It’s the 48th year of The Penrod Arts Fair™. Penrod is one of the nation’s largest single day arts fairs. Saturday, September 6th, 2014 on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This year’s fair features over three hundred artists, six stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non-profit organizations, and an extensive children’s area. Also, don’t forget to visit the Indiana Craft Beer Garden! Billed as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” it runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is $15 per person for advance tickets and $20 the day of the fair.
For a more elegant option, at $100 per person, you can get a preview at the exclusive An Evening with Penrod™ at The IMA. This is the Second Annual Evening with Penrod™ and is presented by the National Bank of Indianapolis as an exclusive preview of the Penrod Arts Fair on Friday, September 5th, 2014 from 6:00-10:30 pm on the beautiful grounds of the IMA. For all the details, click here to visit the website!
So what is the purpose of this annual event? The Penrod Society is a volunteer organization, strongly rooted in Central Indiana. Their mission focuses on the cultivation, encouragement and development of public interest in and support of those arts, cultural and educational institutions located in and around Marion County, Indiana, its surrounding counties and the Central Indiana area in general.
For more on their history, I visited their website for this information on their founding…
In 1967 a group of twenty two men formed The Penrod Society™. The volunteer organization was designed to support the cultural and educational activities of Indianapolis-area artists, students, and arts organizations. “Penrod” pays homage to Penrod Schoefield, a literary character from Indianapolis novelist Booth Tarkington.
Over forty years later, The Penrod Arts Fair™ has become an Indianapolis tradition. Each year over 20,000 fair patrons visit the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art on the first Saturday after Labor Day. The Penrod Arts Fair™ showcases hundreds of artists, and offers live music, performing arts and local cuisine. Proceeds from this one-day celebration provide grants for Indianapolis-area arts and community organizations.
In addition to launching the Arts Fair, The Penrod Society™ was also instrumental in creating the Economic Club of Indianapolis and the Prelude Awards.
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
LABOR DAY LEGISLATION
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
FOUNDER OF LABOR DAY
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
THE FIRST LABOR DAY
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
A NATIONWIDE HOLIDAY
The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.
Thinking about selling your home? Just a few things to think about…
Renovations: The changes that make your house work for you may not appeal to potential buyers. Not everybody loves that bright blue paint color — no matter how much you personally adore it. Make sure any big changes you make will increase, rather than decrease, your home’s value.
ALWAYS leave during open houses and showings: No hovering! Current homeowners hovering over potential buyers as they tour the house…it’s a lot of pressure and can prevent them from giving honest feedback that could ultimately help you sell your home.
Waiting to list in the Spring: Most people house hunt in the spring and summer, but that’s also when most people list their homes. List yours when it’s available and you’ll reach those buyers who need a home now and aren’t finding much on the market.
Setting the price too high: What your home is worth to you and what it’s worth on the current market can be vastly different. Take a good look at the comparables provided by your REALTOR® and follow their advice…we are the experts! Ignore Zillow…the Zestimates they offer are just WRONG!
Not doing enough marketing: Just putting up a “for sale” sign isn’t enough. Talk with your REALTOR® about other options, like online listings with virtual tours to attract buyers who aren’t looking on Craigslist!
Not getting a real estate agent: Unless you’ve had plenty of experience, going the “for sale by owner” route is probably not a smart bet. A REALTOR® can give you insights, marketing advice and, most importantly, can get your property on the multiple-listing service (or MLS or if you are in Indianapolis, BLC), which gets it in front of other agents.
Not staging your house: You need to help buyers envision themselves in your home. This includes removing any clutter and overly personal items (like family photographs) and making sure furniture flows well and demonstrates the purpose of each room. Don’t go overboard, sometimes you can declutter and depersonalize to the point that the potential buyers can’t envision anything! Discuss with your REALTOR® and if they don’t have a good eye, bet they know a good stager!
Okay, now are you ready? Call, text or email me and let’s get started!
Buying a home is an emotional decision for most people, this is where you will likely spend the next 5 to 7 years of your life, more if you buy right and love the area. Do your research! Think about these things and when you are ready…CALL ME!
Researching the neighborhood: Is this some place you really want to live? What amenities are nearby? How is the school district? What does the traffic and street activity look like when you drive by it at different times of day, like Sunday morning and Monday evening rush hour?
