Cash buyers.  These are our favorite types of buyers.  Why?   1.  There is no lender.  No offense to you lenders out there, but without you, transactions are SO much easier.  There's no red tape, no conditions, and no underwriters.   2.  They close quickly.  An FHA loan normally takes 30-45 days to close.  A conventional loan normally takes 20-30 days to close.  A USDA loan normally takes 45-60 days to close.   We have closed cash deals in as little as 7 days.  That's 7 days from the date that the offer was accepted.   We were able to have the inspection just a few days in, and title work was ordered and the commitment was delivered to us within 4 days.  All we had to do was get it scheduled with the title company, and away we went.   I would say that most cash deals take closer to ... 09/10/2013

Southwest Allen County School District Fort Wayne real estate market report for August, 2013, brought to you by Amanda and Jared Christiansen with Century 21 Bradley. Are you wondering what happened in the SWAC School District real estate market last month?  Let's take a look! Homes sold:  93 Average days on market:  41 Average list price:  $237,963 Average sales price: $229,841 (96% of list price) Median sales price:  $193,000 Lowest sales price:  $22,500 (3 bedroom foreclosure in Zanesville that was on the market for 19 days) Highest sales price:  $910,000 (6 bedroom 5,000 square foot luxury home in The Cliffs Subdivision that was originally listed for $949,900 and sold in only 5 days) Overall, the market in August of 2013 was great.  41 days on market and sales price being 96% of lis... 09/05/2013

Northwest Allen County School District Fort Wayne real estate market report for August, 2013, brought to you by Amanda and Jared Christiansen with Century 21 Bradley. Are you wondering what happened in the NWAC School District real estate market last month?  Let's take a look! Homes sold:  75 Average days on market:  62 Average list price:  $210,305 Average sales price: $203,855 (97% of list price) Median sales price:  $175,500 Lowest sales price:  $27,000 (Foreclosed trailer in Huntertown) Highest sales price:  $618,750 (4 bedroom, 4,145 square foot luxury home in Twin Eages Subdivision that was originally listed for $649,900 and on the market for 372 days) Overall, the market in August of 2013 was great.  62 days on market and sales price being 97% of list price are both great things ... 09/05/2013

Fort Wayne real estate market report for August, 2013, brought to you by Amanda and Jared Christiansen with Century 21 Bradley. Are you wondering what happened in the Fort Wayne real estate market last month?  Let's take a look! Homes sold:  401 Average days on market:  56 Average list price:  $148,513 Average sales price: $143, 516 (97% of list price) Median sales price:  $118,000 Lowest sales price:  $7,510 (Foreclosure near downtown Fort Wayne) Highest sales price:  $910,000 (6 bedroom, 5,000 + square foot luxury home in The Cliffs Subdivision in Southwest Fort Wayne) Overall, the market in August of 2013 was great.  56 days on market and sales price being 97% of list price are both great things for sellers in the area. Let's take a look at active homes for sale in Fort Wayne (as of ... 09/04/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Jonathan's Landing Subdivision. Jonathan's Landing Subdivision in Fort Wayne is located off Covington Rd., just west of W. Hamilton Rd., in Southwest Fort Wayne. There are ponds, sidewalks, an association pool and clubhouse.  Homes are less than 15 years old here, and there are new construction homes still being built in The Lakes of Jonathan's Landing.  Prices range from the $150,000 to $300,000.  Association dues are $324 annually. Here is a look at homes sold in Jonathan's Landing Subdivision from Jan 1 - July 31, 2013.     Homes sold:  12 Average list price:  $246,000 Average sales price:  $243,000 Median sales price:  $239,000 Average days on market:  71 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Jonathan's Landing Subdivision: Homes for sale:  3 Av... 08/30/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Veracruz Subdivision in Fort Wayne. Veracruz Subdivision is located just south of Illinois Road and west of Hamilton Road. There are many Craftsman style homes, mature trees, sidewalks, and lakes in Veracruz.There are some lots available for sale in Veracruz and new construction still going on. Here is a look at homes sold in Veracruz from Jan 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013:    Homes sold:  10 Average list price:  $256,000 Average sales price:  $250,000 Median sales price:  $272,000 Average days on market:  51 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Veracruz Subdivision: Homes for sale:  4 Average list price:  $259,000 Median list price:  $288,000 Average days on market:  51 Since 2006, our Century 21 Bradley office in Fort Wayne has sold 22 homes in Veracru... 08/30/2013

