Gina's Blog -- Indiana Real Estate Specialist

STAGING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:50:09 -0800

The Fort Wayne C21 Bradley Premier Team stages all of our listings as part of our PREMIER SERVICE. Perhaps that is why we were the #1 C21 Bradley Team for 2009. AND we were the #2 C21 Team in the Midwest AND the #10 C21 Team in the nation. Staging works because it allows a buyer to see their stuff in your space. The National Association of Realtors estimates that for every 3% that you put into your home you will get a 10% return. So for all of my listings, I give a "staged price" and an "unstaged price." Which room below will allow the seller to present their home in the best possible light and get the most money at closing? Dumb question, I know. But then WHY DON'T ALL REALTORS STAGE THEIR LISTINGS?

Real Estate Market Trends for Allen County

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:06:58 -0700

Wow, my phone is ringing off the hook. Buyers are buying and sellers are selling. Seems as if the mortgage underwriters are slowing things way down but all in all there is so much more energy in the market. So just wanted to provide an update on market conditions in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Median Sales Price 89,900 vs 100,000 in 2008
Average Sales Price 114,728 vs 105,453 in 2008
Units Closed This Year 1,260 vs 1,058 in 2008
Volume Closed This Year 289.4 vs 227 in 2008
Inventory 2,981 vs 2,606 in 2008
Pending Units Per Month 478 vs 463 in 2008
Average Days on Market 116.3 vs 119 in 2008
Months of Supply 6.2 vs 5.6 in 2008
Building Permits YTD 105 vs 78 in 2008
Sales Price to List 95.1 vs 93.9 in 2008
New Construction Inventory 245 vs 204 in 2008
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortage 6.06 vs 4.78 in 2008

So welcome back Fort Wayne! We're on our way HOME!

CATCH THE VISION -- ABOITE NEW TRAILS

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:30:51 -0700

We're about to make history. All of us. Together with trail partners, donors and volunteers, Aboite New Trails (ANT) currently has the ability to link together its existing trails and create a 41-mile continuous trail corridor that will stretch from Aboite Township all the way to New Haven's scenic trail system via the Rivergreenway and the Towpath Trail. And ANT is only $400,000 away from making it happen THIS YEAR.

Soon, everyone from all across Fort Wayne will have the ability to travel by foot or by bike to destinations along this corridor, including schools, parks and playgrounds, Eagle Marsh and downtown cultural amenities and events. No parking garage needed.

Since its inception in 2003, Aboite New Trails (ANT) has worked towards creating a safe, accessible trail system that allows residents and visitors to travel by foot or by bike to area destinations. Today, as people move towards saving money by walking, riding bikes, and selecting alternative transportation choices, their safety, fitness and quality of life are simultaneously improved. What's more remarkable is that these benefits are not limited to a select few, but are for everyone. And they last a lifetime. No other project alone can have the same breadth of impact on an entire community.

Currently, the Aboite Trails has 11 completed miles in its trail system. In addition to the 41-mile corridor initiative, ANT is working with its partners on other trail projects. Most recently, locally owned Brooks Construction provided a donation of several in-kind projects to help complete critical trail connections near Illinois Rd./SR 14 and Scott Rd.

These trails are your trails. To help make these and other projects happen, please consider getting involved or donating today. Visit them at www.aboitenewtrails.org to become a subscriber and receive updated information on projects and events. See YOU on the trail.

Upcoming ANT Events

Get Caught, June 7, 2009

Great ANT Race, Oct. 19, 2009

STAGING TO LIVE? How to REALLY Enjoy Your Home NOW

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:39:10 -0700

I am a licensed realtor by profession and an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) by training. So when a friend asked me to redecorate her home (since she was thinking about selling in a few years) I checked my schedule, told her that I would work for her on my day off and called up my fellow stagers to tackle the project.

