Many times when I speak with individuals it is because they want or need to sell their home or they would like to buy a home. During my conversation with them sometimes I find out that some of them are in debt and cannot afford to keep or purchase a home. Continue reading Getting out of debt starts with a simple budget
Tag Archives: house
Can I afford buying a home or do I need to make some changes
Before you even start looking to buy a home you should first find out if you can afford a home. Yes, for many, homeownership is still the ultimate dream but it is not for everybody. Sometimes you have to put your dream on hold until you are able to fulfill this dream.
To find out if you can afford purchasing a home go through the following steps first
Continue reading Can I afford buying a home or do I need to make some changes
Settles Report
Every week we pull information for the Central Indiana real estate market and look at the last weekâs market condition for central Indiana. To simplify the process we are pulling the information for three counties that are part of the Central Indiana real estate market.
2015 will bring a new energy efficiency rating for water heaters
According to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) there will be significant updates to water heater energy factor (EF) requirements. Due to the new requirements, all residential water heaters will require a higher energy factor. Continue reading 2015 will bring a new energy efficiency rating for water heaters
Settles Report for 7/21 to 7/28/2014
During this week Marion County Indiana has picked up steam with their active listings. They had 418 new listings that were made available to the public compared to Hamilton County who slowed down and only had 145 properties that were made available. Compared to last week Hamilton County had a drop in new listings of over 50%. Johnson County had 82 new listings that were made available to the public which was about the same number as last week.
Marion County Indiana new rental proposals
Be aware Proposal 195Â which is being introduced to create a Marion County Indiana landlord registry. Landlords have to re-resister themselves on an annual basis as a landlord. The reason given for this registry is that many properties in disrepair and vacant are owned by investors. About 50% or more of them are owned by owner occupants who no longer can pay for their mortgage.
The Settles Report
Every week we pull information for the Central Indiana real estate market and look at the last weekâs market condition for central Indiana. To simplify the process we are pulling the information for three counties that are part of the Central Indiana real estate market.
We used Marion, Hamilton and Johnson County for our report that is for 07/14 â 07/21/2014.
That week Marion County had 361 new listings with an average list price of $132,731. Hamilton County had 349 new listings with an average list price of $237,182 and Johnson County had 85 new listings that were made available with an average list price of $184,623.
Clay Township, within Hamilton County, had the most listings that were made available with 54. Taylor Township was not far behind with 35 new listings. In Johnson County Pleasant Township had the most new listings with 34. Right behind is White River township area with 31. Marion County had the most new listings in the Washington Township area with 61 and right behind it was Warren Township with 54.
During that same week Hamilton County had 125 properties where the sale is now pending (in escrow). Johnson County had 42 properties that the sale is now pending (in escrow) and Marion County had during the same week 229 properties that have a pending sale offer (in escrow).
Marion County during that same week had the most closings with 281. The average sold price for Marion County was $113, 645 for that week and the average marketing time was 85 days. Johnson County had 63 properties that closed during that week and the average sold price at that time was $191,972 with an average of 81 days of marketing time. Hamilton County had the fasted marketing time of 45 days with an average sold price of $236,427 during that week.
When you are looking for a real estate firm who understands their clients and the market, contact the Settles Team. We are here to assist our clients in fulfilling their real estate dream.
Facing the financial aftermath of a divorce, Part 1
No matter how you twist and turn it, starting over after a divorce is not easy. Not only will be the assets divided but also the liabilities most of the time. Many times, it will hit a woman much harder than a man. Traditionally the man is the one who holds all the credit because traditionally they are the âbread winnersâ of the household. This does not hold true 100% of the time but it is close to 95% of the time.
Continue reading Facing the financial aftermath of a divorce, Part 1
DONâT BECOME A VICTIM AFTER A STORM
Many here in the United State have received a beating by mother nature at some time or other. Some in the path of straight line winds, others tornadoes, and some face flooding.
Let me throw out a warning.
After every storm there will be âhandyman storm chasersâ who knock on your door. Many are not licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. Be aware of these scammers. They are out to take your money leaving you high and dry.
Some of the possible red flags that a contractor is not a reputable contractor are
- Driving a truck with an out of state license
- Cannot give local referrals to call
- âforgotâ their contractors licenses at home
Some questions you should ask for are:
- How long have you been in business?
- Please provide me proof of insurance, bonding, and contractors licenses
- Please give me 72 hours to go over your written contract with my adviser
Donât do anything verbally or through a handshake. Put EVERYTHING in writing!
The best way to find a reputable contractor contract
- your Insurance Company,
- your local REALTOR,
- your State Licensing Agency,
- local Home Builders Association or
- through the National Association Of The Remodeling Industry (NARI).
All of them are glad to help out.
Why is my house not selling?
Have you ever driven though a neighborhood and noticed For Sale signs coming and going but there is that one house that has not sold and it is still sitting there waiting for a buyer?
I spoke to a friend of mine the other day who actually sold his home as a for-sale by-owner and he had his house sold within 4 days. His neighborâs house has been on the market already for several months.
Most the time you hear agents speak about location, location, location.
Many times you cannot control the location of your home unless you are willing to pick it up and move it. With trending neighborhoods, a good location might turn into an undesirable location and an undesirable location may turn into the new hot spot. Location is one of those things you cannot control so focus on the things you can control.
What is under your control?
- Cleanliness of the inside and outside
- Yard maintenance
- Property maintenance
- Interior decoration
Have your ever gone to the grocery store with the intention of picking up only one item and discover when returning to your car you had many items, but not the one you wanted? Think of your home like that grocery store. It is up to you and youâre listing agent to spark the interest of a potential buyer to as many characteristics of your house as possible.
In a store, the end caps at the end of each isle have a specific purpose and your end cap is the exterior of your home. The purpose for the end cap, and your exterior of your house, is to entice the buyer to take a look inside. The stores use high profit items to lure you to the end cap and all of the sudden you are inside the isle and see other things you think you would like to have.
Each item in each isle is strategically placed on the shelves. Have you ever noticed the more reasonable priced items are on the bottom shelve and the more lucrative items are right at eye height? Your isle is the interior of the house. So letâs put the more âreasonable pricedâ items like personal pictures, trophies and additional clutter on the very bottom of the shelve (storage) and put the more buyer appealing items at eye height. And remember, sometimes less is more.
The next time you go grocery shopping check out the lighting in the store. Have you ever noticed that the store has different types of lighting? Some areas have a more cool looking lighting and others have brighter lighting. Now translate this to your house you want to sell. The more inviting the lighting is in your house the more appealing it looks to the buyer.
Keep this in mind! Think of your home like that of a grocery store. It is up to you and youâre listing agent to entice the buyer to make them shop.
When you have any questions, or would like to have the Settles Team help you make your home look more appealing to a buyer, contact the Settles Team.