Pat's Real Estate Blog

New Fishers Indiana Wine Bar is a Great Entertainment Venue!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:53:51 -0600

I learned something about myself during a visit last weekend to the newly-opened Fishers Tasting Room & Wine Bar. The revelation is stunning: I'm not much of a wine connoisseur. I pretty much enjoy one kind of wine, and one alone. Pinot grigio is my beverage of choice, whether the accompanying meal is bouillon, bouballaise, or bratwurst. It's an admission that probably shoots shivers of revulsion straight up the spines of true wine lovers, but it's the truth and I'm not embarrassed to say so!

My less than daring wine preference didn't stop me from enjoying Fishers' newest entertainment venue, though. My husband and I had fun challenging each other to identify the flavors advertised in the wines we sampled. He claimed to savor the cherries, chocolate, olives (really!) and anything else used to make whatever wine he was sipping. I, on the other hand, recognized only one flavor--grapefruit, which happens to be my least favorite fruit ever. Oh well. The servers were friendly and informative, and the ambiance was surprisingly good. A cozy room attached to the wine bar serves as a lounge of sorts, where guests can take a glass - or bottle - of their favorite wine and some cheese and crackers and listen to the evening's entertainment. Performing the night we were there was the duo of Bloodshot Moon. I'm not a music connoisseur, either, although I do watch American Idol, but I thought they were very good. My husband claimed he could identify each and every note they sang. OK, he didn't really, but I wouldn't put it past him. Show off!

The $5 wine tasting fee was a bargain for an evening's worth of good entertainment in Fishers Indiana. And my husband and I agree on one thing: We'll definitely go back.

For more information on the Fishers Tasting Room and Wine Bar, visit, http://www.chateauthomas.com/.

For more information on Fishers Indiana contact your Fishers Realtor:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.840.7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Fishers IN real estate

Fishers homes for sale

Saxony: A Fantastic Fishers Indiana Neighborhood!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:15:35 -0600

Beautiful and unique neighborhoods abound in Fishers Indiana, which may be one of the many reasons it's consistently named a top place to live in the United States! One of my favorite Fishers neighborhoods is Saxony. A modern take on an old-fashioned neighborhood, Saxony is a refreshing departure from typical suburbia. Architecture reminiscent of the mid-1800s, wrap-around porches and antique-style street lamps all lend to the vintage feel of the neighborhood, which includes luxury townhomes, cottages, and executive homes. The residential section is part of the larger Saxony campus concept which includes restaurants, shops and businesses. Home prices range from the low 200s to the high 600s.

Saxony is conveniently located off I69, exit 10. The Hamilton Town Center with outdoor shopping and an IMAX theater is just around the corner, as are medical facilities, restaurants, award-winning Fishers Indiana schools and anything else you need!

For more information on Fishers IN homes for sale contact your Fishers REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Fishers Indiana real estate

Noblesville Open House, Sundays 1-3 p.m., Until It's SOLD!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:35:56 -0600

58 Chesterfield
Noblesville IN
$150,000

Open Sundays beginning Feb. 14 until it's SOLD!

Hosted by Kim Forrest, REALTOR, 317-664-0239

Delightful 3bd/2ba ranch in coveted Wellington Northeast. New carpet & fresh paint provide a neutral color pallet suitable for any decor! Updates are plentiful: roof, kitchen flooring, sink, faucet & appliances, water heater & much more! You'll love the dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace and gorgeous lot with plenty of mature trees and privacy!

For more information on Noblesville IN homes for sale contact your Noblesville REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great listings visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Indianapolis Open House, Sunday, Feb. 14

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:12:20 -0600

5310 Appleseed Way
Indianapolis IN
$167,375
3 bedroom, 2.5 bath

Open Sunday, Feb. 14, 2-4 p.m.

