Indianapolis Real Estate News and Information from HomeToIndy.com

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

2011-12-09T22:45:00-07:00

The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you’re hosting the party, you’re probably dizzy thinking of ideas to make it an event to remember. The holidays are so much better when children are present, so make sure you include activities to meet their ideas of fun. My home is always bustling with activity this time of year, and I find the more bodies there are in the house, the better the holidays are. So if it’s your first time celebrating the Christmas season at your home, here are a few tips to liven up the party: Scents: You can’t celebrate the holidays without scents. Everyone loves the smell of candles, or even plug-in air fresheners, and the amount of different smells may amaze you. But for this particular holiday, my favorite scents have to be orange, pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple spice. There is nothing quite like walking into a home filled with any of these scents, but you can use any of your personal favorites. The glow from the candles also brings back memories with the dancing lights, which will add to the atmosphere of your holiday. Atmosphere: The atmosphere of a home plays a major role in the overall success of your party. You may decide to have Christmas lights, festive settings, and Christmas music playing in the background. Everyone has their own idea of Christmas, so when you have the family together, don’t forget to include your long standing traditions. It’s the perfect time to introduce the young ones to what your family has passed on for many generations. The holiday spirit and tradition will leave a lasting memory they will never forget. Fun: Christmas is a time of excitement no matter what age. Plan some games for the big day, and let the kids pick some games the adults have to play too. This season is a special time for family, so everyone should get together and enjoy each other’s company. Everyone is in a good mood during the season, and spending quality time with each other is what ties those family bonds tighter. Be Prepared and Organized: There’s no holiday that gets as crazy as Christmas. There are usually too many people to fit into a home, and when it comes time to eat, your home can turn into a buzzing frenzy. Preparing before the day can help to keep the level of frustration low. Find out how many people are coming ahead of time, and be sure there are enough spaces for everyone to eat. When you're anticipating a large number of people, it's best to have everyone pitch in with their favorite dish. Beverages: Beverages are often something that is forgotten when you are having family over. Only you will know what is best to provide for your family, but you can never go wrong with stocking up on juice and soda for the kids. Christmas is exciting, but it’s always a relief when it is over. There seems to be an endless number of items to prepare, things to do and don't forget the shopping. Pace yourself, get some help and allow yourself to enjoy this special time. As long as you prepare well in advance, you and your home will be the star of the evening and you'll have as much fun as the guests visiting your home. Article provided by Mitch Ribak a real estate agent in Florida. To learn more about Mitch you can visit his Merritt Island FL real estate website where you can see Palm Bay Florida real estate listings. If you're looking for a great area to buy a vacation home, you'll want to check out real estate in Titusville FL.

Homes on Wooded Lots Offer Privacy and Beauty

2011-02-13T20:57:00-07:00

Homes on wooded lots in Indianapolis are often a favorite feature for homebuyers. Where water flows, trees grow and Central Indiana has plenty of both, creating an urban forest of lush greenery. Many can't believe the amount of wooded areas and tree lined streets we have in the city of Indianapolis. In the summer, it is often difficult for me take pictures of homes in some neighborhoods, but I can get a good tree lined street shot. Indianapolis and several of the cities making up the metropolitan area are designated Tree Cities. The program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. The Tree Cities of Indiana maintain and care for the trees within their community. The towns and cities within the Indianapolis area which are designated Tree Cities include Indianapolis, Avon, Carmel, Beech Grove, Noblesville, Zionsville and Fortville. Living in a city where the trees are maintained and cared for offers many opportunities for finding an Indianapolis or Carmel home on a wooded or tree lined lot. While some like the densely forested areas where you can see deer walking through your backyard, others prefer just enough trees in their yard to provide them privacy. Trees provide seclusion, privacy, shade and a beautiful display of foliage, especially in the fall. Here at HomeToIndy.com, we make it easy to find homes for sale on wooded lots. Almost any area of the city has some neighborhoods with trees. Search the following cities for homes for sale with wooded or tree lined lots. Avon Brownsburg Carmel Fishers Indianapolis Greenwood Plainfield Noblesville Zionsville Westfield If you would like to set up a specific search for homes on wooded lots, you can use our home search and receive updates of new homes as they come on the market. You can also call or email us and we will set up a search for you. Disclaimer: the definition of wooded lot is defined by the person making the entry.

