Evelyn's Blog

Tim & Julie Harris Real Estate University Short Sale Program

2008-05-16T16:27:54Z

I posted a message yesterday asking for feedback from other agents who may have known about Tim and Julie Harris and their Harris Real Estate University. I have received 3 posts from Tim, who challenged me to check out the University website. Well I did. I looked everywhere and I also checked out his blog, as he suggested. My final conclusion is. It is definately to good to be true! And I mean that in a positive way! While I didn't find alot of feedback from outside sources I did enroll myself to listen to some of their "free" teleseminars. One of their inverviews was with one of the top agents in the Prudential Network, Gregg Neuman in San Diego. The interview I listened to was almost an hour long, packed with information that could only help me if I followed his footsteps. Then it dawned on me, why wou ld someone so interested in helping REALTORS build their business also not be on the up and up? That did it for me. I am sold. I do not have the money to sign up today, but my next commission check is going to them! I don't think I can afford to NOT go with their program! And we paid a similiar amount of money last year for a 6 week program with another big name. It just means I don't have to come up with all the money at once! Thanks for making it easier on us!

What had me skeptical was 1) the only things being said about them were said by them., 2) the $97 monthly fee, and 3) the latest and greatest can only be found thru them.I l earned a couple of things, yes it is okay to toot your own horn, how else will people know? Especially when it is true, and, I didn't know I was so skeptical! I'm glad to learn of it so I can correct it, I see it as a personality default, and I don't want one! So, thanks Tim for stopping by, I am on Julie's call log for Monday and I am looking forward to it! Soon, I will be one of the students tooting your horn! I am not a student right now and I am already tooting your horn!

Tim & Julie Harris Real Estate University Short Sale Telecom

2008-05-14T16:23:27Z

Tim and Julie put on a real nice teleconference and hyped themselves up real well. Does any one here have any experience with them? Can they deliver what they say they can deliver? I know they had coaches on the conference call and they did the "we only have 50 spots" and then extended it a couple of times, but come on, is this for real? Can they really jump start your career? I googled them and their university and everything that comes up was written by them. Any opinions?

Elkhart County, Indiana Living It Up Downtown

2008-05-11T18:59:14Z

Elkhart's Main Street will be closed on Friday May 16th from 5 to 8 pm for a Block Party. Come and join Duke Tomatoe for 3 45 minute sets. There will be beer and wine tents so you can party with all your friends. Popcorn, pop, water will also be served and you may purchase t-shirts.

On Saturday May 17th from 11 am until 2 pm you can have breakfast downtown before the tour of business' and apartments. See the historical architecture! Tons of prizes, gift baskets, an iPod Touch, gift certificates and one free class at IUSB-Elkhart will be given out.

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston, Prudential One Realty.

Elkhart County, Indiana Quilt Gardens Tour

2008-05-11T18:50:53Z

Imagine 60,000 blooms packed into 12 gigantic gardens and 11 supersized murals all planted in the heart of Northern Indiana's Amish Country. It's Free. It's Fun. It's Fantastic! Viewable from May 23rd to first frost of 2008. For more information, log onto quiltgardenstour.com or call 1-800-373579.

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston, Prudential One Realty.

Elkhart County, Indiana History For Kids

2008-05-11T18:45:44Z

Pioneer Life in Indiana Territory Thursday May 15th from 10:30 until noon. Museum tour guide Terry Trimmer will discuss the lives of pioneer familes in Indiana Territory. Experience the hardships, dangers and joys a typical family endured while trying to make a living on the frontier. Advance registration is required by calling 574-848-4322.

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty.

Elkhart County, Indiana Free Jazz Concert

2008-05-11T18:40:36Z

The Elkhart County Historical Museum is hosting a FREE Truth-In-Jazz Concert in the auditorium on Sunday May 18th from 2 to 4 pm.

This public announcement was brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston, Prudential One Realty.

Elkhart County Indiana's La Casa Help A House Fixed 18 Houses Today!

2008-05-10T19:53:55Z

Elkhart County, Indiana, home to La Casa helps homeowners everyday, all year long, but one day a year they organize a day for REALTOR's to give back to the community. This is the first time I have volunteered to "Help A House" and I gotta say, it sure felt good. The home we worked on was an early 1900's home in pretty sad shape, located in Goshen. The homeowner and her three children were there to run fetch things, hand out drinks, donuts, pizza, or help tear apart or put bak up whatever needed doing at the moment. Did I mention how great it felt to give back? And expect nothing in return? Today, it really was about them, them, them.

