The Indy Homes Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - Geist https://www.indyhomes.com/blog/Copyright IndyHomes.com2023-03-17T07:25:43-07:00tag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10547Translation, please? Understanding Indy-speak<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/translation_please.jpg" width="715" height="476" alt="Confused woman holding paper with question mark" />
Like any city, Indianapolis has its own vernacular. We’ve compiled this glossary to help demystify this jargon for Indy newbies. Study and practice—in no time, you’ll sound like a local!
Boilermakers—The nickname for Purdue University’s sports teams, students and alumni. The nickname has <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purdue_Boilermakers#Origin_of_%22Boilermakers%22_nickname" target="_blank">colorful origins</a>. See IU vs. Purdue.
Carb Day—No, this isn’t an Indy holiday in which you stuff yourself with pasta, bread and cake. Formally known as “Carburetion Day,” Carb Day is the final practice session before the running of the Indianapolis 500, currently held on the Friday before race day.
Carmel—Indy's affluent suburb to the north. Pronounced "CAR-mel" like the candy (not car-MEL). <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/carmel/">Learn more about Carmel >></a>
Castleton—Refers to <a href="http://www.simon.com/mall/castleton-square" target="_blank">Castleton Square Mall</a> on the northeast side of Indy, as well as the area around the mall. All things Castleton are located at the Allisonville exit off of I-465.
The Circle—Refers to Downtown Indianapolis’ Monument Circle, the home of the iconic <a href="https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-soldiers-sailors-monument-monument-circle" target="_blank">Soldiers and Sailors Monument</a>. Every few years you might see resurrected plans to close off The Circle to automobile traffic -- transforming it into a pedestrian promenade. Indianapolis' vision for this redevelopment never gets much traction due to pushback from the businesses located on The Circle. When you do drive on The Circle, be mindful that traffic flows one-way counterclockwise.
Circle City—One of Indianapolis’ nicknames. See The Circle.
Crossroads of America—Official motto of the state of Indiana. Also serves as an unofficial nickname for Indianapolis due to the fact that four major interstate highways (I-69, I-70, I-65 and I-74) pass through the city.
Deer Creek Music Center—The original name of <a href="http://musiccenternoblesville.com/" target="_blank">Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center</a>, located in Noblesville. Oldtimers prefer “Deer Creek" (its original name). The largest outdoor music venue in Indiana.
Eiteljorg—The <a href="https://www.eiteljorg.org/" target="_blank">Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art</a>. The museum’s mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America. In fact, its contemporary Native art collection has been ranked among the world’s best.
The Fieldhouse—<a href="https://www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com/" title="Gainbridge Fieldhouse" target="_blank">GainBridge Fieldhouse</a>, home of the Indiana Pacers. You might also hear it referred to as "Bankerslife Fieldhouse" or “Conseco Fieldhouse,” its two former name. Not to be confused with <a href="http://butlersports.com/facilities/?id=1" target="_blank">Hinkle Fieldhouse</a>, Butler University’s revered sports venue.
Fort Ben—Shorthand for Fort Benjamin Harrison. Although the fort was decommissioned in 1995, it still serves as the center of <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/">Lawrence Township</a>, with much of it having been converted into a <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/historic-fort-harrison/">master-planned housing community</a> and <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2982.htm" target="_blank">1,400-acre state park</a>.
Geist—Refers to Geist Reservoir and the residential area surrounding it. One of the most expensive residential areas in Central Indiana. <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/">Learn more about Geist >></a>
Hoosier Dome—Also known as the RCA Dome, the Hoosier Dome was home to the Indianapolis Colts for 24 seasons. The dome was demolished in 2008 to make way for an expansion of the neighboring Indiana Convention Center. Lucas Oil Stadium, the current Colts stadium is connected underground to the Indiana Convention Center.
Hoosier hospitality—The special friendliness you’ll find only in Indiana.
Hoosier Hysteria—We Hoosiers LOVE our basketball! And Hoosier Hysteria is the only fitting term for that heightened frenzy we feel for the sport we follow so closely, whether it’s at the high school, college or professional level.
Hoosiers—A native or inhabitant of Indiana. (DO NOT use “Indianan.” Just no.) The origins of the word “Hoosier” are disputed, but there are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosier" target="_blank">many stories</a>, both scholarly and not so much. In any case, we Hoosiers embrace the moniker.
