Thursday, July 22 2010
A Canadian auto supplier is expanding in Gibson County. Windsor Machine Group plans to hire 50 employees at its Princeton plant to help fill orders for Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F). The company currently employs 32 at the Gibson County operation, which produces headrests for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Inc. Windsor Machine Croup, makers of automotive headrests, seating components, exhaust suspension systems, modular assemblies, rubber and plastic products and structural brackets and braces; headquartered in Windsor, Ontario is expanding it's Princeton, Indiana plant in Gibson County and will hire 50 new employees. "With the help of the Gibson County Economic Development Corporation, Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the Gibson County Commissioners we were able to secure a $500,000 Disaster Recovery Grant through a Community Development Block Grant program to purchase a Konal Polyurethane Foaming Assembly Line Machine which will allow us to fill orders for Ford Motor Company in both Kansas City, Missouri and Louisville, Kentucky said Windsor CFO Dave Zultek. B. Todd Mosby, President and CEO of the Gibson County Economic Development Corporation stated the news will be welcomed by residents in the tri-state. He said, "The Gibson County Commissioners will be the actual owners of the property for the first 5-years as Windsor works to complete criteria set forth in the grant. Once the criteria is met, Windsor will take 100% possession of the machine." Windsor Machine Group currently employs 32 people in their Princeton plant where they produce headrests products for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana. The Gibson County Economic Development Corporation is a 501 c(3) not-for-profit corporation located at 202 E. Broadway Street in Princeton. The Gibson County Economic Development Corporation was formed in 2006 with a mission to coordinate, assist, and advise Gibson County in economic development activities. Source: Gibson County Economic Development Corporation & Inside INdiana Business Monday, July 19 2010
Local realtors say they're selling more homes this year than last.
Monday, July 19 2010
Market Watch For July 2010 We now have results from June closings and as I suggested, closed transactions declined from April and May. Although June closings were almost 21% below May levels they were still slightly higher than the average for the preceding twelve months. I do not expect July closings to be significantly different from June. 2010 will be something of a mirror image of 2009 for closed transactions. The second half of 2009 was significantly stronger than the first half of 2009. I believe that the first six months of 2010 will be stronger than the second six months of 2010. The reason for this disparity in both years is the timing of tax credits. The initial homebuyer tax credit expired in November of 2009. The tax credits were subsequently extended and they expired in April of 2010. I do not expect any renewal of these tax credits. The best news going forward is that interest rates are at some of the lowest levels in history. Since home prices are lower than they were a few years ago, and rates are great, you can buy more house with a lower monthly payment than at any time in recent history. We have also made shopping for homes easier than ever. We just introduced Tuckermobile.com. This allows you to shop for homes quickly from your smart phone. Now you can find everything from anywhere, any time. Simply go to Tuckermobile.com and you can search by Street name, MLS number, zip code or any of several other options. You can also save properties you select. If you have signed up for MyFCTuckerEmge.com any saved properties you select on Tuckermobile.com will automatically appear on your saved searches. All of this is free. All of this is automatic. None of it requires a download and it gives you 24/7 access to the entire MLS system from your smart phone. I can’t do anything about the temperature outside but I can help you shop from where ever you are comfortable. Give me a call if I can help with any of your real estate needs and as always I really appreciate referrals if you know of someone else that is thinking about buying or selling. Wishing you a great summer and we look forward talking to you soon. Sunday, July 18 2010
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari's Wildebeest has landed on Popular Mechanics' list of the world's wildest water slides. The magazine says the ride stands out because it's the world's longest water coaster and uses linear-induction motors, which are commonly featured in steel roller coasters.
The Wildebeest opened at Holiday World this April as a hydromagnetic water ride that includes seven drops, totaling 178 feet. The $5.5 million project is the second largest investment in the park's 64 years. Why It Stands Above the Rest: Stretching one-third mile but lasting only 2-1/2 minutes, the Wildebeest is the world's longest water coaster. Wildebeest uses linear-induction motors to power four-person toboggan-style rafts. The technology, which is a common feature in steel roller coasters, makes the Wildebeest stand out as a slide—allowing it to move both downhill and uphill at 36 feet per second. Source: Popular Mechanics & Inside INdiana Business Tuesday, July 13 2010
TIPS FOR CHOOSING PATIO FURNITURE True outdoor furniture is manufactured to resist the rigors of radical temperature fluctuations and the onslaught of moisture. Arrange furniture for your deck or patio just as you would any room. Create groupings for various activities. Place seating close enough for easy conversation, but not so close as to invade personal space. Allow for traffic to flow easily between furniture groupings. Certain materials are designed to withstand the weather. Here are some durable options: Cast- or wrought-iron furniture is heavy and durable yet prone to rust. It also requires periodic touch-ups and repainting if exposed to the elements. This type of outdoor furniture is appropriate in windy climates, where its considerable weight makes it less prone to being shifted around by gusts. Synthetic wicker Synthetic wicker is typically made from moisture-proof polyester resins and rustproof aluminum framing. Colors mimic those of natural wicker, but the furniture can be placed outdoors and exposed to the elements without damage. Synthetic wicker is slightly more expensive than comparable pieces made of natural wicker. Plastic and resin furniture is inexpensive and offered in limited styles and colors. When buying plastic furniture, look for quality—top-grade plastic furniture has a 10-year warranty. Some plastic furniture is made from recycled materials. It's thick, heavy, and looks like wood, but never needs to be painted. Source: BHG.com
DIY DECORATING TRICKS
Can't find (or afford) that perfect rug for your hallway? Make a custom runner by piecing together smaller floor mats.
