ANOTHER "FREE" OPPORTUNITY!!!!!

This is another great opportunity to get out and enjoy the end of your summer!

Learn about the Outdoors at Fort Harrison. Mix a little mountain biking with hiking, fly fishing, archery, kayaking, target shooting, horseback riding, camping or just about any other outdoor activity you can imagine and you get the Hoosier Outdoor Experience. Presented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Foundation, the free event is Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park, a 1,700-acre oasis of woods, water and open green spaces on the outskirts of Indianapolis. There’s never been an event like this in Indiana - two full days to wrap your arms around the great outdoors with hands on educational opportunities and skill-building activities focusing on natural resource conservation, outdoor ethics and responsibility. This large-scale event offers outdoor experiences for everyone. Go to this website to free registration http://www.in.gov/dnr/5368.htm

I've signed up to participate and be a volunteer. Hope to see you there!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! If you want to take advantage of the $8000 tax stimulus being offered by the government you need to act now. If you are a first time home buyer, you must close on the purchase of your new home by November 30th. That means you need to find a home by mid October to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. If I can assist you in achieving this goal, call now!

SUMMERTIME............

AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY.......AND FREE!! Everyone is watching their pennies, but that doesn't mean you can't have an enjoyable summer. As you hear in the news, more and more people are staying close to home this summer. I've compiled a list of my favorite summertime things to do that are free or low cost and I thought I'd pass them on to you. Here's a list for the remainder of June and July. If you don't see anything that interests you in the list below, CALL ME. I'm full of suggestions!

1. Admission to the IMA is FREE. Admission to the Gardens is free.Summer Nights at the IMA (outdoor movies) is $8 and opens at 6 p.m. Check the IMA website for the list of movies.

2. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Groovin' in the Garden. Easley Winery. 205 N. College. Enjoy outdoor music and taste some wine. Tues. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sat. from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Tuesdays. Fishers Town Hall. Free music (variety) starting at 7 p.m.

4. Wednesdays. Eagles Creek Park. Free music starting at 6:30 (bluegrass) Park Adm.

5. Wednesdays. Carmel Gazebo, City Center. Free music 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (variety)

6. Thursdays. Holiday Park. 64th & Springmill Road. Free music held every other Thursday. Thru August 13th.

7. Fridays. Summers Nights. IMA. Outdoor movies thru July. $8

8. Saturdays. Crown Hill Cemetery. Fabulous tours covering history, architecture, myths, and even nature tours. If you haven't tried this you're missing out! Tours start at 7:30 and cost $5. Check website for specific tours.

9. Indiana Festival Guide. If you haven't signed up for this, go to VisitIndiana.com and register to be on the mailing list. This gives a comprehensive guide to festivals held thruout the year, all over Indiana.

10. Discover all the wonderful city and state parks. Most have wonderful walking, biking or hiking trails.

11. MOOCH OFF OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES! Everyone has a friend or relative with a pool or boat. Or maybe just a great backyard! Take the time to enjoy and reconnect. Learn something new about someone you've known for years!

Share this blog with anyone you can think of. While you are here, check out my listings. You might see one that interests you or be perfect for a friend.

Also, don't forget about the stimulus plan for first time homebuyers. If you have questions, give me a call!

’09 Property Tax Bills are Coming!

The Marion County taxes have been certified. Tax bills are scheduled to be mailed out on June 12th with a due date of July 9th. Your tax liability will be available for review on June 12th on the Marion County Treasurer’s website.
http://www.indy.gov/egov/county/treasurer/Pages/home.aspx

Accompanying the newly formatted bill will be a new state-required form which provides a comparison of taxes between the prior and current cycle. If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can appeal the value. Most appeals are filed with the Marion County Assessor, but it is recommended that you talk with your Township Assessor before filing an appeal. The local Township assessor may be able to answer questions that will help you determine whether an appeal is appropriate. You can find contact information to your local assessor under FAQ’s (under property taxes tab) on the above website.

Most tax bills will be mailed to your mortgage servicer to be paid out of your escrow account. If you are one of the many people affected by a negative escrow balance due to the property tax issue, be sure to contact your mortgage lender and request that your escrow account be analyzed.

Hopefully this will bring us a step closer to figuring out tax escrows at closing real estate transactions. If I can answer any questions for you, please give me a call. We can be confused together!

April (and May) Showers Bring May WEEDS!!!! Finally, my dry creek bed is dry and the weeds have been pulled! Maybe now I can enjoy my gardens. Let me know if you are in the area. I'd love to share a relaxing moment with you! But, that reminds me of several things yet to do. Just some things for you current homeowners, or soon-to-be homeowners to think about to ensure to get the most out of your investment when the time comes (and hopefully you'll think to call me!) Preventive maintenance is crucial to the value of your home. Don't let problems around the house turn in to money drains!


Divert water. Clean gutters and make sure water from downspouts is flowing at least 2 to 2 1/2 feet from the foundation.

Retain the roof. After the next rain check for wet spots on the ceiling or check rafters in attic for water stains.

Check your paint job. The worst thing is to leave wood exposed. This will lead to wood rot and a whole host of problems.

Cut shrubs and trees. Keep them away from the house to prevent moisture and mildew. Get rid of out of control vines. They can crack siding and mortar allowing moisture to penetrate.

Windows and doors. May sure all windows and doors have a good seal and check for leaks and drafts. Look for chipping or peeling paint which could indicate a moisture problem.

Check the plumbing. Except for the coffee maker, nothing should be dripping in or around the home!

These are just a few tips on maintaining your home. As always, if you have questions of whom to call, call me! I'll be happy to refer you to reputable service providers!

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CALLS HANDLED?

Wouldn't it be nice to call for customer service or tech support and have it handled locally? Just think of all the jobs that would be created here in the United States!