A seldom discussed phenomenon often occurs when home buyers decide to write a purchase offer. This is how it goes:

Say you’ve been house hunting for weeks. You notice one home has been for sale almost six months without any offers. You figure the home is overpriced, and you might be right. But you go look at it anyway. You fall in love.

It’s the perfect home for you, and you figure you can get a great price because the seller is undoubtedly desperate for an offer. This is your lucky day. So, you whip out the checkbook, write an earnest money deposit and and sign the purchase contract. Your buyer’s agent then delivers the offer to the listing agent.

That night you’re dreaming about the home. You toss and turn, thinking about how you will arrange your furniture, which color you might paint the bedroom. The next morning your agent calls to say the house has been sold to somebody else.

How did that happen? You’re astonished, then angry, and later, depressed. You wonder if the seller had a buyer in his back pocket all along. How did you get deceived?

You weren’t. What typically happens — and I can’t explain why — is the minute you want to buy a home, so do three other people. It’s extremely common for the seller of a dated and neglected listing to suddenly receive two, three or more offers, all within minutes of each other. It must have something to do with “The Law of Attraction!”

Tip: When you find a home to buy, write your offer immediately. Ask your agent to call the seller’s agent to find out if there have been recent showings and whether anybody else might be writing an offer.

Multiple Offers in Seller’s Markets

Sometimes home buyers wonder if it’s even worth trying to compete against other buyers in a seller’s market. When there is very little inventory on the market, it’s not unusual for a seller to receive several offers all at the same time. It’s almost always a good idea to write an offer anyway. Here are tips to make your purchase offer outshine the rest:

Submit a Large Earnest Money Deposit

Pending home sales sometimes blow up. Many sellers are worried that once they commit to an offer, the winning buyers might back out of the transaction or default on the contract after all the other buyers have disappeared. The earnest money deposit is part of your down payment. By increasing it above normal limits, you are showing the seller you are serious about closing. You’re only offering the seller more money a little sooner than later, but it speaks volumes.

Show the Sellers You Are Qualified

Almost every multiple offer will be accompanied by a lender letter. To stand out, ask your lender for a loan preapproval letter, which is different than a prequalified letter. Being preapproved makes you a stronger buyer in the seller’s eyes.

Give the Sellers Time to Move.

Buyer possession is often a sticky point. It’s hard enough to juggle multiple closings if you are selling and buying simultaneously, and even more difficult if the sellers are doing the same. Cut the sellers some slack by giving them two to three days to move out after closing, without expecting compensation.

Shorten or Waive Some Contingencies

By federal law, you have 10 days for inspections due to lead-based paint, unless you waive that right in writing. Always get a home inspection, but tighten the time period. If your loan is solid, waive the loan approval contingency. Talk to your agent about comparable sales to decide if you want to waive an appraisal contingency

Write Your Best Offer

Don’t hope for negotiation. Offer your highest price. Make it attractive, maybe a bit above list price. Ask your agent for a comparative market analysis to determine pricing. Sometimes sellers deliberately set a price below comparable sales in an effort to generate multiple offers, so paying a little extra doesn’t necessarily mean you are paying over market value.

Multiple Offers in Buyer’s Markets

In buyer’s markets, the winning offer in a multiple offer situation is often less than list  price. The number of multiple offers are generally considerably fewer, meaning you  might be competing against one buyer in-lieu-of 20.

Here are suggestions for  competing:

Sell Your Exiting Home First

If you are moving up and have a home to sell, don’t buy before selling. If you’re a first-time home buyer, you might already have the advantage over a buyer who needs to sell before buying. If one offer contains a contingency of sale, the seller will gravitate toward the offer without a contingency to sell.

Play Nice

Don’t ask the seller to give you personal items. Don’t expect the seller to pay your closing costs. Find out which items are customarily paid for by the seller and offer to pay a few such as title policies, escrow fees, transfer fees. Ask your agent to befriend the seller’s agent because sometimes sellers reject offers based on what the seller’s agent has to say about your agent.

Find Out What’s Important to the Seller

Ask your agent to find out the hot buttons in the transaction. These could be seller requests or listing agent expectations — ask what will seal the deal and give it to them. Maybe it’s a fast closing. Maybe it’s a longer than usual escrow period.