Get an inspection: This is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and you’ll be living with it for years to come. Don’t pinch pennies — shell out $400 for an inspection. Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Remember, you can paint! Don’t buy or not based on decor: Paint color can be changed. Tiles and cabinets can be changed. What you want to look at are the bones of the house. Will it meet your needs? Does it flow well? Does it have enough space?
Don’t buy the most expensive home on the block: Hate to break it to you, but the most expensive home on the block isn’t a good deal. It will only depreciate over time, and you could have trouble selling it when buyers can see plenty of more reasonably priced options in the same neighborhood.
Be realistic with your budget: There are 2 numbers to look at when you are buying a home, just because your lender says you qualify for a $250,000 mortgage, that doesn’t mean you can afford it, especially when you factor in the other costs that come with homeownership. Be real and only look at houses you can realistically afford.
Be realistic about your DIY abilities: Will you really tear down that wall to make a master suite or gut the entire kitchen to make it work for you? Don’t let too much HGTV and delusions of grandeur drive you to buy an ongoing project you’ll regret taking on.
Have money for a down payment: FHA financing requires 3.5% down, Insured Conventional 5 or 10%, Conventional 20%. Anything less than 20% down and you’ll pay private mortgage insurance (aka PMI) payments and a higher monthly mortgage payment overall. It may be worth saving up for an extra year or two to reduce your long-term costs. VA and USDA are 100% down programs, but make certain that’s how you want to go.
Make sure you are ready: Are you financially ready? Are you ready emotionally? Are you sure you want to stay in this area for years? Does your income feel stable? Are you prepared to take on all that yard work and the repairs you avoided as a renter?
Think you are ready? Time to call in the experts and find a realtor! Call or text me at 317-919-7931 or email at vlrrealestate@gmail.com…I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Where did the summer go? As a Realtor, my business is so busy, especially during the summer months, I am surprised to realize it’s almost Labor Day and another summer has passed us by…and my friends will tell you it’s just because I’m getting old, I turn 50 on Sunday!
Make the most of your fall and visit a few of these great events:
• Greekfest: An event featuring live music and dancing, authentic food and pastries, Greek wine and craft brews. 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 22; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 3500 W. 106th St., Carmel. Info:greekfest.org. Cost: Free. New this year is a cafeteria-type line will be featured for one-stop shopping at all the food booths, and craft beers will be offered from Quaff On!, Oaken Barrel, and Sun King.
• WarmFest: A four-day music festival. Varied hours, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Ave. Info: Warmfest.org. Tickets: Starting at $10 for a single-day pass. This year will feature tented spaces for private gatherings, stocked with coolers of bottled water and other amenities.
• Zionsville Fall Festival: This festival kicks off with a carnival and includes a pet pavilion, beer garden with live music and a car show. Sept. 6-7, Lions Club Park, 115 S. Elm St., Zionsville. Info: zionsvillelions.com. Free.
• Heartnut Festival: A festival named after Heartnut trees planted in Johnson County Park, Nineveh. Includes food, music and a historic encampment. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Sept. 6; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7. Info: jocoparks.com, (812) 526-6809. Free.
• Penrod Arts Fair: In its 48th year, Penrod features five entertainment stages, hundreds of artists and food and beverages. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 6, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. Info: penrod.org. Cost: $15 advance; $20 at the gate.
• St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival: A festival of entertainment and food featuring beignets, quiche, Provencal chicken and other delicacies. Noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 6, St. Joan of Arc Church, 4217 Central Ave. Info: sjoa.org/frenchmarket. Free.
• Back to the Fifties Festival: A community festival featuring a street dance, children’s activities and a car show. 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 12; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 13, downtown Lebanon. Info: fifitiesfestival.com. Free.
• Indy Irish Fest: A celebration of all things Irish including food and entertainment. 4:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 12; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 13; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14. Military Park, 601 W. New York St. Info: indyirishfest.com. Cost: Adults (advance) $10 per day (gate price) $15 per day; students (5-13) and military, $5 per day; children (4 and younger), free.
• Festival of Machines: A festival celebrating the history of automobile manufacturing and sports. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13-14, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road. Info: connerprairie.org. Admission: Free to members. Non-members: Adults, $15; seniors, $14; youth 2 to 12, $10.
• Fair on the Square in Danville: An annual event sponsored by Tri Kappa Sorority featuring food and crafts.10 a.m. to 6 pm. Sept. 13; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14, Courthouse Square. Info: danvilletrikappa.org. Free.
