We are Lafayette Indiana Realtors that want to sell your Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Tippecanoe County home!
Not sure if you should sell your Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Tippecanoe County home? Have a no obligation chat with Jim!
As a Lafayette Indiana Realtor, Jim Romanski and The Romanski Group can sell your Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Tippecanoe County home fast!
We have a proven marketing plan that sells homes in Lafayette and West Lafayette for the most amount of money, in the shortest amount of time! We specialize as Lafayette Indiana Realtors in selling homes in the following areas: Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Delphi, Otterbein, Brookston, Mulberry, Westpoint, Rossville, Flora, Frankfort, Fowler, Burlington, Kokomo, and Romney.
Fast and Financially Rewarding Sale
Preparing Your Home for a Fast and Rewarding Sale If you are considering selling your Lafayette area home…it’s time to get prepared and roll out the welcome mat. This is an exciting decision in most situations. Whether your family is ready to “move on” or “move up”, there are a number of things you can do prior to putting your home on the market that will improve your selling experience and give buyers a view of your home they will value more. Consider these simple suggestions to help you sell quicker and for a financially rewarding sale. 1. Tidy up and Depersonalize We all get comfortable in our own homes and collect a lot of things. Before rushing to put your home on the market, put on your “buyer’s hat” and think about what people will see when they look at your home. Buyers considering your property are likely viewing your home along with several other properties. It is somewhat like a dating process. Think of all the things that made you fall in love with your home when you bought it, and try to reproduce that feeling for a buyer. Allow a buyer to imagine themselves in your home by depersonalizing and removing excess family photos and decorations. Clutter is your worst enemy. Pack up and store extra clothes in your closets, off season coats, extra blankets and shoes, etc. You might as well go ahead and pack up all of your special keepsakes, china, extra household items – anything that you don’t need on a day to day basis. 2. Minor Upgrades Can Make a Huge Difference The age... read moreWe personally invite you to find out what your home is worth!
The first step in selling your Lafayette Indiana home is to know how much it’s worth! If you are undecided about selling your Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Tippecanoe, Carroll, Clinton, White, Benton or Howard county home, getting a true valuation of your home is the first place to start. A Greater Lafayette Indiana Realtor should be able to do this for you! We offer this as a free service to anyone and want to personally invite you to check the value of your home! ... read more
Time It Right and Sell It Fast!
There are many steps you can take to ensure a speedy sale. Setting the right price, making an excellent first impression and selecting the best real estate team with experience and a proven marketing plan are all essential to attracting buyers, but what else can you do to get the offers rolling in? 1. The first component to selling your house fast is making sure you set a competitive asking price. Sellers often think they should start the asking price high and then lower it later if the house fails to sell. But that can result in a slower sale – sometimes even at a lower price. If the price is too high, many buyers and their agents will stay away, assuming you’re not serious about selling or you’re unwilling to negotiate. “The first 30 days’ activity of your house being on the market is always the best activity you’re going to see. When meeting with your real estate agent they should ALWAYS provide you with a comparative market analysis that provides comparable listings and sales similar to your home, as well, as their detailed marketing plan. This is a critical step before moving forward in listing your home. A recent study showed that within the first week your house is on the market it gets four times more visits online than any other time. After approximately 4-5 weeks on the market activity may decline by up to 75% so it is critical to price it right from the start. Starting with a lower price might in fact increase your chances of selling. 2. The second component when selling... read moreNot sure if you should sell your Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Tippecanoe County home? Use our free home evaluation tool to see if it’s worth what you think it is!
Preparing Your Home For The Spring Market
As the winter days get a little longer, we’re reminded that Spring is just around the corner. Year after year, the Spring real estate market excels in a beautiful directions that challenge the rest of the year- in a good way. Is this the year to sell your home? With the current housing market in Greater Lafayette, IN, you’ll want to jump right in and sell to get the most equity out of your home. This is the time! Trust us. As we wait for the extra roar of the Spring market to roll around, here are a few things you can do to prepare for that time. Start with small updates and renovations. Light fixtures, an updated sink or faucet, repainting of cabinets and fresh hardware. These are all a few simple things that’ll go a long way, giving your buyers something trendy to catch their eye at first glance!Update curb appeal! An article from Forbes magazine suggests this, “If you’re going to spend serious money on anything, focus on the exterior of your home, since this is the very first impression buyers get of your home and it counts.” A new garage door or seal for the doorRoof updateLandscaping overhaulInviting front doorUpdate with fresh, neutral paint! Neutral is always best when it comes to a potential buyer coming in to your home. They need to be able to see themselves living in there! So, allow for that with basic whites, grays, and some other colors that could be considered neutral. Declutter. Clutter in your home will detour a potential buyer quickly. Remove items and put them into... read more
Greater Lafayette Spring Real Estate Market Update
The spring of 2020 is one that will never be forgotten! Greater Lafayette market has held steady despite the pandemic. Here are some stats for March and April 2020 compared to the same time periods in 2019 to give you a snapshot of what happened… Demand Due To Low Housing Supply A normal market is considered to have a 6-7 month supply of inventory to be considered balanced. We have seen and experienced in Tippecanoe County that a shortage of inventory tends to keep home prices strong and has resulted in multiple offers and bidding wars. Tight inventory is a main reason the ball is still in the sellers’ court. The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is only at a 1.7 month supply looking at April 2020. This means, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in our market. Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has hovered between nine and ten years. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move. Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last couple of years, for fear they would not find a home to move into. That is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The choices buyers have will... read more
Preparing Your Home For The Summer Market
Bored in the house during quarantine and thinking of selling this summer? There are several steps you can take before putting your home on the market to increase your chances of receiving a solid offer from a buyer. From cleaning and staging to repainting and depersonalizing, here is a list of things to do before you sell your Lafayette area home. 1. Depersonalize your home When selling a home, you want to strike the perfect balance between depersonalization and creating a warm, welcoming home. This means putting away the majority of framed photos, bulletin boards and personal items (think: photo albums, magazines, toys, equipment, awards, etc) throughout the home. Leave a few nice, framed photos around the house to make the home appear inviting and lived in. They say familiarity breeds contempt. It’s true — especially when it comes to your lived-in home. Rediscover your home’s charm without major renovations or breaking the bank. 2. Freshen up with paint Now’s the time to re-paint your home. Paint: Nothing can change the look and feel of a room like a coat of paint. It’ll take a little elbow grease, but it’s totally worth it. Start by painting over those bright orange and green walls with neutral colors. Stick to whites, light grays, light beiges, and “greige” wall colors. These shades will make your home appear bigger, brighter and more welcoming. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your home will also help cover the wall’s imperfections and convey a blank slate to potential buyers. Give your front door a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and a new wreath and doormat. ... read more
Virtual Home Selling Program
