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About Hendricks County, IN

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL? PART III

Avon Indiana / Chris  Castetter, Hendricks County homes: Real Estate Agent in Avon, IN

So now the information is in hand. You have been given a CMA, which gives you an opinion of the fair market value of your property. Many homeowners like to have two or three opinions, thus interviewing more than one agent. However, be cautious for the one(s) who tells you want you want to hear. It is not fair to anyone involved to tell you that your home is worth more than it really is just so that Realtor can get your business. This will turn out to be a lose, lose situation for you. Instead, be objective and honest with yourself through this process.

By now, you will be able to determine if now is the right time for you to make a move or not. If it is the right time, then here are some questions that every homeowner should ask their potential real estate agent prior to listing.

  1. May I see your past clients testimonials?
  2. May I see your resume?
  3. What areas do you specialize in selling real estate?
  4. Where do today's buyer's originate from and how will you reach them?
  5. Show me your personal marketing plan for my home.
  6. How many web-sites do you market my home on & what are they?
  7. How many viewers search these sites monthly?
  8. What percentage of your companies listings sell rather than expire?
  9. What is the current absorption rate in my area?
  10. What is the average days on the market for our area?

For more information regarding pricing, conditions, and home staging, please feel free to contact me for all of your Home Selling Matters. at 317-414-1117 or visit www.chriscastetter.com. I want the opportunity to earn your business and appreciate your referrals.

Happy New Year from Chris Castetter & family!

Avon Indiana / Chris  Castetter, Hendricks County homes: Real Estate Agent in Avon, IN

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES IN 2009!!

THANKS FOR VISITNG WWW.CHRISCASTETTER.COM

Hendricks County real estate stats

Avon Indiana / Chris  Castetter, Hendricks County homes: Real Estate Agent in Avon, IN

Pended single-family and condominium home sales

County

November

07

November

08

% Change

Year-to-date

% Change

Boone

61

40

-34.4%

-15.3%

Hamilton

288

240

-16.7%

-11.8%

Hancock

76

57

-25.0%

-16.4%

Hendricks

136

124

-8.8%

-6.9%

Johnson

140

96

-31.4%

-13.0%

Madison

109

86

-21.1%

-15.3%

Marion

827

734

-11.2%

-10.8%

Morgan

66

46

-30.3%

-11.1%

Shelby

34

27

-20.6%

-9.0%

TOTAL

1,737

1,450

-16.5%

-11.4%

Editor's Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on December 8, 2008. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the National Association of Realtors, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing.

www.chriscastetter.com

Castetter market watch newsletter

Avon Indiana / Chris  Castetter, Hendricks County homes: Real Estate Agent in Avon, IN

January 9, 2009. Chris Castetter, F.C. Tucker market analysis shows reductions in available housing inventory in 2008; Predicts slight Central Indiana real estate market improvement in 2009.

Hendricks County/ INDIANAPOLIS - Month after month, Central Indiana housing inventory steadily declined during 2008, with November showing a 13 percent drop, or 2,513 fewer homes on the market, compared to the same time last year, according to active listings statistics compiled December 8 by F.C. Tucker Company. Of the nine counties Tucker tracks, Hendricks County showed the largest decrease in inventory at -19.6 percent.

"As the number of homes available reaches a six-month supply in 2009, we will finally see a supply/demand correction of the local housing market," said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's Residential Real Estate Services Division. "Our current inventory is less than eight months, so the opportunity for central Indiana real estate to rebound gets closer and closer. Today, it remains a buyers' market, and with low interest rates, more and more buyers are seriously looking."

Tucker estimates that nearly 25,000 homes will be pended in the nine-county region by year-end. The average year-to-date sales price remained off 5 percent for the year; in November, the average price for a home was $145,014. Tucker estimates that the 5 percent decrease in the average sales price will track through December. Litten said, "Central Indiana's housing affordability index, according to the National Association of Home Builders, is one of the best in the nation, and our affordability bodes well for an earlier recovery than some areas of the country."

