Let's Chat Indianapolis!

Top 5 Vibes Given Off By Homes For Sale-Which One Brings in the Sale and Money?

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:13:35 -0600

We couldn't have said it better -- so we won't try! Here is a great blog from an experienced buyer's agent in Colorado Springs. Buyers really do form a strong opinion of a home the minute they walk in the door. First impressions are everything!

Via Kristi DeFazio Colorado Springs Real Estate 719-459-5468 (RE/MAX Advantage):

I have been a buyer's agent in Colorado Springs for awhile now and each time I take a buyer into a home, they usually make a comment within the first 5 seconds of entering the home.

I have a theory that each home has a "Vibe" to it and that vibe is noticed immediately.

The questions is- If your home is for sale, which Vibe do you want to portray?

Here they are from the point of view of the buyer looking at your home.

Vibe #1- Home has been neglected and may be bank owned. This vibe shows through the curb appeal (or lack thereof) with the weeds and trashy yard. When you walk inside this home, you usually see immediate repairs that need to be tended to. Often times the heat and lights are off in this home and it gives off a really bad vibe. This home could also be a divorce situation where they just want OUT. This type of home has one hope for getting sold- PRICE. It must be lower than the comps in the area.

Vibe #2- I like to call this home vibe The Outdated Vibe. When you walk in this home, the first thing the buyer will comment about is the ugly color carpet or the old style fixtures. When you walk around this home, it may be clean, but it could have been built in 1970, 1980 or any other time that you FEEL when walking through the home. It may have window treatments that are nice, but in mauve and baby blue. Also, this home could have some really tacky wallpaper in the kitchen and bathrooms. There is really nothing WRONG with this home except the fact that it is living in a time warp. Some buyers can see past this and picture updates, but only if the PRICE is right. By RIGHT, I mean lower than the comps in the area.

Vibe #3- This home is what I call the "Weird Layout" Vibe. When you walk in this house you feel it immediately. It may even start from outside the home where you have to take a path to the door that is on the side of the house in a weird location. You may see a coat closet in the dining room or a weird shaped kitchen that doesn't allow any space for standing- much less eating. This home could have a huge formal living room and teeny tiny bedrooms. You wonder what the person was thinking who designed this home. The layout is not practical for most of the population. Unfortunately, the ONLY hope for selling this one is PRICE. Again, it must be lower than the comps in the area.

Vibe #4- "Old People" Vibe. Now, I am not being mean here, I promise! I have older parents, and many elderly clients that I dearly love, but buyers have commented to me on this vibe more than some of the others. They say "You can tell that elderly people live here." When you walk around this home it is usually similar to the outdated vibe. Usually you see TONS of pictures on every inch of the walls and on every table imaginable. The grandkids are cute. However, the house smells a bit like Ponds Cream and usually is decorated with lace and doilies. There is some serious oldantique furniture throughout the home. I think this home is usually a very easy fix if you get a stager involved. It is sometimes hard to convince these sellers that you sell a house differently than you live in it. A stager will help these sellers appeal to all types and ages of buyers and possibly get them as much money as Vibe #5.

Vibe #5- "Smiley Face Vibe" When my buyers walk into this type of home I have seen a visceral reaction from them. They fall in love. They make comments like "OOOHHH, AHHHHH, This is SOOOO Nice." Now, this vibe often comes from brand new homes, completely remodeled homes or a home that has been staged to perfection. It is spotless and clutter-free. When I walk in a home and feel this vibe, usually my buyer does, too. This home is the one you see when it is sold that brought the higher price. If I take my buyer to look at 5 homes, guess which one they want to put an offer on usually?

If you are asking yourself, "How do I make sure I give off that special VIBE to buyers?" I have your answer. Hire a Realtor that can help you by either suggesting improvements or pointing you in the right direction with a great stager. If the home needs TLC, it is easier to do it as it needs it, but an experienced Realtor can help before you put it on the market.

It is all about making a great first impression and presenting a winning VIBE!