COVID-19 has us in quarantine to protect ourselves and the community from passing this nasty virus around, and we are all about social distancing to keeping Greater Lafayette, IN and beyond safe! While there might be some restrictions on our daily routine, the quarantine doesn’t have to stop you from progressing forward in your life! Many companies are moving business and meeting to online platforms, and the real estate market is one of those! Selling a home is still 100% possible during these unexpected days. In fact, homes are not only still selling, but they’re selling in minimal days with multiply offers. We’ve created a specialized program to sell your home without having to do a lot of “in person” visits. We help buyers and sellers transact from the comfort of their own residence. HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: As you can see from this visual, every avenue of the home selling process can be moved to an online platform. Here are some more details. Virtual MeetingsVirtual Zoom meetings for listing presentationZoom is an online video conference tool that gives opportunity for groups to meet all over the world. We will “walk” you through setting up this free resource on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Then, we will “walk” through your home (literally) and the details of your home for the listing. We know all the right questions and things to look for to get the process moving! Experience gives us a leg up in this category. Virtual meeting productionsVirtual video productionWhen it comes to showing your home, we can organize online walk-throughs to keep safety our priority. We have... read more
Home Closing Checklist for Sellers
When you finalize with a buyer on your home or vacate it to move, you’ll need to ensure you have completed everything you are supposed to—from negotiated terms to good seller etiquette. There are certain things that every responsible seller should do, and you can make sure you accomplish them all if you make a home-selling checklist. You may already have gathered all of the paperwork you need for closing day, but there are a few other tasks to handle before you get to the closing table. Secure Your Documents Retain all seller disclosures as well as the purchase contract and the closing statement. Ideally, your escrow officer or closing agent will hand you a complete package containing all these things at closing.Sometimes these documents get scattered. Do your best to keep them in one location, as you might need them again in case something happens. Clean the Entire House If you don’t have time to personally clean the home before leaving it, hire a professional cleaning service to do so. What makes a house clean enough is often a matter of opinion and personal preference. It’s not always necessary to shampoo the carpets, but it’s a nice touch. Clean the cabinets, refrigerators, and other appliances inside and out. Be sure to check inside drawers and cabinets. It doesn’t hurt to make your last impression on the buyer a good one with little touches like polishing sink fixtures. Leave your home the way you would like to find it if you were the buyer. Turn Off All Switches Turn off all switches for lights and fans. Leave a note for the buyers with... read more
7 Resolutions For Your Home In the New Year
R E S O L U T I O N S You might have vowed to quit smoking, lose some weight, travel new places or spend some more time with your family. But what about your home – the place where you’ll spend most of your year? Below we present to you seven resolutions for your home this year, in the perfect spirit of new beginnings. They say home is where your heart is but a lovelier, better organized, and more comfortable place to live will surely work wonders. As we count down to 2020, we will share our favorite resolutions for your home. 1. Declutter your homeWhen your house is untidy and in chaos, it makes you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated. Your environment affects how you feel, therefore, tidying up and organizing your house may change the way you experience life. It’s easy to let this task be left undone, but if you’re intentional and schedule this as an appointment (even 20 minutes per day), you will feel more organized soon. Creating extra space for storage is another way to keep your home organized. With added space, you can store your possessions easily without your room looking untidy. So this year, how about making use of your imagination at creating a little more space in the most unimaginable places? If you still feel overwhelmed, we recommend you contact Angie King Oswalt with House Ready By Maplewood Designs, LLC and she will organize, declutter, take stuff to donate, etc for you! 2. Make Your House Safe and Sound Your home may look wonderful and it’s properly organized also. How about putting some efforts into making it safe as well?... read more
2020 Housing Forecast and Why You Should Sell Now
3D rendering of modern kitchen in a loft. While the thought of selling your Lafayette Indiana home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages: winter buyers tend to be more serious and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. If you are debating listing your home for sale within the next 6 months, keep in mind that the spring is when most other homeowners will decide to list their homes as well and listing your home this winter will ensure that you have the best exposure. Here are the reasons to sell your Lafayette Indiana home this winter and what’s predicted for the housing market in 2020… 1. Demand Due To Low Housing Supply Inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market. Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has hovered between nine and ten years. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move. Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last couple of years, for fear they would not find a home to move into. That is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The... read more
Property Tax Exemptions
The Property Tax Exemption Deadline in Indiana is Approaching! Are You Entitled to a Property Tax Exemption? If you purchased a house, changed the deed, or refinanced on your mortgage, you should make sure the correct exemptions are filed on your home. The Romanski Group of Keller Williams Realty wants to remind you to file your property tax exemptions by the end of the year! If exemptions aren’t filed or confirmed by December 31 your taxes could go up substantially. Below is a summary of common exemptions along with contact information for each county below. Homestead Deduction – If you own a home or are buying on a recorded contract, and use it as your primary place of residence, your home could qualify for a homeowner’s deduction. A taxpayer cannot receive the Homestead Deduction in multiple states as the homestead is considered the “principle place of residence”. The deduction is either 60% of your assessed valuation or a maximum of $45,000. Mortgage Deduction – If you are buying property on a recorded mortgage or a recorded contract, and you are a resident of the State of Indiana, you could qualify for a mortgage deduction. The value of the deduction may not exceed the amount of the indebtedness. The deduction is either one half of your assessed valuation or $3,000, whichever is less. A person owning more than one property may not receive mortgage deductions totaling more than $3,000. There are several other property tax exemptions that may be available to you as well which you may want to inquire about. Please find your county below and file your homestead... read more
5 Ways To Increase Your Equity
A home purchase brings together so many things under one roof: dreams, shelter, status, maybe a passport to better schools and neighborhoods. And one more thing: It gives you a forced savings account. It does that by letting you build home equity, which is the difference between your home’s market value and what you owe on it. Your equity increases with each house payment you make. When home prices rise, your equity grows faster as your home’s value increases. Here are some ways to increase your home equity… 1. Pay more on your mortgage Paying more can be a good option. If you decide to do this, make sure the extra money is applied to your mortgage principal. Ask your mortgage servicer (you can find the phone number on your monthly statement) how to do it and watch your monthly statements to be sure the money is credited correctly. Here are a few ways to pay more regularly: • Add an extra sum to your monthly payment. Pick an amount big enough to make a difference but not so big that it crimps your budget. For example, if your payment is $983, round up to $1,100, and then increase the amount when you’re able.• Another version of adding to your monthly payment: Boost the payment by an amount equal to a twelfth of a payment. By the year’s end, you’ll have made an extra payment.• Switch to biweekly mortgage payments. Paying every two weeks instead of monthly adds one extra monthly payment to your mortgage annually.• Schedule extra payments automatically from your bank to your mortgage account at regular intervals The... read more
#1 Reason To List Your House In Winter
