High quality at a low price never seems to hold true, but this is reality for High End homes in Hamilton County.  If you have money to invest, have stability in your business, or provide a skill set that proves to be in high demand, I recommend that you buy a luxury home right now.  Nowhere is there better opportunity than the upper-tier homes.

Why?

Surplus Inventory.  This is found with a simple calculation determining rate of homes sold each month compared to homes active on the market.  A 6 month inventory is a great balance between seller and buyer.  Right now, depending upon location, luxury home inventory is measured in years.   In most areas there is at least 2 years and some up to 5 years of luxury home inventory.  There are great buys out there that cannot be replicated for the price.  I have never met a home builder that will start a project with a plan to lose money.  Additionally, the cost of building materials has proven to increase over time.

What will you need?

Ample cash or flexible seller financing.  Get a loan at 417K or below for the best interest rates.  Above this loan amount will require 20% down-payment and a higher interest rate.  Seller financing may be a viable option when the seller feels that you may be their only buying option or they gain a better price for the home.

How do you find a great deal?

Compare.  First, take a look at new construction properties on the market.  If the home has had a one year birthday, it is likely that the bank may be involved in the negotiations in a short sale.  There may be no further profit left for the builder, but there are many incentives for them to sell the property prior to foreclosure.  These homes are great investments since they provide modern floor plans and reduce hidden out-of-pocket expenses compared to older homes.

Be flexible in location.  There are certain areas starving for buyers and may be required to offer more land or higher amenities to compete with higher demand areas.

Work with a real estate professional educated and certified as a Luxury Home Specialist.  By working this market every day and understanding the inventory, financing alternatives, and negotiating points, a real estate broker with this experience could save you tens of thousands of dollars.  Call or email my office for target areas and more information on the luxury home market.

Right now, demand for residential properties for lease, lease to own, and contract sale (seller financing) is improving.  There are several reasons for this, but the primary reason is tougher loan restrictions on credit.  Lack of easy money just a year ago has created a new group of people who want to, but can’t, purchase the conventional way.  Many of these people have stable cash flow incomes, but for one reason or another (ie. job market, medical bills, credit cards, or divorce) have reduced credit scores. 

Traditional Financing and associated challenges:

FHA- A loan limit of $271,000 in Indiana has increased the credit rating cutoff to 620 to mitigate risk.  The FHA (Government Backed) loan is the preferred option right now for properties that are less than $300K.  FHA usually would be slightly more expensive to the strong buyer.  This is not the case now.

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac- Conventional and insured conventional loans sold to the secondary market with an upper limit of $417,000 in Indiana are much more restrictive.  One year ago, the Fannie Mae loan (estimated at 60% of the current outstanding loans) was the primary option except for a buyer with some serious credit issues or someone who could only put a very small amount of money down.  There is now a rate bump (higher rate) required based upon a FICO credit score less than 740.  A 740 credit score is very, very good.

Jumbo loans- With the major problems with private mortgage insurance providers, there is no capability to borrow above $417,000 without a 20 percent down payment.  In recent past, the optimistic small business owner may have purchased the same property for 5 percent down payment; therefore, the upper end market has lost a pool of buyers.  Additionally, mortgage interest rates for Jumbo Loans are much higher than smaller loans due to the perceived risk and lower demand in the secondary market. 

If their price range sales are sluggish, many motivated home sellers must turn to a new marketing approach to accomplish their goals if the competition and high inventory levels will prevent a profitable short-term sale.  There is a pool of responsible buyers who would love to live in the home and there is another group of sellers with an obvious demand to get cash flow to cover their debt and maintenance requirements.  These sellers likely comprehend the increased probability of selling their property for significantly more money in the future.  There are viable options and you should decide what is best for your situation with professional guidance and expert advice.  Let’s get specific, call Me.

Type:  Traditional       

Age:   Built in 1995

Location:   Near 146^th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway

Neighborhood:   Ashmore Trace is a peaceful east Carmel community with nearby parks and walking trails.  It is conveniently located across the street from a new shopping center.

Square footage:  2556

Rooms:   This four bedroom two-and-a-half bath home offers an open kitchen and family room combination, living room, formal dining room, and laundry room.  An oversize master suite has vaulted ceilings and a huge private bath with a walk-in closet, dual sinks, and separate tub and shower. The two-story entry and 9 foot ceilings give this home an open and airy feel. 

Strengths:  This home has been recently updated with stainless appliances, new flooring, modern lighting and fixtures, and fresh paint. Exterior updates include a custom built deck with fire pit and a raised garden.  The large backyard backs to trees and an adjacent field for added privacy.

Challenges:  There are currently 91 properties on the market in Carmel that are listed between $200,000-250,000.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?  $225,000

Type:  Traditional

Age:   Built in 2001

Location:   Near 161^st and Springmill Road in Mulberry Farms neighborhood.  This is a quiet community with a large central pond and playground.

