At Home in Indy

Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Hendricks County, Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Indianapolis Real Estate~Wayne Township Homes~Westridge Village

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 26 May 2007 23:11:36 -0500

Westridge Village is located off 21st St, east of Girls School Rd., directly West of Parc Estates, in Wayne Township.

The homes in Westridge Village sit on tree lined streets with many wooded lots at the outer edge of the neighborhood.

Homes range in size from 1250sq. ft. to over 4000 sq ft with basement. Recent prices range from the low 100's to $199,000. Whether a first time buyer or needing more space, Westridge offers a variety of homes, both single level and two story.

This area is served by the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township.

Westridge Village Homes for Sale - Wayne Township

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wayne Township Homes for Sale

Indianapolis Real Estate

Indianapolis Real Estate Blog

Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Hendricks County, Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Indianapolis Real Estate-Wayne Township Homes-West Wayne Woods

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 26 May 2007 23:39:20 -0500

The Neighborhood of West Wayne Woods is one of the newest neighborhoods in Wayne Township.

The homes were built by DuraBuilders between 2003-2005 and range in size from 1200 sq. ft. to almost 3000 sq.ft. Home prices range from $120,000-$170,000.

I showed a few of the models here last week and was impressed by the design. There are some nice wooded lots in the neighborhood.

West Wayne Woods is located north of 21st Street, off of Raceway Road.

The area is served by the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township.

West Wayne Woods Homes for Sale - Indianapolis

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wayne Township Homes for Sale

Wayne Township Homes for Sale

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Indianapolis Real Estate-Wayne Township Homes-Avon Creek Estates

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sun, 27 May 2007 00:01:29 -0500

Avon Creek Estates features custom brick homes built between 1988 and 1995. The neighborhood is located N of Morris, off Raceway Rd, in Wayne Township.

The homes in Avon Creek Estates range in size from 1500 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft. The average price is $165,000 for a 2100 sq. ft single level home.

Avon Creek Estates Homes for Sale Indianapolis

This area is served by the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township.

Search Indianapolis MLS

Indianapolis Real Estate Wayne Township Neighborhoods

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Wayne Township Homes - Farley

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 22:26:32 -0500

Farley' Speedway in Wayne Township

Farley's Speedway is located on the west side of Indianapolis in Wayne Township, east of Girls School Road, between 10th and 21st streets. Building started in this area in 1950 and was completed in 1968. Most homes were built between 1954-1959.

There are a few two level and tri-level homes in Farley but most are ranch style. Home sizes range from about 1000 square foot to 2300 square foot. Very few of the homes were built with a basement.

Home prices start around $95,000 for 1200 square foot to $162,000 for 2300 square foot, making this neighborhood a great consideration for the first time home buyer in Wayne Township.

The area is served by the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township.

Farley Neighborhood Show

Farley Homes for Sale Indianapolis

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Avon Indiana Real Estate~Avon Indiana Homes

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 23:05:00 -0500

Avon Indiana Neighborhoods Tour

For the last several months, I have made many trips out to the neighborhood communities in Avon, taking pictures, looking at available inventory and keeping up on the statistical data.

I have had a great time taking pictures, have met some wonderful people along the way and forged some friendships. Driving through the streets of these neighborhoods, viewing homes, while watching the seasons change has given me a new perspective of the homes and neighborhoods throughout Avon.

I have posted about many of these Avon neighborhoods, made some video tours to showcase the city of Avon, as well as the real estate market. I realize these shows have been sporadically submitted, so I have put them all together in one place.

Grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the tour of the beautiful neighborhoods in Avon, Indiana.

The selection and style of homes in Avon Indiana makes Avon a perfect place to start your search for a home in Hendricks County or the Indianapolis area.

Click on the neighborhood picture to view the video tour.

Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Zionsville, Carmel and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Avon Indiana Real Estate~Winton Meadows

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:21:18 -0500

Avon New Home Subdivision~Winton Meadows

Winton Meadows is an Arbor Homes built Community located off of 21st Street, east of Dan Jones Rd.

The neighborhood consists of 11 different models you can build with all models having the option of a basement. The homes range in size from 1840 square foot to 3995 square foot. Prices start at $146,090.

The Summit Series built in Winton Meadows offers luxury detail you would expect in a custom home.

The neighborhood is served by the Avon School District, an Indiana four star school district.

