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22 Festive ways to Celebrate the Holiday’s in Indianapolis

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I know I’ve posted about things to do during the Holiday’s in Indy, but here are a few more that look like a lot of fun!

The historic Lilly House — on the IMA grounds — will twinkle with holiday decorations inspired by the 1930s and 1940s. Amongst the trees, wreaths and greenery, visitors can see ornaments typical of Depression-era frugality and wartime shortages, as well as the exuberance of the post-war era.

2. Festival of Trees – Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., (317) 232-1882, indianahistory.org, Nov. 22 to Jan. 3.

The Indiana History Center’s annual holiday festival features an exhibition of historical photographs with a holiday theme. Visitors can also experience a winter wonderland of 25 holiday trees, decorated with themes such as “Home for the Holidays” and “Santa’s Workshop.” Other activities include holiday film screenings, kid-friendly crafts and adult painting classes.

3. Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure – Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St., (317) 636-9378, eiteljorg.org, Nov. 22-Jan. 19.

Now in its fifth year, Jingle Rails is a wonderland of model trains, which chug along nearly 1,200 feet of track. They go through tunnels, over bridges and trestles, and past scale models of national landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. The display also includes local landmarks like Lucas Oil Stadium and Union Station — all decorated for the holidays. Still searching for that perfect holiday gift? Don’t miss the museum’s Winter Market (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6), featuring handmade goods from more than 30 local artists.

4. Indianapolis Art Center: Pop-up Classes – IAC, 820 E. 67th St., (317) 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org/popups,  Ongoing

Choose from a variety of pop-up art classes, ranging from $20 to $60. Several focus on making glass ornaments, such as snowmen and glass balls. Others guide students through making holiday jewelry or crocheted wire snowflakes. Some classes are family-friendly, while others are perfect for a December date night.

 

During Jolly Days, the Children’s Museum transforms its staircase into a two-story slide, surrounded by festive holiday décor. Children can “ice skate” in the sock-skating rink and try indoor versions of winter activities like ice fishing. Come Nov. 28 to see Santa arrive in style — not in a sled, but in a race car. The museum also offers several opportunities to breakfast with Santa.

6. Celebration Crossing – Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., (317) 232-1637,indianamuseum.org,   Nov. 28-Dec. 31.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter Nov. 28 to open the Indiana State Museum’s annual holiday extravaganza. While children make crafts and ride the Santa Claus Express train, parents can explore re-created L.S. Ayres holiday window displays. Other activities include breakfast with Santa, tea parties in the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room, and live music from local bands and choirs.

7. Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., (317) 630-2001,indianapoliszoo.com,   Nov. 28 to Jan. 4.

Back in 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the country to hold a holiday lights event, and it’s still going strong in its 47th year. Check out the vibrant holiday displays as you visit the animals — especially ones such seals, polar bears and red pandas that enjoy the cold weather. Visit Santa’s workshop in White River Gardens, enjoy carols performed by local school choirs, sample holiday refreshments, and go on a scavenger hunt for hidden mistletoe throughout the grounds.

8. Holiday Adventures at Conner Prairie – Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers; (317) 776-6006;connerprairie.org, Nov. 28-Jan. 4.

Conner Prairie bustles with activity during the holiday season. Families can sign Holiday Adventures — a series of festive daytime activities and crafts in 1836 Prairietown. At night, return for Conner Prairie by Candlelight. The family-friendly Prairietown tour features costumed interpreters, who discuss the history of various holiday traditions. Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s a peaceful, low-tech way to reconnect with the holiday spirit. Afterward, check out Gingerbread Village, featuring dozens of amateur and professional gingerbread creations.

9. Holiday Hullabaloo – Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331,imamuseum.org,     5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4.

The IMA will offer discounted shopping, as well as live music, free gift-wrapping and refreshments. Watch pottery demonstrations by artist Mary Firestone and preview the new collection from Patricia Locke Handmade Jewelry. Stop by the Jane H. Fortune Gallery to see Paul Gauguin’s “Christmas Night (The Blessing of the Oxen),” one of several artworks with a holiday theme.

 

Now in its 29th year at Hilbert Circle Theatre, “Yuletide Celebration” features traditions such as tap-dancing Santas and a reading of “Twas the Night before Christmas.” This year, kids will go crazy for tunes from Disney’s “Frozen,” such as “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” The concert also includes a medley of holiday pop hits, such as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

11. INDIEana Handicraft Exchange’s Holiday Mini – Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.,indieanahandicraftexchange.com, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5.