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If you are looking for Real Estate in Colorado Springs call Kristi DeFazio at 719-459-5468

Kristi helps buyers find their dream home in Colorado Springs with that winning VIBE!

Kristi DeFazio

Realtor

RE/MAX Advantage

More about Kristi

Search for your Dream Home

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We are passionate about helping our clients improve the quality of their family's lives. We do so much more than just "sell" houses. (read more) With backgrounds in Sales, Technology, and e-pro certified, we use the latest tools to simplify each trasaction for our clients and utilize extensive internet exposure to market our listings. Google us or any of our listings!

The Hoagland Group specializes in the following Central Indiana areas: Indianapolis, Greenwood, Center Grove, Whiteland, Franklin, Mooresville, Martinsville, Avon, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Geist, and Plainfield.

Search for Central Indiana Properties or for more Real Estate News, visit PerfectPlaceForYou.com.

Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Where are Mortgage Rates Going in 2010?

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:11:28 -0600

Where are Mortgage Rates Going in 2010?

It's one of the most frequently asked questions and also one of the most difficult to answer. Many experts are saying they anticipate rates to go up because the Governement is expected to stop pumping money into Mortgage Backed Securities -- But it's a complicated subject and even the "experts" don't see eye to eye.

We found a great video that explains what Mortgage Backed Securities are and how they effect the rates. It's the easiest to understand explanation we've found. Draw your own conclusions!

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Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Indianapolis Cultural Trail Receives $20.5 Million Grant

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:30:06 -0600

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an urban bike and pedestrian trail that connects downtown neighborhoods, cultural districts and entertainment venues. The grant will be used to complete the project which was started in 2007.

If you visit downtown for the occasional shopping, dinner, show or sporting event, you've probably noticed signs labeling the five different cultural districts all connected by the Cultural Trail: Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, The Canal& White River State Park, and the Wholesale District. The trail will also connect with the Monon Trail, allowing visitors easy access to Broad Ripple Village from downtown.

In addition to the Cultural Trail enhancing the lives of Indianapolis residents and visitors, the grant will also bring jobs and stimulate downtown businesses. We can't wait for a warm day to check out what has already been completed and are excited about the finished product, which is scheduled to be finished in time for our hosting of the Super Bowl!

Watch this video to learn more about your Indianapolis Cultural Trail -- what's already completed, what's to come and how it will enhance your future downtown experience!

Indianapolis Cultural Trail from Gail Payne on Vimeo.

Would You like to live in downtown Indy? Click on any of these properties for more details or to see many more downtown options

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Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Real Estate Scams are Alive and Well -- Right Here in Indianapolis!

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:41:35 -0600

Real Estate Scams are Alive and Well -- Right Here in Indianapolis!

So I'm sitting at my desk on a rather slow Real Estate day......and the telephone rings! An opportunity! Happy days are here again! Tiny Tim is saved!

But...what's that? Do I have a home for sale in Hill Valley? Yes! (Everyone in the office is cheering! They are breaking out the bubbly!)

Oh, Hill Valley you say? (dejected) ... actually that home sold a couple of weeks ago, but I have some other great options that might interest you (hopeful)!

That's when the call took an odd turn. (Cue the creepy music)

Caller: Is the home for rent?

Me: Well, no. It's never been for rent, only for sale.

Caller: Who is the owner?

Me: Well, he's no longer alive. This was an estate sale.

Caller: OH NO......!!!!!!

Turns out the caller had found a "great" rental listing on Craigslist -- which just happened to be the same home we had recently sold in Hill Vally. The "landlord" had borrowed our photography, our description, every detail from our Craigslist advertisement to create his rental property listing. (Just send us the first month's rent and a security deposit and the home is yours to enjoy!)

The caller, well intentioned as she was, gave out her personal information to this "landlord" so that she could rent the home. Somebody call the identity theft police! She had just been scammed. There was no rental property - only an electronic description of a rental property. It still astounds me that anyone would give out personal information to a stranger over the phone (it was even an over seas phone number) and agree to rent a property without ever meeting the owner or visiting the home. Thankfully, she hadn't sent a deposit.