Of the nine counties, Hendricks County showed the least decline in homes pended in November, with 6.9 percent fewer homes pended compared to the same time last year. Hancock County showed the highest decline in November with 16.4 percent fewer homes pended compared to the same time last year. For this year, home sales are down 11 percent.

"As we reflect on 2008 and the challenges facing our nation, and the Central Indiana real estate market in particular, we can take comfort knowing that economic downturns don't last forever," added Litten. "I believe efforts to reform the nation's lending practices will strengthen consumer confidence in 2009. Moreover, Central Indiana continues to have a strong economic base of business activity and one of the steadiest real estate markets in the nation. I am optimistic that we'll see improvement in 2009."

In the coming year, Castetter predicts the following changes in the local real estate market:

•¡ An increase in real estate sales in 2009 over 2008 numbers. According to panelists from Indiana University's annual business outlook, Indianapolis should see more positive numbers for Indianapolis in the fourth quarter. Our market could rebound more quickly than other U.S. cities, primarily due to our nationally recognized affordability.

•¡ Housing prices stabilizing at 2008 levels. Even in a year of significant foreclosures from the sub-prime debacle, the average home price in Central Indiana only dipped five percent, compared to some areas in the country such as California, Florida and Nevada that are down more than 20 percent. Because of the current slowdown, there is a tremendous amount of pent-up demand for buyers waiting on the sidelines. Sales are moving for people who need a home, and as prices level off, we will see an equilibrating of supply and demand in the housing market.

•¡ Residential real estate inventory declining further until Central Indiana reaches a six-month supply in late 2009. Despite being a buyer's market, sellers are encouraged because inventory is decreasing - which means less competition.

•¡ Interest rates to remain low in 2009. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates nine times in 2008, leaving rates at record lows heading into 2009. Also, contrary to popular belief, banks are still lending money, and there will continue to be unprecedented buying opportunities in Central Indiana through much of 2009.

•¡ A new administration in Washington will bring positive change. In January, Americans will welcome a new administration, allowing a fresh start in 2009. President-elect Obama will immediately focus on creating jobs and providing much needed relief for American families. Homeowners can take heart that Obama intends to provide direct, immediate assistance by reforming the bankruptcy code, enacting a 90-day foreclosure moratorium and providing state fiscal relief to aid in property tax increases, among other initiatives.

As always, remember to visit www.chriscastetter.com for all of your real estate needs.

Q&A On factoring How can you help my customers or my business?

Audrey  Patton: Loan Officer in Avon, IN

What is factoring?

Factoring is the purchase of your accounts receivable (invoices) in order to provide you with the cash flow you need. Factoring is a widely accepted financing option used by companies of all size.

How long before I can receive funding?

Typically within 24 hours of receiving your company's information, we'll issue you a proposal. Upon acceptance, we conclude our due diligence and complete documentation. Funding can happen as early as within a few days of initial contact with your company. Ongoing, it is common to fund within 24 hours of your invoice submission to fairydust lending

Do I need to sell or factor all of my invoices? No. Depending on the amount of additional cash flow you require, you decide which invoices we factor from your company. Our service allows you flexibility while providing your company with the cash flow it needs to thrive.

How will I know the status of my factored invoices? We have an on-line service that allows you access to your account and reports any time you wish. Additionally, you will be assigned a Client Service Representative, who will be your contact for any questions you may have throughout your relationship with us.

Is factoring a recent financing option? Factoring has been around for centuries. It's one of the oldest types of financing, first seen in the United States in the garment and textile industries. Today however, factoring is a funding solution for companies in all industries.

How does factoring differ from bank financing? Factoring is faster and less complicated than bank financing. Factoring companies make decisions based primarily on the credit worthiness of your customers, while a bank's credit decisions rely mainly on your company's financial history, cash flow, and collateral. We fund quickly, often within days of receiving an application, when banks generally take weeks or months. In addition, when you factor your accounts receivable, your company incurs no debt, as there is no interest to pay or principal to repay. Factoring can also help companies that banks traditionally shy away from, such as start-ups, companies with tax liens, or even companies in bankruptcy.

