15 Suggestions, To Help You Find The Best Agent  To Get Your Home "SOLD!"                                      How Do "You" Find An Agent?   Most people ask for recommendations, some of the most successful agents get that way because of referrals. Start by asking your friends, and neighbors, co-workers, family, community members "who they have used in the past", and how successful their experiences were. But you should also check their suggestions through the Internet.  Do those agents have a web presence?  Do they as agents have their own website?  Do they contribute locally with a Blog?.  "Word of mouth" advertising is great!  But, that only works, if the agent has a large circle of friends or a large buyer pool.  You need more than the average or good agent may have.  You need a well... 03/21/2010

Dog World DayCare Benefits Columbus Home Sellers!   Columbus Indiana Home Seller's that have dogs as pets, let me show you how to increase the potential of selling your home quicker!  When your home is scheduled for a showing, take your pets/dogs to "Dog World Daycare & Behavior Center!   When there are No Distractions! ie/ your pet dog barking!  You have just increased the potential to have your home "Sold"  Why you ask?  Because its difficult enough to show the value of your home and have conversations with prospective clients/buyers if they can't hear each other without trying to talk over a dog barking!   And its not his/her fault, animals are inherent protectors of their territory.  Most Realtors will list homes with full intentions of trying to sell to prospective buyers that they... 02/28/2010

Barely a year ago the real estate industry was stunned when Canadian-based Brookfield Residential Property Services (Brookfield RPS), a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Brookfield), and owner of Royal LePage, the largest Canadian residential real estate company, acquired GMAC Real Estate. With the departure of CEO John Bearden and a pending name change imminent, many labeled the GMAC franchise as yesterday’s news.   What a difference a year has made.   Announcing their second large acquisition today, Brookfield RPS has now also the owner of Real Living Network Services, a subsidiary of Real Living Inc. Combining the two companies creates one of America’s leading residential real estate franchises with more than $20 billion in annual home sales and an estimated 30,000 agent... 12/04/2009

If I were writing for our Columbus newspaper "The Republic", or for the "Seymour Tribune". the headline would read "Market Plummets!"  If I were writing for the Wall Street Journal, I would write, "The Market Signal is Buy!, Buy!, Buy!!!",  But since I'm a Realtor , and Real Estate Professional in South Central Indiana, my hedline is: Real Estate Market Shows Great Promise and Opportunity Based on the following premises: 1.  Housing in Indiana's South Central area is Affordable 2. Interest rates are the Best in Years! 3. Residential Lenders Have Money and Want to Lend IT! 4. Good Selection of Housing Inventory 5. Excellent Time for 1st Time Buyers 6. Great Time for Move-Up Buyers 7. Great Opportunities for Investors 8. Most Sellers are Realistic in their Expectations 9. More Qualified B... 01/26/2009

13 Reasons You Should Consider Relocating to Beautifull Columbus Indiana Not only is Columbus an international architectural showplace. Columbus is also currently ranked eleventh in the U.S. on the list of safest cities per population. In 2006. Columbus won the highly competitive national contest, "America in Bloom." In 2004 It was named as one of "The Ten Most Playful Towns" by Nick Jr. Family Magazine. The July 2005 edition of "GQ Magazine" named Columbus one of the "62 Reasons to Love Your Country." Columbus is the headquarters of the engine company, Cummins Inc.   Why Buy a Home in Central Indiana? We have the highest homeownership rate in the nation. We boast the nation's most affordable housing market. The lack of physical barriers to metro area equates to ample fringe community h... 01/17/2009

Columbus Indiana Takes another "Big Hit" Yet again, Columbus Indiana takes another "Big Hit" to its residents and its economy, which will invariably be impacted.  The flood in June of 2008 devastated businesses and some home owners.  But the world's economy, the National economy, and overall recession,  have trickled down to one of Columbus's major employers, and employees. Cummins announced about a month ago, they were laying off approximately 600 jobs, Yesterday in the Republic headlines they announced a further 800 Job losses, see the copy of the memo sent to Cummins employees. Global Recession Forces Further Workforce ReductionsTo All Employees:During the fourth quarter, we made several announcements regarding the state of the Company and actions we have taken to deal with the globa... 01/15/2009

It's a "Sad State of Affairs" or is it "Opportunity Knocking?"   Yes!, even here in Columbus Indiana, it's a sad state of affairs! Or is it opportunity knocking, where the housing market and Real Estate, have been minimally affected by the down turn in the economy, and many homes were ravaged with the Flood. But is it a "Sad State of Affairs?", or is, "Opportunity Knocking!", a question that is not so easily answered. When people ask me, I say "It's sad for some and opportunistic for others!"  With the lowest interest rates in years, that creates a great incentive to buy!  The "Sad state of affairs" can be seen in the unemployment rate, the National Economy, and reflected in the stock market.While checking the weather report and road conditions, I happened to visit the Columbus Sherriff... 01/09/2009