Share the Love

Most sellers have an emotional attachment to their home and want to see it fall into the hands of an acceptable buyer. Be that acceptable buyer. Write the seller a brief letter about who you are and explain why you love the home and why you deserve to be chosen as the winning offer. Be sappy but sincere. (This is MY favorite hint)  Of all the multiple offer situations that have helped my buyers the most, I believe this one is is.  Even if the sellers don’t accept our offer, they might be more inclined to counter back.

Prepare for a Counter Offer

You can write the best offer, and a competent listing agent is likely to advise the seller to counter all the multiple offers, even in a buyer’s market. In California, for example, sellers do not need to make identical counter offers. Each can be different. Also, the seller retains the right to choose or reject accepted multiple counter offers.

Happy Selling!!

Jodi Stone

http://www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

317-441-7250

JodiStone@kw.com

If you are in the home buying market and have your eye on a certain house, you probably want to know whether plates tend to fly around the kitchen, a bloodstain reappears nightly on the staircase, or house guests have been known to flee the back bedroom screaming, right? But you aren’t likely to see the word “haunted” in any home-listing advertisements. Of course there are a few people out there that might be fascinated by the prospect of buying a haunted house, but real estate marketers don’t yet consider spectral activity to be as big a crowd-pleaser as, say, granite countertops or a remodeled master bathroom.

No matter what you believe about ghosts and the afterlife, it seems like some houses just have a lot more odd, unexplained activity than others. And such activity seems to ramp up at night, just when you’re trying to get some shut-eye. So how would you find out about any such propensities in a house you’d like to buy?

Step one is to check the sellers disclosure. Most U.S. states require sellers to fill out a standard form, revealing what they know about the property’s physical condition. No, you’re not likely to see a “haunted” box ready to be checked off on any state’s disclosure form. Nevertheless, sellers are, in many states, obligated to disclose things that affect a house’s marketability, which the oddities described above certainly could. Smart sellers would describe exactly what they’ve observed, without drawing conclusions.

Another useful step is to ask the neighbors what they know about the house. It’s best to start generally, of course, with open-ended questions like, “Do you think that house would be a desirable place to live?” or “What can you tell me about the house’s history?”

A Google or other Internet search may also turn up relevant information. Too bad a buyer in Nyack , New York didn’t do a little Web-surfing before he bought a turreted turn-of-the-century Victorian in 1990. Being from New York City, Stambovsky wasn’t familiar with local legends, and the seller hadn’t disclosed to him that the lovely riverfront home came with its own family of Caspers. According to reports by the previous owner, Mrs. Helen Ackley:

• The ghosts periodically left gifts of baby rings for the owner’s grandchildren (and then took them back).
• One ghost woke the owner’s daughter every morning by shaking her bed (until the girl loudly informed the poltergeists that she wanted to sleep in because it was spring break).
• While she was painting the home, Mrs. Ackley (according to what she told The New York Times) saw a ghost, sitting in midair, rocking and back forth. “I was on an 8-foot stepladder. I asked if he approved of what we were doing to the house, if the colors were to his liking. He smiled and he nodded his head.”
• Another ghost was a Navy lieutenant during the American Revolution who confronted the owner’s son “eyeball to eyeball outside the basement door.”

Forest Hills was once beautiful rolling woodlands where squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons spent lazy days and mischievous nights. Indians came and went as they often did 200+ years ago.  There was a time when every home purchase in that area of the state actually noted when the Indians lost title to the land.

In the 1800′s what we now know as Forest Hills, was part of Stevenson’s Woods, which a century ago was given to Benjamin Stevenson and two of his sisters. In 1911 Benjamin Stevenson built an imposing house for his lovely bride, Earla Bowers Stevenson. An excellent example of Prairie-style architecture, the Stevenson house features woodwork made of black walnut cut from trees felled at the building site. Earla Stevenson was an avid gardener, whose spectacular flowers attracted many visitors.

Today Forest Hills Historic District is known for its picturesque, winding street plan, and for its groupings of fine Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Tudor Manors, French, Mediterranean, Colonial and Bungalow housing. The quiet enclave of 1920s homes is distinguished by the brick piers flanking its major entrances and historic street lamps on the curbs. Brick contractors showed their skills on these beautiful homes, selecting textures or unusual bonding patterns to enrich wall surfaces. Designer-contractors built most of the houses in the neighborhood. The district retains its original “Washington DC” acorn light standards, which were once common throughout Indianapolis.