Why would a business sell its accounts receivable? Businesses with cash flow problems cannot wait 30 to 60 days or more for payment on their invoices. They need immediate cash to meet the financial obligations of their companies. Factoring provides this cash to businesses through the purchase of accounts receivable.

Which companies benefit the most from factoring their invoices? Factoring is a good fit for many companies for a variety of reasons. Start-ups and high-growth businesses need cash from factoring to help fuel their growth. Companies who have suppliers to pay or service-based companies with high payroll and payroll taxes use factoring to assure they can meet their financial obligations.

Who makes a good factoring client? Companies who sell a product or service to commercial or government entities and need cash fast to make payroll, payroll taxes, pay suppliers, or fulfill other financial obligations make excellent factoring clients.

How will our customer be treated by fairydust lending? We respect the relationships you have developed with your customers. We understand they are the backbone of your business and treat them with the highest level of courtesy and professionalism.

What is the major benefit of factoring? You receive cash immediately from your invoices instead of waiting 30, 60 days or more for your customers to pay. It is as if you have COD terms with your customers. You receive our collection and credit expertise, while enjoying increased cash flow. You can then concentrate on running and growing your core business.

What does factoring cost? Rates are based on the amount your company factors and how long it takes your customers to pay. We are happy to provide you with a QUICK QUOTE if you give us a bit of information regarding your business.

Is factoring a type of loan? No. Factoring is not a loan. It is the purchase of an asset, your accounts receivable. While approval of a bank loan considers all of your company’s assets as well as your financial history and balance sheet, a factor relies mainly on the credit worthiness of your customers. Factoring is often the ideal solution for businesses with poor financial histories, little or no track records, or weak balance sheets.

What type of invoices can my business factor? You can factor almost any valid invoice for a service or product that’s been delivered to and accepted by your creditworthy commercial customer.

How much cash will I receive from factoring? We can advance you up to 90% of your receivables immediately. The balance (less our fees) is released to you upon payment of your invoices.

Does it matter if my company has a bankruptcy, bad credit, poor financials, or other derogatory information? As we base our financing decisions mainly on the credit worthiness of your customer base, generally the financial strength of your company is not going to prevent you from obtaining our factoring services.

What can I do with the additional cash flow I obtain from factoring my accounts receivable? Our clients use the cash to meet payroll, payroll taxes, pay suppliers, and take advantage of supplier discounts, purchase inventory or equipment, and take on more orders.

Will my customers think that my business is experiencing financial difficulty when they learn that I'm using a factor? Absolutely not. Factoring is a long established and mainstream financing option for businesses. It is likely that some of your customers do business with vendors using a factoring service.

What does factoring with fairydust lending mean to my customers? Basically, factoring will require a change to the address where payments are mailed. In addition, we handle collections for you, allowing your time to be used on your core business. Otherwise, your working relationship with your customers will remain the same.

I have customers all over the United States. Are there any restrictions? No. We can work with any business or government agency in the U.S. What matters is that your customers are creditworthy.

What types of businesses do you factor? We finance companies from a broad range of industries including, but not limited to, distributors, telecommunications companies, temporary personnel agencies, nursing registries, manufacturers, wholesalers, consulting companies and security guard services. Companies from the above-mentioned industries with creditworthy customers will benefit greatly from our factoring services.

What size businesses does fairydust lending finance? Our clients are companies who invoice a minimum of $10,000 each month. We help small start-ups as well as mid-sized businesses with needs up to several million dollars.

Who will be responsible for collections from my account debtors? fairydust lenidng teamed up with Working Capital Company and they have over 20 years of experience and handles collections with expertise and finesse. Our collection service allows you the freedom to concentrate on growing your company. Throughout the process, we stay in contact with you and ask for your involvement when necessary.