The other day I was headed to the grocery store and saw a fellow agent's smiling face on a bus hut.  The picture was good and it looked very professional.  At the bottom of it in bold print and all caps it said CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CMA!! I logged on to Facebok this morning and saw an ad from a fellow agent.  It asked me to like their Facebook page, and then right under that it said FREE CMA ON YOUR HOME! Last night as I was looking through the Fort Wayne real estate book I saw several advertisements for a FREE CMA. Then I got to thinking...  does anybody really charge for a CMA?   When we get a call from a potential seller, we have a conversation with them about their needs and their situation.  Then we run a very thorough CMA to take to the listing appointment.  We go over it with the... 02/28/2013

         The 2012 Northwest Allen county residential Real Estate market saw continued improvement in volume and average sales pricing. This marks the 3 year in a row for improved numbers in these two categories for the Northwest market.         For the purposes of this study data is compiled for all sales of single family, common interest detached (villas), and common interest attached (condo's/townhomes) homes within Perry, Eel River, and Lake townships and sold between January 1st and December 31st of 2011 and 2012 for comparison purposes.  This study does not include the sale of land,lots,multifamily homes or commercial properties.          Sales volume improved 16% in 2012 and the time it took to sell a home in Northwest Allen county improved 13%.   Number of Homes Sold in Northwest... 02/15/2013

02/08/2013

  Last summer I attended a home inspection with one of my buyers.  The inspector that he chose was one that I hadn't worked with before.   He was very nice, very knowledgable, and helped to educate the client during the inspection.  I was starting to think about referring him to future clients. Then we went outside in the backyard to "inspect" the roof.   He pulled out a pair of binoculars, held them up to his face, and pointed them towards the roof. I said "Hey man. What are you doing?" "Inspecting the roof" he said.   I said "Really?" "Yes" he replied. I replied with "When I look through binoculars at the birds in my backyard, I'm not inspecting them.  I'm looking at them." He went on to tell me that with his size (he was very overweight which I DO NOT JUDGE for one second) he can't ... 02/06/2013

        Brian Kuhns | Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber | bkuhns@cbrwg.com | (260) 416-5103 2114 Morgan Creek Dr, Fort Wayne, IN   3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $115,500 Year Built 2011 Sq Footage 1,300 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .15 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Why wait to build when you can buy. This 3bd/2ba split floor plan ranch in Morgan Creek offers all the location and comfort of new construction without the wait. The culdesac private lot backs to an open field, great for peaceful backyard bbq's, cookouts and relaxing. Abundant natural light from the open eastern sky fills the large master bedroom with full bath and walk-in closet. A great room layout with additional views of the private landscape, ceiling... 01/22/2013

  Brian Kuhns | Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber | bkuhns@cbrwg.com | (260) 416-5103 3624 Summersworth Run, Fort Wayne, IN   4BR/2+1BA Single Family House   offered at $130,000 Year Built 1986 Sq Footage 1,860 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .20 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Your private retreat awaits in the Southwest Allen county community of Winterfield. This 4bd/2½ bath open concept floor plan home is prepared for your arrival. An open foyer leads to the large living room with french doors and flows to the formal dining area and kitchen with custom raised panel cabinets, double ceramic sinks and pantry. The breakfast area has great views of the private yard and open vaulted family room with fireplace. Step outside to the st... 01/22/2013

Open House Sunday January 20th, 1-3pm   Brian Kuhns | Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber | bkuhns@cbrwg.com | (260) 416-5103 1232 Illsley Dr, Fort Wayne, IN Open House Sunday January 20th, 1-3pm 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House   offered at $179,900 Year Built 1935 Sq Footage 1,896 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .20 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Stately, Federal Style Colonial all brick home. CLASSIC CHARM THRU-OUT! Stunning woodwork enhances the walnut doors, trim, staircase and fireplace mantel. New flooring in the kitchen! Beautiful hardwood floors and paint throughout! Enjoy your outside retreat on your brick paver patio in the beautifully landscaped, fenced backyard. Incredibly well maintained inside & out. All exterior walls a... 01/19/2013