The wide, gently curving streets are very uncharacteristic of nearly all of Indy’s early 20th century developments. The designer of the unique layout in Forest Hills is unknown, but local landscape architect Lawrence Sheridan was probably the consultant. Unlike other 19th-century neighborhoods that had picturesque street plans, streets in Forest Hills were designed to be wide enough to carry 2-way auto traffic. The district had no alleys; each lot would have its own driveway. Forest Hills was also unique for its governance. Lot owners agreed not only to setbacks and development restrictions, but to the formation of a neighborhood association.

Since it’s founding more than 80 years ago, Forest Hills has remained a distinctive neighborhood. Almost all of its more than 200 residences exhibit the ornamental architecture and craftsmanship that blossomed in America between the Two World Wars.

Forest Hills still has an abundance of trees, many towering, many blooming in the spring,  and many ablaze with brilliant autumn colors. Tons of beautiful gardens continue the original Mrs. Stevenson’s example and flower borders are marked by our brick and Indiana limestone columns. This entire ambience has been long accompanied by an equally impressive neighborhood spirit, which goes back to the 1920′s with the first Annual Halloween Party. All of this recognized when Forest Hills became the first neighborhood in Washington Township to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Generations after its creation early in the 1900’s, Forest Hills remains virtually unchanged from its founder’s conception, even as it moves forward into the next century. The electronic inter-urban train is gone, but College Avenue still provides the best available public transportation downtown. The Monon Track is gone, but continues as an urban greenway. The Town of Broad Ripple is gone, but the Village of Broad Ripple is alive and well. Although much the same at first glance, many of the Forest Hill homes have been tastefully updated and expanded. Although some of the old trees are gone, new ones are growing and many yards are landscaped more beautifully than ever before. It was written many years ago, and is still true, that “Forest Hills is a neighborhood in which we can all share a deep sense of pride.”

If you are interested in knowing more about the homes in Forest Hills, please give me a call or go to my website. www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

Jodi Stone

317-441-7250

The year-end 2012 housing data released by MIBOR today shows a significant and welcome increase in closed and pending sales in central Indiana compared to 2011. The number of closed sales in central Indiana increased 18.5 percent in 2012 over 2011. Closed sales rose 26.9 percent in the three months ending in December 2012 when compared to the same three-month period last year. In December alone, closed sales increased by 13.4 percent.

Pending sales increased by 23 percent in the three months ending in December and 16.4 percent in the one-month comparison. For the year, pending sales increased 14.9 percent.

Gains in activity were seen month after month through 2012 and prices remained stable. Median sales price for the year increased 3.6 percent over 2011. Average sales price rose 3.3 percent for the year. Inventory stabilized to 7.4 months.

By: Catherine Brock – MortgageLoan.com

Myrah Ann Stone was born on July 18th at 8:16 a.m. in Vincennes. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 oz and was 21 inches long. Perfect in EVERY way.

She was the newest baby I’d ever seen, since I got to see her when she was about 20 to 30 minutes old. Isaac came three weeks early and I was at an inspection in Indianapolis when Rusty called to say they were going to the hospital. He was born before I even got out of town! So, he was several hours old when I got to meet him.

I got to hold Myrah a couple times the morning she was born, but I’m anxiously awaiting to see her again this weekend.

So, here is a picture of my beautiful niece. Can’t wait to spend more time with her!

I guess I better get busy and sell some real estate, because she is probably going to break me.  I can think of a WHOLE lot more stuff to buy a little girl than I can a little boy….:)

Here’s to all the Aunts in the world….. Cheers!!

http://www.PassionateAboutOils.com

http://www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

Need a handle on how long it will take to before you have to move from your home?  While each bank differs, here are a few rough guidelines to help you know what to expect and when.

First Missed Payment: Lender will typically contact borrower by letter or phone.

Second Missed Payment: Lender attempts to contact a borrower to discuss missed payments.

Third Missed Payment: After the third payment is missed, the lender will in most cases send out “Demand Letter” or “Notice to Accelerate” letter.  Most banks will allow 30 days to bring a mortgage current or barrower’s attempt of some type of payment arrangement or refer to foreclosure assistance resources.

Fourth Missed Payment: Borrower is nearing the end of time allowed in the “Demand” or “Notice to Accelerate” letter. If payment is not made or borrower did not work out an arrangement, case is referred to lender’s attorney. All attorney fees become part of a delinquency amount.

A complaint cannot be filed until there has been a default under the terms of the real estate mortgage or personal property security agreement.  Needless to say, many weeks if not months might pass between the initial loan default and the decision to file suit.  The complaint can start as early as the 90 day default in not paying your mortgage payment. You will know when the First “Notice to Accelerate” letter shows up on your door.

