Today I happened across Oprah's show on cleaning up clutter in homes across the nation. Of course, they cleaned up a few homes (WOW WOW WOW) and hauled away the trash and donated items in various VW bugs (cool cars!) She encouraged people to sign up for the decluttering curriculum and to sign the "I will not clutter" pledge. But the big WOW came at the end of the show when she announced that for the next week THE CONTAINER STORE
would be offering 20% discounts to everyone who gets the coupon off of Oprah's web site.
So here is a great way to: 1) Purchase GREAT stuff from THE CONTAINER STORE 2) Get the clutter out of my life 3) Give my clients scoop on this cool discount before they miss this great deal or hear it somewhere else!
Oprah, you go girl!
Recently I had the opportunity to stage a home that had been on the market for some time. It took four ASP stagers all day to tackle the inside of the home. We never got to the basement, the attic, the garage, or to the porch.
Thought you might want a visual of the garage. This just reconfirms the adage that LESS is DEFINITELY MORE. Just a reminder to every potential seller that a buyer cannot imagine what they cannot see!
Title Companies need to have specific guidance if buyers are expecting the sellers to help with their closing costs. To make sure that ALL possible closing costs are covered, you must include the following language in your purchase agreement:
"Closing costs, prepaids, discount points, origination fees, transaction fees, processing fees and any other related closing costs."
The last transaction I completed, the bank had one opinion and the title company had a completely different view. Thank goodness the issue was resolved prior to closing between the professionals. But both parties suggested the language above. At closing the buyer received $3,000 in closing costs which included $700 to pay down the mortgage rate to 4.75%.
For those of you who have been following the saga of my dog Jessie -- she was on the lam for three nights in below freezing weather. The doggie is now home and recovering from the saga.
Neither the National Association of Realtors (NAR) nor the Fort Wayne Association of Realtors could tell you 
when this market will turn around. But one thing is apparent -- there is an incredible amount of pent up demand for home buyers and sellers that will manifest itself -- hopefully soon! Realtors and homeowners should know the local housing market trends -- because buying and selling strategy must be based on the fine points of the local housing industry.
So here is just a taste of what happened last year as far as real estate market trends for Allen County, Indiana.
• The most significant trend is the downturn in new construction inventory and sales. Since last year, new construction inventory is down 17.9% and pending units are down a whopping 31.6%.
• Overall, there are fewer homes for sale -- which also accounts for less pending units in this area. Actually, that is good for home sellers because there will be less competition!
• Also, all mortgage rates are down from last year. My most recent buyer secured a 30-year rate of 4.75% -- WOW! Now that should get buyers off of the couchJ Also, traditionally February is the best month to secure the lowest interest rates.
• In 2008, the average home was on the market for about 112 days. In 2007, that same home would have been on the market for 98 days. Not a significant difference, but it means that the home must be priced right with the market so that it does not become "shop worn." The only things that matter are right PRICE and right CONDITION.
There are five reasons to list your home NOW rather than waiting.
• Inventory - You will avoid the potential competition that warm weather brings.
• Motivated Buyers - Buyers that are out there now are serious and motivated.
• Mortgage rates - Rates are at an all time low and there IS an uptick in buyer traffic.
• Goals-Move on with your life, lower your expenses, and accomplish your goals.
• Reverse Fear - By listing now, you could avoid any level of uncertainty.
In 2008, RE/MAX was the ONLY local company to boast an increase in sales volume (10.3%). And, if I may mention it among friends, I was among the top 20% of agents in production in Allen County and the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors (FWAAR). Now that's the rest of the story!
You have come to the place where you can find out all you want to know about Allen County and Fort Wayne Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Huntington, Columbia City, Auburn and much more.
Welcome to my profile, the "Gateway to Northeast Indiana," where you will learn all about fantastic Fort Wayne and about the wonderful Allen County Real Estate available including homes, farms, investment and commercial real estate and Northeast Indiana Real Estate Search that is always up to date.