  Amanda and I started selling real estate way back in the beginning of 2009.  We had no goals at all, we just wanted to get our feet wet and make some people happy by selling them homes.  In 2010 and 2011 we got more focused and set goals, and with some crazy hard work, we accomplished them. 2012 was a blur for us.  We had some major challenges while switching real estate companies, and a few personal trials as well.  Nothing too major, and we are definitely stronger today because of these things.  Our sales were down a little bit in 2012 (OMG did I just admit that??  GASP!!), but we still did well. One of the things we lost in the whirlwind that was 2012 was goal setting.  That's not good.  We sat down the other day and took a look at all of our stats for the past four years, and got... 01/11/2013

       If one of your New Years resolutions is to become a Homeowner in 2013, It's time to start outlining the steps you need to take in order to be able to purchase your new home.    The steps needed aren't as overwhelming as you might think and aren't all that different from other resolutions you may have set for yourself.  A clear goal with a defined path and a determination to stay focused will end with the keys to your new home in the palm of your hand.      So where do you start? There are 5 major components to the home buying process in Indiana      Financing      Finding and Touring Homes      Writing an Offer      Proceeding to closing      Closing Financing The first step towards finding a new home is making sure you can afford it by getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. A pre... 01/05/2013

  Congratulations to George and Lori on getting their Northwest Allen County home listed and Sold in 47 Days! After meeting with my staging consultant and preparing the home for professional photography, we had over 20 showings in less than 47 days! I'm sure the new buyers will love this home as much as the previous owners did.     If you are interested in selling your Seven Oaks or Northwest Allen county Home, I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the tools I would use to sell your Home!     Please visit my website if you are looking for similar homes for Sale in Northwest Allen county at :       01/04/2013

  11.  Have your Realtor® take TERRIBLE pictures of the home. Blurry?  No probem!  Sideways?  Cool!  Blurry AND sideways?  ROCK ON!!   10.  Stay home during the showings and beg the buyer to buy the home.  Make sure you have really bad breath and don't forget to stand very close while begging.    9.  Don't vacuum all the dog hair or try to get rid of the strong pet odor.    8.  Purple carpet.  The brighter, the better!    7.  CLUTTER!  Have stuff EVERYWHERE!  Display every single one of your 1,781 Longaberger baskets.  Oh, and knick knacks.  Put them EVERYWHERE.    6.  Tell your Realtor® that you need four days notice before each showing.  5.  During the showings, make sure to be taking a nap on your living room couch.    4.  Get a bunch of landscaping and trees to cover up the entire ... 12/18/2012

  After getting Deb pre-approved I showed her some homes in South West Fort Wayne.  After four showings we found "the one".  She asked if we could see it again the following day, and asked me to bring a purchase agreement because she was ready to make an offer.   I ran my comps and found that the home was priced pretty well for the area.  Since we were asking the seller to pay for Deb's closing costs, a survey, and a home warranty, I recommended offering around 92% of list price.  I thought that if we offered that we could come to an agreement around 96% of list price and everybody wins.  What she said next threw me for a loop.     "I hear what you are saying Jared, but my hairdresser said I should offer 60% of list price.  You know.  Cause it's a buyer's market."   "What the WHAT?" wa... 12/15/2012

     Join the Holiday tradition of the timeless classic The Nutcracker with the Fort Wayne Ballet this year at one of 9 available performances. Performances begin this Friday November 30 at 7pm and continue through the following weekend.   For those of you with little princess' (like my daughter) be sure to check out one of the 4 sugar plum fairy parties that happen after the matinee performances. The party includes a chance to meet with some of the ballerinas, get autographs, take pictures with your favorite character from the ballet, and enjoy a sweet treat. There are separate tickets for this party, so be sure to check out the website for all the details.  The Friday and Saturday performances this weekend (Nov 30th/Dec 1st) will feature the music to Tchaikovsky's score performed live... 11/27/2012

The Indianapolis Colts and rookie QB Andrew Luck are in a strong position to make the playoffs this year.  After a 2 - 14 record last year everybody around here thought this year would be a rebuilding year.  Not so fast!  I don't see the Colts winning a Super Bowl this year, but then again, I didn't see them making the playoffs this year either. The Indiana Hoosiers are #1 in the land and are currently undefeated.  I know it's early, but I really expect Tom Creen's team to post a great record this season, win the Big 10, and go deep into the NCAA tournament.  IU plays North Carolina tomorrow night.  That should be a close game and a fun one to watch! And of course, we have Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football!  Talk about a team that has the luck of the Irish going for them...  With then... 11/25/2012