We were served a pancake breakfast by the local United Methodist Church, all 250 volunteers (not all REALTORs) ate to their hearts content and left with a sugar and caffeine high to help get a good start on all the labor! We ate from 7 to 8 am and then went to the homes we were assigned to. REALTORS from Prudential One, Century 21, Realty Group Resources, Coldwell Banker, Cressy & Everette, A Progressive Realty, and the Elkhart Board of REALTOR's Director all had representation, plus, I know there was another Brokerage present but I can't think of the name of it! What a showing we had...

We started off with a bang, by 9:30 am all the windows were out of the house, most of the tiles and tarpaper was down and it seemed like we were really making progress, and we were. We were scheduled to stay until 3 pm but at 1:30 everything was done except final roof touches and clean-up. What a day! I am sore and stiff but the gratitude and appreciation of the homeowners was well worth it. Giving back rocks!

If your community has such an organization I urge you to volunteer. If they don't have one, why not start one? You put together some pretty creative packages, you can put this together too!

Elkhart, Indiana City Leaf Pickup Ends May 15th

2008-05-09T18:05:57Z

Every Spring the Elkhat City Street Department picks up the leaves raked to the curb. This year the final pick up date is May 15th. After that date residents can place bagged leaves at the curbs and call the Elkhart Street Department to request pickup.

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston, Prudential One Realty.

Elkhart County, Indiana, EnviroCorps Water Night Wednesday

2008-05-06T06:23:55Z

Elkhart County, Indiana, EnviroCorps "Pumped Up" is the second of a three-part "The Water Supply, Elkhart and You" series. "Pumped-Up" is at 6 pm Wednesday at North Main Wellfield, 1000 N. Main Street, Elkhart. Elkhart Public Works and Utilities Terry Bunn will discuss local water supply and ways to reduce contamination risks while convserving water. Admission is free. Call Veronica Rog at 574-293-2572 for more information.

This public announcmenty is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly, 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County Indiana Looking for Prom Pictures

2008-05-06T06:16:51Z

Elkhart County, Indiana, newspaper The Truth is looking for pictures of you, all dressed up, before the Prom, during the Prom and even after the Prom. They want to print them in their Share section. Digital imiages only are accepted by email at etruth.com. Don't forget to name the school and provide contact information for the sender and who is pictured.

This public announcement is provided by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty. For more information, contact Evelyn at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County Indiana, How Important Is A Home Inspection?

2008-05-06T05:09:19Z

Should a buyer get a home inspection for a home they are buying? Should a seller order a home inspection prior to putting the property on the market? There are advantages for both.

Simply put, a home inspection is a visual examination of both the physical structure and major systems of the entire home including: walls, ceilings, floors, decks, exterior covering, the roof, foundation, insulation and ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning. It is not an appraisal to validate the value of a home, nor a pass/fail exam. A third-party inspector will give a report on the physical condition and suggest repairs.

Buyers

For buyers, a home inspection clause in the written offer that makes the purchase contingent upon the findings can provide peace of mind. If a serious problem is found, it allows room to renegotiate the purchase price or "opt-out" of buying the home altogether. However, this is usually uncommon. Typically, the seller will already have told the buyer about any major problems.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, more often, inspections reveal less serious defects that aren't enough to warrant backing out of the transition. However, knowing about these minor problems can prevent major disasters down the road. In addition, if specified in the inspection clause, the cost of the repairs can be at the seller's expense.

Another advantage to having a home inspection is it offers buyers an opportunity to become familiar with their new home and learn about maintenance to help in its upkeep. Although not required, it's recommended that buyers be present during the inspection. This allows them to observe the inspection; ask questions about the condition of the home; and receive an objective opinion.

Sellers

For sellers, conducting a home inspection (or pre-inspection) before listing their homes puts the control back into their hands.

When the buyer inspection finds problems, it can impede negotiations and cost the seller more in repairs. By having a pre-inspection, the seller can help eliminate any surprise findings after an offer has been made. The seller can make repairs before placing the home on the market and possibly even increase the value of the home.

A pre-inspection can also serve as a great marketing tool. Sellers are required by law to disclose any known defects in the home. Having a pre-inspection report available for buyers tells them that the seller has nothing to hide. It also gives them a clearer picture of the condition of the home.

If there are major problems found during the pre-inspection, it gives the seller an opportunity to disclose the condition up-front, making it less likely for the buyer to pull out of the deal or try to renegotiate the price.