The timing of the foreclosure process largely depends upon whether and to what extent the borrower contests the preceding:

Uncontested Foreclosure:  4½ – 6 months minimum.  Meaning, you don’t try to do a short sale on the property or include it in a bankruptcy

Contested Foreclosure:  6-9 months minimum.  Meaning you DO try to do a short sale or include the property in a bankruptcy.  These two items tend to draw the time line out. Whatever you do, don’t wait until a week before the foreclosure to try this.  The bank could very well say, sorry, you waited too late.  If you feel a short sale is best suited for you, then start that process as soon as possible.

Be prepared for delays.  Although the basic procedure is the same throughout Indiana, the timing can be impacted dramatically by the dockets of the individual courts and/or the schedules of the individual civil Sheriffs’ offices.  The periods described are the minimum time periods.  The actual time usually is longer.  This is especially true if there are multiple creditors named in the lawsuit.  Further, in contested cases involving debtors represented by counsel, opposing attorneys can prolong the process in a variety of ways, including multiple motions for extensions of time, requests for discovery and vigorous challenges to a motion for summary judgment.  In the event a trial must occur, a resolution of the case can be delayed several months if not years.  In addition, a bankruptcy can be filed up until the time when the Sheriff’s sale begins, and that can delay the foreclosure process indefinitely.

Bottom line, from the time you miss your first payment it will be at LEAST 6 to seven months, if not longer before you will be required to move.  More common is 9 months to a year.  These dates are only generalities as I don’t know each individual case.  For better understanding, talk to your attorney, most definitely talk to your bank and a real estate expert in your area.

I hope this helps bring your stress level down just a tiny bit.  If you have experienced different circumstances, please feel free to tell your story.  The more knowledge a person has during the process the more helpful it is.

www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

www.PassionateAboutOils.com

This is the last week for Chow Down Midtown, and I’d be an ass not to let everyone know about it, given that I’m a food blogger who lives in Midtown Indianapolis. Basically, it’s all the best restaurants within a 3 mile radius of my house serving up 3 course meals for $30–either per plate, dinner for two, or some of the normally cheaper restaurants like Bebop’s Pizza and Brics are offering family deals. Parcha Sweets is offering their 9″ Black & White Mousse Cake with New Belgium Fat Tire Beer Sauce (serves 16-20, or you know, 4 fat people), which is normally $42 or something.

Last day of this goodness is this Saturday, so check out the menu offerings on the Chow Down Midtown site, and make plans with your honey or your friends if you’re lonely. Some of the best food in Indy lives here in Midtown.

To get the best deal when selling your home, try to avoid these all-too common mistakes.

1. Failing to Hire an Experience Real Estate Agent.

Without an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the ins and outs of the sale process, your home may sit on the market untouched. When shopping for agents, ask for references, as well as their track record with homes in your price range and geographical area. Equally important is their list-price to sell-price ratio (that’s the original asking price compared with the actual sale price). You want to see that the agent is selling homes at or near the asking price. If an agent s listings were in the $400,000 range, but sold in the $325,000 range, consider looking for someone else.

2. Pricing Your Home To High.

Sure, you may have bought your house at the market peak, but be aware of the correction that’s since taken place. When figuring out the right price, don’t rely too much on national statistics instead, focus on your local market. Some areas but not all have seen a decline in inventory because of a pick-up in sales. Be sure to price according to your neighborhood.

To price your property appropriately, find out what comparable homes in the area sold for and how long they stayed on the market. Real estate search engine sites like Zillow.com and Trulia.com give buyers an automated and estimated valuations, but they will not be as accurate as your local Multiple Listing Board Stats. If your listed price is significantly out of sync with the results, you ll probably have a hard time drawing buyers, he says.

3. Waiting for the market to rebound.

No one knows when home prices will rebound and waiting for this rebound could be a detriment to your pocket-book. In fact, waiting could cost you thousands of dollars in your home value. If your home is worth $300,000 now, but area prices are expected to sink another 5% by the end of the year, that’s $15,000 you missed out on by postponing the sale.  Do NOT assume that values will start increasing.  No one knows exactly when and where the bottom is.

Also, listing later in the traditionally busy spring season will limit your pool of potential buyers and your eventual sale price.  Many sellers want to wait until the weather gets better and their landscaping looks appropriate.  The longer you wait, the more competition you have.

