If you are handy, you can probably do home improvements or repairs yourself, but should you? The answer, of course, depends on many factors.  To avoid a botched job, consider these issues before tackling a good-sized or challenging project:Check your local building codes and ordinances.  Some or part of your project may require the work to be done be a licensed professional. Some jobs require special tools, some of which can be rented; but a professional already owns them and knows how to use them.  He does not have to spend time learning, as you would.  What mistakes might take place during the learning process?It can take a lot of study and practice to become comfortable working with some materials such as roofing materials, plumbing, tile, wallpaper, lumber, and so on.  Do you have t... 06/21/2007

You know what an unpredictable world this is.  Hopefully you feel safe in your home and in your neighborhood --- and have taken precautions to ensure that your home is safe and secure.  Unfortunately, homes are burglarized despite the best precautions.  If this happens to a neighbor, you might keep the following ideas in mind.If your neighbor's home is burglarized, don't be surprised if you are happy it was them and not you.  This is a perfectly natural reaction, according to Mory Framer, a Los Angeles psychologist.  Another common reaction to a neighbor's loss is becoming nervous and worrying that you'll be next.  The important thing is to help yourself and your neighbors in this time of crisis.Don't withdraw from your neighbors.  Avoid acting as if they have a communicable disease.  D... 06/21/2007

Many mortgage companies were hurt in 1993 by the surge in mortgage refinances.  Investors in mortgage securities and mortgage companies --- who hoped for years of interest payments on above-market rates --- ended up holding the bag due to unprecedented low interest rates. The result ended in the "Discounted Prepayment Penalty Loan."  This loan is a classic free-enterprise solution based on quid pro quo --- give a lender a commitment that you will not refinance in three to five years and they will discount the loan by 1/4 point.  A 1/4 point on a $200,000, 7% loan would save $33.41 per month, which equals $400 per year, or several thousand dollars if you were to stay in your home seven to ten years.Other discounted loans, with slight variations, are possible.  For example, a lender might... 06/21/2007

  Our Website:  www.yourrealestatespecialists.com           The term freestyle usually evokes images of swimming laps or spontaneous dancing. However, this summer think freestyle in terms of preparing outdoor spaces for a bustling season of casual barbecues, poolside soirees and zesty fiestas. Freestyle decorating is a potpourri of the old and new, combined with vision, creativity and individual flair. The result is a one-of-a-kind center stage to host all of your outdoor gatherings this season. Stage Preparation Think about the types of events that will take place on your outdoor center stage this summer and make a running list of the items that you do not have. Stay on the lookout for ‘red tag' sales and stock up on summer entertaining essentials such as extra seating, tableware and l... 06/06/2007

Lafayette, Indiana Real Estate Website:  www.YourRealEstateSpecialists.comThe NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® still expects more than 6 million existing-home sales in 2007, but stricter lending standards and a decline in subprime mortgage origination have contributed to somewhat lowered expectations compared with earlier forecasts, according to the latest projections from NAR.Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, says one benefit for the market is the disappearance of speculative behavior, which contributed to abnormal price growth. "Home buyers today are purchasing for the long term, generally with a realistic expectation of modest gains over time," Yun says. "Housing first and foremost is shelter. Second, it's a long-term investment that slowly builds the greatest amount of wealth for... 06/06/2007

Price Reduced on 4663 E Commodores Lane in Raineybrook Raineybrook, Lafayette  -  Announcing a price reduction on 4663 E Commodores Lane, a 3,930 sq. ft., 5 bath, 4 bdrm . "2 Story Fireplace & Foyer".  MLS® #9927987   Now $415,000 - Full Finished Basement. Property informationContact Becky Today for Your Personal Tour of this Property. (765)426-2083, Email: TopAgentKW@aol.comLafayette, In  Real EstateKeller Williams LafayetteBecky JohnsonYour Real Estate Specialists Group - http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/Keller Williams Lafayette, Indiana  05/31/2007

  Across from Columbian Park Playground • 1,754 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - $137,900 - Full Finished Basement Columbian Park Area, Lafayette, Indiana  -  Here's the Chance to have a Beautiful Home Overlooking Columbian Park. Character galore, starting from the Welcoming Front Porch to the Hardwood Floors. Features 3 Bedrooms, a Spacious Master Suite & Loft Area, and 2 Full Bathrooms. Enjoy the Finished Basement, complete with a Wood Burning Stove and Recreational Room. The Multi-Level Deck & Fenced Yard are perfect for Entertaining. Great Location across from the Playground at Columbian Park. Within walking distance to Arni's, the Frozen Custard, Schools, and Churches.Contact Scott today for your personal tour of this home at (765)714-1971, Email: realestatebrown@yahoo.com Pr... 05/31/2007

