At Home in LaGrange County Indiana

What Does it Mean to "Be Green"?

 It's in the news, in the magazines, and even on HGTV-  green building or being more green in a remodel.  I understand the concept in general, but when our office recently listed the first new home in our county with a 5+ Energy Star rating, I wanted a better understanding of the significance.  I was familiar with the Energy Star rating I had seen on appliances.  But,  I didn't know Energy Star is a joint program through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to help save money and protect the environment.  A 5+ rating is the highest a home can receive and the grade is based on items such as: insulation, windows, tightly sealed construction, efficient heating and cooling, appliances, lighting, and water heaters.  Although this house offers great savings on utility bills and less impact on our environment, my online search showed me it takes more than that to "Be Green".

What Does it Take to "Be Green"?

Apparently, that is not an easy question to find the answer to; the National Association of Home Builders appointed a Consensus Committee on the National Green Building Standard to develop a standard that they have submitted to ANSI to become the American National Standard.

There is also a non profit organization, the U.S. Green Building Council , with 11,000 members from every segment of the industry who have developed a rating system called LEED,  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a nationally accepted benchmark in transforming the industry.  They include additional requirements such as not building on environmentally sensitive sites, building within walking distance to public transportation, parks, schools, and stores.  Building design takes advantage of prevailing winds and natural light reaches 75% of the home's interior.  Landscaping utilizes shading properties and drought tolerant plants. And green building materials are used that are non-toxic, come from rapidly renewable sources, or from salvaged materials.

How Green Are You?

My search led me to several online tools that you can use to test how green you and your household are.  They also offer tips that can save you money and reduce the impact on our environment.

Energy Star's Home Energy Yardstick  See how your usage compares to other U.S. households and how you can improve your efficiency and save money.

Get With Green.com  offers a widget that gives homeowners eco friendly news and information on new products and ideas- you can easily add it to your blog, myspace, facebook, etc.

LaGrange County has three public school systems.  Some of the district lines overlap within a city or town, but these are the schools and the areas they serve.

Local  Schools:

Lakeland School Corporation  serves students in LaGrange, Howe, and Wolcottville.  The elementary schools include Lima-Brighton Elementarty School in Howe, Parkside Elementary School in LaGrange, and Wolcott Mills Elementary School in Wolcottville.  Lakeland Middle School and High School in LaGrange serve all students.  There were 2,285 students enrolled for the 2007-2008 school year.

Lakeland High School Office  (260) 499-499-2470

Lakeland Middle School Office (260) 499-248

0Lima-Brighton Elementary School Office (260) 499-2440

Parkside Elementary School Office (260) 499-2430

Wolcott Milles Elementary School Office  (260) 499-2450

Indiana Department of Education Data for Lakeland Schools

Prairie Heights School Corporation serves students in Hudson, Flint, Mongo, Orland, Helmer, Salem Center, South Milford, and rural LaGrange.  The elementary schools are Milford Elementary School in Wolcottville and Prairie Heights Elementary School in LaGrange.  Prairie Heights Middle School and High School in LaGrange serve all students.  There were 1,620 students enrolled for the 2007-2008 school year.

All of the Prairie Heights Schools can be accessed through  (260) 351-3214

Indiana Department of Education Data for Prairie Heights Schools

Westview School Corporation serves students in Topeka, Shipshewana, LaGrange and Wolcottville.  The elemenarty schools include Meadowview Elementary School in Shipshewana, Shipshewana-Scott Elementary School in Shipshewana, Topeka Elementary School in Topeka.  All students in the corporation attend Westview Elementary School in Topeka for fifth and six grade then move on to Westview JR.-SR. High School.  There were 2,173 students enrolled in 2007-2008.

Meadowview Elementary School (260) 768-7702

Shipshewana-Scott Elementary School (260) 768-4158

Topeka Elementary School (260) 593-2897

Westview Elementary School (260) 768-7717

Westview JR.-SR. High School (260) 768-4146

Indiana Department of Education Data for Westview Schools

Howe Military School is a private college prepatory boarding school and a co-educational military institute affiliated with the U.S. Army's Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Howe Military School  (260) 562-2131

Indiana Department of Education Data for Howe Military School

June 2008

(Numbers in parentheses are average list prices). As of June 30th, 2008, there are 311 homes currently for sale (170,319). They have been on the market for an average of 186 days.  81 are lakefront (264,690).  35 homes are located channelfront (172,091), 96 are on ski lakes (261,625) or lakes with access to ski lakes (153,747). 55 are on non-ski lakes (149,614) 35 have association or deeded access (103,322). 160 homes have no lake access (136,369).

In June 2008, there were 10 homes sold with an average sold price of 132,310. They spent an average of 157 days on the market, and were originally listed at an average price of 137,930. There were 56 new homes listed for sale this month at an average list price of 168,182.

Based on information from the Northeastern Indiana Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service for the period June 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008.

"Life in the Past Lane"

It isn't just a phrase on the Welcome to Topeka signs, it's a way of life.  If you've been wanting to make a move to the country, here is your chance!  This home is in the country, between the Towns of Topeka and Shipshewana.

This stick built home is nestled on 5 partially wood acres and overlooks a stocked pond with an island.  An open floor plan features a huge kitchen.  A covered front porch and open back deck offer plenty of opportunity for taking in the views.   It is priced below the appraisal for a quick sale, so don't miss out! Stop in today and see what this home has to offer!

Tour the Lakes this Saturday from 3-5

5 Dallas Lake Homes and 1 on Hackenberg

If you have been thinking about making a move to the lake, there has never been a better time.  There is a great selection of homes in all price ranges and interest rates are still low.  The agents at Real Estate Sails are all having Open Houses on the lakes to promote the start of Summer!  There are six houses on the tour and you can find out about all of them here.

