Mishawaka Indiana Real Estate News & Listings Presented By RE/MAX 100 & RE/MAX Modern Realty

I Love When That Happens

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:00:00 GMT

I love when that happens. You plop yourself into your office chair, take the first sip of morning coffee and begin clearing the email from over night.

Most of the emails are solicitations trying their best to sell some "can't miss" winner guaranteed to make me more money.

Uh huh,

But what's this? Almost hidden amidst the spam is an email from a recent listing client. "Hmmm, that listing closed awhile back. I wonder what she needs?"

I open up the email and begin reading;

"Dear Anita & Mark,

Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work in the closing of our home. I received the final papers from the title company this week.

My father passed away a year ago and my goal was to sell the house before this summer. It's funny that with all the issues involved with the sale I have no regrets.

I was impressed by your professionalism and attention to detail. I truly believe this would not have sold with any other realtor.

Again, thank you. Hopefully real estate will turn around soon in the South Bend area.

Martha"

Well doesn't that just make the day start off a whole lot better. Honest praise means so much more when it's unexpected and not requested.

Thanks so much Martha. You were wonderful to work with and we appreciate your compliment. We hope we can serve you again in the future.

Anita & Mark

Sinus Trouble - It May Be Your Home's Fault

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT

I read an interesting article this morning I thought I'd share with you. The title of the article is, "Is Your Home to Blame for Sinus Pain?"

Here are some quick bullet points from the article:

There are countless allergens in the average household that can cause sinus pain and pressure.
You can have a clean house and still have problems
Pets can be an irritant
- Even if cat or dog resided in home before you got there.
- Pet dander can get so ingrained in upholstery you have to remove everything from previous owner such as carpets and furniture
This time of year air-conditioning system can cause sinus problems
- Change A/C filters on regular basis to avoid issues
If you have done everything possible in your home to get rid of allergens in your home and you're still sneezing you may need medication.
Nasal saline irrigation is a natural remedy that may work

To read the complete article, which isn't too long click: "Is Your Home to Blame for Sinus Pain?"

Carpenter Ants - What you always wanted to know

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Here is a link to an informative article about "Carpenter Ants". It touches on

Characteristics
Life Cycle
Signs of Infestation
Prevention
Treatment and Control

Here are some bullet points of the article:

Characteristics:

Among largest species
Queen 9/16"
Workers 1/4 - 7/16"
Adults vary in color
Black carpenter ant most common that nest in home

Life Cycle

Capenter ants swarm in spring
After 3 - 6 years colony will contain 2,000 - 3,000 workers and will start to produce "swarmers".
Swarmers produced in autumn (wait until spring to emerge)
Mature colony usually contains one queen with 200 to 400 winged swarmers

Signs of an Infestation

Swarmers found inside house is a likely sign of a nest in or under house.
Swarmers found outdoors or on porches sign of nearby colony.
In early spring worker ants may be found looking for water around sinks
Ant trails may extend 300 feet from nest
Can hear sound from a colony that infest house
Sawdust is tell-tale sign of carperter ant infestation
Damage appears as slit-like opening
Do not eat wood; they tunnel while building nest
Perfer wood with 15% moisture content
Invade through foundation cracks, windows, doors or heating/AC vents
Primary food for Carpenter Ants is honeydew
Water is also important

Prevention

Nearby trees or tree stumps breed potential for carpenter ant infestion
Inspect property
Insecticides OK but don't overdo
Key is to remember Carpenter Ants are usually associated with moisture and wood

Treatment and Control

Carpenter ants found in home does NOT necessarily mean there is nest inside
Step 1 - determine if nest is indoors
Alternative to spraying - bait ants outdoors
Concentrate on first on areas around home most vulnerable to moisture
In general, baits are best approach to dealing with ants
May require full week before activity declines
Do NOT spray where you place bait

