My WTHR segment from 1.7 on using artificial intelligence to sell homes...

Housing's Dirty Little Secret

Who you going to believe?   Harvard grads Case and Schiller or ME?  (these numbers don't matter)  


From our industry....great thoughts on the recent foreclosure settlement.  


Local housing numbers doing the unthinkable...moving up! 


Home mortgage rates will drive this year's economy. 


Make your deck ROCK in 2012! 


Spring is coming....who's got a taste for an outdoor kitchen? 


Homes that have been hit with the ugly stick. 

Selling A Home in 2012? Better Get 'Stangered' First

Trying to neutralize your home for sale?  Here are the colors to use.


Easy home maintenance jobs perfect for this time of the year.


Craving daylight?  Here's help if you need out of the Winter Blues.


Does your home stink?  Get rid of Winter's funky odors.


The national housing relief plan spelled out by the White House.


Just so we gave it to you.....national home price trends down (ignore them). 


Top home improvements that will return their investment. 


Should you have your home preinspected BEFORE it goes on the market? 


Bad credit?  You can still buy a home. 


How much of a down payment do you REALLY need to buy a home? 

To Put The Rumors To Rest

There has been all kinds of speculation about whether or not the national health care bill included a tax on the sale of real estate.  Google it and you'll find a lot of fire breathing going on about this subject. Without getting into the politics of this in any way, I'm going to share with you the word from a very well respected accountant (who shall remain nameless).  Breathe easier home owners, it's not what some have been saying.  Here's the word from an expert:

First, there is no national sales tax. Remember Congress has not acted on how the states can collect sales tax from Amazon and eBay, let alone nationally.  Because Congress has not acted, states like Indiana have reached agreements with Amazon that pushes collection to 2014 in order to give Congress time to act on an internet retail tax. Of course, our Congress will not act on anything.

Second, the interpretation of those who say a tax is included is twisted. In the healthcare bill there is a 3.8% surtax (“Medicare Contribution Tax”) on the investment income of higher income earners.  Individuals with adjusted gross income (AGI) over $250,000 when filing joint, and $200,000 when filing single are considered high earners. The surtax applies to unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, royalties, and rents). The statute specifically excludes “gain on the sale of a principal residence.”

So can there be a 3.8% tax on the sale of a primary residence – in short no....with one exception.  The sale of a primary residence is not fully exempt from the surtax. If the gain on the sale is over $250,000 for a single individual, or over $500,000 if filing joint, then the 3.8% surtax can kick in if over the income limits.

Can a taxpayer selling real estate be affected by the 3.8% tax – yes. If they have AGI over the high earner limit, sell an investment property such as a vacation home at a gain (sales price less cost) creating a capital gain.  The tax does not apply to the entire sales price (unless the seller has no cost in the property).

You can think whatever you like about the healthcare bill but this much is clear.  Virtually no one who reads this will have to worry about paying taxes on the sale of their home anytime soon because of the health care bill.  Now go get your mulch ordered, will you?  Spring is just 67 days away in the Midwest.  

Time For the 2012 Crystal Ball

Pending home sales  leap at year's end....another positive sign. 


Have you read this story yet about home values?  No? Good. Ignore it.  Here's what matters far more than Case Schiller national data.

Resale home sales continue to climb but take it with a grain of salt. Last November we were recovering from the 2012 buyer's credit vacuum that affected most of the year.


Five great tips for selling a home around the holidays. 


What can neighborhoods do to create and maintain value? 


Mortgage rates set record lows (again). 


Here are nine unique features that can set a home apart. 


This time of the year, lighting can be EVERYTHING in selling a home. Here's why: 


One of the coolest new gadgets for today's home.  


Think your Home Owner's Association is tough?  Try these! 


For my foodie friends.....just for fun here's a site that I cannot get enough of.  If I could only make pictures of homes look this good.  

2011 Year In Review

Pending home sales  leap at year's end....another positive sign. 


Have you read this story yet about home values?  No? Good. Ignore it.  Here's what matters far more than Case Schiller national data.

Resale home sales continue to climb but take it with a grain of salt. Last November we were recovering from the 2012 buyer's credit vacuum that affected most of the year.


Five great tips for selling a home around the holidays. 


What can neighborhoods do to create and maintain value? 


Mortgage rates set record lows (again). 


Here are nine unique features that can set a home apart. 


This time of the year, lighting can be EVERYTHING in selling a home. Here's why: 


One of the coolest new gadgets for today's home.  


Think your Home Owner's Association is tough?  Try these! 


For my foodie friends.....just for fun here's a site that I cannot get enough of.  If I could only make pictures of homes look this good.  

Foreclosure Hotspots Across America

September Foreclosure Heat Map - Source: Realty Track

September 2011 numbers were actually down for the 3rd quarter of the year compared to 2010 but up 1% from August. The foreclosure market continues to be pervasive across the country and will be for the forseeable future.

Once Again Big Media Blows The Housing Story...

This is why as we continue on through 2011 you can simply ignore big media's take on housing.  They want to lump it all together as the same (it's not), they use data from a few bottom heavy markets to tell one story fits all (it doesn't) and they certainly don't want to share any story that relates to anything getting better (in some spots, it is). 

