Even though PETA receives at times unfavorable news, this time they are in the light for good news. PETA has awarded Evansville’s Smurfit-Stone recycling company an award for saving the life of a puppy that was in the cardboard crusher. We congratulate everyone at Smurfit-Stone for being a good corporate citizen.

To read more about this award, click here.

The Plaza Downtown located at 101 SE Third Street will be part of the loft & condominium tour. My wife Kathy and I will be at The Plaza from 4:00PM to 7:30PM. We look forward seeing you on the tour.

The Kunkel Group & United Fidelity Bank Loft & Condominium Tour July 11, 4pm – 7:30pm

A recent city incentive program put in place by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel sparked interest in developers to create several new luxurious lofts and condominiums in the heart of the city. In order for the community to learn more about the new spaces and to see firsthand the revitalization efforts, the Downtown Loft Tour was organized in 2001. Entering into its 6th year, the highly anticipated Downtown Loft & Condominium Tour is set to showcase stunning finished and unfinished lofts to the public. The one day event held in July annually attracts over 3,000 people interested in the free self guided tours. All registered participants receive a packet of information on each loft and a map to help guide them along the Downtown area. During the tour, local music and art will be featured in the park on Fourth and Main Street. Artists from around the Tri-State area will showcase their works while local musicians plan to entertain the crowds around the gazebo. This welcomed edition to the loft tour began last year and will continue to grow in 2008. The Downtown Loft & Condominium Tour will take place on Friday, July 11, 2008. Free registration is scheduled to open promptly at 4pm, at which time the lofts will be accessible for showings. In addition, music and art in the park will begin with its programming at 4pm.

Location: Downtown (Registration at Main & MLK Blvd and at Main & Second Street)

Cost: Free with registration (need wristbands that you get at registration to enter lofts)

Contact: Jocee Gleason (812) 424-2986

This is a GAGE Event

It never hurts to be prepared before you put up your home for sale. The items mentioned below are just a few, but they can help you to minimize the stress of preparing a home for sale and these suggestions could help you maximize your sales price as you have already taken care of issued that might have come up in a home inspection.

Please feel free to call me at 812-499-9234 if you have any questions or if we can assist you to prepare your home for sale.

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

Source: http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/handoutsforcustomers/handouts/seller14

Date: 7/12/2008 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Cost: free

Location: 4-H Center Fairgrounds
Boonville New Harmony Rd
Evansville, Indiana 47725

ITEMS TO BRING:
(Please be sure items are clean and sorted.)

Aluminum cans Metal food cans
Cardboard Catalogs/magazines
Newspaper Mixed paper
Glass containers #1 & #2 plastic bottles

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY

Please call 436-7800 for any questions.

Eldorado, LLC of Nevada has applied for a license with the Indiana Gaming Commission to buy Casino Aztar. The sales price is in the range if $ 245 million, but before this happens Eldorado, LLC has to be prepared to be scrutinized by the Indiana Gaming Commission to make sure that they are also in a position to fulfill their obligations after the purchase. We wish the new owners all the best and look forward to more favorable announcements.

For additional information, read the Evansville Courier & Press article by clicking here.

Here we have the calendar of events for the month of July for Wesselmans Nature Preserve.

July 2 -  Butterfly Bedazzaled Hike (9 to 10 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and sensations of butterflies that call Howell Wetlands home. Where do butterflies go for the winter? How long do they live? What is the difference between a monarch and a viceroy? To find answers to these and other questions, join us! Led by Debbie Goedde, Southwest Indiana Master Gardner and butterfly enthusiast. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for more information.

July 5 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 6 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 12 - Recycle Saturday! (8 a.m. to Noon) at the 4-H Center. Support Wesselman Nature Society by bringing us your recyclable materials. We are accepting cardboard, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, mixed paper, aluminum cans, metal food cans, glass containers, #1 & #2 plastic bottles, and household batteries. Call 479-0771, ext. 101 or 436-7800 for more information.