Much more can be discovered by reading the full article on Carpenter Ants

33176 Glen Eagle Ct, Niles, MI 49120

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:05:29 GMT

Exquisite home located in The Reserve - one of the areas most beautiful and elite neighborhoods! Outstanding quality throughout offering arched windows with endless views! The 1st floor has a dramatic 2 story foyer, great room and dining room, hardwood flooring and very open concept. Great floor plan that excels for entertaining. The Gourmet kitchen features Maple cabinetry, top of line Kitchen Aid Stainless Steel Appliances, wine cooler and Granite countertops. Hearth room has a fireplace with a pull down TV screen. Luxurious main level Master Suite with sliding door to the patio with built-in hot tub and heated in-ground pool. 1st floor den has gas fireplace and built-inbookcases. 2 bedrooms on upper level have a Jack -n- Jill bath. Whole House Audio System/Surround Sound. Set upon a hilltop on a quiet wooded cul-de-sac for maximum privacy. Basement has lookout windows and is ready to be finished.

25517 Harold Ct, Edwardsburg, MI 49112

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:05:33 GMT

Beautiful custom built four bedroom home located on private cul-de-sac. Kitchen features eating area, center Island and lots of cabinet and counter space. Open floor plan with Great room adjacent to Kitchen. Formal dining room and first floor front parlor. Huge basement ready to be finished. Sliding glass doors off eating area in Kitchen lead to large wooded back yard with cement patio for BBQ. Terrific family home in wonderful neighborhood.

3919 SAVANNAH PASS, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:05:43 GMT

This savannah pass villa is sure to please! Beautiful open living room with vaulted ceilings. The popular floor plan offers a den plus two bedrooms and 2 baths. The great room is open and spacious with slider leading to the private rear lawn. Open to kitchen with lots of windows to allow the sun to shine in. Master bedroom with master bath and walk-in closet. Galley style kitchen offers lots of cabinet space. Lawn care and snow removal make this a dream! Quiet neighborhood, villa is like new...like new construction without the wait!

71443 Stags Leap Ct, Niles, MI 49120

Sat, 22 May 2010 13:05:56 GMT

Picture Perfect Home in The Reserve at Knollwood. This beautiful Home is located on a partially wooded Cul-De-Sac lot. First floor features 2 Story Great Room with arched windows, fireplace, and maple flooring. Spacious Eat-in Kitchen with maple cabinets, maple flooring, hard surface countertops, and 2nd stairway to the upstairs. Sunny Laundry Room. First floor den, formal living and dining rooms each with bay windows and detailed woodwork. Upstairs features a spacious master suite--with two walk-in closets, beautiful master bathroom with double sinks, whirlpool tub, & tile flooring. ( 3 ) other nice sized bedrooms and full bath. WALK-OUT finished basement features family room area with surround sound, stone fireplace and full bath. Elevated deck looks out over private beautifully landscaped backyard. The Reserve is located on the Knollwood Golf Course and convenient to Knollwood Country Club located in Granger, IN.

2318 CHESIRE DR, SOUTH BEND, IN 46614

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:08:48 GMT

REMARKS TO FOLLOW

14269 Sunset Ridge Ct, Niles, MI 49120

Thu, 20 May 2010 13:08:09 GMT

33197 Glen Eagle Ct, Niles, MI 49120

Wed, 19 May 2010 13:04:47 GMT

What isn't to like here...custom...custom...Sellers have added many beautiful touches to their home...Hardwood floors through the main level, up the stairs, the upper hall plus the master bedroom. The kitchen has gorgeous natural cherry cabinets, granite, stainless appliances and an eating area with fireplace. This is a must see. Ceramic floors in the baths, lots of windows. gorgeous landscaping, egress window in the lower level and neutral colors throughout. You will love the quality.

0 Library Rd, Cassopolis, MI 49031

Sun, 09 May 2010 13:08:03 GMT

Large triangle lot - ready for your house! 793' footage of Library Road; 590' on M 60 and 364' on corner. Nice building site. Check with township, amnufactured may be okay. South side of Cassopolis, easy access to Niles/Edwardsburg and Granger area. Corner of M60 and Library road.

