If we've worked together, I'd love to have your recommendation and share mine with you as well! Just click on the "Recs" section here:
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Homeowners: Are You Taking Full Advantage of the American Dream?
Hey, Home buyers!
Are you aware you are eligible for tax exemptions if you are a homeowner?
It's TRUE!
If you purchased a home in 2012, you have until December 31, 2012 to file your exemptions. If you are a homeowner and you have never filed your exemptions, you could be missing out on HUGE savings! Contact me today for more information.
Some exemptions can now be filed online. To be sure, please contact your County Assessor directly:
Boone County Auditor |765.482.2940 |
Hamilton County Auditor | 317.776.8401 | www.tinyurl.com/hamiltonauditor
Hendricks County Auditor | 317.745.9300 | www.tinyurl.com/hendricksauditor
Johnson County Auditor | 317.346.4310 | www.tinyurl.com/johnsonauditor
Marion County Auditor | 317.327.3001 | www.tinyurl.com/marionauditor
Morgan County Auditor | 765.342.1001 | www.tinyurl.com/morganauditor
For more information, contact me directly or visit our
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
This Holiday Season, Are You Making Time for Family...and For Yourself?
I started pre-marital counseling with Eric last week-sounds fun, right? Well it actually went better than expected. What I got most out of it was an "aha moment" that most of us can relate to.
Like you, I am a very busy person. There is always something to do, someplace to be, some deadline, someone to be picked up or taken here or there....the list goes on and on. Do you feel the same way? Well...this is my normal state of being. This is who I am and it will likely not change anytime soon. Here's the thing, though...in our first session, Eric said he wishes I spent more time with he and the kids. That's fair, right?
Time is our most precious commodity.
Who are you giving your time to? When it comes down to it, there will ALWAYS be some project, assignment, task, goal, email, phone or text message, etc to respond to. If there wasn't anything to do in life, what sort of life is that, right? So why do I beat myself up over things that need to get done when my family is requesting more time with me? If I were to beat myself up over something, it should be that I'm spending so much time away from my family...so much so, that they are asking me for more time. You know what?
There is nothing more important and lovely to me than my family. Nothing.
So why do I put them on the back burner? Do you do that, too? Watch the clip below to see how I've chosen to take control of my calendar back and put my family first:
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Hey, Sellers in Indianapolis! Its Time to Get Your Property SOLD!
I often tell people that now is the time to list...in the freezing cold Indiana weather. I couldn't be happier to take on new, motivated sellers this time of year! There are several reasons why now is the best time to list your Indiana property...
- LESS COMPETITION! When you have less competition, your standards don't have to be as high. Now, don't get me wrong...I require each of my sellers to have a professional staging consultation. This is a small cost to incur with big rewards, so my motivated sellers are always willing to stage their home to sell. Think about it, though, less competition on the market means its easier for sellers to stand out b/c the crowd is smaller.
- SERIOUS BUYERS LOOK IN THE WINTER MONTHS! If a buyer is willing to get pre-qualified (we don't show homes to buyers withouth a pre-qualification first...that's a whole other blog topic) and get out there in our freezing Indiana winter, they're not just kickinig tires! Each showing will matter and sellers won't be frantically cleaning their house up to show for some "buyer" who may just be looking for decorating tips.
- ONCE THE PROPERTY IS SOLD, ALL THE "SPRING" SELLERS WILL BE PUTTING THEIR HOMES UP FOR SALE, SO IF YOU PLAN TO BUY AGAIN...YOU HAVE THE CREAM OF THE CROP! The average sales price in this area is about 90 days. So think about it...you list your home today and it will sell around the end of February/March. Well....look how you've just positioned yourself! February/March is after holidays and heading into spring when everyone else starts listing their homes. Yes, they will likely be buying once they sell their house, too, but they still have to sell and you don't! You have all the power and all the options! What a beautiful thing!
So...let's get your property on the market TODAY! I personally promise not to show your property to anyone who isn't already pre-qualified with a reputable lender.
You have noting to lose...call me today to discuss what it will take to get your home SOLD!
***317.246.9966 or lisa@indyreexperts.com***
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Are You Losing Business Because of Your Listening?
