Single pane, double pane, thermo pane, triple pane windows, plain glass, leaded glass, low "e" glass, wired glass, and tempered glass, too. WOW - There's a lot to know!

Some children have been known to shatter a window or two. Tempered glass can prevent this. Fogged thermal pane windows might need to be replaced if their seals are broken. New argon gas filled windows work well to insulate, while low-e coatings reduce the heat transfer for south facing rooms.

There is a lot of information available on the web, but this site seems to be one of the best ones out there. We will be happy to show you the different types of windows and glass as we show you around homes, so be sure to ask us.

​For further information about buying and selling your home, land or commercial property please visit my website at: www.homes4saleindiana.com or call me directly at: 260-443-5747

March 23, 2012 Contact: Stacey Hartman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (317) 644-9210 cell or text sahartman@indianarealtors.com

REALTORS® RELEASE INDIANA REAL ESTATE MARKETS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2012

Report shows more home sales statewide than in the same month of 2011, value of homes holding steady

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – The state’s REALTORS® have released their Indiana Real Estate Markets Report, which shows  that 2012 has continued on the upward path set by January.

Statewide, when comparing February 2012 to February 2011:

• The number of closed home sales increased 20.5 percent to 3,551; and

• The number of pending home sales increased 22.5 percent to 4,446.

Prices were fairly stable with the median sale price of homes in February 2012 up a half percent from last February at $103,000. The average sale price of homes increased 0.8 percent to $124,446.

“Our data, combined with the fact that consumer confidence is as high as it has been in a year, points to an active spring and summer,” said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana Association of REALTORS®. “There are still some challenges to work through, but the statewide housing market is on its way to recovery with some local markets leading the charge.”

Visit the Reports tab of IndianaIsHome.com for the full report including a summary one-pager for 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties. The following six counties covered by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) of the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS®, formerly the Fort Wayne Area Association, have been omitted this month because of a recent MLS conversion that affected the data processing for this report:  Adams, Allen, Huntington, Jay, Wells and Whitley.

More about the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report

Established in May 2009, the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report was the first-ever county-by-county comparison of existing single-family home sales in Indiana. In March 2010, IAR added statistics on other types of existing detached single-family (DSF) home sales – condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes, etc. – to the report.

The report became even more robust in August 2010.  It now tells how the statewide housing market is performing according to eight different indicators, each with one-month and year-to-date comparisons, as well as a historical look. It also provides specific county information for 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties in a sortable table format, allowing for consistent comparison between local markets. IAR obtains the data directly from and releases this report in partnership with 26 of the state’s 27 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC®) in both central and southwestern Indiana.

IAR represents approximately 15,000 REALTORS® who are involved in virtually all aspects related to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of real property in Indiana. The term REALTOR® is a registered mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS®, and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

AVIVA EQUITY-RELEASE LIFETIME MORTGAGES

Here is their website URL: http://www.aviva.co.uk/equity-release/

​

Simply explained a lifetime mortgage is a long term loan secured against your home which is repaid when you die or go into long term care

From my understanding, here is how this works;

You will receive an amount of money based on the value of your current home. You are able to keep ownership of your home and you can then continue to live there until you either die or go into long term care at which time the property is willed/reverts to Aviva Equity. In other words, Aviva is BUYING your home from you, giving you the money upfront, then allowing you to live there until you pass away or move into long-term care.

​The gamble by Aviva is that during the upcoming years you are living there the property will increase in value. Then, when you die or move-on they can re-sell the property for a profit or at least for the amount they paid you initially. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to still take care of the property as normal.

You don't have to make any monthly payments during the lifetime of the loan This is because the way this program works is the loan and the interest of the loan are combined and then repaid by the sale of your property when the plan ends....normally either when you die or move into long term care.

One of the benefits is you can also move if you want to and still retain the monies paid to you, as long as the home you are moving to meets the minimum valuation that your current home is.

These are just a sampling of the many benefits for having a Lifetime Mortgage by Aviva Equity.

​Contact them today to learn more about how this program can fit your current life situation!

For the third time in four months, existing-home sales increased again while inventories decreased, according to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Existing-home sales, which include recently purchased single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops were up 4.3 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.53 million units.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, explains that buyers are responding to market conditions. "The uptrend in home sales is in line with all of the underlying fundamentals – pent-up household formation, record-low mortgage interest rates, bargain home prices, sustained job creation and rising rents," he said. “Foreclosure sales are moving swiftly with ready home buyers and investors competing in nearly all markets. A government proposal to turn bank-owned properties into rentals on a large scale does not appear to be needed at this time."