According to a Green Builder Media survey, 96% of home builders intend to make use of more envirnmentally friendly building materials and processes in 2007.  'Green' building is becoming reasonable enough that most builders intend to switch to more sustainable building methods and materials.It's about time!  I'm so glad to see the eyes of builders are finally opening.  I hope this will in turn bring the cost of 'Green' down across the board!  It has seemed very silly to me that the environmental friendly products are twice as expensive as the others.  This is the same for fresh fruits & veggies at the grocery.  It makes no sense that a canned food is cheaper than fresh!Have you seen 'Green' building or changes in your area?  I would love to hear your feedback!Thanks, Becky JohnsonLafaye... 05/31/2007

Real Estate as an Investment - the Concept of LeverageWhat is the concept of leverage? Leverage is defined as the ability to control a large asset with a smaller asset.  For example,  you can purchase $100,000 in real estate using $5,000 in cash assets. But in real estate, you can a appreciation on the $100,000 asset, using a much smaller investment.  In the United States, real estate has had a consistent history of appreciation.  There have been times of depreciation during recessions (some nationwide, and other regional), but overall there has been no asset in the United States which has outperformed real estate for consistent appreciation since the Colonial times.Remember that the concept of leverage requires that we control as large an asset as possible with the smallest asset possi... 05/24/2007

What is an inflation hedge?  We all know what inflation is.  It is the tendency for expenses to rise over time.  We know that rent is subject to inflation.  If your present rent payment is $800, a 5% rate of inflation would make the payment $1,303 in ten years.  A hedge is an instrument of financial protection.  Sophisticated investors protect their investments from erosion by using hedges.  For example, someone holding a large stock portfolio may purchase futures, betting that the stock market will go down.  Then, if we have a stock market crash, the person can offset the loss in the value of his stocks with the gain in futures.  An inflation hedge protects one against future costs of inflation.  The reason for this is simple - a mortgage payment resists inflation.Why does a mortgage p... 05/24/2007

Security, privacy, freedom - the American Dream is to purchase a home.  Ownership of property is the bastion of capitalism.  There is no doubt that owning a home is the goal of the average American today.  Why? Is it the ability not to have a landlord? Is it the freedom to stay or move? There are many emotional benefits to home ownership. However, the cornerstones of our capitalistic society are financial in nature.  The reason we all aspire to own real estate is simply this: we desire to accumulate wealth.  Time and time again, we hear of riches built with a real estate foundation.There are three basic economic reasons for purchasing a home:Real estate is an investment---using the concept of leverage, we will learn exactly why real estate constantly outperforms other investment vehicle... 05/23/2007

What a few of our clients have been saying..." Great team work! Thanks a lot! You were tremendously helpful and pleasant to deal with.  Our experience with Tippecanoe Mortgage was superb." - Lindsey McGuire" I really appreciated the assistance in obtaining my mortgage and all your creativity in financing options." - Pat Johnson"We would like to thank your entire team for the great service that you provided during our first home purchase.  Due to your outstanding job, we were able to close on our new home with no problems."  - Patricia Greer"I was declined by three other companies. We were pleased that David was able to get the loan approved.  Thanks David! We appreciate it and look forward to recommending our friends!" - Ravi KCYour Local Mortgage Services:David MennenMortgage Loan Cons... 05/23/2007

Looking For Down Payment Options?Are you dreaming of owning your own home...but wondering how to finance it?MyCommunity Mortgage Home Loans have flexible requirements that make it easier for you to buy a home.Here are some ways a MyCommunity loan may help you buy a home:Up to 100% Financing availableSeller contributions up to 6% of the sales price or appraised value, which ever is lessGift funds from family members are often allowedSpecial options for teachers, police officers, firefighters and healthcare workersCall me today to apply, or for more details:David MennenMortgage Loan Consultant/OwnerTippecanoe Mortgage, Inc.1221 S. Creasy Lane, Suite J. Lafayette, IN 47905Direct: 765-448-1808dmennen@tippecanoemortgage.comhttp://www.davidmennen.com/ Local Mortgage services for Greater Lafay... 05/23/2007