There’s a myth many home sellers believe, and that is you should wait until Spring to put your home on the market. In fact, you should do the opposite and list in the Winter. Selling in the Winter have a greater advantage in terms of the type of buyers they attract, marketing and more. Here are the top 10 reasons that debunk the myth to wait to list for warmer weather and why Winter is the time to sell in Lafayette Indiana! The #1 reason to list your house in the winter: Less competition. Housing supply traditionally shrinks at this time of year, so the choices buyers have will be limited. As you can see, the ‘sweet spot’ to list your house for the most exposure naturally occurs in the late fall and winter months (November – January). Here are the other 9 reasons to list your home in winter…. 2. Corporate transfers. Statistically, January & February are the highest months of the year for corporate employees transferring and relocating. This makes listing during the Winter months and opportune time. 3. Non-contingent buyer. If you’re looking to buy, then you’d want to be able to sell now because by the time Spring arrives you have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer. Which means that if you find the home you love, you’ve already sold your current home and you won’t have to wait until you find a Spring Buyer. In addition, because more homes are for sale during the Spring, this could drive down market prices meaning you have the ability to sell high and buy low. 4. Low interest rates. Interest rates... read more
Preparing For A Showing
If you really want to sell your Lafayette Indiana home fast, you should be ready for anything. There will be times when showings will happen at a moment’s notice. So, make sure to use the below advice and maintain your home in its staged appearance at all times. Apart from preparing your house for the open houses and showings by de-cluttering, cleaning, and home staging, there are various last-minute things you can do to make your property stand out from the rest. Here are 20 of The Romanski Group’s top recommendations that include getting rid of clutter, hiding family photos, cleaning out closets, removing excess or oversized furniture, and cleaning…. Clean, clean, clean. Dust on top of the fireplace mantle and fan blades, polish your appliances and faucets, and give the windows a thorough washing. Make all beds and have towels hung nicely in all bathrooms. If you’ve already moved out or if you’re too busy to stay on top of things, consider hiring a cleaning service.Pay attention to smells. Be cautious of what you are cooking in your home the day prior to a showing. Smells linger for a long time and can prevent a potential buyer from wanting to stay in your home. Clear out the clutter. You want buyers to focus on how awesome your space is, not how messy it looks. Banish that piles of shoes from the entry, get rid of nearly everything on kitchen and bathroom counters; that stack of mail from the kitchen table and anything else that detracts from your home’s features.Repaint the walls neutral colors. As much as you love your dramatic purple dining... read more
Home Sales Expected to Continue Increasing In 2020
With a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the predictions are for the remainder of 2019. Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and theMortgage Bankers Association are all projecting home sales will increase nicely in 2020. Below is a chart depicting the projections of each entity for 2019, as well as for 2020. If you’re a homeowner who has considered selling your house recently, now may be the best time to put it on the market. Here’s what some of the experts have to say: Ralph McLaughlin, Deputy Chief Economist for CoreLogic “We see the cooldown flattening or even reversing course in the coming months and expect the housing market to continue coming into balance. In the meantime, buyers are likely claiming some ground from what has been seller’s territory over the past few years. If mortgage rates stay low, wages continue to grow, and inventory picks up, we can expect the U.S. housing market to further stabilize throughout the remainder of the year.” Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR “We expect the second half of year will be notably better than the first half in terms of home sales, mainly because of lower mortgage rates.” Freddie Mac “The drop in mortgage rates continues to stimulate the real estate market and the economy. Home purchase demand is up five percent from a year ago and has noticeably strengthened since the early summer months…The benefit of lower mortgage rates is not only shoring up home sales, but also providing support to homeowner balance sheets via higher monthly cash flow and steadily rising home equity.” In Summary The housing market will be... read more
‘Black Friday’ of Homebuying
“Every year, ‘Black Friday’ is a highly anticipated event for eager shoppers. Some people prepare for weeks, crafting and refining a strategic shopping agenda, determining exactly when to arrive at each store, and capturing a wish list of discounted must-have items to purchase. But what about buying a home? Is there a ‘Black Friday’ for the home-buying process? Believe it or not, there is. According to a new study from realtor.com, the week of September 22 is the best time of year to buy a home, making it ‘Black Friday’ for homebuyers. After evaluating housing data in 53 metros from 2016 to 2018, realtor.com determined that the first week of fall is when buyers “tend to find less competition, more inventory, and the biggest reductions on list price.” The report explains, “During the first week of fall, buyers tend to face 26% less competition from other buyers, and they are likely to see 6.1% more homes available on the market compared to other weeks of the year…nearly 6% of homes on the market will also see price reductions, averaging 2.4% less than their peak.” What’s so different about the first week of fall? George Ratiu, Senior Economist with realtor.com says, “As summer winds down and kids return to school, many families hit pause on their home search and wait until the next season to start again…as seasonal inventory builds up and restores itself to more buyer-friendly levels, fall buyers will be in a better position to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates and increased purchasing power.” Learn more about how prices, listings, and buyer competition stack up during the first week of fall in your metro area. Bottom Line If you... read more
Just Sold in Highland Park!
The Romanski Group JUST SOLD this remarkable home at 820 S. 9th Street in Highland Park! Our Proven Marketing Plan + Strong Negotiation Skills = Multiple Offers and SOLD at 99% of Asking Price Asking Price: $489,900 | Sales Price: $485,000 This Craftsman style home is SURE TO IMPRESS! This 4 bed, 2 full/2 half bath home has all the charm and character of an early 1900s home yet was newly built in 2011! With over 4,400 finished square feet of the finest touches and materials. You are welcomed into this home by a huge covered front porch that stretches the width of the home! This home also has gorgeous hardwood floors and rich natural woodwork throughout. The spacious living room is perfect for entertaining and has a cozy fireplace! Amazing chef’s kitchen w/ granite counter tops, SS appliances & a lovely breakfast nook with built-ins. The spacious living room is perfect for entertaining and has a cozy fireplace! The large office also offers a fireplace. The master suite is located on the 1st floor and has a luxurious bathroom with tons of storage space, a claw foot tub, and separate tiled shower! The laundry room is conveniently located just outside of the master bedroom. The finished basement is an entertainers dream with a custom finished bar and wine room with cork flooring! Upstairs, find an luxurious master suite w/ twin sink vanities, a walk-in shower and a walk-in closet. The fenced-in backyard features a covered patio area – perfect for gathering with friends, an oversized 2-car garage, mature trees & beautiful landscaping. Less than 10 minutes to Purdue... read more
Prepping Your Home to Sell
The Spring Real Estate Market is here an in full force and home prices are UP!!! Want to get in on some of that action? If you’re interested in selling your home, here are a few things to take into consideration before contacting The Romanski Group to sell it for you. Floors and walls It will benefit you in more ways than one to make sure all flooring and walls in the house are in good condition. Give it a fresh coat of paint. Get the carpets cleaned. Replace any broken tile or cracked flooring, and clean the grout. De- clutter We could all probably use a little of this in our lives. When you’re ready to sell your home remove any and all unnecessary items from each room. Closets are important on the declutter train. Buyers will look in all storage areas, and the more organized it is, the more spacious it looks! When leaving or planning decor for your sell, keep all paint and items neutral, simple, and impersonal. This enables the buy to envision themselves living there too! While you’re at it, be sure to clean your entire house. You’ll need to reach all the nooks and crannys. Click here to review a list of uncommonly cleaned areas of a home. Make Repairs This might seem obvious, but if you’re questioning if you should fix something or not- do it. A leaky faucet, old plumbing, closet doors off the track, septic tank, lack of pool maintenance, or even an old roof or foundation issues will enable your buyer to ask for a lower price than... read more
We’ve Been Busy | SOLD Listings!
