Ladies…we need to talk!

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This is especially for those of us over 40!

Warmer weather is approaching and I’d like to take the opportunity to bring two important issues to the forefront.

First…please, please, please look at yourself in the mirror before you leave the house…too short, too tight, too much skin…you don’t look young and sexy, you look like an old broad trying too hard to look young!  It just makes you look old, have a little respect for yourself.  Honestly, sometimes more is better and sexier!

Second…if you can’t walk in 5 inch heels…don’t try, you may look fantastic just standing there, but no one is going to think you are sexy when you start tottering away!  Duchess Catherine routinely wears 4 to 5 inch heels and walks elegantly in front of the world, if you can’t…buy something that still looks good, but you can actually walk in, it’s important that you are able to stride confidently wherever you go!

I swear I really miss the eternal wisdom of Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear, each week they made over women behaving like many of you…

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My friend Heather Swank owner of Brookson Insurance Posted this on her blog…you really need to think about this!

What Is Going On With Home Deductibles????

Did you get a letter with your home renewal this year forcing you into a higher deductible or a % deductible for wind and hail damage?  Be aware this is happening all over Indiana.  This year make sure you review your renewal for any changes like this.  
There are some basic facts surrounding these changes.  I know rates have been enough, but these changing deductibles are an attempt to change the face of home insurance in Indiana.  Indiana has seen consistent storm damage for fifteen plus years.  Each hail event we have results in millions of dollars in damage not to even begin wind, lighting, and tornado damage.  Hurricanes are no longer the big boys of catastrophe claims in the US hail has become the mass producing damage maker.  It’s because it hits every single day through storm season somewhere and now even beyond.  Late fall tornadoes, unexpected ice damage from harsh winters, and then right back into our storm season.  This has forced insurance carriers to raise pricing just to literally keep their heads above water.  On average in the US there are 12,000 hail events each year costing upwards of a billion dollars per year in damages.  Let me ask how many people have actually paid themselves out of pocket to replace their own roof on their home?  Yeah, it rarely if ever happens after so many years a storm blows in and poof a new roof.  The fact is most roofs being replaced should have been replaced by the homeowner well before that storm came along because of age and that is maintenance which is not the intention of the insurance policy to cover.   It has become an expectation of the homeowner that the roof will always be replaced and that is just not anything you will ever have to do.  This cost, the cost of replacing worn out roofs that should have been replaced far before a stone of hail came along, that is why the cost of insurance is skyrocketing. Be prepared for changes, but also be aware not all carriers are making those changes.  When shopping ask is there a higher wind hail deductible?  Or is there a % deductible for wind hail.  The % deductibles are often 2% sometimes higher.  What that means is that whatever your home is insured for the “dwelling” your deductible would be 2% of that. So, if your dwelling is insured for 260,000 then your wind hail deductible would be $5,200.   I know it seems as though the insurance world is a big evil machine when we pay our bills and never file claims, but it really is not.  Hey, I am an insurance agent and I still hate paying my premiums but I do so because I know I’m sharing risk so that when my time comes my claim will be paid.   These storm patterns we experience now are only getting worse so buckle up it will keep getting more expensive and it will keep changing.  I’m a proud insurance agent who fully understands the product and grasps how beautiful it really is.  We all pay in and when a family experiences a fire and loses everything they had in life you see the product in action.  It’s amazing life begins to rebuild and without insurance that would never happen.  A family could be financially devastated if they suffered a severe loss without it.   I remember standing on a slab in Kansas City in 2001 after tornadoes blew through and more coming literally every night.  I am a former claims adjuster I was dispatched there for claim work for 4 weeks.  Standing on the slab of what had been a home 48 hours prior I saw an American flag stuck to the only remaining portion of a wall.  In that moment I knew I was in the right field and kept on working claims until each family had been taken care of.  Today I watch out for insured families. This change in home insurance pricing and deductibles is the most major change I have seen in my career.  My lead carrier Erie Insurance has chosen NOT to create higher deductibles for wind or hail, nor are they applying % deductible.  Your regular deductible is what it is.  If you experience anyone stressed about the forced higher deductibles pass my agency name along.   Buckle up storms are upon us.  I’m here as always for any questions.   Heather Swank Brookson Insurance  317-534-5202 Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Brookson
Vicki Reed

How to survive a remodel…

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My friend Cindy Hiland of Servpro is used to taking care of others disasters…but when she decided to re-do her kitchen…I’ve asked her to share some of her stories and tips on surviving the remodel…