She has a gorgeous home on a great lot. But it had collected an extra item or two over the years. Her daughter in law is from Indonesia and I noticed that there were so many great Asian-influenced items scattered around the home. So we used things that were already in the house AND in the garage sale pile. The front sitting room went from a never used "Nintendo" space to a calm, sunny and comfortable office/sitting area. Thought you might want to scroll down to see the great BEFORE/AFTER results in this one room. THIS IS THE SAME ROOM FROM THE SAME ANGLE. Enjoy -- I know that the homeowners ARE!!

and

REAL ESTATE SIGNS that will cause TRAFFIC JAMS

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:43:03 -0700

Today, I stopped by my sign company to pick up a PENDING (Gosh, I love the sound of THAT) Sign!

I stopped in my tracks before I entered the building-- there was a life size realtor holding a FOR SALE SIGN. (Reminded me a bit of the full size cutouts that they have with the Presidents when you visit Washington, D.C.) And beside that was an OPEN HOUSE and a SOLD sign with human faces attached. It was a HOOT!

So just wanted you all to weigh in. Is this out of the box, fun, creative and unique with the potential to attract buyers OR is this just plain silly. In all honesty, I am thinking that I want to place an order tomorrow:-)

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION (NSP) NOW OPEN for BUSINESS

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:44:33 -0700

Today, the City of Fort Wayne formally launched the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)! The program is designed to stabilize neighborhoods in the area that has been designated as the Area of Greatest Need. 7.2 million has been set aside to help qualified homeowners secure a home, pay a developer to renovate it to the buyer's specifications, and still have the buyer pay only the appraised value. WOW!

Hey this is great for buyers, this is great for developers and service providers, and this is great for communities that need to be stabilized. It is a complete WIN WIN for everyone.

I have viewed close to 100 properties in the Area of Greatest Need. Some of them are diamonds in the rough. Others are complete tear downs. Many of them are located in historic districts and have charming finish work and floor plans. Others are basic living structures. I will be glad to share information on any of the foreclosed homes that qualify.

Here are a few things that buyers MUST do:

Retain a qualified, experienced realtor
Get preapproval from your bank
Be approved for the NSP program by the City
Be able to occupy the foreclosed home for at least 5 years
Attend 8 hours of Homeowner Education Classes

Currently, the City has fourteen development teams that are ready to work with you to help you into that home. It is a brand new program so there may be some bumps in the road. I am looking forward to working alongside the City and building community to see my community flourish and grow. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to be in touch by phone or email. I stand ready to be of assistance.

It Takes Just 1.5 MINUTES to Auction off a House!

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:51:21 -0700

Auctions seem to be everywhere -- and I love to attend. I am talking about the old furniture and nik knack kind of auction. Tons of treasures buried in the midst of all of that stuff.

But tonight I attended a different kind of auction. Four foreclosed homes from the Fort Wayne area were being sold to the highest bidder. The rules: $2,500. cashiers check; had to close in 45 days; cash basis only! Agents could not sign up for the auction unless their clients were present. Four homes were on the auction block. About 35 people were in the room. Free coffee, soft drinks and pretzels.

The auction company said that it would take 6 minutes to auction off the four homes. They asked the audience to throw out the first bid. $5,000. $10,000. $15,000 then $20,000. The house I had come to purchase sold for $25,000 -- which was $5,000 more than I was authorized to spend. The whole auction of four homes was over in less than 8 minutes.

Just think about it. Several hundred thousands of dollars of real estate filled with years of memories -- some good and some not so good. And it was all over in the time it takes me to brush my teeth. Certainly puts all the material things that we cherish into perspective.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) -- NOT FOR FAINT OF HEART

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:39:44 -0700

Sarah, a realtor from Indianapolis, called me today about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Her client knew about it -- but she did not. Hurrah for an agent who is doing her homework and wants to serve her clients with extraordinary service.

The concept of the program is to provide money for buyers/developers to buy up foreclosed properties in designated "hard hit" areas. Neighborhood Stabilization in Fort Wayne has received over $7 million. Developers can spend up to $75,000. to fix up these homes and the buyers only pay the appraised value for that area. In layman's terms, a developer can buy the house, fix it up and spend perhaps $105K (for securing property and renovating it) but if the appraised value is only $70K -- that is what the buyer pays.