Homesellers....how do you stack up?

NEW VIDEO BLOG coming 9 a.m. 6/22 (Wednesday) talking about just released Indy housing data and why it's not fully accurate.  Got a BIG bone to pick...literally.  



Up....DOWN.....SIDEWAYS.  Which direction is the Indy home market headed?   Greg talks with WIBC's Steve Simpson and gives us the answer.

Central Indiana home sales dropped in April compared to one year ago.  What's it mean? 

Here's a hint as to why those numbers are down.

Want to live dirt cheap?  While Indy has incredibly affordable housing....here's the absolute lowest priced markets in the U.S.

Housing may actually be on the upswing...although it doesn't always feel like it!

No surprise new home starts are down when the resale market is still struggling.

Battling the neighborhood eyesore.  What to do?

Google wants to help you pick your next home mortgage.  Uh oh.

National resale housing numbers are struggling as well. 

The dryest Realtor in America....that thousands want to watch work.

Happy Feet!  Hot flooring trends and how to choose your next floor.

Five national issues that are hot in the real estate industry.

Shabby chic to early American College Dorm.  How well do you know your home decorating styles?

My NUMBER 1 Pet Peeve in Real Estate Marketing

Oh.....and if you live in central Indiana and have SNOW pictures of your home in the BLC/MLS today, how can your marketing possibly be right?   

If you have a few moments this 60 Minutes piece is a shocking reminder of why we've gone through the housing and financial crisis in this country.

A small piece of my WIBC interview on why the foreclosure numbers have gone so far down.

The home buyer credits from 2009 and 2010 were an unmitigated disaster.  Inmates, children and people that didn't even buy a home took tens of millions of dollars in fraud.

Hamilton County gets another accolade. 

Accent your home and add value this summer!

Will you need at least 20% down to purchase a home in the future? 

Bad national news doesn't always translate into poor local conditions.  You're going to hear a LOT of this in 2011.

Asked and answered at 4/1. "How's the market?"

Tis the season for many of us to consider home improvment projects. Here are some thoughts on getting the most bang for your home improvement bucks.

One of the toughest parts of a home sale today is the appraisal.  If you get burnt by a bad one, here's how to fight back.

So you're getting ready to buy an Indiana home.  Here's how to evaluate the neighborhood before you sign on the dotted line. 

In late March Greg talked about the Japanese crisis' effect on the U.S. mortgage market and the closing of the Estridge Company with Steve Simpson of WIBC radio.

Granite counter tops have become so commonplace they're now available through almost every retailer.

New home sales continued to fall.....a sure sign the resale home inventory is still at an excessive level.   

Could Gen Xers lead us into a housing recovery?

If you're leasing a home you may want to plan ahead.  The home rental market is about to get more expensive.

The challenge of finishing uncompleted housing developments. What's the best path?

You can check out the stats page to see the 2010 sales numbers for our area that have become final and reflect the homes sold in the Indianapolis, Carmel and Fishers areas for the last 12 months.

It seems the mortgage climate may be starting to change after the subprime mortgage crisis over the last several years. Some are advocating 20% down on ANY new mortgage for a home purchase.

Going green has increasingly become more cost effective especially in places like our kitchens. 

Spring storms are upon us as the calendar moves through March and if you don't have the right protection in your basement, you're playing with fire.

The art of marketing a home has never been more important as more and more buyers migrate to online home searches.  If your marketing isn't right, it WILL cost you money.

Speaking of home selling, there are some things sellers do to hurt themselves in the process.  Are you guilty of any of these?

The housing crash has brought few 'feel good' stories but Patrick has given us all a moment of relief.

Over and over and over again the Indianapolis metro area remains the most affordable home market in America.

If your Realtor takes 24 hours to put pictures of your home online when starting the listing, FIRE THEM.

Who's up? Who's down?  Central Indiana housing numbers for 2010 are in and you can see them here!

Existing home sales surge in December.....let's hope it continues!

Why the first 10 days your home is listed is absolutely crucial!!

Shadow home inventory continues to plague the housing market nationally but to a lesser degree in Indianapolis.

Millenials and Gen Y home owners have a very different vision than Boomers.

Housing permits edge up....and that helps the jobs market.

Will Illinois' huge tax increases benefit Indiana?  Some think so....

Indianapolis has it's own Iphone application.....no doubt a trend coming everywhere!

Easy upgrades to the most important room in your home....the kitchen!

How to make your home's curb appeal  great...even when the weather isn't!

3 Big Housing Challenges

Who's up? Who's down?  Central Indiana housing numbers for 2010 are in and you can see them here!

Existing home sales surge in December.....let's hope it continues!

Why the first 10 days your home is listed is absolutely crucial!!

Shadow home inventory continues to plague the housing market nationally but to a lesser degree in Indianapolis.

Millenials and Gen Y home owners have a very different vision than Boomers.

Housing permits edge up....and that helps the jobs market.

Will Illinois' huge tax increases benefit Indiana?  Some think so....