Knowing the true condition of a home can bring peace of mind to buyers and sellers; and be one less hurdle in the home buying and selling process. Ask your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston, Prudential One Realty, for a list of certified independent home inspectors in your area. You may reach Evelyn at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County Indiana, Avoice These Seller Mistakers

2008-05-04T06:59:14Z

You want to get the best price for your home, plus sell it in the least amount of time. In a buyers' market such as the one Elkhart County is in now, homes will take longer to sell. Therefore, it's important that you make the right moves at the very beginning of your homeselling process to remain competitive. Here are some common traps that many homeowners fall into and how to avoid them.

1. Over-pricing - It's easy to think your home is worth more than the current market may support, particularly after the long run-up in home prices. Since home prices have cooled in markets around the country, home sellers must be prepared to negotiate on price and terms, and stay flexible to other stipulations benefiting the buyer. Sellers must also keep their emotions in check during the process. After all, your home is special to you and your family, and you're proud of the improvements you've made over the years. But, how does your home really stand up to the others for sale in Elkhart County? And are those improvements important to a potential buyer?

To determine a reasonable listing price, get sales statistics on homes in the neighborhood including listing prices and actual sales prices, how long it took for the homes to sell, and government valuation comparisons. You'll also want a market appraisal on your property. Visit homes for sale in your area and compare what you see in terms of sales appeal. A good local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert like Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty can help you gather this information.

2. Negligent Housekeeping - Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in the home. Take a good, objective look at the condition of your home. Clean, well-kept homes with an updated appearance always stand out, and a little decorating appeal can go a long way. You don't have to buy new furniture to create charm, but you can put toys and clutter away, freshen up paint and carpet, make the most of window coverings, and add a few key accessories in order to send out welcoming signals.

3. Failing to Fix-It - Buyers, unless they are looking for a fixer-upper, would prefer to move into a home that is in perfect or near-perfect condition. If they have to fix the roof, a broken tile floor, the garage door, worn carpet or just about anything, this may give them pause about buying. At the very least, it may lower the value of the home in the prospective buyer's mind.

4. Not Identifying Exclusions - This can be a cause of contention just at a critical point in the sale. Be sure to specify any special sales considerations or exclusions from the fixtures and furnishings list. Generally, anything permanently fixed to the house is an asset that stays with the home after the sale. So if you intend to take your grandmother's antique chandelier that's hanging in the dining room, clearly specify that the chandelier is not included in the sale price.

5. Not Understanding the Agent Agreement - Your sales endeavor will go smoothest when all parties have a clear understanding of what is expected. Understand the types of agency agreements when you sign with a real estate professional or company. Evelyn Johnston, Elkhart County Real Estate Expert, Prudential One Realty carefully explains every detail to you. Call her at 574-304-7148 for all your real estate questions.

Be sure to check on fees, commission percentages, marketing plans and timeframes. Most importantly, get everything in writing.

Elkhart County Indiana, Make Safety An Open House Priority

2008-05-04T06:48:36Z

An open house can be a great marketing tool in Elkhart County, Indiana, but it also means exposing your home and family to countless strangers. Don't assume that every person who visits your home is an earnest, potential homebuyer. It's important to take security seriously. Here are some common security measures that can pull double-duty, keeping you and your family safe while enhancing your home's marketability:

Remove personal items such as family photographs, your children's artwork, calendars that include daily routines and other items that may reveal the names of your family members or everyday life. Removing or packing away these items will not only enhance your privacy, it will also help keep the potential homebuyer focused on your home and not your family. A house that's been depersonalized shows better because it's easier for the buyer to visualize living in the house.

Identity theft is a growing problem, so be sure to remove or lock up all credit cards, bills, health insurance information and anything else that contains personal information like social security numbers and bank account numbers. Of course, this step removes clutter from your counters, maintaining visual appeal.
Remove or lock up jewelry, cash and other valuables; firearms and other weapons; and all prescription medication.
Make sure the house is well-lit and keep all interior and exterior walkways clear of clutter and other debris.
After each showing, take a thorough walk-through of your house and make sure all of the doors and windows are shut and locked, and that no items or valuables are missing.

In addition to safeguarding your property and identity, there are precautions you should take to protect yourself if you are present during an open house. Ideally, your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty will be representing you during the open house, so that potential home buyers feel comfortable snooping around, opening cupboards and speaking freely about the home. However, if you do find that you are in the home alone, or are selling your home on your own, consider a few tips from the pros:

•· Never turn your back on a potential buyer. Instead, let the buyer lead you through the house. This allows you to watch the buyer and avoid becoming cornered or trapped.

•· Employ the buddy system. If you must show the house yourself, enlist the help of family or friends. This rule is especially important if the home is located in an isolated area.