I have been working for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Fort Wayne for several months now. I have had the opportunity to walk the first buyer (alpha guinea pig) through this federal/state/local/ private sector. Yesterday as I got up from a conference call at the Fort Wayne City County building, I realized two things: 1) This is not for the agent who is faint of heart AND 2) Not every BUYER or AGENT should be involved with this program.

So why -- what is up with that??

First HUD (THE GOVERNMENT) is involved -- and I don't believe that I need to delve too deeply there. There are contingencies, upon contingencies, upon contingencies.
Secondly, this is a BRAND NEW program and the papers and policies are being drafted as we speak. I feel extremely honored that I have involved in many high level discussions on this program and have had input in the program.
Thirdly, asset managers of foreclosed companies frankly are sometimes difficult to work with and don't take kindly to lots of contingencies and financial restrictions on offers.
Fourthly, the appraisal issue is the big "what if" with this system.
Fifthly, frankly most agents will spend tons of time managing expectations for their clients.

If there is any interest in starting a discussion group or you are a buyer who wants to know more about NSP, feel free to email me or contact me at 260-417-0143.

I am committed to seeing Neighborhoods revitalized in Fort Wayne!

CELEBRATE Spring with KOBE BURGERS

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:13:29 -0700

If you know great meat, you know Kobe Beef. And no one does it better than Joseph Decuis. So on Friday, March 20th (the first day of Spring and my birthday), Joseph Decuis of Roanoke is celebrating with the Emporium Kobe Cookout. Dig in from 11am until 6pm.

The Eschelmans, proprieters of Joseph Decuis, raise their own beef on a farm 6 miles from Roanoke. The meet is American Wagyu, a cross between Black Angus and Japanese Wagyu cattle, commonly known as Kobe beef. It is legendary for its taste, tenderness and health benefits. One bite and you will be hooked --it is incredible!

So no matter what the weather, enjoy the following:

Kobe Burger, ($5.50) 1/4 pound burger topped with cave aged cheddar

Kobe Smoke Sausages, ($5,50) topped with sauteed onions and peppers

Sliced Kobe Roast Beef with Joseph Decuis Special Sauce ($7.00) served with Asian Slaw on Pita Bread

New England Clam Chowder ($3 or $5)

Italian Tomato Soup ($2.50 or $4)

Come on down and enjoy great food, friends and finally, THE SUNSHINE!

I LOVE to eat at DIVES

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:51:58 -0700

For years now, I have made it my business to search out the best DIVE eateries in Fort Wayne. So if you live here or visit sometime soon, I wanted to share some of the "dive wealth" with you. Sorry that these businesses don't happen to have websites.

You should know that Websters defines DIVE as "a dingy or disreputable bar or nightclub." But my definition is much more flattering -- a place to eat that you wouldn't walk into unless you knew someone else who had eaten there -- and lived to tell about it. So here goes:

Saigon House on Calhoun: the best Vietnamese hangout in town. Good sign is that it is usually packed with Vietnamese patrons. My favority item on the menu is CHICKEN FRESH NOODLE. Tell Ashley that I sent you.

Seoul House/Korean on Coliseum: The young kids in town love this place. In fact my son asked that we eat our family meal there before his high school graduation. It is in an old building in a Marathon Gas Station parking lot. Need I say more?

Coney Island on Harrison: Okay, this joint has been around here forever. One friend I took there actually ate 10 chili dogs -- but we did not see him for days. This place is somewhat of an institution and it is usually packed on weekends and for lunch. (Kind of bugs me though that they use the same gloves to put onions on your hotdogs that they use to collect your money--but that is just me).

Cindy's Diner (830 S. Harrison): John is Cindy's husband and he is the short order cook. His assistant, Brat, has been working there for well over a decade. Cindy retired some time ago and hangs around with the grandkids. The food there is always great. The doughnuts in the morning are fresh, fresh, fresh! Seating is limited so go at off times for the cultural experience.