After years of doing repairs, I have provided all types of advice to our customers.  For example because losses are never convenient, I try to calm nerves by advising to go ahead and have celebrations when under construction.  This way, it won’t matter if someone spills wine/punch on the sub floor.  Additional things to add (since undergoing my own repairs)…
Plan an alternative route to your laundry, if applicable.  My neighbors have not appreciated my running from my front door in my pj’s and slippers, through the front yard, and around to the garage because my kitchen is completely cordoned off during repairs and is my regular route to the laundry.  There was snow on the ground during some of this which caused my family members to fight over who had to do the laundry.
Prepare some freezer crock pot meals before construction.  Trying to prepare dinner for 8 weeks without a stove, oven, etc is quite trying.  We’ve been creative, even tried to make some sweet potato chips, which caught fire on the grill.  They were just a little too crispy.
Along the lines of appliances…when operating your coffee pot, toaster oven, and mini microwave from your dining room, make sure they are not on the same breaker.  You will blow your breakers if you try to use two at once…and trust me, when you are trying to get your first cup of coffee…this matters!
Final piece of advice:  If washing dishes in your laundry room, don’t put your dishes on the washing machine to dry…IF you are going to wash a load of clothes.  Your dishes will fall off and break during the spin cycle.  (Unless of course, you are wanting a reason to get new dishes).
Hope this helps!
Cindy Hiland
Cindy
Servpro

Hats, Mint Juleps and Thoroughbreds…

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Ah yes…it’s Derby Day!  This year’s field is full of great contenders, check out the horses and odds on this table from Vegas Insider:

2014 Kentucky Derby Field and Odds
Post Position Horse Odds
1 Vicar’s In Trouble 20-1
2 Harry’s Holiday 50-1
3 Uncle Sigh 30-1
4 Danza 10-1
5 California Chrome 5-2
6 Samraat 15-1
7 We Miss Artie 50-1
8 General A Rod 15-1
9 Vinceremos 30-1
10 Wildcat Red 15-1
11 Hoppertunity (withdrew due to Injury) N/A
12 Dance With Fate 20-1
13 Chitu 20-1
14 Medal Count 20-1
15 Tapiture 15-1
16 Intense Holiday 12-1
17 Commanding Curve 50-1
18 Candy Boy 20-1
19 Ride On Curlin 15-1
20 Wicked Strong 8-1

Vegas Insider

 I would love to have one of the longshots come in!  To learn more about the horses, owners, trainers and jockey’s, visit the Kentucky Derby website (click here) for all the details!

My pick?  I’m going torn between Harry’s Holiday and Wicked Strong…how about you?

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Vicki Reed

They Found It!

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I have a couple of nieces that go to lots of auctions, flea markets and garage sales. When I was looking for a Tupperware ice breaker and lettuce keeper (the old model) I told them to keep an eye out. Sure enough, within a few months they had found both items!

With nice weather right around the corner (you hear that Old Man Winter?) there will be lots of places to find treasures and things you didn’t know you needed.

One  of my favorite places to ”shop”:

June 7 & 8 Best of all: Woodruff Place Flea Market http://www.woodruffplace.org/

And you’ll find anything, I mean anything here:  Croy Creek Traders Fair.  It is located in Reelsville, IN which is about 30 minutes west of Indianapolis, opens April 19 and runs thru Nov.

For a complete list, check out this site:

http://www.fairsandfestivals.net/states/IN/

Don’t forget the craft fairs either. There’s lots of creative people out there that can take old dishes or a 2-liter bottle and make a bird feeder. Although at the recent Indiana Artisan Fair, DIL2 and I only came back with edible items: noodles, wine, popcorn, jam, wine, hand dipped chocolate, wine, cheese spread, wine . . . . you get the picture!

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The Lord Ashley Ladies

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What a lovely way to start a weekend: good weather good friends, good food, excellent entertainment!

Niece JP and friend Ann joined me for dinner at Lord Ashley’s Pub on Pendleton Pike. I hadn’t been there for years and since it was on the way to the Oaklandon Civic Theatre, it was the perfect place to have dinner. The service and food were excellent; Ann’s tenderloin was bigger than her plate! I’m becoming a connoisseur of ‘house made potato chips’ and theirs got an A+. We had lively dinner conversation and must have talked a bit too loud (more on that later). Topics ranged from Southern Baptist ladies to pet dental care. The calendar said it was Ladies Nite after 10:00 p.m. but we didn’t think we’d be able to make it after the play; we’ll save that for the next time.

