As Spring approaches you may put your Geist home for sale or you may decide to renovate and stay a little longer.  If you want to just freshen it with some paint, I just wrote a post in the Carmel Real Estate blog on this. Renovations are tricky, how much and which rooms are always at the top of the question list.  As a general rule, kitchens, baths and backyards sell houses.  If you are on a higher end price point, a "to die" for basement helps too! Try to work smart.  For example, if you hate your cabinets, don't throw them out; think about either resurfacing/painting them or just getting new cabinet doors.  Sometimes just changing the hardware on the door fronts can give a new look. Another kitchen favorite is to remove the old lighting in the bulkhead (or remove the whole bulkhead) ... 04/23/2011

   I discovered a new place in Indy and wanted to share it with you!  On a field trip last week to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, our school stopped off at the Rhythym! Discover Center.  Located at 110 W Washington Street, right down the street from the IRT, is this hidden gem.  If you love music, this is a great place to visit to experience ways in which percussion and rhythms influence music accross the globe.  There are interactive exhibits where you can try instruments - including two sound proof rooms for those with inner-rock star dreams to go crazy on the drums. My favorite part of the group tour we had for the field trip was the "drum circle".  The tour guide ( who also seemed well versed in playing most everything he showed us) played Conductor to our group of 70 ish kids... 04/18/2011

Welcome to Ralph's Weekly Feature: Two Truths and a Lie: Guess Which One Is The Lie? Each week, I'm going to feature one Active Rain Member, with their photo, and what they are going to do is tell you 2 Truths about them and 1 Lie. The object of the game is to guess which of the 3 bits of trivia about them is a lie! The answer will be revealed by the featured member each Friday. It's a great way to get to know your fellow ActiveRain members and staff. This week, we will be featuring: Cindy "in Indy" Marchant   Cindy "in Indy" Marchant has been selling real estate in the Indianapolis Real Estate market since 2001.  She is with Fishers and Carmel Real Estate (Keller Williams Indy NE 317-290-7775 www.marchantteam.com)  She has the experience that will make a difference for you!   OK, Here ... 04/18/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog If you want great ways to search homes for sale on Geist Reservoir, while you are driving, running (training for the marathons!) or boating, consider scanning this app to search anywhere with your phone: It's another great tool brought to you for free from your Geist Real Estate agent! Search Indianapolis Waterfront Homes Read other Northside Blogs (Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville)        Cindy "in Indy" Marchant - Geist Real Estate AgentKeller Williams Realty Indy Metro NEGeist IN Real Estate Website 04/15/2011

  I love my dogs!  We recently adopted a long hair miniature chihuahua a week ago.  The joy of a puppy is contagious!  So where to take my precious poochies on a sunny day to play?  Here is some information about Indianapolis Bark Parks.... Broad Ripple Bark Park http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/BroadRipplePark.aspx Eagle Creek Bark Parkhttp://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/EagleCreekPark.aspx Paul Ruster Parkhttp://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/Paul%20Ruster%20Park.aspx All of these parks require the purchase of a pass.  To buy a pass for your pooch, which includes a tag for them to wear, you have to bring proof of rabies, parvo, distemper, and bordetella vaccinations and fill out an application for the park.  Daily passes are $5 (... 04/08/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog Trying to find a home with a walkout basement for sale in Geist with waterfront access can be challenging on an Internet Search site.  The criteria doesn't get specific enough to see those homes.  I just pulled with that criteria and found 44 homes for sale in Geist, 16 of those are over $1,000,000.  So let's focus on the 28 that remain. Six of those are in the Admirals, with all of them havng two levels, at least a three car garage and at least 5 bedrooms and three full baths. Other popular neighborhoods for this search include Feather Cove with four; there is a ranch with a walkout basement in this neighborhood. Masthead is also popular with 8 homes ranging in price from $375,000 up to $900,000. Most of the homes are older than 2000 with on... 04/07/2011

Home for sale Indianapolis IN  46237 - 6322 Feather Run - The Hoagland Group This charming home in the popular Indianapolis neighborhood of Feather Run is just what you're looking for! Wait until you see the stunning Spanish Hickory Solid Hardwood floors recently added in the Great Room, Kitchen, Dining area & Hall. A built-in bookcase and cathedral ceiling add character, while the den provides extra living space and is perfect for a home office or playroom. The open floor plan flows nicely and is perfect for today's lifestyles.  Do you enjoy outdoor entertaining? Check out the new deck and custom stamped concrete patio in the fenced yard with a great view of the tranquil lake. Feather Run is a small, quiet, established neighborhood surrounding a small lake in popular Franklin Twp schoo... 04/05/2011

