MOVE OR IMPROVE AND FACEBOOK SECURITY

Do you ever wonder what value those improvements you've made to your home, or are planning to make to your home, would add?  Well, I've attached a great widget right here on the right side of my blog.  Anytime you want to check out a project, just click on the Cost vs. Value button and go to the map, select Indianapolis.  You can check out all the projects.  This is all the latest information compiled for 2010-11 by Remodelers Magazine.  I will keep it updated so come back anytime!

 Do you know who's reading your Facebook comments?  For a great video presented by one of my favorite techie gurus, Kim Komando, click here.  What not to say on Facebook.  Click on the video with the picture of the birthday cake.  She recommends what
"not" to say for everyone to read.   She has a great enewsletter that I highly recommend  you check it out! 

LIGHTS, MOON, EXEMPTIONS!!!

Ever wondered how to make sure the lights are placed right on a tree?  Just step back about 10 feet and squint and all the "holes" appear.  Also, start stringing the lights from the bottom up to make sure you can make the electrical connection!!!!!

Get ready for the longest day of the year and a special surprise. December 21st will be the Winter Solstice and we will also experience a total lunar eclipse sometime after midnight.  Though the winter solstice lasts only an instant in time, the term is also colloquially used as midwinter or contrastingly the first day of winter to refer to the day on which it occurs.

PLEASE BE AWARE!

The Marion County Auditor's office is researching Marion County properties for homestead exemptions that are not owner occupied. If you own RENTAL PROPERTY which is being given a HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION please be aware of the following. You should correct them immediately to avoid being charged a penalty and possible back taxes. People found guilty of homestead fraud will charged up to THREE YEARS back, plus penalty.

As always, if I can ever be of help or answer any questions, be sure to give me a call!!!  590.7700.


 

BOO!!! A FALL SURPRISE!!!!

I know many of you are out enjoying this extremely colorific ( made this word up) Fall! You just never know what you'll find or when you'll find it. I discovered this little guy peeking out at me while taking a walk thru Crown Hill Cemetery. If you haven't been there, it's one of Indy's best kept secrets. It's full of history, beauty and many stories. Crown Hill Cemetery was dedicated in 1864 both to provide for the large number of American Civil War soldiers from Indiana who had died in the war as well as to provide for the crowding problems in the small 25 acre cemetery for the growing city of Indianapolis. The first burial took place on June 2, 1864 for a young mother named Lucy Ann Seaton, who died of consumption. Previously a private farm outside the city limits, Crown Hill Cemetery encompasses 555 acres. It sits on the highest geographic point in Indianapolis and is well known for the stunning view of downtown Indianapolis from "The Crown."

Did you know Crown Hill Cemetery is the largest refuge for animals in the city, including an estimated 300+ white-tailed deer? It contains 25 miles of paved roads and numerous species of trees, each of which is marked with a number that corresponds to its scientific name and its common name. Today it is a popular place for hiking, biking, picnics or just take advantage of some of the wonderful guided tours rich in history and area lore complete with tales of the rich and not-so-famous.


Wasp Spray for Pesky Intruders?

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. Did you know this? I didn't. I never really thought of it before. I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat. A report from a local police department states that a can of wasp spray, instead of pepper spray, is just as effective, if not better, to stop those pesky intruders. The wasp spray can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. You can keep a can on your desk in the office or in your car or any room of your house! It doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would.

Thought this was interesting and might be of use. It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It’s going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out. Maybe even save a life.

Just another "home tip" from your friendly realtor! Oh, and by the way, if you know anyone who is wanting to buy or sell a home, let me know. I'll include a free can of wasp spray!!!!!!

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!

’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!