Lockerbie Square Victorian Home

2011-04-21T18:25:00-07:00

Although it's been almost four years since I took these pictures, this home is still as beautiful today and one of my favorites. Tonight I am meeting some friends for dinner at Amici’s in the Lockerbie Square area of downtown. While waiting for eveyone to arrive for dinner, I couldn't resist the temptation to walk down the street and take some pictures. I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a great photographer. I just like to take pictures and sometimes I surprise myself. So, I persist...... Walking down a street of remodeled homes from the 1800 and 1900's for me, is like letting a child loose in a candy store. These homes are absolutely amazing. I could walk through these neighborhoods for hours and never tire of the beauty and architecture. The revitalized Historic Districts in Indianapolis has brought renewed life to the streets and homes here. Many of the people here are new, some have lived here a very long time and have seen the changes first hand. I met Carol, one of the residents there, while walking. She has lived in Lockerbie Square for 17 years. She allowed me to take some pictures of her gardens and the outside of her home. This is a beautiful three story Victorian on two lots. Search Lockerbie Square Homes for Sale

Downtown Indianapolis Lures both the Young and the Younger

2011-05-01T15:28:00-07:00

Indianapolis has become a favorite of many looking to settle down in a new city. The amount of requests I receive from out of state visitors to my websites, proves people are looking for a change and Indianapolis is on their list. Some are being transferred, others are looking for a quality of life they haven’t found in their city, many are coming home…….the new group is retirees. Retirees are looking to find a city where they have access to arts, entertainment and big city feel which is affordable. Indianapolis provides just the right balance for those whose search will find them retiring to the city. CNN Money designated the Mass Ave Arts District in Indianapolis as one of the top 35 best areas in a big city to retire. Located in the Northeast quadrant of the city, you won’t travel far to find museums, shops, arts, theatres and galleries. Indianapolis also has the bonus of being nominated one of the most affordable cities to live in by Forbes. For the club swinging group, who want some time on the links, Indianapolis offers 137 golf courses, ranking 14th in the Nation. Along with the wonderful parks and greenway system, there is plenty of outdoor activities in downtown Indianapolis. Young professionals are also calling downtown Indianapolis home. I recently sold a Brownstone at Lockerbie to a young couple wanting to make their first home a downtown condo. Being close enough to walk or bike to work, the trails, Mass Ave, shopping -these are just a few of the reasons they chose downtown. Homes in Indianapolis are a bargain compared to many big cities. You can find a 1500 square foot condo in Lockerbie Glove for $289,000, with secured entry and parking garage or a 2800 square foot condo right on Mass Ave at Three Mass Condos, priced at $519,000. Whether you are retiring or relocating and love city living, Indianapolis is a great city to call home.

Staying Cool in Indy

2011-07-25T22:09:00-07:00

It's actually a bit cloudy as I write this, which is a welcomed break for sun heat humidity drenched Indianapolis. I can take hot, I survived 15 years in Phoenix Arizona, so in that respect, it's never really hot here in Indy. It's the humidity that makes a hot day unbearable and leaves all of us drenched or feeling like we need a shower any time we walk outdoors. I could probably even handle the humidity if there had been some rain to cause it. But, there's no rain either. Just dry, humid, hot, dog days of summer! Humidity has a way of draining you. I drove into my community today and had to laugh, because the parking lot at the pool was full. No one even wanted to walk to the pool. It's just that kind of weather. We stay inside our air conditioned homes or offices, walk to our air conditioned cars and head to the closest air conditioned building we can find. Or we drive our car to the swimming pool, where we can spend the afternoon staying cool. We can complain about how hot it is and take shelter in A/C , but seriously, I'd rather have the choice. When there is 12 inches of snow or 4 inches of ice covering the streets, we have no choice but to stay inside. At least, in the summer, we can walk around the block without having to dress up (as in putting on layers of clothing). In the summer we don't risk our lives driving on ice slicked roads to get groceries. I guess if I had my choice, I would choose a hot, humid day over the ice storm we had this past winter. Now that I've put it all into perspective in my own mind, how are you staying cool? Photo Courtesy of Nick Blair