•· Have a visitor roster and make sure everyone who tours your home signs it and includes their phone number and address. This will help you keep track of who is viewing your home.

•· Know and have a plan for the fastest escape route for each part of your home.

The open house process is just one step toward selling your home. Your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston at 574-304-7148 can provide you with a fresh set of eyes and will tour your home and point out safety measures you may have overlooked as well as answer other questions you may have about selling your home.

Elkhart County Indiana Home Buyers Must Have's And Wish List

2008-05-04T06:35:37Z

Shopping for a home in Elkhart County, Indiana is an exciting adventure and it's easy to get lost in a sea of dazzling for-sale homes and all of their fabulous amenities - which can cause you to temporarily forget that a large backyard is your top priority. To keep yourself focused, take time to identify and organize exactly what you're looking for in a home by creating thorough "must-have" and "wish" lists before you begin home shopping. You may also want to make a third list that details your dislikes.

To get started ask yourself these questions: Which items and features must your home have? Which items and features would you like to have, but could live without? What would your dream house include? And, what features or issue must you avoid?

For the must-have list, try to focus on essentials and hard-to-change details, like a home's layout. If you must have a three-bedroom, two-bath house, put it on the list. Ranking your must-haves in order of importance is also a good idea.

Hard-to-change, must-have features can include the type of house, for example a two-story colonial or sprawling rancher; the number of rooms and square footage; the home's proximity to shopping; or its overall condition. Your must-have list can't be too detailed because it aims to itemize the features that are most important to you and your family.

Your wish list is the flexible and fun list. Wish lists are good for cosmetic features that would be great to have, but that can be changed. Hardwood floors can replace old wall-to-wall carpeting. If the yard is large enough and has adequate open space, a pool can be installed later. And landscaping can be a work in progress. Since the wish list is secondary, there are no limits so be sure to also include your dream amenities.

While compiling your lists, don't hesitate to confer with your your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly, who is a great source for information about Elkhart County Subdivisions and neighborhoods, homes and other pertinent "must-have" information.

Once you've determined your must-haves and optional features, create a checklist to take with you during your Elkhart County home tours. Besides helping you stay focused, it will provide an organized review of each house.

Your lists will most likely change as you tour homes and see what the market really has to offer. It's also unlikely that one house will include all of your must-have features. But, your efforts will be well worth it once you find the perfect house that includes just enough must-haves and even a few wishes. Your perfect home might not include that must-have basement, but its view may be a dream come true.

Preparing Your Elkhart County Home For A Successful Open House

2008-05-03T22:28:37Z

Elkhart County Indiana Buyers are drawn to homes that appeal to their senses. This is important to remember when preparing your home for an Open House. Through sight, sound and smell, buyers should leave your home with a lasting impression. Here are some tips to showcase your home in the best-possible light.

Exterior

Start outside by inspecting the front of your home from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Do the windows need cleaning? Be sure to remove oil stains from the driveway.

Next check the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Tidy around the grill area.

Interior

Now focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell and lighting are key. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum the carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Your kitchen and bathrooms should pass the white glove test. Be conscious of any lingering odors such as smoke, pets or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the Open House. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal or even baking chocolate chip cookies. And don't forget to empty all trashcans.

Next, set the mood. You want buyers to be able to picture your home as their own. Consider rearranging the furniture so that rooms look more spacious. Add accessories from rooms with too many furnishings to those that appear bare. Look at your countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the tops of your bureaus. Do they seem cluttered? Clear away and store as much as possible. The idea is to make your home appear spacious.

Lighting is also an important factor in creating an inviting atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all the drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights. Make sure all the light sockets have working bulbs and install the maximum-wattage bulb that is safe for that fixture. For rooms that you want to have a warm, cozy feeling, use softer lights.

Don't forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lighted candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining room table with color-coordinated table settings.

An Open House is a terrific way to show your property to many people in a short amount of time. However, keep in mind that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious and the most cheerful. So, don't rely on buyers to use their imagination. Help them capture it. Work with your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty to get more tips on creating an unforgettable home.

Elkhart County Indiana, Make Sure You Have A Marketing Plan

2008-05-03T22:00:34Z

Only for the rare few sellers, simply placing a "For Sale" yard sign on the front lawn creates a line of traffic filled with potential buyers. If you want buyers to see your Elkhart County, Indiana home, you've got to find them. The key is marketing. To get the most exposure for your home, you should have a marketing plan with clear objectives and specifically outlines the resources that will be used to reach potential buyers.

