About Vigo County, IN

Hello again. I thought I would just let anyone looking to buy or sell a home that it is still a good time do so. If you follow the news at all I know it all sounds...well...depressing. But don't jump over board just yet if you're looking to sell. Values of homes are off, a little in some areas, a lot more in other areas. I think the values of our area haven't dropped as bad as other areas of the country. By most accounts Terre Haute, Indiana is still a good place to invest, to buy a home, and to live. To those looking to sell the buyers are out there, just maybe not like they use to be. Banks are still lending though, and rates for loans are fairly low and will hopefully keep dropping. There is also the new tax credit for first time home buyers. So if you're looking to sell, then give me a call or drop me an email and let me see what I can do for you. Email: Travis@kirkrealtygroup.com or call 812-238-8600

For the buyers out there, now's the time to jump into the market of homes. The new tax credit for the first time buyers is a good thing. The government will give you a tax credit (most likely to be filed for the 2010 tax year) but it doesn't have to be paid back like the one from last year, unless you move from that house with in three years. If you stay in your new house for three years then you don't have to repay the credit. So call me and let me know how I can help you find your home, start investing in your future, in something tangible and that can be a great investment for your lifetime. Email: Travis@kirkrealtygroup.com or call 812-238-8600

Anyone looking to invest in an investment property, well the deals area there. I know the thought of rentals and the problems that come with them, I know how you feel. I have some investment properties and been down the good and bad part of both roads. But over all it has been something that has been positive and hopefully I can keep doing that. So let me show you all the choices you have to help build your future. You don't have to buy 50 properties to have a portfolio, you just have to start with your first one and work your way up from there. They do take a little more down then a regular mortgage, but if you are able to find a bargain then the cost to get into one may not be as bad as you are thinking. We also offer property management as well, if you want someone to help run your investment properties as well. So give me a call or email me and I'll do all I can to find the right property for you. Email: Travis@kirkrealtygroup.com or call 812-238-8600

Thank you,

Travis Behem--Realtor with Kirk Realty Group.
618 Wabash Ave
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-238-8600
Email: Travis@Kirkrealtygroup.com

Well it's almost that time of year, holidays, homes, and security. As someone who has a criminology background, and has diversified into real estate I felt this would be a good time for some reminders for the holidays. Criminals know little bounds when it come to stealing the things we work hard for, so don't make it any easier for them. "Holiday" crime does tend to go up a bit during this time of year. So as you begin to buy your holiday gifts remember you shouldn't place them, or all of them, in plain sight under your tree and such. Keep blinds/curtains drawn so thieves can't see into your home as well around your tree when you're not home.

Some of the easiest and most important things to remember are to make sure you have all your windows locked as well as locking your doors as you leave. If locks don't work or don't work right have them replaced right away. Some of the newer replacement windows have pop out like tabs, make sure they are out, this helps prevent the windows being opened. Leaving an outside light on, such as a porch light or even a light on inside can help deter thieves from wanting to case your house as opposed to one that doesn't have any lights on at all; using timers on a lamp or other light can also be good.

While you're out shopping remember a few safety tips as well. Park under well lit areas of the parking lot. If you take items to your car and return to the store, place them in your trunk, if possible. If you can't do that, cover them up with something, like a blanket, and be sure your vehicle is locked. Most malls have roving security, if at some point you don't feel safe or something just isn't right, have a shop clerk contact security for you, that's what they are there for.

While determined thieves can gain access to a home or vehicle, the more deterrents you can put up, the better off your home and belongings will be.

And one last sub-note, related to safety, be sure to check your smoke detectors and replace the batteries if needed, clean them according to manufacturer instructions.

Hopefully this will help you have a safe and wonderful holiday season, and avoid any of the grinches that are out there.




Travis Behem--For all your real estate needs; Buying, Selling, and Property Management.
Travis@kirkrealtygroup.com

Kirk Realty Group, LLC
618 Wabash Ave
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Ph: 812-238-8600
Fax: 812-238-8644

Terre Haute Market Report

The market in Terre Haute has shown sign of decline sure, but not quite as much as the dooms-day reports are insinuating. According the THAAR (Terre Haute Area Association of REALTORS®) Year end report 2,151 homes were closed in 2007 down 7.92% from 2006. The average list price was down 3.61% which is reflective of the average sales price declining 4.3%. The average days on the market for homes in the area went up from 88 days in 2006 to 98 days in 2007, an increase of 11.36%.

I don't have any numbers to back it up as of right now but as of February the phone call are picking up. Curiosity combined with better weather conditions are bringing out the buyers. I hope that this will be enough to relieve a good portion of the sellers that have been feeling strapped lately.

Pfizer Inc. dropped their inhaled Insulin Exubera, eliminating 660 jobs along with it. Many people are forced to sell, which has some areas over populated with sellers. The problem is that even though these are perfectly good homes and priced to sell, many buyers are nervous about buying a home in an area with so many homes on the market.

Terre Haute News and Events

For the most up to date information on news and events please go to http://www.terrehaute.com/ (the official site for Terre Haute) Here you will be able to view up coming events and plan a fun weekend. For any questions please contact me.

Vigo County News and Events

For the most up to date information on news and events please go to www.terrehaute.com (the official site for Terre Haute) Here you will be able to view up coming events and plan a fun weekend. For any questions please contact me.

Erik Armstrong