Estridge NeighborhoodsCheck out the new Estridge Homes YouTube Channel, where you can watch tours of Estridge homes available now, and see videos of Estridge communities and see HOMExperience by Estridge.

http://www.youtube.com/estridgehomes.

HOMExperience hosts cooking classes with the Ivy Tech Culinary Chef in HOMExperience kitchenInstitute once a month with between 10 and 14 participants. Last Thursday was an especially fun class, not only because it was tapas (which were delicious), but because we spent almost the whole time in the kitchen with the chef making the dishes. Chef Thom (from the Ivy Tech Culinary Institute) spent a summer with students in Spain, so he had a lot of great recipes and great stories for us!


We even tried two variations of one of the tapas recipes to see which was preferred by everyone in the class. We tried the
Tortilla Espagnole Recipe (the national dish of Spain), both with potatoes we fried ourselves and with potato chips, trying to make a short cut for the recipe. The winner was definitely the Tortilla Espagnole with the potatoes that we fried ourselves!


Check back later for photos of the class!

The schedule for HOMExperience cooking classes can be found at: http://www.estridge.com/Lifestyle.aspx.

- Posted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience



 



The new Hamilton Town Center, at the Southwest Construction on Hamilton Towne Centercorner of I-69 and 146th Street is officially opening on May 2nd. Continuing with its phased opening, the official grand opening will be in November, but many stores and restaurants plus all of the streets are open on May 2.

The Hamilton Town Center will provide great shopping, dining and entertainment for the northside of Indianapolis, especially Fishers and Noblesville!

Some of the highlights open right now are:
16-screen IMAX theatre
Borders Books
Sephora
JC Penney
Paradise Cafe
DSW Shoe Warehouse
Bed Bath and Beyond

Check out the mall directory for other stores and restaurants coming soon:
http://www.simon.com/mall/directory.aspx?ID=1214

As credit tightens more and more, Indiana residents can take advantage of good programs to help you purchase your first home. Of course there are specific requirements to qualify for the program. Paula Henry posted some helpful information about the requirements on her Indy Real Estate Talk Blog.

Check it out below or visit:

http://indyrealestatetalk.com/2008/04/25/help-buying-your-first-home-in-indianapolis/


There are loan programs available which will allow him to buy a home with little money out of pocket. Here in Indiana, we have the Indiana Housing program for first time home buyers. There are specific requirements, but the program can’t be beat if you qualify.

A few of the specifics:

*Available for First Time Home Buyers or
Buyers who haven’t owned a home in the last three years

You will need three years tax returns to verify there were no homeowner tax deductions taken in the time period.

Income Guidelines:

* $63,800. for 1–2 person household
* $73,370. for 3 or more person household
* All family income counts regardless of whose name is on the loan

Loan can be FHA or Conventional

The current interest rate can be reduced by 1/8% to 5.125% when the buyer takes an online course about home ownership.

The program can be used with or without downpayment assistance. Down payment assistance is capped at $3500.00 and is subject to repayment when the home is sold or the loan refinanced.

The interest rate program mentioned in Paula's blog is The First Home Program and is offered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Association. They even offer 24/7 interest rate information at (888) 227-4452 . IHCDA also offers special programs for teachers, fire fighters, law enforcement and state and municipal workers. Visit http://ihcda.in.gov/homebuyers.aspx for more details.

- Posted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience


I had the pleasure of touring the St. Margaret's Guild's  Decorator's Show HouseDecorators' Show House this past weekend and I was amazed by all of the incredible interior design, as well as the beautiful details accenting the remodel of the home and complimenting the original home design! The decorators' used everything from vintage decor to live birds (yes, live birds!) to organic materials and everything in between to fill the home with life, color and a wide variety of themes that floated from fun to functional. The home and the gardens were absolutely stunning and I really enjoyed being able to see the work of so many talented locals.


Definitely the opportunity to tour this exquisite house and gardens, as well as the shops and cafe onsite. The daily tours are listed below and you can find listings of fun daily tours on the Show House website. (While your touring, don't forget that the lower level was designed by HOMExperience and Estridge's Liz Sinatra and Tom Korecki.)