The Theatre was just down the street at the Oaklandon Unitarian Universalist Church. We found a good parking spot and moseyed to the door. Being ladies of a certain age, we needed to make a ‘pit-stop’ before the play began. Since this was a church, the ladies’ room was well appointed (flowers, pictures, air freshener). JP did discover that the men’s room was directly behind it and the construction of the wall left a gap that permitted sounds to disturb the occupants.

We made our way upstairs to pay for our tickets and find a seat. As we got settled, a woman approached us and said, “You’re the Lord Ashley ladies aren’t you? We sat at the table behind you and heard you discussing the garden show in Danville this weekend.” Well, yes, we were and we did – that was on our Saturday agenda. We chatted a few minutes then the play director approached us and said we’d have better seats on the opposite side since there would be a ‘parade’ in Act II that we didn’t want to miss. We gathered our things and made our way to stage right; or is it left? I can never remember which.

The production was Corn and Sausage in Harmony, a play based on books by Phillip Gulley. If you have stress in your life, read or listen to his books – very soothing and humorous.

This was a totally volunteer group of folks but they did a remarkable job enveloping us in their world of board meetings, gossip, marital and career strife, traditions and new ideas. Check their web page for future productions.

A wonderful way to spend a Friday evening – even if I did hit every pothole on Mass. Ave. – sorry Ann!

Indy is hosting a Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight Regional again this year!

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Did your team make it?  Where are they playing this weekend?  One team from each regional will be playing April 5 and 7 at the AT & T Stadium North Texas.

Really like to see the teams in action this weekend, but would really like to take a live look at the teams?  Try this….the day before the games, the venues are open and the teams each have scheduled practices so you can get a look at a team that might win the the NCAA National Championship in Texas.  My friends and I have been doing this for years, scheduling time off work and really enjoying the day of watching the teams practice.

Indianapolis is a regular on the location rotation for regional and championship games – when the Butler Bulldogs were in the Final Four, there were about 40,000 people in the stands to watch them PRACTICE!  I was there…were you?

This year, Indianapolis is hosting Louisville, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee and the schedule is Tennessee (Noon-12:50 p.m.); Kentucky (1-1:50 p.m.); Michigan (2:10-3 p.m.); Louisville (3:10-4 p.m.) – Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

All venues follow the same NCAA times of Noon to 12:50 p.m.; 1 – 1:50 p.m.; 2:10 – 3 p.m.and 3:10 – 4 p.m.

Take time out of your busy lives and stop in and check out the teams in your area…you’ll be glad you did!

 

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Vicki Reed

NCAA Coaches live where???

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Ever wonder where some of the NCAA coaches call home?  Think they live like we do?  Not really!  Early out in the NCAA offers them an opportunity to head to one of these great homes – MSN shares this slide show by Neal J. Leitereg of realtor.com:

March Madness mansions: Homes of college-hoops coaches

By Neal J. Leitereg of realtor.com

With its mix of powerhouse programs and Cinderella schools, March Madness energizes sports in a way that’s not quite like most events. At realtor.com, we’re pumped up from looking at the homes of some of NCAA basketball’s top coaches.

Take a look through the slide show below and tell us in the comments which coach’s home you would rank No. 1.

NOTE: All descriptive information comes from listings on realtor.com. Properties were on the market and listed as available at the time of publication in March 2014 unless noted otherwise.

Most people I know are likely most interested in Rick Pitino, Tom Izzo and Steve Alford’s homes, but I find the pricetags astounding!  And the square footage – who really needs 10,000 square feet!  Click through the slideshow to find out!

Meanwhile back in the state of Indiana…yes, I know, none of our teams made it to the dance this year, the spring market is really heating up, despite the fact we are in for a cold week ahead.  If you are thinking of buying or selling this spring, call, text or email me.

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Vicki Reed

Spring Selling Season Arrives Early!

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Winter finally seems to have broken and the temps seem to be on the upswing!  Homes in the hot areas are already moving quickly in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas.  If you’re thinking this spring is a good time to starting looking for a house, you aren’t alone. That’s the problem. Your dream house, which might have been easy enough for you to grab a few years ago, is being eyed by other potential buyers.