605 VISTULA TERRACE, MISHAWAKA, IN 46544

Fri, 07 May 2010 13:24:00 GMT

BEAUTIFUL CONDO (1ST FLOOR) ON ST JOSEPH RIVER WITH DOCK PRIVILEGES. CONDO FEE COVERS UNLIMITED WATER, SEWER & TRASH, ALL OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE, CLUBHOU, SE, SWIM POOL & DOCKS. LARGE ROOMS WITH FANTASTIC WATER VIEWS. ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE, NEW ROOF THIS YEAR, NEWER FURNACE, HOT WATER HEATER, CARPET, PAI, NT, BATHROOM FIXTURES, WASHER & DRYER.

1630 CRESTWOOD BLVD, SOUTH BEND, IN 46635

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:10:42 GMT

CUTE & CHARMING! GREAT RANCH, WELL MAINTAINED, NEUTRAL COLORS THROUGHOUT. CERAMIC FLOORS. CORIAN COUNTERS. 2 CAR GARAGE PLUS CARPORT AREA. HARDWOOD UN, DER CARPET. NICE!NICE!NICE!

Anita Says - Cake Eating Made Simpler

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Looking for a practical gift that performs a vital function to your daily life? Of course you are and here it is.

Necessity is the mother of invention and when it comes to cutting a piece of cake necessity has finally produced "The Piece of Cake".

This absolute necessity to your current collection of kitchen utensils neatly cuts a piece of cake and lifts it out so you don't leave a single crumb for any one else.

Just press down, lift up and ...Voila.

The only real problem I can see with this terrific kitchen tool is the size. I'd have made it a tad larger :-)

Click here to learn more about "A Piece of Cake".

Sprinkler Hide A Key

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT

I think most crooks have the hide-a-key inside a plastic rock figured out by now. I would venture to guess many homeowners put their plastic hollow rocks somewhere close where they won't lose them, like say next to the doormat on their front porch.

Well here's a nifty idea from thinkgeek.com that should keep the bad guys guessing.

Stick an extra set of keys in this water tight compartment or even an emergency USP drive.

Gosh, what will they think of next :-)

Click here for more information: Sprinkler-Hide-A-Key

Home Improvement Ideas - Instant Pendant

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Here's a little home improvement item you might find interesting. This practical product allows you to update your lighting without an electrician. It is an adjustable length instant pendant light with a bell shade. It takes less than 10 minutes to install because this pendant light replaces a light bulb in an existing recessed fixture (4" - 6-1/2"dia). If you're looking for a simple affordable way to spruce up your kitchen this ingenious light fixture might just fit the bill.

Home Closing - Happy & Sad

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT

For those not familiar with selling real estate you might be surprised by this next sentence.

Selling real estate is like watching your daughter get married.

As you watch her stroll down the center aisle you're happy and sad at the same time. Happy because she is beginning her new journey in life and you have successfully prepared her for that journey. Sad because she is leaving home and you will miss her day-to-day company. Selling a home for a client can be very similar.

The owners of this home were just terrific people to serve and we are so happy for them as they begin their new life in upper Michigan. But we are sad they are gone and will miss the friendship we developed.

We do have a standing invitation to come stay with them in Michigan anytime. An invitation we just might take up someday.

Lawncare With A Smile

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT

It's that time of year again. Time to kick back, yank that cell phone out of your pocket and call the professionals.

You stick to what you do best. Relax.

Consider this post a friendly reminder to give yourself a break this summer and spend more time smelling not trimming your roses.

Services rendered:

Spring Clean Up
Lawn Service (small to large)

Serving South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger areas.

Free estimates available. Call anytime....

Ask for Jason or Bill (574-329-4963)

Sunset In Granger Indiana

Wed, 27 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Yes this beautiful sunset picture was taken from the backyard deck of a home in Granger Indiana.

If you've spent anytime watching shows such as "House Hunters" you know your dollar will buy a lot of home here in Granger.

No kidding! As stated in an earlier blog entry, if you're relocating from San Francisco the median home value is over $600,000.

That's a lot of cash to be plunking down these days for an "average" home. I don't care where it is.

This sunset was viewed from anything but an average home and the cost is only a little over half the $600,000 you pay for that median value home located in San Francisco. What's up with that?