Are you a good listener? I try to be. I mean, it's crucial in all areas from personal relationships to business. And when your business is about listening to what a client really needs, wants and is saying, good listening skills are vital. Especially when you're a real estate agent and your business is about buying and selling houses in Indianapolis.
So when I saw an email from Cindy Allen-Stuckey that theorized that we only hear 25-40% of what others are saying, my eyes paid attention!
That doesn't seem like a very good number, but I'm guessing that it's probably true. On a personal level, I focus as best I can on what a client has to say - and I think I do a pretty good job of it - but like most of us, I guess it's likely that sometimes I fall into the trap of worrying too much about what I'm going to say next. And that can be a serious impediment to effective listening.
Cindy is the founder of the Central Indiana firm Making Performance Matter, and I'd like to thank her for encouraging me to become an even better listener.
If you'd like to grab a few more tips from Cindy on effective listening skills, check out her video below.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Indianapolis Explosion: Natural Gas Safety Tips
The horrible explosion in Indianapolis Saturday night that claimed two lives and destroyed multiple homes literally hit very close to home for me.
The devastated neighborhood is less than a mile from my own home and and an area that I jog by and drive through regularly. I heard the explosion and felt the thud but, of course, had no idea what had occurred.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones and whose houses were destroyed.
While it still remains to be seen whether a natural gas accident was the cause of the explosion, the evidence would seem to point in that direction. I decided to take some time to educate myself on safety issues surrounding natural gas and thought I would share these links and pages with you as well.
Remember, if you think you smell the distinctive "rotten egg" odor of leaking natural gas, first vacate the area immediately and THEN call your local natural gas provider or 911.
Don't forget: using a cellphone or regular land line can spark an explosion, so LEAVE the area FIRST!
Do your children have questions about what happened? The site below has coloring pages, tips, and a safety certificate. It's a good way for parents or teachers to educate the kids.
Call BEFORE you dig. It's the law. 1-800-382-5544
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Indianapolis Veterans Day Blood Drive
Help Rehabilitation Institute of Indianapolis and the Indiana Blood Center honor and celebrate the Veterans in our community by donating blood on Friday, November 9, 2012.
Visit their Open house from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm at 2437 North Meridian in Indianapolis. The Indiana Blood Center will be on hand from 1:15 pm -2:45 pm, with food and refreshments to be served.
Anyone donating Blood will be put in a raffle to win 2 Colts tickets to Buffalo Bills vs Colts game @ 1 pm on 11/25 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here's the official Facebook Event page if you'd like more information.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Measuring What Matters in Indianapolis: Your Gross National Happiness (GNH)
by Lisa Treadwell
Are you measuring what's really important to you? Are you measuring the intangibles that contribute to your happiness and business success?
There's actually a movement underway among governmental authorities in many countries of the world to measure their Gross National Happiness (GNH). And it's known as that: The GNH Movement.
While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the measurement of productivity that we're all used to hearing about - whether we're an Indianapolis real estate agent or a Wall Street financier - GDP fails to recognize or provide a metric to illuminate a key component of business, financial and life success for us all; that simple little word known as happiness.
I understand that this sounds rather high-minded, Buddhist-centric, and not necessarily practical.
But what if you did measure your happiness and use it as a barometer of success in any walk of life? It's an intriguing theory and while I could attempt to explain it more here with my own writing, I'll let the video below - a 2010 presentation at a TED conference - hopefully inspire your further investigation.
Are you measuring what's really important to you? Are you measuring the intangibles that contribute to your happiness and business success?
There's actually a movement underway among governmental authorities in many countries of the world to measure their Gross National Happiness (GNH). And it's known as that: The GNH Movement.
While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the measurement of productivity that we're all used to hearing about - whether we're an Indianapolis real estate agent or a Wall Street financier - GDP fails to recognize or provide a metric to illuminate a key component of business, financial and life success for us all; that simple little word known as happiness.
I understand that this sounds rather high-minded, Buddhist-centric, and not necessarily practical.