July 12 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 13 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 14 -18 - Half-Day Junior Naturalist Camp! (9 a.m. to Noon) at the Nature Center, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Meet Monday through Friday for fun-filled mornings of nature activities. Camp sessions are divided by age level, ensuring that activities will be appropriate for your child's interests and abilities. This particular session is designed for children entering Kindergarten/1st grade in the 2008-2009 school year. A snack is provided mid-morning, but be sure to have your child eat a good breakfast before coming. Each camper receives a summer camp t-shirt. $65. Call 479-0771, ext. 103 for more information or to register.

July 19 - Wetland Wildflower Hike (8:30 to 9:30 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and smells of wildflowers at Howell Wetlands on this guided tour. See a magnificent array of wildflowers, prairie grasses, and wildlife in the wetland, woodland and prairie…a quality show you can’t find anywhere else in the Evansville area. Ever seen a downy sunflower? A cardinal flower? Indian grass? Now is your chance. Join us! Led by Southwest Indiana Master Gardner/Southwest Indiana Master Naturalist Kate Lynch. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for more information.

July 19 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 20 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 22—24 - Middle School Mini Camp! (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Nature Center at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Three fun, action-packed days of nature exploration for those entering 6th/7th/8th grades in the 2008—2009 school year. For those who have outgrown our regular camps, we now offer older students a chance to explore nature further. During mini camp days, we will be hiking, canoeing, building, getting messy or wet, while doing hands-on activities to study the environment more in-depth. This eco exploration opportunity is a great summer boredom buster to get kids who love nature or just want to get out of the house! What better place to play than the outdoors? Campers will need to pack a lunch each day. Each camper will receive a summer camp t-shirt. $80. Call 479-0771, ext. 103 for more information or to register.
July 26 - Butterfly Bedazzaled Hike (9 to 10 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and sensations of butterflies that call Howell Wetlands home. Where do butterflies go for the winter? How long do they live? What is the difference between a monarch and a viceroy? To find answers to these and other questions, join us! Led by Debbie Goedde, Southwest Indiana Master Gardner and butterfly enthusiast. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for more information.

July 26 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

July 27 - Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.

June 28—August 1 - Half-Day Junior Naturalist Camp! (9 a.m. to Noon) at the Nature Center, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Meet Monday through Friday for fun-filled mornings of nature activities. Camp sessions are divided by age level, ensuring that activities will be appropriate for your child's interests and abilities. This particular session is designed for children entering 2nd/3rd/4th/5th grade in the 2008-2009 school year. Older campers may take an off-site field trip during one day of camp. A snack is provided mid-morning, but be sure to have your child eat a good breakfast before coming. Each camper receives a summer camp t-shirt. $65. Call 479-0771, ext. 103 for more information or to register.

Source: http://www.wesselmannaturesociety.org/events/index.php

This goes to show that a little effort can go a long way. Habitat for Humanity and the Evansville Otters are again hosting a competition to see who can bring the most cans to an upcoming ballgame. Anyone who brings a bag of aluminum cans with them to the Aug. 2 game at Bosse Field will receive free admission as part of the annual "You Otter Recycle Your Cans" event. Local youth groups, churches and businesses, meanwhile, can form teams to participate in a larger competition to see who can collect the most cans. The team with the most will receive 10 tickets for an all-you-can-eat outing on party deck at Bosse Field, with three runners-up receiving a range of other prizes.

We hope that lots of cans can be collected for this cause.

To learn more, please read the Evansville Courier & Press article by clicking here.

Bike routes
In one of our blogs a few months ago, we reported on a story of a possible bicycle route that was proposed by the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization to change a section of Lincoln from four lanes to three lanes to accommodate bicycles. This idea must have been well received by Major Weinzapfel who announced last Wednesday that 20-plus miles of bikeways will be added to Evansville streets and roads by 2010. By then, he said, bicycle riders will be able to go from Howell Park on the West Side to the Warrick County line using on-street bikeways. By accommodating bicycle riders, this plan enhances the quality of life for many residents by encouraging fitness and exercise. Likewise, it enhances the image of Evansville. This shows that Major Weinzapfel is truly looking out for the better of Evansville and we wish him continued success. To read the full article from The Press & Courier, go to http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/22/bike-routes-the-issue-city-plans-20-plus-miles/. 