A painted staircase "runner" can bring bold color to a small space.
Painting a floor can give form to a room where everything is function. Before you start painting, take a long look at the shape of the room: The more complicated its layout — the more radiators and hearths and pillars it has - the less complicated the floor pattern should be. A small area seems larger by a floor painted with oversize squares in closely related tones of blue and green.
Add an element of surprise to a staircase. Create stair-climbing vines with a rubber stamp and latex paint; use a brush to apply paint to the stamp. Wipe mistakes away with damp paper towels.
A carpet remnant — one of your own or from a rug store - can serve as the basis of a distinctive but inexpensive custom floor covering.
Turn any surface into a unique faux-brick wall or floor with a decorative painting technique.
Rough jute upholstery webbing is normally hidden beneath layers of batting and fabric. When handwoven in a simple under-and-over pattern, this practical textile becomes a trim, durable floor mat or decorative runner for a front hallway. Source: MarthaStewart.c
True outdoor furniture is manufactured to resist the rigors of radical temperature fluctuations and the onslaught of moisture. Arrange furniture for your deck or patio just as you would any room. Create groupings for various activities. Place seating close enough for easy conversation, but not so close as to invade personal space. Allow for traffic to flow easily between furniture groupings. Certain materials are designed to withstand the weather. Here are some durable options: Cast- or wrought-iron furniture is heavy and durable yet prone to rust. It also requires periodic touch-ups and repainting if exposed to the elements. This type of outdoor furniture is appropriate in windy climates, where its considerable weight makes it less prone to being shifted around by gusts. Synthetic wicker Synthetic wicker is typically made from moisture-proof polyester resins and rustproof aluminum framing. Colors mimic those of natural wicker, but the furniture can be placed outdoors and exposed to the elements without damage. Synthetic wicker is slightly more expensive than comparable pieces made of natural wicker. Plastic and resin furniture is inexpensive and offered in limited styles and colors. When buying plastic furniture, look for quality—top-grade plastic furniture has a 10-year warranty. Some plastic furniture is made from recycled materials. It's thick, heavy, and looks like wood, but never needs to be painted. Source: BHG.com
DIY DECORATING TRICKS
Can't find (or afford) that perfect rug for your hallway? Make a custom runner by piecing together smaller floor mats.
A painted staircase "runner" can bring bold color to a small space.
Painting a floor can give form to a room where everything is function. Before you start painting, take a long look at the shape of the room: The more complicated its layout — the more radiators and hearths and pillars it has - the less complicated the floor pattern should be. A small area seems larger by a floor painted with oversize squares in closely related tones of blue and green.
Add an element of surprise to a staircase. Create stair-climbing vines with a rubber stamp and latex paint; use a brush to apply paint to the stamp. Wipe mistakes away with damp paper towels.
A carpet remnant — one of your own or from a rug store - can serve as the basis of a distinctive but inexpensive custom floor covering.
Turn any surface into a unique faux-brick wall or floor with a decorative painting technique.
Rough jute upholstery webbing is normally hidden beneath layers of batting and fabric. When handwoven in a simple under-and-over pattern, this practical textile becomes a trim, durable floor mat or decorative runner for a front hallway. Source: MarthaStewart.com
Grilled Spare Ribs with Barbeque Sauce 2 slabs pork spare ribs (2 1/2 pounds each) 2 tbsp chili powder Coarse salt Ground pepper 1 tablespoon butter 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/3 cup cider vinegar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Desired variations (Kansas City style: 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar, 2 tablespoons molasses, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; Memphis style: 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco) and 1/4 cup sugar; Dallas style: 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo sauce and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season ribs with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stack slabs on a double layer of aluminum foil; wrap tightly. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cook until meat is fork-tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Meanwhile, make barbecue sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, cayenne, and desired variation (see ingredients above). Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick, about 5 minutes. Set aside. Heat grill to medium-high; lightly oil grates. Carefully remove ribs from foil, pouring off any accumulated liquid. Brush ribs generously with sauce; grill until charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with extra sauce, if
WARRANTY WISDOM Home warranties are often used as a negotiating tool in competitive real estate situations. Whether you are buying or selling your home, a HomeTrust Warranty® home service agreement provides protection from unexpected breakdowns of covered appliances and in major systems. It can also give you the assurance that someone is there to help you with a problem on covered items.
