Important Announcement: New Blog!

Encore Sotheby's International Realty is starting a new blog! 

You can now find all of our posts here: http://www.encoresothebysrealty.com/blog/ 

We will no longer be posting to this page, so be sure to bookmark the new link! We thank you for keeping up with our current blogspot page and we hope to see you on the new site! 

Look us up on the following outlets to get even more extraordinary content:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encore-sotheby's-international-realty

Twitter: @EncoreSIR https://twitter.com/encoresir

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EncoreSothebysIR

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/105641394958949440820/105641394958949440820/posts?pageId=105641394958949440820

Instagram: http://instagram.com/encoresir

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/encoresir/ 

Weekend Roundup: October 3 - 5

        Happy October! It's First Friday in Indy! If you don't why that's something to look forward to, then you're missing out. Each First Friday of the month, Indianapolis holds loads of different special events to go to! Today features the last Friday Food Trucks Festival at the Old National Centre and the weekend tour of Mamma Mia! showing in Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. Click here to see what's going on in Indianapolis every First Friday!

        This Saturday and Sunday is the Indianapolis Sport and Fitness Show, the largest multi-sport and fitness festival ind Indiana! Admission is only $10 and free for kids 5 and under. It's a great opportunity to compete in front of a large crowd, watch some gifted athletes play sports and even learn some great tips about nutrition and fitness! Find more information about the schedule of events here!

         It's about that time to start enjoying indoor activities as the weather is starting to get colder. A perfect chilly fall weekend outing is to go cosmic skating at the Arctic Zone Iceplex in Westfield! Starting at 7:30pm both Friday and Saturday night, the ice rink will have open cosmic skating for the public to enjoy for only $9 plus ski rentals!

Featured Listing: 7183 Ellis Lake Road

        Paradise hits the market with this single-family home built in 1959! Ellis Lake is a truly remarkable property with over 100 acres of breathtaking scenery including 30 acres of water. Enjoy a wide range of activities including fishing swimming, hunting and a 340’ zip line 32’ above water! This property also sports its own professional skeet range and shooting area. No need to worry about sleeping arrangements with a main cabin, guest cabin and bunkhouse! Perfect for corporate retreats, the Hangar hosts a meeting room, indoor basketball court, 3 full baths, kitchen, conference room and more. There’s even a private airstrip/heliport! All of this just one hour from Indy! For more information please visit our website!

Weekend Roundup: September 26 - 28

Once a year Broad Ripple homeowners open their doors for a peek inside the historic neighborhood homes and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the event. The Garden Party is on Friday, September 26, 6-9 pm, in the parking lot of the Carpenter Realtors office at 6101 N. College Ave. Dugan Brothers will provide live entertainment. Local food and drink will be provided by Poccadio, MBP Catering, Union Jack Pub, Yats, Brugge Brasserie, Broad Ripple Brewpub, Thr3e Wise Men, and Cork + Cracker.

        Indianapolis may be 4,561.8 miles from the birthplace of Oktoberfest, but it's bringing all the fun of a Munich beer tent to the Circle City with the annual Upland Oktoberfest. Don't miss the live music, food truck court, and Upland's Oktoberfest Bavarian-style lager, bringing German tradition to the heart of Indianapolis.

        The Mind Tripping Show is the longest running live theatre show in Indianapolis. It is an intimate, interactive, theatrical show. Mind Reading, Influence, Psychological Illusions, and Comedy all come together to create a fantastic night of delightful fun. Be prepared to have your perceptions challenged and your expectations turned upside down. Christian & Katalina, the #1 Husband & Wife Comedy Mind Reading Show, will have you laughing and scratching your head at the same time. Although they have shows all year long at the downtown Hilton, tickets go fast! So be sure to get yours ahead of time here: http://mindtrippingshow.com/tickets/

Weekend Roundup: September 19-21

             If you have yet to be a spectator at the IUPUI Regatta, this is the year to go. Saturday, September 20, take the whole family to see some spirited canoe races at the Downtown canal, dog costume contests and top local musical acts.

Do you like socializing? How about fresh produce? Or maybe even some baked or canned goods to go with a handpicked bouquet of flowers? If so, don't forget to stop by one of the City’s most popular events, the Carmel Farmers Market! Held on Saturday mornings, the market is open only through the end of October. If none of the above things mentioned appeal to you, there's always some live music playing and plenty of fun contests, cook-offs, and demonstrations to enjoy!

If you're feeling low on cash, but still want something fun to do this weekend, head down to the Nickel Plate District to see the free Fall movies presented by Xfinity! There are showings every Friday until October 17th. All the movies are free to attend and begin at sunset on the lawn. There are concessions available to purchase and people are encouraged to bring a couple extra bucks to grab some snacks before the show!

