Saturday, April 30, 2005

Get Your House Ready to Sell

The sale of your house begins at the curb. Stand there, and take a good long look. The very first thing that someone looking at your home will notice is the exterior.
  • Appearance is the single most important factor for maximizing your home's sale price.
  • Do everything you can to make your home a buyer's dream. Pay attention to detail.
  • Taking care of little things can make a big difference because these are some of the first things that buyers will see.
  • If the outside does not look appealing, Realtors may not be able to convince potential buyers to look at the inside.
  • Piles of leaves or branches, an un-mowed yard or a driveway covered with ice or snow doesn't create a warm feeling.

I'm sure much of this may seem like common sense to you, but so often these items are overlooked by sellers. If you utilize my services to sell your house, I'll make sure that the non common sense items are also taken care of. As a real estate professional, I get daily feedback on today's trends, and will make sure your selling efforts are up-to-date with what buyers are looking for.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your home selling goals.

Friday, April 29, 2005

FSBO Traps - Too Many Hats to Wear

Your time is limited. Evenings and weekends are when most buyers are looking and you'll tire quickly of being on constant alert sacrificing that time. It won't be long before you let your guard down and lose potential buyers.

By contrast, as a real estate professional, I will market your home using, for example, advertising in the multiple listing service (MLS), my Web site, newspapers, and other promotional advertising. We can plan effective open houses, and network with associates and professionals so that your home gets the greatest exposure possible.

Let me show you why using a real estate professional is a more effective way to transition from one home to another. Feel free to contact me to discuss your goals and your schedule.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Eclectic Broad Ripple

I live in Broad Ripple and I absolutely love my community. It has such an eccentric charm from the Broad Ripple strip all the way down to the homes. The history of the city is just as magical.

In 1836, the Indiana General Assembly began a massive improvement program among the many roads, canals, and rivers. During this time a man by the name of Jacob Coil moved his family from Virginia and purchased a large plot of land near the canal route naming it Broad Ripple. This date was April 20, 1837. The name was originated due to the land being very broad, and the river when at its lowest points would "ripple" over the stones. Hence the name… Broad Ripple.

Over the next few years, Broad Ripple became a recreational area in which several residents began building summer cottages on the outskirts of the canal. By this time White City Amusement Park opened on May 26, 1906. The park which is now Broad Ripple Park had once offered several carnival style rides and the all famous carousel (now located inside the Children’s Museum). The park began attracting several businesses to the neighborhood causing an influx of residents due to the employment opportunities. In the next couple years, the park created a concrete bathing beach and a four acre swimming pool – noted as the largest in the nation.

Subdivisions began increasing and the Broad Ripple area became a rich land of investment. Between 1900 - 1922, Broad Ripple residents made several attempts for annexation into the city of Indianapolis. The town was finally annexed into Indianapolis on June 20, 1922 and it was at this time that the amusement park was renamed Broad Ripple Park.

Throughout the years, Broad Ripple has always remained a decorative collage of homes, boutiques, cafes, and entertainment. As with any small town it too has had its good times and bad, yet real estate has continued to flourish.

If you would like more detailed historic information and pictures, broadripplehistory.com is a wonderful site.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

April is Fair Housing month. Why is this important to you?

The U.S. Fair Housing Acts, which were established in 1968, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin.

As a citizen, regardless if you are selling, buying, or renting a home, you have constitutional rights to be treated fairly without discrimination. Realtors, property owners, and landlords are upheld to these standards and cannot let personal prejudices interfere with the ethical and legal conduct of their profession.

HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) administers this law and distributes an equal housing opportunity poster which must be displayed in all Real Estate Offices. The poster declares that the office promises to abide by the Fair Housing Acts and pledges support for affirmative marketing and advertising programs.

As a Real Estate professional, in order to renew my license, I am required to participate in Fair Housing continuing education courses every other year. These standards are stringently enforced among all real estate professionals. Those who do not comply with the Fair Housing Acts could be found guilty of both civil and criminal violations, which are grounds for license expulsion.

If you would like more information on the U.S. Fair Housing Acts click here.

Monday, April 25, 2005

Did you know?

Here’s a quirky little fact that I recently came across:

Have you ever wondered why Indiana is called the “Crossroads of America”?

Our state motto was adopted by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana (try saying that quickly) on March 2, 1937, only after an Evansville newspaper columnist wrote an article stating that Indiana had no official state motto. The meaning evolves behind the fact that the intersecting of important roads, railroads and waterways of the Nation occurs within the boundaries of Indiana.

Today, interstates 70 (east-west) and 65 (north-south) meet in Indianapolis which places our city within a one day’s drive to over half of the U.S. population!

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Why Use a Real Estate Professional?