I am licensed in the state of Indiana and serve the greater Allen County, Indiana area including the major cities of Fort Wayne, Grabill/Leo Roanoke in addition to Huntington, Auburn, Columbia City, South Whitley and the surrounding lakes area of Indiana. I am also an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) and studied personally with Barbara Schwarz, the founder of the Home Staging Movement. I partner with all of my clients to ensure that their home is prepared for the market and is properly priced, staged and marketed. I specialize in residential, investment, land, and commercial real estate. I am completely focused on my clients needs and dedicated to taking care of them before, during and after the closing. I have surrounded myself with excellent consumer- service focused professionals who include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title companies, appraisers & insurance companies. I do not jump from lender to lender, title company to title company etc. I prefer to use the same companies that are tried and true and will be here when the real estate market is strong or weak and that place customer service, integrity and honor at the head of their list of goals they strive for. What this all means for you is that you have experience on your side. The value of experience cannot be overstated when it comes to making the largest investment most will make in their lifetime. My philosphy is that if I take care of my clients/customers needs and show them respect, my production will take care of itself. My goal is to have everyone walk away from a real estate transaction knowing they had the best service they could ask for.
Fort Wayne, Indiana has been rated as one of the top 50 mid-sized cities in the United States time and time again. Also, according to the 2007 3rd Annual Demographic International Affordable Housing Study that covers the United States and six other countries, Fort Wayne was rated as one of the most affordable communities in which to buy a home in any of these six countries! Fort Wayne has also won several awards for its quality of life, including awards from Money Magazine and Business Week, and the All-America City Awards. This wonderful community has earned popular nicknames such as the "City of Restaurants" and the "City of Churches."
Huntington's downtown district displays a number of stately 19th century mansions that line lovely brick streets. Not far from there, you'll find lovely restored Victorian homes from the early 1900s. Huntington boasts thriving industries, profitable small businesses, and a close-knit community.
Auburn was founded in 1836, with the nickname "Home of the Classics" because of the many classic cars that were manufactured in Auburn. Located in Northeast Indiana at the junction of I-69 and State Road 8, Auburn is a small, dynamic community with more than 10,000 residents and a full range of lifestyle and activity options. The town was once the home of the Auburn Automobile Company. Auburn celebrates its automotive heritage every year by hosting the largest collector car festival and auction in the world. The city is very popular and is home to more than 12,000 residents.
Columbia City, located in the heart of Whitley County, IN is a beautiful area. Whitley County, IN real estate provides many options for those dreaming about living in the country or by a fresh water lake. Columbia City IN real estate has a long and rich heritage, told by some of the city's trademark architectural sights. In the center you will find the beautiful County Courthouse designed by Brentwood S. Tolan in the years 1888-1891, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The square surrounding the County Courthouse was also added to the same register in 1987.
Roanoke, a lovely town in Jackson Township, Huntington County, Indianais a local favorite with tourists and residents. The town of Roanoke Indiana maintains a proud history. At first a popular hunting and fishing ground of the Miami Indians, Roanoke became a wealthy commercial center in the mid 1800s. The construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal brought commerce to Roanoke, setting local property developments into motion. Warehouses, mills, stables and hotels popped up as this small town emerged as one of the foremost trading points on the canal One of my favorite restaurants in all of the greater Fort Wayne, IN area is located right here in Roanoke on Main Street. Joseph Decuis provides an exceptional dining experience.
Leo and Grabill has a special small town atmosphere and is home to museums, antique stores, and many tourist attractions. The first Amish arrived here in 1852 and today Amish families regularly pass through the town in their black horse-drawn buggies while patronizing Leo and Grabill businesses.
Susan, Fort Wayne, Indiana
"Gina was fantastic!! We connected immediately. She was very astute at understanding my taste, what I was looking for, and was compassionate to my situation. An amazing woman -- would recommend her and RE/MAX to anyone!"
Louise, Fort Wayne
"Gina's communication and service were excellent! She resolved every issue personally and promptly. She was most professional -- and delightful. She is an asset to RE/MAX. Our home was under contract in 6 days!!"
Joanne and Richard, Fort Wayne
"Gina was the most pleasant agent we have ever had and the most thoughtful."
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