Weekend Roundup: September 12 - 14

Entering its fifteenth season now, Indy Jazz Fest 2014 starts this weekend! For ten whole days (September 11-20) you can take the entire family out for a few fun days around town to see over 50 bands and artists. There will be plenty of jazz music, food, fun and great celebrations! So don’t miss out and go check it out!

The Boilermakers and Fighting Irish are coming to Indianapolis for the 2014 Shamrock Series this weekend! This year’s event is bigger than ever before! Newly introduced to the traditional Friday Academic Series, Alumni Association Service Project, Pep Rally, ND Band Concert, and more, they’ve added the Shamrock Series 5k and Notre Dame Experience Fan Fest for 2014! There’s ample fun to be had for both football fans and non-fans alike!  

The White River Festival is a two week celebration ending this weekend! Explore the river, wildlife, nature, art, performances and all sorts of different family friendly activities. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to see how the White River affects your everyday life, so don’t miss out!

Featured Listing: 8520 Alma Street

8520 Alma Street

Nashville, Indiana

BLC# 21302454 | $600,000

                Join Tina Smith as she takes you through this private lakefront retreat. Tucked away in a peaceful setting is this one-of-a-kind Bailey and Weiler custom-built home! With no detail spared this spectacular home features gleaming hardwood floors, beautiful built-ins, two story wood-burning fireplace, automatic blinds, stunning water views and a boat slip. Gourmet kitchen boasts butcher block island, marble counters and custom cabinets. Large windows throughout the home bring the outside in. Screened porch and deck overlooking mature trees and water are ideal for outdoor enjoyment. This truly private retreat is only a 20 minute drive to Bloomington and Nashville. For more information visit our website here.

Weekend Roundup: August 1 - 3

It’s that time of year again; The Indiana State Fair is here! The Indiana State Fair is a long standing tradition and is a fun tradition. The Indiana State Fair continues to exemplify the very best in Indiana from the grand 4-H competition to the beautiful draft horse shows to daily concerts on stages throughout the grounds. The fair starts this Friday!

 

The 7th Annual Mass Ave Criterium & Cycling Festival will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014. The MAC is one of Indy’s most exciting sporting events held in the beautiful and hip downtown Cultural District of Mass Avenue.

 

The extremely talented Peter Frampton will be playing this Sunday at 7pm at the Palladium. Peter Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. His fifth solo album, the electrifying Frampton Comes Alive!, is one of the top-selling live records of all time. This is a once in a lifetime show!

 

Featured Listing: 3403 Club Estates Drive

3403 Club Estates Drive

Carmel, IN

3,950,000 | 21276908

Join Jay O’Neil as he guides you through this stunning home in Bridgewater. This sprawling Nantucket style estate on 8 carefully designed and maintained acres offers all of the finest finishes one could wish for. Overlooking a private lake and the 14th hole of the Pete Dye Bridgewater Club Golf Course, the setting is idyllic. This former Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home offers custom spaces, expansive windows flooding the home with natural light, exquisite details and is the signature home in Bridgewater. Carmel is one of the fastest growing cities in Indiana and with good reason. It has a reputation for being a safe, family oriented city with a genuine sense of community. For more information visit our website here.

Featured Listing: 7569 Fern Hill Drive

7569 Fern Hill Drive

Morganstown, IN

$519,800 | BCL # 21300349

         Join Rada Adams as she takes you through this stunning rustic residence. Tucked away on over 5 wooded acres is a private retreat unlike any other. Rustic yet polished, this secluded log cabin is a rare find in Brown County with no detail spared. Enjoy three spacious bedrooms, two full baths, vaulted ceilings, skylights, dining nook and fabulous kitchen boasting all the modern amenities one needs including granite counter tops and Sub-Zero refrigerator with freezer drawers hidden in a custom china cabinet. Cozy yet contemporary feel with enough space to comfortably entertain guests. The feeling of seclusion paired with the proximity to Indianapolis and Bloomington set this home apart. For more information visit our website here.

Weekend Roundup: July 25 - 27

                It’s Friday already! Here are some tips on what to do this weekend. This weekend is the Brickyard Super Weekend. Friday is the United SportsCar Championship Race Day and gates open at 8a.m. On Saturday is NASCAR Nationwide Series Race Day, gates open up at 7 a.m. Sunday is the last day with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Day. The gates open at 6a.m.

                 Along with Brickyards Super Weekend races, they are also hosting Bickfest Music Festival. Saturday ACM Vocal Group of the Year The Band Perry and ACM New Artist of the Year Justin Moore will be performing following the NASCAR Nationwide Series Indiana 250 race. On Sunday, after the races Brantley Gilbert, Drake White and more will be performing. Get your tickets now!

                There’s not just racing going on this weekend. Be sure to check out Cirque Du Soleil’s new show, Varekai. The show runs through the whole weekend at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This show is sure to amaze.