For further information on these and other dives OR my favorite high end restaurants, check out my favorites on my website. And, of course, bon appetit!

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:01:44 -0700

Neighborhood Stabilization is arriving in Fort Wayne and other Indiana cities on March 31, 2009. The idea behind this program is great: To provide up to $75,000 to renovate foreclosed homes in "the area of greatest need" in the city center of Fort Wayne. The total funds available in Fort Wayne for Neighborhood Stabilization are over $7 million.

It is a brand new, never tested, never tried program which is baffling government officials at ALL levels as well as the rest of us in the housing industry. As a former policy wonk with The Senate, The White House, and The House AND a realtor, it has been my privilege to walk through the initial steps with the City Planners. There have been meetings with builders/developers, title companies, mortgage companies and realtors. It has been an amazing process.

Some things you will need to know if you are interested in purchasing a home through NSP:

There will be hundreds of foreclosed and tax sale properties in the affected area that will be eligible for this program. You must work with a qualified realtor who knows the area and the inventory.
You must meet income qualifications -- but the income levels are relatively high. For instance, for a family of four, the household income can be as much as $73,500.
All buyers must be qualified for this program by the City and must attend 8 hours of home ownership counseling curriculum.
The buyer with work closely with the developer and will oversee the home renovation project.
Luxury items such as jet tubs and sky lights do not qualify for this program.
Currently there are 18 builders who are interested in partnering with the City of Fort Wayne on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Once the home is purchased, the development team is given 90 days to turn around the home.

After viewing dozens of foreclosed homes that will qualify for this program, I am pretty enthusiastic about what this program can do to boost the local housing market and give a hand up to eligible buyers. It is a very complicated program so my only encouragement is that you work closely with both a realtor and developer who know the nuances of this program and are willing to be your advocate throughout the process.

BAD NEWS in PERSPECTIVE

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:33:28 -0700

My sister-in-law, Bonnie, is in her early 50s. For a few days last week she was feeling sick to her stomach so she went in for a check up fearing it was her gall bladder. She wasn't prepared for the news that her doctor and every specialist after that gave to her. She had cancer -- and IT was in her liver. She found out on Friday that there would be no surgery, no chemo, no radiation.

Bonnie is perhaps one of the most decent and loving people that I have have ever met. She loves her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and she knows what it means to love well. Over the years, if someone ever needed anything, she was always first in line giving of herself both with time, energy and resources. As a Pastor's wife, she is always a wonderful extension of her husband's ministry. If I could use one phrase to describe her, it would be consistently in LOVE with GOD and OTHERS.

I am having a hard time wrapping my arms around this one. First of all, it is so sudden. And the question keeps ringing, "Why God?" I am going to be asking Him that question alot in the coming days. Thanks for joining me in prayer for my friend and sister-in-law, Bonnie.

Renaissance Pointe -- Bringing Back Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:08:38 -0700

Renaissance Pointe WILL bring back the City Center of Fort Wayne.

Perhaps the area has homes that appraise below area market value. Perhaps the Pointe is surrounded by apartments that are the centers of criminal activity. Perhaps the locals move out when they "make it." But I believe that Ren Pointe will turn around the neighborhood.

The Journal Gazette on Sunday March 8th, 2009 had a two page spread in the living section on the progress of Ren Pointe. The City has spent $5.8 and only six homes have been sold. But have YOU seen Ren Pointe? It is only a block long BUT it is lovely. And as each home is completed and a new family takes the keys of homeownership -- there is an extreme sense of pride.

Maybe it is because I have seen what an individual with a vision can accomplish. I saw the Baltimore habor when it was a piece of trash. One man, Baltimore's mayor, had a vision. He got public funds. He called for private funds. For the young people who visit Baltimore's harbor today, it is drop dead gorgeous. It was one person's vision that caused an onslaught of change.

So my hats are off to the neighbors of Renaissance Pointe and the CITY OF FORT WAYNE and my friend Heather Presley who heads up Neighborhood Services. You guys rock. And I will bring buyers to your door at EVERY opportunity.

