In Honor of My Father...and it began in 1918... on a Dairy farm in Southern Indiana. Times were so different then. Life was simple and fresh and pure as a tall glass of cold milk. Many people's livings were being made by cultivating the land and what it provided. A little boy was born by the name of Gerald and would be called Gerry. Gerry, a cotton-topped three year old was playing in the yard one day when he saw his dad's tractor coming in from the fields to the barn. As he had done so many times before, Gerry went running and scaled the fence that kept him from his daddy. But, this time he fell. His left arm was broken and the old country doctor was fetched. Casting for broken limbs was still relatively new and the doctor was very, very old. Gerry's mother tried everything she could t... 06/19/2011

15 Suggestions, To Help You Find The Best Agent  To Get Your Home "SOLD!"                                      How Do "You" Find An Agent?   Most people ask for recommendations, some of the most successful agents get that way because of referrals. Start by asking your friends, and neighbors, co-workers, family, community members "who they have used in the past", and how successful their experiences were. But you should also check their suggestions through the Internet.  Do those agents have a web presence?  Do they as agents have their own website?  Do they contribute locally with a Blog?.  "Word of mouth" advertising is great!  But, that only works, if the agent has a large circle of friends or a large buyer pool.  You need more than the average or good agent may have.  You need a well... 03/21/2010

Dog World DayCare Benefits Columbus Home Sellers!   Columbus Indiana Home Seller's that have dogs as pets, let me show you how to increase the potential of selling your home quicker!  When your home is scheduled for a showing, take your pets/dogs to "Dog World Daycare & Behavior Center!   When there are No Distractions! ie/ your pet dog barking!  You have just increased the potential to have your home "Sold"  Why you ask?  Because its difficult enough to show the value of your home and have conversations with prospective clients/buyers if they can't hear each other without trying to talk over a dog barking!   And its not his/her fault, animals are inherent protectors of their territory.  Most Realtors will list homes with full intentions of trying to sell to prospective buyers that they... 02/28/2010

 It appears that Fannie Mae and HomePath have taken a new step forward, and incentiveized a program to Sell more homes. Is it a good idea?  From a buyers perspective Sure it is!  From the Sellers perspective Definitely!  Fannie Mae Offers New Closing Cost Assistance and Appliance Incentive for Homebuyers Fannie Mae is offering a 3.5% incentive for buyers who purchase and close on a Fannie Mae-owned home between January 28 and April 30, 2010. Buyers purchasing properties listed on HomePath.com that are closed within this period may receive up to 3.5% of the final sales price for:  Closing costs; ·         The purchase of new Whirlpool® appliances by Fannie Mae; or ·         A mix of closing costs and appliances, at the buyer's discretion, up to the maximum 3.5%. To be eligible for this i... 01/28/2010

Barely a year ago the real estate industry was stunned when Canadian-based Brookfield Residential Property Services (Brookfield RPS), a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Brookfield), and owner of Royal LePage, the largest Canadian residential real estate company, acquired GMAC Real Estate. With the departure of CEO John Bearden and a pending name change imminent, many labeled the GMAC franchise as yesterday’s news.   What a difference a year has made.   Announcing their second large acquisition today, Brookfield RPS has now also the owner of Real Living Network Services, a subsidiary of Real Living Inc. Combining the two companies creates one of America’s leading residential real estate franchises with more than $20 billion in annual home sales and an estimated 30,000 agent... 12/04/2009

 Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association Announcement!  Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association continues to strive toward it's goal of building a Dog Park for the residents of Columbus Indiana, and their pet dogs.  Visit our website for more information, updates on the fund raising activities, or to read the "Park Bark Newsletter".   CIDPA, Inc. P.O. Box 2503 Columbus, IN  47202 info@columbuslovesdogs.com www.columbuslovesdogs.com     Have you heard about the dog park and want to learn more? Want to find out what a dog park is all about? Want to see how well your dog sleeps after a day of play at the dog park?   Here's your chance!   Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association announces DOG PARK FOR A DAY!!!   July 11th & 25th and August 8th 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Willow Crossing Health & Rehab, ... 06/25/2009

Military Advertising Coupled with A Caring Solution! Many, Many, Many! of us are connected to the Military, whether it's direct involvement through ourselves or Family, or Friends, and clients? Having both a personal connection through marriage, my Step- Grandson will be deployed again for second tour in Iraq, but my guess would be more like Afganastan.  Regardless it places him in harms way.  I'm thankfull to all Military Personnell for their contributions! And Wish All a Safe Return! If you are located within driving distance(within reasonable housing distance) of any US military base, and seeking to add to your marketing, sign up with www.MilitaryAvenue.com for free! Or they have other options for a fee, which are reasonable, a great way to help you as an Broker/Agent. Associate or P... 02/25/2009

