I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it, and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else; hard work and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't. - Arnold Bennett I do think there is luck, and I also think that GOD has a hand in guiding us as well.  We have to do our own part though, which is hard work and realizing what is opportunity and not spinning our wheels on what isn't. 12/10/2009

New Expanded Tax Credit Helps Indiana Move Up Buyers     On November 6, 2009 President Obama signed a bill to both Extend and Expand the Home Buyer Tax Credit.  Not only will it be available until Spring of 2010 for First Time Buyers, but it now also includes credits for current homeowners who sell their existing residence and purchase a new one prior to April 30, 2010.    So who qualifies and what are the details?       Here are some of the highlights:   How do you apply for the tax credit?  You can claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return.  Understand, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, not a tax deduction.  If the credit exceeds your tax liability, you will receive a refund.  If you've already filed your taxes, you won't need to wait until the following year -- simply ... 11/10/2009

Make your Greenwood IN Short Sale go Smoother!    We are at that time of year where if you have vacated your property and you have it listed with your agent, Greenwood Short Sale or not, if it is vacant, you should talk to your Real Estate Agent about winterizing your property.  The last thing that you want is to have a buyer make an offer on your short sale, the bank accept your offer, only to have pipes burst due to lack of heat/activity, and end up with repairs that make your offer impossible to work out. Ask your agent if they know of a plumber who can cut a break on getting your property winterized.  Make sure they are an experienced plumber!       About the Author: The above info regarding Make your Greenwood IN Short Sale go Smoother was provided by: Heather Fitzgerald, who has o... 11/08/2009

  Homes for Sale in Center Grove - 507 Green Valley Dr, Greenwood IN   Tired of cookie cutter neighborhoods and tiny yards? Take a look at this 1432 sf brick ranch in Greenwood -- popular Center Grove Schools too! Gleaming hardwood floors in living room, hall & all 3 bedrooms have been professionally restored to their original beauty. A newer furnace, AC & hot water heater mean less maintenance for the new owner. Nice updates include new vanity & fixtures in the half bath (there is room to add a shower and convert this to a second full bath) and new sink and fixtures in the full bath. The seller is leaving all of the appliances, including the washer and dryer.  You’ll enjoy the nearly ½ acre property featuring mature trees & fenced backyard. The location is conveniently close to shoppin... 11/02/2009

Local Indiana guy is a Winner!....We just had to share this!   Recently we sent out our October e-newsletter and as usual, we included a trivia question with an opportunity to win movie tickets.     Well, this issue's winner was Tony Westmoreland, (the answer will be revealed in the next newsletter) but the story doesn't end there....   The following morning Steve's reading the Indianapolis Star and notices an article about a local guy appearing on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" - It's none other than Tony Westmoreland!  This guy gets around in the "trivia" circles!    The program aired a few days later and we wanted to share the news - after all, we think winning the movie tickets was just the start to his "lucky streak"! Tony did an excellent job and walked away with a check for $50... 10/30/2009

Home For Sale in Greenwood Indiana - Wakefield - 421 Governors Lane Enjoy this fabulous 2 story in popular Wakefield featuring spacious great room with gas log fireplace. Open kitchen with large breakfast nook, center island and formal dining room are perfect for entertaining. Main floor den off of the entry foyer -- great place for your home office or family computer room. Master suite features cathedral ceilings, plant shelf, whirlpool tub, separate shower and double vanity. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are oversized with nice walk in closets. 4th bedroom is enormous 20 X 16 with high ceilings and double closets. Excellent area for rec room, exercise area, etc. Relax or visit with neighbors on the front porch or back patio overlooking the shimmering lake. Home has 3 car carage and 1 year home war... 10/28/2009

