Did I hit a nerve? People are divided, especially in our area.

TRAFFIC: I drove the roads that are affected and found that traffic seems safer than normal.  A little slower perhaps, but that’s not a bad thing.  Take your time, there’s a learning curve!

Take the bus!  The Red Line will be free during the month of September, 2019.  And all other routes will be free for the 1^st 2 weeks.  Try it out! Take the bus to work.  Go to dinner, a sporting event, or navigate a new part of the city via the Red Line and connections …  all for free!

In Indy, we like our cars; but if you live near any of these areas try taking the bus!  Read, listen to music, relax and let someone else worry about the traffic.  At least for a week or two.

Phase 1 of the Red Line starts at 66^th and College and heads south to 38^th, over to Meridian, south to 18^th, over to Capitol to Virginia Ave and Fountain Square, then south on Shelby to UIndy.

For a map and more information visit: www.indygored.com

According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials are one of the largest groups buying luxury homes, and are changing the landscape.  These buyers know what they want, and it’s not a fixer-upper.  They’d rather spend their time and money on interests, hobbies, and paying off college debt.  So, what are these “30-something’s” looking for?  What qualities are important in a new home?

1. Less space and more functionality. Skip the square footage, they want flexible luxurious space.  Multi-purpose rooms, like a bedroom that can function as a yoga studio.  An open kitchen that can handle entertaining. Spa-like bathrooms.
2. Fast internet service, especially since so many work from home. (over 3 million Americans now work from home!) “Smart” TV’s, appliances, thermostats, security, and lighting.
3. Go Green! Millennials want to help the environment and are willing to pay for it.  Solar panels, purification systems, geothermal systems, tankless water heaters… these are all earth friendly and often provide tax benefits.
4. Location, location, location. This has always been a factor, but “where” is changing.  Millennials want to be closer to work (less commute time), and close to community activities, restaurants, breweries, parks, and walking paths… Surprisingly, they don’t mind the suburbs as long as they can provide these amenities.
5. Outdoor living. Homes and lots may be smaller, but getting outdoors is more important than ever.  Even in shared living areas, millennials are looking for somewhere to hang outside.  And landlords are listening!  You’ll now find an outdoor treehouse in New York, a yoga deck in LA, and a lush garden including lemon trees in Florida.
6. A new trend? Some millennials are choosing to rent their primary residence and purchase their vacation home!  And why not? Now that so many work remotely, “home” can be just about anywhere!

99% search online, and nearly 60% find their home on their mobile device.  Over 90% trust and use a realtor.

I love the longer days and warm weather, and absolutely LOVE spending time outdoors.  Showing homes this time of year can feel like playing hooky!  I thought I would share some of my favorite outdoor activities:

1. Bike on the Cultural Trail.  Start in Broadripple on the Monon Trail, and head down to Mass Ave for some shopping and great eats!  Then head down to all of Indy’s monuments, you’ll be amazed at how many we have.  Spend some time along the canal, and head toward the zoo. OR, if you’re in the mood for some local brew, ride down Virginia Ave toward Fountain Square!
2. Walk the dogs or go for a run thruEagle Creek Park, Holliday  Park, or Fort Harrison Park.
3. Pack up some wine and hors d’oeuvres and attend one of the manyfree summer concertsaround town, spend the evening with the symphony at Conner Prairie, or watch a movie outdoors at the Indpls Museum of Art.
4. Catch anIndy Eleven or Indpls Indiansgame.
5. Gohouse hunting!  Even if you’re staying put, it’s not a bad idea to look around.  You might stumble upon your next dream home!  Helping you find a great place to call home IS one of my favorite activities!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the unending lists of how to get your home organized? (We agree!!)  Here’s a list of 7 simple starters we can all attempt!

Getting Organized

*”Getting organized is continuous maintenance, for every hour spent organizing we save 3-4 hours.  Spend 5 minutes tidying the junk drawer; 20 mins. here, 10 mins. there will make all the difference.”

~Professional organizer Nancy Heller

*”Put things in the same place all the time, you’ll condition yourself to be organized.”

~Professional organizer Kendra Stanley

*”Displaying only books you love leaves breathing room and space for

decorative accessories, go for balance. If your bookshelf is 80% full it is really full.”

~Professional organizer Nancy Heller

*”Don’t display every book you own, if you have a good collection of books, you don’t need to display paperbacks.”

~Professional organizer Linda Rothschild

*”Keep toys in 1 – 2 places in your home.”

~Professional organizer Vanessa Hayes

*”Bins are fine, they need to be space efficient, properly labeled and

specific.  Leave a little extra space in each bin to add more items.”

~Professional organizer Nancy Heller

*”Things you wear on a regular basis need be accessible, placed in front of your closet.  Being realistic about your real life closet needs makes it easier to keep the space neat.”

~Professional organizer Linda Rothschild

The construction phase of the Red Line has a lot of neighbors, friends and businesses very upset, but there is good news on the horizon. The construction time frame has been shortened! You will be able to take the RED LINE to the first home Colts Football game!!!  The new plan will have the Red Line up and running by the end of this Summer!

The other good news is that National Association of REALTORS says that with improvement of light rail transportation, property values increase an average of 40% within the first 5 years after completion.  Some of this appreciation has already been seen by sales of investment property along College Ave. It is hard to say how far the impact will help property values, but it is safe to say those who can walk to the Red Line will benefit the most.

If you have a chance to visit a business along the route, know they they will really appreciate and let them know you will be back when the line is finished also.

For more on the Red LIne visit indygo.com/Redline & enjoy Spring 2019!!

– YES! The housing market in Indianapolis took a big jump a few years ago, causing prices to increase.  It was a much needed correction.  Since then, prices have remained higher but stable.  Some buyers are waiting for the prices to come back down, but market experts don’t expect that to happen.  Your takeaway?  Indy has a stable housing market.

In addition, and this is what caught my eye, interest rates  are lower than expected!  According to Brett Boston with USB Bank, a conventional 30yr rate is 4.375%.  The rate for a 15 year is only 3.875%!  Of course, rates are dependent on your credit, so these are only estimates, but WOW!  3.875%??  Keep your money invested and get a mortgage!

If you have questions about buying or selling your home, or want some help finding a reputable lender, call or email me.  I’d love to help!

What’s up with the “Zillow Zestimate”??

“I’m selling my home and Zillow has it estimated $50,000 under our list price!”  More common than you think. Part of Zillow’s valuation is dependent on the zip code.  There can be a million dollar or more difference within the same zip!   Of course, there are other factors used, but many homes are mis-valued.  This is where a real estate agent’s value really comes in.  I do a thorough investigation of the neighborhood, the home, and any other factors that come into play.  It’s not a matter of plugging numbers, it’s a matter of knowing the area.  Something Zillow doesn’t do.  So sure, start your search with Zillow, but before you pull the trigger call your agent.