Just Sold Listings Lately Ask about our Guaranteed Sold Program or get a free Home Valuation! Contact The Romanski Group for more information in listing your home with us (765) 404-5095 For up-to-date information on YOUR Indiana area neighborhood or a FREE Seller Consultation – call The Romanski Group at (765) 293.9100. Using an experienced team is the way to get your home SOLD! You deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana area! Learn more about our Guaranteed Home Sale... read more
Our Marketing Efforts Produce “Sold” Results!
Our Marketing Efforts Produce “Sold” Results! Ask about our Guaranteed Sold Program or get a free Home Valuation! Contact The Romanski Group for more information in listing your home with us (765) 404-5095 For up-to-date information on YOUR Indiana area neighborhood or a FREE Seller Consultation – call The Romanski Group at (765) 293.9100. Using an experienced team is the way to get your home SOLD! You deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana area! Learn more about our Guaranteed Home Sale Program!... read more
Here Today, Sold Tomorrow
We don’t just list homes, we SELL them! Sold the day it was listed at asking price! 3716 Dartmouth Place Sold in 2 days! 30 showings, 9 offers & 13% above asking price! 283 Lincoln St. Sold in 4 days! 2318 Main St. Sold in 11 days! 9315 S 700 E Sold in 7 days! 301 Carriage Ct. Contact The Romanski Group for more information in listing your home with us (765) 404-5095 For up-to-date information on YOUR Indiana area neighborhood or a FREE Seller Consultation – call The Romanski Group at (765) 293.9100. Using an experienced team is the way to get your home SOLD! You deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana area! Learn more about our Guaranteed Home Sale... read more
394 Chapelhill Dr. | Lafayette, IN
Welcome to 394 Chapelhill Dr. We are pleased to share a sneak peek of our newest listing that will hit the market soon! 394 Chapelhill Dr. is apart of the Lexington Farms neighborhood just off SR 26. This community is a stones through from Meijer, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel and other restaurants, shops and gas stations, making it easy to grab dinner or groceries at anytime. With I-65 around the corner you can quickly head north for a weekend trip to Chicago to catch a Cubs game, or south towards Indy to Victory Field for an Indians game, a concert at White River State Park, or a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo! The oversized patio sits inside a fenced-in backyard! This space is perfect for grilling out, relaxing after a long day or for pets and children to enjoy. The current owner loves watching her grandchildren ride around on their scooters on the oversized patio. The Lexington Farms neighborhood has age appropriate parks, a location frequently on the “to-do” list when the grandchildren come to visit. The new Tippecanoe County Library is within walking distance of 394 Chapelhill Dr. and Wyandotte Elementary School is right around the corner from the subdivision. Arnett Hospital is also just up the road. Inside 394 Chapelhill Dr. you will find an open kitchen/living/dining concept with a gorgeous brick fireplace! Open concept living has been a top priority for buyers because it creates a family atmosphere, which makes communication and entertaining easier. The master bedroom (12 x 18) is located off the living room. The two additional rooms (12 x 11) would make great bedrooms, guest rooms, office space or even a home... read more4626 S 100 E | Just Sold in Lafayette
4626 S 100 E | JUST SOLD! 4626 S 100 E was listed with a previous real estate company for 1.5 years! Then the sellers hired The Romanski Group! We got this home sold with multiple offers. The clients got to choose the highest and best offer. We have several buyers who are ready to make an offer, but inventory is low. If you’re thinking about selling your home, please give us a call! We have a proven marketing plan that works and we’d love to chat with you about how your experience with The Romanski Group will be different than with other real estate companies! The Romanksi Group | 765.404.5095 For more questions or for a specific update on YOUR neighborhood – call The Romanski Group at (765) 404.5095 for a FREE Seller Consultation. We use a systematic approach to determine the most accurate market value. Using an experienced team is the way to go to get your home SOLD! Don’t you deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana... read more
Prepare To Sell FAST!
A Guide To Preparing Your Home to Sell FAST! Do you have big plans to sell your home this year? Preparing your home for the market is a vital step to getting top dollar for your home and selling it in a short time frame! Here is a practical guide to getting your house ready to sell: Curb Appeal First, drive around your neighborhood and see what others are doing to make their home eye catching. Then, stand at your sidewalk and take a good look all around your home. Ask yourself if you should… Power wash the exterior and deck Paint the shutters and trim, front door and door frames Pull weeds in the yard and clean them up and trim the bushes, add mulch and plant flowers Edge your sidewalks and driveway Paint One of the most cost-effective value when selling your home is paint. A fresh coat of paint does not cost that much but makes a BIG IMPRESSION! Remove wallpaper and borders Freshen up paint in neutral colors, paint trim and baseboards to give it a clean, crisp feel Here is a before and after photos of a bathroom with fresh neutral paint: Clutter Free One of the best places to start with increasing the value, and the desirability, of your home when selling is with the elimination of clutter. You need to showcase the amount of space that you have. A clutter-free house will make your house feel larger, resulting in added appeal to potential buyers. Removing some of your personal photos and kids artwork Organize your closets Put away kid toys in a neat... read more
4 Reasons To Sell This Spring!
Bulbs are blooming, and spring is right around the corner! Are you wondering if now is the best time to sell your house? With historically low inventory, and the housing demand high, you might be missing out on a great opportunity to sell your house! 4 Reasons to Sell Your House This Spring: 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Realtors’ Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase now! Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market. 2. Less Competition Now According to NAR’s latest Existing Home Sales Report, the supply of homes for sale is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means there are to few homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market. This is good news for home prices, but time is of the essence. Homeowners unable to put their house on the market due to negative equity situations are itching to make the move now. Real estate values have increased over the last two years, which means homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity. Single family home new construction saw an increase in 2016, but there is still room for improvement. As builders regain confidence in the market, new construction of single-family homes will likely increase over the next two years, reaching historic levels by 2017. New home sales numbers show many buyers turning to new construction to fulfill their needs because the market simply does not have what they are looking for. 3. Quicker Process Fannie Mae anticipates an acceleration in home sales that will surpass 2007’s pace.... read more
Under Contract in a Matter of Days!