Total housing inventory dropped 0.4 percent in January, leaving 2.31 million existing homes for sale. This represents a 6.1 month supply of homes at today's current sales pace. Inventory continues to shrink from their record levels of 4.04 million set in July 2007, and is 20.6 percent below a year ago.

NAR President Moe Veissi is encouraged by the trend. "Word has been spreading about the record high housing affordability conditions and our members are reporting an increase in foot traffic compared with a year ago," he said. "With other favorable market factors, these are hopeful indicators leading into the spring home-buying season. We’re cautiously optimistic that an uptrend will continue this year."

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner
Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.
21 Years of Experience
For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406
Toll Free 877-528-2406
Cell 719-310-2404
CPV, CRS Sales were up compared to last January with an increase of 3%. There are currently 3157 active single family listings on the market in the Pikes Peak region compared to 4326 last year in December, which is a 27% decrease. New listings on the market were down by 15.3%. With supplies down and demand up for several months in a row the market is improving.

The median single family sales price was down 4.3% in January 2012. Last year's median number was $180,000 and this year's January stat was $172,500.  The average purchase price was down in January compared to last year by 2.9% to $204,814 from $210,879.

There are currently 360 active condo/townhomes listings on the market compared to 607 last year in January, which is a 41% decrease. Sales were up in January by 8.6% compared to Jan 2011 and down 18.3% compared to last month. The average purchase price for condo/townhomes was up 1% to $130,822 compared to Jan 2011 stats.

With demand increases and sale prices low this is a great time to jump into the market. If demand keeps up the prices will begin to rise.

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – The monthly Indiana Real Estate Markets Report today released by the Indiana Association of REALTORS® also provides year-end data which shows that 2011 was better than the year before with regard to activity and home prices.

Statewide, there were 220 more homes sold in 2011 than in 2010. The median price of all 57,985 homes sold in Indiana last year was $112,900, which is 0.8 percent more than the median price of all homes sold in 2010. The average price of all homes sold last year was $135,183, which is a 1.7 percent increase over 2010.

“Local housing markets are making some progress,” said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer. “This is good news even if we’d like to press the accelerator.”

Statewide, when comparing December 2011 to December 2010:

• The number of closed sales increased 7.1 percent to 4,592;
• The median sale price of homes increased 0.9 percent to $110,000; and
• The average sale price of homes decreased 3.3 percent to $128,422.

“For 2012 to realize growth or just continue this slight, but steady progress, four things need to happen,” continued Berron. “One, Hoosiers must be working. Two, they must be confident in their prolonged employment. Three, qualified buyers must have access to available financing. And four, the foreclosure inventory must decrease so as to relieve that downward pressure on prices.

“Regardless, it is difficult to ignore that home prices here in Indiana have historically held their ground and interest rates are at the lowest in most memories. Anyone looking to buy or invest should start with the sortable county tables of this report and then talk to a local REALTOR® who can give the most insight into what’s happening in a neighborhood, city or school district,” concluded Berron.

More about the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report

Established in May 2009, the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report was the first-ever county-by-county comparison of existing single-family home sales in Indiana. In March 2010, IAR added statistics on other types of existing detached single-family (DSF) home sales – condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes, etc. – to the report.

The report became even more robust in August 2010.  It now tells how the statewide housing market is performing according to eight different indicators, each with one-month and year-to-date comparisons, as well as a historical look. It also provides specific county information for 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties in a sortable table format, allowing for consistent comparison between local markets. IAR obtains the data directly from and releases this report in partnership with 26 of the state’s 27 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC®) in both central and southwestern Indiana.

IAR represents approximately 15,000 REALTORS® who are involved in virtually all aspects related to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of real property in Indiana. The term REALTOR® is a registered mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS®, and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner
Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.
21 Years of Experience
For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406
Toll Free 877-528-2406
Cell 719-310-2404
CPV, CRS

Sales were up compared to last December with an increase of 3.5%. There are currently 3285 active single family listings on the market in the Pikes Peak region compared to 4327 last year in December, which is a 24.1% decrease. New listings on the market were down by 21.4%. With supplies down and demand up for several months in a row the market appears to be improving.

The median single family sales price was down 6.8% in December 2011. Last year's median number was $198,500 and this year's December stat was $185,000.  The average purchase price was down in December compared to last year by 9.6% to $210,688 from $232,939.

