Swimming Pool -- Asset or Liability???

So I recently was listening to the radio while on the way to show houses and the DJ was talking about things that decrease value in the home and mentioned swimming pools....the other DJ couldn't believe it!! Then I remembered thanks to I-HEART RADIO, I was listening to a Miami, FL radio station...ahhhh, it all made sense to me.

Here's my personal take on Swimming pools:

Depends (really!) on where you are geographically located. In the Indianapolis, Indiana metro area. I feel there are LESS buyers that actually want to deal with a swimming pool, than actually have the desire to have a pool on their "must have" list. With our climate, you may only be able to actually use the pool for a 3-4 months out of the year--and that puppy better be HEATED and that costs $$$$.

In warmer climates, many times the pools are NOT HEATED and you may only NOT be able to use the pool for 3-4 months -- making them more desirable/tolerable to buyers...I have had clients that would NOT look at a home if it had a pool as well as those that were OK with a pool (if in good condition). The ONLY client that I had that actually had a pool on their "must have" list was a high-end client. The Miami based DJ touched on the high-end buyer by stating that homes over $1 million, a pool was usually expected by the client.

For me personally, I wouldn't want the upkeep/maintenance of a pool BUT a neighborhood pool is a must for me -- lounging by the pool in the Indiana Summer is my female version of being on the golf course.

For more info on Indianapolis Metro homes with or without swimming pools, contact me today!!! I have a very lovely lisitng w/ a swimming pool: www.talktotucker.com/21112994.

Good News in the Real Estate World…Central Indiana Home Sales UP 16 percent in June and FC Tucker Company up a whopping 35%.

You all know I LOVE some good, positive news regarding my industry that I LOVE!! – here it is.
June 2011 pended home sales rose more than 16% over June 2010. My company, the FC Tucker Company saw company sales increase 35% !!! Average Sales Prices in the central Indiana area have also increased slightly…MORE GOOD NEWS!! I feel that the best news of all the recent sales statistics is that Inventory from June ’10 compared to June ’11 is DOWN. Inventory = Supply, when Supply is ↓ then Demand will go ↑ and Prices should rise as well…Something welcomed news for Home Sellers. In central Indiana there is still a overall 7 month inventory but, among homes selling for $300,000 or less, the inventory is down to a 6 month supply. According to Industry leaders, a healthy balanced demand/supply real estate market is 4-6 months. With June’s positive numbers, year to date home sales are down 9%, with a continued positive trend, we may end the year in the positive!!!

Month of May....Racing into Real Estate Sales

I’ve been a little busy which is a GOOD THING! In addition to selling houses, I ran and finished my second EVER half-marathon the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles!!) on May 7. The weather was actually perfect running weather and it was actually pretty painless this year. Next year, I promised my fiancé that we can go to the Kentucky Derby instead (they usually fall on the same Saturday in May). The mini marathon is actually the kick off to all the May festivities leading up to the Indianapolis 500.


The month of May is always very busy in Real Estate. I have been very busy w/ buyers and sellers. You may be hearing on the news that the prices are down compared to one year ago. That is true BUT the inventory is down as well…a lot! In fact, inventory is down double digits in some areas. I can certainly attest to low inventory. I have been out with buyers and we are having trouble finding what we are looking for. For sellers, it’s still considered a buyer’s market…low rates, lots of deals, etc. BUT with a well-priced home that is staged/merchandised well – your home will sell!! I have also been running into multi offer situations…which is lovely and a sign of an improving market. When inventory or Supply is down, prices should go up….we are hopeful that rising prices are right around the corner. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE – CALL ME –THE TIME IS NOW!!!

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

MARCH MADNESS PART 2

Again, this is BY far my Favorite Part of the year...and i have been so busy w/ Buyers and preparing for upcoming fabulous listings and all the great basketball that has been on.

THANK GOODNESS for my IPhone and the NCAA March Madness Ap that allows me to watch games while in the car or at the office....

I had to change my Final Four picks when the brackets actually came out...I, officially, have DUKE, the Ohio State, Kansas, and Wisconsin as my final 4 picks w/ the Ohio State & the Thad Matta winning it ALL!!

What about those Butler Bulldogs??!!?? WOW--I have never witnessed such a bizarre ending of a basketball game...When Shelvin Mack fouled the guy, I had visions of C-Webber calling that Time Out. Then the guy fouled Howard and that was by far the stupidest foul ever and Mack's was the runner-up. Regardless, very happy for the Bulldogs.

Real Estate is Rocking...Lots of Buyers and Sellers! Loving March Madness!