There is a misconception among many first time home buyers that by using a Real Estate Agent, they will be subject to paying a commission. This is not the case. The commission for the sale of a home is paid for by the seller, not the buyer. If you went to your local appliance store and bought a new refrigerator, you wouldn't expect to pay a commission to the salesperson. The same applies when you buy a house--it is the seller of the item (in this case a house) that is responsible for paying to have it sold.

Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, it's still a good idea to use a licensed real estate agent. Let me work in your corner during your home searching and buying experience. I will have your interests at heart and can help you with proven strategies during the negotiation process.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Saving on Your Property Taxes

As a home owner in the Indianapolis area I’m sure you have been paying close attention to the property tax assessments that have occurred throughout our communities. For many families, the increases have been overwhelming and in some cases, devastating. Due to the increases, I recommend that you get a copy of your Tax Record and review your personal and property information, making sure it is correct. By reviewing your Tax Record you can insure that all the information is correct…a simple error can be costing you hundreds of dollars-or even make it difficult to sell your home in the future. No one wants to pay more tax than needed!

On your Tax Record, you should review the following items:

  1. Names – the property owner’s names must be correct. If there are any errors, it may be difficult to sell your home in the future.
  2. Square Footage – If your house has been assessed at more square feet than it actually is…you will be paying a higher tax rate. Vice versa, if your house is recorded at a smaller square feet than it is…you are not paying enough.
  3. Age of Home – Same applies as above. You can also be paying too much tax if the age of your home is not correct.
  4. Mortgage Exemption – If you are carrying a mortgage on your home, but don’t have a mortgage exemption, you may also be paying too much tax.
  5. Homestead Credit – If the home on the Tax Record is your personal residence, and you are not getting a Homestead Credit, you may be paying too much tax.
  6. Miscellaneous Credits – If you are a disabled Veteran, over 65 years of age, blind, etc. and do not have any miscellaneous credits; you may be paying too much tax.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of your Tax Record or have any questions, you can call the County Tax Assessor’s office that you live in or you can call or email me for assistance and I can send you a copy of your Tax Record.

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Why Should I Buy, Instead of Rent?

You'll love the feeling of having something that's all yours - a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. A thriving vegetable garden in the backyard, a tiled entryway, a yellow kitchen...when you own, you can do it all your way! But there's more to owning a home than personal satisfaction. You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes, too. And interest will compose nearly all of your monthly payment , for over half the number of years you'll be paying your mortgage. This adds up to hefty savings at the end of each year. And you're also allowed to deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. If you rent, you write your monthly check and it's gone forever. Another financial plus in owning a home is the proven possibility its value will go up through the years.

I can help you make a wise investment by finding the perfect first home for you. Just tell me what you are looking for and I'll make sure you'll be aware of every possible new listing in the area that matches your needs. Prefer to search on your own? Visit my Web site and search the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) 24-hours a day, then contact me when you find something you like.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Take One...

Picture this: you and your loved one are driving through your dream neighborhood in the Indianapolis area on a beautiful Saturday afternoon…and there it is. That majestic home you have been eyeing is finally up for sale! You squeal of excitement knowing that the exterior is everything you have dreamed of…but what does the inside look like? Is the great room large enough to fit your sectional and large screen T.V.? How many bedrooms are there? You’re in luck…next to the shiny Realtor sign is the Take One box. You hurry in anticipation, flip open the lid to grab your informational flyer……it’s empty.

This is one of my pet peeves in real estate…empty or non-existent Take One boxes. The MLS sheets and flyers are a wealth of knowledge and are vital in selling your home. I have lost count as to how many houses I drive by and the Take One box is empty or in some cases never placed in the front of the house by an agent. Often times when I show homes to buyers, they may see a home for sale that catches their eye….without a Take One sheet, how are they to know if your home may be their perfect match?

Home owners….if you do not have a Take One box at your curb, demand that your agent place one there. Most of all, keep it well stocked. I recommend asking your agent to make plenty of extra copies for you to keep at the house. Don’t place them all in the box at one time. Refill your box with 10 flyers. This will help control the uncontrollable…weather, crumpling, fading, etc. Often times Real Estate Agents are spread out and unable to always check their homes to make sure the boxes are refilled. I like to keep my clients stocked with extra flyers just in case I cannot refill their box myself; they will have their own supply.

Just think, that person walking up to your Take One box could just be your next Buyer….

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Angie to the rescue!

Desperate home owner in search of quality Repair Company who will show up on time and repair work requested in an honest, diligent manner……

There is nothing more frightening than opening the Yellow Pages in search of a repair company, service man, or any known person that can help beautify your home. Where do you start? How do you know if that repair man is truly qualified for the job? Well fear not, my fruitful home owner….Angie’s List to the rescue!