There has been a trend over the last few years that has really grown in Fort Wayne.  Real estate teams. I can't even tell you how many teams there are in our Century 21 Bradley office.  If I had to guess, I would say at least 20-25. There are many different sized teams as well.  There are a few with just 2 members, and some with close to double digits. Our team has 7 members, and we should have 3 more agents by the end of the year.  No, we don't all travel in a clown car together while showing or listings homes.  Jim and Glenda are married, and they do a lot together (like Amanda and I), but the others pretty much do their own thing. I've trained 2 of the new agents over the last year, and 2 of the members joining our team in the fall are brand spankin new to real estate.  I get to trai... 08/28/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Oak Pointe and Oak Crossing Subdivisions in Fort Wayne. Oak Pointe and Oak Crossing Subdivisions are located just north of Dupont Road and west of Tonkel Road.   There are many mature trees, sidewalks, and both ranch and two story homes in these subdivisions.  Lots are in the 1/4 acre range.  Homes range in age from 15 to 25 years old in these subdivisions.  Prices range from the $125,000 range up to the $200,000 price range.  Association dues are $50 annually. Here is a look at homes sold in Oak Pointe and Oak Crossing Subdivisions from Jan 1 - July 31, 2013:    Homes sold:  9 Average list price:  $164,622 Average sales price:  $158,544 Median sales price:  $159,000 Average days on market:  47 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Oak Pointe and Oa... 08/27/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Cedar Springs Subdivision in Fort Wayne. Cedar Springs Subdivision is located just north of Dupont Road and west of Tonkel Road.   There are numerous lakes, mature trees, and sidewalks in Cedar Springs.  There are many lots available for sale in Cedar Springs and plenty of new construction still going on. Here is a look at homes sold in Cedar Springs from Jan 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013:    Homes sold:  5 Average list price:  $272,207 Average sales price:  $270,627 Median sales price:  $260,075 Average days on market:  24 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Cedar Springs Subdivision: Homes for sale:  6 Average list price:  $328,750 Median list price:  $327,450 Average days on market:  278 Since 2009, our Century 21 Bradley office in Fort Wayne has sol... 08/27/2013

  Is it still a good time to buy a home in Fort Wayne? Amanda and I have been getting asked this question a lot lately. Buyers keep hearing that Fort Wayne is a seller's market in 2013, and with interest rates recently on the rise, some buyers are nervous.  While most of the Fort Wayne real estate market has been a seller's market, prices of homes here haven't raised dramatically.  The biggest problem for buyers here this year has been how quickly inventory has been moving.   Out of all of the listings we've sold this year, the average days on market has been 10 days or less.  Fort Wayne as a whole (in the hot areas) has been around 45 days on market this year.   During the spring there were times that our buyers would see a house pop up on the market, and it would go under contract be... 08/26/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Sorrento Subdivision. Sorrento Subdivision in Fort Wayne is located just north of Union Chapel Road and west of Tonkel Road in Northwest Fort Wayne. There are many ponds, sidewalks, and both ranch and two story homes in Sorrento.  Homes are less than 10 years old here, and there is plenty of new construction homes still being built in Sorrento.  Prices range from the $160,000 range all the way up to the $400,000 range.  Association dues are $250 annually. Here is a look at homes sold in Sorrento Subdivision from Jan 1 - July 31, 2013.     Homes sold:  21 Average list price:  $242,011 Average sales price:  $237,078 Median sales price:  $235,000 Average days on market:  78 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Sorrento Subdivision: Homes for sale:  3 ... 08/26/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Woodmont Subdivision in Fort Wayne. Woodmont Subdivision is located just north of Dupont Road and east of Lima Road.   There are many mature trees, sidewalks, and both ranch and two story homes in Woodmont.  Most of the lots are heavily wooded and private.  Homes range in age from 20 to 35 years old in this subdivision.  Prices range from $150,000 all the way up to the $500,000 price range.  Association dues are $190 annually. Here is a look at homes sold in Woodmont Subdivision from Jan 1 - July 31, 2013:    Homes sold:  6 Average list price:  $272,783 Average sales price:  $261,803 Median sales price:  $243,750 Average days on market:  87 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Woodmont Subdivision: Homes for sale:  2 Average list price:  $239,900 M... 08/26/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Eagle Lake Subdivision. Eagle Lake Subdivision is located just north of Dupont Road and west of Coldwater Road.   There are many mature trees, sidewalks, a few ponds, and both ranch and two story homes in Eagle Lake Subdivision. Homes range in age from 15 to 25 years old in this subdivision.  Prices range from $150,000 all the way up to the $300,000 price range.  Association dues are $260 annually. Here is a look at homes sold in Eagle Lake Subdivision from Jan 1 - July 31, 2013.     Homes sold:  4 Average list price:  $208,900 Average sales price:  $204,000 Median sales price:  $204,250 Average days on market:  18 Currently there are 0 active homes for sale in Eagle Lake Subdivision.  As you can tell by the short days on market and the lack ofrrent acti... 08/25/2013