Back Home Again in Indiana

2007-08-30T13:01:00-07:00

Although I have been back a while, I recently submitted my post to I Choose Indy . The website is a tribute of sorts to those who choose to live in Indy. There are many reasons to choose Indy as home, mine has to do with family and quality of life ( no more two hour commutes in traffic) the seasons, (fall is my favorite), and Hoosier Hospitality. Here s the post I submitted to I Choose Indy! In the summer of the late 60's, my family decided to leave Louisville KY. to start a new life in Indianapolis. You could say Indianapolis chose me! With six children in tow, my parents settled in the area now known as South Broad Ripple. Back then, the name and area of Broad Ripple did not hold the allure it does today. The Monon Trail was actually still a railroad track. We used to play for hours at Arsenal Park, running under the water of the spray pool, swinging and singing the words of Rod Stewart's, Maggie Mae . The whole family took swimming lessons at Broad Ripple Park. My brothers played little league baseball close by and we went to the State Fair every year. It was the life. In the early seventies we moved to the near west side where you could hear the roar of the Indy cars. I remember it was the first home my parents owned. They were so excited and I had little understanding as to why. To me, it was another home. I spent the rest of my home years there. The westside of Indianapolis became home to me. I eventually married, had three of my children at Methodist Hospital and started my own journey. My family's journey took us to New Jersey, St. Louis, Missouri, Phoenix, AZ, Southern California, back to Phoenix and now here. We have come full circle and this time, 'We chose Indianapolis! My husband could probably live anywhere........me, I love to be with family and friends. As my children have grown, I have a daughter, son-in-law and two grandaughters here in Indy. A daughter, son-in-law and a grandson in Ohio, plus a grandbaby on the way. And one daughter who is still at home. She actually wanted to move back here and she is the only one not born in Indiana. Most of my family still lives here as well as a few high school friends. What makes a person leave the beauty of the Southwest for the plains of Indiana. It is a home coming and one which is overdue. I love the seasons, the trees in bloom, the warm loving people. I am a hoosier at heart and I have come home. Today, I am a Realtor in Indianapolis who understands what it means to buy your first home, sorry Mom and Dad! I also know and understand the need for more space when the children are growing and now, I know what it means to downsize. I am happy to be home and look forward to assisting many in their search for the home which matches their life phase and lifesyle.

Which Historic Neighborhoods Are These?

2011-02-05T23:40:00-07:00

February Photo Contest In December I met with clients to show homes in one of Indianapolis' historic districts. The snowfall that day was amazing; big thick flakes, falling steadily. After showing homes, I decided to take some pictures of the neighborhood along with another historic neighborhood on my way home. Guess which historic neighborhoods these homes are in and you can win a $50.00 gift card to Rathskellar, another great historic building in Indianapolis. Hint: It's two different neighborhoods, both east of Rathskellar. The contest runs until February 28th and all correct answers will be put into a drawing. Enter your guess in the comments section below and good luck! This months photo contest was more difficult than I expected. Still, one brave person dared to try and guess. The answer is Lockerbie Square and Woodruff Place. Congratulations Abby for taking the challenge and winning! Photos are copyright of Paula Henry and HometoIndy.com. All rights reserved.

Can You Name this Indianapolis Sculpture

2011-02-28T23:28:00-07:00

March Photo Contest Last month's contest was a bit harder than I thought. I guess I get out and look at more homes than most people, so I'll make this month's a bit easier, I hope :) This month's contest is a two parter = a better chance to win. First, name the location of this sculpture for a $25.00 gift card to Scotty's Brewhouse. Second part, tell me the name of the sculpture and I'll make it another $25.00. We could have two winners this month. The first one who tells me where the sculpture is located wins, as well as the first person who tells me the name. If you are lucky enough (or just know your Indy sculptures) to be the first to tell me both - you win double and can take your friends to Scotty's with you. No waiting until the end of the month this time; after all, March Madness is just around the corner. Photo and blog are copyright of Paula Henry and HomeToIndy.com. All rights reserved.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument Faces South - Do You Know Why?