IMA—Indianapolis Museum of Art. Recently rebranded <a href="https://discovernewfields.org/" target="_blank">“Newfields,”</a> as the institution increases its emphasis on combining art with nature. In the fall and at Christmastime, Newfields hosts spectacular evening light festivals -- a tradition for many to visit annually.
IPS—Indianapolis Public Schools.
IU vs. Purdue—Indiana University and Purdue University are the two big state schools in Indiana, and share a classic rivalry that extends beyond basketball (see Hoosier Hysteria) and football—although that competition is intense. IU and Purdue grads will argue about anything; e.g., Who has the better campus? Whose graduates are smarter? You get the idea.
IUPUI—Stands for <a href="http://www.iupui.edu" target="_blank">Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis</a>. Practice so it flows quickly: "I-U-P-U-I." Sometimes pronounced "ooey pooey" (usually tongue in cheek).
Keystone at the Crossing—An upscale business and shopping district located on the northside of Indianapolis at the intersection of East 86th Street and North Keystone Avenue. Although the mall located here is officially named “The Fashion Mall at Keystone,” you may hear locals use “Keystone at the Crossing” or simply “Keystone” when referring to it.
The lake—You’ll find that Indiana has scores of lakes, and many of your neighbors may own cottages or second homes at a nearby lake. When Hoosiers refer to a lake they tend to be less than specific, so you’ll hear sentences like, "I'm heading to the lake this weekend." The speaker could be referring to ANY lake, whether it’s Lake Michigan, Lake Monroe or Little Cedar Lake.
Lilly—Not a reference to the flower; rather, "Lilly" refers to <a href="http://www.lilly.com/" target="_blank">Eli Lilly & Co.</a>, the pharma giant headquartered in downtown Indianapolis.
Long's—As the newbie, you might be asked to pick up some Long's for the office. (Huh?) Your boss is referring to the insanely delicious melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts created daily at <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/longs-bakery-indianapolis-2" target="_blank">Long's Bakery</a> (located west of downtown off 16th St.). Be prepared for long lines, and remember, cash only! (Seriously, if you want to be the office hero, bring in some Long's!)
Lucas Oil—Shorthand for Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Market Square Arena—The now demolished downtown concert and sports arena was formerly home to the Indiana Pacers and is known as the venue in which Elvis Presley held his last concert.
MassAve—Shorthand for Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, and one of Indy's cultural districts. Its downtown location and proximity to dozens of restaurants, shops and galleries makes it a popular place to live. <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/downtown/mass-avechatham-arch/">Learn more about MassAve >></a>
The Mini—Reference to the Mini Marathon, an annual half-marathon held in May. One of the premier events leading up the Indianapolis 500, it includes a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Monon—Shorthand for the Monon Trail, Indy's popular rail trail that stretches from Downtown Indy to Westfield, a northern suburb.
Murat—Pronounced (MUR-ah). Reference to the Murat Shrine Temple or Murat Shrine Center, now known as Old National Centre. The theater portion of the building is now officially known as the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre.
Naptown—A nickname for Indianapolis. Its origins are unclear, but we like the story that jazz musicians hanging out along Indiana Avenue during the ’20 and ‘30s appropriated the fourth and most prominent syllable of IndiaNAPolis and came up with the informal, hip nickname. <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/indianapolis-naptown/">We wrote about this in our blog a few years ago.</a>
north/south split—Turning north, the next section of I-70 along the east side of downtown Indianapolis travels concurrent with I-65. The two major interchanges at either end of this concurrency are often referred to as the "North Split" and the "South Split", forming the eastern leg of a section of freeways and surface streets locally known as the "Inner Loop" (around the central business district of Indy, and as opposed to the "Outer Loop" of the I-465 beltway).
Peyton—As in Peyton Manning, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback. Even though he retired in 2016 and was with the Denver Broncos at the time, he's still revered in Indy and as such, is referred to by first name only.
The Pyramids—Three pyramid-shaped office buildings on the northwest side of Indianapolis. You’ll know ‘em when you see ‘em!
The race—Yes, this is a reference to that race—the Indianapolis 500. “So, are you going to the race this weekend?”
Reggie—Reggie Miller of course, one of the most popular players with the Indiana Pacers. Widely considered the greatest Pacer of all time.