Daily Tours
Saturday, April 26, 2008, through Sunday, May 11, 2008
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Sunday - CLOSED MONDAYS 
 Tickets:  $15 at the door       $12 at Marsh Supermarkets





-Posted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience

Check out the BAGI Spring Parade of Homes this weekend (April 26-27) and next weekend (May 3-4).
http://www.paradeofhomesindy.com/


Parde of Homes Time in Indy


Walk through over 111 new homes around Indianapolis including three of our professionally decorated models in Estridge communities:

Rock Bridge in Zionsville
Whispering Pines in Avon
Maintenance-Free
Lockerbie Townhomes in Westfield

A spring tradition in Indianapolis, the 47th annual Decorator's Show House Opens April 26Saint Margaret's Hospital Guild Decorator's Show House and Gardens begins this Sunday, April 26 and runs through May 11.

We are excited to have Estridge and HOMExperience's Tom Korecki and Liz Sinatra as part of the design team for the Decorator's Show House this year! They designed the lower level family room in the home.

Stop by and see great design and gorgeous gardens and contribute to a great cause - raising funds for the services and programs of Wishard Health Services.


Saturday, April 26, 2008, through Sunday, May 11, 2008
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Sunday - CLOSED MONDAYS
Tickets:  $15 at the door      
$12 at Marsh Supermarkets



http://www.showhouseindy.com/home.html


Below are tips on how to best show your house in an open house, written by Erin K. Witt and housed in the Resources area on mibor.com. MIBOR - find a home, realtor, and lots of other information!Mibor.com is the website of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS and it is full of helpful information. This Resources area is full of articles on real estate and home buying - from how to make sure your credit is ready for a home purchase, to understanding your appraisal, make your home look beautiful for show, maintain your home and much more. Check it out at http://www.mibor.com/resources/resources.asp.




It’s show time: 10 tips for making the most of an open house

By Erin K. Witt

The house is immaculate. Fresh flowers grace the dining room table in a cut-glass vase. The smell of homemade cookies wafts gently from the kitchen. In the master bedroom, a Chopin melody plays softly. The windows sparkle, the front walk has been swept and every light in the house burns with a warm glow.


It’s time for an open house.

For many selling their home, an open house plays an essential part in marketing a property. In an open house, a REALTOR® is on hand to show a listed home to the general public, often on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and almost always without appointment. Although it is a slight variance from the traditional personalized walk-through, many potential homebuyers enjoy the no-pressure atmosphere an open house can provide.


Here are a few tips to help make the most of your own open house:

Tip #1: Get inspired. Estridge Model Home at Anderson HallGo tour model homes in new developments. They will show you great examples of tastefully (but sparsely) furnished homes that anyone could live in. There may be "personality"—but no person.


Tip #2: Make your home anonymous.
You want buyers to view your home as their future home. When a potential homebuyer sees your family photos hanging on the wall, it may momentarily shatter their illusions about living in the house themselves. Put away personal items, such as family photos, sports trophies, collectible items, knick-knacks, and souvenirs.


Tip #3: Rethink and rearrange your furniture.
Rooms easily become overcrowded. If you had planned on discarding any furnishings before moving, do it before your home goes on the market. If you simply have too much furniture, move it to the basement, garage or put it in storage. This will free up the room and make it seem more spacious and airy—an appealing selling point. Well-placed furnishings can also open up a room. Avoid lining furniture along all four walls. Instead, try placing a piece or two on an angle. In the living areas, include an area for cozy conversation or an out-of-the-way corner for reading.


Tip #4: De-clutter.
Since you want potential buyers to be noticing the house and not your belongings, this is the perfect time for significant collections such as knick-knacks, trophies, and books to be boxed up for the move. Also, clear small appliances, little jars, bottles, and any clutter off kitchen and bath countertops to create a feeling of spaciousness in a room.

