While commonly referred to in the same way as if it were a town or city, "Geist" is actually short for the reservoir that bears its name and around which waterfront estates and hundreds of upscale neighborhoods have been developed.   The Geist Reservoir was named for Clarence Geist, a former owner of the Indianapolis Water Company. Geist imagined this reservoir to address the expected future water needs of the growing Indiana capitol, Indianapolis. Planning began around the time of the first World War and over the next twenty years the Water Company's Shorewood Corporation purchased about 5,000 acres in the Fall Creek Valley and what was known as Germantown, IN. Today, Germantown is, well, underwater. And we don't mean in financial trouble.   The Geist dam was completed in 1943, but the... 01/19/2014

Open up any architecture magazine these days and it becomes quickly apparent that the Midcentury Modern movement has returned with a vengeance. A Case Study in Midcentury Modern Architecture: 215 Williams Drive With its flat planes, large glass windows and open spaces, Midcentury Modern reflects the ideals of a handful of mid-20th century architects who believed that a forward-looking style could help bring about social advancement. Names like Richard Neutra, William Krisel, both of whom were trained by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, come to mind. 215 Williams Drive One excellent example of Midcentury Modern can be found at 215 Williams Drive, on the north side of Indianapolis. Situated on a cul-de-sac lot in prestigious Williams Creek, this beautiful home exudes oneness with nature,... 12/16/2013

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. We've started seeing more and more commericials and print advertisements selling all of the elements that make up a great Thanksgiving. If you look, you'll not only find delicious meals, but beautiful tablescapes, and small elements that make up the foundation of this long lived tradition. Most of us spend days cleaning, decorating, and cooking, preparing for a meal that takes about 30 minutes to devour.  Why do we spend so much time working for one tiny meal? We do it becuase this is a moment in time where we want to create a strong memory imprint. The sights and smells will remind us of this day in the future when we try to recall it.  Selling a home without staging is like pulling out a TV dinner on Thanksgiving All of the things that I mentioned... 11/20/2013

Recently I heard an agent say that they take the photos for their listing while their customers fill out the property disclosure form. Excuse me? Is this really the best time to take the BEST photos of the home to entire potential buyers to want to view and make an offer? No. Definitely not!  Imagine the sellers, who may have done some preparations for having company, probably cleaned up a little, at least in the rooms that they thought you might look at. Since many Realtors don't actually even tour the entire home before taking a listing, the sellers may not be show ready.  Some agents know a little better and pay to have professional photos taken. Unfortunately, they'll often still use photos from their iPhone to "hold them over" until the pro ones come. Others will do slightly better... 11/06/2013

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. These words are immortal. They are also very true. It's one of the reasons that staging from day one is so important. Both potential buyers and their agents may write off a property and even if you stage it later it may not be able to earn a second opportunity.  Buyers evaluate and rate homes before they ever step foot into them.  The photos used when presenting a home are generally what a buyer will use to determine if it even makes the first cut. No matter the search site they use, Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, or one of several thousands of others being fed IDX information, they'll narrow down their needs (number of bedrooms, baths, square footage, general area, and price) then they'll go through photos. Chances are they won't ... 10/22/2013

“Why did it take 6 weeks and a price reduction for my agent to recommend a home stager?” This is the question that a seller asked me as I walked through their home with them and talked about the changes that were necessary for their home to actively compete in the Indianapolis market.   The listing agent admits that they knew that the periwinkle plantation shutters probably needed to be painted but said nothing to the seller. He believed that the house was priced in a low enough range and with little inventory to compete against that making changes would be unnecessary. The house would sell without any home staging needed.   It’s not 2005 (and even then home staging was a good idea) Homes are selling more quickly. Multiple offers are even becoming more commonplace – on homes that are pr... 10/04/2013

Downtown Indianapolis Luxury Condos are the choice of discerning buyers.  Quite a variety of sophisticated urban residences can be found in Indy, ranging from new construction, high-rise buildings and quality, historic renovations.   Discover lavish amenities such as state of the art designer kitchens, 5 star hotel concierge service, and elegant custom finishes in many Downtown Indianapolis Luxury Condos.  Whether you prefer a penthouse with a panoramic view (such as the one in the picture below), a location that allows you to walk everywhere, or a serene setting along the canal you can find your condo in Downtown Indianapolis.     Several of the high-end condos in Indianapolis can be found within the bustling arts district of Mass Ave. In the blocks surrounding this section of desirabl... 09/24/2013