Planning for arena
Planning for an arena in downtown Evansville is not an easy task. This story shows that many factors come in play and that thorough due diligence is needed from the very start. In order to put together a potential financing package to fund the arena, many steps have to be taken. The latest move came last week, when the Evansville Redevelopment Commission introduced a resolution to expand the boundaries of the so-called Downtown Redevelopment Area to include all potential sites for the proposed facility. Properties located within the redevelopment area are subject to Tax Increment Financing, where property tax proceeds generated by increases in assessed value can be used to help finance development projects, such as a new arena. This proposal is aimed primarily at new commercial construction in the targeted area. To read the full article from The Press & Courier, go to
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/22/planning-for-arena/.

Apartments coming to former furniture factory site
A new 70-unit apartment community is planned to be constructed on a 12-acre stretch of land that housed a former furniture factory. The property sits on the west side of Seventh Avenue and extends from just north of Keller Street to just north of Cedar Street. It overlooks the Pigeon Creek levee and the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage route. This project is expected to cost $12 million to $15 million. The developer, Terry Keusch of Pioneer Development Services is hoping to break ground around July 1 of this year. We wish the developer all the best with this large project. Any new development in downtown Evansville will help to revitalize the downtown area. To read the full article in the Evansville Courier & Press, go to http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/20/20web-Furniture/.

Reviving a city's spirit
The task to revitalize downtown Evansville is not an easy one. There are many complex factors and obstacles to overcome. The progress due to its nature is slow and cumbersome. A lot of careful planning has to go into this and we are pleased with Major Jonathan Weinzapfel’s choice to hire Tom Barnett as the director of the Department of Metropolitan Development. Tom Barnett comes from Paducah, Kentucky where he was the co-founder of the Artist Relocation Program in Paducah. In a recent interview with the Courier & Press Barnett assessed the situation very well. "This is 50 and 60 and 70 years of neglect," he said. "And it's extremely difficult to try to turn that around." We wish Tom Barnett and Major Jonathan Weinzapfel continued success and thank them for their service to the city. To read the full article in the Evansville Courier & Press, go to
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/22/revivinga-citysspirit/.

From the Inside INdiana Business website…
With all the talk about a recession it is nice to hear that a local company is expanding. Alcoa is investing $600 million to upgrade its equipment at their Warrick county plant. The upgrade includes equipment and employee training program to increase the environmental performance and power efficiency of the facility. Alcoa plans to hire power plant operators, coal handlers and maintenance personnel as part of the expansion. For the full story, go to http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=30050&Image.x=27&Image.y=10.  

Here we have the complete event list for Evansville’s annual Freedom Festival which takes place from June 26th to June 29th and July 4th.

The Freedom Festival brings all together and is lots of fun.

Hope to see you there.

A listing of Freedom Festival events for June 26-29 and July 4

THURSDAY

7:30 a.m. — Festival kickoff breakfast

11 a.m. — Riverfront food vendors open.

7 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Bierstube at Aztar Events Plaza, with Jay Johnson at 7:30 p.m. and Tobias with Raging Vegas at 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

10 a.m. — Gates and food vendors open, Thunder on the Ohio practice

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Thunder Air Show practice

Noon to 6 p.m. — Military re-enactors in Sunset Park

12:30 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio practice and testing

1-5 p.m. — Junior Achievement Grand Prix (go-kart) inspections

2-6 p.m. — Static Aircraft Display, Tri-State Aero

2:30-4:15 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio practice

3-8 p.m. — StreetVault (pole vaulting competition), Riverside and Vine

4-7 p.m. — National Dockdogs registration/competition, Riverside and Cherry

4:15-5 p.m. — 2.5-liter boat practice

5-7 p.m. — Championship wrestling, Riverside and Main

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Mingle with the drivers in the pit area

6-10 p.m. — Balloon Glow at Tri-State Aero; Duke Boys, stunt pilots and pyrotechnic sky diving by Army's Golden Knights. Shuttle service available along U.S. 41 near Whirlpool.

6:20-7 p.m. — Junior Achievement Go Kart qualifying

7-11 p.m. — Raging Vegas at Four Freedoms stage

7 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Bierstube at Aztar, with Jay Johnson at 7:30 p.m. and Never Been Caught at 9 p.m.

