Bob Stewart recently challenged us to write a post explaining how we've actually used our blog to enhance our relationships with our clients....For me, there is a specific post that immediately came to mind for this challenge.

Earlier this year, there was so much chatter about the tax credit, I felt compelled to write a post of my own regarding information I felt was important for people, in general, to know. I wanted my post to be informative so people that were first time homebuyers would understand it wasn't a simple matter of buy a house, get $8,000...

After writing the post, I didn't really do much with it as far as my clients go, until I had a "DUH" or "AHA" moment and realized "Hello Chanda, you should be sending this info to your first time homebuyers!" I began with a client that had just closed the purchase of her first home. I sent her a link to my post, in addition to the IRS link explaining how to amend a tax return. She was grateful for the information provided and I believe this along with making her experience as informative and easy-going as possible is a big part of why she sent me so many referrals.

I then decided I'd start using this post to help answer questions of those asking questions in various forums I participate in. Although they may not live in my area, I was able to provide them with information that was useful in helping to determine whether or not they qualify for the credit and where to go to get the form. Again, I've been the recipient of quite a few "Thank yous" since providing this information.

I recently worked with another first time homebuyer and after the transaction closed I sent her the link to my post explaining the credit and the link to amend her taxes. Again, another very happy client that has something to refer to when she has questions regarding this year's tax credit.

All in all, I think this was one of my best and most informative posts because it provides information I can pass on to my clients in addition to something for the rest of the first time buyers out there to reference as well.

To sum it all up, this isn't the only post I've used to provide information. When clients/potential clients ask about something I know I've written a post about or if they inform me that this is their first purchase there a few different posts that I send the links to. It gives them the ability to take the information in at their own pace and ask questions when they are ready.

Here are a few of the posts that my clients (and other homebuyers and sellers) may find useful:

Buying a Home
8 Things to Consider When Buying a Home
Answers To: How Much Money Is Needed To Buy A Home?
How the HUD Bidding Process Works
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval, Which is better?

Selling Your Home
Should You Sell Your Home Before Buying a New One?

I don't know what was going on Tuesday, but as I looked out the window I saw a HUGE bird on the side of my tree....I'd never noticed this type of bird around before so I went out to take a closer look...

As I got closer I realized this was the real life version of WOODY WOODPECKER, LOL! I couldn't get over how large he/she was! After looking it up, it appears this species is the Pileated Woodpecker... It flew from tree to tree pecking here and there, always just out of the way to get a good shot with my camera...

As I was trying to capture a good shot of "Woody", I noticed yet another woodpecker in another tree....Another species which appears to be the Red-bellied woodpecker... I've been here for four years and have to admit I've never seen either of these birds in my neck of the woods, it was a treat! I hope I can get a good shot of the Pileated some day.

Anyway, enjoy! I guess I got a bit wordy with my post, huh? :)

Architectural Styles in Indianapolis

If you know me, you know I'm fascinated by Architecture, old and new, which is exactly why the Architectural Styles course offered by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana appealed to me so much.  I signed up a couple of months ago for the two hour course so I could get a better handle on the various styles found here in Indianapolis.

Two hours flew by!  It's a shame there were only five of us in attendance, but in actuality I'm happy it turned out that way because I think it gave us an opportunity to ask questions more freely. 

It's amazing...Just as fashion trends are almost always bound to come back in style, I found that homes built around Indianapolis go through the same cycles.  A perfect example of this would be the The Village of WestClay in Carmel Indiana which I wrote about in the past.  These homes are new construction yet they are built to mimic various architectural styles of the past.

As a result of my newfound knowledge, I've decided to create a series of posts that highlight the various architectural styles that can be found here in Indianapolis.  Who knows, maybe there will even be a quiz at the end of the series.  ;o)

Another post of interest related to architecture in Indianapolis is the one I did on The Old Northside of Indianapolis.

If you're interested in seeing what homes of various architectural styles are on the market here in Indianapolis, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email so we can begin the search for your dream home today!

Indianapolis Real Estate Agent Chanda Barrick Earns REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER^TM Certification.

For Immediate Release

Indianapolis, Indiana. 10-19-2009. Chanda Barrick has successfully completed the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER^TM certification to join an elite group of real estate professionals who have earned the prestigious certification offered through the National Institute of Webographers, LLC. Chanda has successfully completed 12 courses including: Online Business Strategy, Agent Websites, Single-property Websites, Lead Generation and Management, Virtual Tours, CMA and AVM technology, Neighborhood Search, Online Transaction Management, Electronic Forms, Virtual Assistants, Mobile Technologies and Blogs.

The REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER^TM certification teaches real estate professionals how to increase marketability by determining where to invest resources in order to generate leads, acquire new clients, advertise and facilitate closings.

About Chanda Barrick
Chanda Barrick, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER^TM professional, knows how to win more listings, attract buyers by turning a listing process into a marketing process. For more information about the valuable services that I provide to my clients and web-savvy consumers, please feel free to contact me at:

Chanda Barrick
http://www.chandasellsindy.com
chanda[at]chandasellsindy.com

Following paragraph courtesy of the National Insitute of Webographers

About National Institute of Webographers, LLC
Since 2004, The National Institute of Webographers, LLC has specialized in the education, training, assessment and certification of web-based technologies for the Real Estate industry. The REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER^TM Certification (REW^TM) provides consumer-facing solutions, education and training through a series of interactive online courses. Certification, online modules for REALTORS® and Assistants include Agent Websites, Single-property Websites, Lead Generation and Management, Virtual Tours, CMA and AVM technology, Neighborhood Search, Online Transaction Management, Electronic Forms, Blogs, Mobile Technologies, Virtual Assistants, and the Learning Laboratory^TM, where Certificants can access an array of showcased technologies for hands on learning. Available 24/7/365, these courses provide the opportunity for working professionals to learn at their own pace while enhancing the skill sets necessary to compete and excel with today's web savvy consumers. REW^TM professionals provide consumers with a positive and profitable Real Estate experience. For more information regarding The National Institute of Webographers, please visit www.webographers.com or contact Scott Lau at ScottLau@Webographers.com.

Another Indianapolis (Oaklandon) Home Sold

A few weeks ago I wrote a post in regards to how I answered a simple question on Zillow about an Indianapolis home for sale. The result of answering that simple question resulted in submitting a purchase agreement for that particular property. I was a bit skeptical because it seemed waaaaay too easy....

Well as it turns out, my client(s) have been a true pleasure to work with. The couple were originally from Indianapolis and moved to Florida many years ago. Their daughter wanted to buy her first home in her parents' home town...Incidentally in the same neighborhood her father grew up in. They never physically saw the house, but I took quite a few pictures to give them an idea as to the condition the home was in in addition to giving them a feel for the area.

Long story short, the deal officially closed this week. My client is really excited about the purchase of her first home (even though she hasn't seen it in person yet) and she has tons of family up here that are going to help her bring the home back to it's original charm! I do hope they will send me pictures when the rehab is complete.

It just goes to show, simple gestures can turn into grand things!

Crystal, I hope you enjoy your new home!