IT IS A SELLER’S MARKET!  Whether you are a first time buyer or a move-up/down buyer, you must have everything in order prior to viewing homes!  Gone are the days of getting your financing in order after you found the home of your dreams, in order to make the home buying process run as smoothly as possible, follow these simple tips and LISTEN TO YOUR REALTOR!:

1. Get your financing lined up.  You may not worry about being turned down by the mortgage lender, but the seller doesn’t know that. The seller may also be in a hurry to hand you the keys. YOU HAVE TO BE PRE-APPROVED FOR YOUR MORTGAGE!  There are 2 numbers when you are dealing with your financing – first is the number your lender approves you for and second is the number you are comfortable spending!  The lender may say you can spend $300,000, but what does that mean to your monthly budget?  Working with a lender will help you decide what the right number is – contact Pat Hammer at Waterstone Mortgage and get started today!

2. Try to find out why the seller is selling. Buying and selling homes are emotional decisions, an emotional seller versus a nonemotional seller will react to different things.  If you have sellers who raised their kids in the house and lived there for most of their lives, they may appreciate a buyer who will do the same. Sending a personal letter with your offer may move you to the front of the pack!

3. Be flexible.  If you’re competing against other buyers, be as accommodating as possible.  Be flexible on closing dates and occupancy, the goal is for you to get the home of your dreams, and see number 1…a mortgage contingency allows buyers to back out of the deal if they can’t get financing for the house. Sellers don’t like mortgage contingencies – they don’t want to wave off potential buyers only to learn that their buyer can’t actually purchase the house.

 4. Sweeten the deal.  In a hot market, it is not uncommon to offer over list price, how much more is up to you, but even another $500 might get the seller’s attention.  You could also consider waiving the appraisal. That means if the bank determines the house isn’t worth the purchase price you and the seller agreed to, and it won’t lend you all of the money to cover it, you’ll have to make up the difference – provided you have the funds, of course.

5. Be fast. This is a big decision and you likely don’t want to rush, but if you know you can afford the house and you love it and the neighborhood, then, yes, you probably should rush.  In an age of instantaneous communication, minutes count and can make the difference between an accepted or rejected offer.  Make certain your agent uses the most current technology such as electronic signatures, in order to ensure immediate responses.

6. Be bold. If you really want the house, don’t get too cute and make a lowball offer, thinking there will be a lot of negotiation. You should suggest something close to the price the homeowner is expecting, or risk your offer being ignored. And this isn’t the time to be petty – or cheap, don’t haggle over $500 on a $200,000 deal.

7. Provide good customer service. Wait, isn’t that the seller’s job? You would hope so, but in a competitive market, it comes down to thinking of the homeowner as your customer. You’ll get his business (well, the house) if you’re personable, easy to work with and able to offer a good deal. Of course, you want to make sure you don’t offer the seller such an amazing deal that you hate yourself the day after closing. You want the welcome mat – what you don’t want is to be a doormat.

I can help you meet your goals and provide excellent guidance through what is one of the most important purchases of your life…call, text or email me!

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Vicki Reed

Time for the Men’s Big Ten Tourney…

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…and we are hosting it right here in Indy!  Are you going?  As an Indiana fan, I’m disappointed in their performance this season, but I am not a fair weather fan and will continue cheering them on despite their record this season.

2014 is the ninth time Indianapolis has hosted the Tourney and the first game tips off at noon on Thursday with 8th seeded Indiana taking on 9th seeded Illinois…click here for the brackets to follow all the games!

The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament has only been around 16-years, sellout crowds, exciting and competitive games, national television coverage and throngs of media have been highlights of past years tournaments.  Since the beginning of the tournament, the Big Ten has  has had 6 teams crowned champion. Ohio State leads all Big Ten schools with 4 (2007, 2010, 2011, 2013), followed by Michigan State with 3 (1999, 2000, 2001). Illinois 2 (2003, 2005), Iowa 2 (2001, 2006) and Wisconsin 2 (2004, 2008), and Purdue 1 in 2009.

Just remember, while each team participates in the tournament and the winner receives the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, but the team (or teams) that finish at the top of the regular-season standings is the Big Ten Champion. The bracket is seeded according to the final regular-season standings with the conference champion earning the top seed and the top four finishers receiving first-round byes.

Not going to the games, you can find the games covered by 4 different networks.  BTN will carry the opening 2 games as well as 2 primetime games on Friday.  ESPN2 will cover Thursday’s primetime matchups, ESPN will carry Friday’s afternoon games and CBS Sports takes over on Saturday for the semifinals and Sunday’s championship game.

So…are you going to the Fieldhouse to catch your favorite team?

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Vicki Reed