Up until the typical slow period just before Christmas, the Columbus, Indiana Real Estate market was relatively stable with minimal decreases in overall sales, or value to homes. Columbus, Indiana was fairing pretty well, we are still in kind of a bubble?  The figures for 2007 Columbus home sales were $231,221,935. with 1408 units sold, and 2008 was $220,169,532. with 1316 units sold. Producing a 4.77% drop in total sales, and a 6.53% down turn in number of units sold.. The figures for year to year for Bartholomew County and the overall sales dropped from $331,818,914. with 2062 units sold in 2007, to $286,189,951. with 1788 units sold, in 2008. Which is basically a 13% drop year to year. Not really good but not bad considering some of the harder hit areas nationally. Adding to this its... 01/09/2009

Information From- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_IndianaColumbus (pronounced /kəˈlʌmbəs/) is the county seat of Bartholomew County, Indiana, United States. The population was 39,059 at the 2000 census. The current mayor is Fred Armstrong. It is a small city approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of Indianapolis,[3] on the east fork of the White River. It is also the principal city of the Columbus, Indiana metropolitan statistical area which encompasses all of Bartholomew County. Not only is Columbus an international architectural showplace, but Columbus is also currently ranked eleventh in the U.S. on the list of safest cities per population. In 2006, Columbus won the highly competitive national contest, "America in Bloom." In 2004 it was named as one of "The Ten Most Playful Town... 04/04/2008

Our market is moving strong. We are moving houses left and right. Our economy is growing with cummins adding jobs as well as many more places. It is also a difficult market at times. The lending institutions are trying to fix a mess with the sub prime. They have also changed the scoring on credit trying to fix this. We are in an ever changing market that us real estate professionals are dealing with short sales, bank owned properties, and things we did not have to in the past. This market is going to show everyone how good their agent is on how the deal with everything changing. IT is going to get rid of a lot of agents because they dont know the market but for agents like me, we are going to keep growing and keep helping people with their questions. Visit my web site at RustyRains.com ... 03/24/2008

Tipton LakesTipton Lakes stands among the elite, as one of the finest of Indiana's planned residential communities, located on the western outskirts of the city of Columbus Indiana.  Sprawling over 1200 acres of beautiful rolling hills, with three man-made lakes totaling 120 acres, that are inter-connected via waterways. The residents enjoy a sense of tranquility, embraced by the natural vegetation that has been preserved and protected. There are lush green wooded areas with dogwoods, oak, evergreen, pine and maple trees.The area of Tipton Lakes encompasses many smaller neighborhoods with their own distinctive name, characteristics, benefits and appeal, for anyone wishing an exclusive lifestyle. Many different home styles have been created, surely something for everyones taste. You can ... 03/12/2008

 Columbus Indiana has many beautiful and highly sought after and desired neighborhoods, TIPTON LAKES is just one of the premiere areas of Columbus Indiana, that happens to have many smaller neighborhoods encompassed within.Tipton Lakes Neighborhoods: Family NeighborhoodsTipton Lakes offers family life where the children playing can often be heard and seen, in their own backyards, or in the neighborhood park. Each neighborhood is a contributing factor, with unique benefits and a quality living environment for families to enjoy and grow.GreystoneGreystone is one of Tipton Lakes family neighborhoods. Located just south and west of Oakbrook.  Greystone residents are conveniently located to Oakbrook City Park. Via the pedestrian path system's connection, children can easily make their way to... 03/10/2008

Will I Sell Your Columbus Indiana Home For Less Commission?I hear it every day - "I don't want to list my house with a Realtor becauseI'll have to pay 6%". You don't think it's fair. Now for the good stuff!When you list your Columbus Area house with a typical Realtor you get this:1) A yard sign  2) Your home listed on the Columbus MLS. 3) A simple ad on Realtor.com with one photo.    Your home advertised in the newspaper and home magazines.4) Flyers printed and placed in a flyer box. When you hire Martin Dorgan to Market and SELL your home you get this:1)Your home is listed in the Columbus MLS with multiple photos taken with a wide angle lens(believe me, this makes a huge difference in how your photos appear)2. Your home posted on the first page of all of my personal websites as a featu... 03/09/2008

Columbus Indiana EDUCATION Information  Definitely an asset to those residents of Columbus Indiana, or those living out of state considering relocation to Columbus Indiana.  That might be in need of general information about our Education system, The Bartholomew County School Corporation the local schools, with connections to some of their school websites. Including Public Schools, Private Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, and Post Secondary Schools.Columbus Indiana EDUCATION Information   PUBLIC SCHOOLS BARTHOLOMEW CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL CORPORATIONElementary SchoolsNameEnrollmentClifty Creek SchoolFodrea SchoolLincoln SchoolMt. Healthy SchoolParkside SchoolRichards SchoolRockcreek SchoolSchmitt SchoolSouthside SchoolSmith SchoolTaylorsville School548312 217382660573324709813478573Mi... 02/23/2008