THE NEWSPAPER, TV, AND NOW YOU ASKED FOR THE BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:54:20 -0700

On February 27, 2009, the News Sentinel and WANE TV featured our realtor/staging crew totally turning around a home on Columbia Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The before/after photos were amazing. This home will sell quickly and for more money because the homeowners cared enough to prepare their home for the market. So with a little paint (stagers don't like PINK and PURPLE) and a few accessories and lots of reorganizing, this place was turned around on its head. But I could go on and on -- I'd rather just show you the money. ALL those photos were taken from the exact same angle.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)-- FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 19:19:06 -0800

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program will be launched on March 31, 2009. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, that means that over $7 million will be distributed to income qualified and credit worthy buyers who are interested in partnering with a builder/developer and turning around a foreclosed home.

Earlier this year, I began working closely with the City of Fort Wayne to ensure that this brand new program was viable. I am convinced that the Neighborhood Stabilization Program will provide assistance to the areas of greatest need in addition to providing housing options for qualified buyers. At the request of the City, I am currently walking through the program with one of my buyers to ensure that the Neighborhood Stabilization Program is presented to the Fort Wayne community with all of the variables in place.

If you are interested in participating in this program, here are just a few things that you all need to know.

Your income must be 120% of 2008 area median Income. For instance: 1 person household/$51,480; 2 person household/$58,800; 3 person household/$66,240; 4 person household/$73,560.
You must be preapproved by the City AND your bank before you can apply for this program
You must work with an approved developer/builder
You must work with a realtor who knows the homes that qualify for this program and understands the local and federal regulations
The home you choose must qualify for NSP contingencies

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is a boon for our community. I look forward to working with buyers and other realtors to ensure that this program brings housing redevelopment to the City of Fort Wayne. Any questions?? 260-417-0143 or gbzimmerman1@comcast.net. I look forward to serving you.

HOME STAGING featured on TV and in the newspaper

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:47:33 -0800

The Fort Wayne News Sentinel and WANE TV recently caught our staging crew in the act of transforming one of my listings from WAY WAY TOO MUCH to JUST RIGHT! Over the next several days, I will be featuring various rooms that were transformed. Can you believe that this is the same room -- we uncovered a great window with lots of sunshine just waiting to pour in? I could tell you all that we did, but thought that I should just SHOW YOU THE MONEY! Eager to see how quickly this home sells now.

How Much is that Opening in that Basement Bedroom Window??

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:57:20 -0800

If you call your county building czar, you will find out exactly what the regulations are in your neck of the woods. But in Allen County, Indiana, below are the specifics of what you must have to call a basement room a bedroom.

The window must be less than 44" from the ground.
If it is higher than 44", you must permanently attach a stepping stool or a tool chest so that I child can reach the window.
Also, the clear opening for the window must be 5.7 square feet or about 2' x 3'.
Finally, the window well must be less than 44 inches below ground level. If it is higher than that, a permanent ladder must be installed.

So if you are expecting to sell/buy a home, make sure that you know that these are the specifications that determine the difference between a three and a four bedroom home.

And with a professional realtor assisting you, it will be a happy house hunting and selling experience for ALL:-)

OPRAH HAS DONE IT AGAIN! WOW!!

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:28:38 -0800

Today I happened across Oprah's show on cleaning up clutter in homes across the nation. Of course, they cleaned up a few homes (WOW WOW WOW) and hauled away the trash and donated items in various VW bugs (cool cars!) She encouraged people to sign up for the decluttering curriculum and to sign the "I will not clutter" pledge. But the big WOW came at the end of the show when she announced that for the next week THE CONTAINER STORE would be offering 20% discounts to everyone who gets the coupon off of Oprah's web site.

So here is a great way to: 1) Purchase GREAT stuff from THE CONTAINER STORE 2) Get the clutter out of my life 3) Give my clients scoop on this cool discount before they miss this great deal or hear it somewhere else!

Oprah, you go girl!

HOW ABOUT THAT GARAGE?