4. Skimping on Listing Photos.

The Internet is the first stop for many home shoppers. How you present your home online is just as important as how it looks during the open house. Sellers should include as many pictures as allowed on real estate listing sites and on the local Multiple Listing Service, an online clearinghouse of property listings. Highlight the rooms and features home shoppers care about the most: the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor space.

5. False Advertising.

Don’t misrepresent your house either through your description or by retouching photos to the extent that it’s misleading and don’t let your agent either. Altering a photo to add shrubbery to the front yard or making the neighbor’s house look farther away than it really is won’t fool anyone. Similarly, don’t list your three-bedroom house as having four bedrooms by including that additional room in the basement. Most buyers looking for a four-bedroom want all the bedrooms on the same level. That’s one of the things that buyers complain about most.

6. Be Careful About Incentives.

In the housing market’s healthier days, prospective buyers might have been lured by extra perks like offering to pay for a year’s worth of dues at the local golf club or a $1,000 decorator allowance. Now, though, sellers would do better to reduce the asking price by that incentive amount or offer it as a credit toward closing costs. No one buys a house because there is a $1,000 credit they buy it because it meets their needs.

7. Waiting to do Repairs or Cosmetics.

If you know a part of the kitchen’s hardwood floor needs to be replaced, do it before the open house. Deducting the cost of such necessary repairs from the asking price will cost you a lot more than just getting the project done yourself.

8. Taking Offense at Lowball Offers.

Home buying is one of last great chances to haggle in the U.S. and now more than ever, buyers are testing the waters to see how low they can go. Rather than turning your nose at what you think is a low bid, listen to every offer and present a realistic counter offer. That way, you can spark a real negotiation.

9. Failing to make sure you have a Qualified Buyer for your Home.

Any offer you receive should specify that the buyer has been pre-approved for a mortgage big enough to purchase your home. Transactions often fall through because of financing problems. It doesn’t matter if a buyer offers $100,000 above your asking price, if they can t get a loan or afford it, the offer is meaningless. Besides, the property still needs to appraise for the purchase price.  Just because you “want” a certain amount, doesn’t mean it’s worth it.

10. Being Inaccessible For Showings.

Agents love to show homes that are easy to get into. So make it easy for buyers to arrange to see your home. If I need to call you numerous times just to get a buyer in your house, it won’t get shown or sold. Let me put a lockbox with a key at your door so the buyer’s agent can get in when you’re not home. Feel safe in knowing, only members of the local Multiple Listing Service can get an electronic key, which opens the box that holds the house key.

www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com
 

Entire villages were being burned in an effort to stop the advance of the plague.  Misery and heartache was everywhere as people tried to understand what was happening. As far as they could tell, there was no cure.

From outside of one empty village, several men and women went from house to house. Apparently unconcerned for their health, they carried large bags and loaded wagons with valuables taken from abandoned houses. They even robbed dead bodies that were lying about of any valuables the unfortunate souls may have had on them.

With horror and mystery the towns people looked on as the thieves took their friends and families valuables. How could human beings be so hardened and calloused? Why is it not one of these morbid thieves became sick and died of the plague like everyone else? 

The king, eager to protect himself and the Royal family, demanded to know how the thieves had avoided the deadly disease.  The answer…they were all members from a long line of perfumers. With a knowledge passed down from generation to generation, they knew certain plant oil extracts rubbed on their bodies would form a life-saving shield to protect them from any contagious diseases.

The thieves were using Essential Oils. In spite of the their illicit ways, the king and everyone else was amazed over this information. They may actually have the cure to the Bubonic Plague! There was no one to dispute their words. They were incontrovertible.

Although the exact formula used by the thieves isn’t known, it is known that perfumers of that day worked with spices of Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Clove, among other vital plant substances.

You may be wondering what in the world this has to do with Real Estate.  Absolutely nothing!  It’s just that essential oils, along with helping people in Real estate, happens to be my other passion in life.  I LOVE to help people.

So, next time you feel a little sick, don’t run to the Dr., get yourself some essential oils.  Afterall, if they can keep you from getting the plague, I’m sure they can help with your cold!

www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

www.PassionateAboutOils.com

]]> http://jodilstone.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/my-date-with-orville/ Thu, 10 May 2012 21:02:41 +0000 jodilstone http://jodilstone.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/my-date-with-orville/ I remember the first time I talked to Orville on the phone.  He had called from one of my “Just Listed” post cards that I had sent out on Capitol Avenue.  He called to say he was NOT interested in selling his house and thank you very much.  This was either a voice mail or an e-mail, I can’t remember which, but he left his phone number.  So, I decided to call him. After all, he’d gone to all that trouble to tell me he wasn’t interested in listing, but he was nice about it, so I wasn’t afraid he’d get nasty on the phone with me.  Besides I’m always up for a good challenge or conversation.