We still use Craigslist, but now we also set up google alerts for every listing address. If a scammer uses one of our listings to run his fraud we'll know about it!

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Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
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Our Own Son Didn't Know -- The $8000 Tax Credit is Real Money in Your Pocket!

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:24:11 -0600

How Embarrassing! Our Own Son Didn't Know -- The $8000 Tax Credit is Real Money in Your Pocket!

Last night Steve and I joined our son and his girlfriend for dinner. I happened to ask him if he had finished preparing his income taxes and taken advantage of the tax deduction being offered for the sales tax he paid on his new car. He said yes, and mentioned that it was worth a couple of hundred dollars to him.

One thing led to another and the conversation turned to the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Being 26, he's interested in the idea of buying -- but not quite ready for home ownership. We chatted about how we're surprised more buyers aren't taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit -- I mean, people are missing the opportunity to receive $8000 from Uncle Sam. Our son said -- "you mean they actually get a check for $8000?" -- "you mean it's not just subtracted from future taxes?" -- "you mean they don't just get a certain percentage of it -- like a deduction?" NO!!!!!!! Then, for the icing on the cake -- he actually said "you really need to let people know about this"!

Since January 2009 when the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit was first announced -- it seems like that's all we've talked about. I mean, how can anyone not know? Well, this was a wake up call to us, that yes, there are still First Time Buyers out there who don't understand how this thing works. So at the risk of sounding like a broken record.....we've got to keep talking about it! After all, it ends in 84 days!

Visit this blog for details: New Expanded Tax Credit Helps Indiana Move Up Buyers

Originally posted by Steve & Tonda Hoagland at www.IndyChats.com

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Super Bowl Excitement in Indianapolis - GO COLTS!

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:03:50 -0600

Super Bowl Excitement in Indianapolis - GO COLTS!

Yes, world, we are excited. We are hopeful. We are confident!

It’s that time when the entire Colts Nation holds its collective breath and prays for just… one…more… victory. Super Bowl parties are being planned in homes and offices far and wide. In fact, we just got back from our Greenwood Keller Williams office tailgate luncheon where even the hallway was converted into a mini football field complete with blue walls and a field goal kicking competition!

Discussions around the water cooler are about Dwight Freeney’s ankle, Bob Sanders future, and contract negotiations for Peyton’s new deal. Much is being said about the Saints…usually with a bit of anxiety mixed into the details. Purdue fans are gloating over the collegiate background of Drew Brees, yet most are hopeful that he will be intercepted early and often!

This year has been a blast, but we have to say that Indianapolis has been the "Perfect Place" for football fans ever since #18 arrived. (And yes, that is a shameless plug for our website!) As Carly Simon sang…these are the good old days!

Although most of us won't be in sunny Miami on Sunday, (we're supposed to get 6 inches of snow today), our hearts will be warm as we gather around our televisions with family and friends -- and we won't just be waiting with anticipation for the clever new commercials -- we'll be watching the game and cheering on our Colts!

We love our Colts and wish them success once again in sunny Miami!

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Executive Home for Sale in Diamond Ridge, Indianapolis IN

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:55:44 -0600

Executive Home For Sale in Diamond Ridge, Indianapolis IN
Gated Community!

• 7,170 sq. ft., 5 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story "Contemporary Tudor" - MLS® $799,900 - Exceptional Home!

Executive Home for Sale in Diamond Ridge, Indianapolis - This stunning contemporary English Tudor in the exclusive gated community of Diamond Ridge is understatedly elegant, yet comfortable & inviting - perfect for family & entertaining. Unmatched richness, details & luxurious finishes throughout such as teak, slate & travertine floors, granite counters, walnut cabinetry, extensive trim work, wrought iron railing & arched doorways...just to name a few!

