Friday, November 21, 2014

The 2014 Indianapolis "Rainmaker of the Year" Award

by Lisa (Parrett) Treadwell

I try hard not to be someone who regularly "toots their own horn" - too much:) But...

I absolutely have to thank my colleagues in Rainmakers for recently naming me "Rainmaker of the Year" in 2014!


The Rainmakers community is filled with individuals who create abundance for one another either personally or professionally. What does that look like? Members hold each other accountable, they celebrate wins and support causes that are important. I absolutely love being active in the group, networking, growing my business, and helping others to grow theirs.  

So there I was one day in October, in a room with 150 other Rainmakers attending one of our quarterly events, when the emcee - Jamar Cobb-Denard - began the introduction for the award and his description of the yet-to-be-announced honoree was amazing.


I remember thinking "Man, whoever this person is, I need to meet them!" So, of course, it was a bit surreal when he announced the winner as "Lisa Treadwell."


"The Rainmaker of the Year Award is given to the Rainmaker member who best exemplifies our philosophy of Be More, Serve More," said Nikki Lewallen, Executive Director of Rainmakers. "Lisa Treadwell stands out as a reliable and dependable resource in the Rainmakers community and the local community as well. Lisa emerged as a leader as soon as she became a member. Within the first year of membership, she coordinated the creation of a new Southside event. Additionally, Lisa volunteers her time helping new members understand how to incorporate networking into their life and business. She leads by example and we are honored to have her as a member."

Here I am with the winners of the Be, Do, Have, Give awards. Congratulations to them for being such vibrant members and community leaders!



GIVE: Bob Popovich, DSI Systems
HAVE: Alison Martin-Books, Mentoring Womens Network
RAINMAKER OF THE YEAR: Lisa Treadwell, Keller Williams Realty
DO: M’Chellin Osborn, Green Tree Assisted Living
BE: Courtney Lloyd, STAR Financial Bank

Here's what each award signifies:

The BE Award | Recognizing the character and spirit of a Rainmaker.

The DO Award | Recognizing the activity and momentum that it takes to be a Rainmaker.

The HAVE Award | Recognizing the abundance that a Rainmaker creates

The GIVE Award | Recognizing the servant leadership of a Rainmaker

The Rainmaker of the Year Award | Recognizing the best of the best


Regardless of what business you are in, I strongly encourage you to consider joining the community of awesome people at Rainmakers who are dedicated to doing great work. We'd love to have you and help you. It's really just about growing relationships and business with some stellar people in Indy!



Saturday, November 1, 2014

Down Payment Issues? Bruised Credit? It May Soon Be Easier to Get an Indianapolis Home Loan

by Lisa (Parrett) Treadwell

If you'd like to get a mortgage to buy a house in Fishers, Carmel, Greenwood, or anywhere across Indianapolis, Indiana the federal government may soon make it easier for you to do so, even if you have a damaged credit score or not quite enough money to make the traditional down payment.

In late October 2014, the head of the federal agency that oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac said that he wanted to introduce initiatives to force mortgage companies in Indiana and across the country to offer home loans to a broader range of folks.


The Indy Real Estate Experts love this plan and are dedicated to working with our clients to help you understand what options you have for mortgages to buy a house in Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, Zionsville, Lebanon, and all of Central Indiana.



The Great Recession forced many Indiana mortgage companies to enforce stricter guidelines on who they would provide a home loan to in Indianapolis. This new effort is designed to loosen those rules.

Here are some of the changes that may come into effect:

Down Payments

Saving enough money to buy a house in Carmel or Fishers can be difficult, especially for first time home buyers. While most banks and mortgage companies currently require at least a 5% down payment, the new plan may force them to reduce that number to as little as 3% for a home mortgage in Indianapolis. It's possible that this lower rate may be limited to first time home buyers

If you're a first time home buyer, our experts at The Indy Real Estate Experts (like Jess Martin!) can help you understand your options and how to best prepare to buy a house. Contact us for a no-obligation chat.

Credit Scores

Home buyers with moderate-to-low incomes and slightly damaged credit may soon have a better chance of securing home loans in Indiana. After the Great Recession, banks and mortgage companies drastically increased the necessary credit score to get a loan for a house. Today, the typical credit score necessary for a mortgage in Central Indiana averages around 745 compared to about 710 in the early 2000's. It's thought that the new proposals make make the minimum credit score necessary for a home loan to once again hover around 700 or 710.


Interest Rates

The head of the federal agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is new to the job and he is the one who is proposing these changes. Essentially, his overall goal is to make it easier for more people to get a loan for a house. Lower interest rates are always an important part of making that possible and while the head of the agency hasn't specifically outlined plans to make interest rates on a home mortgage in Indianapolis or Greenwood lower, it's likely that any initiative will do just that.



Overall, this entire proposal is great news for anyone hoping or planning to buy a house in Indianapolis.


If you've been unsure as to whether you may be able to qualify for a home loan to buy a house from Lebanon to Fishers to Zionsville, check in with us at The Indy Real Estate Experts and let's get you ready for just such a possibility!

If you’d like more information on the Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, or Carmel housing market or simply advice on buying or selling a house here, please feel free to contact me.


There's not a better spot in Fishers! Voted best place for families, there are many wonderful attractions in Fishers, including Conner Prairie, which is walking distance from this beautifully updated 2 story w/basement. From fresh paint to new bathrooms, this one is move in ready! Enjoy serene views from the large screened patio, mature trees & landscaping, family friendly neighbors, wonderful schools, trails, holiday fireworks, & close proximity to everything!