Indianapolis has it's own Iphone application.....no doubt a trend coming everywhere!

Easy upgrades to the most important room in your home....the kitchen!

How to make your home's curb appeal  great...even when the weather isn't!

Don't Get Fooled By The Experts

The Indianapolis metro (11 counties) has pended or sold 24203 properties in 2010 through 12/10.  In 2009 during the same time frame 26613 properties.  Units alone are down 9.1% in 2010.  Unfortunately the November numbers alone were abysmal.  In 2010 we sold 32% less units than we did in November of '09 which is a further reflection of the affect of the homebuyer's credit. 

Indianapolis is still the most affordable home market in America...and here's why:

If the federal income tax deal gets done (and it will), some foresee a brighter 2011.

If you approach it right, now more than ever is the right time to buy a home.

Has home ownership been a good investment in the 2000's?  The answer may surprise you.

A home owner's 25 year fight to save her property from the bank.

Home building numbers are still dropping....which is all part of the recovery.

How does your state's home value index compare to the rest of the U.S.?

Four ways to improve your home for the holidays.....and all year long.

What Will The Winds Of Change Blow In Before 2011?

Indiana metro housing numbers remain somewhat volatile which means we haven't seen a true direction to the market yet following the home buyer credits.


Statewide housing numbers are also mixed but not catestrophic as in the Fall of '08 and '09.

A national overview of the housing market....

Foreclosures took a breather, short sales get more challenging amidst the foreclosure moratorium.

Do you have to REPAY your homebuyer credit?

NEW home sales up slightly from August....but not from September of 2009.

Existing home sales are similar....up from August '10 but down year to year with September '09.

National home prices weaken in September.

INDIANAPOLIS remains one of the most affordable housing markets in America.

An intriguing look at the future of the housing market.

Is the key to a housing market recovery more subprime loans?

The most important issue of this Summer's housing market will be........

From the 7/14 Wall Street Journal....the former Hilbert Mansion on the block!

Get post home buyer tax credit sales information at THE STAT HOUSE.

Enjoy Indy area festivals all summer long!  Here's the schedule.

As a state, Indiana has created more jobs than any other in the nation.

On the subject of jobs, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels believes the Hoosier state can be the electric car production capital of America.

INDIANAPOLIS is again the most affordable housing market in America!

Foreclosures, Mortgage delinquencies are still rising.  Meanwhile one in ten homes with a mortgage will be lost to foreclosure in the coming years.

Here's a growing trend:  Walking Away and letting go.

The post tax credit housing market isn't schizophrenic, it's just bipolar.

[OPINION]  The housing 'recovery' is just another government subsidy.

Is the Obama administration laying the ground work to end the mortgage interest deduction?

FHA commissioner calls housing market potential 'incredible.'  Say what?  

Hooray for Greece!  Their mess will help our mortgage rates!

Desperately seeking foreclosures?  You're not alone.

Home construction up.....building permits down. What's it mean?

What the new lead based paint laws mean for homeowners.

New home construction surges 41%.

Home Buyers, Sellers, Here's What To Do AFTER The Tax Credits Expire

Round One of the post tax credit numbers posted now for the beginning of May at the Stat House!  See how the numbers compare!

Foreclosure numbers from across the nation and your area.

Foreclosure estimates for the future and down....and up.

Here's why values will struggle despite a rising economy.

Some people are happy the tax credits are ending (opinion).

How are consumers faring as tax credits expire?

In some places values are rising but there's still trouble spots.

Fannie Mae still pushing short sales over foreclosures.

Majority of Americans still think buying a home is a great investment!

Indiana remains one of America's leading life sciences job states.

Allergy sufferers take heart.  Spring cleaning tips to help your health!

Home Sellers....Offer Your OWN Homebuyer Credit!

For year to date sales information on Geist, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville as well as Washington and Lawrence Townships in Indiana please visit The Stat Page!

As the housing stimulus ends, where will the future be?  Disucussing just that on WIBC, Indianapolis 4-23.

Buyer's tax credits lift home resales....big clouds remain over the industry.

Mortgage delinquencies decline....a positive sign!

While all real estate is local, some national numbers are still a concern.

Energy Star appliance ratings.  Bordering on silly!

The 6 biggest mistakes home buyers make.

Reverse mortgages are still appealing to many people.

Renting no longer cheaper than buying?  From South Beach to Indianapolis it's true.

The Housing Market's Dirity Little Summer Secret

For Year To Date Home Sales Numbers For
Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers as well as

Washington and Lawrence Townships,

visit The Stat House!

The Buzz

Mortgage Rates fall slightly....always welcome!

Foreclosure numbers highest in 5 years....not a great sign.

Existing home sales numbers jump.  A sign of things to come?

Indiana's jobless rate at 9.9% - best in the Midwest 

Homebuyer tax credit:  Less than 2 weeks and counting!

Six housing trends shaping a still rocky housing market.

President Obama's loan modification program failing terribly.

More than ever, we must see our homes as a place that enhances our quality of life!

It could be worse....and in these places it is!

House and Home related.....great tools for your kitchen!