Diffusers are great for subtle scents in a room
Tip #5: Use aromatic appeal.
Just as certain smells can trigger memories in a person, the scent of your home can leave a lasting impression on a potential buyer. For this reason, avoid cooking strong-smelling foods such as fish, liver, garlic, onions, or anything fried or spicy before showing your home. Open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Baking a frozen loaf of bread, cookies, or pie can create an inviting fragrance. And though you never want to over-perfume your home, you may want to light a candle as a quick and aromatic remedy. Stay away from sharp floral scents and stick with a vanilla or cinnamon fragrance.


Tip #6: Put your home in the best light.
If heavy drapes, curtains or blinds block appealing views, leave them open. Natural light makes a room seem bright and cheery. For evening showings, turn on all possible lights for a warm glow. (Read another tip on how to make the most of your windows.)


Tip #7: Don’t neglect details, like linens.
Stained, dingy towels are a no-no for an open house. In the kitchen and bath, consider setting out guest towels and soaps. Inevitably, a visitor or two will need to use your facilities during the showing. Throw rugs and carpets should also be in good condition—and if they are not completely necessary, they should be removed altogether. Never place a rug over carpeting. Tattered or worn bedspreads should be removed, and beds should always be made.


Tip #8: Bring the outdoors in.
In spring and summer, potted plants or a lush hanging planter are appealing and can add a lot of impact. If your house is going on the market early in the season, consider purchasing mature plants rather than starting from scratch. A home’s interior can benefit from flowers and greenery, as well. A simple vase and bouquet can brighten up any room of the home.


Tip #9: Pay attention to appliances.
This is especially important if appliances are built-in, or being sold with the home. Ovens, stovetops, and range fans should be well cleaned and grease-free. If drip pans have burnt-on grease and are unsalvageable, they should be replaced with new ones. Clean out the refrigerator fan grate, which can collect a lot of dust. It is easy to remove and may be cleaned with a damp cloth.


Tip #10: De-emphasize pets.
Not every potential buyer will be an animal lover. If you have pets, keep cages, dishes, and litter boxes clean at all times. Pet hair should be frequently vacuumed. Dog droppings should be scooped up from the front lawn and disposed of. And always cage or kennel pets when your house is being shown.


Ensuring that you have the right person working with you to find your dream home is key to handling all of the intricacies of real estate sales and contracts. The right person helping to find your dream home and sell your current home adds to the excitement of a new home without as much anxiety as can accompany moving. Start by doing some research on the realtors in the areas you are looking to purchase or sell a home. Taking the time to do this research saves you money, time, and headaches in the long run.

The tips below are modified from http://tinaabraham.wordpress.com/2008/04/20/eight-tips-for-choosing-a-realtor/ and are helpful in choosing a realtor to sell your home, as well as help you find the perfect new home for you and your family.


  • Interview at least three realtors. This will give you some options to choose from. The easiest way to find realtors in your area is to look in three different ways; on the Internet, in the neighborhood, look for the for sale signs, ask friends and family. Personal referrals from those who have actually worked with a realtor will probably prove to be most helpful to you. Finding a realtor who is knowledgeable in the areas you are looking and selling often leads to greater success in the long run.

  • During the interview with the realtor, ask several questions to understand the experience and working style of the realtor. Here is some information it's helpful to know at the end of your meetings:
    • How many listings do they have for you to view, and where do they get their listings? If you are selling your home, what kind of advertising will they be doing for your home?   
    • What experience does the realtor have? Can you check references of some of the resent real estate transactions?  
    • Will your realtor be dedicated to you? How quickly will they return your calls, and how much time do they have to handle your real estate transaction.  
    • Who will be at the closing? Will it be the realtor you are talking to, or will they have someone in their place.  

  • Consider the personality of the realtor. Are they charming, have charisma, a positive outlook and a professional appearance? You will be spending a lot of time with this person, so it's important that you get along with him/her.

  • After the interviews are complete, sit down and review all of the information. Take the time to think about all the people you interviewed and consider all of the facts. This is where your comfort and the experience and knowledge of the realtor will come into play.

