Meet Featured Agent Tammy Foley

Tammy Foley

Designations: GRI, CGP, CERTIRFIED GREEN PROFFESSIONAL, CERTIFIED AGING IN PLACE SPECIALIST

Contact:

765-479-1216

tfoley@shook.com

www.lafayetteareaproperties.com

Why did you get into real estate?

I’ve always had a love for real estate. Being in the construction industry for 31 years with a building background enables me to understand the repairs and maintenance of a home.

What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent?

Working with buyers and finding the right home that fits their needs.

What advice do you have for first-time home buyers?

Purchase a house that gives you a feeling of ‘home’.

What do you do on the weekend, that is, when you’re not hosting an Open House?

Spend time with our 3 grown sons and grandchildren- with the 9^th to arrive in December. Watching soccer, baseball, football, basketball that the grandkids participate in.

What, other than Real Estate, are you passionate about?

Paying it forward by working on community events to better the lives of children. I’m involved with Biz Tipp, BAGL, Keep Stockwell Beautiful, and am the president of the Association of Women’s Business (AWBO).

What’s the most important advice you would give to someone looking to sell their home?

Staging your home for that WOW factor.

What super power do you wish you had and why?

Wishing I could touch the lives of all children to let them shine. Love to see the sparkle in their eyes knowing someone cares!

Thank you Tammy! Visit her agent profile on www.shook.com for more information. 

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Have a wonderful and Safe Halloween out there!

Our wonderful receptionist Julie is ready to serve you treats!

Sincerely,
The Coldwell Banker Shook family

Featured Agent Friday! 

Meet Kat Mercer:

Specialties: Residential Real Estate; new construction & existing home sales

Contact:

kat@katmercer.com

www.katmercer.com

765-404-4940

How long have you been in real estate?

I have always had an interest in real estate and architecture and obtained my real estate license in 2006 thinking I might do it part time. However, once I got started, there was no going back. I inject my career with enthusiasm and passion and it never feels like “work”!

What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent?

My favorite part of being a real estate agent is the art of the deal. Just getting an accepted offer on a property can take a great amount of negotiation and tenacity. My passion for this career drives me to come up with inventive ways to overcome obstacles and achieve the best results possible for my clients.

What is your most memorable listing? And what advice would you give first-time home buyers?

I’ve developed a lot of memories in this career so far, good and bad, however I have to say you certainly learn a lot about people and yourself. Sometimes I feel like I could write a book on my experiences so far. To first-time home buyers my advice would be to get pre-approved for your financing first, follow the advice of your agent and start shopping!

What do you do on the weekend, that is, when you’re not hosting an Open House?

On the weekends if I’m not hosting an open house you can find me on the golf course or working around the house.

What, other than Real Estate, are you passionate about?

Other than real estate, my passions are my family, dogs, golf and living life….it’s so short!

What’s the most important advice you would give to someone looking to sell their home?

If you’re trying to sell your home, make sure it looks as good as it possibly can without spending a lot of money, price it right, accept the advice of your agent, and take the emotions out of the situation. Being a seller in this market is very challenging and it takes a tough skin to be a seller these days.

What super power do you wish you had and why?

I wish I could read minds then there would be no question as to what someone is trying to say!

Thank you Kat!

To discover more about Kat Mercer check out her profile page on our website. 

9 Overlooked Items to Prep your Home for Sale

Photo sourced from Coldwell Banker Blue Matter Blog Post

Check out this great blog post on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter about the 9 things home owners tend to overlook when getting their home ready for sale.

 They include things like....  Floor plan or Appraisal Sketch, Termite Bond,Covenants and Restrictions, Neighborhood Rules and Information etc.

Meet Featured Agent Sherry Peck!

Specialties: I work with all types of buyers and sellers but after having been in the construction business for 15 years I have found that I am really able to help clients who want to build a home.  I help them through all phases of the process and assist them in selecting the best builder for the client’s personal situation.

Awards: 
Coldwell Banker Diamond Society
Coldwell Banker International President's Circle 

Contact Sherry

Cell Phone: 765-427-3978

Email: speck@shook.com

How long have you been in real estate?  

I have been in real estate for 33 years. I have always had a broker’s license and have only worked for three companies during the 33 years. I worked for a family owned business in Jasper County for 4-5 years working with buyers and sellers. In 1983 I began working for a local builder in Lafayette, managing his real estate office, handling the marketing and closings. I worked also with new construction – taking buyers through the entire process of selecting a lot, customizing the plans, making the selections for the interior and exterior finishes, to closing and post closing follow up. I did this for 15 years. I have been with Coldwell Banker Shook since 2000. I have lots of experience and knowledge to offer my clients!

What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent?

I love meeting all of the interesting people who move in and out of our community. We have such diversity in our community – I am able to work with clients from all over the world and they have taught me many things and I believe I have been able to help them understand our culture a bit as well.

What advice do you have for first-time home buyers? 

The advice I have always given first-time home buyers is: Select a Realtor who will assist you through the process and help you to find the property that is right for you and your family.

What do you do on the weekend, that is, when you’re not hosting an Open House? 