7:10 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Junior Achievement Grand Prix pit crew contest

SATURDAY

9 a.m. — Gates and food vendors open

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Static aircraft display at Tri-State Aero

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Military re-enactors in Sunset Park

9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. — Junior Achievement Grand Prix practice

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. — DockDog pre-registration and contests at Riverside and Cherry

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Thunder on the Ohio practice

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Grand Prix racing

Noon to 12:40 p.m. — Thunder Air Show; Coast Guard water rescue demonstration and stunt pilots

12:40-1:30 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio practice

12:45-1:15 p.m. — Grand Prix racing

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Thunder driver autographs, flyovers

1:40 p.m. — Golden Knights parachute jump, riverfront

1:45-2:35 p.m. — Grand Prix racing

2:30-3 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio practice

2:45-3:35 p.m. — Grand Prix racing

3 p.m. — Thunder Air Show; B-2 flyover

3-8 p.m. — StreetVault (pole vaulting), Riverside and Vine

3:45 p.m. — Grand Prix finals

4-4:25 pm. — Thunder on the Ohio small boat racing

4:25-5:15 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio racing

4:45 p.m. — Grand Prix awards ceremony

5-7 p.m. — Championship wrestling, Main and Riverside

6:30 p.m. — Freedom Festival parade, Downtown

7 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Bierstube, Aztar Events Plaza, Dave & Jon at 7:30 p.m., Gonzo Toybox at 9 p.m.

8 p.m. to midnight — Rabbit Jam at Four Freedoms stage near Riverside and Cherry, featuring Sarah Johns, Ricochet and headliner Eric Church

SUNDAY

6 a.m. — Riverfront gates open

8-8:45 a.m. — Thunder on the Ohio practice and qualifying

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Military encampment in Sunset Park

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — National Dockdogs registration and competition at Riverside and Cherry

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Static aircraft display at Tri-State Aero

9 a.m. — Food vendors open

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Family Fest on grounds of Evansville Museum (ticket and button required)

9:30-10 a.m. — Thunder on the Ohio opening ceremonies at Four Freedoms Monument

10-10:35 a.m. — 2.5-liter stock boat racing

10:35-11 a.m. — Thunder on the Ohio Heat 2A

11-11:25 a.m. — Thunder on the Ohio Heat 2B

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Thunder Air Show

12:30-12:55 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio Heat 3A

12:55-1:20 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio Heat 3B

1:20-1:45 p.m. — 2.5-liter stock boat racing

1:45-2:45 p.m. — Thunder Air Show; stunt pilots and skydiving by Golden Knights

3-3:30 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio provisional heat, if needed

3:30-4 p.m. — Thunder Air Show; P-51, Viper West and Heritage Flight

4-4:25 p.m. — 2.5-liter stock boat racing

4:30-4:45 p.m. — Thunder on the Ohio championship heat

5 p.m. — Thunder awards ceremony, Aztar Events Plaza

Source: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/Jun/22/22d02festschedule/

The article below explains the functions of title insurance. The closing company will request a title insurance commitment from a title insurance company. The original title insurance policy will be mailed to you after 4 to 6 weeks after the closing. Please feel free to call me at 812-499-9234 if you have any questions.

5 Things to Know About Title Insurance

Title insurance protects the holder from any losses sustained from defects in the title. It’s required by most mortgage lenders. Here are five other things you should know about title insurance.

1. It protects your ownership right to your home, both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property.

2. It’s a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.

3. It’s usually paid for by the sellers, although this can vary depending on your state and local customs.

4. There are both lender title policies, which protect the lender, and owner title policies, which protect you. The lender will probably require a lender policy.

5. Discounts on premiums are sometimes available if the home has been bought within only a few years since not as much work is required to check the title. Ask the title company if this discount is available.

Source: http://www.realtor.org/rmotoolkits.nsf/customermain?readform

This article will explain what is covered in a home warranty. We offer our buyers and sellers a home warranty by Home Trust. The warranty is usually issued at the time of purchase of a home and is usually paid by the seller. With our home trust warranty, buyers can elect to purchase additional coverage for a swimming pool, enhanced HVAC coverage, water softener, and upgrade to a supreme protection plan and pay an additional $20.00 to reduce the service fee of $75.00 per visit to $50.00. Please feel free to call me at 812-499-9234 if you would like to have additional information on our Home Trust Warranty.