Hosted by Heidi Smid, REALTOR, 317-694-9525

Lovely home w/open floor plan, great upgrades & perfect location! Large formal dining room, HUGE open kitchen w/breakfast bar & eat in. Tall cabinets, center island and pantry w/everything you need for a perfect kitchen. Spacious great room w/vaulted ceiling, and open to kitchen for easy entertaining. Extra large main floor master w/private bath. Loft overlooks great room and offers plenty of extra living space. Big back yard with white picket fence to top it all off!

For more information on Indianapolis IN homes for sale contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great listings visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Historic Fort Harrison: An Indianapolis Treasure!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:39:27 -0600

Once an active military post, historic Fort Harrison is now home to a state park, world-class golf course and some of the most beautiful and unique Indianapolis real estate you'll find!

The Early Years
Fort Benjamin Harrison has played an important role in the history of Indianapolis Indiana and the United States since the early years of the 20th century. In 1904, the U.S. Congress approved the purchase of land and the establishment of a military fort about 12 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The fort was named for the 23^rd United States president and Indiana native, Benjamin Harrison. Construction on most of the buildings was completed in 1908. In the early days, travel from the fort to Indianapolis was via the interurban train station. During World War I, the fort became a mobilization center for national defense and a training center for 10,000 railroad specialists.

Between the World War I and II, the fort served as a Civilian Conservation Corps center for reforestation and soil conservation work. At the onset of World War II, the fort became a Midwest induction and logistical support center. In 1944, Italian and German prisoners of war from Rommels Afrika Korps arrived for detention at Fort Benjamin Harrison. The Midwest Disciplinary Barracks ultimately housed 6,200 prisoners. The fort was abandoned in 1947, but soon reopened as the Fort Benjamin Harrison Air Force Base. In 1949, Fort Benjamin Harrison became the Administrative and Training Center for the Army. The Defense Finance Center was dedicated in 1953 and the Defense Information School in 1966.

Today
Fort Harrison real estate is like nothing else in the Indianapolis area. Many of the charming residences, which were once home to military families, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wide wrap-around porches, elegant moldings, exposed brick walls, built-in bookcases and cabinets, and a fireplace in every room are just some of the historic features of Fort Harrison homes. Most of these properties have been recently restored to include all the modern amenities buyers want without compromising the vintage beauty of the homes. And don't forget the view of the 42-acre parade field!

Although the fort is now known simply as Fort Harrison and is no longer an active military post, it continues to serve as the location for Defense Finance and Accounting Services, which manages payroll and services for the men and women serving in our nation's armed forces. It is also home to a state park where visitors can enjoy horseback riding, miles of public hiking trails, and a championship golf course.

For more information on Fort Harrison and Indianapolis homes for sale, contact your Indianapolis REALTOR®:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.840.7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Affordable Zionsville, IN Opportunity!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:36:55 -0500

Click here for more information

3602 S 800 E
Zionsville, IN 46077
$249,900
3 bedrooms, 2 baths

Beautiful, affordable Zionsville home w/fenced acreage, 4 stall horse barn, 3 additional outbuildings plus an oversized attached garage. Renovations and upgrades include new carpet, ceramic tile, updated kitchen w/hickory cabinets, stainless appliances, enlarged spare bath, Pella doors. All this and a prestigious Zionsville address!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great homes for sale visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Noblesville Open House!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:14:53 -0600

19001 Fairfield BLVD
Noblesville, IN
$139,900
3 bedroom, 2 bath

Take a virtual tour of this home!

Especially well cared for home with many great features and an affordable price! Kitchen and dining room are open to great room w/fireplace and all have vaulted ceilings for a larger feel. Fresh paint throughout much of the interior, new HVAC in '07. Master has garden tub, separate shower, double vanity & walk-in. Additional bedrooms are generously sized. Large, fully fenced yard, spacious deck and storage barn. Very close to schools, library, Potter's Bridge, Forest Park, shopping & dining. Convenient to SR37.