  • Look for the realtor that is a little more aggressive, but not so aggressive that they will miss the subtle requests from both the buyer and seller. Make sure the realtor will stand up for you in negotiations and truly represent what you want.

  • Check for licenses, training and recognitions from the leading real estate departments in your area. These licenses provide some protection in the professionalism where the real estate realtor is concerned.

  • Review the terms, conditions and fees that the realtor will be asking for in the contract they will ask you to sign. Find out what the going costs are for a realtor in your area. These fees may be negotiable.

  • Watch to find out what the negotiation skills the realtor has. This will be of major importance when in both the sale of your home and purchase of your new home.

- Posted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience


HOMExperience - Your place for home decor and furnishingsMeet the Designer
Saturday April 19
1pm to 4pm
at HOMExperience by Estridge

This weekend at HOMExperience, we are hosting a WINE + DESIGN open house to give everyone the opportunity to meet our talented Senior Designer, Tom Korecki. Tom has decorated over 80 Estridge model homes throughout Estridge communities, as well as personal residences. He uses his vast experience with design to help customers complete their homes with furnishings that matches their style and taste.
Learn more about Tom

We'll have onsite cooking demonstrations as well as delicious desserts and sparkling wine for everyone to enjoy!


Call 317.669.8600 for questions or directions to HOMExperience in Clay Terrace.


The closing for your new home is a very exciting time! After watching your home take shape from your homesite to the home of your dreams, the closing is the last step before you can call your dream home your very own. In order for you to get the keys to your new home sooner, below are some tips for a smooth closing that we've learned over our years as an Indiana home builder.


Here are several tips to prepare for a smooth closing:

      • Contact your lender several days in advance of your closing to make sure they have all the proper documents from you in order to secure financing
      • Contact your title company one day in advance of your closing to obtain the final amount of funds you will need to bring to closing
      • Bring the following materials to closing
        • Cashier’s check, payable to you in the amount the title company gives you*  
        • Homeowner’s insurance policy with one-year paid receipt  
        • Your VALID driver’s license or photo I.D. 

 *  If you wish to wire funds directly to the title company be sure to notify them and obtain their wiring instructions.

 

What to expect at Closing:

  • Sign financial and legal documents securing your mortgage
  • Receive a copy of the deed for your new home (the original will be mailed to you after it has been recorded)
  • Sign your 10-year Warranty Application (for Indiana new construction homes)
  • Receive utility information to transfer into your name
  • Mark your calendar to file your mortgage and homestead exemptions with the County Assessor to earn valuable tax advantages (if applicable)
  • RECEIVE THE KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME!

- Posted by April Sjoholm, Estridge Closing Manager


I received an email newsletter from Richmond American Homes that included the following article I want to share. If you are interested in building a new home, the following article has great tips for items to watch as you tour model homes of Indiana home builders as well. If you are looking into new construction and resale homes, these tips are truly helpful as you walk through any home and imagine living there.


Here are 6 specific items to keep your eyes on when walking through the model homeEstridge Model Home at Highland Green in Brownsburg

Quality. Model homes showcase the best a builder offers. Look for signs of how much care goes into structural features and energy-efficiencies. Open doors and cabinets. Check out wall structure and notice whether or not the corners are rounded. Ask about insulation, wiring, heating and air conditioning.

Flow & Livability. Look for a floorplan that will work for your lifestyle. Think about how your furniture will fit and how well the living spaces flow from one room into the next. Some floorplans can make everyday tasks easier, and it’s often the smallest details that make a difference. Is there a place to put your shoes? A coat closet? A conveniently located laundry room? All these factors can go a long way toward improving your quality of life in a home. (When you visit an Estridge model home, take home a large size floorplan and a furniture template. You can use the scaled furniture cut-outs to imagine exactly how you would arrange your furniture with the home design.)


