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.

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!

Is It Still A Buyer's Market?

          Carmel Indiana Housing Facts through 3/20/2010
       Fishers Indiana Housing Facts through 3/20/2010
     Zionsville Indiana Housing Facts through 3/20/2010    

Marion County, Washington Twp. Housing Facts (3/20/2010)

Marion County, Lawrence Twp. Housing Facts (3/20/2010)


More help on the way from the Fed on modifying mortgage problems...but will it work?

Existing home sales top expectations...but are they actually up?

The jobs problem continues to drive foreclosures here and across the country.

My friend Fred Glick of CNBC thinks he can rescue the economy.  Agree or disagree?

Indianapolis is rated the most affordable and in the top 10 of ALL housing markets in the U.S. by Forbes.

Foreclosure numbers are on the rise again.....see why the numbers are climbing.

It could be worse....your home's value.....and here's where it is worse!

Property tax revolts are growing the U.S. but not in Indiana where taxes are capped at 1% of assessed value.

Time is running out to get the $6500 home buyer's credit....but you had better hurry!

Got a second mortgage?  Modification help may be on the way.

5 Things Home Sellers Must Do To Help Their Sale!

The Buzz

This is why home sellers must know that their property's marketing works on a mobile device!

Property tax revolts are growing in many states but not Indiana who's taxes are locked in at 1% of assessed valuation.

Indiana's unemployment held steady in February despite many more out of work in surrounding states.

Could help be on the way for home owners with second mortgages?

National foreclosure rates are slowing but still a significant problem.

Are you selling at a loss?  The government could pay you to do so.

The number of home sale price cuts has dropped nationally.  What's that mean for the overall market?

Tough for most consumers to grasp but Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac are a mess and their failure is hurting our housing recovery.

There's still time to get the $6500 home buyer credit but you need to act NOW!

There literally is a stimulus for EVERYTHING.  Cash for appliances is up next.

The most affordable home market in America.

Economist Peter Tongue thinks the national housing picture still has a bumpy ride ahead of it.

If you're getting ready to move, here's a great suggestion to add organization and make things simpler.

Consumer confidence numbers are still very negative.

Greg's February appearance on WIBC, Indianapolis talking all things real estate.

Some homeowners are still opting to walk away from their homes when they see no short term recovery in value.

In 2010 MORE THAN EVER: If selling your home is critical then you MUST be ready to GET THE PRICE RIGHT! Here's why:

The Buzz

From small to big....10 things you can do to increase the value of your home!

High end home values are down an average of 33% across the U.S.A.

Unemployment rises again the week of 1/22

HUD and the U.S. Treasury work to help our massive foreclosure problem.

Bank closures continue in 2010 as the FDIC seizes another lender.

10 things you MUST know about real estate in 2010.

Foreclosures are still hammering the U.S.  See where your area ranks.

Need info on the $6500 tax credit?  Find it HERE.

Housing starts fall but it may not be all bad news.

IF YOU ARE A SELLER, YOU MUST KNOW YOUR BUYER!

Hey Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller.  Who are your buyers? (National)
Hey Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller. Who are your buyers? (Indianapolis)


Indianapolis is (still) the most affordable home market in the country.


Indiana residents will get a chance to make 1% propety tax caps permanent.


The Federal Government's grand plan to modify mortgages has reached exactly 7% of troubled home owners.  Swell.

The nine most recession proof suburbs in the U.S.


Where are home sellers most likely to reduce their listing prices to get their homes sold? (Indy is in the top 10)

Greg's video from TrueGotham.com can be seen HERE. The real question of the day is will the first time home buyer credit stay or go? Lots of opinions...here's what will influence it's future along with the stupid real estate moment of the week:




Want more proof that we're not out of the woods yet? Foreclosure filings are up again nationally by 7% with 1 in every 355 homeowners being in foreclosure according to RealtyTrac. "Despite continued efforts by the federal government and state governments to patch together a safety net for distressed homeowners, we're seeing significant growth in both the initial notices of default and in the bank repossessions," RealtyTrac Chief Executive Officer James Saccacio said in a press release.

Look friends....it's getting 'less bad' if that's a correct way to put it but we are not yet seeing value growth and certainly not seeing the end of decline above $600K and up. We're a LONG way from having that market segment recover.

Additionally the loan modification programs are NOT working. Through July only 9% of the 2.7 million 60 day or longer delinquent loans had been approved for modification. The Obama administration had hoped for that number to be much higher eventually giving relief to millions of home owners. The reason it's not moving faster? Lenders are making far too much in late and delinquent fees to really want any modification. It's on home owners to make this happen. Those who are persistent will have a chance to save their homes but it will take patience.

**Just got the word I'll be appearing on HGTV's 'More Bang For Your Buck' that we'll be shooting on 6/16-17 here in Indy. Air dates forthcoming...unless I stink.

Every day....every week.....every year we hear it: "But my property is worth more because......" Today's New World of Real Estate's insensitve moment gives you straight talk about value.





The other big news of the week involves interest rates. Conventional loan rates jumped a full half of a point this week to the mid 5's. Why? A devalued dollar because of our skyrocketing federal debt. Get your money now friends because in a couple of years 5.5% is going to be a distant memory.

The GOOD News: We're busy....REALLY BUSY. The bad news: It's all about homes under $400K in our market right now and in many places in the U.S.A. there is a similar dichotomy. What ever may be considered to be the 'upper end' is still suffering in many places, not yet having seen the benefits of 5% +- interest rates and the first time home buyer credit. If President Obama gets his way and eliminates the mortgage exemption for people who make more than $200K, well don't get me started. Let me just say this....it will DRASTICALLY alter the housing market in America in virtually every price price point. Oh, yes, the other bad news at least for me.....my PC inhaled the VUNDO virus about 10 days ago and it killed EVERYTHING on my computer including my video software. There should be more fun filled commentary coming shortly via video on all things real estate but in the mean time I wanted to share an appearance by one of my favs, Gary Vaynerchuk from CNN in the last few days. If you're wondering why I have all of the social media connects along the left side of this web site, just spend a few minutes with @Garyvee and think about the applications to real estate....and your business. Here's a taste: I sold a home in February of this year DIRECTLY as a result of a post on Twitter. Wonder what it may do for you?