There are currently 373 active condo/townhomes listings on the market compared to 612 last year in December, which is a 39.1% decrease. Sales were up in December by 12% compared to Dec 2010 and down 38.8% compared to last month. The average purchase price for condo/townhomes was down 13.3% to 157,514 compared to Dec 2010 stats.

The average single family home price is down 4.9% in 2011. New listings were down by 16.3% and sales were up 3.3%

The average Condo/townhome price was down in 2011 by by 14%.

With sales up and prices down, even if you have to sell this could be the right time to get in the market! Check it out on our web site. www.lutherbenson.com

Copyright @ 2012 MBSQuoteline During the first week of the new year, mortgage rates continued to be influenced by the same factors as in 2011. Stronger than expected US economic data roughly offset continued concerns about Europe, and mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged.

Friday's Employment report provided further support that the US economy is gaining strength to begin the new year. Against a consensus forecast of 150K, the economy added 200K jobs in December. The Unemployment Rate unexpectedly fell to 8.5%, the lowest level since February 2009, from 8.7% in November. The decline was partly due to the increase in jobs and partly due to people dropping out of the labor force. Average Hourly Earnings, a proxy for wage growth, increased 2.1% from one year ago. This was an encouraging report in nearly every area.

While prospects in the US appear to be picking up, signs of improvement in Europe have been frustratingly slow to emerge. Bond yields in troubled countries remained at elevated levels, and European banks had to pay higher than expected costs to raise additional capital. Investors are still demanding very large premiums to lend money to European countries which are considered risky, making recovery efforts even more costly. Relatively safer assets, such as US mortgage-backed securities (MBS), continued to benefit this week from the lack of progress in Europe.

Next week, the Fed's Beige Book will come out on Wednesday. Retail Sales will be released on Thursday. Retail Sales account for about 70% of economic activity. Import Prices, the Trade Balance, and Consumer Sentiment will come out on Friday. In addition, there will be Treasury auctions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Copyright @ 2012 MBSQuoteline

Home prices are one of the most popular barometers of market vitality, yet they

only tell part of the story. Soft prices may accompany improvements in other

indicators such as purchase demand, absorption rates, seller concessions or

market times. Regional, market-wide prices fall short by not recognizing the mix

of homes that close each month, be it weighted toward single-family, lendermediated

or new construction addition movements often lag mediated construction. In addition, price changes

elsewhere in the marketplace. Let's see what the preferred market yardstick has

measured for November 2011.

• New Listings decreased 0.4% to 671.

• Pending Sales were up 16.9 percent to 456.

• Inventory levels grew 2.5 percent to 3,851 units.

• The Median Sales Price declined 7.0 percent to $92,500.

• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.4 percent to 94.0.

• The rate of inventory absorption slowed as Months Supply of Inventory was

up 3.9 percent to 8.0 months.

Not only do forces beyond supply and demand affect home prices, but other

factors outside of housing serve as inputs into the equation. New job growth

and consumer confidence drive household formations which in turn fuels

purchase demand and pressures prices. Similarly, when real incomes rise,

families can afford more house and move-up buyers become increasingly

motivated. To that end, the jobless rate fell from 9.0 percent to 8.6 percent in

November – the lowest in 2.5 years.

- 7.0%

Change in

Median Sales Price

+ 2.5%

Change in

Inventory

+ 14.3%

Change in

Closed Sales

This report contains information compiled by the Indiana Association of REALTORS®, may contain content from sources other than the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Statistical data is based on residential property listings and sales from the Indiana counties of Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley. Powered by 10K Research and Marketing.

Well, it's that time again where all those home estimates and foreclosure reports, etc. come out and we are told the sky is either falling still or the rain is finally stopping. Ultimately, being a Realtor® myself in the Northeastern Indiana area I can only attest to what is happening in my markets.

Am I seeing things improving a bit?.....sure.

Do I see HUD homes and foreclosures and short sales littering the marketplace still......yup.

Are actual homeowners who have a mortgage to meet still suffering because of the continued glut of foreclosures and empty homes still available on the market bringing down their home values?.....uh-huh.

So where is the bright future?

Ultimately, in my deepest and most honest opinion.....I have no idea. I am busy as always in helping people buy and sell Real Estate but the majority of the buyers are bottom-feeder investors scooping up the HUD homes and foreclosures then re-selling them. Those who are actually selling their homes and have a mortgage payoff to meet are suffering extremely. They have to compete with a foreclosed home almost identical to their own but is priced more than 50% less.