• Jazz Festival: Three jazz bands and food come to Main Street, 2 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14, 12th and Main Streets, Speedway. Info: indyjazzfest.net. Free.
• Plainfield Quaker Day Festival: A carnival to raise funds toward construction of a handicapped accessible playground. Sept. 19-21, 105 S. East St., Plainfield. Info:quakerdayfestival.weebly.com. Free.
• Fiesta Indianapolis: A cultural event featuring arts and entertainment celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.Noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 20, American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St. Info: (317) 890-3292. Free.
• Harvest Moon Festival: A carnival, classic car show and 5K run walk, 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18-20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21,Biddle Memorial Park, 610 E. 10th St, Sheridan. Info: sheridanharvestmoon.com. Free.
• Speedway Spectacular: A chili cook off, pumpkin and face painting and hayrides are part of this event, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20, Leonard Park, 1450 N. Lynhurst Drive, Speedway. Info: townofspeedway.org. Free.
• CANvitational: A canned craft beer festival with music and food trucks. 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 20, Georgia Street and Pan Am Plaza, Downtown. Info: canvitational.com. Cost: $60 in advance and $75 day of event.
• Festival of the Turning Leaves: A street fair celebrating 40 years with a parade, food court and car show,noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 26; 8 a.m.-midnight Sept. 27; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28. Main Street, Thorntown. Info: thorntownfestival.org. Free.
• Brewfest: A 21-and-older event featuring beer sampling. 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Forest Park, 701 Cicero Road, Noblesville. Info: forestparkpool.org/Brewfest. Cost: $25 in advance (tickets can be purchased from Vintage Spirits, Runners Forum or Forest Park Pool), $30 at the door.
• Carmel International Arts Festival, an event featuring more than 130 juried artists. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, Carmel Arts & Design District, at the corner of Main Street and Rangeline Road, Carmel. Info:carmelartsfestival.org. Free.
• End of Summer Festival: A chance to end summer with canoeing, crafts, gaga ball, and horseback riding. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14, Happy Hollow Camp, 3049 Happy Hallow Road, Nashville. Info: (317) 638-3849. Cost: $25 a person, ages four to 17, $10, three and younger, free.
• Pioneer Fair: A re-creation of an 1822-1865 pioneer village.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20, noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21, Shelby County Fairgrounds, 500 Frank St., Shelbyville. Info: (317) 392-4634. Cost: $3 at the gate, over age six. Free parking.
• Stonycreek Farm Pumpkin Harvest Festival: A celebration of the season with hayrides to the pumpkin patch. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 31, Stonycreek Farm Nursery & Landscaping, 11366 State Road 38 East Noblesville. Info:stonycreekfarm.net, (317) 773-3344. Cost: Parking $5.
• Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony: An art and music festival featuring German food and beer. Noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Witten Park, 13578 E. 131st St. and Olio Road, Fishers. Info: fishersfreedomfetival.org. Free.
• Fall Harvest Festival: Hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a petting zoo are part of this event. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 31. Waterman’s Family Farm. Two locations: 7010 E. Raymond St. features straw mountain climb and maze; 1100 N. Ind. 37, Greenwood features a bounce house and activities for younger children. Info:watermansfamilyfarm.com. Free.
• Holy Name Oktoberfest: The church’s main fund raising event with lively entertainment including the Flying Toasters and Polkaboy. 5 p.m. to midnight Oct. 3-4, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 89 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove. Info:holyname.cc/parish/oktoberfest, (317) 784-5454. Free.
• Scottish Highland Games and Festival: This event features nearly 50 amateur athletes competing in highland heavy athletic events including the caber toss. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 11, German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St. Info:indyscotgamesandfest.com. Cost: Adults (13 and up), $15, children (five to 12), $5. Family packages area available for $35 (two adults and up to three children five to 12 years).
• Pumpkinfest at Country Market: Hayrides, farm animals, face painting and a moo train are part of this fun festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, every weekend in October. *To celebrate the 15th anniversary, the festival will also be open Sept. 27-28 and Nov. 1-2, 795 S. US Hwy 421, Zionsville. Info:thepumpkinfest.com, Cost: Adults, $10, ages three to 15, $9, under two, free.
• Riley Festival: An annual event celebrating the birthplace of poet James Whitcomb Riley. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 3-4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 5. Downtown Greenfield. Info: rileyfestival.com. Free.
