While I believe we will continue to see growth in real estate sales over the next 2-3 years, what matters in this market is sticking with it, having the right attitude, continuing to market yourself even during these “down” times, and be ready when the calls come in!  It’s all about personality and confidence that you can get the job done better than anybody else… and I believe I can!  That’s the difference…

Jill Davis
Realty Executives Lafayette
765-414-0579
www.JillDavisRealEstate.com

1. If fixing some problem… THEN FIX THE PROBLEM!  It is common for us as busy individuals to paint over this and putty over that, but first you may want to investigate what the underlying issue may be.  When making repairs to seam cracks, paint chipping and all the above, take the time to look into the cause, then maybe you won’t be fixing it again down the road!  Moisture or structural damages are often the cause of significant paint/wall issues.  Fix it right the first time and save yourself some headaches in the end!

2. Be extremely cautious of asbestos and lead based paint!  Before you begin ripping out flooring and covering up paint, it is important that you be educated on these two topics.  Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength.  Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, and since the mid 1980′s many uses of asbestos have been banned in our country.  However, if you are dealing with a home prior to that time, asbestos may be found  in deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles.  “Stirring up” asbestos is dangerous to your health and should be done by a certified professional!  When is comes to lead based paint, you are primarily at risk if your home was built before 1978.  If that is the case, it is best to assume that some traces of lead based paint may exist in your home, and consult a professional!  Lead based paint is particularly dangerous for children under the age of six, and the dust or fragments of the paint can be lethal when ingested!

3. Use appropriate storage and disposal practices for paints, solvents and other materials!  Help protect our environment and each other by following the provided guidelines for waste removals.  Be sure containers are carefully sealed after each use, not only for everybody’s safety, but also the life of your product.  Keep paint containers in specified areas, and not directly near heating, ventilation or air conditioners.

4. Be considerate!!!  I know when I set off to accomplish a home project, I am anxious to get the work done in a timely fashion.  However, as fellow neighbors (assuming you are located in a neighborhood) make sure to keep the “noisy” work for daytime hours… if you’re pounding in the middle of the night, some of your neighbors may want to pound you!

5. Have fun!  Making big and little changes around the house should be a fun and exciting time.  Whether you’re making big additions and alterations, or just painting a little here and there, HAVE FUN!  Be sure to map how long the project is going to take along with the cost, and really try to keep to that budget and time frame.  The worst kind of home project is the one that never gets done, or the one that blows the bank.  Be sure you are financially able to start a project before you actually start the project!  In the long run, updating and giving your home a fresh look will add equity when you go to sell, but unfinished projects can have the opposite effect.

And finally, when you are ready to make a move (whether buying or selling)… don’t forget to give me a call!!!

Jill Davis
Realty Executives Lafayette
765-414-0579
www.JillDavisRealEstate.com

Have you been thinking about buying a home?  Are you just waiting for that “perfect time?”  Well, that time may be here!  With interest rates so low (5.65% for 30 year fixed!!!) and a large number of homes on the market, it may be time to quit waiting and make a move!  Because of the vast amount to sellers with homes for sale, many are settling for numbers well below the asking price, yet another reason to make an offer!  Sadly, because of some of the sub-prime lending in the last 10 years, there is also an unprecedented amount of foreclosures.  Although many of those homes are sold ”as is, where is,” you can sometimes find great deals that with a little TLC could also make great homes.  With so many places to buy, interest rates so low, and sellers accepting below asking price offers, it may just be time to do some house hunting!  Call me today so we can define exactly what you are looking for and begin that search together!

 Jill Davis
Realty Executives Lafayette
765-414-0579
www.JillDavisRealEstate.com

As if there is not enough hustle and bustle throughout the holiday season, what if you are looking to sell your home too?!  How do you maintain your normal holiday festivities, yet have your home ready to show at a moments notice?  It is said that buyers who take the time to look during the Christmas season are some of the most serious buyers there are…so having a great showing is of utmost importance.  Here are a few general ideas that could help you not only sell your home during the holidays, but enjoy the season to the fullest!

1. Curb appeal always matters!  Don’t force your potential buyers to wade through several feet of snow to reach your front door.  Try to keep sidewalks and drives as clear of snow as possible, and the yard free of debris or clutter.  Although landscaping is not usually addressed much during the snowy season, be sure shrubs and bushes are not overgrown and hanging over walkways or touching the home.  A little extra time in the cold yard could make a big difference… so bundle up!

2. Keep outdoor decorating tasteful and simple!  I am a big fan of lights, garland and tinsel, but remember that your potential buyers will most likely be viewing your home in the daytime, and 12 holiday inflatables (or deflatables in many cases!) in the yard may not do your home justice.  Spend some extra time decorating the front door, for this is the welcome you want your buyers to feel.  Christmas lights are fine, just be careful of too many lawn ornaments.  Also be extra sure any wires are properly taped down for safety reasons to you and the future homeowners!