Orville and I have talked via e-mail several times and a couple times he’s called just to answer a question I’d thrown at him.  I’d ask how his weekend was, given him a suggestion on his property tax exemptions or other random conversations.  I could just tell he was full of life and good stories and I was anxiously awaiting to hear some of them.

Per his suggestion we decided to meet for lunch today. Today I finally met my mystery man in person.  I was full of questions about how he and his wife met (Elgin Illinois, December 1950), how long had they been married (59 years) what he’d done when he was working (he was a preacher at one point in time among other things), asked about his children (lost one daughter to cancer when she was 28) and his favorite thing to preach about when he was a pastor in his early days (he kind of got side tracked on that one).

I had a listing appointment, so had to cut our lunch short after an hour and a half.  We’ve only scratched the surface on things that I can learn from him.

We gave each other a big hug in the parking lot and I told him I’d like to meet Ardath sometime.  He said we’d get along great and I’m sure we will.  While this won’t end up as a happily ever after for me…. I mean, he IS married and considerably older than me, it was one of the better lunch dates I’ve been on!  And trust me when I say, I’ve sat through some really lousy dates before!

www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

www.PassionateAboutOils.com

I mixed up several samples and handed out to friends over the weekend.  Told them to let me know how things went and tell me if they notice any difference.  Apparently the Serenity Blend I took down does help you relax and get some sleep.  Dad and Jenny said they both slept great both Friday and Saturday night!  Jenny has respiratory problems occasionally, so I gave her a potion for that.  The lavender stopped the itching on all the bug bites I collected down in the woods.

I had Jenny and Dad greased up from head to toe by the time they went to bed.  (Note to self) using a roll on bottle on other peoples feet feel much different than they do on your own.  When I tried to roll some Serenity Blend on the bottom of Jenny’s feet I swear she about came off the couch because it tickled so bad.  Not quite the reaction I had planned.  I pictured soothing and relaxing as I rubbed her feet with the wholesome smelly stuff, not squeeling like a 5 year old. I let my nephew Isaac smell some different oils and I think they just wound him up more than he already was.  Afterall, some oils are meant as a mood enhancer. Those are the ones I like best, the ones that give me energy!  I don’t normally have too much problem sleeping.

For those of you who are still confused by what I’m doing: Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils extracted from grasses, flower petals, seeds, fruit rinds, buds, leaves, etc. Essential oils are responsible for the fragrance emitted by plants. Not only do they smell good, but they are good for you!  Some oils are anti-cancer, ant-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-this, that and the other.

Essential oils have been used throughout recorded history for a wide variety of wellness applications. The Egyptians were some of the first people to use aromatic essential oils extensively in medical practice, beauty treatment, food preparation, and in religious ceremony. Frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh and cinnamon were considered very valuable cargo along caravan trade routes and were  sometimes exchanged for gold. I haven’t actually counted, but somewhere I read there are 188 references to essential oils in the Bible.  Must be something to them if they are mentioned in the Big Book!

As you can see, I’m a little excited to have someone to experiment on with my oils.  I like helping and healing people, so aromatherapy is right up my alley! If you have ever experienced the healing effect of aromatherapy, I would LOVE to hear from you.

www.PassionateAboutOils.com

www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

I procrastinated as usual and hadn’t gotten my Aunts birthday present like I should have and had to run around in the rain getting a card and a gift card to the Napolese restaurant down in the Meridian Kessler district. I also threw together a quick bunch of questions that all the guests could mingle with.  Everyone there knew my Aunt Fran, but not everyone knew each other, nor did they have a clue how they fit into her life.

We were all to gather at the Maggiano’s restaurant at Keystone at the Crossing.  People mingling, eating and having fun when the clink of glass took over the room.  It was announced that while all the important people in Fran and Dan Conners’ life were gathered, they were going to renew their wedding vows.  Surpised the heck out of me, they pulled that one off and I didn’t even have a clue.

After the vow renewal and over-stuffing of all the great food, each person took turns telling a little story of the first time they met Fran, a trip they had taken with her, had they lived with her or their choice of four other questions that got the memories flowing for the evening.