Your favorite summer craft fair is back for the holidays, featuring more than 45 vendors of handmade, artisan goods. Check out gift items from Boris Loved Natasha, 1337motif, Get Lathered Soap Company, Growler Girls and several jewelry artisans. You can also pick up gourmet goodies from vendors such as 240sweet, Chocolate for the Spirit, Newfangled Confections and Sage’s Simple Syrups.

12. Stutz Artists Association’s Holiday Open Studios and Exhibition – Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St., (317) 292-3200, stutzartists.com, 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5

More than 25 Stutz artists will offer holiday gift items such as paintings, metal sculptures and jewelry. Also, check out the walls of the Raymond James Stutz Art Gallery, which will be decked out with artwork from more than 90 Stutz artists.

13. Tiny III: A Really Big Group Show – Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St., (317) 631-3301, indyarts.org/gallery-924, Dec. 5 to Jan. 2.

Gallery 924’s third annual holiday show features hundreds of tiny artworks from dozens of Central Indiana artists. It’s an affordable way to start an art collection — or find a unique holiday gift. The show opens Dec. 5 in conjunction with the IDADA First Friday Art Tour.

14. Indiana Wind Symphony: “Holiday Dreams” – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; TheCenterPresents.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

Join the Indiana Wind Symphony for its “Holiday Dreams” performance, featuring beloved tunes such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time” and “White Christmas.” There’s a “Silent Night” sing-along, as well as classical selections from “The Nutcracker” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets range from $5 to $40.

Other Palladium holiday events include the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holidays!” performance (Dec. 13) and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” (Dec. 20-21).

15. Rocky Ripple Holiday Bazaar – Rocky Ripple Town Hall, 930 W. 54th St., rockyripple.org, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6.

Rocky Ripple’s 15th annual holiday festival benefits arts programs within the Rocky Ripple Parks Endowment Fund. The schedule includes live music, food vendors and a variety of local artist exhibitors, such as painters, sculptors, woodworkers and jewelry artisans.

16. Yelp’s Totally Bazaar – Indianapolis Central Public Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., (317) 275-4100,  yelp.com/events/Indianapolis-yelps-totally-bazaar-4, 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 11.

This hip pop-up shopping party features more than 120 local vendors, including food artisans, jewelers, visual artists and vintage shops. Enjoy the live music or grab a snack from a nearby food truck, such as Spice Box or Scratchtruck. Beer and wine vendors include New Day Craft, Fountain Square Brewing Co., Sun King Brewing Co. and more.

17.Jordan College of the Arts: “Rejoice!” – Clowes Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., (317) 940-6444, cloweshall.org,   7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13.

This annual concert features your favorite holiday music performed by student ensembles from Butler’s Jordan College of the Arts. If you’re seeing the university’s annual “Nutcracker” ballet performance at Clowes Hall, Dec. 4-7, this is a perfect follow-up to keep the holiday spirit alive.

18. “White Christmas” – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; TheCenterPresents.org, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

As part of the Great American Songbook Film Series, the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts will screen “White Christmas.” The 1954 classic stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. Admission is $10.

19. Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra: “Messiah” Sing-Along – Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., (317) 940-9607, icomusic.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

Several ensembles are performing Handel’s “Messiah” this holiday season, but only the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra offers a sing-along version. Conducted by maestro Kirk Trevor in his farewell season, the performance features four renowned vocal soloists — plus plenty of opportunities for audience participation.

For a more traditional version of Handel’s “Messiah,” pick up tickets to the ICO’s performance on Dec. 14, in conjunction with the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir.

20. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: “Classical Christmas” – Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts of Butler University, 610 W. 46th St., (317) 639-4300, indianapolissymphony.org, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

The ISO is known for its extravagant “Yuletide Celebration” (Dec. 5-23). But if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, check out “Classical Christmas.” The performance will be conducted by Raymond Leppard at the cozy Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are $45.

21.Indianapolis Children’s Choir: “Angels Sing” – St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., (317) 940-9640,icchoir.org, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 to 20.

You’ve probably seen a televised version of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s annual “Angels Sing” performance. This year, why not see the real thing? The concert features the ICC’s elite choirs, such as the Indianapolis Youth Chorale and Bel Canto. If you want to see the younger singers, check out the “Celebrate the Season” performance, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20, also at St. Luke’s.