I spent a lot of time agonizing over my title.  This probably fits the best.  A few weeks ago, I blogged about a building that had gone sour.  There was fire damage to a large unit upstairs and there was $30,000 in damages at least.  I up to this point had no involvement in the situation, until a mentor from California called me and told me his story.  He was looking for someone to buy the "note" .  I certainly had no interest in the note purchase, no was I excited about listing the property.  I did however, go to the property, took photos, and became his eyes and ears here in Indianapolis.  I even found him a buyer, for $30,000 cash.  TW was ordered and guess what.  A second mortgage appeared, and several state tax liens.  Certainly that was more than the $30,000 cash offer would handl... 03/27/2011

Originally posted at My Indy Waterfront Blog Masthead is a huge neighborhood in the Geist Real Estate market.  With over 500 homes, it spans a large geographical area.  It actually covers two different school districts, Hamilton Southeastern and Lawrence Township schools.  It runs along the popular Fall Creek Road; with a running/biking trail along Geist Reservoir.  It winds back into the Reservoir with many homes having lake frontage.  It also runs into along side Hamilton Proper.  It is on the west side of the Reservoir as opposed to all the Admirals that are on the east side of the Reservoir. The homes are older, mostly built in the 80's.  There are nine sections in Masthead and the pricing ranges from $250,000 to $3,000,000 so huge variety.  I'm not even going to go to the average p... 03/26/2011

We have seen 65 degrees this week and suppose to be in the 70's next week; which means some people will start to get the itch to make a move to a new home.  Many will think about a home for sale on Geist.  Of course, many may not be able to afford one with lake frontage but what about one that is at least dock owned.  A place to put your boat and to launch from easily during the summer onto Geist Reservoir. There are currently 7 homes for sale in Geist under $300,000 (mostly in the Shorewalk condo community) with a dock owned status.  There are an additional 14 under $500,000; several that are new on the market.  There will be many more coming on the market as sellers also are aware of the increased activity.  If you want to know when one becomes available, let me know.  Setting the sea... 03/21/2011

OPEN HOUSE! Sunday March 20th 2-5PM at 8020 SARGENT RIDGE Don't Miss out on a UNBELIEVABLE DEAL!! Beautiful Bank Owned Home in Sargent Woods! BLC# 21109445 PROPERTY DETAILS $595,000 LISTING INFORMATION MLS: 21109445Bedrooms: 6Full Baths: 5Half Baths: 3Sq ft: 7803Lot Size: 1Style: Traditional AmericanGarage: 4 CarHeat Source: GasTaxes: $3486.00 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PRIVATE & SERENE ONE ACRE WOODED HOMESITE! FEATURES INCLUDE: LARGE 6 BEDRM HOME, 8 BATHS, KITCHEN W/GRANITE TOPS, SS APPLIANCES, DEN/LIB, GREAT ROOM, FAMILY ROOM, FINISHED WALK-OUT BASEMENT, BAR AREA, EXERCISE RM/ REC-PLAY ROOM. OVER 5500 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE ABOVE GRADE. WRAP AROUND FRONT PORCH, FULL DECK, IN-GROUND POOL. IN LAWS QTRS W/WALK-OUT BSMT NEW IN 2003. 4 CAR GARAGE. GREAT HOME FOR ENTERTAINING, TONS OF STORAGE RO... 03/18/2011

Price Reduced! 6642 Trail Ridge Way, Indianapolis 46259 -- Offered for sale by The Hoagland Group Overview Maps Photos Description $650,000 Single Family Home Main Features 5 Bedrooms5 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom Location 6642 Trail Ridge WayIndianapolis, IN 46259USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Tonda & Steve Hoagland Keller Williams(317) 340-4575tonda@perfectplaceforyou.comhttp://www.PerfectPlaceForYou.com Listed by: The Hoagland Group at Keller Williams Our recent listings 6642 Trail Ridge Way, Indianapolis 46259 -- Offered for sale by The Hoagland Group4173 W 700 S, Trafalgar, 46181 offered for sale by The Hoagland Group8537 Aberdeenshire Ct, Indianapolis 46259-- Offered for sale by the Hoagland Group7142 Bel Moor... 03/14/2011