Of course when I stood up I chocked up  as I was over come with emotion.  My Aunt Fran is the most important woman in my life, next to my mother.  In fact, I probably look more like Fran, than I do my mom.  If not for my Aunt and Uncle, I would be less traveled, less polished (not that I think I am now) and less………..everything. She has been my mentor and friend as long as I can remember.

It was a room full of love for a woman, friend, sister, aunt, mom, wife. I should be so lucky to have that many people show up at my 70th birthday and say how much of a difference I made in their lives.

Everyone should be so lucky to have an Aunt Fran….and her other half….Uncle Dan.  Or, Frick and Frack as I like to call them!

www.LovelyIndianapolisHomes.com

Dana Friedman is a jewelry industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience within the industry.  During college Dana started working part time at a jewelry store on the north side of Indianapolis.  After a couple years working part time Dana made the decision to make jewelry her career.  In 1999 Dana started working at G. Thrapp Jewelers and the rest is history.  Her passion has always been sales, networking, buying, and merchandising.

To find out more about Dana read the Q&A below!

Q: What is your favorite designer jewelry line at G. Thrapp?

A: John Apel, specifically his cuffs.

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Q: Name two essential pieces of jewelry to every wardrobe.

A: Diamond studs and a statement cuff, like those designed by John Apel

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Q: What is your go to necklace?

A: David Yurman Logo Chain

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Q:If you could have any piece of jewelry in the store what would you choose?

A: One-of-a-kind Cynthia Ann medal with a diamond bezel.

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]]> http://gthrapp.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/lika-behar-jewelry/ Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:26:44 +0000 gthrapp http://gthrapp.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/lika-behar-jewelry/

 Lika Behar was born in the magnificent city of Istanbul. With roots in ancient Anatolian civilizations, this former Byzantine capital has evolved into a cosmopolitan metropolis which juxtaposes sublime historical architectural expressions within a modern skyline. As such, Istanbul is known as one of the truly great romantic destinations of the world and is the fundamental source of inspiration for the Lika Behar Collection.

Lika’s family lineage is one of storied gold coin dealers; a trade long believed to be the lifeline of the Mediterranean. Her collection elegantly reconciles the rich inspiration of ancient jewelry traditions, utilizing only pure and nimble 24 Karat gold. The results are pieces wrought with a sensual and tactile modernism. The 2008 collection is also infused with brilliant gemstones reflecting the varying hues that recall the depths of blue waters that cradle Lika’s birth country. Her workroom in Istanbul deftly reconciles ancient history with the sensibility of the modern world. Each piece from the collection is uniquely hand wrought with the exquisite precision once celebrated by ancient artisans; yielding a tawny luxury fit for the modern woman whose jewelry reflects, at the same time ancient history, and the art that is the modern feminine spirit.

         Stop by G. Thrapp Jewelers in Indianapolis, IN to see our full collection of jewelry by Lika Behar.  For more information contact us by phone at 317-255-555 or email at jwilson@gthrapp.com!

                            Hope to see you in our store very soon! ]]> http://gthrapp.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/thistle-and-bee/ Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:17:36 +0000 gthrapp http://gthrapp.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/thistle-and-bee/ Thistle & Bee maintains a longstanding reputation as a producer and purveyor of fine sterling silver. Thistle & Bee signature is clean, carefully crafted and uniquely sophisticated designs in sterling silver. Styles range from classic to contemporary, often with a whimsical flair. While sterling silver is the cornerstone of the Thistle & Bee offering, they are continuously exploring new textures, design concepts and materials to expand their offering.We hope that you enjoy our extensive offering of fine jewelry and giftware. Whether accessorizing a wardrobe, decorating a home or celebrating a new baby or special occasion, our signature designs are keepsakes for all occasions. At Thistle & Bee, we remain passionately committed to our customer and to the art of sterling silver.

Thistle & Bee is a Designer of Distinction with the Silver Institute and is nationally advertised in Town & Country and Elle magazines.

Stop by G. Thrapp Jewelers in Indianapolis, IN to see our collection of jewelry by Thistle and Bee

Norman Covan takes a non-traditional approach to jewelry design compared to many of today’s prestigious designers. He is not apprehensive about taking risks with his pieces while incorporating the consistency of exemplary craftsmanship that is unprecedented in today’s jewelry market.  Norman Covan prides himself on taking a very hands-on approach to his business. He personally supervises every piece of jewelry crafted by his company, maintaining the quality he demands for his customers.