In Indianapolis, traditional is the general decor theme, but in downtown Indy,  430 N Park Ave, Indianapolis provided a great break from the usual. This modern condo, listed by Susan Miller an FC Tucker Realtor, had unique features that set the tone for this professional stage. Showcasing the space in a modern downtown condo Modern lighting, open beams, exposed brick and pipes convey an absolute modern feel in this downtown Indianapolis condominium. While we find the majority of our homes require more traditional furnishings, art, and accessories, this project was unique and would require youthful colors and sleek lines. The size of the space meant creating multiple functions so that every square foot was maximized. Warm, rich colors helped to convey a modern feel, while still keeping t... 07/11/2013

The Northern Estates subdivision in Indianapolis is a lovely, established neighborhood on the city's near northwest side in Washington Township. Northern Estates comprises 550 homes built in the mid 1960s. Nestled on beautiful, wooded lots these modest homes offer residents the sensation of suburban living while being just minutes from downtown Indianapolis and other nearby amenities and attractions. see the latest Indianapolis homes for sale in Northern Estates Northern Estates Homes for Sale Homes in Northern Estates offer a good value for first time home buyers and young families. Modest from the outside, these homes are surprisingly spacious inside and feature details and character you don't find in newer neighborhoods. The home pictured here is typical of most homes in the Northern... 06/29/2013

Homebuyers can expect to see a very different housing market in 2013. According to Fox Business, a number of trends in the housing market indicate that homebuyers will face increased competition, rising home prices, and fewer homes to choose from in the year to come. The market is still certainly a buyer's market with prices much lower than they were before the housing bubble burst in 2007, but buyers will want to be smart and quick to act when making their purchasing decisions this year. According to the article, home prices are expected to go up 6% this year -- in 2012, prices went up 7.5%. The Mortgage Bankers Association expects home loan applications to increase by 55% this year, an indication that many people who have been biding their time are now reentering the housing market. A... 06/01/2013

Is 2013 going to be the Year of the Short Sale?   In many of the real estate articles I have been reading, this is being deemed as the year of the Short Sale.  Why, do you ask? The banks have started to try to control costs associated with REO's/Bank Foreclosures and have started to look at short sales in a different light than they did before. It used to be like pulling teeth to get larger lenders to look seriously at Short Sale offers.  That has and is evolving with time.  They are trying to streamline the short sale process like never before. In certain circumstances and with certain programs, they are even offering sellers cash incentives at closing to try to encourage sellers to short sale their home instead of the seller just walking away from their home. It will be interesting in... 04/08/2013

  Tonda & Steve Hoagland | Keller Williams Realty | (317) 340-4575 5939 Brambleberry Drive, Indianapolis, IN You're going to love this home! Lots of high end upgrades! 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House   offered at $149,900 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 2,254 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Wow! Check out this kitchen! High end cabinets, w/dove tail drawers & soft close feature, plus granite counters & new stainless appliances! Pantry & center island for extra storage. Dark laminate flooring flows into adjoining dining & family rm. New frieze carpet in living rm, loft & bedrms. Tile floors in bathrms & upstairs laundry rm. Prof painted inside & out. Large privacy fenced backyard & mini barn for extra ... 03/12/2013

  Tonda & Steve Hoagland | Keller Williams Realty | (317) 340-4575 3058 Arrowroot Way, Indianapolis, IN Over $15K in recent updates! 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $120,500 Year Built 2005 Sq Footage 1,800 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .14 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Contact Brad, 317-789-5347 or Brad@HoaglandGroup.com for more information or to schedule a showing! Fantastic upgrades at an unbelievable price! Former model home offers open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, den, great room, kitchen, dining area, and master suite complete with new high-end vanity and tile floors. New light fixtures and luxurious custom blinds throughout. Privacy fenced yard with patio and lots of beautiful flowers planted and ready to come up th... 03/12/2013