• Heartland Apple Festival at Beasley’s Orchard: Live entertainment, hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a kid’s zone are part of the event. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12. 2304 East Main St., Danville. Info: (317) 745-4876. Cost: $5 per a carload.
• Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival: An event celebrating the last original covered bridge in Hamilton County.11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4, Potter’s Bridge Park, 19401 Allisonville, Rd., Noblesville. Info: (317) 770-4407. Free.
• Franklin Fall Festival: A community festival with food, crafts and free concerts. 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 4, downtown Franklin. Info: franklinparks.org. Free.
• Fishers Renaissance Faire: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this faire is all about Medieval merriment. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 4-5, 13578 E. 131st St. Fishers. Info: Cost: Ages 13 and up, $12, ages five to 12, $5, four and under, free. Info:fishersrenfaire.com.
• Fall Foliage Festival: A festival featuring a carnival, quilt show, car show, artisan market and Mayor’s breakfast, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 9, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13. Parade at 1 p.m., Oct. 12. Downtown Square, Martinsville. Info:morgancountyfallfoliagefestival.com. Free.
• Headless Horseman: A seasonal event when the grounds are transformed to “Conner Scairie.” 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10-12, Oct. 16-19, Oct. 23-26, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. Info: connerprairie.org. Cost: Thursdays and Sundays – $10 presale, $12 at the gate, free to members. Friday and Saturday $14 pre-sale, $16 at the gate. Pre-sale tickets are available at Mainstreet Marsh and O’Malia’s locations.
• Traders Point Creamery Oktoberfest: The grounds and barns come alive with seasonal food and entertainment, noon to 7 p.m.Oct. 11, Traders Point Creamery, 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville. Info: (317) 733-1700. Cost: $8 pre-sale attraderspointcreamery.com and $10 at the gate. Children under 10 are free.
• Germanfest: A family-friendly event celebrating all things German. noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 11, Atheneum Ratskeller Biergarten, 401 E. Michigan St. Info:athenaeumfoundation.org. Cost; Adutls $8 in Advance, $10 at the door; children 1-12, $2. This year The Athenaeum is partnering with the Pickled Peddler, beer bikes. Discounts will be offered to festival participants.
It’s not just the “People of Wal-Mart“, it seems to be the world…pajama pants are not pants…DO NOT WEAR THEM IN PUBLIC!
I miss Stacy London and Clinton Kelly and their weekly wisdom of “What Not To Wear“!
Driving home through the city streets from downtown Indy after showing homes…it’s 6:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, I see no fewer than 6 people walking down the street wearing pajama pants…
Have you done it? Gone to the store in your jammies? Maybe you just needed milk for your morning cereal or you really like how your pajamas feel and believe you look like Hugh Hefner…but deep inside – in the place that determines the difference between right and wrong — you know it’s just not appropriate.
Are we, as a culture, on a downward spiral of style? Do we in the midwest simply not care how we look? So what changed? Do we no longer face the same social pressures they would have centuries ago, or even a couple decades ago.
That social pressure, the unwritten rules about how someone should or should not dress, has always existed. How we look is a signal and communicates how we feel…when we know when we see an appropriate outfit and when something doesn’t look quite right…we notice that too! It’s called a social norm and the norms around fashion incorporate the function of clothing as well as cultural attitudes.
That boundary of what you wear around your home to what you wear in public is strongly influenced by what we see celebrities, one photo of a celeb wearing something inappropriate validates many people and they leave home wearing the same thing…whether it’s appropriate or not!
I’m very careful about how I dress outside my home…you might find me running around in shorts/sweats and a t-shirt at home, no make-up, hair messy…but I simply don’t leave the house like that…and friends…always call before you decide to stop by!
For the first time in 67 years, alcohol is being served at the Indiana State Fair…in an exhibit hall behind the fried food and lemonade stands and across from the Coliseum, the new Indiana Beer and Wine Exhibition at the Indiana State Fair isn’t the spectacle of stumbling drunks opponents expected.
There are strict drink limits, those who wish to partake purchase wristbands with three detachable drink vouchers to spend as they please. The choices are simple, a drink consists of a 12-ounce glass of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine or four smaller samples of beer or wine for those who want to try a variety.
The exhibit is a showcase of Indiana’s local breweries and wineries. The offerings change from day to day, as Indiana breweries and wineries take alternating turns in the spotlight and the exhibit is geared toward a casual audience…sweeter wines and crowd-pleasing brews geared toward those who have never tried a craft beer.