Riley or Riley's—Riley Hospital for Children.
The Ripple—Nickname for Broad Ripple, Indy's eclectic neighborhood northeast of downtown. Known for its bars, restaurants, and cute homes, as well as for being the location of David Letterman's childhood home. <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/broad-ripple/">Learn more about Broad Ripple >></a>
SoBro—Not an official designation, but the name has caught on in recent years. South Broad Ripple’s borders are roughly Kessler to the north and 46th Street to the south, with College to the west and Keystone to the east. (Technically, a portion of SoBro falls within the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.) Learn more about <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/broad-ripple/">Broad Ripple</a> and <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/meridian-kessler/">Meridian-Kessler</a> >>
spaghetti bowl—The north split is also called the "spaghetti bowl" due to the visual complexity of the overlapping freeways, ghost ramps, and overpasses that were originally intended as a connection to a never-built portion of I-69. See north/south split.
St. V's—St. Vincent Hospital.
The track—The track, i.e. the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is where the race is run. “We’re heading out to the track for Carb Day.”
Unigov—The term coined for the entity formed when the governments of Indianapolis and Marion County consolidated in 1970.
The Village—Depending on the context, refers to <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/broad-ripple/">Broad Ripple Village</a> or <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/zionsville/the-village/">Zionsville's downtown</a>.
Zville—Nickname for Zionsville, an affluent suburb northwest of Indianapolis. <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/zionsville/">Learn more about Zionsville >></a>
What terms puzzled you when you moved to Indianapolis? What do we need to add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2023-02-13T16:39:00-07:002023-02-23T05:46:31-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:11967Where to live on Geist and own a boat dock<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/pontoon.jpg" width="709" height="449" alt="woman driving pontoon boat" style="float: left;" />
Hoosiers love their lakes, and Geist Reservoir is one of the largest and most prestigious lakes in Indiana to call home. Having direct water access offers direct access to fun, including boating, swimming and fishing! And <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/blog/boat-dock-adds-home-value-geist-morse-reservoirs/">owning a boat dock adds to the value of your home</a> for a relatively small investment. Below, we've compiled a list of the neighborhoods in Geist that include properties with boat docks:
Neighborhoods with Boat Docks Within Hamilton Southeastern Schools Boundaries
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/ashford-pointe/">Ashford Pointe</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/breakwater/">Breakwater</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/bridgewater/">Bridgewater</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/canal-place/">Canal Place<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/forest-knoll/">Forest Knoll</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/geist-bay-estates/">Geist Bay Estates</a> <br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/intracoastal-at-geist/">Intracoastal<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/fishers/marina-village/">Marina Village<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/masthead/">Masthead<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/the-portage/">The Portage</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/the-anchorage/">The Anchorage</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/sail-place/">Sail Place</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/springs-of-cambridge/">Springs of Cambridge<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/tamenend/">Tamenend</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/valleys-at-geist/">Valleys at Geist<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/watersedge/">Watersedge</a>
Neighborhoods with Boat Docks Within Lawrence Township Schools Boundaries
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/admirals-bay/">Admirals Bay<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/admirals-pointe/">Admirals Pointe<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/admirals-sound/">Admirals Sound<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/admirals-woods/">Admirals Woods</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/back-bay/">Back Bay</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/diamond-pointe/">Diamond Pointe</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/feather-bay/">Feather Bay</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/feather-cove/">Feather Cove</a> <br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/masthead/">Masthead<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/lawrence-township/shorewalk/">Shorewalk<br /></a><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/treasure-pointe/">Treasure Pointe</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/windsong/">Windsong</a>
Neighborhoods with Boat Docks Within Mount Vernon Community School Corporation Boundaries
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/cardinal-woods/">Cardinal Woods</a><br /><a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/geist/hampton-cove/">Hampton Cove</a>
If you're looking for a home on Geist Reservoir with a boat dock, we'd love to show you your options. Call Indy Homes Team at <a href="tel:(317)%20815-4450" target="_blank">317-815-4450</a> or send an email to <a href="emailto:ksmith@indyhomes.com" target="_blank">ksmith@indyhomes.com</a>.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2020-01-19T17:27:00-07:002020-01-19T20:14:31-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:11854Weekend getaway: Finding tranquility at the lake<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/fall-lakehouse.jpg" width="713" height="447" alt="autumn at the lake" />
Summer is always busy for me, and with the real estate market still going gangbusters in Indianapolis, this past season was no exception. It seemed that my phone was always ringing, pinging or beeping. Such is the life of a REALTOR.
