8 homes ranging in price from $375,000 up to $900,000. Most of the homes are older than 2000 with on... 04/07/2011

Home for sale Indianapolis IN  46237 - 6322 Feather Run - The Hoagland Group This charming home in the popular Indianapolis neighborhood of Feather Run is just what you're looking for! Wait until you see the stunning Spanish Hickory Solid Hardwood floors recently added in the Great Room, Kitchen, Dining area & Hall. A built-in bookcase and cathedral ceiling add character, while the den provides extra living space and is perfect for a home office or playroom. The open floor plan flows nicely and is perfect for today's lifestyles.  Do you enjoy outdoor entertaining? Check out the new deck and custom stamped concrete patio in the fenced yard with a great view of the tranquil lake. Feather Run is a small, quiet, established neighborhood surrounding a small lake in popular Franklin Twp schoo... 04/05/2011

I spent a lot of time agonizing over my title.  This probably fits the best.  A few weeks ago, I blogged about a building that had gone sour.  There was fire damage to a large unit upstairs and there was $30,000 in damages at least.  I up to this point had no involvement in the situation, until a mentor from California called me and told me his story.  He was looking for someone to buy the "note" .  I certainly had no interest in the note purchase, no was I excited about listing the property.  I did however, go to the property, took photos, and became his eyes and ears here in Indianapolis.  I even found him a buyer, for $30,000 cash.  TW was ordered and guess what.  A second mortgage appeared, and several state tax liens.  Certainly that was more than the $30,000 cash offer would handl... 03/27/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog Masthead is a huge neighborhood in the Geist Real Estate market.  With over 500 homes, it spans a large geographical area.  It actually covers two different school districts, Hamilton Southeastern and Lawrence Township schools.  It runs along the popular Fall Creek Road; with a running/biking trail along Geist Reservoir.  It winds back into the Reservoir with many homes having lake frontage.  It also runs into along side Hamilton Proper.  It is on the west side of the Reservoir as opposed to all the Admirals that are on the east side of the Reservoir. The homes are older, mostly built in the 80's.  There are nine sections in Masthead and the pricing ranges from $250,000 to $3,000,000 so huge variety.  I'm not even going to go to the average p... 03/26/2011

We have seen 65 degrees this week and suppose to be in the 70's next week; which means some people will start to get the itch to make a move to a new home.  Many will think about a home for sale on Geist.  Of course, many may not be able to afford one with lake frontage but what about one that is at least dock owned.  A place to put your boat and to launch from easily during the summer onto Geist Reservoir. There are currently 7 homes for sale in Geist under $300,000 (mostly in the Shorewalk condo community) with a dock owned status.  There are an additional 14 under $500,000; several that are new on the market.  There will be many more coming on the market as sellers also are aware of the increased activity.  If you want to know when one becomes available, let me know.  Setting the sea... 03/21/2011

OPEN HOUSE! Sunday March 20th 2-5PM at 8020 SARGENT RIDGE Don't Miss out on a UNBELIEVABLE DEAL!! Beautiful Bank Owned Home in Sargent Woods! BLC# 21109445 PROPERTY DETAILS $595,000 LISTING INFORMATION MLS: 21109445Bedrooms: 6Full Baths: 5Half Baths: 3Sq ft: 7803Lot Size: 1Style: Traditional AmericanGarage: 4 CarHeat Source: GasTaxes: $3486.00 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PRIVATE & SERENE ONE ACRE WOODED HOMESITE! FEATURES INCLUDE: LARGE 6 BEDRM HOME, 8 BATHS, KITCHEN W/GRANITE TOPS, SS APPLIANCES, DEN/LIB, GREAT ROOM, FAMILY ROOM, FINISHED WALK-OUT BASEMENT, BAR AREA, EXERCISE RM/ REC-PLAY ROOM. OVER 5500 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE ABOVE GRADE. WRAP AROUND FRONT PORCH, FULL DECK, IN-GROUND POOL. IN LAWS QTRS W/WALK-OUT BSMT NEW IN 2003. 4 CAR GARAGE. GREAT HOME FOR ENTERTAINING, TONS OF STORAGE RO... 03/18/2011

Price Reduced! 6642 Trail Ridge Way, Indianapolis 46259 -- Offered for sale by The Hoagland Group Overview Maps Photos Description $650,000 Single Family Home Main Features 5 Bedrooms5 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom Location 6642 Trail Ridge WayIndianapolis, IN 46259USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Tonda & Steve Hoagland Keller Williams(317) 340-4575tonda@perfectplaceforyou.comhttp://www.PerfectPlaceForYou.com Listed by: The Hoagland Group at Keller Williams Our recent listings 6642 Trail Ridge Way, Indianapolis 46259 -- Offered for sale by The Hoagland Group4173 W 700 S, Trafalgar, 46181 offered for sale by The Hoagland Group8537 Aberdeenshire Ct, Indianapolis 46259-- Offered for sale by the Hoagland Group7142 Bel Moor... 03/14/2011

Pay it forward – Just the Basics   We just never know when an opportunity will arise where we can show kindness and make a difference in someone’s life.  One of my neighbors is going through a tough spell.  Jenny is a single mother of two children.  She works in the medical profession, but her hours at work have been cut in half. More than likely she will lose her home.  I am helping as much as I can, but without steady income, there is not much we can do. Jenny called me last week with great news.  She had a job interview in downtown Indianapolis.  She said she did not have enough money to buy gas to drive to the interview and wondered if she could borrow just enough money for that.  I told her of course and to please fill the tank! She also needed help getting the two kids off to scho... 03/13/2011

How do you find the best deals on homes for sale in Geist?  The ones where they are actually on Geist Reservoir or at least have dock access?  There aren't usually a lot of those choices, but I found seven today when I searched for homes on Geist Reservoir that are distressed.  By distressed, I mean either bankowned or listed as a short sale. If a home is bankowned, you as the buyer are only dealing with the bank and usually those banks don't want to carry homes as part of their business model.  However, it is also important to note that they usually are priced to sell. A home that is for sale as a short sale is a little muddier.  It means that the seller is involved in the transaction and often, we see more than one bank involved.  The seller at some point took out a 2nd mortgage.  You... 03/11/2011

Our local Real Estate Board (MIBOR) is turning 100 in 2012 and as part of that has taken on the Build a Legacy project. The REALTOR Foundation is pledging $500,000 to facelift an emerging neighborhood.   They are asking each REALTOR to give $100.00 and there are 6,000 of us (guess they assume some won’t give!). There are many parts of downtown Indianapolis that are under revitalization.  More and more people want to be part of living in urban Indy.    As Indianapolis prepares to host the Super Bowl in 2012, there are many projects underway to make the host city stand out. One of those projects is on the Near Eastside; there is a neighborhood that has been targeted for growth.   There are 300 homes there that have been part of a redevelopment project.  It is that neighborhood that has be... 03/10/2011