Open House hosted by Crystal Owen, Haddad Team. 317-379-6499

For more information on Indianapolis homes for sale and Hamilton County real estate, contact:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great listings visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Groundhog Day 2010 Shouldn't Surprise Indianapolis Residents!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:12:52 -0600

Well, it's official. Punxsutawney Phil spotted his shadow today and scampered back to his cozy digs. Which, if you take stock in the premonitions of a rodent, leaves us with six more weeks of winter. The grim prediction shouldn't surprise Indianapolis residents. Even if Phil's shadow were absent, would anyone really believe spring is just around the corner? Three sunny days in a row can't fool us! And just to prove it, winter's dreary skies are back in action today.

Maybe PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is onto something when they suggest replacing Punxsutawney Phil with a robotic prognosticator. Not only would the living, breathing Phil be freed from the guilt of dashing Spring Fever hopes across the country, but the robotic version could, presumably, be programmed to always predict the early onset of spring. While we'd intellectually know that couldn't be true, psychologically it might help out!

What's another six weeks of winter, anyway?!

For information on Indianapolis IN and Indianapolis real estate, contact your Indianapolis REALTOR®:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.840.7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

2010 Indianapolis Home Show Opens Jan. 29!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:02:02 -0600

Football's over until Super Bowl weekend, the weather is, well...frightful, and last I checked no blockbuster movies are set to premiere this weekend. Don't despair! There are still plenty of things to do in Indianapolis IN. Personally, I'm looking forward to the 2010 Indianapolis Home Show which opens Friday, Jan. 29 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and runs through Sunday, Feb. 7.

Whether you're considering a remodeling project, in the market for a new home, or just looking for somewhere warm to go, there will be plenty there to capture your attention! Prepare to dream big as you tour the 2,600-square-foot fully landscaped and decorated centerpiece home, or stop for a moment to chat with one of the many professionals on hand to offer advice on home improvement and decorating projects. Home and garden celebrities such as Paul DiMeo of HGTV's Extreme Home Makeover will give special presentations throughout the show.

Tickets are $12 ($9 if purchased online) for those 13 and older; $5 for children 6-12. For more information, visit www.indianapolishomeshow.com.

For information on Indianapolis real estate and Indianapolis homes for sale, contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.840.7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Change to FHA "flipping" rule benefits all!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:16:45 -0600

In what many consider a long overdue move, the FHA has implemented a one-year waiver to its policy of requiring sellers to hold title for 90 days prior to entering into a sales contract with buyers seeking FHA financing. This new policy takes effect Feb. 1, 2010.

According to the FHA, temporarily eliminating the "flipping" rule for buyers will allow the agency to more quickly dispose of its huge inventory of single family REO properties. This move is also predicted to stabilize property values and benefit neighborhoods and communities particularly hard hit by foreclosure.

Restrictions to the waiver do apply.

--There can be no prior agreement or collusion between the buyer and seller.

-- If the sale price is greater than the purchase price by more than 20%, additional appraisal requirements will be required to justify the price increase.

More information on the FHA "flipping" waiver and other mortgage-related questions.

For information on Indianapolis homes for sale and Indianapolis real estate, contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.578.1317

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Just like new! Indianapolis home for sale!

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:13:13 -0600

5310 Appleseed Way
Indianapolis IN
$167,375
3 bedroom, 2.5 bath

For more information on Indianapolis IN homes for sale contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great listings visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Opportunity! Indianapolis address, Carmel schools

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:11:43 -0600

947 Bristol Road
Indianapolis IN
$92,500
3 bedroom, 2 bath

Conveniently located at 103rd and College! This 3 bedroom 2 full bath BRICK ranch has hardwood floors, newer windows, fenced yard with mini barn and mature trees. Low property taxes with Indianapolis address but in award-winning Carmel/Clay school district! Home is ready to be moved into includes all appliances and has only been vacant 1 week. Easy show with awesome potential!