But when a good friend invited me to her family’s lake cottage at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordry_Sweetwater_Lakes,_Indiana" target="_blank">Sweetwater Lake</a> for a recent weekend, I decided to take the opportunity to shut off my phone for a couple of days and to be totally present with my friends and their kids. We arrived Friday evening, and in the morning, I woke to the tranquility of the calm lake, listening to the sound of the gently lapping water. We enjoyed cooking breakfast, while chatting and watching the kids—three girls and three boys—go about their fun. Their delight in being at the lake was contagious! Later in the day, we boated and basked in the sun, and topped off the day by making s’mores at the firepit.
As I watched the sun set behind brilliant pink and orange clouds that evening, a sense of contentment and peace came over me. The entire weekend was a reminder that the simplest pleasures are the ones that mean the most, and that we all need to take time to connect with others despite the craziness of our day-to-day lives.
So, what do you consider life’s simple pleasures? How do you get back to what’s truly important to you? I’d love to know—share in the comments below.
By the way, if you’re interested in finding a tranquil lake house—anything from a cozy cottage to an executive retreat—at one of Indiana’s dozens of lakes, <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/contact/">give me a call or drop me a line</a>! (And yes, I know we're heading into fall, but it's never to early to plan!) I can help in the immediate Indianapolis area, or refer you to a great REALTOR in another part of the state who will serve you with the same level of service that my team and I would.
View Indianapolis-area waterfront homes:
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/property-search/results/?searchtype=2&searchid=8420851">Geist Reservoir waterfront homes</a>
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/pike-township/pike-township-waterfront/">Eagle Creek Reservoir waterfront homes</a>
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/noblesville/morse-reservoir-waterfront-homes/">Morse Reservoir waterfront homes</a>
More tips on buying a waterfront home:
<a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/blog/boat-dock-adds-home-value-geist-morse-reservoirs/">Boat dock adds to home value at Geist and Morse reservoirs</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2019-09-23T13:04:00-07:002019-09-23T14:35:17-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10061Outdoorsy Indy<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/Outdoorsy_Indy_-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="Indianapolis woman on bicycle" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />Indianapolis appears to have it all. It boasts affordability; actually it is the most affordable of the top 50 US cities. It allows you to experience all four seasons. The downtown is clean, safe and full of excitement. However, there's one recurring complaint I have heard from non-Hoosiers about Indianapolis: "There's nothing outdoorsy to do in Indy."
That's where I have to step in and offer Indy education. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in the capital city, or just a short drive away. Here are 10 tried-and-true ways to be "outdoorsy" in Indy...
Water ski at Morse or Geist Reservoirs. Find out <a href="http://www.marinalimited.com/index.php/marina_services_indianapolis/boat_launch_indianapolis" target="_blank">where to launch your boat</a> along with ramp prices.
Take sailing lessons at <a href="http://www.ecsail.org/event/introductory-sailing-lessons-2/" target="_blank">Eagle Creek</a>.
Rent a kayak from <a href="http://rustedmoonindy.com/kayak-canoe-and-paddle-board-rental/" target="_blank">Rusted Moon Outfitters</a> and kayak down the White River.
Camp at Indiana Dunes, or even closer parks like Shades State Park or Clifty Falls State Park. <a href="http://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com" target="_blank">Reserve a campsite</a> at any Indiana State Park campground.
Drive an hour south and mountain bike through <a href="http://www.browncountymountainbiking.com" target="_blank">Brown County State Park</a>, or stay close to home and ride the single track at <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/town-run-trail-park" target="_blank">Town Run Trail Park</a>.
Snow ski in Southern Indiana at either <a href="http://paolipeaks.com/index.html" target="_blank">Paoli Peaks</a> or <a href="http://www.perfectnorth.com" target="_blank">Perfect North Slopes</a>.
Fish. We have lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams; take your pick. There are hundreds of places to cast a line in Central Indiana. Visit the <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2348.htm" target="_blank">DNR website</a> for all things fishing in Indiana.
