Oakland Hills at Geist is a 334 luxury home site development on approximately 170 acres.  Many of the homesites adjoin Old Oakland Golf Club (private membership). Home sites range from quarter acre sites with a few trees to three quarter acre wooded walkouts on the golf course. There are a wide variety of builders in the community so it doesn’t have that “cookie-cutter” feeling. Home prices range between the $300s to the $800s.

Currently Kammeyer Realty Group has a home listed in Oakland Hills at Geist. 11247 Turfgrass Way is a 5 bed/4 bath home with 6,681 sq. ft. It features hardwoods throughout main level, custom stained glass, soaring ceilings & picturesque views of #4 hole on Oakland Golf Course. Walk-out basement w/home theatre, bedroom & full bath. Wrap-around wood deck overlooking the lushly landscaped yard w/firepit. It is great value listed at $510,000.

 For more information on Oakland Hills at Geist and Lawrence Indiana homes for sale, contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.

2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request.

3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency.

4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door.

5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet’s life.

6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness.Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van.

7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air,check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip.

8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale.

9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc.

10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws.

For more tips on moving with pets contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

On closing day, expect to sign a lot of documents and walk away with a big stack of papers. Here’s a list of the most important documents you should file away for future reference.

• HUD-1 settlement statement. Itemizes all the costs — commissions, loan fees, points, and hazard insurance —associated with the closing. You’ll need it for income tax purposes if you paid points.
• Truth in Lending statement. Summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan, including the annual percentage rate and recision period.
• Mortgage and note. Spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.
• Deed. Transfers ownership to you.
• Affidavits. Binding statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they haven’t incurred any liens.
• Riders. Amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. Example: The sellers won’t move out until two weeks after closing but will pay rent to the buyers during that period.
• Insurance policies. Provide a record and proof of your coverage.

Have more questions on what all the closing documents mean? Contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Living in central Indiana this time of the year is depressing. The shorter days, lack of sunshine, and cold weather make getting out of bed even more difficult than usual. However life goes on and we do not have the opportunity to hibernate. Here are a few tips to fight the winter blues.

1. Make the most of winter. Bundle up and go for a walk or try a winter sport.

2. Try to stay social. Start a new hobby or learn something new. Interact with family and friends.

3. Wear bright colors. Colors brighten your mood. Most winter clothes are dark and drab. Do something different.

4. The flowers may not be blooming outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring them into your home. Surround yourself with beauty.

5. Visualized sunshine. Let’s face it. This time of the year it is overcast the majority of the days. Imagine the feeling of the warmth on a sunny day and you will feel better.

6. Most importantly, take time for yourself. Ask yourself what you need and give that to yourself.

If you have any tips on how to fight the winter blues, let us know. Contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Location, location, location! Imagine walking to all of the great shops, restaurants and entertainment venues Indianapolis has to offer! This luxurious 3 bed/2+ bath condo offers spectacular skyline views and upscale features including granite, stainless steel, ceramic tile, 9′ ceilings, tray ceiling, pool, fitness center, concierge service, attached parking garage, on-site retail shops & more. Click here for more photos.

If you are interested in learning more about this condo or other Indianapolis area condos please contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Most people don’t understand everything that goes into buying a home. This blog summarizes the top mistakes that home buyers make, simply because the experience is new to them. 

Mistake #1.  Not knowing how much they can afford to pay for a house before they make an offer.
Get pre-qualified for a mortgage from a lender, so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford. 

Mistake #2. Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in unnecessary interest and taxes.
Consult with a mortgage consultant, accountant, and/or financial planner before making a final decision on which mortgage to choose.   

Mistake #3. Not discovering hidden defects before buying a home.
Hire a professional to conduct a pre-purchase home inspection. 

Mistake #4. Not knowing how debt can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home.
Ask your mortgage professional to help you review and repair your credit file in advance. 

To learn more about mistakes home buyers make and how to avoid them, contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Sooner or later, most homeowners will be in a position to sell their home. This blog summarizes the top mistakes that home sellers make, simply because the experience is new to them.

Mistake #1.  Failing to Maximize the “Curb Appeal” of Your Home

When you’re preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions.  A buyer’s first impression can determine whether they’ll choose to look inside.  It’s estimated that more than that 50 percent of shoppers decide to purchase a home even before they get out of their car.  With that in mind, be sure to stand outside your home and take a realistic “fresh look.”  Then ask yourself what you can do to enhance the “curb appeal.”  It could make a significant difference in your final sales price as well as the speed of your sale.