For more information on Indianapolis IN homes for sale contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great listings visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Changes to FHA loans worth noting

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:41:36 -0600

Buyers and real estate agents alike should note changes implemented this week in the Federal Housing Authority's mortgage loan program. In short, those changes include increasing the mortgage insurance premium, updating the combination of FICO scores and down payments for new borrowers, reducing the amount of allowable seller concessions, and significantly increasing lender enforcement.

Mortgage insurance premium

-- Increase in initial insurance premium from 1.75 of the loan value to 2.25 percent of the loan value.

Downpayment and credit score requirements

--Buyers with a FICO of 579 or lower will be required to have at least a 10% downpayment.

--Buyers with a FICO of 580 or above will be required to have at least a 3.5 % downpayment.

Allowable seller concessions

--Reduced from 6% to 3% of the property value.

Lender enforcement

--Lender performance rankings publicly reported.

What HASN"T changed

--FHA mortgages are available to more that just first-time homebuyers.

-- Sellers may still contribute up to 6% of the purchase price for closing costs and prepaid expenses (taxes, insurance and interest).

"We have known for a while that FHA would be tightening up their guidelines due to the higher percentage of defaults of FHA borrowers with lower credit scores," said William Haddad, president of Capital Mortgage Solutions in Indianapolis. "These FHA adjustments will make it tougher for borrowers with lower scores to get the higher "Loan-To-Value" loans, and will increase the FHA requirements to be more in line with conventional guidelines that penalize lower scores."

Haddad adds that REALTORs should urge their "on-the-fence" FHA buyers to move forward before these changes become effective in a few weeks.

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.840.7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Indianapolis real estate

7826 Softwood Court Indianapolis IN

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:43:23 -0600

7826 Softwood Court
Indianapolis IN
$98,000
3 bedroom, 2 bath

This incredibly maintained home is 15 years old but in the condition of much newer home (new roof 2005)! Wonderful neighborhood & location in Warren Township. Nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac, this pristine ranch offers a park-like setting & lot. Many large trees provide great privacy while you're relaxing on your brick patio or enclosed porch. Great open floor-plan w/ large family room, laminate wood flooring & neutral decor/paint. Schedule a showing today & see why this is a great place to call home!

For more information on Indianapolis IN homes for sale contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

For more great listings visit www.HaddadTeam.com

Haddad Team drawing benefits Noblesville Indiana native and Riley Children’s Foundation

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI (The Haddad Team, Keller Williams ) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:14:59 -0600

Both Rick Swinford of Noblesville and the Riley Children's Foundation have an additional $500 at their disposal after a check presentation ceremony Jan. 14 by the Haddad Team at the Keller Williams Realty Fishers office. Swinford won the Haddad Team's Platinum Partner Program, in which any clients who provided a referral during 2009 were entered into a drawing to win $500, with an additional $500 going to the charity of their choice.

Swinford, an employee of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, said winning the contest was a "surprising" and positive start to the new year. Cara Lathrop, annual fund assistant director of the Riley Children's Foundation, also was appreciative. Despite providing $45 million in charity care in 2009, more is needed to accommodate the nearly 190,000 pediatric patients seen at the hospital each year, explained Lathrop.

Pat Haddad said she is particularly glad that Swinford was the first winner of the contest, which will become an annual event for the real estate team. Haddad says Swinford and his wife, Connie, were among her first clients and are more than deserving of the award.

Pictured from left to right: Risa Pisano, REALTOR®; William Haddad, Capital Mortgage Solutions; Connie Swinford, Noblesville; Rick Swinford, Noblesville; Kim Forrest, REALTOR®; Cara Lathrop, Riley Children's Foundation; Heidi Smid, REALTOR®; Crystal Owen, REALTOR®; Pat Haddad, Associate Broker; Andrew Barr, REALTOR®

For information on Noblesville real estate, contact your Noblesville REALTOR:

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

317.840.7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

Indianpolis homes for sale