Indiana’s favorite a cappella ensemble, Straight No Chaser, returns to Indianapolis for four performances at Old National Centre — just in time for Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed for hilarious hits like “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “The Christmas Can-Can,” as well as more traditional holiday favorites.

So get out there and have some fun!

christmas

Do you have an addiction to your smartphone?

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I know I do!  As a REALTOR®, I’m constantly checking emails and texts and thanks to my bluetooth, I can even do it while I’m on the phone!  This article is courtesy of the MSN Lifestyle page, but I found it to be so true!

You constantly look at it. When you aren’t around it, you feel anxious, and when you have it, it’s all you can think about. Yes, we’re talking about your smartphone. Our obsession with mobile gadgets has become epic – 1 in every 5 people in the world own a smartphone these days. And now there are a handful of new syndromes that come with that addiction.

1. Text claw and mobile phone elbow

“Text Claw” is a non-medical term used to describe all of the finger cramping and sore muscles that come from continuous scrolling, texting, and gaming on smartphones. An even more common side effect: Using your phone too much can cause inflammation in your tendons and enhance existing conditions, like tendinitis and carpal tunnel. Similarly, “Mobile phone elbow” describes tingling or numbness in ring and pinky fingers after bending your elbow for long periods of time. 

If your non-stop smartphoning has you feeling sore and weak, do some stretches. Put down the phone, then try bending your wrists backward, putting your hands together like a prayer and pushing down. Then, doing some wrist flexes. If you experience pain for longer than a week, try applying heat. Or better still, see a doctor.

2. iPosture and text neck

Slouching over your phone for hours at a time is ruining your neck and hurting your back muscles. “iPosture” or “text neck” are just two of a few phrases doctors throw around to describe the excessive stress on neck muscles. According to a study of young adults in the U.K., 84 percent of those tracked experienced back pain during the last year, mainly due to being hunched over smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Fixing your posture can relieve lower back pain, and limiting your phone use can alleviate neck strain. While it seems awkward, try to hold your phone directly out and in front of your face, not on your lap where you might need to look down for minutes at a time.

3. Computer vision syndrome

Staring at the tiny font in your texts and scrolling through dozens of tweets can lead to eyestrain, blurred vision, dizziness, and dry eyes. And blurred vision plus sore neck muscles can also cause headaches.

If you’re experiencing eye discomfort, make your phone’s font size bigger. Mark Rosenfield, O.D., Ph.D., told Men’s Health that phone users should try to hold their phones at least 16 inches away from their faces. Every few minutes look up from your screen at something far away for short breaks, and don’t forget to blink.

4. Nomophobia

Short for “no-mobile-phone phobia,” this is exactly what it sounds like: the fear of being without your cell. According to a study of 1,000 people in the U.K., 66 percent of the population fears losing or being without their phones at any given time. Some of the symptoms of nomophobia include anxiety or negative physical symptoms if you have lost or cannot use your cell phone, obsessively checking to make sure you have your phone with you, and constantly worrying about losing it somewhere. Interestingly, the study found that women suffer from this more than men.

If this sounds like you, experts suggest employing common anxiety-relieving relaxation techniques like yoga and deep breathing.

5. Phantom pocket vibration syndrome

No, you didn’t just get a text message! A professor at Indiana University found that 89 percent of the undergraduates in her study experienced phantom vibrations when their phones weren’t actually vibrating. The study also found that students who were dependent on text messages and social media updates were more anxious when their phones weren’t really vibrating.

A good way to break the addiction? Try shutting your vibration function off and commit to only checking your phone during designated hours. If you have to keep your phone with you, place it in your bag instead. And try to resist checking your bag every five minutes. Otherwise, you might become the first case of phantom bag vibration syndrome.

So…do you exhibit any of these symptoms?????

smart phone

Vicki Reed

 

Follow-up on the home tour…

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I positioned myself in the kitchen for the tour and I loved it when I heard people walk into my home and said “wow”!  It’s not fancy, but it is full of character, from the wood floors to the leaded glass french doors between my living room and dining room to the bedroom turned into a dressing room, it feels good when someone recognizes the love you put into your home.

Yes, some think it’s strange that I opened my home to strangers for a tour, but it is for a worthy cause as a fundraiser for the continued maintenance and care of The Benton House (click here to read more).