The open floor plan adds to the sense of spaciousness. The expansive dining room opens to the soaring foyer & two story great room overlooking the pond. Stroll out onto the covered veranda to enjoy the view or warm up by one of 2 outdoor stone fireplaces! - Yes, there's another one on the lower level patio! The gorgeous den features a coffered ceiling, fireplace & built-in bookshelves -- it's the perfect home office or place to relax with a great book. The beautiful main level master suite is made for pampering -- with 2 expansive walk in closets & luxurious bath complete with oversized travertine shower, whirlpool tub and dual vanities.

The kitchen is not only lovely, but well appointed with all the amenities for cooking & entertaining -- 42" walnut cabinets, granite counters, built in stainless appliances, large center island & butler's pantry. Built in lockers in the mudroom, family desk & large laundry keep everyone organized. Upstairs boasts bedroom #2 with a private bath plus bedrooms 3 & 4 with adjoining Jack-n-Jill baths. Wrought iron stairway overlooks great room & entry.

Everyone will enjoy the walk out lower level designed to accommodate your family or large gatherings -- expansive bar, billiard area, family room, media space, exercise room, 5th BR and full bath - great guest suite or teen space!

This beautiful home is the complete package - all of the style & amenities you expect!

Property Details

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Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Homes for Sale in Indianapolis - Just Sold - 7240 Griffith Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:10:56 -0600

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Homes for Sale in Indianapolis - Just Sold: 7240 Griffith Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Closed 1/28/2010, List Price $114,000, Purchase Price $111,500

Three bright, spacious bedrooms with extra large closets and beautiful hardwood floors. Lovely updated kitchen featured 42’ solid wood cabinets --- lots of storage space!

Newer appliances were included — even the washer, dryer and water softener were included! Large, cheery living room featured an oversized window that flooded the space with natural light, plus the inviting 23x10 screened-in patio. This home included a new furnace (fall of 2009), spacious laundry room, 1276 total sq ft, 10 x 8 mini-barn, and a 0.38 acre lot with updated landscaping and mature trees. It is connected to city water and sewers, and has very low property taxes! Great location too — convenient to shopping & entertainment.

Call for other similar properties which are still available or click on the "Find the Perfect Place for You" button below to search for other homes!

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Your Center Grove Neighborhood Market Report - Greenwood IN

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:22:04 -0600

Your Center Grove Neighborhood Market Report

January/February 2010 - published 1/26/2010
Compliments of Steve & Tonda Hoagland - The Hoagland Group at Keller Williams Realty

The number one question we receive from our friends and neighbors is…..”What’s the market like in my neighborhood”? So we decided to publish this report each month to answer that very question! You can also find this and other more detailed reports online at, www.PerfectPlaceForYou.com. Don’t see your neighborhood? Give us a call and we’ll send you market information for your specific area!

…Or here’s another easy way to stay informed --

Have you noticed a For Sale sign in the neighbor’s yard and wondered about the price and amenities compared to your home? Sign up for a Neighborhood e-mail watch to receive e-mail notifications about all homes for sale in your neighborhood as soon as they come on the market.

To sign up, simply give us a call or send an email with the name of your neighborhood in the subject line. That’s all there is to it -- you’ll start receiving automated updates about the real estate activity in your specific neighborhood!

Historical Activity for Central Indiana:
This includes activity for the past 12 months in the 13 central Indiana counties serviced by MIBOR. Data is from MIBOR’s just published statistics, ending Dec 31, 2009.

Homes Sold in Central Indiana – January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

Number of homes sold: 24,928 (down 4% compared to the same period in 2008)

Average Sales Price: $137,845 (down 3% from 2008)

Foreclosures: 15% of homes listed (down 2% over 2008) and 28% of homes sold (0% change over 2008)

Homes Sold in Johnson County – January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

Number of homes sold: 1,927 (up 5% compared to the same period in 2008)

Average Sales Price: $140,525 (down 2% from 2008)

Current Number of Months of Supply: 6.7 (down from 8.4 in 2008) This number rises quickly as sales prices increase. For instance in central Indiana, the supply for homes priced $175K-250K is 9.5months, $350-500K is 18.6 and those priced $750K-1mil is 36.8.

