Weekend Roundup: July 11-13

                The sun is shining this weekend so go out and enjoy it! On Friday head out to the Indianapolis Zoo for a fun concert for the kids. The Zoolapalooza Concert begins at 5:30 and ends at 8:30. It features songs everyone knows and loves. The concert is held in the middle of the Zoo next to the Café on the Commons.

                On Saturday bike on down to University Park for the largest USA cycling sanctioned race in the state of Indiana.  Race day registration starts at 8:00 and the race begins at 9:00a.m.  The Indy Crit draws over 500 racers from across the Midwest so be sure to check it out!

                How about a fun outdoor concert? Michael Franti and Spearhead will be playing at the FarmBureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park this Sunday. The concert starts at 5:30 and ends at 10:00. Come at 3:30 for some yoga on the lawn before the concert. Yoga and music! What more could you want?

                Head to Noblesville for their 23^rd annual Street Dance! This family friendly event will happen this Saturday from 5 – 11 p.m. It takes place in the historic downtown Noblesville. It opens with the Taste of Noblesville to give the dance attendees an opportunity to try all the fantastic restaurants Noblesville has to offer. There will be a DJ and dancing all night long.

                

                Go Check out the O’ Jays performing this Sunday at the Palladium! The show starts at 7pm. This band is an American treasure and was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Don’t miss you chance to see this amazing band live in concert!

This Week's Real Estate Headlines

The House Market is a Crapshoot:  At first glance of this headline, we almost immediately looked away, but after reading further, we think there are certainly valid points in this discussion.  Karl "Chip" Case, co creator of the Case/Schiller Index, discusses just how uncertain real estate can be, particularly when trying to predict the housing market for the entire nation.  On a more local level, things are never certain, but, with the help of your Realtor, it can be a lot more predictable!

Now is the Time to Sell:  Some of these stats - pending home sales up by 6.1% - were detailed in last week's review, but, this article couples that info with another NAR report detailing the existing homes sales. An increase in new construction, as well as additional existing inventory entering the market, may soon flip the scales from a sellers' to a buyers' market.  According KCM, now is the time to list.

This Week's Real Estate Headlines

A Shift in Home Buyer Tastes:  The IBJ recently interviewed several Real Estate Professionals regarding the current desires of those building new homes in Indianapolis and discovered several trends, including; the decline of the formal dining room and large garden tubs in the master bath and the increase in outdoor living spaces and gray tones on walls everywhere. 

NAR's Chief Economist Weighs in on the May Numbers:  Nationally, the number of homes under contract soared in the month of May - up 6.1%.  NAR's Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun predicts an increase in home sales throughout the remainder of the year and projects the median existing home price to increase by 5-6% this year.  More housing industry predictions are stated in this Houselogic article.

Continued Housing Growth in Downtown Indy:  The Cottage Home neighborhood just East of Mass Ave was recently made a more pedestrian friendly neighborhood with the connection of the Monon and Cultural Trails -- and housing developers took note.  A local developer now plans to build 14 homes in the neighborhood, potentially injecting even more life into the often overlooked community.  Check out the details in this recent IBJ article. 

Weekend Roundup: June 27 - 29

Friday is finally here and now it's time for some fun! Noblesville’s Forest Park is hosting the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout. Bring the whole family for a fun night camping on Saturday! Escape from technology and enjoy your family's company.

                 This Friday, O.A.R. is in town! Go and see this adored band at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park.  Also touring with O.A.R. are Red Wanting Blue and lovable LP. This show is sure to be a show you will not soon forget!

                 Looking for a kid-friendly event? Then check out the Garfield Parks Arts Center’s Movies on the Lawn. On Saturday they will be showing Young Frankenstein at Garfield Park. The show starts at 9:00 p.m. and it’s free!

                This Saturday Sun King is celebrating its 5 year anniversary with beer and a show with The Wild Feathers. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and the show starts at 5:00 p.m. Get you tickets now.