If one of these homes doesn't suit your needs (or your pocketbook) there are plenty more to choose from.  As of today on the Indian Lakes Chain there are 14 homes for under 200,000 and 15 others that are under 300,000.  Give me a call or sign up for a "find out first email alert" so you can see what is available in the area.  You can have a search by lake type:  ski, fish, access to ski,  by lake name or price range.

I will be at my listing in Dallas Heights.  It is a great property with a huge yard and a full basement.  It offers privacy when you want it and all the perks of living on the lake!

Congratulations

Mitch and Marchie!

Today was a perfect example of why I love my job!  I had sellers who really wanted to sell.  They had an accepted offer within 10 days of listing. And the buyers got a great deal on a house that they can fix up to make their HOME.  I can't wait to see how it turns out! 

Closing on a First Home!

There is nothing more exciting about my job than handing the keys to a first time buyer.  Finally owning your own home is a great accomplishment and I am honored to be a part of it. 

With big plans for decorating the inside and sprucing up the outside,  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  Congratulations Lance!!

Join Me Lakefront on 

Adams Lake for an

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 

from 2-4

Don't Miss an Amazing Opportunity!

This home was just reduced to UNDER 200,000!  Imagine being lakefront on one of LaGrange County's finest all sports lakes! And this is NOT a fixer upper.  It is ready for move in with lots of recent upgrades (roof, well, water heater, seawall).  There's also an absolutely adorable detached bunkhouse for overnight guests!  Stop in and mention reading my blog and you can get a FREE beachball!  For more info and a virtual tour visit  Adams Lake Under 200,000!

May 2008

(Numbers in parentheses are average list prices). As of May 31st, 2008, there are 289 homes currently for sale (174,480). They have been on the market for an average of 191 days.  76 are lakefront (287,598).  32 homes are located channelfront (177,981), 72 are on ski lakes (321,088) or lakes with access to ski lakes (169,269). 36 are on non-ski lakes (178,005) 29 have association or deeded access (101,209). 152 homes have no lake access (131,163).

In May 2008, there were 10 homes sold with an average sold price of 169,038. They spent an average of 82 days on the market, and were originally listed at an average price of 174,450. There were 43 new homes listed for sale this month at an average list price of 142,644.

The Summer lake season has started. Of the 10 homes that sold in May, 6 were on lakes.  If you have been thinking of moving to the lake or getting a second home at the lake, there has never been a better time.  Interest rates are still low and there is a great selection of homes in many price ranges.  I pulled some stats on what is available today in LaGrange County on our lakes.  These prices are all for single family "stick built" homes.

You can get a lakefront home on a ski lake for 174,900!  There are 6 others for under 200,000.  14 homes in the 200's, 9 homes in the 300's, 7 homes in the 400's, and 4 homes in the 500's.

You can get a channelfront home on a ski lake for 62,000!  There are 3 homes under 200,000, 2 homes in the 300's, and 1 home in the 400's.

You can get a lakefront home on a lake that has access to a ski lake for 249,900!  There are 3 homes in the 200's, and 1 home in the 400's.

You can get a channelfront home on a lake that has access to a ski lake for 69,900!  There are 3 homes under 100,000 and 6 homes in the 100's.

If you enjoy the peace and quiet of a fishing lake, you can get a lakefront home for 63,900!  There are 3 homes under 100,000, 13 homes in the 100's, 9 homes in the 200's, and 3 homes in the 300's.

There is one channelfront home on a fishing lake for 111,900 and 5 other homes in the 100's.

If you would like make a move to the lake this summer,  contact me today. I would be happy to help you find what you are looking for and I can show you any home listed by any company or agent in the area.

Little Long Lake in Kendallville

This Saturday, Strawser Auctions is having an estate auction at my listing on Little Long Lake in Noble County.  I'll be there from 8-1 if you want to stop in and see the house.

Little Long Lake is a beautiful fishing lake.

Sylvan Lake, Rome City

Lake Front Homes

Real Estate Sails is holding 3 Open Houses

on Saturday, May 24th,  from 3-5

for more informaton:  CLICK HERE

Westler and Dallas Lakes

Channelfront Homes

We are hosting 2 open houses on

Sunday May 25th, from 2-4

for more information:  CLICK HERE

3 Lakefront Open Houses

Big Long Lake

Come out and see what Big Long Lake has to offer.   A 365 acre ski lake for skiing, swimming, or fishing.

Stop in Sunday from 2-4

Oliver Lakefront

3 Open Houses Today

From 3-5

Future Site for 2 New LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity Homes in Topeka, Indiana- 1st Closing!

What a great way to start!  My first "solo" closing  was for lots I found for the LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity to build 2 homes on in Topeka.  It's a perfect spot next to the wonderful park they have downtown and close to Topeka Elementary School.  I look forward to helping with the rest of the process as they complete the homes for two lucky families. 

Although I worked on over 80 sales and attended some of the closings for the agent I was assisting, it sure feels different when a closing is the result of my own work from start to finish.  Closings can be happy times for people who are excited about moving into a new home or getting that lake getaway they've always wanted.  They can also be sad times for people who are moving from a home they've had for a long time, when a move isn't what they really want, or for people selling the home of a loved one who has passed away.  As an agent, it is a feeling of accomplishment.  Although the steps taken to completion may be the same, sometimes everything goes smoothly, sometimes there are challenges.   What is always different, are the people you meet along the way.  

I can't wait for the next one. 

And yes, I do have the "cheesy agent in front of her first SOLD sign photo"  (and mine was taken by my teenaged son who thinks everything adults do in public, especially parents,  deserves an "eye roll")!