White River Township - Center Grove:

As of January 26, 2010 there are currently 363 single family homes for sale in White River Twp ranging in price from $54,900 to $2.9 million. 38 homes are currently pended (under contract awaiting closing) and 539 homes sold in the past 12 months compared to 543 in the previous 12 month period.

Your Local Neighborhoods:
As of January 26, 2010

Homes for sale in Auburn Trace:

Active Listings: 4 - Ave List Price $398,425
Pended: 0 - List Price $
Sold in last 12 months: 0 – Ave List Price $, Ave Sale Price $
Sold in previous 12 month period: 4 – Ave List Price $382,175, Ave Sale Price $354,750

Homes for sale in Berkshire:

Active Listings: 1 - Ave List Price $235,000
Pended: 0 - List Price $
Sold in last 12 months: 6 – Ave List Price $212,408, Ave Sale Price $203,137
Sold in previous 12 month period: 1 – Ave List Price $249,500, Ave Sale Price $238,000

Homes for sale in Brentridge:

Active Listings:   4 - Ave List Price $391,050
Pended: 2 - Ave List Price $419,000
Sold in last 12 months:   4 – Ave List Price $358,450, Ave Sale Price $330,350
Sold in previous 12 month period:   9 – Ave List Price $327,922, Ave Sale Price $312,767

Homes for sale in Brentwood:

Active Listings: 7 - Ave List Price $161,514
Pended:   0 - List Price $
Sold in last 12 months:   10 – Ave List Price $149,880, Ave Sale Price $145,390
Sold in previous 12 month period:   8 – Ave List Price $149,113, Ave Sale Price $144,988

Homes for sale in Brockton Manor:

Active Listings: 4 - Ave List Price $352,250
Pended: 0 - List Price $
Sold in last 12 months: 3 – Ave List Price $314,900, Ave Sale Price $292,500
Sold in previous 12 month period: 7 – Ave List Price $284,571, Ave Sale Price $275,386

Homes or sale in Deerwood:

Active Listings: 5 - Ave List Price $366,560
Pended: 1 - List Price $289,900
Sold in last 12 months: 2 – Ave List Price $429,900, Ave Sale Price $412,500
Sold in previous 12 month period: 4 – Ave List Price $330,950, Ave Sale Price $320,500

Homes for sale in Eagle Trace:

Active Listings: 10 - Ave List Price $362,933
Pended:   - List Price $374,000
Sold in last 12 months:   7 – Ave List Price $375,599, Ave Sale Price $354,250
Sold in previous 12 month period:   4 – Ave List Price $409,075, Ave Sale Price $397,525

Homes for sale in Highland Park:

Active Listings: 8 - Ave List Price $664,782
Pended: 1 - List Price $575,000
Sold in last 12 months: 6 – Ave List Price $580,797, Ave Sale Price $544,167
Sold in previous 12 month period: 10 – Ave List Price $585,404, Ave Sale Price $555,200

Homes for sale in Hunters Pointe:

Active Listings: 4 - Ave List Price $270,100
Pended: 1 - List Price $334,900
Sold in last 12 months: 4 – Ave List Price $242,300, Ave Sale Price $235,725
Sold in previous 12 month period: 6 – Ave List Price $239,267, Ave Sale Price $234,167

Homes for sale in Innisbrooke

Active Listings: 2 - Ave List Price $ 263,750
Pended: 0 - List Price $
Sold in last 12 months: 4 – Ave List Price $252,050, Ave Sale Price $266,000
Sold in previous 12 month period: 6 – Ave List Price $220,042, Ave Sale Price $211,175

Homes for sale in Kensington:

Active Listings: 15 - Ave List Price $456,460
Pended: 1 - List Price $294,900
Sold in last 12 months: 10 – Ave List Price $427,150, Ave Sale Price $419,782
Sold in previous 12 month period: 12 – Ave List Price $484,282, Ave Sale Price $471,683