Winton Meadows Homes for Sale - Avon Indiana

View the neighborhood and model homes below.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Avon Indiana Homes~Auburn Meadows

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 22:39:48 -0500

Avon Indiana Neighborhoods~Auburn Meadows

Auburn Meadows is a community of homes built between 1998-2007 by several different builders including:

Qualynn, Sentry Homes, Westport Homes and Keystone

The homes in Auburn Meadows range in size from 2300 square foot to over 5600 square foot.

The neighborhood is located off SR267, south of CR150S and is served by the Avon School District.

Auburn Meadows Neighborhood Show

Auburn Meadows Homes for Sale - Avon Indiana

Recent Statistics:

Auburn Meadows	# Homes	Average Price	HighestPrice
Sold	4	$211,375	$283,000
Available	6	$189,900	$254,995

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

These statistics were assimilated from the Metropolitan Indiana Board of Realtors data and are representative of homes which were sold between 1/1/2007 and 6/23//2007. Available homes were active on 6/23/07. This data is reflective of homes which were listed on the MLS; private sales are not included. All information is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed. This information should not be used to valuate property in any area.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Avon Indiana Homes~Reserve at Bridgewater

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:31:22 -0500

Avon Indiana Neighborhoods~Reserve at Bridgewater

Homes in The Reserve at Bridgewater were built between 1998 and 2003 by Zaring Premiers Homes, a Drees Company. Zaring/Drees is known for their high quality design and craftsmanship. Drees is currently building new homes in the community of Woodcreek Crossing in Avon.

The homes in Reserve at Bridgewater offer abundant space in home and lot size. The average size of the homes is 2800 square foot with an additional 1200 square foot of basement. Almost all of the homes built in Reserve at Bridgewater have a basement.

Reserve at Bridgewater is located off CR625E, south of CR150S, and is served by the Avon School District.

Reserve at Bridgewater Homes for Sale - Avon Indiana

Current Statistics:

Reserve at Bridgewater	# Homes	Average Price	HighestPrice
Sold	2	$297,450	$308,900
Available	1	$269,500	$269,500

Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Zionsville, Carmel and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Pictures on the MLS - A Homebuyers Inside Look!

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:40:32 -0500

My daughter was sitting with me at the computer last night, looking at homes on the MLS. She and her husband are thinking about buying a new home, maybe getting something a little bigger.

When we came to a home with no pictures, I would stop to read the info - does it have a basement, square foot, bedrooms, etc. She said, "forget it, why don't people post pictures with these homes"? Her question was valid!

I had to tell her I honestly have no idea.

She knows I tote my camera everywhere and am perplexed at the absence of pictures in the MLS. Now I know there may be a few homes on the market, where, there is no way around it, you just can't get a good interior shot. I think at least one good shot of the front, some idea about the home should be given.

I'm not even sure they have to be the best photos and you don't have to be a professional photographer (I'm not). But good photos with a digital camera are fairly easy. Gone are the days of waiting for your pictures. I can easily take a 100 photos and delete those which did not turn out.

Experience tells me the consumer just passes by the homes with no photos. Having photos definately increases the odds a buyer will stop to look at the home. If you can get them to stop for a minute, they may take time to read the info. Hey, they may even decide a personal tour is in order so they can see more.

I am a firm believer in marketing with multiple photos, Real Estate Shows and on multiple websites. You never know where the buyer may be searching when they find my clients home. One thing for sure, they will find photos, as many as I can post!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

The Calm After the Storm~

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:23:15 -0500

Here in the Midwest, we have a familiar saying, "the calm before the storm" when tornado season is in high gear. The sky turns a strange gray blue color, the wind stops howling and the eeriness of the calm is anything but calming. These are the times the sirens wail and the entire family heads for the basement or interior closet, seeking refuge in case a tornado would strike.

Luckily, we have never personally been exposed to serious damage a tornado can cause. Oh yeah, we have had trees uprooted, extensive hail and wind, but not total destruction.

From 2002-2005, the real estate market was engulfed in tornado type activity. Fueled by historically low interest rates, speculation and greed, the whirlwind hopped, skipped and jumped around the country, leaving financial loss for some.

Now, we are left with the "calm after the storm".

Everything is kind a quiet...

People are out analyzing the situation, proceeding with caution, waiting for insurance before they make a move.

Some are still hanging out in the basement. Without surveying the situation, they believe there really wasn't much damage.