But what if you did measure your happiness and use it as a barometer of success in any walk of life? It's an intriguing theory and while I could attempt to explain it more here with my own writing, I'll let the video below - a 2010 presentation at a TED conference - hopefully inspire your further investigation.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Balance in a World of Chaos: Take a Nap: Part 2 of 5
Welcome to part 2 of my 5 part series on balance. My second tip is really simple: Take a nap.
It sounds silly and childish, but the value of a good nap is completely underrated! Once I embraced nap time, I discovered a new energy that lasts all week. I come home after a long day and I still have enough energy to hang out with my family, cook dinner if I choose, and prepare for the next day. Nap time is not just for kids.
All be honest...I can sleep anywhere and if its not in my bed at night, its usually in my car in a parking lot someplace. You read right...I nap in my car! All the time!
I started nap time when I had my son, Owen, who is 7 now. When he was a baby, it was such a pain when I would head out to run errands and by the time I would get to the parking lot, my Owen would be sound asleep in his car seat. I didn't have the heart to wake him, so I gently pulled him out of his seat, leaned my seat back all the way, laid baby Owen on my chest and we napped. Once nap time was over, we would head in to finish our shopping. It was both energizing and a wonderful time to cuddle with my baby.
I continued the tradition with my daughter, Helen, and now that they are both getting older, I see no reason to stop now! Rather than dragging through the day and being exhausted, I would much rather rest and rejuvenate throughout the day. I feel much more focused and motivated after my nap!
Some guidelines for adult napping:
All be honest...I can sleep anywhere and if its not in my bed at night, its usually in my car in a parking lot someplace. You read right...I nap in my car! All the time!
I continued the tradition with my daughter, Helen, and now that they are both getting older, I see no reason to stop now! Rather than dragging through the day and being exhausted, I would much rather rest and rejuvenate throughout the day. I feel much more focused and motivated after my nap!
Some guidelines for adult napping:
- Nap when you feel like it.
- Once you get into a napping routine, leave enough time after nap time to wake up and refresh before your next appointment
- Turn off your phone and any other distraction during nap time
- Nap early in your day so as not to interfere with night time sleep
Happy Napping!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Helping Indianapolis Working Mom's to Find Balance
The other day I wrote a lengthy post about how to add at least 30 minutes to your day just by taking a few preparatory steps the night before. So, I've got out everyone's clothes for tomorrow, ironed what needed ironed, the children are bathed, coffee is set for 5am and now I have 15 minutes to write this post, write two real estate offers for clients, and be in bed by 9pm. Whew! I better get going!
I don't think my life has ever been perfectly balanced, but I will say that it hasn't been as balanced as it is now for a long time. Its hard work, this balance stuff! When us women decided to burn our bras, did we really mean we wanted to work outside the home, inside the home, and all around the community working ourselves into big, incompetent-feeling stress balls? I don't think that's what the feminist movement was really all about at all.
Having a career in real estate, two kids, a significant other, friends, family, clients, a real estate team, extended family...that's a lot of roles. If I don't focus on balance at all times, something will suffer. I'll be honest, sometimes things do go unattended, but you know what? My world hasn't caved in, my family loves me unconditionally, I continue to learn, grow, and make new friends...I'm okay if something slips through the cracks b/c that's real life. Things slip through the cracks.
Which leads me to the first major step in establishing balance...
1. Realize things will slip through the cracks and be okay with it.
That's part one of my Five Part Series on Balance. Stay tuned for more simple tips to establish balance in your life!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Video: Sell a House Now in Indianapolis
See the Video Below, Live from My Driveway
I just looked at the stats this afternoon and we are going strong! It is such a great time for BOTH buyers and sellers!
Sellers, I can't keep properties on the market! Buyers are snatching them up! I have open spots for listings right now and I'm ready to get some more properties sold before the end of the year.
WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS LOOKING TO SELL THEIR PROPERTY???
Call, text or email me right away if you or someone you know is looking to sell their property before year's end b/c I AM YOUR GIRL!
Interest rates are at ASTONISHING LOWS and PROPERTY VALUES ARE UP! There's never been a BETTER TIME IN REAL ESTATE!