   I wrote this blog back in 2012 after having a few years as a Realtor under my belt. I came across it recently and wondered how much my attitude towards this business has changed since this post. I'm happy to report that it's NONE!! I continue to be blessed by those that I serve and it's always humbling when I get invited to cookouts, weddings, baptisms, and golf outings by my clients.  I look forward to serving my future clients with the same enthusiasm as I did with those that came before them and hopefully many more events in their lives they are willing to share with me!   There are as many reasons why people get into the Real Estate business as there are Realtors. Many come from a family lineage in the business, some for the pursuit of achieving personal success, others to prove ... 11/25/2012

              The Northwest Allen County community of Watersong is 110 single family and common interest detached (commonly known as villas) homesites first developed in 2001.  Located on the Northeast corner of Coldwater and Union Chapel roads the area has homes that average $200,000 and are served by the Northwest Allen County school system.  Close to local shopping/dining/area entertainment and a 10 minute drive to the new Parkview Regional hospital, Watersong offers a great environment for those looking for newer constructed homes.       Number of Homes Sold in Watersong January-October 2011: 7 Number of Homes Sold in Watersong January-October 2012: 4   Avg Days on Market for Homes Sold January-October 2011:  121 Avg Days on Market for Homes Sold January-October 2012:      7      Wh... 11/23/2012

     If you're looking for a last minute Holiday idea to do. Make sure to make it to downtown Fort Wayne tonight beginning at 5:45 on Pearl street for the annual Night of Lights festival      My favorite lighting of Santa and his Reindeer on the PNC bank building will begin at 6:15 on the corner of main and calhoun streets.       Check the website (http://holidayfestdowntown.com/night-of-lights/) for a complete list of lighting ceremony events and their times.  This is always a great way to kick off the Holidays and it's Free!   Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! 11/21/2012

  I'll be honest.  Before I got my real estate license and became a Realtor, I thought all Realtors did was... 1.  Go to lunch 5 times a week. 2.  Go get drinks 4 times a week. 3.  Open doors.   4.  Talk and laugh real loud. 5.  Go to closings. 6.  Run late. 7.  Talk about themselves a lot. 8.  Drive mini vans with the soccer mom sticker on the back. 9.  Make a lot of easy money. Fast forward 4 years and I realize just how wrong I was.  Do you every wonder what Realtors do?  Here's a short list... 1.  Generate leads. 2.  Educate ourselves about the local real estate market. 3.  Educate YOU about the local real estate market. 4.  Negotiate on your behalf to help you get a home for a fair price. 5.  Deal and manage people during one of the most stressful times of their lives. 6.  Underst... 11/09/2012

               The question I hear a lot of lately is whether or not now is the right time to be putting a home up for sale.  Sellers are unsure whether buyers are even looking this time of year and with the Holidays approaching, many people feel that the added stress to maintaining a show ready home during this already frantic time of year may be taking on too much      It is my opinion that now can be a great opportunity to sell your home.  Inventory is typically down this time of year and as long as Holiday decorations are tastefully done, sellers can take advantage of this time of year to find a buyer looking to purchase while interest rates are still historically low but have fewer choices in their home search.     Below are two charts that demonstrate the percentage of homes that ... 11/07/2012

A few weeks ago I got a text from a friend that is going to be buying a home in the next six months.  She was at the Y and was going to the bathroom.  She texted me and said "Um.  Jared?  The lender you referred me to is watching me pee!"   WHAT?? She went on to explain that this particular lender was advertising his information on the inside of a bathroom stall.  I chuckled.   Fast forward to today.   I was with a past client having lunch.  She excused herself to go the bathroom.  A few minutes later she texted me and said that "Bob the Lender" was watching her pee.   I laughed again because I knew exactly what she was talking about.   Then I started thinking...  is this the best way to advertise?  On a bathroom stall?   I've been to restaurants and a few pubs where I have seen adverti... 11/06/2012