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:53:22 -0800

Recently I had the opportunity to stage a home that had been on the market for some time. It took four ASP stagers all day to tackle the inside of the home. We never got to the basement, the attic, the garage, or to the porch.

Thought you might want a visual of the garage. This just reconfirms the adage that LESS is DEFINITELY MORE. Just a reminder to every potential seller that a buyer cannot imagine what they cannot see!

WRITE the RIGHT language if SELLER to assist with buyer's CLOSING COSTS

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:50:32 -0800

Title Companies need to have specific guidance if buyers are expecting the sellers to help with their closing costs. To make sure that ALL possible closing costs are covered, you must include the following language in your purchase agreement:

"Closing costs, prepaids, discount points, origination fees, transaction fees, processing fees and any other related closing costs."

The last transaction I completed, the bank had one opinion and the title company had a completely different view. Thank goodness the issue was resolved prior to closing between the professionals. But both parties suggested the language above. At closing the buyer received $3,000 in closing costs which included $700 to pay down the mortgage rate to 4.75%.

GUILTY AS CHARGED!

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:27:39 -0800

For those of you who have been following the saga of my dog Jessie -- she was on the lam for three nights in below freezing weather. The doggie is now home and recovering from the saga.

MY DOG RAN AWAY AND I LEARNED A LIFE LESSON

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:15:35 -0800

Last month my dog ran away when neighbors blew off fireworks without warning. The dog bolted up a busy street and into the woods. The outside temperature was about 20 degrees.

We drove and hiked and yelled - but nothing. We posted flyers and called friends and visited neighboring business. We walked past sixty cages at the local animal shelter. But to no avail.

The temperature was below freezing. The Journal Gazette reported coyote sightings. I was devastated.

After two days, I started thinking about my sister- in-law who cried after her dog was killed. I never really was empathetic. I pondered a recent sale with a first time buyer who was paralyzed with each decision he had to make. I didn't get it.

But now my dog was gone and I understood what it meant to feel despair. I started to feel like a complete schmuck.

After three days, I came home to find a message on the recorder. "I found your dog this afternoon." She was dirty and scrapped up, but the vet gave her a clean bill of health.

The dog is home now - sitting at my feet. Don't think that she is going to be going too far from us now. She is always so forgiving and loving towards me. "Dear Lord, help me to be more understanding of what others are going through. Help me to listen and be empathetic and encouraging. Help me to be less of a schmuck and more like my dog."

ALLEN COUNTY INDIANA -- The Rest of the Housing Market Story.

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:54:04 -0800

Neither the National Association of Realtors (NAR) nor the Fort Wayne Association of Realtors could tell you when this market will turn around. But one thing is apparent -- there is an incredible amount of pent up demand for home buyers and sellers that will manifest itself -- hopefully soon! Realtors and homeowners should know the local housing market trends -- because buying and selling strategy must be based on the fine points of the local housing industry.

So here is just a taste of what happened last year as far as real estate market trends for Allen County, Indiana.

• The most significant trend is the downturn in new construction inventory and sales. Since last year, new construction inventory is down 17.9% and pending units are down a whopping 31.6%.

• Overall, there are fewer homes for sale -- which also accounts for less pending units in this area. Actually, that is good for home sellers because there will be less competition!

• Also, all mortgage rates are down from last year. My most recent buyer secured a 30-year rate of 4.75% -- WOW! Now that should get buyers off of the couchJ Also, traditionally February is the best month to secure the lowest interest rates.

• In 2008, the average home was on the market for about 112 days. In 2007, that same home would have been on the market for 98 days. Not a significant difference, but it means that the home must be priced right with the market so that it does not become "shop worn." The only things that matter are right PRICE and right CONDITION.

There are five reasons to list your home NOW rather than waiting.

• Inventory - You will avoid the potential competition that warm weather brings.

• Motivated Buyers - Buyers that are out there now are serious and motivated.

• Mortgage rates - Rates are at an all time low and there IS an uptick in buyer traffic.

• Goals-Move on with your life, lower your expenses, and accomplish your goals.

• Reverse Fear - By listing now, you could avoid any level of uncertainty.