Each marketing plan should be designed around your property and capitalize on its most desirable features. Therefore, you need to be honest with your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty about the condition of your home, and the final price you are willing to accept for your home.

Next, you need to determine what marketing options work best to reach your desired audience. Generally there are two audiences you are trying to reach-home buyers and other real estate professionals. Make sure the plan includes action steps on how each audience will be marketed to.

Seldom is the successful marketing of a property the result of a single activity. Your strategy should include a variety of marketing activities. Using only conventional marketing strategies such as Open Houses, newspaper ads and direct mail can limit your outreach. Most homebuyers now begin their home search online. Having a presence on your real estate professional's Web site and other portals such as Yahoo! Real Estate gives you worldwide exposure. Besides the increased exposure, online listings also allow buyers to get a sneak peek of your home. Therefore, you may want to complement the listings with plenty of photos and a virtual tour, which allows viewers to get a 360-degree preview of your home without leaving their computer.

Also, don't forget the power of email. Sending email flyers or electronic postcard are easy and cost efficient. During your planning, your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston may recommend other marketing tools such as company/broker tours and an Open House.

Work with your real estate professional to determine the best options for your market.

Besides identifying marketing tools, an effective marketing plan will also spell out specific dates for the marketing activities. It should leave room for unscheduled events such as following up with sales professionals or brokers who preview or show the home.

Make sure the marketing plan includes checkpoints, possibly at the 15-, 30- and 45-day marks, to review activity on the home and determine if changes need to be made to the marketing plan.

As the home seller, you should be kept in the loop on activity of your home. The marketing plan should state how you will be communicated with (mail, phone, email, in person) and the frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).

Of course these are just guidelines, but can give you an idea if the marketing plan your real estate professional has proposed to you has to be refined. You need to be comfortable with the marketing strategy for your home. An effective plan will not only put you at ease, but also give your home maximum exposure to increase your chances of a quick sell.

Elkhart County Indiana Is Making Sense Out Of Real Estate Lingo

2008-05-03T21:49:26Z

As with all industries in and out of Elkhart County, Indiana, real estate professionals have developed a lingo and acronyms to help them communicate with each other more easily. For the first-time homebuyer (and even some veterans), making sense of property listings can sometimes leave you feeling like you're deciphering the DaVinci Code. If you are having trouble reading the home sales, call your Local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly.

Let's take a look at a sample real estate listing:

2,500 sf on a c-d-s, 2BR, 2.5BA, CA, spac grt rm w/ wbfp, grmet kit, det gar

Looks a lot like alphabet soup. However, using this type of abbreviated property description saves valuable advertising space. Some abbreviations you'll probably encounters are:

•· AC or A/C: air conditioning

•· BA: bathroom

•· BR: bedroom

•· CA: central air

•· C-D-S: cul de sac

•· DET: detached

•· DK: deck

•· EIK: eat-in kitchen

•· F/FIN BSMT: finished basement

•· FDR: formal dining room

•· FP, frplc: fireplace

•· GAR: garage

•· GRMT KIT: gourmet kitchen

•· GRT RM: great room

•· HDW, HWF, Hdwd: hardwood floors

•· HOA: home owners association

•· LR: living room

•· KIT: kitchen

•· OFC: office

•· PVT: private

•· SF: square feet

•· SPAC: spacious

•· VW, VU: view

•· WBFP: wood-burning fireplace

In addition to the abbreviations in property listings, here are a few other common terms you should become familiar with.

FSBO-For Sale By Owner. This term refers to a property which the homeowner is trying to sell independent of a real estate professional.

MLS-Multiple Listing Service. MLSs are comprised of a group of real estate brokers who have agreed to share their property listings. This listing is then provided to the group through a database or directory. If you are buying your home, this is the service that your sales professional will use to search for potential homes for you to purchase. If you are selling your property, your real estate professional can list your home through the MLS. For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) properties are typically not listed through the MLS.

CMA-Comparative Marketing Analysis. This analysis is an informal assessment of a property's market value. This is one of the tools your Local Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston can use to help you determine a reasonable listing price. Usually, the CMA compares your property with similar properties in Elkhart County that have sold in your area within a certain time frame. Besides purchase price, some of the information typically listed is the number of bedrooms and baths, approximate square footage, size of major rooms, amenities such as fireplaces and pools, age of the home, and property taxes.

During the real estate process, you'll more than likely come across more acronyms and lingo. Make sure you ask your Local Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston to explain any terms you are unfamiliar with so that you are not in for any surprises.

By the way, the listing above was a 2,500 square-feet home on a cul-de-sac, with two bedrooms and two and a half baths, central air, a spacious great room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen and detached garage.

