Archive for February, 2009
Indianapolis Based CP Morgan: Out Of Business
I don’t have any proof of this, but I am quite certain that my jaw literally dropped when I heard the headline above come across the 11:00pm news last night. I absolutely can’t believe it!
Yes, I’ve been surprised at times to hear of some other builders going under. I know Davis Homes really caught me off guard when that happened a year or so ago. But CP Morgan? Seriously???
These were the big boys. These were the ones that were always sponsoring realtor lunches, trips to Colts games, gift cards, all that fun stuff. What happened?
I’m sure this is the same question that a lot of others are thinking as well…current homeowners, realtors, contractors, suppliers, those that have already put money down towards the building of their new home. So many people have been effected.
But the people I’m feeling for the most this morning are their sales reps. Primarily because these people have been the face of CP Morgan for me for the last 9 years. And I have to say, these have been some of the most loyal, professional and hard working people I’ve ever worked with.
No matter what anyone else thought, these people were enthusiastic, energetic, and sincerely believed that they could offer the best home for the money any where around. I do believe that they sincerely believed in their product. These are hard working, ethical people and my heart goes out to them this morning.
Click Here to read the official CP Morgan Press Release 02-26-09
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79 Greenwood Foreclosures Or Possible Short Sales
Finally! An easy way to find all of Greenwood’s Foreclosure, Bank Owned, HUD Owned, VA, Distressed Sale and Short Sale properties all in one easy to find spot.
As of the time of this writing, these 79 Foreclosures (or possible Short Sales) that are currently listed in Greenwood range in price from $680,000 all the way down to only $24,800….amazing!!!
This is an even better and easier way to search for these types of properties than on our Multiple Listing Service or through the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors. I’m not even sure that Realtor.com has a searching tool that’s this easy.
This is so awesome and we’ve just added it to our website to make it easy for you to search for Greenwood Foreclosure Homes, too. Check it out and let us know what you think!
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Using The VA Loan For Your Greenwood IN Home
One of the best 100% loans still around is the Veterans Administration loan. Also known as the VA Loan, this loan program is specifically for persons that have served in the military. Over the years, we have helped many homeowners use the VA Loan to purchase their Greenwood IN homes.
When using the VA Loan to purchase your Greenwood IN home, Veterans (or active duty service people who have served enough years to earn their eligibility) can borrow more than 100% of the sales price of the home.
Here’s how it works: When you use the VA Loan to purchase your Greenwood IN home, you’re going to pay a VA Funding Fee. This VA Funding Fee is normally about 1.25% – 3.3% of the loan amount (this amount is going to vary somewhat depending on whether you have been full-time military or reservist and whether you have used your VA eligibility before).
This funding fee then gets added onto your loan amount and if you are entering the home with no money down your loan amount is 100% of the sale price of the home. Add the VA Funding Fee to this amount and that is how VA is able to finance more than 100% of the sale price of the home. It’s quite possible that Disabled American Veterans may be exempt from paying this Funding Fee, so be sure to check on that if you are a DAV.
Another huge advantage of using the VA Loan to purchase your Greenwood IN home, besides not needing a down payment, is the fact that these loans have no monthly mortgage insurance! That’s always good news and another way to keep your monthly house payment down.
If you’re thinking about using the VA Loan to purchase your new Greenwood IN home, be sure you have your VA Eligibility Certificate handy. Not sure where yours is? Click Here to obtain it. You definitely don’t want this to be a last minute hang up when you’ve found your Greenwood IN dream home.
Rates for using a VA Loan to purchase your Greenwood IN home are very competitive and qualification is not difficult. But it will be important for you to talk with a local Greenwood IN Mortgage Lender so you know what the VA Loan Limits are for your particular area.
The bottom line is, if you’ve served in the military, be sure to ask about using the VA Loan to purchase your Greenwood IN home. And most importantly, thanks for serving our country. We appreciate all you do.
By the way, this information was provided for us by Jody Bleier at Stonegate Mortgage. If you’re wanting a quick response and excellent service, contact Jody NOW at: 317.213.1387 Also . . . be sure to ask Jody about using the VA Loan to refinance your current mortgage, as well!
If you found this information helpful, you might also enjoy
http://ishopgreenwood.com/2008/12/19/more-specifics-on-the-fha-203k-loan/
http://ishopgreenwood.com/2008/12/13/is-it-really-possible-to-roll-rehab-money-into-my-mortgage/
http://ishopgreenwood.com/2008/12/03/i-have-no-down-paymentcan-i-still-buy-a-home/
Discussion: 1 Comment »
Margarita’s Restaurant in Greenwood
Well, I haven’t really been sure what to put on this page, but decided to go ahead and start with my very favorite restaurant. It’s official name is “Margarita’s” but it’s kind of like a Mexican “Cheers”. When you walk in, you feel like everybody knows your name. Maybe that’s just because I eat there like 3 times a week! Who knows!!!
Here’s a little blurb about our favorite, “Margarita’s Restaurant”:
* Be sure to try the Texas Fahitas – they’re AWESOME and there’s plenty enough for two!

Yes, it’s true . . . Margarita’s is also a great place for celebrating birthdays, too! And when you go – be sure to ask for Vickie and tell her Shawna sent you!
Discussion: 1 Comment »
Current Home Prices – Greenwood | Johnson Cty
Wow! I just discovered a really easy way to keep up with the Average and Median Home Prices in Greenwood and Johnson County.
Simply go to http://ishopgreenwood.com/home-search/ scroll over the map and it’s all right there.