We are in the season of “bring your highest and best” so make sure you are using a real estate agent who has YOUR best interests at heart, knows the market, and understand the value of the home you are shopping for.
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1843 Greenbrier Ave.
Well maintained home in great neighborhood in West Lafayette just minutes to Purdue University! This 3 bedroom ranch with 2 full bathrooms and nearly 1,700 sq ft. has a built-in crawl space, dining area with backyard views, mudroom/laundry room, cozy brick fireplace & more!
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4726 SR 26 E, Lafayette
This 4 bed/2 bath ranch stlye home sits on a .3 acre lot a stone’s throw from interstate 65, making it a great central location for commuters. However, you don’t have to go far to load up on groceries or your favorite “Cup of Joe” with nearby stores like Starbucks, Meijer, Cracker Barrel, and more within walking distance.
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5604 S. St Rd 75, Cutler
3 bedroom home on 4+ acres of land in Cutler, IN! Enjoy a covered front porch, wood laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances, oversized 2-car garage with lots of storage space plus a workshop area, and a charming bridge over a small creek. 1-year HWA home warranty ($540 value) available upon request for purchaser.
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3 Reasons To Sell in 2017!
We have folks ask us all the time, how is the housing market? Our response this year has been that the the housing market in Tippecanoe County is STRONG and it continues to remain strong! Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.
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Sellers: 25 Tips To Prepare For a Home Inspection
On inspection day, the house should be empty of the owners and their presence. Typically, a home inspection will take two to three hours and include a check of the home’s structural and mechanical condition. But besides the structural and mechanical inspection, home inspectors may also do tests for radon gas, check for wood destroying insects, or perform other services requested by the buyer.
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Just Sold in Lafayette
Congratulations to all of our clients that SOLD their home and to all of our happy new homebuyers that closed this past week!!! We don’t just list homes, we sell them! If you are considering selling and want RESULTS contact The Romanski Group! For more questions or for a specific update on YOUR neighborhood in the Lafayette, Indiana area – call The Romanski Group at (765) 404.5095 for a FREE Seller Consultation. Using an experienced team is the way to go to get your home SOLD! Don’t you deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana area?! Search Homes For Sale in Lafayette Indiana... read more
Selling in Winter Can Pay Off Big!
While the thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages: winter buyers tend to be more serious and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. If you are debating listing your home for sale within the next 6 months, keep in mind that the spring is when most other homeowners will decide to list their homes as well and listing your home this winter will ensure that you have the best exposure. Here are the reasons to sell your Lafayette Indiana home this winter… 1. Demand Due To Low Housing Supply Sales of existing homes rose 2%, to 5.6 million seasonally adjusted annual units in October – the fastest pace since February 2007. This was the second straight monthly gain and the sixth in the past eight months. The National Association of Realtor’s recently reported that the inventory of existing homes for sale dropped dramatically from a 5.1-month supply in November to the lowest figure since January 2005, at a 3.9-month supply. That means it would take just under 4 months for all available inventory to sell. A normal market is considered to have a 6-7 month supply of inventory to be considered balanced. We have seen and experienced in Tippecanoe County that a shortage of inventory tends to keep home prices strong and has resulted in multiple offers and bidding wars. Tight inventory is a main reason the ball is still in the sellers’ court. 2. Anticipated Rise in Mortgage Interest Rates: Anticipated continued rise in interest rates: While mortgage rates remain low, experts predict... read more
Pitfalls of Overpricing!
By educating yourself about some common missteps you can save yourself from making a costly mistake when listing your home. Many folks who decide to sell their home fall victim to these four pitfalls of overpricing: 1. Pricing your home based on emotion, not data, can cost you big. You don’t need to be Bob Barker to know when the price just isn’t right. You need to keep in mind the location first and foremost and who are going to be the likely buyers. Home pricing is more of a calculated strategy, but many homeowners price their homes with their heartstrings attached or from the advice of family instead of hard data and advice from their Realtor. 2. Overpricing Your Home to “Test the Waters”: Homeowners often think that it’s OK to overprice at first, because — who knows? — maybe you’ll just get what you’re asking for. Although you can certainly lower an inflated price later, you’ll sacrifice a lot in the process. The most obvious damage: A house that remains on the market for months can result in low offers or no offers. And worse: Continually lowering the price could turn off potential buyers who might start wondering just what is wrong with your home. “Buyers are smart and educated,” says Erin Romanski of Keller Williams Realty. “If a home is out of their reach based on price, they are not going to even consider it and option.” 3. Not Responding Accordingly to What the Market is Saying: Once your home is on the market, you’ll start accumulating another set of data that will serve as the ultimate price... read more
Fast and Financially Rewarding Sale
Preparing Your Home for a Fast and Rewarding Sale If you are considering selling your Lafayette area home…it’s time to get prepared and roll out the welcome mat. This is an exciting decision in most situations. Whether your family is ready to “move on” or “move up”, there are a number of things you can do prior to putting your home on the market that will improve your selling experience and give buyers a view of your home they will value more. Consider these simple suggestions to help you sell quicker and for a financially rewarding sale. 1. Tidy up and Depersonalize We all get comfortable in our own homes and collect a lot of things. Before rushing to put your home on the market, put on your “buyer’s hat” and think about what people will see when they look at your home. Buyers considering your property are likely viewing your home along with several other properties. It is somewhat like a dating process. Think of all the things that made you fall in love with your home when you bought it, and try to reproduce that feeling for a buyer. Allow a buyer to imagine themselves in your home by depersonalizing and removing excess family photos and decorations. Clutter is your worst enemy. Pack up and store extra clothes in your closets, off season coats, extra blankets and shoes, etc. You might as well go ahead and pack up all of your special keepsakes, china, extra household items – anything that you don’t need on a day to day basis. 2. Minor Upgrades Can Make a Huge Difference The age... read more
Lafayette Indiana – Top 20 Performing Real Estate Markets
April 2016 – Lafayette, Indiana ~ Named Top 20 Performing Real Estate Markets ~ In Realtor.com‘s recent study for April 2016, Lafayette, Indiana is #16 out of #20 nationwide as a top performing real estate market! The areas named are markets where buyers are eager and homes are selling fast—listings get two to five times more views than the national average, and homes sell one or two months faster than in the rest of the country. The median list price continued its upward climb. Fort Wayne, Indiana was also named coming in at #17 while competing with several markets in California! “In the nation’s 20 hottest housing markets, inventory is selling 17 to 45 days more quickly than the rest of the nation,” stated Realtor.com. “In Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana with proper pricing, preparation and marketing, we are seeing many homes hit the market and receive an offer (and in many cases multiple offers) within just a few days,” said Erin Romanski of The Romanski Group. This is the second month in a row that Lafayette, Indiana has made the list as one of America’s hottest performing real estate markets! Last month Realtor.com named Lafayette, Indiana as one of the nation’s 20 HOTTEST real estate markets. Home sales, housing starts, and house prices will reach their highest level since 2006 according to Chief Economist at realtor.com in their latest forecast. 2016 looks to be shaping up as one of the best years for residential real estate in Lafayette, Indiana. If you are considering buying a home, it’s important to first meet with a mortgage lender to get understand how much home you can afford and the... read more
2016: Lafayette’s Best Year in Real Estate
Lafayette, Indiana – one of America’s Hottest Real Estate Markets! Recently, per Realtor.com, Lafayette, Indiana was named as one of the nation’s HOTTEST real estate markets for March 2016. Our market was #20 out of #20 nationwide as a market where buyers are eager and homes are selling fast—listings get two to five times more views than the national average, and homes sell one or two months faster than in the rest of the country. The median list price continued its upward climb. Meanwhile, the inventory of homes for sale is increasing more steadily—but still not as fast as the high demand from buyers. Obviously, the heightened interest for a limited supply of housing is pushing up home prices. A few weeks ago, Jonathan Smoke, the Chief Economist at realtor.com, exclaimed: “All indicators point to this spring being the busiest since 2006.” Now, Freddie Mac has doubled down on that claim and is saying that 2016 will be the best year that the real estate industry has seen in a decade. In their March Housing Outlook Report, Freddie Mac explained: “Despite the challenges facing the housing market, we expect this to be the best year for housing in a decade. Home sales, housing starts, and house prices will reach their highest level since 2006 according to our latest forecast…Challenges remain, with low housing supply and declining affordability being a key concern in many markets, but on balance, the housing markets in the U.S. are poised for the best year since 2006.” In 2015, home prices nationally rose 4%, following a 6.4% hike in 2014, and, home values rose in 236 of... read more
#1 Reason To List Now!
