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Donald Cook
Broker Associate

Direct: (317) 491-2150

Office: (317) 272-5002



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RE/MAX
7341 E US 36
Avon, IN
(317) 272-5002


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Archive for February 2011

Brownsburg Indiana homes…a good place to relax.

Monday, February 28th, 2011

RE/MAX ROCKY’S TOP TEN REASONS EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A HOME

10. Home is where you go to find food.

9.  Home is where people scratch your ears.

8. Home is where you can lounge in a bed all day if you want.

7. Home is where you can hide things (bones) that you don’t want people to find.

6. Home is where you are allowed on the couch if you have had a bath.

5. Home is a place where you can chase the cat and act like you didn’t and they will believe you because you are cute.

4. Homes in Brownsburg are where beagles like to be because it all begins with “B”

3. Home is where you rush out to meet people because you are excited they are back.

2. Home is where you go after a hard day of work chasing geese, cats, and little girls on pink bicycles away from the house.

AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOME:

1. Home is where you can relax with someone you love!

Home should be a place where you are comfortable.  If you are not, you need to contact my favorite Indiana Real Estate Agent at the Pinnacle Real Estate Group.  Don Cook and his team will help you find the perfect place to call home.

If you are already in a good home, Don will always be happy to take your referrals.  He will take good care of your friends.

As I, RE/MAX Rocky always say… “Throw me a bone!”

*no cats were harmed in the posting of this blog

Prequalification and Pre-approval

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Even RE/MAX Rocky knows the importance of getting pre-approved!

Do you want to buy a home in Hamilton County, IN?  Perhaps you are interested in homes for sale in Brownsburg, IN?  Maybe you aren’t sure if you should rent or buy in Fishers, IN?  Wherever you choose to live there are several important steps you must consider first.  One of the most important steps you can take is to get yourself prequalified or pre-approved.

What is the difference?  It can be confusing.  However, having a good Indianapolis Realtor, like the Pinnacle Real Estate Group, can help you navigate the confusion successfully.

  • Prequalification: Prequalification is a preliminary estimate of how much you can afford to pay for a home based on information you provide. Because credit and employment information aren’t validated for prequalification, it can only be considered a rough idea of a monthly mortgage payment and loan size. This can be a useful guide as you begin the home buying process.
  • Pre-approval: Pre-approval is a written commitment from a lender to finance your home purchase up to a set amount. This indicates that the lender has taken a close look into your financial history and has agreed to lend you a specific amount of money, reliant on certain details like a finalized sales contract and professional inspection. Pre-approval indicates to sellers that you are a serious homebuyer.

Most sellers today are requiring a pre-approval letter from the buyer prior to showing a property.   The real estate market today means you, as a buyer, must be prepared ahead of time.

The Pinnacle Real Estate Group, can make recommendations to help you get your pre-approval status.  Then you’ll be able to shop with much more confidence.

Why wait until you find the perfect home to discover problems with obtaining a mortgage?  Contact me today!

Finding a Real Estate Professional in Central Indiana

Saturday, February 19th, 2011

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate agent is the first important decision you will have to make. While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it’s important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences, someone who you can respect and trust. Nearly four out of five homebuyers and sellers enlist in the help of a real estate professional or broker. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or sell the one you’re in, choosing a professional who best fits your needs is vital. Here are some questions to consider when choosing an agent:

  • How long have they been a real estate professional?
  • Do they work full or part time?
  • How long have they been working in this particular area?
  • What type of homes do they usually handle?
  • How much of their business comes from repeat customers or referrals?
  • How many homes did they sell last year?
  • How often can you expect to be updated, regardless of any progress?

Above all you should choose an agent that you feel comfortable with. Your real estate professional will be your guide through the entire process of buying or selling a home, and can be a valuable resource. Make sure that whomever you select is well suited to your demands.

I’d love to hear from you and have the opportunity to discuss why I may be right for you. You may also find it worthwhile to explore my website, it has plenty of information to cover your real estate needs. My site allows you to perform very detailed searches using search fields typically reserved only for real estate agents, so it’s a great place to start.

Don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me with any of your real estate questions, I would be delighted to help you make the process of buying or selling a home a really smooth one.

Would you like to know the home prices in your neighborhood?  Curious about what has sold and the price? 

Call or email me today and I will send you a FREE Market Snapshot when you mention my blog.