Square footage:   2618 including 857 in the unfinished basement

Rooms:   This three-bedroom two-and-a-half bath home has an open floor plan with a kitchen and family room combination, formal dining room and upstairs loft that can be used as an office, playroom, or exercise room. 

Details:  The seller is in the process of rehabbing the home and finishing the basement but the renovation in not yet complete.  This home is at the entrance of the neighborhood and backs up to 156^th Street. The sizable backyard provides a buffer between the home and nearby road.   A home of this size with a basement is a great value at this price point. 

Price:  $175,000

The new Keystone roundabouts at the intersections of 106^th and 126^th Streets have finally opened in Carmel after months of delays. 

At ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Saturday for each intersection, Carmel officials joined Mayor Jim Brainard in trying to promote good will with motorists who have been forced to take detours during the construction.  

Mayor Brainard told citizens that he understands their frustrations and “the short term inconvenience will result in long-term benefits”.  “We certainly do appreciate everyone’s patience.”

These intersections opened four months after the original proposed completion date.  The overall project, which was originally estimated to cost $90 million, is now expected to cost about $120 million. 

Several people who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony were riding bicycles or walking their dogs.  They expressed excitement for the paved pedestrian paths that are part of the raised roundabouts that cross over Keystone. 

Source and Photo:  Wthr.com

Chances are that something may go wrong with your next home improvement project.  According to Consumer Reports, out of 17,129 readers asked about their experiences with 18 common projects ranging from painting a room to building an addition, 44% had at least one problem. 

For Carmel and Fishers residents, the best way to avoid similar problems is with extra planning and patience. 

Take the time to consider all costs.  Unexpected incidentals, purchasing the incorrect products, and surprises such as delivery costs and trash removal fees can increase your expenses.  More than 25% of people asked said they paid for poor planning by a median of $625.  Even projects perceived as simple like interior painting have cost readers a median of $280 extra due to unforeseen issues.

Make a plan and stick to it.  One in 10 people asked said they changed their minds during remodeling.  37% of those who made changes spent a median of $2,000 extra.  For people doing big additions, that number ballooned to $10,000.

Hire a realistic contractor.  Nearly one in 10 readers went over budget because their contractor underestimated expenses, did poor work, or failed to anticipate code requirements.  In today’s environment in Carmel and Fishers Indiana, lowball bids are more common, especially in competitive markets.  According to Bruce Irving, a home renovation consultant in Cambridge, Mass., “In today’s climate contactors are loath to lose a job by being too gloomy about a project.  If a guy underbids, chances are he’ll look to make up the difference.  Watch out for estimates with several open-ended amounts for products. 

Check references.  Make sure your contractor has insurance, including workers’ comp, and an up-to-date license.  Scrutinize the contract closely.  It should list each product down to the model number.  If this seems too picky, consider that the survey revealed more than 1,600 complaints of unexpected incidentals costing an additional $200, such as hardware and finishes.

Do some investigating.  Unexpected surprises such as rotting joists, rusted pipes, and frayed wiring were experienced by 16% of the respondents and cost a median of $1000 to fix.  A good contractor will check for potential problems.  Wisconsin based contractor, Dean Herriges, says “during the planning stage, we’ll do some exploratory work to see what’s going on behind those walls.  Telltale signs include water-stained walls (leaky roof) and sawdust along the baseboards (termites).  Your contract should include a clause for unforeseen conditions. 

Examine the financial details.  Unexpected closing costs and extended interest payments costing a median of $1,900 were incurred by readers who refinanced a project.  If needed, be sure the work has permits and conforms to local codes.  Greg Johnson, a building inspector in St. Paul, Minnesota, says a contractor who asks customers to get their own permits “is always a red flag” and “there is a good chance he’s ducking a licensing requirement.”

Below are examples of the hidden costs of home improvement.  These show median overall cost overruns based on a survey conducted by Consumer Reports for eight popular projects:

Bathroom remodel:  60% went over budget, overrun:  $600, main causes:  changed plans, needed to upgrade systems and structural problems. 

Kitchen remodel:  56% went over budget, overrun:  $1200, main causes:  changed plans, contractor underbid labor, and needed to upgrade systems (plumbing, wiring, etc.).

Deck addition:  45% went over budget, overrun:  $700, main causes:  changed plans, cost of materials increased and needed special tools.

Room addition:  55% went over budget, overrun:  $2000, main causes:  changed plans, contractor underestimated labor, and cost of materials increased. 

Basement finishing:  56% went over budget, overrun:  $1350, main causes:  changed plans, needed to upgrade systems, and needed special tools.

New windows:  33% went over budget, overrun:  $600, main causes:  changed plans, structural problems, and water damage.

Interior painting:  31% went over budget, overrun:  $280

Major landscaping:  45% went over budget, overrun:  $735, main causes:  changed plans, increase in cost of materials and needed special tools. 