What’s a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract.

Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.

• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Furnace
• Water heater
• Heating ducts
• Water pump
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Stove/cooktop/ovens
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Washer/dryer
• Swimming pool (may be optional)

Source: American Home Shield, www.ahswarranty.com, REALTOR® Benefits Partner

This is the third series of a report on preventive measures that can save lives. This information was obtained at a breakfast meeting on May 9th, 2008, which was hosted by the Disaster Resistant Community Partners of Evansville.

The motto is: Be Prepared. Act Now. Stay safe!

Taking Emergency Action Series – Summer Weather

Summers in Indiana are a lot of fun, but high temperatures can cause injuries or even death. This is especially true in small children, the elderly, people on medication, or those with weight or alcohol problems. Remember, summer fun means staying safe!

In case of extreme heat:

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activities when possible. Stay in the coolest available place.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Consul a physician if you have a medical condition that limits what or how much you can drink.
• Wear clothing that is light and loose fitting, including a hat. This helps to maintain normal body temperature.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places, since this reduces the danger from heat.
• Watch for signs of heat stroke, including muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If any of these occur, go to a cool place and seek medical attention immediately.
• Avoid too much sun and use sunscreen. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself.
• Avoid foods and drinks that cause dehydration, like alcohol and caffeinated soft drinks. Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Reduce water use by not watering your lawn or washing your car. Re-use water when possible. Follow instructions for odd and even watering days.

Do not wait! Prepare for Summer

• Install air conditioners snugly and insulate around them. Check air ducts for proper insulation.
• Buy fans to spread cool air around your home.
• Close floor heat registers nearby.
• Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard to reflect any heat back outside.
• Keep the cool air inside by weather-stripping doors and windows.
  
  
  Source: Indiana Department of Homeland Security
  
  

The 2008 Parade of Homes has come to an end. Southwest Indiana builders participate in this event every year and their homes are judged by a panel of judges. This is an excellent way to show case new ideas in homes and the event is eagerly anticipated by the public. We congratulate all builders who have won.

For more information about this story, check out the Evansville Couier & Press article by clicking here.

We congratulate UE Engineering Department on their second place finish with their robotic lawnmower. This is a great result. Way to go.

UE engineers bring home $10,000
The automatic lawnmower built by a UE student placed second in a contest earning UE $10,000. To read the full story, go to http://14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=8455210.  

Find more items like this at WFIE Channel 14's website at http://14wfie.com.  

Copyright 2008 WFIE

Here is a helpful list for a final walk-through before the closing of a house. Although your realtor will assist you during this process, it never hurts to be prepared. Please feel free to call me at 812-499-9234 if you have any questions.

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here’s a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through.

Make sure that:

· Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties.

· There are no major changes to the property since you last viewed it.

· All items that were included in the sale price — draperies, lighting fixtures, etc. — are still there.

· Screens and storm windows are in place or stored.

· All appliances are operating, such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer, oven, etc.

· Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.

· Hot water heater is working.

· No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.

· Heating and air conditioning system is working

· Garage door opener and other remotes are available.

· Instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are available.

· All personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed. Check the basement, attic, and every room, closet, and crawlspace.


Source: http://www.realtor.org/rmotoolkits.nsf/pages/buyer45?OpenDocument

We congratulate Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel on his expansion of the Front Door Pride Homes program with the news that additional homes are to be built this year. This program has the support of many different entities and it shows that local city authorities and local businesses can get together and do something good for Evansville.

Here's the story from TriStateHomepage.com:

(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel announced today that two additional Front Door Pride homes will be built on the lots at 119 and 123 Jefferson Avenue. The single-story and two-story homes will be ENERGY STAR certified, which means they will have energy-efficient appliances and features that result in better performance, greater comfort and lower utility bills.

This is a continuation of a process which began last October with the construction of two new Front Door Pride homes on Madison Avenue, which were completed in February 2008. This year’s goal is to construct 8 to 10 additional single family homes, including the two on Jefferson, within a one block radius of Madison. It is just the beginning of a multi-faceted, multi-year program that involves new construction and rehabilitation in the broader Front Door Pride area.