Spend time with my husband of 46 years and often visit our children and their families in Cleveland, OH and Mandeville, LA. 

What, other than Real Estate, are you passionate about?  

Family, cooking and reading!

What’s the most important advice you would give to someone looking to sell their home?

Do what you need to do to make it look its best and appeal to the buyer for that location, price range, size, amenities. This usually begins with cleaning closets and de-cluttering and general cleaning inside and out. Once that is done, take another assessment and do what needs to be done within the limits of your pocketbook.  Be practical!

What super power do you wish you had and why? 

I am not sure what I would call the super power but I would like to make all people understand that the secret to getting along and being happy is to have the ability to respect one another and treat each other with respect. This applies to parents and children, co-workers, peers, and nations. The hard part about this super power is that you also need to make people like themselves first!

Thanks Sherry for the wise words and advice!

For more info on Sherry visit her agent profile here.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day everyone! :)

Featured Agent: Sharon Schlott

Specialties: Residential Real Estate, new homes and pre-owned.

Designations: Accredited Buyers Representative, Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate of the Real Estate Institute.

Contact Sharon at: 
765-404-0617

SharonSchlott@gmail.com

www.SharonSchlott.com

How long have you been in real estate?

My real estate career spans 27 years and 3 states, Texas, Illinois, and now Indiana. I decided to try real estate when I had a very disappointing experience with a REALTOR in purchasing a home.

What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent? 

I enjoy working and meeting with people and helping them reach their goals of either buying a home or selling their home. It is never boring and it is always new. The industry is very dynamic and always changing. It forces me to learn new things in order to stay current and viable.

What advice do you have for first-time home buyers? 

Advice for first time buyers: Take the plunge! Current market conditions are phenomenal with a large supply of homes to choose from and interest rates at an all-time record low. Buyers not taking advantage of this window of opportunity may be kicking themselves later.

What do you do on the weekend, that is, when you’re not hosting an Open House? 

On the weekend if I am not working I enjoy putting around the house, catching up on reading, or entertaining close friends in our home.

What, other than Real Estate, are you passionate about? 

I love visiting and spending time with our grown children and traveling with dear friends.

What’s the most important advice you would give to someone looking to sell their home? 

Best advice I can give to sellers is to clean out as much clutter as possible, refresh the home with new interior paint and take care of all maintenance issues that they are aware of. Getting a home inspection is a good idea in order to head off any repair issues that the home seller might not be aware of.

Thank you Sharon! For more information visit her agent page on www.shook.com

Some great ways to make your home more cozy this fall!

17 Ways to Cozy Up Your Home for Fall

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Bathroom Lighting And Vanity Lighting · Ceiling Fans · Floor Lamps · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Light Bulbs · Pendant Lighting · Recessed Lighting · Track Lighting ·

Featured Agent: Jan Dowell

Jan Dowell, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Shook

Specialties: Member of White County MLS, relocation, military, short sales

Designations:  Broker Assoc.  SFR

Contact:

765-491-6068    

jdowell@shook.com

www.shook.com

Why did you get into real estate?

I worked for a CPA firm as an accountant for 25 yrs and have renovated several houses.  It seemed like a natural fit and has been a great second career for me.

What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent?

Finding the perfect house for clients and sharing in their joy when the purchase is complete.

What is your most memorable listing?

A house on Lake Freeman with a spectacular view. Living on the water is so peaceful and calming, showing it to buyers was instantly de-stressing.

What do you do on the weekend, that is, when you’re not hosting an Open House?

Purdue sports and events, concerts, working on my house and yard.

What, other than Real Estate, are you passionate about?

The community has given me so much, now I think it’s time to give back. I’m treasurer of a philanthropic organization, we sponsor fund raising events and volunteer in our community.  I’m also a member of Rotary.

What’s the most important advice you would give to someone looking to sell their home?

Have your home pre-inspected so there are no surprises. Make sure all routine maintenance is up to date (furnace check/clean filters, gutters clean, etc).  A house should be clutter-free and have minimal furniture.  Most important: clean!

What super power do you wish you had and why?

The power of flight, it would be the most freeing feeling ever!

Thank you Jan! 

Feast of the Hunter's Moon 2012

What a great weekend for West Lafayette's annual Feast of the Hunter's Moon! Every fall hundreds of people gather to experience Fort Ouiatenon on the banks of the Wabash as they would have in the 18th century when the Fort was a French and Indian trading post. It's a true experience that takes you back in time; from the smell of the wood fires burning to the amazing period foods being prepared. If you've never been make sure to check it out next year. You won't regret it! For more information visit: http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/feast.htm

For more photos please visit our Facebook Page! 

The Block House for Opening Ceremonies

 Voyager's Landing

Making it Work: 540 SQ FT for a Family of 4

This is a great little house and the family found some lovely ways to make it work. It is small but feels spacious all the same. Proof that bigger isn't always better.