Columbus Indiana Community InformationHere are a few places you should get to know:UtilitiesELECTRICITY: Bartholomew County REMC 372-2546; Cinergy PSI Energy (800) 521-2232. GAS: Indiana Natural Gas 988-2512; Vectren Energy Delivery (800) 227-1376.WATER: Columbus City Utilities 372-8861, Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. 526-9777; Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corp. 342-4421.CABLE TV: Comcast, 1470 Jackson St., 800-226-2278.TELEPHONE: SBC Ameritech 800-742-8771.; AT&T 222-0300. ServicesDRIVER'S LICENSE: 745 Schnier Drive, 379-9323. LIBRARY: Fifth Street and Lafayette Avenue, Columbus 379-1255; 635 Harrison St., Hope, 546-5310. TRANSPORTATION: ColumBUS 376-2506; City Taxi 314-2227. EmergencyPOLICE: Columbus Police Department, 123 Washington St., 376-2600; FIRE: Columbus Fire Department, 1... 02/22/2008

Columbus Indiana has a Diverse Assortment of Housing Alternatives:The Urban Columbus areas contain many varieties of style, age, cost and surroundings as alternative choices for a place to live.  The current vacancy rate which changes constantly, are 3 - 5% for single family homes, and 4 - 5% for apartments. Columbus has many downtown apartments available in former single family homes. There are approximately 20 apartment complexes across the city, with 1,854 total units.  Columbus may be historical but it is a 20th Century city with seven condominium developments.There are more than 25 rural subdivisions within 6 miles of Columbus. Some of these country subdivisions are served by city water and have sewage treatment plants. There are some horse privledges and facilities available at a ... 02/22/2008

Hanging out in Active Rain requires Flu Medication, not for me, but for my wife. But that's Okay! So I'm at the drugstore picking up some Flu medication for my wife, my focus is on medication, Not Real Estate! I'm scanning the isles, finally zeroing in on the correct location and begin searching for what I consider to be viable medication. A gentleman walks up beside me, I glance up momentarily, and there stands a salesman for Sam's Club that I know. He doesn't ask me how I am, he asks How Is Real Estate? I explain the current market conditions, almost verbatum from my blog.  I explain the simple complexity of the scenario, and end by saying "Opportunity is Knocking for those that are willing and able!".To which he says" Sounds like you've got your AR blog memorized!" He then goes on to... 02/20/2008

  Columbus Indiana Public SchoolsFor the benefit of Columbus Indiana residents, and those people relocating to Columbus Indiana that would like information about our local public schools, here is a list of the public schools in Columbus Indiana. Public Schools in Columbus, INCentral Middle School - 725 7 Th St (07 - 8) Clifty Creek Elementary Sch - 4625 E 50 N (PK - 6) Columbus Area Vocational Program - 1400 25 Th St (00 - 0) Columbus East High School - 230 S Marr Rd (09 - 12) Columbus North High School - 1400 25 Th St (09 - 12) Cross Cliff Elementary School - 4355 E 600 N Po Box 120 (KG - 2) Fodrea Community School - 2775 Illinois St (PK - 6) Jefferson Education Ctr L Smith School - 4505 Waycross Dr (PK - 6) Lillian Schmitt Elem School - 2675 California (PK - 6) Lincoln Elementary Scho... 02/19/2008

We've all heard the horror story recently involving agents and  showing properties, or even "open houses" have a similar amount of potential danger. No one expects anything sinister to happen, but there are evil people out there, lurking in the crowds.Well while driving along the other day I had an idea! Lights started going off! Here I sat, leaving a message to myself through voice-mail, but that wasn't it! I looked down and there in front of me was my  "voice recorder!"Perfect!, tapes are pretty good length, so just before you encounter a potential sinister scenario, "Click it On!".Why not? You would at least have a recording of anything said, or anything that transpired. Now in retrospect/hindsite, it may not do You! any good, but it would certainly aid and help the authorities, if s... 02/10/2008

 In an effort to keep Columbus Indiana residents current, concerning the ongoing planing and meetings for the Columbus Indiana Dog Park, here is an over-all view of the proceedings.  Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association, Inc.For Meeting February 7, 2008, at 7 p.m., Donnor Center(Draft revised 2-8-08) Dog parks can be designed and constructed for relatively low costs, i.e., metal T-posts with wire, a gate, and non-irrigated turf, to relatively high costs, i.e., irrigated turf, wooden fences, shelters, etc.  We hope to base our design decisions for our Columbus dog-park not only on utility and cost, but also on how the overall use and appearance of the dog park fits into the surrounding park or area.  Below we will discuss how we have arrived at many of our design choices for the Columbu... 02/09/2008