Short Sale - Part 2:  How to Buy a Short Sale Property! If you're not familiar with Short Sales, begin by reading Part 1: What is a Short Sale?  Then come back to this article which takes the next step and explains how to buy a short sale. So, how are Short Sale Properties Sold?  They are listed with a real estate agent like other properties.  They usually include the words "short sale" or "pre-foreclosure" in the property description section.  Since the current homeowner is in a difficult financial situation, they are usually sold "as is".  It's a good idea to contact a local real estate agent who is familiar with how to buy a short sale and ask them to set you up on a custom search which includes short sale properties.  You can also search for properties on-line, although not all sear... 10/26/2009

  Home sales are up in Greenwood (Pleasant Township, Clark  Township and White River Township)for September 2009    (compared to Sept. 2008)!  Don't we all love good news?  One hundred and forty two  homes closed in September 2009 which was an 18.33% increase over September of last year.  When looking at pending sales for  this year, September 2009 had a 14.68% over the same month in  2008.  This can be partially attributed to the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit which expires in a short time (homes must close prior to December 1st, 2009).  The upswing can also be attributed to the fact that it is a GREAT time to buy a home!  Interest rates are low, there are many homes to choose from, and it is still a buyer's market out there!    So far in October, there have been 65 new listings (as ... 10/13/2009

"Distribution vs Destination" "It's in the MLS, right?" That was the number one question from Indianapolis area sellers - in 1990!  Just like today's seller, they wanted to ensure that their listing was visible to every potential buyer, and the local MLS was the single place that published listing information.  Every month the book was printed and distributed to real estate agents.  If your home was on the market it was "in there".  If not, it was nearly invisible to everyone.   But it's 2009 and the MLS is no longer published in a book -- it's progressed to the internet.  Yet many seller's still ask "I'll be in the MLS -- right?"  Isn't that still the all important destination for listings? Think about it.  Is the local MLS site the only property search on the internet?  Is it the only... 10/07/2009

The National Association of Realtors just released the NAR State of the Market Data for August and the news is encouraging. The First Time Buyer Tax Credit is bringing buyers into the market, yet the economy continues to be shaky. Watch as the details are discussed on Real Estate TV:   10/02/2009

Enjoy the country feel in a subdivision with this large wooded back lot with plenty of room for fun and activities. Beautiful one story custom built ranch with three-quarter basement. Includes three car garage on large .75 acre lot with many features to this property. Main Level: Open floor plan, large eat-in country kitchen, large living room with cathedral ceiling, three bedroom, two bath, three car garage (door openers on both doors), gas fireplace. Basement: Two rooms and unfinished bathroom (functional shower, sink and toilet). Rooms can be offices, workout room, play room, or bedrooms. Additional Features: Two out buildings, basketball court (2009), large deck with natural gas grill, screened-in patio area, large playground w/ play set, security system, entire back yard enclosed w... 09/25/2009

  Charity Event to benefit Interchurch Food pantry and Rotary Projects Friday, September 25, 20096:30 - 9:00 p.m. Mallow Run Winery6964 W Whiteland RoadBargersville, IN  46106   Get together a group of friends and come support the charity benifit this Friday evening at Mallow Run Winery.  It will be fun and the proceeds go to a great charity!  Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of concert, Children 12 and under free!  To purchase call 317-213-1119 or visit www.rotarygwrmedia.org. Event Features: Henle & The Loops, featuring lead vocalist Stacia Mathews Wine from Mallow Run Winery Art exhibition from Southside Art League Dinner provided by Fireside Brewhouse 09/23/2009

September 10, 2009 was a special day at our house.  It was Louise Hoagland's birthday! (I won't say which birthday, she is my mother-in-law after all!)  Our family gathered at one of our favorite spots in Indianapolis, Bella Vita, to celebrate!  Yes, every now and then we venture out of Greenwood!  We had a great table outside on the patio overlooking Geist Marina.  You never know what the weather will be like in Indiana, but we were fortunate -- it was a perfect!     The sun setting on the boats was a lovely view, but it was even more enjoyable as darkness fell, the live music began and the soft lights set a magical atmosphere!  If you closed your eyes, it was almost Sanibel Island! (One of our favorite places to vacation when we leave Indiana!)             Later it was back to Louise'... 09/17/2009