Norman Covan Co.’s expertise includes pave, prong, channel and bezel settings with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the difficulties of pave settings. He has excelled in its design composition with this particular setting.

Norman Covan’s love of retro-modern designs is evident in many of his pieces. By examining the gamut of his collection, from his rosecut diamond rings, carbonado earrings, or pave set designs, to his award winning micro set collection.

One common thread is evident… quality. Norman Covan selects a grade of diamonds that are consistently above industry standards.  This task combined with his desire for excellence in setting style, superior design, and excellence in artistic design concept has given Norman Covan the reputation he so clearly deserves.

With each passing year and each passing milestone, Norman Covan Co. continues to sparkle and shine in the hands of its colleagues and clients.

Stop by G. Thrapp today to see our collection of jewelry by Norman Covan!

Lauren began working under her grandfather full time, and after his retirement, took over as President. After only two short years, she indelibly carved her niche in the family tree by launching the Lauren K collection. Her inspiration for the line was not from a particular stone or setting, but instead, the women she wanted to reach with her designs – women who want feminine, beautiful jewelry that they can buy for themselves and wear everyday like their favorite perfume. Unlike other lines, the Lauren K collection is not made for a jewelry box; it is designed to complement a woman’s lifestyle. The collection premiered in 1997 and was immediately well received. Lauren is committed to evolving the line while keeping in mind the ever-changing lives of the women who bring her designs to life.

Stop by G. Thrapp Jewelers at 56th and Illinois in Indianapolis, IN to see our whole collection of jewelry by Lauren K.

Need a gift for Valentine’s Day?

 Lauren K is sure to excite your special love one!

Here are a few gifts ideas for that special person in your life.

Deakin & Francis Cufflinks

There can be few companies as steeped in the history and traditions of craftsmanship as Deakin & Francis. For seven generations, since 1786, our family business has been producing some of the finest, handmade cufflinks in the world from its workshops in the heart of England.

These cufflinks would make a fabulous gift for that special man in your life this Valentine’s Day.

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18K Hoop Earrings by Samantha Louise, this interesting pair of gold hoops will truly set you apart.

18K and Diamond Stacking Bands by Samantha Louise that are a fun way to mix and match rings in a very unique way.

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Just In!  Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 18K by Lauren K

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Add a little pop to your wardrobe with an oxidized and 24K gemstone ring by Lika Behar.

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Add interest to your wardrobe with these beautiful and one-of-a-kind medals by Cynthia Ann.

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Interested in giving the gift of time?

Check out N.O.A. Watches, they are a hybrid between Italian design and Swiss mechanics. 

 G. Thrapp will be open:

 Saturday, February 11th from 10AM-5PM

Sunday, February 12th from 12PM-5PM

Monday, February 13th from 10AM-7PM

Tuesay, February 14th from 10AM-7PM

Samantha Louise Jewelry was founded in 2007.  It grew out of a life long passion for art, design, and  jewelry. Samantha believes that jewelry can reveal intimate secrets about the most import moments of our lives. Everyday, we wake up and choose to arm ourselves with the strand of pearls passed down from our grandmother, the wedding band from our husband or wife, or the earrings given to us when we graduated from college. Those pieces serve as a constant reminder of who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. At Samantha Louise Jewelry, we  have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the happiest and most memorable moments of people’s lives.

We hope that you love our handmade designer jewelry and that they speak to your aesthetic, style, and identity.

Samantha Louise at G. Thrapp for a Trunk Show in November of 2011

Stop by G. Thrapp Jewelers to see our whole collection of jewelry by Samantha Louise! Hope to see you soon!

It contains mostly new work, only two pieces were made prior to 2011, and focuses on the various neighborhoods in Indy in which I’ve lived throughout my life. We jump from Herron Morton Place to Meridian Kessler to the trendily-named SoBro. All neighborhoods with some history.

Urban living is what City Gallery is all about. Opening just a few months ago on the Delaware side of the Harrison Center, City Gallery seeks to strengthen Indy’s core neighborhoods. In addition to seeing monthly art shows it’s a place to find out more about housing opportunities, the age old “buy vs rent” question, to talk revitalization and more.

The show opens tonight, October 7, as part of IDADA’s First Friday Gallery Tour. In addition to me in the City Gallery, catch the funky William Denton Ray in the main gallery and the Indieana Handicraft Exchange Mini (featuring 30 artists, including my friend Sara B. of Sara B. Jewelry!) in the Gym.

Come see some art and socialize, why don’t cha?

-KJO