If I were writing for our Columbus newspaper "The Republic", or for the "Seymour Tribune". the headline would read "Market Plummets!"  If I were writing for the Wall Street Journal, I would write, "The Market Signal is Buy!, Buy!, Buy!!!",  But since I'm a Realtor , and Real Estate Professional in South Central Indiana, my hedline is: Real Estate Market Shows Great Promise and Opportunity Based on the following premises: 1.  Housing in Indiana's South Central area is Affordable 2. Interest rates are the Best in Years! 3. Residential Lenders Have Money and Want to Lend IT! 4. Good Selection of Housing Inventory 5. Excellent Time for 1st Time Buyers 6. Great Time for Move-Up Buyers 7. Great Opportunities for Investors 8. Most Sellers are Realistic in their Expectations 9. More Qualified B... 01/26/2009

13 Reasons You Should Consider Relocating to Beautifull Columbus Indiana Not only is Columbus an international architectural showplace. Columbus is also currently ranked eleventh in the U.S. on the list of safest cities per population. In 2006. Columbus won the highly competitive national contest, "America in Bloom." In 2004 It was named as one of "The Ten Most Playful Towns" by Nick Jr. Family Magazine. The July 2005 edition of "GQ Magazine" named Columbus one of the "62 Reasons to Love Your Country." Columbus is the headquarters of the engine company, Cummins Inc.   Why Buy a Home in Central Indiana? We have the highest homeownership rate in the nation. We boast the nation's most affordable housing market. The lack of physical barriers to metro area equates to ample fringe community h... 01/17/2009

Columbus Indiana Takes another "Big Hit" Yet again, Columbus Indiana takes another "Big Hit" to its residents and its economy, which will invariably be impacted.  The flood in June of 2008 devastated businesses and some home owners.  But the world's economy, the National economy, and overall recession,  have trickled down to one of Columbus's major employers, and employees. Cummins announced about a month ago, they were laying off approximately 600 jobs, Yesterday in the Republic headlines they announced a further 800 Job losses, see the copy of the memo sent to Cummins employees. Global Recession Forces Further Workforce ReductionsTo All Employees:During the fourth quarter, we made several announcements regarding the state of the Company and actions we have taken to deal with the globa... 01/15/2009

It's a "Sad State of Affairs" or is it "Opportunity Knocking?"   Yes!, even here in Columbus Indiana, it's a sad state of affairs! Or is it opportunity knocking, where the housing market and Real Estate, have been minimally affected by the down turn in the economy, and many homes were ravaged with the Flood. But is it a "Sad State of Affairs?", or is, "Opportunity Knocking!", a question that is not so easily answered. When people ask me, I say "It's sad for some and opportunistic for others!"  With the lowest interest rates in years, that creates a great incentive to buy!  The "Sad state of affairs" can be seen in the unemployment rate, the National Economy, and reflected in the stock market.While checking the weather report and road conditions, I happened to visit the Columbus Sherriff... 01/09/2009

Up until the typical slow period just before Christmas, the Columbus, Indiana Real Estate market was relatively stable with minimal decreases in overall sales, or value to homes. Columbus, Indiana was fairing pretty well, we are still in kind of a bubble?  The figures for 2007 Columbus home sales were $231,221,935. with 1408 units sold, and 2008 was $220,169,532. with 1316 units sold. Producing a 4.77% drop in total sales, and a 6.53% down turn in number of units sold.. The figures for year to year for Bartholomew County and the overall sales dropped from $331,818,914. with 2062 units sold in 2007, to $286,189,951. with 1788 units sold, in 2008. Which is basically a 13% drop year to year. Not really good but not bad considering some of the harder hit areas nationally. Adding to this its... 01/09/2009

Information From- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_IndianaColumbus (pronounced /kəˈlʌmbəs/) is the county seat of Bartholomew County, Indiana, United States. The population was 39,059 at the 2000 census. The current mayor is Fred Armstrong. It is a small city approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of Indianapolis,[3] on the east fork of the White River. It is also the principal city of the Columbus, Indiana metropolitan statistical area which encompasses all of Bartholomew County. Not only is Columbus an international architectural showplace, but Columbus is also currently ranked eleventh in the U.S. on the list of safest cities per population. In 2006, Columbus won the highly competitive national contest, "America in Bloom." In 2004 it was named as one of "The Ten Most Playful Town... 04/04/2008

Our market is moving strong. We are moving houses left and right. Our economy is growing with cummins adding jobs as well as many more places. It is also a difficult market at times. The lending institutions are trying to fix a mess with the sub prime. They have also changed the scoring on credit trying to fix this. We are in an ever changing market that us real estate professionals are dealing with short sales, bank owned properties, and things we did not have to in the past. This market is going to show everyone how good their agent is on how the deal with everything changing. IT is going to get rid of a lot of agents because they dont know the market but for agents like me, we are going to keep growing and keep helping people with their questions. Visit my web site at RustyRains.com ... 03/24/2008

