January first marked AJ and my 25th wedding anniversary. We celebrated by taking a 9-day trip to St. Martin & St. Barths. It was so nice to getaway from the extreme cold here in Indiana. The 25 years has gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday we exchanged vows in the middle of the second worst Chicagoland blizzard in the 20th century... after the Blizzard of 1967. We left the church in a one horse open sleigh and spent the next three days digging out of 26 inches of snow in order to make it on our honeymoon. I guess you could say that the massive shoveling was our first “outdoor ..read more

Indy Homes....Where Luxury Meets Innovation. In the realm of luxury real estate, the winds of change are blowing, and they're ushering in a new era of home buying. For our esteemed clientele of luxe sellers, these shifts in the real estate landscape offer exciting opportunities.  The way Americans work has changed in recent years and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say remote working will continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that is a 417 ..read more

In the world of real estate, we often talk about the financial aspects of homeownership—the equity, the investment, the tax benefits. But today, we want to shift our focus to something equally important, yet often overlooked: the non-financial treasures of owning a home in beautiful Carmel, Indiana. A Sense of Belonging When you own a home, you're not just a resident; you're a member of a community. Carmel has a strong sense of community, and homeowners here enjoy a deep sense of belonging. You become a part of the tapestry of Carmel's vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods. Creative Expression O ..read more

As the seasons change and a crisp breeze fills the air, the idea of selling your home might seem counterintuitive during the fall and winter months. However, this could be a strategic move that aligns perfectly with your goals. Let's explore the unique benefits of listing your home in the colder seasons, addressing your motivations and potentially making this a lucrative decision. Less Competition, More Attention With many sellers waiting for the traditional spring market, the fall and winter present an opportunity to stand out in a less crowded field. Buyers who are actively searching d ..read more

Like any city, Indianapolis has its own vernacular. We’ve compiled this glossary to help demystify this jargon for Indy newbies. Study and practice—in no time, you’ll sound like a local! Boilermakers—The nickname for Purdue University’s sports teams, students and alumni. The nickname has colorful origins. See IU vs. Purdue. Carb Day—No, this isn’t an Indy holiday in which you stuff yourself with pasta, bread and cake. Formally known as “Carburetion Day,” Carb Day is the final practice session before the running of the Indianapolis 500, currently held on the Friday before race day. Carmel ..read more

Population growth is an essential ingredient of a healthy real estate market – when new residents move into a community, we are all the winners. That’s why the Indiana Association of REALTORS® advocates for programs like READI (grants supporting regional quality of life plans) and invests in initiatives like “Hoosiers by Choice,” which shares the journeys of notable Hoosiers born outside the state. This morning, I was pleased to receive a sneak preview of the new marketing campaign (called IN Indiana) from our partners at the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC). Governor Holcomb ..read more

Carmel is proud to host one of the ten largest, female-only half marathons in the US on October 15th. Known for its big race feel with small-town hospitality, the event offers competitive fields, a fast course and cool vibe that has attracted ladies from all over the US! 34 states were represented in 2021. The new forever home of Carmel offers a beautiful fall run with shady trees, fast course, and a wonderful post-race area within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and more. Check out our reviews and join us for the 2022 Indiana Women’s Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday, October 15t ..read more

Now is the time for sellers to put their house on the market and for buyers to do whatever it takes to find a house in the next 60-90 days! Here’s why: By Fall, we’ll start seeing even higher interest rate increases! Mortgage rates will likely rise as well throughout the next year. Want to know the FINANCIAL IMPACT of waiting until 2023? 1/2% interest increase hikes up a house payment by more than $200/month on a $500,000 house 1% interest increase hikes up a house payment by more than $400/month on a $500,000 house At the end of 2023, a 30-year-fixed mortgage rate could reach over 6%. Who's r ..read more

When it comes to renting houses via Craigslist, the old saying “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is,” is especially apropos. This scam has crisscrossed the United States for a few years now, but I want to make sure my clients and readers are aware of it. In short, scammers taking advantage of hard economic times are offering houses for rent on the classified ads site at rents well below market. Unsuspecting renters, elated by the great deal, wire their security deposit, first month’s rent, and even a rental application with valuable personal information, including their social security ..read more

When starting a landscaping project in your front yard or backyard, you might realize that there’s one big element that you need to add to tie everything together — a fence. Picking the right fence for your yard involves some research into styles, prices, and why you want to put up a fence in the first place. If you are selling your house, picking a fence that will add to your home’s curb appeal is a definite must. Understanding the basics can help you get started. Understand your goals and budget The need to put up a fence might be for a range of reasons. If you live in an area with wildlife ..read more