Tag Archives: buyers

Happy Labor day…do you know why today is a holiday????

Posted on by

From the U.S. Department of Labor Website:

LABOR DAY: WHAT IT MEANS

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.

So what are your plans for this holiday?

labor day

Vicki Reed

 

Time to Sell?

Posted on by

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!

sold

Vicki Reed

 

Think you are ready to buy a house?

Posted on by

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!

Buying a house

Vicki Reed

 

 

Lucky Guy!

Posted on by

Have you seen the latest Hoosier Lottery news?  Indiana Resident has won $1 million…TWICE in 3 months!  From the Indy Star…

Indy man wins $1M lottery prize for second time

Steph Solis, steph.solis@indystar.com10:51 a.m. EDT July 30, 2014
LINKEDINCOMMENTMORE

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.

“We’re just everyday, normal people,” she said.

Lucky guy!

Vicki Reed

In case you missed it…

Posted on by

Tired of panhandlers, not only downtown, but at stop lights?  Check out this great column by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz (been a fan of his since his days on 1430 am when it was news radio), he always has a great take on Living in Indy…

Abdul: Turned down by Indy’s stingy panhandlers

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz2:19 p.m. EDT July 22, 2014

Panhandlers in Downtown Indianapolis are some of the most stingy people I have ever met.

I’ll give you a second to catch your breath.

Yes, I accused Downtown panhandlers of being stingy. Allow me to explain.

As someone who works and frequently plays in the Mile Square, I come across panhandlers every day. They include the “physically disabled” woman outside of Starbucks on Monument Circle who manages to haul around a shopping cart full of her stuff, the guy who has been trying to get enough money for gas so he can get his family stuck on the Eastside to Memphis, and the two guys who are “broke and homeless” but talked about their cellphone plans when they didn’t think anyone was listening.

There is nothing more annoying than trying to enjoy a meal, cigar or just some quiet time and have people come up to ask for money. And since the City-County Council Democrats continue to block any meaningful proposal to get these guys off the streets, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I decided to turn the tables on the panhandlers and start asking them for money.

Now I had a couple of ground rules. I would not approach anyone who was just holding a sign. Instead, I decided to approach only those panhandlers who either walked up to me and asked for money or solicited cash when I walked by them. And I would ask for money only once it was clear that’s what they wanted.

It was a fantastic experiment.

On the first day, as I sat on the veranda at Nicky Blaine’s on the Circle having a cigar and cocktail, the first panhandler approached me. He went through the usual spiel and right before he asked for money, I interrupted and asked him for a dollar. His jaw dropped; so I asked again. He told me he didn’t have any money to give, and I told him that makes two of us. He walked away bewildered.

On the second day, I was approached by a young guy who is always on the Circle selling candy. Every day it’s a new organization that he’s selling candy for; unless the line he’s using that day is that he’s selling the candy to pay for summer classes at college.

As I walked by, he asked if I had money to buy candy. I told him I didn’t, but could he float me a couple of bucks so I could get lunch? He told me he didn’t have any money. I told him that he must be a horrible salesman to have been out on the Circle all day selling candy and not have any money.

That story repeated itself, no matter how many times I asked panhandlers for money. The answer was always no. One even went so far as to curse me out. He sounded like something out of an old Redd Foxx comedy bit.

What fascinated me the most was the fact that people who spend all day begging others for money had the nerve to get mad when someone did it to them. So maybe that’s the way we should deal with Indy’s panhandling problem: simply ask them for money.

Maybe they’ll get tired of us panhandling and then they will avoid Downtown so the rest of us can enjoy it. Just a thought. By the way, you got a dollar you can spare?

Shabazz is an attorney and the editor and publisher of IndyPolitics.org. Email him at abdul@indypolitics.org.

downtown

Vicki Reed

I’m back…

Posted on by

Yes, I’ve been gone…so many things to update you on!

First and most importantly, I’ve moved!  Last year I wrote a few posts about helping my friend Kate purchase a co-op in Irvington and another couple about the Irvington area…well, now I’m a resident and Kate’s neighbor!

I now live in a townhome…basement, main floor has a living room, dining room and kitchen, second floor has 2 bedrooms…well, actually 1 bedroom and a dressing room (built in 1917 = no closet space, turned 2nd bedroom into a dressing room!) and a bath and lastly, the attic space has been finished and makes a perfect office!  I have a 1 car detattached garage and have finally stopped shutting the door while still sitting in the car, getting used to a garage NOT attached to the house has been one of my biggest challenges!

I love my new neighborhood!  Kate and I walked to dinner at Legend and stopped for ice cream at the new ice cream shop on Washington Street.  The very walkable lifestyle of Irvington is fantastic!  September is the Historic Home Tour…and I am participating – more on that another day.