Pay it forward – Just the Basics   We just never know when an opportunity will arise where we can show kindness and make a difference in someone’s life.  One of my neighbors is going through a tough spell.  Jenny is a single mother of two children.  She works in the medical profession, but her hours at work have been cut in half. More than likely she will lose her home.  I am helping as much as I can, but without steady income, there is not much we can do. Jenny called me last week with great news.  She had a job interview in downtown Indianapolis.  She said she did not have enough money to buy gas to drive to the interview and wondered if she could borrow just enough money for that.  I told her of course and to please fill the tank! She also needed help getting the two kids off to scho... 03/13/2011

How do you find the best deals on homes for sale in Geist?  The ones where they are actually on Geist Reservoir or at least have dock access?  There aren't usually a lot of those choices, but I found seven today when I searched for homes on Geist Reservoir that are distressed.  By distressed, I mean either bankowned or listed as a short sale. If a home is bankowned, you as the buyer are only dealing with the bank and usually those banks don't want to carry homes as part of their business model.  However, it is also important to note that they usually are priced to sell. A home that is for sale as a short sale is a little muddier.  It means that the seller is involved in the transaction and often, we see more than one bank involved.  The seller at some point took out a 2nd mortgage.  You... 03/11/2011

Our local Real Estate Board (MIBOR) is turning 100 in 2012 and as part of that has taken on the Build a Legacy project. The REALTOR Foundation is pledging $500,000 to facelift an emerging neighborhood.   They are asking each REALTOR to give $100.00 and there are 6,000 of us (guess they assume some won’t give!). There are many parts of downtown Indianapolis that are under revitalization.  More and more people want to be part of living in urban Indy.    As Indianapolis prepares to host the Super Bowl in 2012, there are many projects underway to make the host city stand out. One of those projects is on the Near Eastside; there is a neighborhood that has been targeted for growth.   There are 300 homes there that have been part of a redevelopment project.  It is that neighborhood that has be... 03/10/2011

Click here for a Virtual Tour  http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=2283477&sk=60     12445 Geist Cove Drive in Indianapolis $181,125 4 Bedrooms2 BathsSq Ft: 3171 MLS# 21044085     Single Family Home Beautiful 2 sty on corner lot in Crystal Pointe. All appls (including washer and dryer) stay. Kit has center island, breakfast area and flows into cozy FR w/frplc. Formal DR and LR for entertaining. 4BR w/ convenient laundry room upstairs. Unfinished full bsmt awaits your personal touch and expertise. Lrg deck in back yard with great yard and mature trees. Award-winning Lawrence Twp schools. Mtg. exemption filed but not yet reflected. Move-in ready and immediate possession.     Features     List Date: 08/24/10 Lot Size: 0.28 AC Garage: Yes       Fireplace: FamilyRm, 1... 03/07/2011

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 26-28, 2011. This class is being offered for both Realtors and Home Stagers that would like to earn both a professional Accreditation and Designation for Home Staging.  Realtors attend the first 2 days and learn about Home Staging as a listing and marketing tool, as well as things they can do to help their own clients prepare their houses for sale.  They become members of the International Association of Home Staging Professioanls (IAHSP) - the only professional association that serves only Home Stagers and the Home Staging industry, and has standards of membership that begin with education.  No other associati... 03/04/2011

I still have not received a straight answer on this.  Nothing on the Web.  My CPA was not sure.  The question is......If a seller loses his home due to foreclosure, does he have to pay back the $8,000 tax credit.?  If so, how does he pay it.  It was supposed to be for a downpayment on a house, or closing costs.  Shouldn't Uncle Sam take the loss as well as the banks and everybody else.    Do you know something I don't know.? 03/03/2011

You can stop fumbling in your pockets for that extra dime or quarter to put in our meters.  We are going High Tech.  Beginning March 28, the meters will offer convenient payment options, including coins, credit cards and debit cards.  As new technology is installed rates will be adjusted (not jump) from .75 cents to $1 per hour.  Not all streets are selected in the beginning.......Times are changing.  03/03/2011

First off, I apologize for posting something like this on Activerain, but with Activerain's amazing google power I wanted to post the IMEI (ESN) and SIM Card numbers online so that if anyone ever checks the numbers online that odds of them finding out the hardware is stolen is highly likely. IMEI or ESN Number #: 012336001142003 SIM CARD #: 89014103243342081244 This phone has been reported as stolen and a police report is being filed this morning.  Tracking software was installed in the phone, but it was immediately turned off after being found. As a summary of the events I was out showing homes in the Village of West Clay in Carmel, IN with a client.  Afterward we decided we wanted to grab a quick bite in the Keystone area.  We looked up locations on my phone then headed to Red Habaner... 03/01/2011