If you are one of the many homeowners who are on the fence about listing your house this spring, don’t miss out on the great real estate market that we have right now! #1 Reason To List Now: Low Housing Supply! The National Association of Realtor’s recently reported that the inventory of homes for sale has dropped to a 5.1 month supply. That means it would take around 5 months for all available inventory to sell. Historically, a ‘normal’ market is considered to have a 6-7 months supply of inventory to be considered balanced (explained below). We have seen and experienced in Tippecanoe County that a shortage of inventory tends to keep home prices strong and has resulted in multiple offers and bidding wars. Tight inventory is a main reason the ball is still in the sellers’ court. There are many, many potential buyers that are actively looking for a home (more than there have been in years)! The supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with the demand of these buyers. Bottom Line… Home prices are appreciating in this seller’s market. Listing your house now will give you the most exposure to buyers who are ready, willing and able to buy now and buyers that will be competing against each other to buy your house! If you’re considering selling your home – now is the time! Why choose The Romanski Group with Keller Williams Realty for your home buying and selling needs? We take a different approach to real estate; one built upon personal touch, win-win philosophy and positive results. Our team... read more
30 Questions To Ask a Realtor When Selling Your Home
Thinking of Selling Your Lafayette Indiana Area Home? Since your house is one of the biggest investments, you should be a little choosy about whom you hire to help sell. Find an agent whose philosophy and methods align with your preferences. Asking the right questions will help you gain insight into the agent’s capabilities and personality. But not all agents are the same. Some may take advantage of your inexperience and end up costing you a pretty penny. Here Are 30 Questions To Ask When Interviewing a Realtor To Sell Your Home: (We have given you our responses, along with space to write the responses for the other agent you interview. We think you fill find there is no comparison to The Romanski Group!) 1. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical Realtor has been in the real estate business for approximately 7 years. How long have you been in real estate? The Romanski Group: 40 Years!!! Jim and Erin Romanski of The Romanski Group have a combined number of approximately 40 years of experience in the real estate business – giving us many more years of experience than the “average agent”! Other Agent? 2. According to the NAR, 23% of Realtors work on a part-time basis. Are you a full-time agent? The Romanski Group: YES – We are fully committed to our real estate careers and clients! Other Agent? 3. The experiences of previous Buyers & Sellers are a good barometer of how effective a Realtor is. Can you provide us with reference letters from past clients AND multiple online reviews on a 3rd... read more
Preparing Your Home For Cold Weather!
With the days growing chillier it is time to make preparations for freezing temperatures! Thinking about cold weather probably brings a chill to most homeowners, but by being proactive, you’ll lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s components, and make your property safer. Prepare your home to handle the cold freezing temperatures: Heating Systems: Pre-programmed thermostats set at energy-efficient temperatures can save about $180 a year, according to Energy Star. In the winter, keep your thermostat at 65 to 68 degrees during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night. Schedule heating-system maintenance. Keep up with the regular maintenance and cleaning of the boiler or furnace. Make sure your furniture isn’t blocking your home’s heating vents. Plumbing Systems: Disconnect and drain all outside hoses. If possible, shut off outside water valves. Wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer. Drain sprinkler systems: If you have irrigation systems, blow them out so they don’t freeze. Shut/drain outside spigots. Consider an insulated blanket for your hot water heater. Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated spaces. If your house will be unattended during cold periods, consider winterizing your home (to drain the water system). During freezing temperatures, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Exterior: Avoid ice dams by keep water from melted snow from refreezing in the gutters and seeping under the roof: Clean out gutters. Ventilate your attic. The colder it is, the less melting and refreezing on the roof.... read more
Property Tax Exemptions Deadline!