3. Create a sense of comfort and style.  Once your potential buyers enter your home, you want them to feel overwhelmed with a feeling of hospitality and comfort.  Let them feel how wonderful this house could be for their future holiday entertaining.  Have some Christmas music playing softly in the background, spray some mild air fresheners (I recommend any that smell like fresh baked goods during the holidays!).  Have clutter picked up and personal belongings put away!  You want the buyer to imagine his/her belongings and where certain things could go… after all, you are trying to sell your home!

 The best way to look at holiday home selling is this… imagine at any moment a group of friends were to stop over and visit… how would you want your yard and home to look?  Strive to keep your home in that condition all season long, so as not to stress when your Realtor calls for a showing or open house.  Selling your home is usually an exciting time, and the process shouldn’t be overwhelming, even during the holidays.  With some simple steps, you can make a big difference!

 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

 Jill Davis
Realty Executives Lafayette
765-414-0579
www.JillDavisRealEstate.com

5 Easy Steps To A Successful Home Landscape Project  

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a landscape project? What plants and flowers are best? How much should I really spend? Should I go it alone, or hire somebody to help with the process? Here are 5 simple steps that may make your landscape challenge a bit easier and the headaches a bit smaller!

Step 1: Planning, planning, planning! Grab a blank sheet of paper and begin mapping out what you have to work with. Sketch a simple drawing of your property, including the home, pathways, existing landscaping (including trees), pools, patios, and any other existing element.

Step 2: Look around your home and plot for natural and artificial elements that may affect the use of your property and landscape. Artificial elements include busy streets, other buildings, mountains and such. Natural elements also play into your future landscape. These items would include: direction and quality of sunlight, direction and speed of wind, and anything else that could naturally affect your space.

Step 3: What’s your function? Define the function of your garden and landscape. How and why will family members use this space? For example, if your primary motive is to have get-togethers in this area, will the garden space be sufficient to accommodate your guests? Are the landscape ideas you have practical for your purpose? Write down the various situations in your everyday life when you will use this outdoor space…once you define its function, it will be easier to determine the final layout depending upon your plot analysis in Step 2 and function of the outdoor space.

Step 4: Write down a brief of the materials you would like to see in your garden. This does not have to be extremely detailed, but should outline a rough idea of what will happen in your landscape space. For example, would you like to build any pathways in brick or paving tiles? What types of flowers, shrubs and trees will be utilized, and which are practical when considering the function of the space and any natural and artificial elements that exist? What other wants exist? Fencing? Ponds? This will guide you to create a list of common material so that you get a primary idea of the budget of your residential garden/landscape.

Step 5: This is it!!! Create a schedule of execution for your landscape to take action…this will save you time and money! Once you know which activity starts first, it will be easier to plan accordingly. Site cleaning should always take place first, then so on. Any added electricity should be done prior to planting. Be sure to stick to your schedule carefully…otherwise you could back up your project and spend more money in the long run!

Bottom line…have fun, don’t sweat (at least not too much), and plan accordingly! Know your elements, know your function, know your budget, and have a schedule to get the job done. Happy planting!

Jill

Fall is in the Air

Fall is quickly approaching, with a chill in the air and a crisp feeling every morning. What better time to explore this great city (or cities) and find something fun to do?! Hmmm….so what exactly is that? Here are a few simple ideas that may just peak your interest!

1. Take some time to explore downtown Lafayette! With the great shops, tasty restaurants, and historic locations, there is plenty to do! Try to pick a sunny day for this one…it sure is easier!

2. The Feast of the Hunters’ Moon is quickly approaching. Mark your calandars now! October 13-14, Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 9-4. With food, crafts, activities and fun for the whole family, you’re sure to have a great time. Maybe I’ll see you there!

3. One word always comes to mind when thinking about the fall…football, football, football! Whether you are a football fan or not, there is something exciting about packing up a tailgate party early on a Saturday and heading out with friends and family. The cheering and excitement of the crowd is sure to put anyone in good spirits! GO BOILERS!

Well, there are a few ideas to get your fall started right. It is too beautiful and inviting outside to waste your days! So have some fun, drink some cider, and come back and see me for some great fall recipes!

Jill

(Not that I am a good cook or anything J)

This post is for those of you ladies and gentlemen who enjoy the art of cooking, but have limited time (and/or talent) in the kitchen. However, most of the “quick fix” recipes out there are brutal on the waistline, so I have managed to find some carefree, healthy, and not so disgusting recipes…ENJOY!

Strawberry-Citrus Summer Slush – This recipe is great for hot weather and outdoor fun!

Ingredients: 1 can (46 oz.) pink grapefruit juice (about 6 cups), 1 can (12 oz.) frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 package (0.14 oz.) strawberry-flavored drink mix, 1 bottle (2 liter) ginger ale, chilled (8 cups)

In 2-quart nonmetal freezer container, stir all ingredients except ginger ale until sugar is dissolved. Freeze 4 to 6 hours until slush consistency. If slush is frozen solid, let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. To serve, spoon 1/2 cup slush mixture into 16 serving glasses. Pour 1/2 cup ginger ale over each. (Use diet ginger ale to cut the calories even more!)