Who knows?

What I do know is that if you are considering relocating to Michiana from another area of the country, for whatever the reason, Granger Indiana is a diamond in rough located right here in the breadbasket of America.

Find out more information on this gorgeous home located here in Granger.

Here's a flyer for your buyer notebook.

Better yet, set up and appointment to see this home in person.

Call Anita today! Oh and don't forget to follow me on Twitter.

List of Michiana Vendors Who Can Help you Get Ready to Sell Your House

Wed, 20 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Getting your house ready to sell can be a daunting task to say the least. Look for upcoming blog posts discussing the best ways to spend your hard earned dollars marketing your home most effectively. For now here is a list of local Michiana businesses to will help you get started.

Carpet	Phone	Landscaping & Yard Work	Phone
Carpet Cleaner & Tiler Center	574-259-5630	Mowtown Lawn & Landscaping	574-993-1236
Carpet Craftsman	574-255-5802	Muddy Boots Landscaping	574-243-5580
Comfort Carpet	574-255-9034	Northstar Landscaping Design	574-259-2632
DNR Carpet	574-289-1005	North Star Clean Decks	269-445-9100
Heaven's Best Carpet	574-361-7067	Whit's Lawn Care	574-256-6535

Carpet Cleaning		Maintenance (General)
Mastercare	574-234-2509	D&D Home Maintenance	574-273-2120
White House	574-255-3366 / 271-1612	Home Maintenance	574-383-4541/383-4575
		Michael This & That	574-936-5570/952-5570
Fire/Water Cleanup & Restoration		Michiana Home Repair	574-240-1644
Servpro	574-259-8348
		Remodeling Solutions	574-315-6916

General Construction		Mold / Basement ETC.
Advanced Custom Homes	574-217-4141	National Waterproofing	800-449-0397
All Through The House	574-239-0963	The Crawlspace Team	866-454-2074
B & B Better Builders	574-287-3727/532-1658
Comerica Construction	574-276-7484	Movers
Cornerstone General Contractors	574-993-3239	Two Men And A Truck	888-808-6683/675-9700
J.A.M Construction	574-315-6919	Wiltfong Moving	800-955-6118/259-8554
Schoberg & Schoberg, Inc.	866-936-5857

Gutters, Siding, Roofing, Windows & More		Painting
Imperial Siding	574-272-7572	An Added Touch	574-807-1201/234-0871
Remove Junk	574-993-0321	B & B Wallcoverings	574-220-1144
R & J	574-993-5940	B & G Painting	574-256-5884
		David Goens Painting	574-315-1857
		Tony Bilancio	574-274-2306
Hauling		Paper Perfection-paper Removal	574-271-1958
Love's General Hauling	574-232-1485/339-0820
Remove Junk	800-468-5865
Total Property	574-289-1005/243-8552	Professional Organization
		Angels On Duty	574-258-9109
Home Staging		My Best Friend	574-210-1600
Chapman Interior	574-272-3586	Shirley Regeneration	574-246-1360
Design Decisions	574-273-3996
Janice Brooks	574-315-1453	Stone & Brick Masonry
Finishing Touches	574-532-0619/292-1086	Law's True Stone	574-386-3759
S & P Interiors	574-360-3497
		Tile & Grout Cleaning
House Cleaning		Hydro Clean	574-855-4005
Cloud 9	574-303-1093
Dawn Horvath	574-254-2123	Tub & Sink Refinishing
Patricia Ann's Cleaning Service	574-288-3244	Pallidan Tub Refinishing	574-2339498
Personal Touch	574-675-0376/514-750
The Cleaning Authority	574-272-7110	Window Cleaning ETC.
The Maids	574-257-8574	Clemlerski & Sons	574-259-2794
		Dave Henry-Gutters & Pressure Washing	574-606-4494
Interior Design		Midwest Glass & Mirror	269-428-4464
Design Decisions	574-273-3996
		Wood Renew
		N Hance	574-674-9898

Please Note: Re/Max 100 does not endorse any vendor for any job type. This list is for informational purposes only.