Sunday, December 11, 2016

Indianapolis 2016 Christmas & Hanukkah Holiday Fun Page



Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends!





Even if you're not Jewish, here's how to make some great latkes & other goodies





Gingerbread Pancakes






The Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the Indianapolis Children's Museum is always filled with fun and frolic this time of year. Yes, there's nothing that this mom and Indianapolis real estate agent loves to do more than   take her kids to this hotspot for an afternoon of caroming down the Yule Slide and "ice skating" in our socks! 


The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century. 


Enjoy the Beautiful Voice of Josh Groban







Thinking About Buying or Selling an Indianapolis House in 2017?

Monday, December 5, 2016

Indiana County Auditor Contact Info (Phone): File 2016 Property Tax Exemption

by Lisa Treadwell

The Indy Real Estate Experts at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Indiana Realty, and Security Title Services remind you that you have until December 31, 2016 to file your property tax exemptions for Indiana homeowners.

Remember to file your tax exemptions if you bought or refinanced a home this year...your taxes could double if you don't!

Contact us for help or call your county Auditor's Office listed below.

You may also text me at 317-246-9966 for a list of the county auditor numbers.


Filing Indiana Homestead Exemption or Mortgage Exemption




Thinking About Buying or Selling an Indianapolis House in 2017?









Sunday, December 4, 2016

2016 Marion County/Hamilton County, Indiana Property Tax Exemption Information: Homestead and Mortgage

by Lisa Treadwell

Did you buy a house in Indiana or refinance in 2016? Would you like to potentially cut your tax bill in half? Say yes!

If so, you have only until December 31, 2016 to file your property tax exemptions in Marion and Hamilton counties. The clock is ticking and the busiest time of year is now here, so don't let this important opportunity fall by the wayside!

List Your Indianapolis House for Sale This Winter & Avoid Summer Competition!




The two most common exemptions are the homestead and the mortgage exemption (Other types of property tax exemptions include old age and veteran's, among others). Just by filing the homestead and the mortgage exemptions, homeowners can cut their property taxes in half. 


Text Me (Lisa) at 317-246-9966 for a List of Indiana County Auditors

Conversely, if you purchased a property where the exemptions were filed with the previous owner and you (the new buyer) fail to file your exemptions by Dec. 31, your taxes could double! Did you hear that? Double! Ouch.

Don't forget: If you refinance or have a deed change at any time, you will also need to re-file these deductions.

Information on Property Tax Exemptions in Indianapolis & Marion County

As an Indianapolis Realtor, one of the questions I'm most frequently asked when I broach this subject is: "What do I need to bring and where do I need to bring it?"

You (the buyer) will need the closing packet you received from the title company (or at least your HUD statement, Mortgage, and Deed).



City of Indianapolis and Marion County Auditor's Office

Where you go will depend on what county the property is located in. In most cases, it will be the county auditor's office in either the county courthouse and/or city/county building.

The Marion County Auditor's Office encourages you to complete the application online, but you may also complete it in person or by mail.



Auditor's Real Estate office 
City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Suite 841. 
Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday  Phone:(317) 327-4646. 

Marion County Property Tax Exemptions


Partially Disabled Veteran Exemption
Totally Disabled Veteran
Old Age

Hamilton County, IN Property Tax Exemption Information












Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Protect Your Indianapolis Real Estate! William Shatner's Turkey Fryer Fire Safety Tips and How to Deep Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey

by Lisa Treadwell

Turkey fryers produce turkey taste that is manna from heaven. Paradoxically, they may produce house fires and burns to your skin that can be tragic and the spawn of the devil.

Here are a couple videos to help you safely enjoy an Indiana Thanksgiving. All hail William Shatner and turkey fryer safety tips. #ShatnerFryersClub





How to Safely Deep Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey





Winter is a Great Time to List an Indianapolis House for Sale

Sell in January or February when the competition is slumbering and your house commands top dollar with fewer houses on the market!

Contact Lisa for a No-Obligation Analysis  of How Much Your House is Worth



From The Indy Real Estate Experts
Nov 2016


Monday, October 24, 2016

Why Fall and Winter are Ideal Times to Sell Your House: Indianapolis Housing Market Fall 2016

by Lisa Treadwell

It's a seller's market in Indy. Yep, there's an extreme lack of Indianapolis and Washington Township houses for sale as we stroll through the fall months and then winter.

As an Indianapolis realtor, I don't like that one bit! I need some houses to sell, people! :)




However, we often see this. Some homeowners make the mistake of believing that spring and summer are the only good times to sell a house. And, there are others who simply don't wish to go through the process as kids get back to school and the holidays approach.


Those are good reasons indeed, but if neither applies to you, and you're contemplating listing your house for sale and finding a good real estate agent in Indianapolis, there are several good reasons to act now and list your house for sale in the fall:

Lack of Competition!

It's already been a sellers' market in our area and that trend will only continue.

But fewer houses on the market mean that if you REALLY wish to sell your house, now is a perfect time. 

Plenty of people are still looking for houses to buy during the fall and holiday season.

Fewer houses available for sale in Washington Township, Indianapolis:

Your Indianapolis house for sale will STAND OUT

More potential buyers will see it

You'll receive more offers

Lack of inventory = high demand = More $$$ for YOU


Ok, you get the idea. If you're ready to investigate how much your Indiana house is worth and get a feel for the market in your neighborhood, contact me here for a no-obligation analysis.

Not Ready to Commit to Selling During the Fall or Holidays?

That's fine. Let's get a head start on winter and start the process of listing your house for sale as soon as the holidays are over: on January 2, 2017!

Learn More About The Indy Real Estate Experts












Sunday, October 9, 2016

Transit Drives Indy: Info on the Marion County Transit Plan and November 8 Vote

by Lisa Treadwell

The election on November 8 will see Indianapolis voters head to the polls and cast their ballot on Question 2.

Supporters of the Marion County Transit Plan and the Transit Drives Indy campaign hope those voters will answer YES on Question 2 and help to develop a better Indianapolis transit system.




According to the website, approval of the plan (Yes on Question 2) will allow "IndyGo to deliver frequent, all-day service to more residents, businesses and neighborhoods, cutting wait and travel times and adding new rapid transit lines over the next five years."

As an Indianapolis realtor - a Washington Township real estate agent - who is a strong supporter of initiatives that will strengthen our business environment and add to our quality of life, it only makes sense for me to support this plan and a vote of "Yes on Question 2."



Additionally, as an Indianapolis realtor who specializes in helping seniors downsize, sell a family home, and transition to new housing, I am a strong advocate of those things which will help our older adults and improve their mobility and quality of life.

A better and more convenient Indianapolis mass transit system is certainly one of those things!

Time to Find a Good Indianapolis Realtor? 


You Decide! Yes on Question 2?


However, I certainly want you to have the information to make up your OWN mind on this vote. I've added a few links on this blog post to help YOU determine what answer you place on your ballot.