Most are giving the exhibit rave reviews, the only negative I’ve heard is that there isn’t enough seating!
The state’s reluctance to serve alcohol may have been a blessing in disguise, the key to lifting the ban was that the product’s would all be from local, Indiana based wineries and breweries…no international brands allowed.
This is supposed to be an exhibit, apparently the “exhibit” leaves something to be desired on education, some servers offer in-depth explanations of their offerings; others don’t. There is a trough of hops in the entry and a teaser to a Prohibition exhibit at the Indiana State Museum but little else on display.
What do you think? The Indiana State Fair is supposed to be about Indiana and with the increasing numbers of wineries and breweries, I think it’s a brilliant way to showcase these tax paying employers and hopefully increase their business which can only improve the economy over time. Would love to hear from you!
We’ve all heard these questions or statements at one time or another, so I decided to answer them in an easy-to-digest list you can forward to all your associates and misinformed friends.
Whether buying, selling, leasing, or looking, many clients or prospective clients have offered at least one of these statements to us, and we’ve all done our best to suppress a vigorous eye-roll.
So read on for a thorough debunking of the Top 10 Myths About Realtors:
1) You’ll get a better deal if you buy directly from the listing agent.
Not true. In the majority of contracts, the seller has agreed to pay a set commission beforehand. If the buyer has their own agent, the commission is split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent. It makes little difference to the seller either way. In fact, it will likely help you, as a buyer, to have your own representative during negotiations.
2) Agents are paid the entire commission.
Definitely not. For most agents, they are splitting the commission with their broker. It can be as low as 50/50.
3) Agents get paid to drive clients around or show property.
Not so. We only make money when a transaction is closed and funded.
4) If you’re not being offered as much as you want for your home, your agent just isn’t working hard enough.
Not really. An overpriced home just doesn’t sell. Also, unless it is a cash sale, your home will have to appraise. The appraisal will be based off comparable sales of similar homes in your area that have recently sold. Your agent has no control over this. Just because your neighbor is asking $50,000 more for his home still doesn’t mean that is what it’s worth, or what he’ll actually get for it when it eventually sells. A home that doesn’t appraise will not be financable. Also, an outdated home is not worth as much as an updated one.
5) All Realtors are rich.
While real estate can be a big money maker, it’s also true that 20 percent of the agents do 80 percent of the business. It may seem like an agent makes a lot of money at once on a transaction, but real estate is a very expensive business to be in. Namely, yearly and monthly dues and fees to national and state associations, local MLS, local showing service, and your broker. Plus, the agents pay for gas, signs, advertising, key boxes, websites, professional photography, health insurance, etc. Pretty much anything real estate related comes out of the agent’s pocket. Most are lucky to walk away with 1 percent of a transaction.
Not all Realtors have huge billboards and fancy cars!
6) Realtors are just trying to make a sale, and will lie or stretch the truth to do so.
Again, definitely not. Not only are there legal liabilities, a realtor’s business is based off referrals. They’d rather have you refer three friends than tell three friends about your bad experience.
7) An agent can only show his or her own listings, or those of their sponsoring broker.
Not true. A buyer’s agent can show any listing on the market. The agent makes no more money from their client buying a listing from their personal broker or someone else. That said, the agent will make “both sides” of the commission if they sell their own listing to one of their buyers. In Texas, this causes an agent to go into “Intermediary Status,” meaning they are no longer advising either client, as opposed to double agency where the agent is actually advising both sides.
8) Real Estate is an “easy” job since its just “driving around and looking at pretty houses.”
Real Estate is VERY hard. It is constant marketing, prospecting, and handling complex transactions. It can be a lot of time and effort with no guaranteed return. Agents are trying to make a living like everyone else. It can be extremely stressful. It’s very rewarding to find someone the right property, but until the transaction closes, it’s pretty high stress for the agent as well as the client.
It’s rarely part time. Agents are constantly answering calls, emails and texts. Nights, weekends and holidays included. And it’s not easy either. Agents work with people on the biggest financial transactions of their lives. It’s emotional and complicated.
Not just anyone can be an agent. An agent has to be a special person that is knowledgable, helpful, and very think skinned. We deal with emotional people, rude people and time wasters every day. We have to stay up to date with mandatory continued education classes and be great negotiators.
9) You do not need to talk to a lender until you have found a home to buy.