As a Buyer client of mine which home do you think I am going to advise you to buy?
Unfortunately for that Seller with the payoff needed it won't be their home. 100% of all Real Estate Agents if doing their job well in representing the best interest of their client....the Buyer...will advise them to buy a home for $50,000 instead of the $112,000 home the actual seller needs to meet their bank's payoff.

And as the Buyer I assure you this is exactly what you want myself, your agent, to be assisting you with and the advice to give.

Now as we move into 2012 will this change? In my opinion I hope so and the sooner the better! My heart goes out to each and everyone who has to or wants to sell their home due to this rotting market condition. The banks had a blast gambling away all that funny Real Estate money yet our Federal Government doesn't seem to have an issue with allowing them to continue to bust the backs of everyone who got screwed by their misgivings.

Until the housing market and mortgage process is completely re-vamped and re-structured to benefit the homeowner this mess, in my opinion, will never be resolved.

Do I have a suggested solution?

I thought you would all never ask............

My solution, as rediculous as it sounds, now give this some thought everyone..........
but let's just "HIT THE FINANCIAL RE-SET BUTTON" globally.

ZERO all debt out across the globe and start over.

Seriously......everyone immediately owes nothing, to anyone, anywhere.
Zero it all out and start over. It effects everyone so their is NO issue of who to pay for what was just provided or delivered. No one owes anything, we start accumulating debt all over again only this time no one is allowed to take advantage of the homeowner any more.

It's brilliant indeed and would work. Of course, who is the one institution that would scream about this?......you guessed it, the banks! My gosh, how absurd should such a suggestion be, right? How would the banks get all their money that they of course earn from interest on money owed if indeed no one owed anything anymore?

Well, let's just see for a minute shall we? Of course the banks will make their money from interest.....they will just have to wait a month or two while the world charges up their debt again. And gee-whiz they must actually wait a month or 2!

In the mean time, globally everyone goes out and buys all new stuff again because after all, they have zero debt right? Thus the global economy explodes all over again and we get jump-started into the new era of 2012.

I am sure many of you think this is stupid, but of course this is just my opinion. If you have a better one then please email it to me and I will be happy to post it here. But c'mon everyone, enough with the thoughts that any government program solution can be actually implemented and achieved! This country and globe has been trying to do it since the invention of currency and paying for things......it ain't gonna happen any time soon unless something drastic is considered.

So, if anyone here is for my solution of "RE-SETTING THE GLOBAL DEBT BUTTON" please pass this blog post on and share it with the world.

WE own this country not our government!

We all need to stand up and say "PUSH THE RE-SET BUTTON"!!!!!

Some of the methods of distribution can be forced air, under floor boilers and pipes, tankless hot water, baseboard, zonal, gravity, heat pumps, ceiling wires and, of course, wood stove and fireplace. Some have higher purchase prices, while others cost more to maintain or operate.

The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run and the lower your utility bills. Use this knowledge to evaluate the asking price of any home. You'll be money ahead as you factor its heat source into any offer! More information on heating is available right here.

The median single family sales price was down 6.6% in November 2011. Last year's median number was $198,000 and this year's November stat was $185,000.  The average purchase price was down last month compared to last year by 6.5% to $218,230 from $233,286.

There are currently 415 active condo/townhomes listings on the market compared to 733 last year in November, which is a 43.4% decrease. Sales were down slightly in November  by 1.5% compared to Nov 2010 and down 15.2% compared to last month. The average purchase price for condo/townhomes was down 2.4% to 148,264 compared to Nov 2010 stats.

The average single family home price is down 4.5% YTD and sales are up 3.4% YTD.

With sales up and prices down, even if you have to sell this could be the right time to get in the market!

Call me for a confidential private market analysis.

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner

Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.

21 Years of Experience

For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406

Toll Free 877-528-2406

Cell 719-310-2404

CPV, CRS

November 28, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Stacey Hartman
(317) 644-9210 cell or text
sahartman@indianarealtors.com

REALTORS® RELEASE “INDIANA REAL ESTATE MARKETS REPORT” FOR
OCTOBER 2011
 Activity up year-over-year by double digits; prices down slightly, but still up in year-to-date comparisons

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – According to the monthly “Indiana Real Estate Markets Report” today released by the Indiana Association of REALTORS®, activity was high in October with both the number of closed and pending home sales up by double digits year-over-year.

