No matter the price point, here's what a foreclosure means to the value of other homes in a neighborhood:

National resale home numbers improve....and they do the same locally. This is good but remember it's 1 month!

Why Indiana should radically change the township assessor system.

It's a good thing I don't agree with Case Schiller home values.  This is one national number that ISN'T about Indiana.

Does your yard have the funk?  Help it heal after a tough winter.

Some baby boomers have decided to stay put rather than downsize their homes.  They've created a remodeling boom.

Across the board Spring landscaping tips.

The recent federal housing stimulus could be summed up in a word: FRAUD.

Coming soon to a home purchase near you: 20% down payments.

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 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.

The Credit Market: A home SELLERS big challenge.

The Buzz

Here's why home sellers need to have their properties marketed to mobile users as well! 

Give up your home.....get $4000.  Why many homeowners are walking away.

Property tax revolts are growing in many states but not in Indiana where residential taxes are capped at 1% of a property's value.

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

Foreclosure rates are slowing but still will be a factor through 2011.

Home prices are still being cut but the rate is getting better (and we're all for positive news)!

The most affordable home market in America is.........Indianapolis.

Time is running out to get the $6500 home buyer's credit.

Here's a great organizer if you're preparing to move!

If you're in the market for a new appliance, here's how to get a check from Uncle Sam when you buy.

Here's Greg's February appearance on WIBC radio, Indianapolis.  Real world market advice!

Here Comes The Corner...Will You Be Ready?

The BUZZ

Warren Buffet says it will all be rosey in housing in 2011.  Apparently Mr. Buffet will be personally curing the credit market which is one HOT MESS!

Indy, statewide home resales down in January.

New Home sales numbers are not good.  REALLY not good considering we were expecting a 1% RISE.

10 cities where housing prices will rise in the immediate future. 

Forbe's TOP 10 housing markets in the U.S.A.

Greg's WIBC appearence from 2.23 on Case Schiller housing numbers and more.

Jobless claims up 12% in the LAST TWO WEEKS. 

CNN Money thinks home prices will fall nationally this year.   Just remember it's all local!

Consumer confidence plummets over jobs worries.

Housing prices are up slightly but too many mortgages are underwater!

More and more families are being forced to share homes in this challenging time.

There's still time to get the $6500 home buyer credit but time is short!

Indianapolis International Airport ranks #1 in customer satisfaction across the U.S.A.

10 things you can do RIGHT NOW to increase the value of your home.

For FOUR years running Indianapolis remains the most affordable home market in America.

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)

The $6500 Home Buyer Credit Clarified.....

The Buzz

10 REASONS you should buy a home this year.  No, I didn't write it but it's spot on.  

OT but still entertaining.  PETA and KFC are fighting over ad placement in the city of Indianapolis. 

New jobless claims are up again....although the rate of job loss has slowed.  I'm sure not telling any of the well over 10% of Americans out of work things are getting better.

Mortagage appications are at their lowest since mid 2009.  A sign at the very least that the housing market is taking a breather.  No, it's not just seasonality. 

The Federal Reserve still has major concerns about housing as expressed in their 1/6 meeting.

Interest rates are poised for a jump.

Some people feel negative amortization loans can help reduce foreclosure and provide more relief to the housing market. My new friend Fred Glick from CNBC explains.

Meanwhile more and more home buyers are being drawn by the 15 year mortgage.

Pending home sales fall in November which is in part seasonal and part a reflection of a still challenged housing market.  Here's a great opinion piece on the value of the home buyer credit related to home resales.

Who are today's homebuyers?  A great read for sellers getting ready to put their homes on the market.

The Obama administration committed a hideous violation of trust on Christmas eve by writing another blank check to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  What happened to transparency? (idiots)

Ever been through the joy of dealing with a Homeowner's Association?  Here's a few thoughts on how to navigate that process in the future.

Indianapolis remains the most affordable home market in the country.

Indiana is working to make 1% property tax caps permanent.

The Theme For 2010 Is......

Pending home sales FALL in November....a recovery still with bumps.

It's still not all rosey.....construction spending plummets.

The single most unique home you've ever seen.  Would you live here?

Homesellers....know who buyers are before you get your property on the market!


What's the most important thing you can do to improve you home's saleability in 2010? Kitchens and baths, kitchens and baths, KITCHENS AND BATHS!

On that note, watch your purchase when buying new kitchen appliances!

Here's a delicious thought.  Search your own zip code to see your drinking water's quality. (thanks agentgenius.com)


Is a national MLS coming? Many people think that the National Association of Realtors has taken a step in that direction.

The Obama administration has fed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac another pile of our money late on Christmas Eve they can spend however they like.  So much for transparency.  

If you're thinking of dying, for your family's sake, you'd better do it in 2010.

First California and now Arizona....I'm thinking we are very fortunate to have Mitch Daniels as our CEO and Governor in Indiana.


Finally....good news for those in Central Indiana as Indianapolis is named the most affordable market in the country. (again)

INDIANAPOLIS AREA HOLIDAY EVENTS are found here for those of you trying to decide how to close out 2009.

The End In Sight.
For many of us 2009 began with utter uncertainty and ended with several small rays of hope.  We're not out of the woods yet but 2010 will certainly start on a note of optimism.....and a note of caution when it comes to the effect of inventory and supply.  What will happen then? A memorable moment from the past 15 months and a prediction for the coming year....



Heloise I'm not but with the proliferation of granite surfaces in homes, I thought this video may be timely for the holidays. If you get stains on your granite (I'd never spill red wine, etc.) here's a pretty good first step in trying to clean them:


How to Clean a Granite Countertop -- powered by eHow.com

Finally, just for my friends who visit GregCooper.com regularly.....here are a few special holiday recipes from The Food Networks's Queen of Quisine, Paula Deen.  First it's a Christmas day treat sure to help you ignore the stress of the relatives because it puts all the focus on your arteries.



Finally one more....the perfect dessert for you to serve to start 2010.