Dawn's shared items

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Couple of Fire Safety Tips

Smoke Detectorsfire safety 005

Did you forget to change the battery in your smoke detector when the time changed in the fall?  Well, why not start the year out right, and change the battery.  While you are at it, if you live in Beech Grove, you may want to be aware of the city ordinance that requires every home to have working smoke detectors, that are properly placed before a change of ownership.  This means, if you are selling with a Realtor or on your own, this is something that must be done before the title work is completed.  The Beech Grove Fire Department's goal is to have a working smoke detector in every home.   The Fire Department will provide the inspection at no charge, but it does have to be scheduled.  To do this contact the Fire Department Headquarters, between 8 am and 4 pm Monday thru Friday, at 317-782-4940.

Fire Extinguisherfire safety 001

Now would be a good time to make sure you also have a fire extinguisher which is in good working order.  Depending on the size and layout of your home, you may decide to have several.  Place one in the garage, one in the kitchen, and any other place that you may think one could possibly be needed.

 

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

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Serving Your Family Needs First!

 

 

 

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Student Housing

A college education is an investment in your or your child's future.   Another investment, could be a single family home or condo. 

Front of House

This home located at 324 N. 21st in Beech Grove Indiana would be a wonderful home for those attending IUPUI, University of Indpls, or any of the other central Indiana colleges.  Just minutes from both U of I or IUPUI.

Beech Grove has recently implemented a WiFi system which would be a great perk to a college student.  So, instead of paying for student housing, why not buy a home.  Interest rates are low, and your student could have a room mate or two that could help make that payment. 

Once the college career is over and it is time to move on, either keep the home as an investment property and rent to other students or sell it, and make some money back! 

The seller of this home is providing a one year home warranty for the buyer. 

For more information on this home or any others feel free to contact me at 317-893-0648, or by email at dawnwhalen@kw.com

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Preparing for 2009

With the start of the New Year, now is a great time to evaluate your credit score and report for any inaccuracies.

And with today’s technology, it is very easy to do.

Did you know that all consumers are entitled to a free credit report annually? Just go to www.annualcreditreport.com to request the report from each of the three Bureaus.

Review your credit report for any mistakes and contact the source of the inaccurate information as well as sending a letter to each of the three bureaus disputing the inaccuracy.

Know your credit score. If you have a credit score of 300-549, chances are very slim that you will qualify for a loan or credit card.

With a credit score of 550-699, you would be considered a medium risk and would get higher interest rates.

With a score of 700-850 you will have a smooth loan process, and the best interest rates available.

Not only does your credit history/score affect any loans or credit cards you may be applying for it is also a factor in your homeowners insurance.

There are ways to protect and build your credit.

  • Pay all bills & pay on time
  • Maintain 2-4 credit cards
  • Close unused credit or store cards
  • Keep balances well below the limit
  • Pay more than the minimums
  • Establish long term credit history

Things to avoid:

  • Too many credit cards or zero credit cards
  • High Non-Mortgage Debt
  • Delinquent Accounts
  • Frequent job or address changes
  • Charge offs* (bills marked uncollectible)
  • Bankruptcy

Since each case is individualized, please check with your financial consultant or attorney in regards to your particular case.

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

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

Serving Your Family Needs First!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Which Home Improvement Project Should You Tackle ?

Whether you are contemplating moving, or you just want to update your home, you want to make sure that you invest your money wisely. You want to make sure that your project doesn't over value your home for the neighborhood, in case you would want to sell in the future.

There are many projects that can add value to your home, but where to begin? Do you still have the 1970 cabinets in your kitchen? Do you sit near a window, and feel the breeze from the outdoors coming in & your windows are shut? Do you have that fabulous shag carpet in a bedroom or two? What about your siding? What does it look like? Aluminum, or vinyl, and what color is it?

This summer we did have our siding replaced. My house was built in 1973, and the siding was original. It was painted this fabulous red color. I am sure it was because it went with the brick! Don't know, but I know I didn't really care for it, and after living here since 1994, it was time for a change. remodel 011

So after much research the decision was made to have new siding, gutters, gutter helmets, and downspouts installed. We don't plan on moving anytime soon, but I know that eventually we will sell. One thing I have found since becoming a Realtor, is that most people prefer low to no exterior maintenance. Easy enough with this house, being 75% brick, and now we have vinyl siding which is guaranteed to not fade, chip, crack etc. Will not need painted, and you no longer have to clean out the gutters.

remodel 021

If you are interested in obtaining Cost Vs. Value information for siding replacement as well as many other Home Improvement Projects you can view some Remodeling Cost Vs. Value.

If you or anyone you know are looking to buy, build or sell in the Central Indiana area, I would love to assist you.

Serving your family needs first!

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

317-893-0648

http://www.dawnwhalen.com/

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Baby it's bad out there! Picked my daughter up from work, and slid all the way home! Be safe!
Going to take my daughter to work, to the office for a few minutes, and then back home to work on showings for next week.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Sunshine Rides

My daughter called, her car won't start, guess I am taking her to work also!

Well, I guess I should paint my Blazer yellow and start Sunshine Rides, Inc!

I am thankful that because of my job, I am able to be flexible enough to provide my daughter a ride to work and be available to pick her up as well.

Being a Realtor, allows me to work flexible hours, and be available to friends and family when needed.

I am also flexible for my clients. It is not unusual for me to be able to show a home on short notice. I work hard to not completely book my day so that I am available for clients as well.

It's a Very Cold Morning.


Joy! It is 1 degree outside, Joes truck won't start, the Blazer will so I have to haul myself out in this fabulous weather to take him to work, otherwise I am without a vehicle all day. Wasn't planning on venturing out until noon.


Guess I need to be up and moving anyway. Today I plan on delivering the baked goods to various places. One of my stops will be the Beech Grove Post Office. I love everyone there. The clerks are very friendly and helpful. I want them to know how much I appreciate all they do. Over the weekend, Joe and I made cinnamon cookies, sugar cookies and M&M Shortbread cookies as well as peanut brittle.
So I am off to deliver my husband to work, and then back home for a while, before going out to be Santa's little helper.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Now Is The Time To Buy!

Are you or anyone you know looking to purchase a home? Now is a great time to buy! While the media speaks of gloom and doom, things truly aren't as bad as they say. Real Estate is local, so while there are areas that are not doing so well, there are others that are doing well.

Just look at this recent article in the New York Times

Interest rates are low, and you will find a plethora of great deals out there. And the good news is many of these deals are move in ready! Because the interest rates are so low, with the right credit a buyer may be able to afford much more home than they originally thought.
Listed below are some great deals that I currently have listed.



324 N. 21st
Beech Grove, In 46107

$109900.00

Beech Grove City Schools

3 Bedroom/1 Bath



2174 Maple Run Ct.
Indpls, In 46229

$114900.00

Warren Township Schools

3 Bedroom/2 Bath





602 Burbank Rd
Indpls, In 46219

$119900.00
Warren Township Schools
3 Bedroom/2 Bath





All of these homes are move in ready! Feel free to contact me if you would like to view these properties, or any others.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, build or sell feel free to contact me at 317-893-0648, or by email at dawnwhalen@kw.com **Content orignally posted at www.activerain.com/dwhalen

Dawn Whalen, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty

Serving Your Family Needs First