Houzz Tour: A Family of 4 Unwinds in 540 Square Feet

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Bath Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bath And Spa Accessories · Bathroom Faucets · Bathroom Mirrors · Bathroom Storage · Bathroom Vanities And Sink Consoles · Shower Caddies · Toilet Accessories · Towel Bars And Hooks ·

Congratulations Coldwell Banker Shook Agents!

We are proud to announce that Coldwell Banker Shook was #1 in total units SOLD in August for Coldwell Banker North America for an office of our size. Great job agents, we’re VERY proud or you!

As your Lafayette, and West Lafayette real estate experts we continue to work hard for you, no matter what your real estate goals are. 

 The Value of a Home

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

We just love this great video/commercial from our home office showcasing what makes a house a home. We all know that its takes more than four walls and a roof. Home is more than where the heart is, it's your world, and it is comprised of a million memories, celebrations and simple, beautiful moments. We are thankful for the ways in which we have been able help you find that perfect place that you call home. 

New Homes for Sale 

Listed on Twitter before our website!

@ShookJustListed

Want to see whats hitting the market before it even hits the website?

Follow our special Twitter feed dedicated to new listings.
Then call one of our expert agents for more information.
You can find info at www.Shook.com of call our office at:

765.742.1400

Happy house hunting!

-Adrienne

Charlie Shook, President of the Indiana Association of REALTORS Talks about Indiana's Housing Market

Our very own Charlie Shook sits down with Comcast Newsmakers host Kevin Rader to talk about the Indiana Housing Market. "Shook describes the strong Indiana housing market and the impact of current elections on sales throughout the state." 

View this great video via the link below:

http://www.comcastnewsmakers.com/video/indianas-housing-market/

Thank you to the Indiana Association of REALTORS for sharing this! 

Tippecanoe County Local Market  Update - June 2012

Here is the most recent Local Market information for homes in the Tippecanoe area which includes real estate / homes for sale in the Lafayette, IN and West Lafayette, IN area. New listings are up and so are closed sales!

(Link to the website this information was obtained from.)

Featured Agent's Are Back!

I'm getting back on the Featured Agent wagon and we'll begin again with...

Cheryl S. Butcher

Specializing in: 

Foreclosures, Tippecanoe County, Existing homes

Designations:

CRS, GRI, e-PRO

How long have you been in real estate?

11 years

What is your favorite part of being a real estate agent? 

Assisting clients in purchasing their new home.

What advice do you have for first-time home buyers?

First, make sure you are pre-approved and you know how much you want to spend on your new home.  Then, select a REALTOR that you connect with, that you trust to look out for your best interests, and that understands what you need in your new home. 

What do you do on the weekend, that is, when you’re not hosting an Open House?

I enjoy visiting my grandchildren, reading, knitting, and volunteering in our great community.

What, other than Real Estate, are you passionate about?  
Volunteering with local agencies that help those in need assistance and that need someone to believe in them and their future success.

What’s the most important advice you would give to someone looking to sell their home?

Make sure it is in spotless condition.  Fix all of those little things that have been on the to-do list for years.  Today’s buyers want an immaculate house that is move-in ready.  Neutralize your paint colors and DE-CLUTTER!

Thank you Cheryl! If you have any questions for her or would like help with any of your real estate needs you can contact her at: 

765-714-2009 cell

cbutcher@shook.com

www.cherylbutcher.com

-Adrienne

2011 Agent Award Breakfast

Okay folks, I know I'm a little behind on the times here but better late than never right!

Back in February we had our annual awards breakfast to recognize some outstanding agents (though they're all pretty outstanding really).

Here's what Charlie had to say about the whole thing :

“We are proud to have such an outstanding group of Real Estate Professionals affiliated with our company. Their performance in 2011 is, once again, a testimony to their ingenuity, optimism and hard work.” - Charlie Shook, President

Congratulations to all our agents on a spectacular year. You are an exceptional group of people whose hard work, relentless dedication to your clients, and fearless commitment to integrity are what makes this company what it is. Here’s to you, your hard work and success, and wishing you more in the year to come! Cheers!

So without further ado... here are the 2011 Coldwell Banker Award Winning Agents!

International President's Elite 

Cheryl Butcher

Kathy Lafuse

The Dream Weaver Team

International President's Circle

Meg Howlett

Sherry Peck

Sharon Schlott

 Kelly Schreckengast

Olga Jeffares

International Diamond Society

Jan Dowell

 Kristy Miley

 Kathryn Oreovicz

 Mary Holtz (not pictured) & Kent Brewer 

 The Junius Group: Mary Ann (not pictured) & Amy

International Sterling Society

Maggie Stark

 

Kent Upton

2011 Coldwell Banker Shook Award Winners

Scott Rumble received the Robert H. Shook Community Service Award  

(Pictured below in the center with Steve Shook & Charlie Shook)

Jan Dowell received the Marilyn F. Wilson Outstanding Service Award

(Pictured below in the center with Kelly Schreckengast and Charlie)

 Kristy Miley received the 2011 Rookie of the Year Award

We have an awesome team here at Coldwell Banker Shook and we are proud to work with every single one of our agents.


P.S. I promise not to fall so behind on this next year! :)

Sincerely,
Adrienne Kizer
Marketing Director