  Tonda & Steve Hoagland | Keller Williams Realty | (317) 340-4575 6744 Ennis Way, Indianapolis, IN Basement plus oversized garage! 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House   offered at $150,000 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 2,409 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .17 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Contact Brad for more information or to schedle a showing -- 317-789-5347 or Brad@HoaglandGroup.com Great price on lovely 3 bedroom home w/loft & unfinished basement! Kitchen features a center island & is open to the breakfast area & family rm. Flex space just off 2 story entry is currently an office, but could also be used as formal dining or living rm. Upgraded wood banister leads to upper level loft & nice sized bdrms w/walk in closets. Garage bump ... 03/12/2013

The face of Short Sales is now in a constant state of change. Now more than ever before it is critical if you are thinking of selling your Indianapolis Short Sale or short sale in another area to find an agent that has experience.  The rules and guidelines are changing almost daily at this point with the government trying to figure out how to solve the housing crisis and to stop the "bleeding" with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  Now is not the time to utilize your friend that just started in real estate to assist you with your Short Sale.  You will want to list your home with an experienced Short Sale agent in your area. Now more than ever your real estate agent needs to be technologically savvy as well.  A couple of banks at a minimum have starting utilizing Equator.com to manage the fr... 01/26/2013

Houses on the market for sale should be considered products such as cars, shoes, computers, etc. It is the home seller's job to present their product in an appealing manner that helps to influence the purchasers' decision to buy. A house on the market needs to look different than a home that is being lived in by a family. In order for properties to compete enough to earn an offer, the home must look inviting and receptive to the properties target market; instead of exhibiting the style of the current homeowners. How can listings compete while preserving the sellers’equity? Properties that are properly prepared, packaged and ready for promotion are the properties that produce a marketing advantage. Minor home repairs, updates and pre-sale packing along with visual merchandising and emot... 01/08/2013

Broad Ripple Village Real Estate Market Report Following is the market report for the area known as Broad Ripple Village as of January 8th 2013. WOW, it's been much too long since I created a market report for the Broad Ripple area!  I hope your year has started off on a positive note. December 2012 sales were realatively low compared to recent years past.  In addition, the number of active listings is relatively low compared to recent years.  Average current days on market is 121. Happy Home Buying/Selling! Current Active Listings 29 Min Price: $85,500 Max Price: $269.500 4 Condo, 25 Single Family Pending Listings 8 Min Price: $94,000 Max Price: $299,000 3 Condo, 5 Single Family Sold in the month of December 1 Min Price: $156,500 Max Price: $156,500 0 Condo, 1 Single Family Sold Previ... 01/07/2013

  Last week we were notified that our company Home Matters Property Stylist Group located here in Indianapolis, Indiana has earned the esteemed Angie's List Super Service Award for 2012. This is the Third year in a row that Home Matters has received this honor. The award is given to only 5% of the millions of companies rated by Angie's list members from across the US. I am so very proud of our team here at Home Matters.  This award is very special to me because it is the results of the feedback that comes directly from the many clients that we have serviced. Below is the Press Release we published Indianapolis Based Home Staging Company, Home Matters Property Stylist Group Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award Award reflects Home Matters Property Stylist Groups consisten... 12/28/2012

Is Indianapolis among the nation's improving housing markets? Survey says, "Yes!" Indianapolis was one of 201 metro areas on the December 2012 list of improving housing markets, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index. See monthly Indianapolis area housing market reports. 12/13/2012

      Click on the link below for a visual tour   http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=13&T=2926707    On Nov. 14, Carpenter’s Northeast Office held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon and raffle to raise money for the Larue D. Carter Children’s Hospital. The hospital is described as an intensive specialized treatment, training, and research center for the State of Indiana Division of Mental Health system. The challenge is that 48 children residing there have little or no Christmas to look forward to.The luncheon is an office pitch-in where invited co-workers, family, friends and vendors join together to share food, fellowship and a common goal of raising money to provide for these 48 children. This 27-year tradition has again been overwhelmingly successful to the tune of  $2000 this ye... 11/19/2012