Homes for sale and homes sold in Windsor Woods Subdivision. Windsor Woods Subdivision is located just north of Dupont Road and east of Lima Road.   There are many mature trees, sidewalks, a few ponds, and both ranch and two story homes in Windsor Woods.  Homes range in age from 10 to 25 years old in this subdivision.  Prices range from $100,000 (mostly HUDs, foreclosures, and fixer uppers) all the way up to $250,000.  Association dues are $100 annually. Here is a look at homes sold in Windsor Woods from Jan 1 - July 31, 2013.     Homes sold:  10 Average list price:  $159,962 Average sales price:  $157,015 Median sales price:  $157,250 Average days on market:  31 Here is a look at active homes for sale in Windsor Woods. Homes for sale:  6 Average list price:  $150,250 Median list price: ... 08/25/2013

4328 Tacoma Avenue is JUST LISTED by Amanda and Jared Christiansen with Century 21 Bradley in Fort Wayne.  This home is located in historic Southwood Park Subdivision and is loaded with charm! It has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1,386 square feet, and a full unfinished basement with a detached 1 car garage. Some other great features are an open foyer with a wide natural wood staircase, hardwood floors throughout the ENTIRE home, oak trim, crown molding, updated kitchen with breakfast nook and ceramic tile, cherry butcher block counter tops, glass tile backsplash, new ceramic tile in upstairs, bathroom, updated light fixtures throughout, a new roof in 2011, new A/C in 2011, an enclosed front porch, a covered back patio, and beautiful color and decor throughout.   All of this for a list pr... 08/25/2013

       Another happy Seller! I'm sure the new buyer is going to love the Home and heavily wooded 13 acres this property boasts in Southwest Allen county.... a Rare find! I'm so happy for the seller that after worrying about how long it would take to find a buyer for this unique property, we found the right fit in only 5 days!      Looking to sell your Southwest Allen County Home but not sure where to start? Contact me for the latest Market information and a complimentary Analysis of your Home.  Let's sell yours next!     08/23/2013

I've written about this topic before, but I've been asked this questions many times since, so I figured I'd cover it again. When is the right time to start looking for a home in Fort Wayne? I had a buyer reach out to me just the other day.  He is going to be buying a new  home, but won't ready to buy until spring of 2014. He asked me if it was too early to start looking at homes now. My reply was YES.  It's way too early. Even though he wouldn't be buying anything until spring, he was excited of the idea of buying.  He said again that he just wanted to go out and look at 3-5 homes, just so he could see what's out there.  He couldn't understand why that could be a bad thing.   Here's what I explained to him: 1.  What happens if we get out there and you find a home that you absolutely fa... 08/22/2013

The simple answer to this question is YES.  Yes you can list your home high and just test the Fort Wayne real estate market. The smart answer (in my humble opinion) is NO.     Amanda and I went to a listing appointment recently.  We arrived, met the sellers, and toured the home.  It was a beautiful home in a very nice subdivision in Northwest Allen County. As we sat down to discuss our marketing plan and the real estate market, the seller went right to price. "I'm thinking that we should list the home for $300,000.  Let's test the market.  Let's see what happens!  What do you think?" Well, we thought knew that $300,000 was WAY too high for the home in that area.  Our market analysis and knowledge of the area showed that the home should sell in the $225,000 range.  We recommended a list... 08/21/2013

Bridgewater Subdvision in Fort Wayne is a wonderful community.  The homes here are 15 years old and newer, with plenty of new homes being built as we speak.  There is a clubhouse with a pool, and an abundance of beautiful views over the numerous lakes in the subdivision. Bridgewater Subdivision is in a very convenient location as well.  It's just west of Fort Wayne off of Illinois and Hamilton Roads.  It's close to shopping at Jefferson Pointe and the Coventry area.  It's just minutes from Lutheran Hospital and Southwest Fort Wayne and I69 access.  Homes in Bridgewater sell for the low $200,000 range all the way up to the $500,000 + price point. There are both ranches and two story homes in the subdivision.   Here are a few pictures of what you can expect to see in Bridgewater: Let's t... 08/21/2013

   While the goal of any Realtor who takes on a listing is to get it sold, it's always nice to have the added benefit of forging new relationships and helping people start a new chapter in their life.   I recently took on a listing that was part of a living trust for a family of 7 brothers and sisters whose parents had built the home back in 1960! That's a whole lot of memories tied up into one home over the years and I was fortunate enough to hear some of the stories about growing up in the home and how their Mother designed the house around having large family dinners at the Holidays. The process of getting everyone on the same page wasn't always easy, but fortunately the two trustees were able to bring everyone together. Everyone pitched in to stage the home and remove some clutter, ... 08/20/2013