Sell a home in Indianapolis. That's right. Come this way to this Indianapolis real estate agent and let's talk about selling a house.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Indianapolis/Fishers Real Estate Public Open House: Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012
Public Open House
Tasha Swetnam, Keller Williams Realty Tom Garrison Prime Lending
12670 Justice Crossing, Fishers, In 46037
Sunday, October 28, 2012
12n - 2pm
This charming Fishers home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and loads of character. Priced at just $122,000 this is a great opportunity for your first time buyers or as an investment property. Close to award winning schools and Hamilton Towne Center. You couldn’t ask for more!
Contact Tasha at 317-694-5829
Fishers Public Open House on Sunday, October 28, 2012 12n to 2p
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Guide to Indianapolis Information & Support
Pink is popping up everywhere in Indiana reminding us that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As many as one in eight American women and one in every 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.
It seems as though we can all occasionally get stuck in our daily grind, whether we're an Indianapolis real estate agent or a Carmel dental hygienist, and we forget about the blessed fact of our health.
From Fishers to Brownsburg, I thought I'd share with you a few resources in the Indianapolis area - and nationwide - for anyone affected by breast cancer.
Indianapolis Breast Cancer Support & Care
Events
National
If you or someone you know has been touched by breast cancer, I hope these resources will be of help to you.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Geist Elementary Gator Gallop with State Farm
The 7th annual Geist Elementary Gator Gallop is on the way October 12, 2012 and is a very cool - and healthy - way for students to raise money for the school without resorting to the traditional means of selling cookies, gift wrap, magazines, and the like.
Each grade level will walk, skip, gallop and limbo their way through a course set-up outside for approximately 30 minutes.
Please consider sponsoring a student if you're approached to help. The goal is to obtain an average of $50 in pledges per student.
Chris Berger and the gang at State Farm Insurance will have the State Farm "Neighbear" on hand to pass out prizes and goodies to the kids. Thanks to State Farm for their support!
The PTO utilizes all money raised from fundraising events to help offset items otherwise cut from the budget due to current economic constraints.
Indianapolis Home for Sale
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Guide to Indianapolis 2012 Haunted Houses, Festivals, Recipes, and Trick or Treat Activities Ideas
Don't you love it? Now is the one time of the year that it's acceptable for your home and personal appearance to be socially unacceptable. I've put together information on some of the Halloween festivities happening across the Greater Indianapolis area in October of 2012.
For over 65 years, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has brought together thousands of residents, dozens of neighborhood organizations, and countless Eastside Indianapolis businesses in a fun-filled celebration of their heritage and community. Running Oct.20-27, 2012.
Costume Ideas
Haunted House
Open now through October 31 in Anderson
Haunted Fun on the Farm
NOT Haunted: Just a Beautiful Home Waiting for a New Owner!
The Indy Children's Museum
The Children's Museum Guild's 49th Annual Haunted House—will take visitors to a wild and whimsical factory where Winny the Witch and her hard-working Witchkins make everything you need for Halloween!
Haunted Houses and More
Halloween Recipe Treat Ideas
NOT Haunted: Just a Beautiful Home Seeking a New Owner
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Indy Real Estate Experts Go Green
September 24, 2012
Indianapolis, IN
Indy Real Estate Experts Go Green
Indianapolis Real Estate Team Establishes Virtual Office for Environmental Benefit
Excited at the prospect of being better stewards of the Indianapolis environment and providing more convenient service for their clients, the Indianapolis real estate team Indy Real Estate Experts has established a paperless, virtual office environment intended to reduce the strain on Mother Nature.
Leaving behind their traditional office space and procedures means the team will be able to slash carbon emissions from daily commutes of several real estate experts to the office, while their virtual office measures will drastically cut the amount of paper that would otherwise eventually end up in landfills.
Indy Real Estate Experts team leader and owner Lisa Parrett is just as thrilled that the measures will allow her to provide superior service to clients.
"I'm so excited we've made the transition to paperless! This will increase the efficiency of each transaction and allow our clients to sign from anywhere. In the fast-paced world we are in, our clients appreciate the convenience of e-signing,” notes Parrett. “Customer service is imperative in this industry and we are using technology to give our customers the best experience possible. We will also continue to accommodate those who don't use technology, of course."
