SPRING HAS SPRUNG - April 2011

Spring has officially Sprung! Can you believe we have already had a few (maybe 2) 70 degree days? I absolutely love this time of year. Everyone is so happy –spring break, spring training, kids have a few more months of school, the weather is nice, good time to hit the golf course, etc etc. For me, it’s nice weather to take buyers out, sellers are getting the urge to list their homes, open house traffic seems to be picking up, and we are almost to the month of May, which we all know is an exciting time in the Indy Metro Area. Here’s a outline of some exciting things coming up and of mention:

Final Four -- OK so my picks were WAY OFF this year BUT, how exciting for the Butler Bulldogs to back in the national championship game this year! As many of you know, my brother John played basketball for Butler in the 90’s and my family has followed the team ever since. What an outstanding group of basketball players and young men that represented our city and state on the national level. One of my favorite members of the team is the ADORABLE English Bulldog mascot Blue II. I followed him on his journey to Houston on twitter. Too cute! (You can follow me on Twitter : @sshoup)

Real Estate News –NOW is also a good time to List your house if you have been on the fence. There is less competition on the market now, versus waiting until mid May- early June but, competition varies depending on neighborhoods, school district, etc. If you or someone you know is thinking of Selling, call or email me to get a Free Market Analysis. Also STILL a great time to buy—low rates, great deals.

Personal Achievement –In the April Edition of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine, I was recognized as a 5-Star Real Estate Agent. You can find my name under Zionsville Agents. Also, in the Indianapolis Business Journal, the company I’m affiliated with, F.C Tucker Company, Inc. was ONCE AGAIN named the #1 Real Estate Broker in the City.

UPCOMING Home Buyers Seminar WHEN: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 6:00 pm WHERE: Key Bank Zionsville -- 1610 W. Oak St. Zionsville, IN 46077 Presented by: Bryan Traylor, Mortgage Advisor at Key Bank-Zionsville & Stacy Shoup, Broker Associate at F.C. Tucker Company, Inc

***This event will provide all the info you need when buying a home – whether you are a first time buyer or haven’t purchased in a few years. (Pass this along to folks you know!!!)

As Always, I am grateful for referrals that my family, friends, and past clients have given me. THANK YOU -- If I can ever be of assistance you and/or your family/friends—don’t hesitate to call. Just a reminder of my Personal Mission Statement that I created 3+ Years ago that I LIVE BY EVERYDAY:

To provide accurate knowledge and valuable insight of current real estate conditions to enable my valued customers to make sound, profitable decisions regarding their real estate. Through trust, exceptional customer service, clear communication, and a fine-tuned Individualized Marketing Plan, with proven results, my customer’s needs are top priority. I strive to make every client a friend for life.

HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK --SS

Buying a Home in this Current Real Estate Market

Over the years of working with buyers/sellers, I have always felt like with my background in mortgage lending & title insurance, I have a clear advantage to my competitors to assist clients in making sound decisions regarding their real estate.



I recently put my knowledge into 2 comprehensive guides "Buying a Home in the Current Market" and "List to Sold--Quick,Convenient & Getting YOU the Most Money"



With rates so low, I've been busy with buyers so, I would like to share some highlights of the Homebuying Guide:

1. "What's standard amount for Earnest Money"? Typically in our market 1% of the Sales Price.


2. "When to make an offer?" Buyer's typically look at 5-12 homes before making an offer. I also look at how long the home has been on the market, recent price reductions, etc when deciding when to make an offer.

3. "Should I pay to get a Home Inspection when buying a new home?" ABSOLUTELY!!! I always recommend a home inspection for new and pre-existing homes. This section of my Guide for Homebuying is Extensive and properly defines "Major Defect" and what happens when one is found.

4. "I've heard the mortgage process is difficult" That one can be TRUE. My Guide will explain the process from start from finish and give you a heads up on what to expect. The process can be difficult, even if you have A+ credit. I will make the process seamless for you!!

5. "How does Stacy get paid to represent me as a Buyer" I'm paid by the SELLER!! I will drive buyer's around looking at homes, greet them w/ coffee, negotiate like a pit bull on their behalf...all for free. I can also represent you when looking at new construction or FSBO.

MY GUIDE FOR HOMEBUYER CONTAINS SO MUCH MORE INFO!!!

IF you or someone you know is looking to Buy or Sell. their 1st OR 100th home, have them give me a call or email -- I would be happy to sit down with them and go over my "Guides to Buying & Selling" I guarantee the process will be smooth. Email me at sshoup@talktotucker.com for a copy of either "Buying a Home in the Current Market" or "List to Sold: Quick, Convenient & Getting YOU the Most Money"

Economics...Your Realtor's POV

As a graduate of the Kelley School of Business, I took my share of Economics Courses which I actually enjoyed. (They were far more interesting than accounting or HTML programming, yuck!) Anyway, I have been recently thinking about the very basics of Economics...Supply and Demand, Law of Supply/Demand, Excess Supply/Demand, and Consumer choices & costs..etc. etc., and how it related to my industry and my business, Real Estate. I THINK there is certainly a demand for housing...its a great time to BUY, rates are at ALL time lows. People WANT to buy a house if they are currently in the rental market (can pay less on a Mortgage than rent), and there is a group of people that are either in a MOVE-UP or MOVE-Down Market....sooo, what are the issues:

1. The Lending Environment is still rather hostile.
2. Sellers who want or need to move owe more than they can sell for.
3. Even though the Rental Market is favorable, lenders make it difficult to "rent" out your current home so you can buy another (in a Move-up Situation) EVEN if you qualify w/ required debt-to-income ratios.

AND, the Supply is still rather high in Most Areas...

but, really its all relative to what neighborhood you are looking at & living in...

I live/work in the Zionsville, Carmel, Indy Northside...although, sales have been down, prices actually improved in Hamilton & Boone Counties.

Its really a good idea, if you have any inclination of Selling your home or buying a new one, consult a REALTOR, like me, to tell you what is going on in YOUR neighborhood. TRY NOT TO LISTEN TOO MUCH TO THE MEDIA--usually the statistics they give are on a National or Regional level, and things may actually be different in your backyard. Also, websites such as trulia.com & zillow.com often have dated and inaccurate info as well.

FOR MORE INFO ON YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, give me a call or email : sshoup@taktotucker.com or 317-339-6141 cell/text.

Sometimes I think that the media has invented the "double dip recession concept".

Free Homebuyer's Seminar

FREE HOMEBUYERS SEMINAR

Where: Carpenter, Zionsville Office

12045 N Michigan Road

Zionsville, IN 46077

When: Saturday, January 24, 2009 10am-12pm

TO RSVP: Email me at sshoup@callcarpenter.com or call 317-339-6141

All the information you need to get the process started to take advantage of all the incentives to buy a home right now!!