Elkhart County Indiana 10 Year Homes vs Nearly Identical a Few Blocks Away Vary in Price By $10,000 - Why?

2008-04-30T07:47:15Z

How can two 10 year homes with the same square footage, nearly identical floor plans and only a few blocks from each other vary in price by more than $10,000?

Forgetting, for a moment, the interior improvements that set one home apart from another, there are exterior factors that influence price. For instance, homes on primary ingress and egress streets (that is, the main streets that lead in and out of a tract) generally appreciate more slowly than those within the tract that are not on primary streets. Primary ingress/egress streets generate more traffic and are less desirable. So they lower prices.

Within a tract, a home on a cul-de-sac may generate a higher price for the same reason - less traffic. Cul-de-sacs are frequently like a maze, and they discourage drive-throughs, which is, of course, a definite benefit to Elhart County residents.

Even properties on one side of a street can be worth more than a similar property across from it. Why? Certain communities, because of their name, are more prestigous than others. Beverly Hills, Californnia, of course, is one. It is known worldwide for its high end shopping, expensive housing and impeccable name. In sections where Beverly Hills is divided from other cities and/or communites by a street, the homes on the Beverly Hills side of the avenue command a higher price than those on the non-Beverly Hills side across from it.

Existing homes may differ radically in price for another reason - one homeowner wants to sell, and the other has to sell. The latter, of course, is going to provide the better buy for consumers, since the owner must get out because of a job change or some other factor. The former is going to be tougher, because he does not have to sell. Buyers, with the help of their local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston (Prudential One Realty) can usually determine who "wants" to sell and who "has" to sell. Find the one that "has" to and the difference in price can mean tens of thousands of dollars.

Some other factors that influence price: What commercial developments are adjacent to the tract? How (un)desirable are they? And don't forget supply and demand.

The wise Elkhart County Home Buyer checks one other thing - a community's master plan. This is a must, expecially if a tract (or home) is surrounded by vacant land. Most communities have one. It is usually drawn up by planners within the city or county and approved by a local planning commission. Find out what is going to be built nearby and determine how it might impact the value of the tract. Your local Elkhart County Expert Evelyn Johnston can frequently be of assistance in this area, too.

All this, of course, takes time and homework. But is is well worth it, expecially when you consider that the purchase of a home is usually going to be the largest single financial investment you make in your life. Call Evelyn today at 574-304-7148 to determine the future plans of Elkhart County in the area you are interested in moving to.

Elkhart County Indiana Home Warranties, Do They Protect You If Something Goes Wrong?

2008-04-30T07:22:13Z

Do home warranties protect Elkhart County Indiana Buyers in the event something goes wrong after they have purchased a property? Sometimes. That's because home warranties are oftentimes misunderstood, and not every warranty provides the same protection. All warranty companies are not equal, either.

Warranties, of course, were designed to protect buyers from problems that emerged after they moved into an Elkhart County home. For example, if a major appliance breaks or the roof leaks, the ideal warranty kicks in and pays for the repairs.

On the surface, this sounds simple and straightforward. But most of the time it is not. First, warranties differ. Aside from the obvious differences - the amount of deductible - they may vary insofar as what is covered and what is not. For instance, with some warranties, if the hot water heater works on the day of closing, but suddenly does not work six months later, then it may be covered. With other policies, if the water heater was not in good working condition when the home was purchase, and it breaks a week or two later, there is no coverage.

Complex? Confusing? It can be. Even though the language in the warranty spells out what's covered, it isn't always the easiest document to understand. Thus, step one in evaluating a warranty - take it to an attorney to decipher. It's worth the hour or so in legal fees.

Next, is the warranty company financially sound? In many states, warranty companies can be doing business despite the fact they do not have the funds to back up their policies. Thus, step two when evaluating a warranty - take the policy to your accountant or a local CPA. Have him or her check out the warranty company's financials. Can it pay the claims?

There are two types of defects when it comes to new homes - patent and latent. Patent are those problems which can be seen. Cracked plaster, a fence that is off-kilter, etc. Latent problems develop later and may not show up for five or six months. Ground shifting is one example. Latent problems are usually more expensive than patent problems. Thus, the warranty for a new home can be one of the most important documents executed during the Elkhart County Indiana home buying process.

