Christmas!!!!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JeZJ1e-H4_w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Christmas time!!!!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/49sS88Cbsc8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 

:) another listing

This beautiful home just outside of town is a great starter home!!! Here is the virtual tour so let me know if you are interested!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1502135/index.ipv

A new home for Christmas?!?!

Are you looking for a new home for Christmas? Here are a bunch of options and no 2 are alike! If you are interested let me know and we can set something up!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1511101/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1515178/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1529974/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/7...4734/1560294/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1566856/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1566863/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1572333/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1577466/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1578281/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1583524/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1587168/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1589186/index.ipv http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1600875/index.ipv

Yay Another listing!!!

Here is the virtual tour for the charming home in Butler! Let me know if you are interested!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1600875/index.ipv

=D Yay another listing!!!

Here is the vitual tour for my new property in Butler!!! Let me know if you want your own personal tour!http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1589186/index.ipv

Broker Luncheon!!!

I'm holding a broker luncheon tomorrow for one of my clients! If for some reason you didn't get an invite and would like to come please e-mail me or call me! christythomson@remax.net or (260)665-2414 x. 222!!! I am looking forward to seeing you all there!

YAY!!!!!! ANOTHER LISTING!!!!!

Here it is!!! The one everyone has been waiting for!!!! Check it out and let me know if you would like to see it personally! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1587168/index.ipv

:D Another listing!!!

Here is the virtual tour!!!! I hope you like it as much as I do!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1577466/index.ipv

Wow!!! Even more listings!!!

Here is another virtual tour for you to check out! Let me know what you think!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1583524/index.ipv

Yay!!! More listings!!!

I just got another listing!!! Here is the virtual tour! If you are interested please let me know and I would love to  take you on your own personal tour!  http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1578281/index.ipv

=) another listing!!!

I just got another new listing in Fremont!!! Here's the virtual tour! Check it out and let me know what you think =D http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1562639/index.ipv

Here is the virtual tour!!!!

I have another new listing!!! Here is the virtual tour http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1560294/index.ipv ! Let me know if you or anyone else you know is interested!!!

Just sold!!!

I just sold a property in Fremont!!! I'm hoping to sell more though!

New property listing!!!!

I got a new listing in Angola!!! Check out the virtual tour and let me know what you think!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1532227/index.ipv

New listing in Wolcottville!!!

Just got a new listing in Wolcottville!!! Here's the virtual tour... CHECK IT OUT!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1547903/index.ipv

Just listed!!! Yay more listings!!!

More listings!!!! Just listed 202 Pennsylvania Ave., Kendallville IN 46755!!! Here's the virtual tour! Check it out! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1543056/index.ipv

Oh my!!! More listings!!!

Look... another listing!!! Here's the virtual tour for a house in Shipshewana! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1534944/index.ipv

Even more listings!!!

I just got another new listing in Hudson! Check out the virtual tour! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1531415/index.ipv

Yet another new listing!!!

Here it is!!! Another new listing in Fremont!!! Here's the virtual tour! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1534887/index.ipv

Yay!!! New Listing!!!

Here is the virtual tour for my new listing in Angola! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1534992/index.ipv    Check it out!

More listings!!!!

Two new listings! One in Kendallville and one in Shipshewana! The marker is busy and there are buyers everywhere! I had a great weekend. I showed houses all day Saturday and had a nice time at the Remax social on Sunday. Thank you Linda, Pam and Todd for everything!

Virtual Tour!!!

Here is the virtual tour for my new listing in Butler. Check it out!!! http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1532198/index.ipv

Another new listing!!!!

Another new listing! Listings are just rolling in now. Angola country home coming up! Also my daughters senior year registration and scrimmage against Prairie Heights volleyball tonight! WHOOP WHOOP!!!

Coming soon!!!

New listing coming up in Hudson and Butler!

Fantastic!!!

I had a FANTASTIC run this morning the weather was perfect! I have showings this evening and afternoon and tons of paperwork to do! I hope everyone has a wonderful day :)

Amen!!!