The Property Tax Exemption Deadline in Indiana is Approaching! Are You Entitled to a Property Tax Exemption? Did you buy a home or refinance your mortgage this year? If so, The Romanski Group of Keller Williams Realty, wants to remind you to file your property tax exemptions by the end of the year! If exemptions aren’t filed or confirmed by December 31, 2015, your taxes could go up substantially. There are two main property tax exemptions that most homeowners may qualify for: Homestead & Mortgage. There are several other property tax exemptions that may be available to you as well. 1 – Homestead Exemption The homestead exemption simply means you are living in the home as your primary residence and it is not a rental house, vacation house, etc. This is by far the most valuable deduction and can save you up to 50% on your property tax bill. The homestead deduction is now filed for you in most counties at closing through the sales disclosure, but this is a great time to verify with the county that it is indeed recorded. 2 – Mortgage Exemption The second common deduction is the mortgage exemption. This deduction is available to homeowners who have a mortgage attached to their property. Nobody likes paying a dime extra in taxes. Yet when it comes to property tax bills, some homeowners pay too much simply because they aren’t aware they qualify for an exemption. Deductions are not given automatically, you must apply for them in the Auditor’s office. Tippecanoe County Auditor: (765) 423-9207 White County Auditor: (574) 583-5761 Carroll... read more
Historic Highland Park in Lafayette, Indiana
Welcome to Highland Park ~ a Historic Neighborhood in Lafayette, Indiana! Period revival, high-style Victorian, Craftsman, and Classical architecture dating from 1891 to the 1920’s fills Highland Park neighborhood in Lafayette Indiana. Highland Park was Lafayette’s first planned subdivision. With it’s charming winding brick streets and avenues, Highland Park has become a highly desired area for many homeowners. The original plat boasted a triangular park, like an island bordered by Miami, Pontiac and Highland Avenues that is a wonderful feature of this neighborhood and is used for neighborhood gatherings and events. There is also a deep ravine which is traversed by means of a “bicycle bridge” that was originally built to assist school children in reaching the former Highland School. The area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Highland Park is located near the Lafayette Country Club and is convenient to downtown Lafayette, Purdue University and West Lafayette. – See Available Homes For Sale Now in Highland Park – To learn more about Highland Park, visit their neighborhood association website. If you would like to learn more about homes for sale in Highland Park in Lafayette, Indiana contact The Romanski Group (765) 293.9300! Lafayette School Corporation Information: Elementary: Thomas Miller Elementary Middle School: Tecumseh/Sunnyside Middle School High School: Jefferson High School Curious to know the current value of your home in Highland Park? Why choose The Romanski Group with Keller Williams Realty for your home buying and selling needs? We take a different approach to real estate; one built upon personal touch, win-win philosophy and positive results. Our team is comprised... read more
Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Home Now
Based on home prices, low mortgage rates, creating wealth and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time to purchase a home than right now. Here are the top five reasons to buy a home now: 1. Supply Has Shrunk With inventory declining in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana area, finding a perfect home may become more difficult going forward. We have many buyers in more and more communities and neighborhoods surprised that there is no longer a large assortment of houses to choose from. The homes in the best locations sell first and sell FAST. If you are searching for a home in Lafayette or West Lafayette and surrounding communities connect with The Romanski Group to get on our instant property notification system and don’t miss the opportunity to get that home of your dreams before another buyer does. 2. Home Prices Are Going Up Prices are projected to appreciate from now to 2018. First home buyers will probably pay more both in price and in their mortgage interest rate if they wait until the spring. Even if you are a move-up buyer, it will wind-up costing you more in net dollars as the home you will buy will appreciate at approximately the same rate as the house you are in now. The latest house price index from the Federal Housing Finance Agency said home prices slightly increased in August, inching up 0.3% from the previous month. The median price of an existing home was $223,300 in June, or 4.3% higher than June 2013. That’s the 28th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains, and economists expect that trend... read more
This Month in Real Estate – October 2015!
Home sale prices are up nearly 5% from this time last year nationally! Here are a few of the national real estate numbers that we are tracking for you right now for October 2015! According to the National Association of Realtors the number of projected home sales dipped to 5.3 million and the national median home price for existing home decreased to $228,700, that’s down 1.3% from last month and up 4.7% from this same time last year. According to Freddie Mac to national average for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is down from last month to 3.91%. To learn more about our local Lafayette real estate market and how these numbers are affecting you contact The Romanski Group! Why choose The Romanski Group with Keller Williams Realty for your home buying and selling needs? We take a different approach to real estate; one built upon personal touch, win-win philosophy and positive results. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals specializing in each phase of real estate. In addition, our extensive knowledge of the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas and surrounding communities allows our team to serve you the best. Give us a call (765) 404.5095 or visit us online to get started! Begin your home search now: www.RomanskiGroup.com... read more
Demand is HIGH for Home Buyers!
The Demand Is High For Home Buyers Wanting To Purchase Now! Listing your house for sale now will allow you to capitalize on the shortage of homes for sale in the market, which will translate into a better pricing situation. We are experiencing bidding wars and packed open houses reminiscent of the 2013 housing frenzy. Buyers are now competing over homes at affordable price points. Homeowners sitting on the fence….we have buyers needing to buy! Due to the shortage of homes we have buyers anxiously waiting for a home to purchase. Do you or someone you know have a home to sell? Who do you know that is considering selling their home that matches these home buyers needs. If you are considering selling your property, contact The Romanski Group today (765) 404.5095! Why choose The Romanski Group with Keller Williams Realty for your home buying and selling needs? We take a different approach to real estate; one built upon personal touch, win-win philosophy and positive results. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals specializing in each phase of real estate. In addition, our extensive knowledge of the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas and surrounding communities allows our team to serve you the best. Give us a call (765) 404.5095 or visit us online to get started! Begin your home search now: ... read more
3 Reasons To Sell in Lafayette NOW!
Potential sellers sitting on the fence: IT’S TIME TO MAKE A MOVE! We have folks ask us all the time, how is the housing market? Our response this year has been that the the housing market in Tippecanoe County is STRONG and it continues to remain strong! Here are the 3 reasons to sell your Lafayette Indiana home now…. 1. Low Housing Supply! The National Association of Realtor’s recently reported that the inventory of homes for sale is at a 5.1 month supply in December. That means it would take around 5 months for all available inventory to sell. A normal market is considered to have a 6 months supply of inventory to be considered balanced. We have seen and experienced in Tippecanoe County that a shortage of inventory tends to keep home prices strong and has resulted in multiple offers and bidding wars. Tight inventory is a main reason the ball is still in the sellers’ court. Home sale prices were up nearly 5% from this time last year also according to NAR! Let’s Take a Closer Look at What’s Happening in Tippecanoe County: (per IRMLS Residential – January 2016) ONLY 478 residential homes on the market for sale 190 homes pending awaiting closing 2. Anticipated Rise in Mortgage Interest Rates: Anticipated rise in interest rates: While mortgage rates remain low, experts predict more buyers will enter the market in the coming months due to anticipated rising interest rates in the future. This could prompt buyers to get off the fence and start their house hunt sooner than later in order to take advantage of lower mortgage rates. ... read more
The Landings & The Commons: Neighborhood Review