In 2008, RE/MAX was the ONLY local company to boast an increase in sales volume (10.3%). And, if I may mention it among friends, I was among the top 20% of agents in production in Allen County and the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors (FWAAR). Now that's the rest of the story!

YOUR LISTING HAS JUST EXPIRED -- NOW WHAT??

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:53:39 -0800

Having your home fail to sell can be a discouraging experience. But if you are committed to moving forward and changing direction, you can be assured that this experience will be nothing more than a small bump in the road.

If your home did not sell during the listing period, you may be wondering what to do. Was your home positioned properly, priced with the market, and promoted aggressively by your agent? There are three possible reasons why your home did not sell: marketing strategy, your home's condition, and your home's market value or price.

MARKETING: Your home must be exposed to all prospects who are ready, willing and financially qualified to buy your home. You had a FOR SALE sign with creative brochures and hopefully some open houses. Your home was on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Did you also know that through the MLS, it is possible for an agent to initiate contact with every buyer's agent who has searched for a home with your specific qualities through reverse prospecting? Also, today 90 percent of buyers first view their home on the internet. There are dozens of widely-viewed housing websites that must be an integral part of your agent's marketing efforts.

CONDITION: Look carefully at the condition of the kitchen, the living room and the bathrooms. For maximum return, the property must be properly prepped before it goes on the market. Remember the 3 C's: neutral COLORS, no CLUTTER, and Q-tip CLEAN. Our team is convinced that the condition of the home can make or break a deal. An Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) on our team provides a complimentary staging consultation as part of our services. A staged home will present itself better than a more expensive unprepared home. Buyers must be able to see your space - not your stuff! And they must be able to imagine themselves living in your space.

LISTING PRICE: is based on what buyers say your home in worth! When you put your home back on the market, you will start with a clean slate. The home will be staged (prepared for the market) and the new photos and photo angles will now represent your home at its very best. Your home's new price should now be based on what other buyers/sellers have recently agreed that a property like yours is worth. The listing price must be determined by what other comparable homes in your neighborhood have recently sold for - not on how much you have put into the home.

To be competitive in Fort Wayne, Indiana, your home must be priced, staged and marketed correctly. And working in close partnership with your agent, the next sign you will see in your yard will be SOLD!

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM -- BIG BUCKS But What's it ALL about???

Fort Wayne Real Estate Gina Zimmerman (Century 21 Bradley Premier Team) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:15:32 -0800

$4.92 BILLION is now being distributed to local neighborhoods across the USA through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). WOW! Locally, the City of Fort Wayne will be distributing $7 Million beginning on March 21, 2009. These funds are part of the recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act.

Mortgage foreclosures in the City of Fort Wayne are continuing to rise. From 2006 through the end of 2008, a total of 3,665 properties have been foreclosed upon by the mortgage lender or servicing agent. In 2006, lenders foreclosed upon 1,156 mortgages in Allen County. In 2008, the number will likely exceed 1,450, a 25% percent change from 2006 to 2008.

Locally, the purpose of the NSP is to take vacant, foreclosed homes, have developers renovate them, and then sell them on the local market. Homes that qualify must have been foreclosed on after October 1, 2008. If an investor owns the property, it does NOT qualify. There are also income qualifications for the buyers.

The contigencies on the NSP program that must be included on any standard purchase agreement are as follows: 1) Purchase price must be 85% of appraised value. 2) Contract is subject to approval of NSP funds. 3) Property must have clear/free title and 4) All lead-based paint issues have been resolved. The Construction issues that must be addressed for the homei nclude: 1) Must meet health/safety issues 2) Must be energy efficent 3) All improvements must be marketable.

All buyers interested in working with renovated foreclosures that benefit from NSP funds must be involved in eight hours of housing-related counseling. The program will be implemented under the direction of the Mayor's Division on Community Development.

There is a lot of information AND a lot of confusion as the Mayor and local realtors attempt to sort out all fo the details. If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for this program, please let me know. I will get you all of the information and details that you will need to begin the process.