Monday, July 12 2010
Adding tile accents to your bathroom can turn a ho-hum space into a work of art! These tips on tile can help you design a bathroom that is sure to wow your guests. Tile Design: Let the Beauty Begin!Tile is a very versatile way to design a bathroom that is uniquely yours. These ideas can spark the creativity necessary for that beautiful bathroom tile design:
Both functional and decorative, tiles in the bathroom can turn a simple room into a beautiful oasis.
About the author: Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies. Source: http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=10-Ways-Tile-Can-Turn-Your-Bathroom-Into-a-Masterpiece&AC=1&ID=2892 Friday, July 02 2010
Outdoor kitchens continue to be one of the hottest trends in home décor, but not all of them are created equal. http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2010070202?OpenDocument Thursday, July 01 2010
After a close brush with a deadline that could have impacted tens of thousands of home buyers, the U.S. Congress last night passed an extension of the Home buyer Tax Credit closing deadline.
The extension is included in the Home Buyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623) and will prevent as many as 180,000 home buyers from losing their eligibility for the tax credit through no fault of their own. These households had home purchase contracts pending as of April 30 and had until June 30 to close on their purchases to claim the federal tax credit. Under the legislation that passed last night, these households now have until September 30 to close. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® supported extension of that closing deadline because buyers are experiencing delays in getting their financing closed. The delays are the result of the large number of transactions that are short sales, which can take a long time to close, and the rush of transactions lenders are processing from buyers submitting contracts before the April 30 contract deadline. The legislation, which now goes to President Obama for signature, is designed to create a seamless extension of the closing deadline; there will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law. NAR worked closely with congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle in supporting lawmakers' passage of the legislation, which the association says will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nation. Separately, the U.S. Senate also last night passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 5569), which extends the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30. This will allow home purchases in the 100-year floodplain to move forward. The House passed the bill last week. When signed into law by the President, the bill, which will apply retroactively, will cover the lapse period from June 1 to the date of enactment of the extension. Without flood insurance, households buying homes in the 100-year floodplain cannot obtain mortgage financing. More information on both pieces of legislation is at REALTOR.org. Source: NAR http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2010070101?OpenDocument Monday, June 28 2010
A restaurant at Marina Pointe had a soft opening to the public after a fire closed the previous venue for more than 9 months. It was an early morning fire in September of 2009 that destroyed the Tin Fish restaurant at Marina Pointe. The heat did not discourage people from coming out to the soft opening of the new restaurant which features a pizza restaurant and a bar. It also has a view of Evansville's skyline. Source: http://tristatehomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=171045 Sunday, June 27 2010
The Report, found online at www.IndianaIsHomge.com, was the first-ever county-by-county comparison of existing single-family home sales in Indiana. In March, statistics on other types of existing, single-family home sales - condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes, etc. - was added to the report. IAR obtains the data directly from 26 of the state's 27 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC®) in central Indiana. To date, the Report represents 98% of the housing market statewide and 91 of 92 Indiana counties. Statewide, May sales of all types of existing, single-family homes increased 25.9% from the same month last year; median prices saw an increase of 5%. This is the third consecutive month that there has been an increase in sales and the eighth consecutive month that there has been an increase in median prices over the previous year. "Because those who took advantage of the federal tax credit have until June 30th to close their transaction, we don't yet have a clear idea of what the credit's expiration will mean to our local markets," said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer. "Over the next few months, our reports will become more robust, including information on pending sales and other indicators that will help us understand impact of the tax credit. "The good news is that median prices did enjoy a welcomed five percent increase over last May," continued Berron. "Regardless of the availability of the tax credit, we expect prices to remain relatively stable with the potential for some softness if demand indicators continue to wane." In coming months, as Berron mentioned, the Report will include information on new listings, pending sales, average sales price, percent of original list price received at sale, housing affordability and month's supply of inventory. Reportisode #9, archived along the right side of the Reports tab at www.IndianaIsHome.com, is still of interest. It talks about the other incentives available to help consumers achieve their dream of homeownership, namely the Market Stabilization Program created by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to minimize the negative effects of foreclosures in many Hoosier communities. That program runs through the end of June. More about "Indiana Is Home" It is a multi-media project hosted by media professional Pat Carlini and aimed at keeping Hoosier homeowners, would-be homeowners, policymakers and the media well-informed on the ever-changing local real estate markets. Indianapolis-based Boost Media and Entertainment shot and produced all videos found at www.IndianaIsHome.com. Source: http://www.indianaishome.com/4_0_Reports.asp
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