Homes for sale in Sheffield:

Active Listings: 2 - Ave List Price $151,900
Pended: 1 - List Price $115,000
Sold in last 12 months: 6 – Ave List Price $158,750, Ave Sale Price $153,567 Sold in previous 12 month period: 10 – Ave List Price $175,410, Ave Sale Price $169,510

Homes for sale in Wakefield:

Active Listings: 13 - Ave List Price $187,884
Pended: 2 - List Price $170,000
Sold in last 12 months: 28 – Ave List Price $184,950, Ave Sale Price $176,625
Sold in previous 12 month period: 18 – Ave List Price $204,900, Ave Sale Price $197,089

Homes for sale in Windsong Estates:

Active Listings: 3 - Ave List Price $204,133
Pended: 1 - List Price $249,000
Sold in last 12 months: 13 – Ave List Price $248,317, Ave Sale Price $243,577
Sold in previous 12 month period: 21 – Ave List Price $210,327, Ave Sale Price $200,146

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Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Feeling Like a Couch Potato? Discover DEVOUR INDIANAPOLIS!

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:32:35 -0600

Feeling like a Couch Potato? Discover DEVOUR INDIANAPOLIS!

It's the end of January and winter seems to have no end in sight! Are you tired of being stuck in the house watching television? Are you looking for something to cheer you up? Well a vacation on the beach would be great about now, but if that's not in your plans for next week, why not get out of the house and head to downtown Indianapolis?

What's Devour Downtown? It's a great way to visit your favorite downtown restaurants and save money too! More than 40 restaurants are offering specially selected 3 course menus for you to "devour" with your friends! It's going on right now through Saturday February 6th and the prices are as little as 2 for $30 or others are offering $30 each. And we're not talking about places you've never heard of -- we're talking about more than 40 of the very best downtown gathering spots like St Elmo Steak House, Ruth Chris, Palominos, Scotty's Brewhouse. Visit www.devourdowntown.org for details and menus.

And then...how about enjoying a Pacer game? As part of Devour Downtown, your Indiana Pacers are offering two club level seats to either the Toronto Raptors game on Tuesday, Feb 2 or the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Feb 5 for, you guessed it, only $30! Visit www.pacersmvp.com/devour to order tickets!

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Sold - Homes for Sale in Center Grove - 507 Green Valley Drive, Greenwood IN

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:18:35 -0600

Sold - 507 Green Valley Dr, Greenwood IN 46142

Closed 1/11/2011, List Price $109,900, Sale Price $105,000

Tired of cookie cutter neighborhoods and tiny yards? Take a look at this 1432 sf brick ranch in Greenwood -- popular Center Grove Schools too!

Gleaming hardwood floors in living room, hall & all 3 bedrooms have been professionally restored to their original beauty. A newer furnace, AC & hot water heater mean less maintenance for the new owner. Nice updates include new vanity & fixtures in the half bath (there is room to add a shower and convert this to a second full bath) and new sink and fixtures in the full bath.

The seller is leaving all of the appliances, including the washer and dryer. You'll enjoy the nearly ½ acre property featuring mature trees & fenced backyard. The location is conveniently close to shopping - 5 minutes from the Greenwood Park Mall - restaurants and less than ½ an hour commute to downtown Indianapolis. Greenwood city water & sewer. Property taxes are incredibly low -- only $298 per half - great for the budget!

Search for other Center Grove Properties

Originally Posted by Steve and Tonda Hoagland, Active Rain Blog 1/20/2010

(Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed)

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Our Sources Say...Rates are going up in 2010! How will this affect buyers?

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:51:47 -0600

Our sources say rates are going up in 2010! How much and when? According to experts in the mortgage industry, rates will start the year just above 5% and will gradually climb into the 6 1/2 range as the year progresses. Why? One of the main reasons is the expiration of the Federal Reserves Mortgage Backed Security Purchase Program at the end of March. This program was instrumental in keeping rates artificially low in 2009. So as the program winds down, rates will likely edge higher as we get closer to summer.