Each of the 4 homes is located in the Goosetown One Redevelopment Area, which is bound by Southeast 2nd, Madison, Judson and Washington Avenues. This area was chosen because it has the greatest number of buildable lots and because of its location near the Alhambra Theater and Haynie’s Corner Arts District.

“These new homes are helping us to achieve our goal of creating a mixed income neighborhood, which is important for sustainability,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “More buyers translate into more new homes, which will reinforce our efforts to reverse the decades of decline and neglect in these neighborhoods.”

The selling price for the single-story 3-bedroom 2-bath home, which is based upon appraised value, will be between $87,000 and $92,000. The estimated development cost is $138,000. The selling price of the two-story 4-bedroom 2.5-bath home will be between $95,000 and $99,900, while the estimated development cost is $154,000. The difference is being absorbed by local, state and federal grants making these homes more affordable to more buyers. The City and Our Greater Community are utilizing a state grant of $1 million to provide subsidies toward construction costs.

The state has increased the amount of grant money to subsidize development costs from $25,000 to $45,000. The grant funds require that the homes are sold to individuals or families at or below 80% of area median income (see chart below). Qualified buyers may receive an allowance of up to $5,000 to assist them with down payment and closing cost expenses. Maximum Annual Household Gross Income 1 person - $33,500 4 people - $47,850 2 people - $38,300 5 people - $51,700 3 people - $43,050 6 people - $55,500 Old National Bank, Integra Bank, Fifth Third, Evansville Commerce Bank, First Federal Savings Bank and the Bank of Evansville have allocated $50 million in mortgage loans to help qualified buyers. T

hose buyers must also complete a pre-purchase homebuyer’s class and make a minimum down payment of $500. People who are interested should contact Our Greater Community (423-3169), which is partnering with another local non-profit, HOPE of Evansville, to administer the program.

We are seeing an increase in garage sales on weekends and we thought the article below will help our readers to prepare for a successful garage sale. These suggestions are easy to follow and will help you to take the stress out of holding a garage sale.

Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter — and earn a little extra cash — before you sell your home. But make sure the timing is right. Garage sales can take on a life of their own, and it might not be the best use of your energy right before putting your home on the market. Follow these tips for a successful sale.

1. Don’t wait until the last minute. You don’t want to be scrambling to hold a garage sale the week before an open house. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand a lot of time and energy.

2. Get a permit. Most municipalities will require you to obtain a special permit or license in order to hold a garage sale. The permits are often free or very inexpensive, but still require you to register with the city.

3. See if neighbors want to join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up with neighbors. However, a permit may be necessary for each home owner, even if it’s a group event.

4. Schedule the sale. Sales on Saturdays and Sundays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sale early, 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. is best, and be prepared for early birds.

5. Advertise. Place an ad in free classified papers and Web sites, and in your local newspapers. Include the dates, time, and address. Let the public know if certain types of items will be sold, such as baby clothes, furniture, or weightlifting equipment. On the day of the sale, balloons and signs with prominent arrows will help to grab the attention of passersby.

6. Price your goods. Lay out everything that you plan to sell, and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, garage sales are supposed to be bargains, so try to be objective as you set prices. Assign simple prices to your goods: 50 cents, 3 for $1, $5, $10, etc.

7. If it’s really junk, don’t sell it. Decide what’s worth selling and what’s not. If it’s really garbage, then throw it away. Broken appliances, for example, should be tossed. (Know where a nearby electrical outlet is, in case a customer wants to make sure something works.)

8. Check for mistakes. Make sure that items you want to keep don’t accidentally end up in the garage sale pile.

9. Create an organized display. Lay out your items by category, and display neatly so customers don’t have to dig through boxes.

10. Stock up on bags and newspapers. People who buy many small items will appreciate a bag to carry their goods. Newspapers are handy for wrapping fragile items.

11. Manage your money. Make a trip to the bank to get ample change for your cashbox. Throughout the sale, keep a close eye on your cash; never leave the cashbox unattended. It’s smart to have one person who manages the money throughout the day, keeping a tally of what was purchased and for how much. Keep a calculator nearby.

12. Prepare for your home sale. Donate the remaining stuff or sell it to a resale shop. Now that all of your clutter is cleared out, it’s time to focus on preparing your house for a successful sale!

Source: www.realtor.org