Blast from the past

One of our favorite things about selling real estate is getting to look at all the amazing homes around Indianapolis.  Especially in Midtown, there are always homes we view that surprise us.

Just the other day, we were previewing a home for one of our clients and stepped right onto a set from Mad Men. The home was in really good condition….it just looked like it hadn’t been touched since it was built in 1951. Pink and black bathtub and toilets, wide foyer/hallway entry with honeycomb tile, all kinds of vintage chandeliers, limestone fireplace, shag carpets, velvet wallpaper…. and the biggest blast from the past: a built-in tube television.

Definitely needs some cosmetic updating, but the layout is amazing and it could be the coolest ranch home in the area.

Contact us if you want more info on this home, or any home in the Midtown market!

-Indy Scene Team, “We Sell Midtown!”

How to pick the right Real Estate Agent for you

There are a lot of real estate agents out there. Not every agent if for you, and (believe it or not) you are not for every agent. So how do you know which one to hire? Here are a few tips to help guide you while interviewing and researching real estate agents.

1. Testimonials/Reviews

Read an agent’s reviews from other clients they have worked with recently. What other homebuyers and sellers say about an agent will be your best insight into how the agent works, and how the experience will be working with them.  You can find their reviews on their website, Zillow profile, or Facebook. Or you can ask the agent for a list of their recent clients who you can call.

2. Market knowledge

Look for an agent who specializes in your area or neighborhood. Those agents are going to be most knowledgeable about what’s selling and what’s currently listed near your home. They will also know the nearby restaurants, shops, schools, etc., which they will use (at least they should!) to better market your home to buyers who want to be near those amenities.

3. Look at their current listings.

Get online and research the agent’s current listings. Especially look at their pictures and the property descriptions. 90% of homebuyers start their search online, and use pictures to determine if they want to go see a home in person. So the pictures better show VERY well online! The description of the property is important as well. It should include all information about the home that current buyers are looking for (if ACTUALLY included of course!). Click HERE for a list of what current homebuyers are looking for.

4. Do you like them?

You don’t have to be best friends with the person, but your agent should be someone you generally have a good gut feeling about. If you like your agent and have a good rapport with them, the more likely you’ll trust them.

Hope that helps in your search for a real estate agent! As always, call the Indy Scene Team with any real estate questions you may have.

~We sell Midtown!

 

Inside scoop on 317 Burger, coming soon to Broad Ripple!

Indy Scene Team has the inside scoop on the newest restaurant opening soon in Broad Ripple! And from what we’ve heard so far, it’s going to be the next hot spot! Brought to you by the restaurateurs of Delicia, Usual Suspects, and The Northside Social (to name a few), this new one is sure to be a crowd pleaser as well.

317 Burger, located where Ambrosia used to be at 915 Westfield Blvd., will have a menu full of….you guessed it, burgers galore! PLUS, gourmet BLTs, fries (can’t have a burger place without fries!), and some other delicious menu items we’ll have to wait for.

Sit on the restaurant side for a nice sit down meal (families are welcome), or on the bar side for some drinks after work!Their bar will have craft beer continually rotating on tap, so you never know what tasty treat they’ll have when you pop in for a cold beer.

You can find them on Facebook here, or on Twitter, @317Burger. They are currently hiring, so send them a message if you’d like to apply.

We look forward to eating there soon!

Quick list of what Midtown Indy homebuyers want

• Energy efficiency – furnace, windows, etc.
• Outdoor living space – patio, deck, fire pit, and pergolas are SO hot right now.
• Walkable– the closer to local restaurants, shops, parks, the better!
• Parking-Having a garage adds value to your home, and is always a plus for buyers.
• Character-people looking in midtown want to see character (built-ins, original hardwood floors, etc). Thats what makes Midtown homes so great!
• Updates-while buyers like the character of the older homes found in Midtown, upkeep and updates are typically needed in the older homes.
• A deal– this isn’t just for Midtown homebuyers; everyone is looking for a good deal. Look at what houses are selling for near your home, and what is currently listed. Pricing your home competitively from the start will get the most buyer’s attention the fastest.

 

Happy Halloween!

We sell haunted houses too, FYI. Happy Halloween!

 

 

Controversial Broad Ripple Development- Yay or Nay?

Photo courtesy of Nuvo.net

The controversial development proposed for Broad Ripple received initial approval at a hearing last Thursday. The mixed-use development could include an apartment complex and grocery store. The proposed building has strong opposition from nearby business owners and residents, who are concerned with the size, saying it does not fit in with the unique village-theme look that Broad Ripple is known for.

Others say it will be a much needed improvement, attracting new residents to the area. The building would cover about 2 acres, replacing the old Shell gas station and a decades-old apartment structure.

The proposal still has to go to the full Metropolitan Development Board before any decision is finalized.

What’s your take? Yay or nay for the new Broad Ripple Development?

 

We heart Midtown!

While Indy Scene Team sells real estate anywhere in the Indianapolis Metro area, our specialty (and what we truly love) is Midtown real estate. Midtown consists of a few different neighborhoods, the three largest being Broad Ripple, Meridian Kessler, and Butler Tarkington. You just can’t beat the variety and character of the homes that fill these neighborhoods, and it’s a pleasure helping those that live here, (and those who want to live here) buy and sell their homes!

Christie lives in Meridian Kessler, Sarahbeth in Butler Tarkington, and Stevee is currently looking to move to Midtown as well!  Click HERE to find out more about the agents of the Indy Scene Team. Call us anytime if you need a Midtown real estate expert!