Paula Henry

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Football? Basketball?

October 11th, 2008 categories: Indy Places, Random Thoughts

I guess this is one more way to make good use of Lucas Oil Stadium……..basketball on the off season.

Lucas Oil Stadium

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Authored by Paula | Discussion: 4 Comments »

Leave the House

September 28th, 2008 categories: Indy Home Sellers, Random Thoughts, Selling My Home

As a matter of preference, I recommend my home sellers don’t hang around when the buyer is performing a final walk-through. A final walk through is the buyers opportunity to ensure all requested repairs were completed and the home is in the same condition as it was when they wrote the offer.

Because of circumstances beyond my control (movers, moving trucks and the day the buyer chose), I had to be home when the buyers came through for their final inspection of my home. My REALTOR did ask if I wanted them to come by, but…..Hey, I’m a big girl and besides that, I’m a REALTOR; I know to just stay out of the way, give them the receipts for the repairs and let them inspect.

Well, not so fast there – I still have an emotional connection to this place I have called home and I know the work we have put into it. If they want to know how the pool works or what day the trash gets picked up, well, I can answer that. The question I wasn’t prepared for caught me off guard and left me wondering what happen to the professional REALTOR I am. So my emotions got the best of me, but, at least I waited until the new buyer left. Now there’s the professional in me  :)

What was the question? What’s underneath the carpet in the fire-pit conversation area around the fireplace? A seemingly innocent question, until, they tell me they plan on taking out the carpet, level the floor, replace the flooring, tear out a wall, remodel the kitchen, take out the pantry……………………etc.

It’s not that I don’t believe this home needs some more updates or remodeling. But, today, it is still MY home and I wanted to believe someone bought my home because they would love it as much as I do.

The truth is, they will come here and make it their home – I just didn’t want to hear about it – at least not today.

Home sellers, get out of the house when the buyers come by and inspect. Leave them a nice note and imagine how much they will love your home. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.

 

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Authored by Paula | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Moving On

September 25th, 2008 categories: Indy Home Sellers, Random Thoughts, Selling My Home

Not Like Any Other Day

Door to HomeToday was an early morning as I got my youngest daughter on a plane and now I sit here at the Indianpolis International Airport, waiting for my flight to join my daughter in Phoenix. It is a vacation of sorts. My son will fly in for the weekend, as we have one last hooray at our Phoenix home. If you remember, we were supposed to have that last blast back in January, but time got away and we didn’t put the house on the market until June.

A Home Sold

I intended to chronicle the details along the way – but somehow time passed and the specifics don’t seem quite as important. Yes, my husband and I had differences of opinion about the price, when to reduce the price and how to respond to the offer, once we received it. It was not all that exciting to me, being a REALTOR, but I know every detail was important to my husband. I think REALTORS should sell their own home occassionally to remind themselves of the impact the whole process has on our clients and their family.

While, I have been able to rationalize price reductions in light of the reality of the current market, it wasn’t easy. We had two price reductions and an offer within days of the last price reduction. Yes, I wanted to make more money, but am glad I don’t face the prospect of having to bring money to close. I feel blessed in that respect. 

So far, I have been able to keep an emotional distance. Not so, today!

A New Life

Yes, we sold our home, but we also sold every spring where my husband would plant another plant or buy another yard ornament. We sold every summer where the pool and patio became a place of relaxation, a place where family and friends gathered. We sold the home where our last child became an adult. We sold a part of our lives which we both cherish and miss.  Our memories are deeply planted in our hearts, soul and a few thousand pictures, but the loss; it’s still the same.

On Tuesday – I will step into my clients shoes with a bitter sweet victory. Sometimes selling a home is a happy occasion; other times not so much. It’s always a transition. Along with every other transition life brings us, we will move forward with hope, optimism and another chapter in our lives. We have our new life in Indianapolis, another home to create memories together, this time with grandchildren.

It’s difficult moving on., but there’s another door waiting to be opened.

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Authored by Paula | Discussion: 4 Comments »

Always Remember

September 11th, 2008 categories: Random Thoughts

My 22 year old daughter said to me at 12:15 this morning, “Mom, it’s September 11″ . And suddenly, there is not another thought in my mind. I remember………………… we all remember.

I want to take one moment to say Thank You to the men and women who defend our country everyday; to say God Bless You and your families. Come Home Safely!

Authored by Paula | Discussion: No Comments »

Home Fire Caution

September 7th, 2008 categories: Indianapolis Real Estate News, Random Thoughts

Burning_houseTonight, I was at my daughters when a loud boom pierced the evening calm, then the sound of firetrucks converging on the neighborhood. Of course the neighbors gathered around to see what had happened.

The sight of the home on fire reminded me of a similar fire in my neighborhood when we lived in California. The garage was blown out and both cars in the driveway were charred; the glass on both vehicles appeared melted. Luckily, noone was hurt.

I’m not sure about the cause of this fire tonight, but the one in California was the result of a propane tank not being properly closed on the gas grill. The grill was stored in the garage. With the propane slowly leaking from the tank, it wasn’t long before the gas furnace ignited the leaking propane.

To watch a fire comsume your neighbors home is a frightening experience. As fall approaches and we store our gas grills, please be cautious if you are storing these items in the garage.

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Authored by Paula | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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