Source:  Consumer Reports May 2009 Issue

Unfortunately, even here in Carmel and Fishers Indiana, statistics show that most people ignore an unfriendly letter or call from the bank after a missed or late payment(s).  Take action now before it’s too late and the bank takes over the property.  One solution to this difficult situation is a real estate Short Sell.  A Short Sell is a case where a bank can avoid an expensive foreclosure by accepting an offer for an amount less than what is owed on the property prior to an expensive foreclosure.  For the owner of the property, a short sale is an attractive alternative to a foreclosure, which can be personally and financially devastating. 

According to The Distressed Property Institute, LLC the ramifications of a foreclosure include:

• Current Fannie Mae Loan rules prohibit another mortgage for 5 years after a primary residence foreclosure and 7 years for an investor property. 
• Interest rates can be increased due to risk for a purchase as it is now noted on the application if there has been a foreclosure in the last 7 years
• Credit scores could be lowered 250 to 300 points for over 3 years and will remain public in credit history information for 10 years or more. 
• A challenge to Security Clearance and a negative fact that may be available to an employer.
• The bank has the right to pursue a deficiency judgment (loss) due to foreclosure.

Alternatively, the benefits of avoiding foreclosure through a short sale:

• Fannie Mae loans potentially can be gained in as little as 2 years.
• Credit scores will indicate only late payments and after sale the property will show paid or negotiated, which may lower credit scores as little as 50 points if all other payments are made and credit score dips can be limited to 18 months.
• A short sale is not reported on credit history like a foreclosure, it will show paid or settled.
• Most Security Clearances will not be challenged.
• In some cases the lender can be convinced to give up the right to pursue a deficiency judgment (bank loss).

Armed with this information, it is easy to see why you would want to sell your property prior to foreclosure by gaining insight from expert REALTOR with the proper Short Sale training.  Be ready to step through a streamlined process that will enable you or your friends to move out from a difficult financial situation.  Take action now!  Call me or another Certified Distressed Property Expert.  Time is critical to avoid a foreclosure!

Delaware Township in Fishers finally broke ground on a 13,000 square foot community center that Trustee Debbie Driskell began planning in 2005.

This $2.8 million project will include event space for up to 300 people.  Driskell says it will be affordable for families and clubs, but prices have not been set. 

The building will be just north of the Delaware Township Government Center, located at 9090 E. 131^st Street.  Construction will not begin for several weeks.

The center will cost township taxpayers one cent per $100 of assessed valuation.  That amounts to an $8 increase, assuming standard deductions, for a family with a $150,000 home. 

“We believe the community has expressed the need to us for a long time,” Driskell said. “Although we live in a fairly affluent county, there are still many of us who cannot afford a country-club reception.”

Type:  Condo

Age:   Built in 2007

Location:   Near 32 and Carey Road. 

Neighborhood:   Lancashire at Oak Manor 

Square footage:  1500 square feet

Rooms:   This three-bedroom home offers an open split floor plan with the master suite on one side of the condo and the additional rooms on the other side for added privacy.  There are two full baths and a kitchen with solid surface counter tops and modern appliances. 

Strengths:   This one-level condo is on the first floor and is conveniently located near a new shopping area and the proposed Midland Trace Walking Trail that will connect to the Monon.  There an attached one-car garage.   

Challenges:  Like all condos, there is a monthly fee, which in this case is $200. This fee covers the cost of water, sewer, snow removal, trash removal, lawn care, fitness center, clubhouse and pool.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?  $135,000

WWW.SendOutCards.com/Indiana will grow your business

In real estate as in any service industry, the absolute best way to grow your business is by providing clients with a great quality experience and then have them tout your capability to their friends, family, and anyone that values their opinion; a referral.  The proven way to gain referrals is by showing you care about them and staying in regular contact.  The least expensive, most rewarding, and possibly the most effective is a personal note. 

By the way, notes have a dramatic impact on your personal life as well.  I once heard about President Bush Senior and how he felt that a large contributor of his personal and professional rise through his career was his habit of writing personal notes. 

Many people don’t write personal notes because it is a bit of a hassle.  They are losing out on incredible opportunities!  I have recently discovered and currently use the best product and system for personal notes!  Go to the web at WWW.SentOutCards.com/Indiana . It proves to be easy, inexpensive, automated, and effective. At this site you will be able to systematically pick a predesigned card or add photos and make your own on the Internet.  Type a private message in your own handwriting font (if you prefer),  click on a name from your database which will automatically create the envelope, and hit the send button where it will be sent directly from the printing company with an actual first class stamp.  Add a gift card or other gifts such as brownies with another click.  This is truly a system that provides the handwritten effect with a huge time savings with cards costing a fraction of the price.  No more driving to the shopping center, post office, etc. 

I have arranged for the first 10 people to receive 1 free card to try out the system.  The link above will let you sign up where you can choose at least 2 (non-picture) cards or 1 picture card (postage included), your choice. 

Check it out.  You won’t be disappointed.