Mistake #2. Not Appreciating the Buyer’s Point of View

Unreasonable though it may be, a prospective buyer would like to see a perfect home from top to bottom and inside and out.  To improve the likelihood of an easy, fast and profitable home sale, we suggest that you attend to the following items:

On the outside
- Sweep the front walkway.
- Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.
- Park extra cars away from the property.
- Trim back the shrubs.
- Clean windows and window coverings.
- Make sure roof and gutters are clean and in good condition.
- Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers.
- Keep pet areas clean.
- Take down out-of-season decorations.On the inside
- The kitchen and bathroom should look and smell clean.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets (and have them professionally cleaned, if necessary).
- Put away dishes, unless setting a formal display for decoration.
- Make all beds and put away clothing.
- Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.
- Straighten closets.
- Put away toys.
- Turn off televisions.
- Play soft music on the radio/stereo.
- Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.
- Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.

Mistake #3.  Thinking You Need To be In the Home to Provide Details to Prospective Buyers

Most potential buyers feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owner present.  If people unaccompanied by an agent would like to see your property, refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.

Mistake #4. Over-Pricing Your Home

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price.  It’s one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate consultant can pay for itself versus trying to sell your home yourself.  If the listing price is too high, you’ll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the range where your home should be priced.  By the time you correct the price, you’ve already missed exposure to a group of potential buyers. 

 To learn more about selling your home contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Oak Hall and The Reserve at Oak Hall comprise a 199 single-family home community in Fishers, Indiana located about five miles from I69 and within minutes of Geist Reservoir, Hamilton Town Center, and several Hamilton Southeastern Schools.  The neighborhood’s amenities include a swimming pool, cabana house, playground, and basketball court.

A single-developer community, Estridge broke ground on Oak Hall in May of 2003 and construction was completed in 2009. Home prices range between the $250s to the low-$400s. All homes have basements and are two-story.

Currently Kammeyer Realty Group has a home listed in Oak Hall. 12419 Goodloe Drive is a 4 bed/2+ bath home with 3,864 sq. ft. It features an open floor plan with finished basement. Kitchen has upgraded cabinets and lighting. Fully fenced backyard with screened porch and paver patio. It is great value listed at $295,000.

Location: From I-69, go east on 116th Street to Cumberland Road. Go north on Cumberland Road to 126th Street. Go east on 126th Street to neighborhood entrance on south side of 126th Street.

For more information on Oak Hall and Fishers Indiana homes for sale, contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Homes sales surged in the second half of 2009, with activity picking up initially in July, peaking in October, and running level in November and December, compared to 2008. More than 1,350 Central Indiana homes pended in December, with five of nine Central Indiana counties reporting increases compared to the same time period in 2008, according to pended sales statistics compiled by F.C. Tucker Company.

Morgan County posted a significant 52.9 percent increase, followed closely by Madison County at 52.6 percent. At the end of the year, the overall market showed greater stability. December home sales were nearly level with those in December 2008 with 1,356 homes pended in 2009 compared to 1,360 in December 2008.  For the year 2009, a total of 24,395 homes sales pended, a slight 1.6 percent decline over 2008 sales numbers. The average home sales price in Central Indiana also stabilized at $139,212, a modest decline of 2.9 percent over 2008’s prices.  “A look back at 2009 shows a year of stabilizing and increased activity, especially at the end of the year,” said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company’s Residential Real Estate Services Division. “The federal tax credits offered to first-time homebuyers in the second half of the year helped propel much of the sales activity.”

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 13.2 percent in December 2009 with 13,875 homes on the market, 2,103 fewer homes than in December 2008. Three counties experienced above average inventory declines. Hancock County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 20.6 percent, followed by Marion and Madison counties with 15.6 and 13.9 percent, respectively. Looking back, January 2009 showed 15,415 available homes on the market.  

“2010 looks promising because we are seeing real declines in Central Indiana real estate inventory, including significant portions of foreclosed and bank-owned properties, existing for-sale properties and new home properties,” said Litten. “Inventory declines mean further price stabilization and the potential for a pickup in the demand for both existing and new homes.”

To learn more visit www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.

Renting a home or apartment may seem like a good idea at first, but look at some facts about renting versus owning.

Owning gives you lots of freedom! You can play your stereo as loud as you want, paint the walls any color you wish and do the laundry any time. When you own a home there is not an extra fee for pets or any restrictions on how you can decorate your home. When you make improvements to your home you get to enjoy your investment for as long as you are there.

The main reason for owning vs. renting is the cost. What is the real cost of renting? Let’s look at this example. At $1200 per month, with the average 3 percent rental increase per year, you will pay $165,080 over a 10-year period, but have zero ownership in the property. That is money you will never see again. However, mortgage payments on a home lets you build equity which is a ready-made savings plan.

 If you’re renting, we’d like to talk with you about the homes on the market today that fit your financial position. Contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at http://www.kammeyerrealtygroup.com.