For buyers, this means their dollars will buy less house as the rates inch upward. How much does a rate change really affect a monthly payment? Here's an example from the e-Book, Only 8 Steps to Home:

For the last twenty years, the mortgage interest rate averaged approximately 8 percent in the United States. For the same $1000 monthly payment, a buyer can afford $30,000 more house at a 6% rate vs 8%.

Rates aren't expected to increase quickly, but they will most likely be volitile throughout 2010 with waves of ups and downs and a trend that is clearly up. So if you're considering purchasing a home, now may be a great time to seriously consider taking the plunge.

Visit our website to download the e-Book "Only 8 Steps to Home" or see how to get your own print copy of "Your First Home, The Proven Path to Home Ownership".

Other e-Books are also available:

"Your Handbook to Home Ownership"

"The Skinny on First Time Home Buyers"

"$8000 Closer to Home"

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Price Reduced - Home For Sale by the Hoagland Group - 590 Cynthia Lane, Whiteland IN - Park Forest

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:35:36 -0600

Price Reduced - Home For Sale by the Hoagland Group - 590 Cynthia Lane, Whiteland IN - Park Forest

Announcing a price reduction on this lovely 3,406 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story "2bdrms down, 3 bdrms up". Now $215,000 - Great Value - Over 3400sf!.

Property information

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The Quick and Expected Climb to 6% Mortgage Rates (How To Stay Dry When The Fed Throws Water At You)

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 09:33:03 -0600

Lenders are telling us that rates will continue to inch upward. Why? Here is an easy to understand explanation from an expert in the mortgage business. -- Steve & Tonda

Via America's #1 Mortgage Broker/858-777-9751:

Mortgage rates have been steadily climbing, from a low of 4.5% around November 27, 2009 to above 5% on December 22, 2009. For the past two months I've been warning that this will eventually happen. It's not because the economy is recovering; it isn't recovering. The reason mortgage rates will rise to 6% or above, soomer rather than later is because that is the "natural" market.

About a year ago, The Federal Reserve announced a $1.25 Trillion mortgage rates subsidy,by purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the open market, through March, 2010. Right before that subsidy was announced, mortgage rates were at or above 6%. The subsidy was referred to as Bernanke's "nuclear option" meaning he was using an extraordinary monetary stimulus to keep mortgage rates artificially low.

One year and 12 months into the 15-month game, we're at $1.07 Trillion spent on this open market MBS purchase progran. This means that the Fed still has about $150 Billion to spend in three months, so mortgage rates should stay around 5%, right? After all, the Fed only spent $80 billion/month and they have at least 2 months of money left.

Markets are discounting mechanisms meaning that traders anticipate how potent the Fed can be. The Fed's just about out of bullets and MBS traders know it. Let me try to give you an example of what the Fed did by recanting the explanation I gave, to a Del Mar REALTOR, on the beach this summer.

I had my daughter (Maggie) get me ten cups of water from the ocean. Then I drew six lines in the sand, equidistant from each other, and labeled them 6% (on the right) through 4.5% (on the left). I had Maggie stand at 6% and explained that this represented Dec, 2008 mortgage rates. I announced that my intention was to throw water at her until she moved to the left, away from 6% and towards 4.5%. I grabbed two cups and threw one at her, then at the line marked 5.5%; Maggie quickly darted to the left.

Then, I threw a cup at her every time she inched to the right. I explained that Maggie was acting EXACTLY like the MBS traders, naturally gravitating towards the "natural" market. Each time I chucked a cup full of"stimulus", Maggie moved back under 5% and closer to 4.5%. Once, she got real daring (like the MBS market this past summer) and I threw three cups at her.

At the beginning of December, The Fed had two cups of water. Now, they only have 1.5 cups of stimulus left.