Hike at <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2982.htm" target="_blank">Fort Harrison State Park</a>, or feel like you're hiking in the middle of nowhere, just north of the city at <a href="http://www.hollidaypark.org" target="_blank">Holliday Park</a>.
Run, walk, bike along the <a href="http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Greenways/Pages/Monon%20Trail.aspx" target="_blank">Monon Trail</a>. This 18-mile converted rail trail will take you from downtown all the way to the northern suburbs.
Rent a bike and ride the <a href="http://indyculturaltrail.org" target="_blank">Cultural Trail</a> in downtown Indianapolis. Grab a bike at one of the 25 bike share stations on or near the Cultural Trail and cruise the streets of Indy at your leisure.
No matter the time of year, there's always something "outdoorsy" to do in Indianapolis.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/petegilbert-9.jpg" width="128" height="132" alt="Indianapolis blogger Pete Gilbert" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" />About the Author<br />Pete Gilbert<br />Pete is a former teacher, turned stay-at-home dad of kids ages 3, 5, and 8. When not packing lunches and shuttling kids all over town he writes a blog titled, "A Dad Influence" for <a href="http://www.indyschild.com" target="_blank">IndysChild.com</a>.
2016-02-22T11:30:00-07:002017-12-03T16:29:05-07:00Pete Gilberttag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10065Boat dock adds to home value at Geist and Morse reservoirs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/geist-motorboat.jpg" width="424" height="283" alt="Motorboat on Geist Reservoir" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />If you’re looking for Geist or Morse waterfront real estate in Indianapolis, consider buying a home with a boat dock to maximize your enjoyment of life on the water. Having a boat dock offers several conveniences:
You’ll have the peace of mind of having your boat safely stored on your Geist or Morse property.
Your boat will be readily handy for jaunts around the lake, entertaining guests and all kinds of other water fun.
You and your family will have the safety and convenience of swimming off your dock all summer-long.
This convenience comes at a relatively low cost—$15,000-$28,000, depending on the neighborhood. And of course, having a boat dock increases the attractiveness of your home for many buyers when you decide to sell.
Other options for docking your boat at Geist and Morse
If the Geist or Morse property you want to buy doesn’t offer a boat dock, you do have other options. You could buy a separate dock—for the same $15,000-$28,000 price tag—elsewhere in your neighborhood. This means having to drive a golf cart or car to your boat and loading your boating essentials before sailing off.
The reservoirs’ marinas also offer slip rental, which currently costs approximately $1,300 to $4,000 per season depending on your needs. For a small per-access fee, these marinas also offer public-access boat launching ramps, but that doesn’t solve where to store your boat when it’s not in use. (Your neighbors will frown upon a boat parked in your driveway, and in fact, this is against most neighborhood covenants anyway.)
The most economical alternative? Many Geist and Morse waterfront residents don’t use their docks and as good neighbors may allow you to use theirs for free or a small fee. (Give a gift card, offer boat excursions or throw a dinner party to show your thanks!)
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or just want to maximize the value of your new Geist or Morse home, you do have a variety of options for docking your boat. We’d love to answer other questions you have regarding Geist and Morse waterfront real estate! Comment below, call Indy Homes Team at <a href="tel:(317)%20815-4450" target="_blank">317-815-4450</a> or send an email to <a href="emailto:ksmith@indyhomes.com" target="_blank">ksmith@indyhomes.com</a>.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2015-04-06T11:19:00-07:002017-11-21T10:10:09-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10135Green home cleaning in Indy<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/green_cleaning.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="green home cleaning" />
With spring-cleaning right around the corner, what types of cleaning products will you bring into your Indy home? With all the flu viruses that hit this winter, an obvious urge is to douse the whole home in bleach. Before you take to the floors and walls with harsh chemicals, you may consider a few “green cleaning” alternatives.<br /><br />Did you know that the cleaning chemicals sitting under the sink of your Indianapolis home are not regulated?
“There are no regulatory agencies that monitor the products that are brought into your home. There is no Federal Drug Administration for cleaning products,” according to an <a href="http://www.educatingwellness.com/natural-health/dangers-of-bleach/" target="_blank">Educating Wellness blog post</a>.
The good news is that there are so many gentle alternatives. Here are a few to consider for your Indianapolis-area home.