Décor.
Have you ever noticed that some homes have a “wow” factor, right from the moment you walk inside? Whether it’s a fabulous color scheme or an eye-catching use of fabrics and textures, a well-designed model home can make a striking impression. The good news? You can use that wow factor to your advantage. If you’re selling a home, it’s a perfect chance to pick up professional, creative concepts for staging, all without paying a dime! And if you’re not selling a house, what better place to get ideas on how to decorate your brand new home than in a beautiful model designed by experts? (Looking for tips on getting your home ready to sell? Visit the E-Lifestyle area on Estridge.com for monthly tips.)


Storage.
It’s something many people forget to look for until they move in. Check out the size of closets, garage and basement options, and other storage areas. From high school memorabilia to fine china and your ice-cream maker, be sure there’s plenty of space to put all your stuff!

Estridge Model Home at Anderson Hall

Kitchen.
The kitchen is typically the most popular room in the home. Pay special attention to cabinets, pantries, lighting and countertop space. If you enjoy entertaining, is there room for guests to mingle? If you’re a chef, you may be more interested in a food preparation island, a double oven and a spacious pantry. Think about the design features you need today, as well as those you’ll want in the future.



Details, Details.
From the overall cleanliness of the model to the scent that greets you when you walk inside (Estridge model homes will smell like freshly baked cookies, make sure to grab one or two after you walk through the home), small details can offer hints at how much pride a builder takes in their work. Sales and maintenance teams who take the time to ensure that a model’s light bulbs are working and the shutters are dusted are people who take pride in their product. This is a good indication they’ll pay attention to small details when it comes to your home too.


- Posted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience


In Case You Missed It...Indianapolis Monthly Great Little Shops Cover


HOMExperience, Estridge's Design Studio and Decor Store in Clay Terrace, was featured as one of the "Great Little Shops" in Indianapolis in the April issue of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine. HOMExperience was featured in excellent company with other home decor and clothing stores around the city, including Three Chairs Co. and Drapery Street, also in Clay Terrace with HOMExperience.

View full article
Excerpt about HOMExperience:
Relax—home builderce, the home-accents shop owned by local homebuilder Estridge, isn't trying to reel you in through its doors with displays of funky glass vases and trendy sofas, only to begin a hard sell on a new home. Yes, the back half of the store is a home-design studio, but the salespeople aren't pushy, and they welcome folks looking for custom silk window treatments or furnishings for the home they already own and aren’t planning to sell anytime soon, thank you. 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel, 669-8600, thehomexperience.com 

HOMExperience in Clay TerraceIf you haven't stopped in HOMExperience yet, take some time to visit HOMExperience and enjoy complimentary interior design and a great selection of custom home furnishings. Plus, you can enjoy fresh baked cookies from our Estridge demonstration kitchen while you're shopping.
 
If you need more of a reason than great shopping to visit, on Saturday April 19, HOMExperience is hosting a Wine + Design Meet the Designer event. Tom Korecki, Lead Designer and responsible for decorating Estridge models for over 12 years, will be there to share his design tips and expertise. As the name, Wine + Design, suggests, you can also enjoy wine and freshly prepared food in the demonstration kitchen.

Submitted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience

Welcome to Your Estridge HomeSite!

This is the first post to Your Estridge HomeSite blog and we are looking forward to begin sharing the resources within Estridge. Your HomeSite is a collaboration of many people at Estridge. We'll be sharing input and asking for your thoughts from all different areas within Estridge - product design, interior design, our HomeLife team, new home consultants, financing and many more. Email marketing@estridge.net with suggestions for topics you want to read about or any other comments on Your Estridge HomeSite.


Estridge is a local home builder in Carmel, Indiana. We've beening Estridge in Clay Terraceserving the greater Indianapolis area since 1967 and are located in Clay Terrace in Carmel. Our corporate offices are in Clay Terrace, as is HOMExperience, our Design Studio and decor and furnishings store. We've built over 7,000 homes in the greater indy area and are currently serving homeowners in eleven neighborhoods in Avon, Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Franklin Township, Westfield and Zionsville.

Check out our website to learn more about Estridge and check back at Your Estridge HomeSite for great information on building homes, moving into homes and living in them.