Realty Insights for Home Buying, Home Selling, and Indy Info

Here's the latest update on the property tax situation from the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors: Cheryl Musgrave, commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), has ordered five additional Indiana counties be considered for property tax reassessment including Montgomery County. DLGF will hold a public hearing in each county before officially ordering a reassessment. The date, time and location of each hearing has not yet been released. The Commissioner also announced that taxpayers in Marion County who paid their property tax bills at the 2007 rates prior to the tax freeze are entitled to a refund. However, Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman says the county is not set up to distribute refunds and it is not clear if they will attempt to issue refunds, apply the amount as a credit on the November tax bill or even hold the amount and apply it to the adjusted tax bill that will result from reassessment. On another note, Hancock County assessments have p...

Building a home can be an exciting but stressful undertaking. That is why it is important to choose a builder you can trust to guide you through the process. Here are a few suggestions of questions to ask when choosing a builder: How long have you been in business? In what areas have you built? What sets you apart from other builders? What type of warranty program do you offer? What are your fees for building a home (fixed price, cost plus, management fee)? How do you charge for extras? Who supervises your construction? How long have your trade people been working with you? How often during the week is the builder out at the job site? Who will I be dealing with during construction? Will that person have the authority to make final decisions? How many hours per year do you and your supervising staff participate in continuing education within the home building industry? Do you belong to the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis? Can you provide a list of references, including home...

One of my listings has just been reduced another $10,000! Check it out: 1544 Cricklewood Drive, Zionsville Now offered at $369,900! MLS #2732397 Great value in desirable Thornhill. Claim this custom home and make it your own! Quality custom touches 2 story entry, cathedral ceilings, bay window, 1st floor elegant library with bordered hardwood floor, 42 inch cherry cabinets in kitchen with island, and multiple living areas. Private .5 acre lot with mature trees. 3 car side load garage. Neutral paint colors. Gorgeous community pool and playground. Hurry on this one. Priced to sell quickly. For more information or to schedule a private showing, contact Diane at 317-216-3607.

Following are a few tips to help you take the best digital photos you can: Set up --Stage the scene by clearing clutter; even little things that you don't notice with the naked eye can catch your eye in a photograph. Time it right --For exterior photos, the best light is usually 10 to 20 minutes after dusk. Turn up the light --Shoot in indirect light both inside and outside. Flashes work great, but natural light gives the best results. Get framed --Follow the photography rule of thirds. When framing a shot, draw imaginary lines dividing the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Place the important people or elements where the lines intersect. Thanks to The Residential Specialist magazine for these tips!