Statewide, when comparing October 2011 to October 2010:

• The number of closed home sales increased 16.2% to 4,892; and
• The number of pending home sales increased 13.6% to 4,422.

Prices did not follow that trend. Both the statewide median and average price of homes sold in October 2011 was less than in October 2010, but just slightly:

• The median sale price of homes decreased 1.7% to $111,000; and
• The average sale price of homes decreased 0.9% to $134,756.

“Local housing markets are making steady progress,” said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer. “It may not be as quickly as we’d like, but there is a lot of good news in this report.”

With regard to the slight dip in prices, Berron said REALTORS® were not concerned because year-to-date, the median sale price of homes in Indiana is actually up when compared to 2010 and 2009, and so is the average sale price.

“Home prices here in Indiana have historically held their ground,” said Berron. “It’s one of the reasons we enjoy a homeownership rate of more than seventy percent, and is certainly a positive for would-be home owners who are now shopping with some of the lowest mortgage interest rates in current memory.”

Whether market activity and value continue to grow depends upon a number of factors outside of the real estate industry’s control say REALTORS® across the state. The number one item on their list is more jobs, which drives number two and three on the group’s list – available financing for qualified buyers and less foreclosure inventory.

“Folks looking to invest should start with the sortable county tables of this report and then talk to a local REALTOR® who can give the most insight into what’s happening in a neighborhood, city or school district,” concluded Berron.

More about the “Indiana Real Estate Markets Report”

Established in May 2009 and found online under the Reports tab of www.IndianaIsHome.com, the “Indiana Real Estate Markets Report” was the first-ever county-by-county comparison of existing single-family home sales in Indiana. In March 2010, IAR added statistics on other types of existing detached single-family (DSF) home sales – condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes, etc. – to the report.

The report became even more robust in August 2010.  It now tells how the statewide housing market is performing according to eight different indicators, each with one-month and year-to-date comparisons, as well as a historical look. It also provides specific county information for 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties in a sortable table format, allowing for consistent comparison between local markets. IAR obtains the data directly from and releases this report in partnership with 26 of the state’s 27 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC®) in both central and southwestern Indiana.

IAR represents approximately 15,000 REALTORS® who are involved in virtually all aspects related to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of real property in Indiana. The term REALTOR® is a registered mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS®, and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

We’re all busy, pulled in many directions during our typical day-to-day routine, and more and more our days blur between work-life and home-life. Following are a few good smartphone applications that can help you save time while increasing your productivity:
 
Check It!
Professionals like you get the job done because you are organized, and one way to stay organized is with lists. Check it! is simple, easy-to-use and will keep you organized. Buy it for just 99 cents at the App Store (open iTunes) where you will find all of the apps mentioned in this column.
 
Documents to Go
With this app you can edit, create and view Word, Excel files, PowerPoint, PDF, iWork and other files. It is even capable of sending and receiving attachments. While this app is $9.99, it is highly functional for professionals who are constantly on-the-go.
 
HomeBase
Are you big into social media? This app allows you to send your announcements with pictures and links to all of your social media outlets. It blasts the announcement for you. And now you can add multiple accounts for all of your social networks. HomeBase costs $1.99 and takes your communications to infinity and beyond.
 
HootSuite
This is a great social media tool for Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare. This app lets you send and schedule Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare updates from anywhere, and also offers monitoring. HootSuite is free.
 
Instapaper
How many times have you wished you could save Web pages for later reading? With this app, priced at just $4.99, you can do just that.
 
LiveProfile
This app is a fast, cross-platform (iPhone, BlackBerry, Android) messenger that allows you to communicate, send photos and videos, post status updates, customize your profile and a lot more. LiveProfile is free.
 
Mashable
Mashable is the largest independent news source dedicated to covering the digital culture, social media and technology. This app is free.
 
There are hundreds of thousands of smartphone applications. These are just a few innovative, time-saving suggestions. Remember, whatever you may be trying to accomplish, there’s probably an app for that!
 
Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved.

On Friday, November 11, the nation will observe Veterans Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of the country, and commitment to serve and sacrifice for the common good of the USA.

Did you know Veterans Day dates back to November 11, 1918 when the Germans signed the Armistice, an order to cease fire, and World War I ended? Originally, Veterans Day was known as "Armistice Day," but the name was changed to Veterans Day in 1953, so that all military veterans could be honored and acknowledged.