I cannot take any credit for the amazing renovations the gentlemen who owned the property before me did, it’s stunning, I didn’t even have to paint, just moved my things in, arranged them and hung pictures, but I think that my touches is what makes it feel like a home.  The decor is somewhat eclectic, a Lazy Boy camelback sofa, a roll-top desk that was my grandmothers, a wood and iron table in the dining room, antique dresser and gentlemen’s chest combined with a bit of animal print really make the dressing room interesting!  My bedroom is, by far, my favorite room in the house…dark chocolate walls, red curtains and bedding with cream accents and my big, cream comfy chair that all of my nieces (and my mom) hoped wouldn’t fit!

The attic is my office…taupe walls and generations of my family history detailed in black and white photos taking up nearly an entire wall, all watching me as I sit here working and hoping to make them proud.

So now I know what strangers think of my home…what would they say about yours?

Me in the kitchen

Vicki Reed

In the market for a new home…got $25 mil to spare?

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From the Indy Star last week…amazing, the property taxes annually are more than most people’s first home price!

Asherwood, the lavish Carmel estate where Mel and Bren Simon and their family lived for many years, is for sale for $25 million.

The seven-bedroom, 51,000-square-foot house sits on 106 acres that includes two swimming pools, tennis courts and a private 18-hole golf course, according to www.mibor.com.

Like to be outside? The lot also includes a clubhouse, greenhouse, pool house, and guest house among other maintenance buildings.

Prefer the indoors? There’s one indoor pool, an expansive workout room, home theater and caterer-ready professional kitchen in the home where presidents have been wined and dined.

The property tax on the estate is $54,654 semi-annually, according to the website of the listing Realtor Natasha Radovich with Carpenter.

The home also includes six fireplaces, eight full bathrooms and 16 half-baths.

It is the most expensive residential property on the market here in recent years, said Claire Belby, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, or MIBOR.

INDYSTAR

Since 2000, 72 properties have been listed for $10 million or more. But only four of those have been residential; the majority were for commercial land or agricultural properties.

Simon and his first wife, Bess, bought the Asherwood home and property in 1973. Automotive engineer Louis H. Schwitzer built the original estate.

Over time, Simon and his second wife, Bren, expanded the home, adding on a 10,000-square-foot addition that included a 4,000-square-foot master bedroom wing.

But in 1998 they had to rebuild after a fire, thought to have started when a candle lit fabric-covered walls in one of the bedrooms, left much of the house uninhabitable.

Mel Simon, co-owner of the Pacers and co-founder of Simon Property Group, died in 2009.

INDYSTAR

The sale of Asherwood comes after the end of three years’ of litigation over his $1 billion estate, which ultimately was settled out-of-court.

Deborah Simon had alleged her stepmother coerced her father into changing his will so that Bren Simon received a much larger portion of the estate.

Mel and Bren Simon had multiple homes. She sold a New York condo soon after his death. In 2010, she listed their 20,000-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles’s Bel-Air neighborhood for $50 million.

The price was steep even for Bel-Air. She lowered the listing to $29 million in 2012 and delisted the property in 2013.

Estate properties can be a hard sell. Lucas Oil co-founder Forrest Lucas bought Stephen Hilbert’s estate at auction for $3 million in 2010 after it languished for five 5 years on the market.

Built for $35 million, the 25,000-square-foot house with its 15,000-square-foot sports pavilion, swimming pools and infinity waterfall, pool house and opulent grounds, originally was listed for $20 million. The property listing dropped to under $10 million over time, but finally went to auction when no buyers stepped forward.

Don’t feel like you can spend $25 mil?  Let’s talk about your budget and see what we can find that’s a little more reasonable!

Vicki Reed

 

In case you missed it…

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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

Just a little funny to make you smile…

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Read this on Facebook last week and it made me smile, thought I would share…from The San Francisco Globe

THE SHOEBOX

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover.

In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife’s bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totalling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents.
‘When we were to be married,’ she said, ‘ my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.’

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two Precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two Times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with Happiness.

‘Honey,’ he said, ‘that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?’

‘Oh,’ she said, ‘that’s the money I made from selling the dolls.’

crochet dolls

 Vicki L. Reed

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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

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

Wow…it’s the end of 2013!

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So what did you accomplish in 2013?  I had my best year to date in Real Estate and am moving into 2014 with 4 active listings, 2 pending sales and 2 active buyers!  My volume as a single agent was $2.5 million in homes sold!  I want to double that in 2014…anyone want to take a bet on it?