Featured Listing: 535 East 82nd Street

535 East 82nd Street

Indianapois, IN

$515,000 | BLC # 21288584

Join Clay Bowden as he take you through this marvelous home at 535 East 82^nd Street. Beautifully updated three or four bedroom home on the northern border of Williams Creek. Many updates including kitchen, three full bathrooms, windows, roof, HVAC and more. This home will not disappoint. Two fireplaces warm the family and living room. Hardwood floors throughout the home accent its beauty. Master Suite includes a luxurious sitting room. Wonderful flow from the kitchen to the family room and out to the brick patio and in-ground pool perfect for summer entertaining. There is even a pool house that could easily be finished into a guest suite. Fenced rear yard and irrigation system for the lush landscaping that surround this wonderful home. For more information visit our website here.

Weekend Roundup: July 18 - 20

Thank goodness it’s Friday! Now it’s time for some fun. The Children’s Museum is hosting Terra Cotta Warriors AfterDark. This event is catered to the 21-and-over crowd. Eat, drink, and network at this fun event on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00.

The Indy Film Fest is this weekend!! It runs from the 17-26. The Fest has always been about creating a shared experience around film. Check out when and where these amazing films are being shown here.

 Enjoy where art and wine meet in the Carmel Arts and Design District. Head to Carmel this Saturday for the Art of Wine. Enjoy a summer evening experiencing vintages al fresco at the sixth annual IU Health North Hospital Art of Wine, a can’t miss event in the Carmel Arts & Design District.

Featured Listing: W 96th Street

This spectacular equestrian property on sixteen wooded acres features five pastures, two horse barns with twelve stalls, paddock doors, riding arena, tack room and finished quarters for a caretaker. The main home has five spacious bedrooms, including an amazing master suite with stunning large windows and balcony overlooking the pool. The gourmet kitchen includes beautiful wood cabinets and plenty of space as well as a marvelous breakfast area with a gorgeous view. The family room boasts many custom built-ins and a stone fireplace. Entertain in the two story living room with access to the loft. Windows are featured throughout the home bringing tons of natural light in. Enjoy the swimming pool with deep end diving board, pool house and hot tub. The guest house was renovated in 2014 and boasts over 1,600 square feet and a full lower level. This fantastic property also has a fully stocked three acre pond and an additional six acres adjacent to property that can be purchased. For more information please visit our website.

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.

This Week's Real Estate Headlines

Encore Sotheby's International Realty breaks the top ten in IBJ's Fastest Growing Companies List:  We are honored to share this recent recognition as Indianapolis' 9th Fastest Growing Company.  It is with the dedication of Realtors, staff, and the power of the Sotheby's International Brand that this exponential growth was achieved.  We are extremely grateful to all that have helped us along the way and as we approach our 5 year anniversary we are thrilled with this growth and these achievements.

MIBOR's May data reveals stable pricing and slow growth:  Much is often made of the stats and figures detailing the housing industry.  This week's report states a 4.1% increase in average sales price for the quarter across the entire market.  More locally, Hamilton County saw a 3.5% increase in median sales price, Boone County saw a 40.7% increase in median sales price and Marion County saw a 2.3% decrease in median sales price.  What does this mean for your home value?  Call us and we'll help you determine what all of these stats mean for you.

COMING SOON, Is it in the Seller's best interest: Our always savvy and ever changing local Realtor board, MIBOR, took up this issue recently and adjusted its regulations regarding the "coming soon" or "pocket listing."  The board has tightened up its rules to decrease the time, now only 48 hours, in which a home may be marketed by a Realtor prior to its inclusion in the BLC and available for all Realtors to review online.  This is all in an effort to garner the seller the highest possible price for their listing. 

For more information on any of these headlines, please contact us.  We'd be happy to review with you the current market data!

Weekend Round-Up: June 20-22

                We all need a good laugh after this long work week! Head to the 700 block of North Park, The Mass Ave Arts and Theatre District, for just that. It’s the 19^th annual Brew-Ha-Ha! Enjoy unlimited beer samples from over 50 of the best local and national craft breweries, live music from local bands, and food from local food vendors. The fun starts this Saturday from 3:00p.m. -7:00 p.m. This outdoor block party is sure to be a blast!

                Come get covered in paint this Saturday at the Neon Run! This 5k is no ordinary 5k. Starting at 7:00p.m. and going through the night, they will cover you in bight neon colors as you run. After the 5k is the After Dash Bash, filled with performers, music, food, drinks, and tons of Ultra Violet Backlight! Every participant becomes part of the show as they blink and glow the night away in this one of a kind 5k extravaganza.

                Join the IMA for their annual Summer Solstice Celebration and Free Outdoor Concert on Saturday in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park. Enjoy food and drinks from Sun King Brewery and local food trucks. Enjoy great company in this 100 acres park where nature and creativity come together. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.

                Relax and enjoy the Indianapolis Symphony this weekend at Symphony on the Prairie, Friday and Saturday at 8:00, as they present Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. This all-American classic is sure to move you and help you enjoy this kick-off to summer.