Many areas around the country are having a difficult time cleaning up the mess. Some are experiencing 10% and more in loss of their property value - They didn't heed the siren warning. They didn't know when to go inside. They could have come in and gathered some of their valuables and waited for the storm to subside.

The Indianapolis real estate market has suffered some minor damage. We had a few hits across the city and outlying areas, not as major as some areas around the country. It appears the storm is leaving the area, people are starting to asess their options and move forward, cautiously.

They will make their decisions based on new information gained through weathering the storm.

The great thing about the calm after the storm is, the sky is clearer, the grass greener and the air fresher. Everyone seems to have a different perspective about their experience. Each will make decisions based on their perspective.

What's your perspective? How will the storms passage influence your decisions?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

School Rules

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:19:49 -0500

Today, I went shopping for school supplies with my daughter and granddaughters. The oldest is starting third grade on Monday. Doing this brought back memories of the August ritual I experienced every year with my own children. Everyone choosing the perfect binder, notebook, cute pencils, bookbags and other accesories,

My granddaughter, Kaly, did the same thing my children did. She carefully chose a notebook with butterflies on it, another with hearts, really cool pencils and scissors. Also on the list was tissue(large box), quart size storage bags, dry erase markers (2) big size and a few other odd items. I asked my daughter what they used these items for.

The answer surprised me! Every student is responsible for supplies used by the teacher for the benefit of the class. All these items are put in storage for use throughout the year. We use to supply tissue periodically, but it was never mandatory!

As the bill was tallied, I told my daughter, "this could be frightening for someone with three or four children". She remarked, " plus the book rental of $100.00 a year". Are you kidding me. Children have to pay book rental now to use the books in the classroom? YES, was the answer.

When we returned home, Kaly started looking through her new items, while my daughter put her name on everything. Kaly said, "I hope I get to keep the butterfly notebook!" My daughter asked why she wouldn't. Apparently, in past years, the teacher took everyone's items, made separate piles, then redistributed them. Kaly did not get to keep the items she chose. I was surprised to say the least.

Is this customary in your city and school district? I would love to know.

Indianapolis Real Estate Blog

Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Hendricks County, Zionsville, Carmel and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

At Home in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:48:42 -0500

Indianapolis is Home

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), family get togethers, 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 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 from your back yard.. 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 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

Indianapolis Real Estate Blog

Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Hendricks County, Zionsville, Carmel and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

Consider the Cost of your Indianapolis Dream Home

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (Red Door Real Estate) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 15:46:15 -0500

Real Estate provides an opportunity to meet people from all different walks of like with specific needs and wants in their Indianapolis home.

I often encounter those who want to try their hand at flipping properties. As long as they know what they are getting into and have adequately considered both the renovation and holding cost, I will be their real estate scout.

Others, want to buy something low and fix it up themselves, also known as "sweat equity". I admire, appreciate and applaud those who are able to do the work themselves. Their goal and dream is to have a home they have created. My goal is to help them achieve their dream.

I also have clients who are weighing the cost of remodeling their home or adding on vs. selling and moving into something new or bigger. This is often a task which involves serious conideration since you are living in the home while it is being renovated. A homeowner also does not want to put more into the home than the potential resale value.

Then there is always a person. like myself, who dreams of remodeling and renovating one of the Historic, Victorian homes in Lockerbie Square. Now, that's a project!

Each of these scenarios has their own advantages and disadvantages. My advice is "always consider the true cost of taking on such a project". I often find those who have underestimated the cost of a project end up losing much more in the end, if they have to sell before finishing the project.

My recommendation is to seek an expert in the field of remodeling and renovation. Having expert advice beforehand can save you thousands later. One such renovation company in Indianapolis is Renovation Resources. Jeff Echols is a Renovation Consultant who has experience in determining the cost involved in remodel and renovation of properties.

Jeff's experience includes:

An architect by training in the residential market for the past 10 years and more varied markets the 5 years prior having worked on everything from corporate headquarters to preserving historic covered bridges and firehouses.
He has very strong ties to the construction field having worked in just about every major trade.
His current projects range from a second floor addition, a master suite / pool house / summer kitchen addition, a complete home renovation, to an exterior facade renovation of a small but prominent condo building downtown.
Evaluates properties that clients are considering purchasing for the renovation / remodel potential.

Contact Jeff Echols before you begin the project. You'll save time and money.

Jeff is a guest contributor on my IndyRealEstateTalk blog.