One of the most recognized Veterans Day ceremonies is held at Arlington National Cemetery, which draws hundreds, if not thousands of visitors. This ceremony is held on November 11th at exactly 11:00 am. At that time, a military color guard honors America's war dead at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a shrine honoring the many thousands of veterans who gave their lives in defense of our nation.

As powerful as the National Ceremony is, you don't have to travel to the nation's capital to take part in a ceremony. Each year, the Veterans Day National Committee selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country–from parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes. To learn more and find a ceremony near you, visit the Department of Veteran Affairs website for a listing of regional information.

In addition, you can also dedicate some family time to learning more about Veterans Day and the military heroes it honors. You can find a number of resources online, including the official history of Veterans Day and a teacher's guide that includes information, activities, and even coloring book pages for kids.

As we pause and pay tribute to America's veterans, we must honor them with our gratitude, knowing that they served and sacrificed to protect and preserve the values of this great nation...and continue to do so today. May we never forget their strength, courage, and profound willingness to stand up and defend our way of life.

I hope this important holiday finds you and your family well.

Sincerely,


Beverly Gudakunst
Summit Mortgage Inc
Beverlyg@gotosummitmortgage.com

On Friday, November 11, the nation will observe Veterans Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of the country, and commitment to serve and sacrifice for the common good of the USA.

Did you know Veterans Day dates back to November 11, 1918 when the Germans signed the Armistice, an order to cease fire, and World War I ended? Originally, Veterans Day was known as "Armistice Day," but the name was changed to Veterans Day in 1953, so that all military veterans could be honored and acknowledged.

One of the most recognized Veterans Day ceremonies is held at Arlington National Cemetery, which draws hundreds, if not thousands of visitors. This ceremony is held on November 11th at exactly 11:00 am. At that time, a military color guard honors America's war dead at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a shrine honoring the many thousands of veterans who gave their lives in defense of our nation.

As powerful as the National Ceremony is, you don't have to travel to the nation's capital to take part in a ceremony. Each year, the Veterans Day National Committee selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country–from parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes. To learn more and find a ceremony near you, visit the Department of Veteran Affairs website for a listing of regional information.

In addition, you can also dedicate some family time to learning more about Veterans Day and the military heroes it honors. You can find a number of resources online, including the official history of Veterans Day and a teacher's guide that includes information, activities, and even coloring book pages for kids.

As we pause and pay tribute to America's veterans, we must honor them with our gratitude, knowing that they served and sacrificed to protect and preserve the values of this great nation...and continue to do so today. May we never forget their strength, courage, and profound willingness to stand up and defend our way of life.

I hope this important holiday finds you and your family well.

Sincerely,


Beverly Gudakunst
Summit Mortgage Inc
Beverlyg@gotosummitmortgage.com

There are currently 3959 active single family listings on the market in the Pikes Peak region compared to 5124 last year in October, which is a 22.7% decrease. New listings on the market were down by 9.3%. Sales were up compared to last Oct 2010 with an increase of 20.1%. With supplies down and demand up for several months in a row the market appears to be improving.

The median single family sales price was down 7.5% in Oct 2011. Last year's numbers were $200,000 and this years Oct stat was $185,000.  The average purchase price was down last month compared to last year by 7.8% to $221,534 from $240,326.

There are currently 464 active condo/townhomes listings on the market compared to 478 last month. Sales were up in Oct 2011 by 18.6% compared to Oct 2010 and down 21% compared to last month. The average purchase price for condo/townhomes was down 3.7% compared to Oct 2010 stats.

The average single family home price is down 4.5% YTD.

With the market improving and rates insanely low, this could be the right time to get in the market!

Have a great weekend!

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner

Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.

21 Years of Experience

For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406

Toll Free 877-528-2406

Cell 719-310-2404

CPV, CRS

Talkin' Turkey
Non-traditional Options for a Traditional Holiday
.........By Kirk Leins

When it comes to holiday faire it doesn't get any more traditional than Thanksgiving dinner. But, there's a problem with this meal. It's built to feed an army. So, if you're looking to host a much smaller gathering this year you've come to the right place. In this issue of 360 Degrees, we're talking turkey...turkey options, that is.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love Thanksgiving dinner, every single part of it. Since I normally celebrate Thanksgiving with my immediate and extended family, there is never an issue of having too much food on hand. We have the opposite problem and must resort to making an extra turkey or ham, as well as bountiful amounts of all the fixin's. It's the only way any of us can go home with leftovers.