The Landings | The Commons : Neighborhood Review The Landings and The Commons are adjoining neighborhoods on Lafayette’s southside off of S. 18th Street near Veterans Parkway near Wea Ridge Elementary and Wea Ridge Middle School and just a few minutes from McCutcheon High School! These neighborhoods are just a quick drive on 231 direct to Purdue University in West Lafayette and also an easy commute to Indianapolis, Frankfort and Crawfordsville. The Landings: A large pond located at the entrance of The Landings welcomes you into this community which boasts great curb appeal and a variety of attractive homes. A secluded park tucked in the heart of the community and a broad range of recreational amenities make The Landings one of the area’s finest neighborhoods to call home. The Landings neighborhood also shares The Commons amenities including the playground, swimming pool, open fields, basketball and tennis courts. The Commons: The Commons is a beautiful community with well cared for homes that features an open field for soccer and football, basketball courts, professionally maintained green spaces, a gated pool with a pool house, a playground and much more. Families of every generation live, work and play in this well planned development in south Lafayette! These neighborhoods are located just minutes from restaurants, shopping, banking and more! Looking for more information about each neighborhood’s homeowner’s associations? The Landings HOA The Commons HOA See homes that are currently for sale in The Landings and The Commons now! Why choose The Romanski Group with Keller Williams Realty for your home buying and selling needs? We take a... read more
6 Negotiating tips: Part 3
5. Include a personal letter with your offer Sellers may get multiple offers on their property, and if they all look very similar, it may be hard for them to decide which offer to accept. If thats the case, your offer will blend right in with everyone else’s. This is why you should not just send an offer, but make yours stand out with a personal story and picture of your family. Sending a personal letter with a picture gives the seller a chance to connect with you. The Seller bought that home with intent to make memories too. The idea that they can pass it off to someone else who will love it and cherish the memories they can make with it is something they will connect with. This might be the extra leg up you need to win the house. Every little bit helps! 6. Interview! Interview! Interview! We cannot stress this enough. DO NOT choose the first agent you come to JUST because you do not want to take the time to interview others. Not all agents will go the extra mile to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for. Agents are supposed to be on your side, not you on theirs. It is so very important when negotiating to make sure your agent knows you like a close friend. If an agent does not want to personally get to know you, then they won’t be able to know how to think when helping you negotiate for the home you want. You want to be able to take comfort in knowing your agent will speak... read more
6 Negotiating tips: Part 2
Dig a little deeper Don’t be afraid to ask the seller specific questions about the family selling the house. You should also ask about the house itself and the surrounding area. The more you know about your seller the better you can adjust your offer. Things like: – Is the seller in the process of a divorce? – Are they are moving and need a quick closing? – Even personal reasons to why they want to leave the area. The answer to these questions all play huge a role when tailoring your offer. This means asking a listing agent and seller lots of questions! Be sure you are working with Lafayette, IN realtors. Lafayette, IN realtors know the area. A Lafayette, IN realtor can help you deliver your questions and will know how you should interpret their answers. 4. Real estate agents may just save your future Communicating a request to a seller’s agent can be a rookie move. When you are doing it on your own.There are many real estate specific terms that you may have no idea what they mean, or the weight that they carry. It is almost detrimental not to have a realtor there during all of your communication with buyer or sellers. Lafayette, IN real estate agents have mastered the terminology. They know how to negotiate and fight for you want. They also know the right way to convey what you’re wanting. In return, they can explain the outcome in terms that will help you better understand. Realtors in Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County will be able to get you the best deal,... read more
6 Negotiation Tips: Part 1
A good agent comes in handy at this point. Not only because they know how to ask for things in the right way, but because they know the best time to ask.
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3 Types of Plants Best for Indiana Weather
Living in the midwest and trying to keep up with your landscaping can sometimes be frustrating. Being in an area with such different seasons, can make it hard to decide which plants to use. The plants you use can affect how good your house looks and if you are getting the most out what you bought. When looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, here are three plants to keep in mind while you are out shopping: Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ Even just the name makes me want to buy it. The plant has giant masses of flowers with light gray-green foliage. In midsummer it produces green broccoli-like buds. These buds open up into large pink flowers which turn to a deep rusty red in the fall.The plant can grown up to 24 inches tall and needs to be in an area it can get full sun. This plant is perfect if you want to put your house up for sale near the middle of summer through the beginning of fall. It will give your house that warm and colorful look you may have been missing. Opuntia ‘Compressa’ The second plant to look for when shopping to improve your curb appeal is an Opuntia ‘Compressa.’ This plant is one you will want to plant when trying to sell your house in the spring time and early summer. This is the time when this cactus is budded with bright yellow flowers. Yellow is a bright and warm color that would attract and look perfect when trying to add some dimension to your curb appeal. This plant doesn’t take much... read more
Time It Right and Sell It Fast!
There are many steps you can take to ensure a speedy sale. Setting the right price, making an excellent first impression and selecting the best real estate team with experience and a proven marketing plan are all essential to attracting buyers, but what else can you do to get the offers rolling in? 1. The first component to selling your house fast is making sure you set a competitive asking price. Sellers often think they should start the asking price high and then lower it later if the house fails to sell. But that can result in a slower sale – sometimes even at a lower price. If the price is too high, many buyers and their agents will stay away, assuming you’re not serious about selling or you’re unwilling to negotiate. “The first 30 days’ activity of your house being on the market is always the best activity you’re going to see. When meeting with your real estate agent they should ALWAYS provide you with a comparative market analysis that provides comparable listings and sales similar to your home, as well, as their detailed marketing plan. This is a critical step before moving forward in listing your home. A recent study showed that within the first week your house is on the market it gets four times more visits online than any other time. After approximately 4-5 weeks on the market activity may decline by up to 75% so it is critical to price it right from the start. Starting with a lower price might in fact increase your chances of selling. 2. The second component when selling... read more
Sellers: Time For The Inspection
Home inspections cover hundreds of details! We’re here to simplify the information and cover the fundamentals. It includes observation and operation of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and appliance systems, as well as structural components, such as the roof, foundation, basement, exterior and interior walls, chimney, doors and windows. So when you’re home is listed for sale we must start with the obvious: cleanliness. An unkempt house gives the impression that the owners neglect regular maintenance. Be sure to clean your home thoroughly! Before the inspection remove laundry in the washer or dryer. Put away dishes from the sink and clear from the dishwasher. Sweep floors Clean vents and air ducts Minor blunders should also be given attention. Repair small items such as: Leaky faucets Loose door handles and knobs Replace burnt out light bulbs Redo caulking or grout You can also address the major deficiencies by either fixing them or stating up front that you are aware of them and that the selling price has been adjusted accordingly. Be sure all utilities are connected and running- electricity, gas, oil, water… this is critical for inspectors to test heating & cooling systems, appliances, plumbing, and more. You will also want to clear areas near attic accesses; crawl space accesses and move belongings that may be against the walls in the garage. The inspector will need to view the walls for pests including termites. To wrap up: a good rule of thumb is to have your home in tip-top shape half an hour early, just in case the inspector is early. Gather together any documents or information on... read more
Why hire Romanski Group to sell your home?
We get asked that question a lot. A good answer would be that we sell homes in Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County in shortest amount of time for the most amount of money. Another good answer would be that we are dedicated to Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County. We love this community and are so thankful to be a part of it!
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Our houses don't stay on the market long. In fact, on average, our listings only stayed on the market for 61% of the time other agent listings did!
Not sure if you should sell your Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Tippecanoe County home? Have a no obligation chat with Jim!