Thank goodness my assistant is back! With the accident and all my work everything has been hectic. I have many new listings! I have showings tomorrow and I'm hoping I can find these people a nice a house. I'm enjoying all my buyers old and new and am looking forward to time with my daughter since she just got back home from California!

Oh my!

Had a late night last night. I wrote an offer for a FSBO for one of my clients. Found out that another one of my friends is getting married next year! That makes 4 weddings! I also enjoyed a nice dip in the lake yesterday, and found out another kid killed his parents and then threw a party while their bodies lay in the bedroom! What is going on?! Everyone stay cool for the hot days coming up!

It's going to be a hot one!

I had a busy work weekend. I got 2 offers yesterday and had to work Saturday. But with the work I also got to have fun. Spending time with my family and my sisters engagement party Saturday was nice, and my nephews birthday party Sunday was fun. This week should be a nice and hot one, everyone stay cool!

Super busy!

The HUD conference in Chicago was great. I enjoyed the rooftop bar/lounge. I also went wedding dress shopping with Amy and my sister :D. But I have a busy day today! 4 showings and a closing! And for tomorrow a showing and my sisters engagement party. Then Sunday my nephews birthday! So much to do!

More new listings!

I have 2 new listings coming my way! Also I have my 3 new HUD listings. I don't have any prices yet, but if you would like more details on anything feel free to call me at the office (260)665-2414 ext. 222 or message me!

Having a busy Monday!

I had a listing appointment this morning and have another this afternoon. I'm looking forward to helping someone out! I also have a showing appointment this afternoon at 2. I had a great weekend, but am not so happy about today's storm! Have a happy Monday!

Check 'em out!

Here are the virtual tours for my new properties! Check them out and let me know if you are interested in any of them! 1. Pleasant Lake http://idx.imprev.net/03782F07/34/74734/1511014/index.ipv
2. Angola http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/34/74734/1510933/index.ipv
3. LaGrange/Wolcottville http://idx.imprev.net/03782F07/34/74734/1511101/index.ipv

Late work night last night... but it was worth it!

I worked till 8 o'clock last night working on my 3 new listings and 4 new buyers! I'm going to help someone with a short sale today also. I love my job!

Great day yesterday!

Had a busy day yesterday, but I got new listings and buyers! All in all a great day.

I can't believe it...

Casey Anthony was found not guilty! One day she'll have to answer to God. Either way I can't believe it's Wednesday already! I hope you all have a great rest of the week. There is lots of activity in the market so I'll be busy!

Great weekend!

Wow what a great weekend! It was nice seeing all my friends and family for the 4th. I have also been granted the honor of being the maid of honor for the third wedding happening next year. I'm happy for my two sisters and my close friend of 22 years congratulations to all of them. After the busy weekend I'm excited to get back to work! I hope you all have a great week. I got 3 buyer leads this weekend so if your'e looking to buy or sell call or e-mail me!

The weekend is finally here!

It's been a busy week and I have lots going on. There are buyers everywhere and lots of inspection reports to get done. But the weekend is here and I'm looking forward to the fireworks on Lake James tomorrow night and seeing my family Sunday and Monday!

New Listing!

I got a new listing today! It's an attractive country home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and sits on a full basement. Out back there is a Pole Barn with a loft upstairs for additional storage. This charming home is nestled on .85 acres close to town but still has the feel of the country for only $110,000. This property won't last long!

REO Inventory Reaches All-Time High

I found this article and found it very interesting.  Did you know each foreclosure can lower your neighborhood value up to 9%?  Please call me if you or someone you know is struggling with paying their mortgage or wants to sell!  I can help! 

REO Inventory Reaches All-Time High
The national inventory of REO properties rose in March to a record high of 2.2 million. Foreclosure starts also increased by 33 percent month-over-month, according to the March Mortgage Monitor report by Lending Processing Services Inc.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the housing market. The report revealed a significant increase in foreclosure sales, which is helping to chip away at the swelling inventories that are battering many markets.