I imagine there are some of you who celebrate Thanksgiving with fewer guests, but still make a traditional meal because you also love the leftovers, and don't mind taking several days to use them up. While I admire the notion, I must say that this article is not necessarily written with you in mind. I'm not ignoring you. It's just that you don't really need my help.

The readers to whom this article is directed are those who celebrate Thanksgiving with just a few close friends or family members and for whatever reason don't want to prepare a large bird. After all, isn't it about time someone devotes some Thanksgiving recipes to you?

For anybody who doesn't fall into the aforementioned category, and is feeling a bit alienated right now, take a deep breath because in the time it took me to write the last two paragraphs I have figured out a way to draw you back in. Check this out.

Thanksgiving dinner is a cavalcade of fall flavors, which for many of us are welcome tastes as soon as summer has passed. For most of us though, the roasted turkey component is something we don't call on enough, mostly due to the large size of the bird and the amount of time required to cook it. What you should know is the two non-traditional turkey options I am about to show you are perfect for enjoying the taste of Thanksgiving anytime you like.

Option #1: Turkey breasts roasted on the bone
Roasting turkey breasts on the bone is a great way to create an exact replica of Thanksgiving dinner without making an entire bird. It's also perfect for any of you who are not particularly fond of dark meat turkey. An added perk here is that turkey breasts cook fairly quickly, thus cutting down your kitchen time. And if that's not enough, the fact that we are roasting only the breast means that we can cook it to an exact temperature (without having to worry about dark meat), ensuring that it stays moist and juicy.

Before I get to the recipe, however, I would first like to say a few words about the various forms in which turkey breasts can be purchased.

The first is as individual breasts with the bones and skin removed. In terms of the upcoming recipe, you should avoid using these because we will need both the bones and skin in order to keep the meat succulent during roasting.

Another form is the whole breast. This is nothing more than both sides of the breast, still attached to the rib bones and joined together by the breastbone. Once again, a perfectly acceptable product, but it won't really work for what we're doing.

A third form is the whole boneless breast. While the bones have been removed, the two breasts remain joined, and the skin is intact. This product is good for rolling and stuffing, or cooking low and slow, but not so great for this recipe.

Instead, I'm suggesting you procure turkey breast halves with the rib bones and skin intact. They range from one to three pounds in weight, making them perfect for feeding smaller crowds. The fact that they've been halved will allow them to cook faster, and the inclusion of skin and bone is going to keep them juicy and tasty. Let's do this.

ROASTED TURKEY BREASTS WITH HERB GRAVY (serves 2 to 3)

• 1 turkey breast half, bone in and skin left on (approximately 2 lbs.)
• 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 to 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the gravy:

• 3 to 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 to 4 tbsp all-purpose flour or Wondra gravy flour
• 1 14-oz. can chicken stock
• 1/4 C white wine
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or sage, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Using your fingers, loosen the skin that's surrounding the breast meat. Massage softened butter on to the meat. Season both sides of the breast with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil until it's quite hot. Sear turkey breast, skin side down for about five minutes or until the skin is a rich, golden brown in color.

Place seared turkey breast, bone side down, on a rack in a baking dish or sheet pan. Roast in the oven for 50 minutes to an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Remove turkey breast from the oven and allow it to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

To make the gravy, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over a medium-low heat. Slowly add flour, whisking constantly. Once incorporated, the butter/flour combination (known as roux) will achieve a paste-like consistency. Allow mixture to cook for 2 minutes, continually stirring.

Pull pan off heat and add half the chicken stock, whisking the entire time. Return to heat and allow the mixture to come back to boil. Whisk in the white wine, remainder of chicken stock, and fresh herbs.

Season well with salt and pepper and allow gravy to simmer for five minutes or until it has properly thickened.

Cover and keep warm until you're ready to serve.

Option #2: Scallopini
As you can probably tell, option number one will yield turkey breast meat just like what you would slice off of a whole bird. For my second option, I thought it would be neat to put forth a turkey recipe that included fall flavors, but is unlike anything you've probably been served at Thanksgiving.

For this recipe, it is best to procure either boneless/skinless breast, or breast meat that has been sliced into cutlets. If purchasing the former, please know you will need to slice the cutlets yourself, but feel free to ask your butcher for help.

TURKEY SCALLOPINI WITH ORANGE SAGE SAUCE (serves 4)

• 1.5 lbs boneless/skinless turkey breast, sliced into cutlets 1/3-inch thick
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• 1 C freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1.5 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp unsalted butter
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pat turkey cutlets dry and liberally season on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off any excess, and set aside on a plate.

