Lustron Homes

Here’s a new twist on a historical home. Have you ever heard of a Lustron home? I came across my first one. My real estate partner and I are listing a Lustron home. These homes are registered as National Historical Homes and if you are looking for a totally maintenance free home…this is the home for you.

Here’s the scoop:

The Lustron homes were built by Carl Strandlunds between 1949 and 1950 as an answer to the World War II housing shortage. He created a new cost effective concept: a low priced, maintenance free home. Even though only 2,680 of these all steel, bungalow homes were built; over 50 years later, many of these homes still have their original siding and roofs! Amazing.

A majority of these homes are located in the Midwest, with only a few in Indiana. The entire homes structure consist of steel framing, steel interior and exterior walls, steel roof trusses and steel roof tiles. All exposed steel has a porcelain enamel finish.

The average Lustron home required 12 tons of steel and 1 ton of enamel. This makes the home allergen free, termite free, fire proof, and the list goes on. It only took 350 hours to construct these homes at a cost of $6,000!

If you are interested in purchasing a Lustron home, as I mentioned, I have one available located at 1029 N. Hawthorne Indianapolis, IN. Please browse my website for pictures and more information or feel free to contact me at 317-250-0129.

School Stats

In the Midwest, mid August marks a slowing trend in real estate. It is the time that most families have already settled into their new homes and are now busily preparing for the upcoming school year. With most local schools beginning this week, your child’s performance is more important than you think.

Did you know that a student’s overall success and school performance often dictates the appreciation value of local neighborhoods?

Of the top concerns for relocating families, school statistics is one of the most important. Parents often want the best schools for their children which they often base from pupil/teacher ratios, discipline, school design, and “quality” teachers along with test scores.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) documents that communities with better student performance often have higher home appreciation values. If a school’s characteristics have universal appeal to parents, it can lead to a rise in property values due to families moving into that school’s community.

Want the low down on all the local school districts visit my Web site and click on school links.

Bricks on Your House Turning White?

Efflorescence is a condition that often happens to brick masonry in which a whitish film appears on the bricks. This is caused by water-soluble salts in the masonry materials that are brought to the surface of the bricks surface once the water evaporates. Often times you will see this in new construction.

Fear not, it can easily be remedied with some time and the right products. Basically you have two choices: masonry cleaning and etching preparation or a solution containing muriatic acid. The type of brick you have on your home will decide whether muriatic acid is an appropriate choice. Homes with glazed or light-colored brick are not well suited for acid solutions. Red brick homes and darker colors should be tested with the solution in an inconspicuous area first.

When purchasing an acidic cleaner for your home, make sure you read the instructions in detail and understand them clearly. Often times, you will need to soak the brick with water before acid washing. This also includes a thorough rinse. To prevent efflorescence from reappearing, you will need to seal the brick surface with a clear, water-resistant sealer. There are pigmented sealers available which can give your exterior a richer sheen is you so desire.

Home Seller Tip – Repairs Are Necessary

Before putting your home on the market and opening it up to potential buyers make note of anything around the house that needs repair, or that needs to be spruced up. Buyers are considering making your home their home. They don't want to buy your problems.

• Fix up or tear down broken fencing.
• Repair cracks in the concrete. De-grease the driveway.
• Fix the broken garage door. Does it need to be painted or washed?
• Do plants need to be pruned or replanted?
• Hide or throw away old porch furniture.
• Missing a tile in the bathroom? Replace it.
• Remember the torn screen in the kid's room? Get it repaired!

August’s Hot Picks

It’s Fair Time! But if that’s not your cup of tea; here are some other ideas:

August 7, Allstate 400 At the Brickyard – It’s that time again! New name, same race..yadda yadda yadda…check times for practice runs as they do vary. Hopefully you have a ticket or you can try your luck at the gate with your neighborhood scalper. Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Info: 317-492-6700

August 10-13, 2005 Visa Championships – This will be the first major gymnastic event hosted at Conseco Fieldhouse. What’s even more fascinating about this event is that many of the gymnast’s competing at this event will go on as representatives in the 2008 Olympics. As a former gymnast, this is one of my favorite picks this month. Location: Conseco Fieldhouse. Tickets: $10.00 to $45.00 (Single Session) $75.00 to $160.00 (All-Session); $40.00 (Rhythmic and Acrobatic Events). Call for times. Info: 317-239-5151

August 10-21, Indiana State Fair – This is my favorite time of year. I literally drag my husband every year! Coming from Los Angeles, we didn’t have fairs…I only saw them in movies and was fascinated by them. I go not only once, but twice; three times if I’m lucky. It wasn’t until I moved to Indiana that I learned what Funnel Cakes and Elephant Ears were! So with open arms, I welcome the 149th edition of the State Fair.
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds Tickets: $6.00 (Adults) Free for children 5 and under
Hours: 6am-Midnight. Info: 317-927-7500

August 19-28, Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival – This is not your ordinary play production. If theatre that is off the beaten path appeals to you, this is definitely your ticket. Over 30 production companies from around the country participate in this all day event with over several one hour performances daily. Show times vary. Tickets: $3.00 one-time entry fee; $10.00 per performance. Located: Massachusetts Avenue Arts and Theater District. Info: 317-297-2287

August 20, Steve Miller Band– What would a college party be without Steve Miller? Reminisce the good ole days and soak up a fun filled evening with the Band’s hits. Tickets: $27.00 and $45.00(pavilion) or $13.50 (lawn). Located: Verizon Wireless Music Center. Info: 317-239-5151

August 26-28, Indianapolis Air Show- This is another highlight for my monthly picks. Not only is this an exciting event for the family; it helps out children in need. Proceeds benefit Riley Hospital. The Blue Angels will be flying high this year and are definitely a breath taking sight to see! Location: 3867 Aviation way, Greenfield Tickets: $15.00 (Adults) $5.00 (Children 6-12). Show starts at Noon.

August 27, Feast of Lanterns – The Feast of Lanterns is actually a Chinese holiday. This was widely celebrated for several years and eventually faded after World War II. It had been revived in 2003 and sounds wonderfully romantic. The highlight of the feast is the lantern lighting ceremony which begins at dusk near Spades Park on the city’s near-east side. Hundreds of luminaries will be aglow throughout the park. Might be a nice date?
Located: 1801 Nowland Avenue Admission: Free Info: 317-633-7300

August 31, Jimmy Buffett-Even though Mr. Buffett has only produced a single number one album in his entire career, every year fans look forward to his arrival. I have yet to experience a Buffett concert, but I hear they are worth every penny. Located: Verizon Wireless Music Center. Tickets: $86.00 (pavilion) or $36.00 (lawn).
Info: 317-239-5151