Tipton LakesTipton Lakes stands among the elite, as one of the finest of Indiana's planned residential communities, located on the western outskirts of the city of Columbus Indiana.  Sprawling over 1200 acres of beautiful rolling hills, with three man-made lakes totaling 120 acres, that are inter-connected via waterways. The residents enjoy a sense of tranquility, embraced by the natural vegetation that has been preserved and protected. There are lush green wooded areas with dogwoods, oak, evergreen, pine and maple trees.The area of Tipton Lakes encompasses many smaller neighborhoods with their own distinctive name, characteristics, benefits and appeal, for anyone wishing an exclusive lifestyle. Many different home styles have been created, surely something for everyones taste. You can ... 03/12/2008

 Columbus Indiana has many beautiful and highly sought after and desired neighborhoods, TIPTON LAKES is just one of the premiere areas of Columbus Indiana, that happens to have many smaller neighborhoods encompassed within.Tipton Lakes Neighborhoods: Family NeighborhoodsTipton Lakes offers family life where the children playing can often be heard and seen, in their own backyards, or in the neighborhood park. Each neighborhood is a contributing factor, with unique benefits and a quality living environment for families to enjoy and grow.GreystoneGreystone is one of Tipton Lakes family neighborhoods. Located just south and west of Oakbrook.  Greystone residents are conveniently located to Oakbrook City Park. Via the pedestrian path system's connection, children can easily make their way to... 03/10/2008

Will I Sell Your Columbus Indiana Home For Less Commission?I hear it every day - "I don't want to list my house with a Realtor becauseI'll have to pay 6%". You don't think it's fair. Now for the good stuff!When you list your Columbus Area house with a typical Realtor you get this:1) A yard sign  2) Your home listed on the Columbus MLS. 3) A simple ad on Realtor.com with one photo.    Your home advertised in the newspaper and home magazines.4) Flyers printed and placed in a flyer box. When you hire Martin Dorgan to Market and SELL your home you get this:1)Your home is listed in the Columbus MLS with multiple photos taken with a wide angle lens(believe me, this makes a huge difference in how your photos appear)2. Your home posted on the first page of all of my personal websites as a featu... 03/09/2008

Columbus Indiana EDUCATION Information  Definitely an asset to those residents of Columbus Indiana, or those living out of state considering relocation to Columbus Indiana.  That might be in need of general information about our Education system, The Bartholomew County School Corporation the local schools, with connections to some of their school websites. Including Public Schools, Private Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, and Post Secondary Schools.Columbus Indiana EDUCATION Information   PUBLIC SCHOOLS BARTHOLOMEW CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL CORPORATIONElementary SchoolsNameEnrollmentClifty Creek SchoolFodrea SchoolLincoln SchoolMt. Healthy SchoolParkside SchoolRichards SchoolRockcreek SchoolSchmitt SchoolSouthside SchoolSmith SchoolTaylorsville School548312 217382660573324709813478573Mi... 02/23/2008

Columbus Indiana Community InformationHere are a few places you should get to know:UtilitiesELECTRICITY: Bartholomew County REMC 372-2546; Cinergy PSI Energy (800) 521-2232. GAS: Indiana Natural Gas 988-2512; Vectren Energy Delivery (800) 227-1376.WATER: Columbus City Utilities 372-8861, Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. 526-9777; Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corp. 342-4421.CABLE TV: Comcast, 1470 Jackson St., 800-226-2278.TELEPHONE: SBC Ameritech 800-742-8771.; AT&T 222-0300. ServicesDRIVER'S LICENSE: 745 Schnier Drive, 379-9323. LIBRARY: Fifth Street and Lafayette Avenue, Columbus 379-1255; 635 Harrison St., Hope, 546-5310. TRANSPORTATION: ColumBUS 376-2506; City Taxi 314-2227. EmergencyPOLICE: Columbus Police Department, 123 Washington St., 376-2600; FIRE: Columbus Fire Department, 1... 02/22/2008

Columbus Indiana has a Diverse Assortment of Housing Alternatives:The Urban Columbus areas contain many varieties of style, age, cost and surroundings as alternative choices for a place to live.  The current vacancy rate which changes constantly, are 3 - 5% for single family homes, and 4 - 5% for apartments. Columbus has many downtown apartments available in former single family homes. There are approximately 20 apartment complexes across the city, with 1,854 total units.  Columbus may be historical but it is a 20th Century city with seven condominium developments.There are more than 25 rural subdivisions within 6 miles of Columbus. Some of these country subdivisions are served by city water and have sewage treatment plants. There are some horse privledges and facilities available at a ... 02/22/2008