Whether you're purchasing a new home or a resale, remember that warranties definately have a place when it comes to protection and peace of mind in the real estate transaction. For more information about homes available for sale in Elkhart County or information about the home warranty we carry at Prudential One Realty, give your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston a call today at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County Indiana Golf Courses

2008-04-27T17:24:37Z

Elkhart County golf enthusiasts have eight public courses in the county to choose from. Here they are:

Black Squirrel Golf Club - 1017Larimer Drive, Goshen IN 46526 574-533-1828
McCormick Creek Golf Course - 1300 N Oakland Avenue, Nappanee In 46550 574-773-2725
Old Orchard GC - 24682 CR 16 E, Elkhart, In 46516 574-293-1121
Par-More GC - SR 15, New Paris, In 46553 574-831-4434
Raber GC - 19396 SR 120 W, Bristol In 46507 574-848-4020
Sims Oak Hills GC - 11522 SR 120, Middlebury, In 46540 574-825-5767
Spring Meadow Farm GC - 57600 SR 13 S, Middlebury, In 46540 574-825-3422
Timber Ridge GC - 12507 CR 44, Millersburg, In 46543 574-642-3252

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County, Baugo Township, Indiana Seeking Donations for Fire Dept.

2008-04-27T16:31:00Z

The Baugo Township Fire Department in Elkhart County, Indiana is asking for support in a funraising program. Representatives will contact all homes in the area asking for a donation of $20.00 to be used topurchase equipment, and the fire department wishes to thank residents for thir donations by giving a certificate for an 8 X 10 color portrait to be taken at the station. You can also mail in a donation to the fire department at Baugo Township Fire Station, 57955 CR 3, Elkhart IN 46517.

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County, Indiana, Florence Street Closure Due To Construction

2008-04-27T16:19:41Z

A portion of Florence Street will be closed in Elkhart because of water main construction.

The closing will begin Monday April 28th and last about four weeks.

The cross streets of the area affected are South West Boulevard and South Highland Avenue. Local traffic, including mail delivery, trash pickup and emergency vehicles will be allowed within the construction area.

This public announcement is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County, Indiana, Familiarize Yourself With Real Estate Glossary

2008-04-27T14:52:35Z

Elkhart County, Indiana is a GREAT place to live, and spring is here and you want to start looking for a home. GREAT! Let's familiarize ourselves with the Real Estate Glossary. It will help the process make more sense to you as you work with your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, 574-304-7148.

Adjustable Mortgage Loans: Mortgage loans under which the interest rate is periodically adjusted to more closely coincide with current rates. The amounts and times of adjustment are agreed to at the inception of the loan. Also called adjustable rate loans, adjustable rate mortgages (ARM's), flexible rate loans or variable rate loans.
Amortization: Payment of a debt in equal installments of principal and interest, rather than interest-only payments.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The yearly interest percentage of a loan, as expressed by the total finance charge actually paid (interest, loan fees, points). The APR is disclosed as a requirement of federal truth in lending statutes.
Buydown: A payment to the lender from the seller, buyer or third party, or some combination of these, that causes the lender to reduce the interest rate during the early years of the loan.
Buyer Broker: A Buyer Broker represents the interest of the Buyer. If you are looking for a home to buy, call your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.
Cap: In adjustable rate mortgages, the limit on how much the interest rate or monthly payment can change.
Capital Gains: Profits an investor makes from the sale of real estate or investments.
Closing: The final procedure in which documents are executed and/or recorded, and the sale (or loan) is completed.
Closing statement: The statement which lists the financial settlement between buyer and seller, and also the costs each must pay.
CMA: CMA, or competitive market analysis, is a comparison of homes silimiar to a seller's home in terms of size, style, features and location that have sold recently or are on the market. A CMA is prepared by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty to help set a home's listing price.
Contingency: Commonly, a stated event which must occur before a contract is binding. For example, a home sale may be contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing.
Deposit: A portion of the down payment given by the buyer to the seller or escrow agent with a written offer to purchase. Shows good faith.
Down Payment: Cash portion of the purchase price paid by a buyer from his own funds as opposed to that portion which is financed.
Escrow: A procedure in which a third (neutral) party holds all funds, documents, ets. necessary to the sale, with instructions from the buyer and seller as to their use and dispostion.
FHA Loan: A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. FHA insurance enables lenders to loan a very high percentage of the sale price.
Graduated Payment Mortgage: A mortgage initially offering low monthly payments that increase at fixed intervals and at a predetermined rate.
High Density: The concentration of housing units in a specific area or on a specific property.
Index or Rate Index: A measure of interest rate changes used to adjust the intersest rate of an adjustable mortgage loan. Example: The change in U.S. Treasury securities (T-Bills) with a one-year maturity based upon their weekly average yeild.
Lien: A legal claim or charge on property as security for payment of a debt or for the discharge of an obligation.
Loan-to-value ratio: The ratio -- expressed as a percentage - of the amount of a mortgage loan to the appraised value or selling price of the property.
Margin: In adjustable mortgage loans, the number of percentage points the lender adds to the index rate to determine the new interest rate at each adjustment.
MLS: MLS stands for multiple listing service, by which member brokers cooperate in the sale of each other's listings. Sellers may choose not to allow their property into multiple listing, if they wish.
Mortgage acceleration clause: A clause that allows a lender to demand that the entire balance of the loan be repaid in a lump sum under certain circumstances. The acceleration clause is usually triggered if the home is sold, title to the property is changed, the loan is refinanced or the borrower defaults on a scheduled payment.
Points: A fee charged by a lender as a service charge or as an amount needed to make the yield on a mortgage competitive with other types of investments. Each point represents 1 percent of the loan amount.
Principal: Amount of debt, not including interest; the face value of a loan.
Private Mortgage Insurance: Insurance issued by a private company against loss by a lender in the event of default. Private mortgage insurance is generally required for conventional financing whenever less than 20 percent is put down.
Quit-claim Deen: A document that releases a party from any interest in a piece of real estate.
Second Mortgage: A mortgage that ranks after the first mortgage lien in priority.
Seller Broker: A seller broker represents the interest of the seller. If you are considering selling your property please contact your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert EvelynJohnston at 574-304-7148.
Title Insurance: Insurance against loss resulting from defects of title of p ublic record.
Title Search: A check of public title reqcords to ascertain that the seller is the legal owner and that there are no claims or liens against the property.
VA Loans: Loans partially guaranteed by the Verterans Administration, enabling veterans to buy a home with little or no down payment.