Media Contact:
Mark Bingaman Content Marketing
740-973-9723
markbingaman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Info on 2012 Fall Midwest Fashion Week in Indianapolis
Fashion is cool, it's beautiful and we all can enjoy it, regardless of our culture or financial station in life! This is one of those weeks that says yeah, you'd better believe Indianapolis does indeed look great, baby!
The week of October 18-20, 2012 will mark the latest version of Midwest Fashion Week (MFW), a highlight of the fall for the uber fashion-conscious in Indy and a taste of our town that showcases the style that this city has come to exhibit.
Part of the goal is for MFW to serve as a vehicle that will educate midwesterners on how fashion is present in all avenues of life and plays a part in all culture, regardless of demographic or income.
By the way, whenever my hair is looking especially great, just ask me if I've just been to WiP downtown! (The answer is probably yes!)
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Indianapolis Bags2Riches Gala
Tickets are now available for the Bags2Riches Gala September 13, 2012 at 6:30PM at JP Parker/Healing Arts Indy, 801 S. Meridian St, 46225.
One gala ticket costs $75, two tickets are $100 and tables for 10 are available for $500, with name recognition included.
The evening will be emceed by Ray Cortopassi of the Fox59 morning show and you'll enjoy delicious food from Greek Islands Restaurant, Iozzo's, Tavern on South and desserts from Shapiro's Deli, plus 2 drink tickets for drinks from Mallow Run Winery or Sunk King Brewing.
You can vote online now for this year's Top 10 Handbags HERE.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Indianapolis 2012 Labor Day Events Guide
Whether you're a railway worker, an administrative assistant in Fishers, an Indianapolis real estate agent, a Carmel financial advisor, a Noblesville truck driver or any of a thousand other occupations across Central Indiana, Labor Day 2012 is a chance for you to say goodbye to summer and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation away from the strain of labor. I've compiled a list of just a few things for you to do in the greater Indianapolis area. if you have an event you'd like for me to list and promote on my Facebook and Twitter feeds, just let me know here.
Kids 12 and under get in free. Check out 6 days of racing fun at Lucas Oil Raceway, 10267 U.S. Hwy. 136, Indianapolis, IN 46234
August 31, 2012 thru September 3, 2012: Military Park at White River State Park in Indianapolis is the site for the 16th annual Rib America Festival, a four-day food and music event featuring ten award-winning barbecue teams from throughout the country and national and regional entertainment. It's also chocked full of star power with concerts from well-known artists including Eddie Money, Blue Oyster Cult, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Cheap Trick, Night Ranger, and Tesla.
The ribs and music start cooking Friday night, August 31, 2012 and the entertainment and food runs through Labor Day itself.
Admission: $7, after 5 p.m. Friday and after 3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday; free all other times. Children 12 and younger admitted free at all times. The event is held rain or shine.
Saturday, September 1, 2012: When you think of Labor Day, don't you always think of KISS and Motley Crue? Well, of course, you do. One of the biggest and most-anticipated tours of the summer arrives in Indianapolis (Noblesville) as we say goodbye to summer...but better late than never, right?
Whether you grew up on KISS in the 1970's or the Crue in the 1980's, this is a must-see show for any true, glitz and glam headbanger.
Sunday, September 2, 2012: Celebrate Slovenian heritage with music, food, beer and polkas! Mass at noon. The Slovenian Festival serves the best and finest sausage produced locally by Yaggers Conservation and Laško Pivo (beer). Other refreshments include Slovenian dishes such as Potica.
The Slovenian National Home organizes this event and has been a cultural organization since 1918 within the Haughville neighborhood on the West side of Indianapolis.
Cost: $5; free, children 16 and under.
Saturday, September 1, 2012, 7:00 AM. Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon and 5K.
A scenic, flat course event to benefit Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization. Entry fee is $20-60 depending upon registration date.
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, Marion County.
Show Indianapolis the Strength of Labor! Join us for the 2012 Labor Day Parade:
Saturday, September 1st
Parade Line Up: 9:00am
Parade Step Off: 11:00am
Downtown Indianapolis (Step Off will be at the corner of North and Pennsylvania)
Guest speakers, music, food, raffles & lots of solidarity!
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