It is better to have financing worked out before you even start to look. If you do find a home you’d like to purchase, you’ll need a preapproval letter to place an offer. If your potential new home is in a popular area, it may get several offers on the first day. If you’re not preapproved, you could miss out. Plus, you want to know the amount you’ll qualify for, and not be looking at homes outside of your budget or possibly be able to afford more home than you originally thought.
10) Driving a fancy car or having a bunch of “million dollar listings” is a directly related to how good an agent is.
Not necessarily. Some agents have huge, very visible businesses. Some do not. There are plenty of great agents that provide wonderful, personalized service that do not have a billboard or magazine cover. Find an agent that you get along with, who understands your needs.
Carmel developer REI Investments has agreed to buy the 102-acre former General Motors Stamping Plant site and is moving forward with efforts to develop a large outdoor amphitheater on the eastern half of the property.
As part of the deal, the city is exploring plans to build a justice center on the western half of the property that includes a new jail.
REI gained control of the property through a purchase agreement reached with the RACER Trust, the Michigan-based entity that has controlled the site since GM vacated it in 2011.
REI president Mike Wells said his company is exploring financing options — including forming partnerships — to build the 15,000-seat outdoor amphitheater. If REI can’t find financing, he said, building apartments, restaurants and retail on the site remains a back-up plan.
“We’re going to have to come up with a decision in the fall as to what direction we will go,” he said. “And then I think we would start construction probably in the second quarter (of 2015.)
Wells said the opportunity to acquire the property was too good to pass up, though, he said, REI’s involvement was somewhat accidental.
About a year ago, he said, he attended a public meeting the RACER Trust held to discuss potential uses for the former stamping plant site. Wells said he didn’t have strong interest in the property at that time, but spoke up after several comments were made about reusing the stamping plant.
Reusing the plant, Wells recalls saying at the meeting, isn’t a viable option. He told the RACER Trust it should be torn down and the site should be redeveloped, perhaps as an amphitheater.
“This building is an eyesore and is not going to be reused in its current form,” Wells said.
He remained in contact with RACER and ultimately decided to place a bid for the property.
“The opportunity to acquire and redevelop an iconic property like the Indianapolis Stamping Plant doesn’t come along very often, and we’re thrilled that RACER selected our firm to write the next chapter in its history,” Well said.
The plant site is in a prominent location along the west bank of White River just south of Washington Street. GM closed the plant and transferred ownership to the Michigan-based trust as part of the automaker’s 2009 bankruptcy. The trust was created in bankruptcy court to clean up and sell for redevelopment about 89 former GM sites.
The amphitheater would compete with other local venues.
The plant is across the river from White River State Park, which since 2004 has hosted its own concerts at The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn, with a capacity of 7,400 spectators.
The area’s premier outdoor venue, Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, seats 24,000.
Mayor Greg Ballard, who proposed the consolidated justice center at the site, still has to persuade the City-County Council to go along with the plan.
RACER said it won’t sell the site to REI if it isn’t able to negotiate a development agreement with the city.
REI was one of 10 companies invited to bid on the site. Four submitted proposals.
REI is a longtime commercial developer whose projects include the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.
Call Star reporter Jeff Swiatek at (317)444-6483. Follow him on Twitter: @JeffSwiatek.
What do you think…can Indianapolis support another concert venue?
The chances of winning a $1-million lottery ticket are slim. Winning the same lottery twice is unheard of.
Yet an Indianapolis man defied the odds twice, winning his second $1-million prize in three months.
Robert Hamilton claimed his $1 million from the Hoosier Lottery Commission July 22, according to a news release. He purchased the ticket in the $120 Million Cash Spectacular Scratch-off from a Speedway on South East Street.
After taxes, Hamilton collected $792,846.04, according to the website.
Hamilton won another $1-million prize in the same game three months earlier, on April 28. He told the commission he stopped by a Casey’s in Jasonville on his way to a conference and purchased the winning ticket there.
“It’s the icing on the cake,” Hamilton said, as he claimed his second prize.
The odds of winning the $1-million prize on that game are one in 2.1 million, according to the news release. Five of the $120 Million Cash Spectacular Scratch-off prizes remain unclaimed.
With his first prize, Hamilton bought a house with his wife Donna Hamilton, paid some bills, scheduled a vacation, bought a truck for his father and purchased equipment for his commercial trash hauling company.
This time around, Hamilton said he plans to buy a motorcycle.
Donna Hamilton said she and her husband wouldn’t let the winnings go to their heads.
Living in Indy 