You may have noticed the sticker on a service car bumper or even on an ad while flipping through the Yellow Pages: a figure of a woman wearing a cap with a big “A” on it sticking her thumb out. Angie Hicks is her name and reviewing companies is her game. She has created one of the most resourceful guides for home owners in need of help. Her monthly publication (by subscription only) is called Unified Neighbors Indianapolis. Through her publication, members can share their service experiences through a grading system, similar to grade school. “A” being the highest, and “F”….well hopefully you know what that means. Members also have a chance to write a review of their experience with the service company. With a subscription, you receive internet access to all the reviews, grades, and company information for various service providers. Her list can be a useful resource for everyone…not just home owners. You can find information on Attorney’s, Veterinarians, Photographers, Lawn Care providers, Plumbers….really anything you can think of. If a company on her list receives a bad review, you’ll know it.

What I like most about Angie’s List is that the service providers cannot pay to be on this list, nor can they rate themselves! She also publishes a potpourri of articles ranging from advice, gardening, business, coupons, etc. I find the information most useful and often keep her publications on my shelf for reference.

My husband and I consider ourselves “do-it-yourselfers”; however, even we know when we are in above our heads…such as when we found ourselves in a flooded basement for the umpteenth time. This is one of the many times we turned to our dear friend, Angie….Angie’s List helped us research a quality company based on past experiences that other home owners like us have had in the past. Were we satisfied? YES

I highly recommend this resource to home owners….it saves time and eventually a lot of money and stress from making a bad choice in service! Click here to be linked to their website.

….and no, I am not their paid spokeswoman…I just know a good thing when I see it!

Monday, April 18, 2005

My Introduction

I guess it is best that I first introduce myself to you…my name is Christina Woerner and I am a Realtor in Indianapolis, Indiana (the home of the Indy 500 for those not exactly sure where Indiana is). This is my Blog in which I will share with you my life as a Realtor, a home owner, as well as interesting Real Estate news with periodic guest writers within my industry. In fact, I believe that I am one of the first Real Estate Blogs in Indiana!

First, I would like to share some background information about me. I relocated myself seven years ago to Indiana. I am a California native; born and raised in “the Valley”. Now, there are several “Valley’s” in California, but we Natives only refer to one VALLEY – the San Fernando Valley. Yes, I am a Valley Girl. Throughout the past several years my family has slowly migrated with various jobs and retirement to the Midwest. So, to answer your question, “Why would I ever move to Indiana?”- My answer is… family. I love California, however, Indiana is simply a great place to live and raise a family. Two years ago, I actually considered moving back to California, but love got the best of me and my Indiana bred boyfriend proposed. We got married September 18, 2004. Now, I am a “Hoosier”. Once I know the true definition of what a Hoosier truly is, I will inform all of you.

One can say that Real Estate is in my blood. Both of my sisters are Realtor’s, my father used to sell Real Estate, my Aunt and Uncle own two real estate offices in which both my cousins sell out of and I have another Aunt who works as their Mortgage officer. We all work for opposing companies…how’s that for an interesting dinner conversation? I am an agent with Carpenter Realtors (Update: In March 2006 I left Carpenter Realtors and joined Keller Williams Realty). Besides selling real estate, I also worked in Carpenter's Relocation Division for five years where I handled Corporate Transferee’s, their homes, as well as Foreclosures. This has allowed me to see the good, bad, and ugly of real estate.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a newlywed. I often joke with my husband (well…it’s really not a joke, but the truth) that he is both my IT and Marketing Department in one. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. He is as an Acquisition Editor for Wiley Publishing. He works on the Dummies line….needless to say, I have a lot of yellow and black books lying around! We are very fortunate that life has given us some wonderful opportunities and at the end of the day can come home (stressed) and say we enjoy our professions. Not many people can say that these days.

We have a strong passion for travel. Our goal in life is to step foot on every continent. It is very humbling to travel outside of the U.S.A. and learn how other cultures live. This is a subject I feel passionately about and I will often share these experiences with you. Besides travel, I love reading, writing, animals (especially cats), and anything to do with the Ocean.

This is me in a nutshell and I welcome you to make comments, questions, or share your own stories on my site. My goal is to help you get acquainted with me and Indiana real estate.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

What's a Blog?

Definition:
According to Marketing Terms.com, a Blog is a frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links.

Information:
A blog is often a mixture of what is happening in a person's life and what is happening on the Web, a kind of hybrid diary/guide site, although there are as many unique types of blogs as there are people.

People maintained blogs long before the term was coined, but the trend gained momentum with the introduction of automated published systems, most notably Blogger at blogger.com. Thousands of people use services such as Blogger to simplify and accelerate the publishing process.

Blogs are alternatively called web logs or weblogs. However, "blog" seems less likely to cause confusion, as "web log" can also mean a server's log files.