The biggest deal for me personally is one of the pending transactions (and one I’ve mentioned several times) and that is the sale of my Grandparents farm.  The last few weeks have been challenging as we remove my family‘s stamp on the farm and ready it for the new owners…the main reason I’m so excited about this is that it removes a worry from my Dad and Uncle Bob and takes a responsibility off their already full plates.

This year has been challenging in other ways, I found out that I’m going to be a Great-Aunt…yeah, I already know that I’m a great aunt, but my beautiful niece Jordan Pyles is expecting March 25…we have a family pool going for date, weight and length…hope I win!  Jordan also completed her high school education in December and will go through graduation ceremonies with the rest of the class in June.

I’m working on selling my home, haven’t quite accomplished it yet, but I know I don’t want to carry the burden of that too big house for another year.  I’ve paid off debt and am working through the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover…by the end of 2014, I will be debt free and living a cash based lifestyle – so excited about the next chapter in my life.

What’s amazing to me is that I will turn 50 in August of 2014…I remember when 50 seemed so old, now it feels very young!

2014 is going to be an amazing year for all of us and for the first time in a very long time, I’m babysitting on NYE – well, they aren’t babies, they are 11, hanging out with Riley Ray tonight and one of her friends while my sister and brother-in-law go out for a few hours!

So for 2014, the family will have a new baby, 2 high school graduates (Allyson is graduating too!), my 50th birthday and my Dad’s 75!  Sounds like a good year already and it doesn’t start until tomorrow. Happy New Year everyone, I hope your 2013 was great and your 2014 will be even better!

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Vicki Reed

Is your home haunted?

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My grandparents home is!  My Dad has recounted stories of when he was a teenager and sitting at the kitchen table and an old man in a sweater walked up where stairs had been prior to a 1950’s era reno that moved the stairs to the upstairs to the living room!  And then not to many years ago, he was visiting my grandparents and they were standing in the living room and a hand print appeared on the back of the loveseat next to the window and the curtain moved out of the way, like someone was leaning to look out the window!

My Grandmother routinely swore that her brother Albert was also there, she would see him leaning against the door jamb like he had done when he visited, one night after a bathroom visit, she literally ran into – well, I guess that would be through – him in the hallway on her way back to bed!  Bear in mind, Albert was killed in WW2 and buried in France!

There is an article in today’s Indianapolis Star, “3 haunted destinations in Midwest offer scary good times” offering an idea for a weekend getaway (click here for the article), the locations are Alton Illinois , Bardstown Kentucky and Marietta Ohio.  If that’s your idea of fun, looks like it could be a great time!

But what about Indy?  There are schools, bridges and of course Crown Hill Cemetary, but here are 3 that seem to show up on everyone’s list of REAL Haunted Houses:

Hannah House

Built by local farmer and politician Alexander Hannah in 1858, this south side manor maintains a prominent place in Indianapolis‘s storied past. A Historic Landmark, the Hannah House was a safe haven for escaping slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. This designation also plays into its reputation as a hotbed of paranormal activity, as an undocumented fire purportedly claimed the lives of several refugees one fateful night. The spirits of those victims, and of Hannah himself, are said to roam the corridors of the estate. The Hannah House is open to the public and even offers the chance to stay overnight and do a little ghost sleuthing…if you dare!

Central State Hospital

Originally christened the “Indiana Hospital for the Insane,” Central State Hospital opened its doors in 1848. From a single building housing five patients, Central State grew into a veritable campus where thousands of patients were treated for various ailments, both mental and physical. At its height in the middle of the 20th century, Central State encompassed nearly 100 acres, with two main buildings, several peripheral treatment centers, and enough businesses to have formed its own town. Not surprisingly, given the nature of its existence, the grounds of Central State Hospital, located on the near west side of Indy, is reportedly ripe with ghostly happenings.

The House of Blue Lights

Located on the city’s east side, the House of Blue Lights was an estate owned by Skiles Test, and it was the subject of many spooky tales involving caskets, dogs, cats, misty blue lights, and other goodies! Although the house is long gone now, much of the property remains as it was during the heyday of these stories, and is home to the Skiles Test nature park. The Test grave is also a popular ghostly destination in nearby Crown Hill cemetery.

Do you believe???  Or are you like me and the thought scares the bejeezus out of you?

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Vicki Reed