2011-04-12T19:20:00-07:00

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, an Indianapolis landmark, is located in the center of the circle in Downtown Indianapolis. The monument was commissioned in 1888, and was erected to to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. Made from Indiana limestone, the monument was completed in 1901 at a cost of $600,000. At the time the monument was constructed, the primary mode of transportation was the rail raod. The train station lies to the south of the city of Indianapolis, so the Statue faces the train station, watching and waiting to welcome home returning soldiers. It’s sword represents victory It’s torch represents the light of civilization It’s Eagle represents freedom From “A Circle City History” by Jeffrey Tenuth, 2004

Union Laundry Lofts in Downtown Indianapolis

2011-01-19T23:08:00-07:00

Union Laundry Loft Condos offer affordable Indianapolis Condo living. Condos in Downtown Indianapolis are plentiful, ranging in size, location and price. While there are several new condo developments downtown, my favorites are the conversions of historic buildings. Union Laundry Lofts is one such conversion featuring unique loft style condominiums just minutes from downtown. Located in Historic Fletcher Place - Union Laundry Lofts offers the privacy of a quiet neighborhood in an up and coming area of revitalization. With new condo developments in the area and many restored turn of the century homes, your sure to love the atmosphere of this close knit community. When you truly want to enjoy the benefit of living downtown, condos offer freedom from upkeep and maintenance, allowing you time to explore the city. Union Laundry Lofts location provides the perfect combination of a quiet retreat within minutes of the bustling city life of downtown. Community Amenities include: Exterior Maintenance ~ Garage Parking ~ Trash Removal ~ Snow Removal ~ Landscaping Secure Entrance ~ Common Area Maintenance ~ Basement Storage Union Laundry Lofts is close to public transportation, freeways and the cultural trails. You won't have to go far to find a path to the city and you'll love returning home at the end of the day. Copyright © 2011 by Paula Henry, All Rights Reserved. *Union Laundry Loft Condos in Indianapolis*

Celebrating the Holidays in Indianapolis

2010-11-30T22:50:00-07:00

I remember the first time I saw Soldiers and Sailors Monument lighted at Christmas in downtown Indianapolis. The ten year old child never forgot the beauty of seeing so many lights on what is dubbed by some, as the worlds tallest Christmas tree. For that little girl, it was a mesmerizing sight. It’s still amazing to visit Monument Circle during the holidays, partly to enjoy the beauty and partly to satisfy the memories of a little girl. Walking around the Circle, people stop every few minutes to admire the monument all dressed up for the holidays. It’s magical! While the memories of yesteryear are firmly planted in my mind, it’s more exciting for me as an adult. When I was a child, the only time we went downtown was to see the Monument at Christmas or to buy shoes at Stouts when school started. Today, downtown Indianapolis is a vibrant, active city! I find myself drawn to downtown this time of year. It’s an atmosphere that requires more than a quick trip around the circle. The lampposts are decorated, the mall is buzzing, the Indianapolis Zoo at White River State Park is embellished with hundreds of thousands lights. It’s worth putting on my winter gear to brave the cold and enjoy the wonder of it all. Another favorite activity of mine is to drive or walk through the Historic Homes neighborhoods during the Holidays. When my family would make the trip downtown, we headed south on Meridian from 56th St. I would be the one seated by the window, so I could see all the big beautiful homes, so elegantly decorated. I didn’t know then, it was the architecture of these homes that captivated me and still does today! A leisurely drive down the cobblestone streets of Lockerbie Square or a tour of Benjamin Harrison’s home in the Old Northside still brings a sense of wonder and excitement. Today, I enjoy these activities with my children and grandchildren. They, in turn, will have their own memories and favorites to celebrate during the holidays and carry it forward to the next generation. Maybe, they’ll develop a love of the historical beauty of our city their Mimi so enjoys.