Love Your Home- Re/Max Rocky

Sunday, February 13th, 2011

Tomorrow is Valentine’s day.  I, Re/Max Rocky have already started spreading the love.

I was sitting in the backyard, contemplating real estate deals, listings, and buyers when a duck wandered in.

Duck’s are funny.  They quack and waddle and really don’t seem to mind the homeowners around our pond.  I think they come to our yard because they are hungry and know that we feed the birds.  When the birds eat, the extra seed falls on the ground.  Enter the ducks.   Sometimes I watch groups of them get into duck skirmishes like rival gangs fighting over sunflower seeds.   If I were a duck, I would be eating from all the yards too.  Then again, because I am a beagle I would eat just about anything at anytime.

Now, if most owners were too see this duck in our yard, they would expect me to chase him out.  “Don’t let the duck eat the birdseed!”  “If you feed a duck through the winter, he won’t migrate.”  “Ducks leave stuff behind that they shouldn’t!”

But since it is Valentine’s Day the duck gets a pardon….well okay, really….the duck and I have an understanding that we have settled before….

I don’t threaten him and he allows me to keep both ears.

Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day!  If you would love a home with a yard, or trees, or pond, or duck, then give my dad a call.   He can help you fall in love too!  Tell him Re/Max Rocky sent you.

Home Searches and Hamilton County Schools

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Consider Schools In Your Home Search

When looking for the perfect place to call home, many families must consider school districts in their search.  A good realtor, like the ones you find at the RE/MAX Pinnacle Real Estate Group can help you find the information that you need to make a great decision for your family.

School data can be found in several locations.  Each individual corporation will host a website.  If you are searching for a home in Hamilton County, you might take a look at the Carmel Clay School site.  Here you will find information for prospective students and families.  Want to understand Graduation Rates? Support Services? Advanced Placement Opportunities?  Be sure to check it out.  Most districts also welcome phone calls and visits from prospects.

Another additional resource for school data is the Indiana State Department of Education website.  On this site you will find specific numbers for each corporation and individual school.  Data is available for Graduation Rates, ISTEP scores, Star Schools, median income, population demographics, and advanced placement stats, to name a few.  You can use this site to compare schools in several different districts with the tools that the site offers.  This gives families who might be relocating into an unfamiliar area, the opportunity to make informed decisions.  Using Carmel Clay, Hamilton County schools as an example you will find stats for:

  • The number of students attending the High School
  • The percentage of students passing Math and English assessments
  • Demographics for the area
  • Staff data such as “Highly Qualified Teachers”

Have you already seen a home, or perhaps driven by one that you like?  Call me today!  I can help you with the information that you need and let you know the school district that the home resides in.  From there, I can direct you to the tools and sites that will allow you as a home buyer to make a great decision for your family.

Brownsburg: Community on the Move and a Great Place to Live!

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

If you were thinking about looking for a home in Brownsburg you should know that Brownsburg has been on the move!  A new town manager was hired over a year ago, and I for one, have noticed some big changes.  Brownsburg has always been a great community for families.  Located conveniently on the west side of Indianapolis with easy access from I-74, Brownsburg has always had the “small town” feel with lots to offer.

As of late, I have noticed even more activity.  Brownsburg is currently conducting the first of several Community Workshops. The next upcoming workshop has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 9th, at 6:00 p.m. Brownsburg Town Hall.  These workshops are designed to review the Comprehensive Plan and take into account resident input before making final decisions.  If you are interested in learning more about Brownsburg the Community, it would be a great time to get information.  Already live in Brownsburg?  Make sure you stop in to provide input about the future of the town.

Brownsburg also recently received an INDOT grant of $250,000.  The Safe Routes to School grant will allow for the construction of a multi-use path that will connect several schools with the Brownsburg Public Library.  It will be a 10 to 12 foot path that will separate pedestrians from traffic.  The town manager said the path will allow parents to feel safer about letting their children walk or bike to school.

If you are looking for assistance with Brownsburg, Indiana real estate needs, give me a call.  I can help!  RE/MAX Rocky and I have been lifelong residents of Brownsburg. You might even catch a glimpse of RE/MAX Rocky at one of the upcoming community meetings.  He will be the one lobbying for fire hydrants, trees, and more cats.

“RE/MAX Rocky is the one really in charge!”

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  • Avg. Days on Market: 81

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