Well, now the most technologically advanced real estate company in Central Indiana (I just made that up, but it seems right!) offers you an APP for your iPhone, iPad and Android phone! I have it on my phone already, and I love it! Our APP features the GPS Search, Open House Listings, a general search, a link to contact us, a link to our company blog, and info about us.

Go check it out!!

Imagine a small kitchen. There is not much counter space, but it has a dishwasher.

Now, imagine the same small kitchen. There is an L-shaped countertop, which is still small but much better than the previous kitchen. However, there is no dishwasher.

So, which is more important to you? Dishwasher or countertop? Please answer the following poll!

Suspicious Report- Updated 11/4/11
Please exercise caution. MIBOR received a report today regarding a “buyer” who scheduled an appointment to see a model home in an Indianapolis subdivision. He had asked the salesperson to give him and his wife a ride to the subdivision, but she declined due to a company policy. When the salesperson arrived at the home, the “buyer” was alone and carried a black bag with an item sticking out covered by a towel. Following her instincts, the salesperson called a colleague who contacted the police. The bag contained a large stick, rubber gloves, and bands. The police found no “outstanding” criminal record for this person, though he was recently released from prison for unknown charges. He is described as a black male, age mid 50′s, afro haircut, scruffy beard, gaps in teeth, black coat, black jeans, and black shoes. Because this salesperson followed her instincts and sought help, a potentially harmful situation was avoided. 

I can't live without you!

I can’t function without my planner. Somehow I have a way of writing something down, and then completely forgetting what I’m supposed to do each day. Some days, It’s a struggle to be sure I’m where I’m supposed to be! It’s hard to juggle work and family, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I put everything in my planner, my appointments, mileage, to-do lists, me time… I go a little nuts when I leave it behind somewhere.

So imagine my happiness each year in late October when my favorite title company brings me my new planner! I know there are still a couple months until the next year, but I get so inspired by the fresh, clean new planner. I think of those blank pages as possible opportunities, ways to kick my career up a notch or two. I see the chance to do better and try new things and really shine. I love sitting down and making my business plan for the next year.

Perhaps it is the fact that my birthday is New Year’s Eve and each new year really is like starting fresh to me. Maybe it is the concept of New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s the fact that I can’t even walk into an Office Depot or Staples without looking at all that blank paper and imagining the wonderful things I could write on it.

Whatever it is, it is thrilling to me, and I’m excited to annouce that I just received my 2012 planner. I can’t wait to get started filliing those blank pages and planning to rock 2012. Let me know which day I can put you on!

Many agents believe that homes should be neutralized in order to sell more quickly. They think that when a home is more neutral it is easier for the buyer to see themselves living there.

The problem is, you never know which type of buyer is going to walk into your home. Should you paint over the bold colors with something more plain or should you just leave it alone and save your time and money?

So, I am turning the question over to YOU! I want to know what you think on this topic! Please cast your vote and leave a comment letting me know how you feel.

There is a term in real estate called “Fee Simple Determinable”. It describes one way you can hold real estate. In this type of estate, you are bound by ownership of the land to do a particular thing with it. The former owner (or his heirs) may take the property back if you do not meet the requirement.

In the case of the land that the City Market sits on, it is REQUIRED that the property ALWAYS house a farmers market. Isn’t that cool? If someone buys the property and decides to tear down City Market and build a bank instead, the land would revert to the heirs of the owner who set this rule in 1821.

On the other hand, there is the term “Fee Simple subject to a Condition Subsequent”. In this case, the real estate has a certain thing that you can NOT do with the property, a limitation. When it is sold, the former owner is able to take it back from you if you break the requirement.

It is said that when St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers sell land, it comes with a rule: You are NOT allowed to build an establishment on the land that sells alcohol. You can build a neighborhood, for example, but not a liquor store. If you do, they get the land back.

Your title company is responsible for checking on this sort of thing to be sure you are in the clear on this sort of issue.

Image via Wikipedia

When you are thinking of buying a home, it is NOT the time to make a big purchase or make any other changes in your credit history. You need to show the lender that you are not a risk, that you have the money to buy the home and that it is YOUR money, not borrowed.

Lenders will want bank statements, paystubs, and letters proving that you have the money to buy the house. We want you to buy a house that you can actually afford, and still be able to pay the bills. I do not want you to live a life where you can’t afford to go out to have some fun every now and then just because you bought too big of a house!

In preparing to buy a house, just relax and stick within your budget, do not go out and buy big ticket items. If you need to buy furniture for the home, even that should wait until after closing.