It was a beautiful weekend in the Lafayette area!  It is so nice to see the flowers coming up and the redbuds in bloom and all the activity in homeowners yards!  Spreading mulch and general cleanup is great right now but don't forget it is best to wait until Mother's Day to Plant your annuals!    Speaking of Mother's day it is only 2 weeks away..May 13!  I used to love it when my kids were all home their present to me was to come and plant flowers all over my yard for my Mother's Day gift ..Now that Stacy is the only one close by, I guess she has been left to continue the tradition or I need to adopt a couple more children!   Have a wonderful week!   http://www.cathyrussell.com/: you'll find every home on the market--all in one place! Full reports, prices, addresses, pictures, everythin... 04/30/2007

  Exquisite Executive Home & LocationRed Oaks, Lafayette  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 831 Bur Oak Ct. E on April 22 from 2:00  to 4:00 . Property information Hosted by Annette Crespo 765.413.5154Address: 831 Bur Oak Ct. E Type: Residential Style: 1 1/2 Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Garage: Triple, Attached Size: 2,325 sq. ft. Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size:  0.251 acres  119ft x 92ft Year Built: 1993 Taxes: $2,226.00 (2006)   Description Exquisite Executive Home & Location. Enter into the Formal Foyer Entry, with Ceramic Tile Flooring. Incredible Living Room featuring Vaulted Ceilings, Wood Crown Molding with Up-Lighting, Hardwood Floors, and Custom Windows. Step up into the Dining Room, with Sliding Glass Doors and a Great View of the Beautiful Backyard. Next is t... 04/17/2007

 Local Lafayette Indiana Real Estate:  http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/Pride in Owning:Most people buy homes to have control over where they live.  Although investment features are important, the psychological satisfaction of owning and the freedom from paying rent - are at least as important.In a recent survey done by the National Association of REALTORS of 6,000 homeowners and 2,000 renters - perhaps the largest ever of attitudes toward home ownership - showed that 76% of owners and 66% of renters considered pride of ownership an important reason for buying.   PROVIDED BY:Your Real Estate Specialists Group - http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/Lafayette Indiana Real EstateKeller Williams Lafayette, Indiana    04/16/2007

 Local Lafayette & West Lafayette Indiana Real Estate:  http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/ Listing your house below what other homes in the area are selling for is a tough emotional hurdle for many homeowners, especially if neighbors sold their homes for much loftier amounts just six months or a year ago. But with a new development going up just across the road - one that's offering powerful incentives to both buyers and realtors - it's especially important for Skrivanek and Gu to undercut the competition on price. Yet they can't bring themselves to go that far: Although Riordan and Schweppe's formula suggests a deeper cut, the couple decide to lop $2,000 off their price, bringing it to $161,000. Riordan is pleased that they've lowered the price but worries that the drop won't be... 04/16/2007

Local Lafayette & West Lafayette Indiana Real Estate:  http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/ Make it look lived in: The sparsely furnished den was cold and uninviting. Solution: Reposition the bookcase and desk and get rid of clutter. Make it look like a bargain Skrivanek and Gu, like most sellers, based their asking price on what other homes in their neighborhood were listed for. Instead, they should ask their realtor for the going price on houses that are under contract or have sold in the past month or two. "You have to look at what's actually selling, not what people are hoping to sell their homes for," says Denise Riordan, a vice president at realtor NRT. Then price the home lower than those recent sales so it looks like a great deal. "You need a dramatic number to generate in... 04/16/2007

Local Lafayette & West Lafayette Indiana Real Estate:  WWW.YOURREALESTATESPECIALISTS.COM Fix what's missing You have to understand what the competition has that you don't. So visit open houses in the area and do some honest comparisons, advises Vickie Sneed of Hot on Staging. Skrivanek and Gu fall short on landscaping: Although Gu has planted a few bulbs in the yard, it looks bare compared with their neighbors' lush foliage. For less than $100 they can put mulch on the planting areas, trim shrubs and add colorful annuals to the planters on their front porch.  PROVIDED BY:Your Real Estate Specialists Group - http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/Lafayette Indiana Real EstateKeller Williams Lafayette, Indiana 04/16/2007

Local Lafayette & West Lafayette Indiana Real Estate:  WWW.YOURREALESTATESPECIALISTS.COM Bigger is better: To make the living room look larger, stagers moved furniture away from the walls and took out the entertainment center. Create a better first impression Buyers usually seek out large rooms, and clutter is never appealing. To ensure that Skrivanek and Gu's house looks inviting to prospective buyers when they first walk in, Barie Pinnell and Evie Boston, stagers at WRE Interiors, suggest a few visual tricks to make the sparsely furnished living room and den look warmer and more spacious. Among them: Create a focal point in the living room by moving the couches away from the walls and positioning them adjacent to the fireplace. Then add new curtains and throw pillows to brighten up t... 04/16/2007