But, if you simply can’t wait that long and must absolutely know right now what they are…here you go…
Greenwood
- Total Listings: 892
- Average Price: $216,388
- Median Price: $169,900
New Whiteland
- Total Listings: 54
- Average Price: $99,604
- Median Price: $95,000
Whiteland
- Total Listings: 77
- Average Price: $192,698
- Median Price: $159,900
Bargersville
- Total Listings: 136
- Average Price: $484,812
- Median Price: $334,900
Franklin
- Total Listings: 392
- Average Price: $158,580
- Median Price: $124,777
If you like this kind of stuff, you might also like:
http://ishopgreenwood.com/2008/12/09/less-talk-more-pics/ or
http://ishopgreenwood.com/2008/10/17/this-weeks-best-buys/
Want more specifics on what your home would most likely sell for in today’s market? Send me a note…let’s talk!
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Taste Of The Southside Returns February 8th!!!
OK, I’ve never been to this event before but I’ve heard about it and always wanted to go. Another Realtor and I (Hi Linda!) were talking this morning and she mentioned it was this Sunday but didn’t know the details.
I did a little searching and here’s what I was able to find:
The event will be held this Sunday, February 8th from 4-7pm. Attendees must be 21 or older and the event is taking place at Valle Vista Golf Club and Conference Center, located at 755 E. Main Street in Greenwood.
Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. There are a number of different places where tickets can be purchased, but the easiest would probably be to log on to the link the Greenwood Chamber has.
From what I hear, it’s a great networking event and they plan on selling out.
Click here to read the complete article in the Indy Star.
Got more questions? Simply leave a comment or scroll down to the right and click to chat! Hope to see you there!
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Money Making Tips – Preparing Your Home To Sell
What more could you want than to get your home sold for top dollar in short order without any hassles? If you take a moment and read through the following suggestions before you put your property on the market, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.
Our goal is to simplify, depersonalize, and de-clutter your home in order for it to show larger and brighter, giving a more spacious feeling to potential buyers. These steps will provide you with an advantage over the competition.
Many items will need to be removed to storage and packed for moving. This is important and should be considered as merely giving you a head start on the move to your new home.
General Prep Tips:
- Start by airing out the home. Most people are turned off by even the smallest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers or if you are a smoker.
- If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned – or if they really need it – now is the time to do it. Bare floors should be waxed or polished, as well.
- Clean and wipe down all stained woodwork including doors and cabinets with a wood maintenance product such as “Old English” or “Liquid Gold”.
- Replace or clean A/C filters. Clean all A/C vents and intake grids.
- Kepp A/C set no warmer than 75 degrees and heat no cooler than 70 degrees.
- Use an air freshener in each room (try to avoid floral scents as they can be too strong).
Lighting:
- Upgrade the wattage in all light fixtures to the highest level safety will allow.
- Dust/Wash all light fixtures and fans.
Windows:
- Dust blinds, windowsills and plant ledges.
- Remove any cobwebs inside and outside.
- Clean interior and exterior of all windows and glass doors.
- Take screens off before washing and leave screens off of the front of the house.
- Keep all blinds/shades pulled up/open and draperies removed to allow maximum light.
Carpet:
- Steam clean if not replacing. If replacing, we can help you make choices that will be most appealing to buyers.
Bathrooms:
- Clean all tubs, toilets and sinks. Then polish the sinks with lemon or vegetable oil. Polish all hardware to a shine.
- Stow unused shampoos, soaps, scrubbing implements, razors, etc. under sink.
- Stow laundry hamper in closet.
- Stow wastebasket under sink.
- Rugs/commode lid covers should be removed.
- Store cleansers under sink.
- Streamline counter – only 1 or 2 decorative items on display.
- Linen cabinets should be organized and number of items reduced.
- Use baskets to hold make-up and toiletries so that after use they can be stored under the counter.
- Bathtubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. the grout and tile should be clean and in good condition. There should be no leaks in the faucets or traps.
Kitchen:
- Keep all flat surfaces (countertops, appliance tops and furniture) cleared off as much as possible. Kitchen counters should have very little on them to show that there is plenty of available workspace. keep appliances stored when not in use.
- Go over the kitchen as if you were a health inspector. Clean the oven, range (put in new drip pans) and check the seal of the dishwasher door.
- Remove all magnets, notes, pictures, etc. from the front and sides of the refrigerator.
- Stow trashcan in pantry or underneath kitchen sink.
Utility Room:
- Organize shelves and put away non-cleanser items.
- Keep area clear of clothes.
Pantry / Closets:
- Thin all closets dramatically and organize remaining items neatly on shelves and be sure to allow space between hanging items. at one very visible spot, leave space, so the rear wall of the closet/pantry will show when the door is opened. Leave a small empty space on each shelf to show potential storage space.
Bedrooms and Living Areas:
- Make sure that there is not too much furniture in a room. Select pieces that look best and put others in the garage or storage.
- Depersonalize your home by storing personal photos so that potential buyers may visualize their personal items in the home. this is probably one of the most important things to a potential buyer!
House Exterior:
- Thoroughly sweep down all exterior sides of the house and eaves to clean cobwebs and wasp nests.
Yard:
- Keep lawn mowed, weeded and well-edged.
- Trim trees and shrubs.
- Clean out flowerbeds and invest in a few flats of colorful flowers.
Front Entry Porch:
- Be sure front door area is clean and free of dirt, dust and cobwebs.
- Repaint door and trim if not pristine.
- Add new thick “Welcome” mat and keep it clean.
- Make sure doorbell is working properly.
Garage:
- Drastically clean and re-organize.
- Sweep and clean – remove all cobwebs and any oil or grease from floor.
Click Here For Our Downloadable Brochure
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