These are not all of the Real Estate Terms but they are a start to help you understand different aspects of the Home Buying procedure. Real Estate Agent Evelyn Johnston is an Elkhart County Expert. You may reach her at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart County, Indiana, Credit Builders Inc and Indigo Financial Group, What Do They Have In Common?

2008-04-26T20:41:56Z

Elkhart County, Indiana is home to both Credit Builders Inc and Indigo Financial Group, and to Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty. I, as a Real Estate Professional, have gathered many contacts that I can turn to for help with my Client base. Of course, whom I look to depends on particular needs, and my clients can use whom ever they coose to work with. But my point is this, as an astute REALTOR I am able to help almost every customer I have contact with, because I have searched, tried out and choosen to work with the best of the best. In a lot of circumstances my Buyers have worked with other services and once they talk to who I recommend they can see a difference in knowledge and experience.

Earlier this week I went to the closing table with yet another person who graduated from Credit Builders Inc. This Client was sooooooo grateful to be able to buy a home! They did their homework, took care of what needed to be taken care of and reached their goals in about six months.

If you live in Elkhart County, Indiana, call your Local Real Estate Expert, Evelyn Johnston at 574-304-7148. She will work hard to help you reach your Real Estate goals!

Elkhart County Indians, It's All About Location, Location, Location!

2008-04-26T20:21:15Z

There's an adage in real estate that says the three most important considerations when buying property are (1) location, (2) location and, of course, (3) location. In other words, buy something in the right location and you can't miss. It will not only provide shelter, but steady appreciation as well.

In fact, if you examine the cost of a particular piece of property, you will find the prime driver behind the price is usually the location and its desireability. In other words, the buetter the location, the greater the demand, and the higher the price.

Some of the "drivers" that creat desireable locations are easily seen. Take, for instance, Beverly Hills vs. Los Angeles. Or Greenwich vs. Hartford or New Haven (Ct). All have desirable areas, but the Beverly Hills/Greenwich name adds demand to the location and, of course, a higher price. Virtually every city has locations that are prestigious, usually because of the reputation of the area and what consumers have been conditioned to expect in them.

Not all "drivers" are as obvious as the community's name. There are others - schools, for instance. How good is the district? What is its reputation? Transportation is another. Is it readily available? Convenient? How about cultural activities? Are there many? If so, how close is the property to the cultural venue(s)?

Check other things, too. How quickly are homes moving (selling)? Are there areas within the community that are slow to sell? If so, why? What about prices? Have they been appreciating? What percentage? How does appreciation in the past three years compare to the past five or six? How does this compare to nearby or adjacent tracts? And, of course, check the nearby vacant land (if any). What's planned?

The answers to these questions take research; however, in many cases your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty can provide assistance. Regardless of what techniques a Buyer utiolizes, the time put in is well worth it. Those extra hours may mean the difference between a good investment and a great one.