Deerwood, Greenwood  -  Announcing a $10,000 price reduction on 6456 Deerwood Court, a 3,667 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story on 3/4 acre secluded cul-de-sac lot. Now  MLS® $290,000 Property information Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009 10:29 AM by Tonda & Steve Hoagland, The Hoagland RE Consulting Group 09/17/2009

Open House 6456 Deerwood Ct, Greenwood IN - Sunday Sept 20, 2009   Deerwood, Greenwood  -  You're invited to visit Steve at Sunday's Open House, 6456 Deerwood Court on September 20 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. If you're in the Greenwood area -- stop in and say "Hi"! Property information Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 10:05 AM by Tonda & Steve Hoagland - Hoagland RE Consulting Group 09/16/2009

Selling Your First House?  -- Here's the Scoop! (Part 3 - Title Insurance)  -- So what is Title Insurance, why do you need it and how expensive is it? The most important thing to know is that it protects your family, the buyer and the lender against any possible future questions over legal ownership of the property.  Prior to all closings in Indiana, a title company will complete a title search to see if there are any known defects or liens against the title -- in other words, does the person selling the home really own the property and has anyone filed a lien against it for unpaid debt?  (Like the county for unpaid taxes or a contractor who performed work on the property, but was never paid)  If something arises from that search, it will need to be remedied prior to closing, but what i... 08/31/2009

Are we being HOSED? You be the JUDGE.   I have to preface this by saying, I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat.  There is a right way and a wrong way of watching out for "We the People".  No politician was elected to watch out solely for his/her interests and special interests. YOU are elected to watch out for US. YOU SHOULD NOT BE IN A POSITION OF POWER WITHIN OUR GOVERNMENT WITHOUT WATCHING OUT FOR OUR BEST INTERESTS, OR YOU NEED TO RESIGN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take a look at some of these links, and feel free to share some others so we can get educated!  The Great American Bubble Get ready America, as we are not going to remain on top if we allow all of this to continue. America's Economy not on top anymore. Madoff and the SEC It is time we American's buckle down, appreciate what ... 07/06/2009

We are putting a seminar together for the First Time Home Buyers! We will be answering questions that the First Time Home Buyers may have, including the questions about the Tax Credit up to $8,000.  We will be hosting this seminar/meeting in Greenwood, Indiana area, if you are interested in attending please let us know.  We would be happy to let you know when and where it will be held.  We are in the beginning planning stages and have a few locations in mind.  It is going to depend on the number of attendees... We will be talking about the $8,000 Tax Credit, the benefits and how it is different than the Tax Credit from 2008 ($7,500).  Please let us know if you have any specific questions and we will be sure to address them.  If you are unable to attend and still have a question, let us ... 06/24/2009

There are currently 52 Active Short Sale Listings in Greenwood IN. They range in price from $39,900 to $700,000. There are currently 4 Pending Short Sales in Greenwood. In the last year there have been 21 listings that have closed that are Greenwood IN Short Sales. We have been involved in each of these categories, and are experienced Greenwood IN Short Sale Agents. Picture provided by: by MyHomeSave If you are thinking of selling your home as a short sale, ask the agent you are thinking of listing with how many short sales they have listed this year, how many Short Sales they have closed? You might not want your preforeclosure to be their first listing, or their first short sale. Picture courtesy of FLICKR-Short Sales If you are thinking of buying a Short Sale, you will need an experie... 06/04/2009

CNBC is talking about a short pay refi as we speak right now.  They are talking with a homeowner who is on a 5 year fixed, and then adjustable rate.  He put twenty percent down within the last two years and is still upside down on his loan. His lender quoted him that it could hurt his credit by 150 points.  His lender should not talk with him about how much it will hurt or not hurt his credit, as each person is affected differently, depending on each individual factor on his account. This consumer could be hurt on his credit score as well as be asked by his lender to pay a promissory note for the deficiency balance, thereby possibly ending up with two loans owing for his home that he will have to pay. CNBC   If you are considering a Short Pay Refi, educate yourself.     About the Author... 05/28/2009