Merry Christmas!!

An associate recently asked me, “What’s your favorite thing about autumn”?  Immediately I answered, “Christmas”!  Anyone who knows me knows my seasonal calendar consists of only two seasons:  Christmas Season & NOT Christmas Season.  I know, I know.  Autumn is a favorite season for many due to the relief from the hot summer weather.  The days are still sunny and relatively long and there are many autumn hobbies to participate in such as Hayrides, Pumpkin Patches, Bonfires, Apple Picking, Covered Bridge Festivals, Trips to Brown County, and Football Tailgating and Games.  Although I am aware of all the wonderful activities available to us in the Indianapolis area during this time of year, and I participate in many, I can’t participate in as much as I would like.

Why?  Well, I have a good reason, I promise.  I’m getting ready for Christmas, my favorite time of year.   Similar to the department stores, Christmas comes early at my house.  As soon as the first cool breeze of autumn whizzes by, I bypass Halloween and some autumn activities and go into full Christmas mode.  It takes me months to decorate.

For much of December, I entertain friends, colleagues, clients & neighbors in my home.  So, in October I begin to strategically decorate the inside and outside of my home.  It takes me months to decorate and turn my home into a wonderland.  I’ve gotten so good at decorating over the years; I no longer have to start decorating on Labor Day.  Every year I say I will pare down but the Holiday Spirit takes a hold of me and I can’t resist adding to my collection of Christmas decor to put on a good show for my guests.

I look forward to the many individuals I reconnect with during this busy, but joyful time.  And, I tend to have a lot of real estate activity during the Holiday season as well.  Keep checking my website for updated listings and valuable information regarding buying or selling a home during the winter months.

So, in closing, although it is still October, I want to wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season.   

Fall Reminders

Each season I mail out a reminder check list of home maintenance items to my friends, clients and neighbors.  The following are some hints for maintaining your home during fall season.  It is important that during this season you prepare your home for the upcoming winter.  You may want to consider installing additional insulation, using weather stripping, and caulking.

1. Have furnace serviced by a qualified contractor.
2. Change furnace filter(s).
3. Replace central humidifier pad.
4. Close crawl space vents.
5. Check fireplace flue for creosote build-up and check damper for operation.
6. Check roof for damage, loose or missing shingles.  Checking flashing areas as well.
7. Clean gutters as needed.
8. Install or lower all storm windows.
9. Shut off water to outside faucets and disconnect all garden hoses.
10. Insulate any plumbing located in garage or other areas subject to freezing.
11. A third application of fertilizer for your lawn should follow in mid-October.
12. Empty or let gasoline tank on your lawnmower run dry before winter storage.
13. Take a careful look at the exterior of your house to see that it is properly protected from the elements.
14. If your family room does not seem large enough for your family and friends to watch the games on TV this fall, call me to assist you in finding you another home.

If you take time to maintain your investment, your investment will take care of you!
Call me for any real estate questions.

How To Achieve Financial Freedom

If you're like millions of Americans, you dream of the day when you will be debt free.  The economic recession has prompted many families to restrict spending in order to take control of their finances, pay down outstanding debt and make saving a priority.  In fact, the average household debt has fallen over 8.2% since it's peak in 2008.*  For many people, eliminating household debt feels unattainable; however, with the right tools, anyone can take control of their spending and begin to build wealth.

This month, I have tips on my website to help you break the cycle of debt and achieve financial freedom.  The first page outlines steps you can take to create a budget and save money.  Page two details a plan to eliminate debt from credit cards and loans in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.  Feel free to share this information with your Family and Friends who are looking to get out of debt and improve their financial security.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me any time via email, facebook, twitter, townepost or phone!

 *Source:  Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Quarterly Report on household Debt and Credit:  May 2011