Make your own natural cleaners
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=green%20cleaning%20recipes&rs=ac&len=9" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>is stocked-full of green cleaning recipes. From lemon to baking soda to apple cider vinegar, you may be amazed by the extra duties regular household items can take on. Making your own green cleaners can be a great money-saving trick, too.
Try chemical-free, bacteria-fighting microfiber cloths
One Geist-area home has been a launch pad to raving fans around Indy for <a href="http://www.angelabarnes.norwex.biz/" target="_blank">Norwex cleaning cloths</a>. Angela Barnes of McCordsville was turned onto the innovative antibacterial microfiber cloths by a family member and quickly became a believer in the environmental and health benefits.
“I used to always get headaches when I would clean, especially when cleaning the shower,” Barnes said. “But now when cleaning with Norwex I’m able to clean faster and better, without the use of any harmful chemicals. Cleaning with Norwex saves me time and money as well as my family’s health.”
Invite a green cleaning crew into your home to do the dirty work
Spring is great time to get the carpets cleaned after months of closed windows and salt-ridden footprints. <a href="http://realgreencleaning.com/" target="_blank">Real Green Cleaning</a> services Zionsville, Fishers, Carmel and Brownsburg homes with toxic-free carpet cleanings. And this locally owned company comes with 5-star reviews on Google. For getting down to the nitty-gritty of the rest of your Indianapolis home, you can hire cleaning service like Fishers-based <a href="http://www.a1qualitycleaning.com/" target="_blank">A-1 Quality Service Cleaning</a>, who will “go green” at customers’ requests.
This is just a short list of ways to get green with your Indianapolis home cleaning. Information is readily available online regarding dangers of bringing toxic cleaners into your home and even more ways to take a green approach to your spring-cleaning.
We’d love to hear what green cleaners you’ve used. What’s worked well and not for your home?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2014-03-01T17:42:00-07:002023-03-17T07:25:43-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10184How’s a brand-new home sound to you?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/new-home-building.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="New home being built" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
New home in Fishers under construction
Indianapolis new home construction plays an integral part of the Indy real estate landscape. For some buyers, new is the only way to go. For others, the <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/blog/5-reasons-indianapolis-needs-you-to-list-your-home-now/">low inventory</a> of Indianapolis homes leaves no other option.
According to the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI), <a href="http://www.bagi.com/site/publisher/files/December%20Permit%20Press%20Release.pdf" target="_blank">2013 new home building permits were up 19% over 2012</a>. Steve Lains, BAGI CEO, said this increase indicates strength in the Central Indiana economy. Along with providing thousands of buyers a personalized dream home, builders generated over 15,000 local jobs in 2013.
The Indy Homes Team brings years of experience working with builders in and around Indianapolis and sold over a dozen new homes in 2013. We’ve often heard buyers ask if they need a REALTOR to purchase a new home or if builders will work with Indianapolis real estate agents. Simply answered: yes! Builders and real estate agents work in partnership for the good of the customer.
Over the years of selling new homes, the Indy Homes Team has developed strong relationships with area builders. We are a valued partner to many builders and equally value our builder partners. One such builder is this year’s <a href="http://www.indianapolishomeshow.com/IHS/EventsHome.aspx" target="_blank">Indianapolis Home Show</a> Centerpiece Home builder, <a href="https://www.fischerhomes.com/" target="_blank">Fischer Homes</a>. We’ve spent time learning Fischer Homes’ communities in Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Geist, McCordsville, Avon and Greenwood. We know the floor plans and we know the process. We help our buyers narrow their search based on needs and wish lists.
Another benefit real estate agents bring to buyers and builders in the new home process is our ability to get buyers’ existing homes sold. Selling the current home is a crucial step in moving into a brand new home. Builders rely on experienced real estate agents to provide a comparative market analysis on buyers’ home to gauge the likelihood of a sale. Some Indy area builders offer House-to-Sell Contingencies to help buyers secure a home and a lot they want before their home is sold.
Our team has vetted Indianapolis builders and can help to set expectations of the building process—a process that can intimidate some buyers. Based on our research and experience, the Indy Homes Team has developed a list of preferred builders. We can guide you through the joys and pitfalls of a building a new home in Indianapolis.
We’d love to hear about your building experience. What made you decide to buy new?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2014-01-30T16:52:00-07:002017-11-22T13:24:25-07:00Kristie Smith