Dawn Whalen, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty

Spring has arrived and that means it is time to do those wonderful home improvement projects. Whether preparing to sell, or just sprucing up the place many people are ready to tackle a project or two.

What about those of us, who really truly don't want to be a do it your self type of person, or who know deep down, that there is just no way that we want to tackle that project. Where do you turn to find that person who can do it for you?

I can recommend a wonderful business that will take the guess work out of it all for you. Baurley Painting and Small Construction offers various services which may be of use to you. Nathan Baurley is a very detail oriented person, who takes pride in his work. His integrity and honesty is second to none, and his dedication to getting the job done right, the first time, is a quality that seems to be lacking sometimes. The services Nathan offers include:

*Painting

*Staining

*Pressure washing

*Small construction-including decks, storage barns

Baurley Painting and Small Construction is licensed in the state of Indiana as a general contractor and is fully insured and bonded.

For more information feel free to visit his website or contact him at 317-731-6553 or 812-621-0129.

And as always, if you or someone you know is looking to buy, build or sell, I would love to be of assistance. My goal is serving your family's needs first.

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Keller Williams Realty

317-459-5182

www.dawnwhalen.com

Many of you may or may not know that I have two children that are grown and off doing their own thing. I truly enjoyed being a mother, even when I thought I would pull my hair out, or theirs. With both kids gone, my husband felt I needed someone to mother. I truly didn't want to adopt a child, because honestly I didn't think I could handle another session of "teenage love drama" and all things associated with it.

So we opted for the next best thing- we rescued a retired racing greyhound. So once again we have someone to parent.

Our new baby came to us on January 30, 2009. She will be 4 on April 2nd. Her name is Tamara, and she loves to play. But she also likes to sleep. She loves us unconditionally, and she is happy to see us come home, and sad when we leave. We are still trying to figure one another out, but are getting better every day.

My cousin has 6 greys that they have rescued. Don't know if we can handle that many, but we can certainly handle one.

She is very energetic at times, and absolutely loves to go on walks. If we get her leash, she will sit down in front of us, so we can attach it to her collar and she races to the door.

I've heard that pets will keep a person young, which is a good thing! I am forced to get my exercise, because I do have to walk her, or rather she walks me! She is pretty good with older children, and seems a bit afraid of smaller ones & will hide behind us if the little ones go towards her quickly.

If you are in the Central Indiana area and interested in rescuing a retired greyhound, visit www.indygpa.org or if you would like to meet Tamara, let me know. She loves car rides and loves attention, but then again don't we all!!

As always, if you or anyone you know is looking to buy, build or sell, I would love to be of assistance. My goal is to serve your family's needs first!

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Keller Williams Realty

317-459-5182

www.dawnwhalen.com

***Originally posted on http://buybuildandsellwithdawnwhalen.blogspot.com/

One thing that many homebuyers will need is Homeowners Insurance. Where do you start? Certainly you can ask friends and families for a referral. I can recommend a fabulous agent.

I will admit I am one of those people who doesn't adapt to change in my personal life very well, so I hadn't really given much thought to shopping around to see if I am getting the best rates. A very dear friend of mine began a career with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, and asked for my business. Not only can she offer Homeowners policies, but automobile, renters, life insurance and more.

I did have her review the coverage's we had with a competitor and provide me with what she could do for me. I was shocked with the savings, it was a no brainer, to switch from my previous agent of 15 years to Teresa Capps.

She is the epitome of Customer Service. She reviews our policy periodically and lets me know if I am able to get more coverage for less money, or that the premiums will drop, etc. I never heard from my previous agent, unless I initiated the phone call to make a change to my policy.

Personally, Teresa is a wonderful mother, and friend. She is very active in her children's activities, having coached some of their sports teams, and always there when needed.

You may reach Teresa at teresa.capps@infarmbureau.com or at 317-786-3400. Let her know that I sent you!

And remember if you are looking to buy, build or sell, or know some one who is, it would be my honor to serve your families needs first!

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Keller Williams Realty

317-893-0648 or 317-459-5182

**Originally posted on http://buybuildandsellwithdawnwhalen.blogspot.com/ on 3/12/09

Have you been sitting on the fence and wondering if you should buy a house or not? Wanting to sell your home and move up to a larger home? It's time to cross over and purchase that home!

I know you've probably heard how bad the market is, but it isn't as bad as they say! Granted there are several areas of the country that aren't doing as good as they once were, but there are areas that are doing well.

All real estate is local! So, keep that in mind! Talk with a real estate professional in your area and get an idea of what the market is truly like. Housing Predictor ranks Indianapolis, Indiana as the third most affordable housing market.

Now is a fabulous time to buy. There is a variety of inventory to choose from, lower home prices, and low interest rates. Why wouldn't you want to buy now? Have a home to sell? Put it on the market. You may end up pricing it lower than what you really want out of it, but if you are looking to move up, think how that will translate into the savings you will receive on your new home.

If you are looking to buy, build or sell, or no someone who is, I would love to be of assistance. Feel free to contact me at www.dawnwhalen.com, 317-893-0648, dawnwhalen@kw.com, or dawn_whalen@sbcglobal.net

Serving Your Family Needs First!

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Keller Williams Realty

Originally posted on www.buybuildandsellwithdawnwhalen.blogspot.com

While showing homes this past week, my clients and I arrived at a very nice home. Priced well, and from everything we had been able to ascertain prior to going in the home, this could have been a winner.

The outside needed a little TLC, but nothing a little paint & landscaping couldn’t cure.As we walk into the kitchen with the beautiful ceramic tiled floors, new cabinets, and many of them. Things were looking good. Right number of bedrooms, as well as great sizes. It was a bright sun shiny day, and the home had many windows, so we didn’t attempt to turn lights on, because they weren’t needed.

As I walked around the island in the kitchen, I noticed a pair of chest waders on the floor. I commented that there may have been a water issue, which would explain the waders. And the buyers and myself thought it may have been in the kitchen, as the dishwasher was pulled out.

Boy, were we ever wrong. The buyer decides to go down and check out the basement. He opened the door and as he stepped onto the 4th step leading to the approx. 800 square foot basement he steps into water. We pull out flashlights, after determining there was no power and find that the basement is FULL of water. No kidding.

Now I have been shown homes that the power had been shut off and the sump pump wasn’t working and have seen up to 3 feet of standing water in a basement. I have never seen anything like this.

So you never know what you may find when viewing homes, but in the words of my buyer, “If you see waders, turn on lights or flashlights before attempting to go into the basement.”

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, build or sell feel free to contact me at 317-893-0648 or www.dawnwhalen.com

Originally posted on www.buybuildandsellwithdawnwhalen.blogspot.com