Also, delinquencies continue to decline, which is a sign of fewer foreclosures brewing in the pipeline. Delinquencies fell more than 11 percent in March from February — the lowest level since 2008 and a nearly 20 percent year-over-year decline, according to Lender Processing Services Inc. The total U.S. loan delinquency rate, which is for loans 30 or more days past due (but not in foreclosure), is 7.78 percent.

States with the highest percentage of loans where home owners have fallen behind are Florida, Nevada, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Georgia.

On the other hand, states that boast the lowest percentage of delinquent loans are Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

Source: “Banks Build Record Foreclosure Inventory,” RISMedia (May 5, 2011)

How to decide what you pay for a home.

One of the hardest, most important decisions homebuyers face is how much to offer for their home.  And the glut of information on the web about real estate only makes buyers even crazier than the decision itself does.  Supply, demand, foreclosure rates, mortgage rates – buyers think they need to run spreadsheets and do fancy math to make a smart offer.  And THAT can be super intimidating.
But the fact is, there is a pretty short list of steps you need to take to make a smart offer – one that gets you a great value, but is also likely to be successful at getting the property. (A low offer does not make for a great deal if you don’t get the house!)  And most of the same steps apply to sellers trying to set the list price that will lure the most buyers (and net them the most cash)!
Step 1: What do the “comps” say?  First things first. When it comes to pricing a home, or making an offer to buy one, the ‘first thing” is the home’s fair market value. Both buyers and sellers should work with an experienced, local agent to understand what the home’s value is. Most agents will do this by offering you a look back at similar properties that have recently sold in the neighborhood – i.e., the  comparable sales, or comps.
HINT: You can also find comps for a home listed on Trulia by scrolling down to the section labeled Sold Homes near 1234 Merriweather Lane on the property's Trulia listing page.
Ideally, look for comparables that are very recent sales (3 months or less before you’re listing or buying), very similar properties (i.e., same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage; and similar style, condition and amenities). If you do get into contract, these may be the same comparables which will be considered by the appraiser, so looking at them before making an offer can:
(a) provide factual support for a lower-than-asking offer or for the asking price, in a negotiation, and
(b) result in a sale price at which the property will actually appraise, later on - avoiding the common glitch of the deal falling through because the appraisal comes in way below the agreed-upon price.
Also, looking at comps is the first step for locating a home’s seller and prospective buyer in the reality-based universe of current home values.  The fact that you bought or refinanced the place at a given value 5 or 6 years ago is entirely irrelevant to what it’s worth today, as is the buyer’s belief that the place was worth $100K less at the trough of the market, in 2009.
Step 2:  What can you afford?  This step is much more critical for buyers than for sellers. (Unfortunately, sellers, the facts that you need to net a particular amount to buy your next home or pay your existing mortgages or credit card bills off has no relationship whatsoever to the price at which you should list or will sell your home.)
Buyers – it’s a must to make sure that your offer price for any given home falls within the range of what is affordable for you.  This includes offering a price within the range for which your mortgage was preapproved, but also includes making sure that the monthly payment and cash you’ll need to close the deal (down payment + closing costs) are affordable in light of the particular house. If, for example, the property will require repairs for which you’ll need to conserve cash, or has HOA dues you hadn’t planned on, you may need to rejigger your offer accordingly.
Step 3: What’s your competition? (And what’s theirs?)  This is another step at which it’s critical to check in with your agent. You need to know what level of competition you’ll face – whether you are a buyer, or a seller.  As a seller, you can find this out by looking at things like how many comparable homes are listed in your town or your neighborhood in your general price range (your agent will brief you on this).  Sellers should also consider what type of transactions their home will be up against – the more distressed properties (foreclosed homes and short sales) with which your home must compete, the more aggressive you must be with your pricing to get your home sold.
The more competition you have, as a seller, the lower you should tweak your list price to attract buyers to come see your home. (And the more buyers come to see your home, the more likely you are to get an offer!)
Buyers should also be cognizant of the competition level they will face for homes.  Believe it or not, even on today’s market there are properties and neighborhoods in which multiple offers are the name of the game. Work with your agent to understand the list price-to-sale price (LP:SP) ratio , which lets you know how much under or over the asking price properties are selling for in your target home’s neighborhood; the higher the LP:SP ratio, generally speaking, the less competition there is among buyers. 
Your agent can also brief you on:

(1)  (1)    The number of offers – if any - that have been presented on “your” property (which the listing agent will usually, gladly tell).  If there are other offers, you’ll want to make a higher offer to compete successfully against them; and

(2)    (2)  The number of days the home has been on the market, relative to how long an average home stays on the market before it sells – the longer it has, the more pressure is on the seller, price-wise, and the less competition the buyer is likely to have.  (One exception is the sweet spot scenario, when a property that has been on the market for a long time has a price reduction and gets a bunch of offers as a result! )

4.  How much do they need to sell (or buy) it?  Buyers: Has the listing in which you’re interested been reduced at all?  By how much?  Has the listing agent informed you that her clients are highly motivated, flexible or have an urgent need to sell?   
Sellers – most buyers are not in a high state of urgency to buy these days, given the long-term, high affordability of homes and interest rates, except when they have an urgent personal reason for moving, e.g., buyers who are relocating for work.  Of course, all of real estate is hyperlocal, so it’s important to understand how motivated buyers are in your local market, generally speaking, before you set your list price.
Trulia’s new, interactive Price Reductions Map offers a number of clues to critical indicators of buyer and seller motivations in your home’s town and zip code, in just a click on the map - including:

·         how many homes in your target property’s area have had at least one price reduction,

·         how likely a home in the area is to have multiple price reductions.

The higher these numbers are, the stronger of a buyer’s market it is, and the more bargaining power buyers likely have.   And if you’re the seller, the higher these numbers are for your area, the lower you may need to price your home to be successful at getting it sold.
5.  How much do you want to buy, or sell, the place?  Step #4 was about taking the motivations of the folks on the other side of the bargaining table into account when formulating your offer and your list price.  This step is all about you – what’s your level of motivation?  Now, buyers, you certainly shouldn’t offer a price way above what the place is worth (see Step #1) just because you really, really want it, unless you have the cash to throw around.  But within the range of the home’s fair market value, it may make sense to move higher within that range if you are highly motivated to get that particular property.
Sellers: think of your list price as the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal. if you really want or need to sell, get aggressive about setting your price as low as makes sense for your your home's value and local market dynamics to attract qualified buyers and help your home stand out against all the competition.

Home in Ashley

Beautiful 4 bedroom home with attached garage and fenced in back yard, ready to move into.  Only 28500.  Don't miss this home. 

New listing!

Please follow this link.  I have listed this beautiful home in Lagrange within reasonable distance to town, but nestled upon 20 acres.  Here is the virtual tour...http://www.realestateshows.com/567910   I hope you all like it! 

Happy Wednesday!!

So, looks like it's Wednesday...not Thursday!  for some reason I have thought all this week has been one day later.  Maybe it's all the hard work!  Good thing I LOVE it!  If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.  Well, got together last night with a friend and we have set me up a tag line...quick sale christy!  I love it!  I have set up a new domain name and done postcards and now I have created this Blog...hope to have alot of followers eventually.  I even am on Twitter.  Don't quite get twitter, you don't get much room to say anything.  I am a fan of Facebook!  It makes it so much easier to stay in touch with people!  Well, spring is here...if anyone knows anyone who is looking to buy or sell, please let me know! 

First Blog!

Happy Tuesday night everyone!  Doing my first blog of my life!  I have recently become the listing agent of Hometelos.  I know most of you don't know what that means...well you all know I work for Re/Max and enjoy my job very much.  Well, Hometelos is a government agent of HUD...what that is, is FHA loans that have been foreclosed upon.  That means lots of business for me!  These homes are going to be excellent buys and I am very excited on my new venture.  I have a new property coming up in Ashley.  This property is 4 bedroom with an attached garage and a real nice backyard.  This home was loved by previous owner.  Call me for your private viewing!