Maggie, knowing that I only had 1-2 cups left, knew she could afford to get a bit wet in her dart towards 6%. She faked me by jumping like Rickey Henderson dances off first base; I threw a half cup of water at her. Then, she defiantly and purposefully walked towards 6%, knowing full well that I would throw my last cup of water at her.

Maggie knew she might get a bit wet but that I was utterly and completely out of water. She got sprinkled but was safely standing at 6% and I was as bone dry as the Sonoran desert in July.

That's what I think is happening today. The MBS traders are purposefully selling mortgage-backed securities, knowing that the Fed will buy every last bond they offer until they are "bone dry". Everybody is running towards the finish line (6%) now and they don't care how wet they get along the way.

Mortgage rates are headed to 6% and it probably won't take until March, 2010 for them to get there.

Get a customized mortgage rate quote today

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Search for Central Indiana Properties or for more Real Estate News, visit PerfectPlaceForYou.com.

Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Send A Gift- Thank You Card To Our Soldiers- Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program

Tonda & Steve Hoagland Greenwood IN Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:55:02 -0600

Please consider sending holiday greetings to our soldiers by participating in the Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program. The following blog contains all of the details! Be sure to pass this along to your friends!-- Steve & Tonda

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Thanks to Xerox sending out a Thank You card to our soldiers is simple, fast and free.

At this time of the year we can take some time out to teach our children about giving thanks and living in gratitude.
The best way of course to teach gratitude is by being a good example of being in a thankful state of mind.

You can gather your children around your computer right now and go to this site:

Let's Say Thanks- In Support of our Troops.

All you do is click on the card you want to send and then click on what you want the words on the text side of the card to say.
You don't even have to think to do this because it is all done for you. You just have to choose the card and the text out of the ones on the site.
Then you just click send.

Xerox prints out the postcards and then these cards go into the care packages that Givetothetroops® sends to our soldiers.
What a gift Xerox is giving to the troops. I really appreciate a company setting a great example like this.
The cards have all been designed by children and are patriotic. There are many patriotic symbols and messages to choose from.

There is a link on the site where you can read the responses from soldiers around the globe.
For some of these soldiers, your card will be the only mail they get from home.

Here are some of the comments sent back by different servicemen and women:

To all who have supported us,

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you from myself and my fellow Marines. Your packages and well wishes have lifted our spirits at a time when we are so far away from our friends and family. I wish you could have seen the bright eyed looks and utter excitement from the Marines when opening the boxes. It was a true blessing that you made happen. It makes us proud to know that our fellow Americans care as much as we do. It makes the sacrifices we and our families make worth every minute we spend here. We Americans can stand shoulder to shoulder in unison on one thing - we're all proud of our country and we're all proud of each other. The effort you make on behalf of the troops is just as important as the work we are doing here and around the world.

- A Gunnery Sergeant

As I was leaving an un-eventful Valentine's Day today, one of the mail clerks yelled "Adams!! You have a package!!" A package, I thought to myself. I'm not expecting anything. What could this be? I took the box into my office and closed the door. As I opened the box, a flood of joy came over me as I looked over the cards from you and the young ones, one of my co-workers walked in to see tears rolling down my eyes. I had never received a gift with this much love, packed into one little place from someone that I've never known.

As I thought about what the cards talked about with soldiers giving their lives and privileges up to ensure the freedom of Americans, it was nice to know that someone out there does not take it for granted. I don't know who you are, but you are truly a gift from God. The gift that gives me the drive to serve my country proudly. As you pray that the Lord keeps the soldiers here safe and brings us home, I pray to the Lord that people like you do not die off from this world. Your contributions are nowhere near inadequate. Please never forget what this means to a soldier. Thank you for your love and thoughts.

Please be kind- take a moment out of your day to send a card for free to a soldier today. Please Reblog!

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Search for Central Indiana Properties or for more Real Estate News, visit PerfectPlaceForYou.com.

Steve Hoagland, Steve@PerfectPlaceForYou.com
Tonda Hoagland, Tonda@PerfectPlaceForYou.com

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Send A Gift- Thank You Card To Our Soldiers- Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program

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