In addition to moving, unpacking, etc., my business has been going very well, several closings over the months of June and July and many happy families.

Most importantly, an update on my beautiful nieces:  Allyson and Jordan graduated from high school, Michelle is engaged to Zack and I went on a short trip with Ashley, Riley and my Parents…it’s been a crazy couple of months and I have enjoyed every bit of it!  Ashley and Riley will be the first of them to see the new place (Sunday) can’t wait to hear what they have to say about it!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer and look forward to Living in Indy being back on track!

For Home Tour

Vicki Reed

NCAA Coaches live where???

Posted on by

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.

images

Vicki Reed

Spring Selling Season Arrives Early!

Posted on by

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!

images

Vicki Reed

Who’s visiting Indy this Spring????

Posted on by

The Indianapolis Star has published it’s list of the 20 most interesting people visiting Indiana this spring.  Here is the intro and list, who’s on your list to see?

Recap of 12 Wishes of Christmas from last season….

Posted on by

It seems like yesterday that I was writing the 12 Wishes of Christmas series, hard to believe it’s been a year!  I thought it was time to run through them again and see where we are in 2013…

Wish # 1 – I wish for my family and friends to find happiness and success in their everyday lives….let’s see…we’ve had a few job changes and promotions, a pregnancy (slightly unexpected), a wedding (no it’s not the same one), a couple of deaths and a more successful year in real estate for me.  All in all, things improving or at least moving in the right direction…

Wish # 2 – My second wish is that everyone feel loved and valued…I found that over the last year, I have made an impact on a number of lives of friends and even the new agents in our Keller Williams office…I simply do what I do and several have graciously shared with me that I have had an impact on their lives…makes me cry tears of joy, but I’m weepy at this time of year anyway!

Wish #3 – Everyone remember to be human, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.  I have tried to pay more attention to those around me this year, held doors for others whose load was greater than mine, taken the time to speak when in the past I might have been caught up in my mind (or my phone!) and not paid attention.  I intend to continue this trend, it gives me a warm feeling inside and I’m sure it translates to my outside!

Wish #4 – we, as a society, remember the victims of senseless acts of violence and make changes in how we treat ourselves, our loved ones, and one another.  This was written immediately following the Newton school shooting.  I struggle with our media as it creates a “psuedo-celebrity” of those who commit the crime and doesn’t focus enough on the victims.  They are looking for their “15 minutes”, let’s not give it to them!

Wish # 5 – is that society curb their consumerism.  I don’t know about you, but I truly need…nothing.  I have clothes, furniture, shoes (way more than I need, but love them all!), bags, accessories, well, just everything!  in 2013, I bought 2 long-sleeve white t-shirts (on sale total was $21) and a pair of black sandals on sale for $20 – mine broke in the middle of my day and Payless was closer!  That’s it…what did you buy?

Wish # 6 – goes along with Wish # 5 is that we as individuals work to reduce our debt on a path to eliminating it.  I have!  I can say that I no longer carry any credit card debt!  I do still owe my Dad for a few things, but he will be taken care of by the end of 2014…on thing at a time.  I’ve also working on The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey – the man makes sense, wish someone had introduced me to this years ago!

Wish # 7 – that we turn off  the television more often and lessen the constant bombardment of advertising, noise and a 24/7 news cycle.  I’m the first to admit, I am a TV junkie…but only for the noise! I am one of those people who have the TV on all the time, I am likely not really watching it, but it is on while I’m reading, working at home, or cooking, eating…I’m still working on this one!

Wish # 8 – that I would win the lottery…I’ve won about $12 this year, haven’t been able to make a big change with this, but I’m still wishing!

Wish # 9 – that we open ourselves to receiving help from others when we need it and not being shy about asking for help from our family and friends.  This can be humbling, but sometime necessary…be grateful that you have people in your life who are so willing to share what they have and be ready to share with them in the future.

Wish # 10 – that we curb our excess eating and drinking and work toward a healthier lifestyle.  I have failed miserably on this one…my 2013 has been very stressful, the hope is that 2014 will be easier and I can get myself together!

Wish # 11 – that we allow ourselves more spontaneity in our lives and be more lighthearted, it is important to see the joy in your life.  I have continued to enjoy this aspect of my life as a Realtor – if I have a “break” in my schedule…I love the ability to pop in and have lunch with a friend or stop by a clients home…try to find it for yourself next year!

Wish # 12 – I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and my wish is that all your wishes for positive change come true.  Ditto for 2014!

Christmas

Vicki Reed