No Hassle, No Guilt, Cheesy Potatoes – So yummy!

Ingredients: 1 medium onion, 1 cup butter, 1 32 oz. package frozen hash browns (thawed), 1 can “Healthy Request” Cream of Celery soup, 16 oz. light sour cream, 2 cups reduced fat cheddar cheese

Saute the onion in the butter until tender. Mix hash browns, onion, soup, sour cream and 1 cup cheese. Pour into greased 9 x 13-in. baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until golden brown. Top with remaining cup of cheese and enjoy!

Mixed Berry Dessert Pizza – Pizza for dessert? It couldn’t be a BAD thing!

Ingredients: 1 tube (8 oz.) refrigerated reduced-fat crescent rolls, 1 regular package (11 oz.) reduced-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup apricot preserves, 2 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar, 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1 cup fresh raspberries

Unroll crescent roll dough and place in a 15 x 10 x 1-in. baking pan coated with nonstick spray. Press onto the bottom and 1-in. up the sides of the pan to form a crust; seal seams and perforations. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden. Cool completely. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in preserves and confectioners’ sugar; spread over crust. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Just before serving, arrange berries on top.

My name is Jill Davis and I am a new real estate agent in Lafayette, Indiana. I was born and raised in Michigan, but both my parents grew up Hoosiers. I became an extreme disappointment to the family (only kidding, Mom) when I set my sights on Purdue University, with both my mother and father being Indiana University graduates.

The four years I spent at Purdue will always bring back fond memories, and looking back I wouldnâ€^TMt change a thing! I met my sweetheart, also known as my husband, my first month at the University, and we have been together ever since. I graduated in 2003 with a degree in Communication and a minor in Psychology.

Since graduating, I have been a restaurant manager, and have enjoyed just about every minute of it. The people I meet each and every day definitely make the job worthwhile, along with the leadership and disciplinary skills it has lent me.

My aspiration in life is to be the best wife, daughter, sister, worker, friend, American, neighbor, and someday mom I can be. I want to have it all, and I am willing to work very hard to get there. Everyday, I try to be the best person I know how to be, and I feel that most of my friends and family would say that about me. I am dedicated and honest, and I hope that my successes are because of those two things.

Now that I have told you a little about me, I would love to meet you if the need ever arises. I am new to the real estate field, but my energy and passion are apparent in everything I set my mind to. I am working with experienced individuals along the way, and canâ€^TMt wait to really help those who are ready to sell their home and/or find a home that fits their needs to the fullest. This should be a fun time…so letâ€^TMs have some fun!

Thanks for stopping by,

Jill

A Buyer’s Budget

I remember the excitement and pure joy I felt when my husband and I bought our first home three years ago…and then I realized how much it cost! While I would never take back our decision to purchase, I do wish we had planned and budgeted a little better. Here are some simple, yet important budgeting areas to consider when beginning the search for a home.
Upfront Costs:
· Principal — What is the true cost of the home?

· Interest — Ask your lender what options you have to get the best interest rate possible.
· Taxes — Find out all the taxes you will be responsible for paying when you purchase the house.
· Fees — These include any bank and lending fees, title search fees, closing costs, real estate commissions, etc. Your lending institution and/or real estate professional can explain most of these costs for you if need be.
· Insurance — What insurance coverage is needed and desired on your home? (i.e. Homeownerâ€^TMs Insurance, Flood Insurance, etc.)
Continuing Costs:
· Taxes — Identity all the yearly tax bills that your home will be subject to and find out what tax credits, if any, you may be entitled to.
· Utility Costs — Most commonly gas, electric, water and waste, though may vary by location.
· Community or Association Charges — Know upfront if a monthly or annual fee applies to your neighborhood or complex.
· Annual Maintenance/ Improvement Budget — This oneâ€^TMs important, but often forgotten. Be sure to plan on miscellaneous routine housekeeping needs or small fixes.
· Landscape Budget — Moving from apartment living to owning a home was a big adjustment for my husband and I…oh my, we have a yard?! Know what expenses go along with general upkeep and yard maintenance.

Wish List and Improvement Costs:
· Decorative Improvements — This is where budgeting really can help out! Once you step foot in your new home, your mind will be spinning with all the things you want to do…furniture, window treatments, light fixtures…it never ends! Know what you are able and willing to spend; possibly even budget it out monthly?
· Major Renovations — Adding a deck? Possibly finishing off that basement? These are all things youâ€^TMll want to think about when coming up with an initial budget at home buying time.
Just remember one thing…buying a home should be fun and exciting, with minimal stress and anxiety. Whether you are working with me or another agent, it is up to us to put your mind at ease, assist you with a budget that works for you, and find that perfect home that meets your every need. With a little extra time spent on budgeting, you can maximize your dollars spent and minimize the gray hairs!