In a large heavy bottomed skillet, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil until hot and simmering. Working in batches, add cutlets and fry for four minutes (two minutes per side). Feel free to add more olive oil if necessary. Remove to a plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.

Drain the olive oil from the pan. Return it to the stove and reduce the flame to medium. Add orange juice and deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add 1 tablespoon of the sage and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Allow the orange juice to boil until it reduces to at least half its volume and thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Turn down heat to the lowest setting and swirl in the cold butter. Taste and re-season if necessary. Return the scallopini to the skillet with the sauce and allow them to heat through for a minute or so. Garnish with remaining sage and serve.

One last thing…
If you're at all nervous about cooking either of these dishes for Thanksgiving, my suggestion is to do a test run within the next week or so. Both of these recipes are quick and easy enough that you can prepare them for dinner any night of the week. Besides, enjoying a little turkey in the beginning of November will put you in the mood for the best food holiday of the year.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.

http://www.gazette.com/articles/springs-127343-list-markets.html

October 26, 2011 3:57 PM

RICH LADEN

THE GAZETTE

The Colorado Springs housing market, like many other communities around the country, has taken its lumps in recent years: falling home prices, rising numbers of foreclosures and a construction slowdown.

But the city’s housing market will stage a turnaround in 2012 and become one of the nation’s best, according to a national forecast by Builder Magazine.

The Springs ranks No. 7 on Builder’s Top 20 list of healthiest markets the magazine is projecting for next year. Builder publishes its Top 20 list twice a year — once for the current year and another that looks ahead — in conjunction with parent company Hanley Wood, a real estate media and information services firm. Their projections use Moody’s Economy.com data, which focus on jobs, price appreciation, population growth and other factors that drive housing.

The Department of Defense’s major presence in the Colorado Springs area —  which includes Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base — will serve as a catalyst for the local housing market, Builder suggests.

“There’s light at the end of the housing market tunnel in Colorado Springs,” according to Builder. “The three biggest employers here, by far, are military bases, and the fourth biggest is the Air Force Academy. The return of troops from Afghanistan may further stimulate the housing market.”

Builder says Moody’s expects Springs-area home prices to climb 2.6 percent next year, while job growth will increase 1.4 percent, numbers of households will rise 1.8 percent and median incomes will jump 2.9 percent.

Those pluses come on the heels of a mixed-year for Springs housing, Builder says; in July, the magazine notes, year-over-year homes sales were up, the inventory of homes for sale was down and the local foreclosure picture had improved. However, prices have been down this year.

Builder’s outlook, which includes the new home and resale markets in the Springs, differs markedly from one presented earlier this month by the Southern Colorado Economic Forum. The forum’s forecast for 2012 suggests the Colorado Springs economy will fall back into a recession with the rest of the nation — citing, in part, a weak housing market that hasn’t recovered.

Still, being put in the national spotlight by Builder can only help the market, some local industry officials say.

John Cassiani, the incoming board president for the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, said he sees the No. 7 ranking as a recognition of some positive factors: troops are on their way back to Fort Carson, the city maintains a strong defense and aerospace industry and the Springs never saw the volatile housing price swings that Phoenix, Las Vegas and other cities experienced in recent years.

Other positives for the new home and resale markets include rock-bottom mortgage rates and low prices. Some builders continue to offer incentives, such as free landscaping and finished basements, Cassiani said.

But Cassiani acknowledged local single-family home construction next year probably will only match the pace of this year, and won’t increase until 2013. The area still has to work its way through a backlog of distressed properties — foreclosures and short sales — that pose competition for homebuilders, he said.

Construction of apartments, however, should continue to increase next year; apartment vacancy rates have plunged to nine-year lows in recent quarters, and several multi-family construction projects are either under way or planned.

Of other Colorado communities included in Builder’s healthiest housing market outlook, Fort Collins-Loveland ranked No. 2 in the nation, while Denver was No. 10 and Greeley came in at No. 20.

Minneapolis-St. Paul was No. 1 in the magazine’s forecast for 2012.
—
Contact Rich Laden: 636-0228 Twitter @richladen
Facebook Rich Laden

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/springs-127343-list-markets.html#ixzz1c53pkaGL

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner

Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.

21 Years of Experience

For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406

Toll Free 877-528-2406

Cell 719-310-2404

CPV, CRS

http://ims.fwaar.com/publish/MLS/stats/2011-09/UPSTAR_MMI_2011-09.pdf