73 Acres for Sale in Greene County - Online Only ends 12/1/2010

Bidding ends tomorrow, December 1st at 2:00 pm on this great property in Green County.

http://www.coffeyauctions.com/property.aspx?item=04533&agency=13055

Home Winterizing Tips That Work

by Linsey Knerl

As temperatures fall in autumn and winter, the cost to keep a warm home begins to rise. Winterizing is necessary to avoid freeze-related home damages and keep your heating budget manageable. Pick up a few of these tested tips, and you can help control those energy and financial leaks before they start!

Weatherstripping
This most common form of winterization involves sealing the cracks around movable joints in your home, most commonly for windows and doors. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are many kinds of weatherstripping products on the market, including vinyl, copper, aluminum, felt, reinforced foam or stainless steel. By detecting air leaks, you can determine which windows and doors you should focus on first, and then measure the perimeters of each to know how much you will need to purchase. Additionally, it is recommended to add 5-10% in your calculations to accommodate waste from measurement or cutting errors.
Since each product is designed to work in a different area of the home, read product packaging carefully to determine if it is best suited for windows or doors, as well as indoor or outdoor use. Weatherstripping should always be applied to clean, dry surfaces and shouldn't interfere with the operation of the window or door.
Door Sweeps
Many of the same manufacturers that offer weatherstripping products also make door sweeps to accommodate various sizes of doors. They are most effective when installed at the same time as weatherstripping, as they require many of the same measurements. Automatic sweeps are available for a steeper price, but are easier on carpet.
Sealing Cracks
Perhaps the most quick and simple way to guard your interior against chilly breezes and pests is with a commercial sealant. They come in many varieties, including expandable foam, silicone caulking, and oil or resin, among others. Each type of sealant will have a different use, although it is recommended that you avoid sealing gaps larger than one inch. For best results, the area being sealed should be clean, dry, and free of any previous sealant, and the product should be applied in one continuous line, as compared to multiple, short applications. Because some types of caulking can shrink over time, avoid being skimpy on your application.
Storm Windows
If your home's windows came with additional storm panes, it is important to install them in the weeks before colder weather starts. If not, you may find it too expensive to purchase stand-alone storm windows. For a more affordable approach, plastic insulation kits can give windows of any size or shape a better insulating factor when installed on the inside of the home. Kits start at around $3 per window, and usually include everything needed for installation.
Hot Water Heater Wrap
The majority of homes still use a single electric or gas hot water heater for all of their hot water needs, and covering these appliances with an insulator can prevent heat from escaping during the winter months. Covers, or "blankets," can be purchased at most home improvement stores for between $35 and $70, and are easy to install without professional help. However, be certain that the placement of a blanket will not void your manufacturer's warranty.
Clean Gutters
Leftover leaves and debris can cause gutters to clog, causing headaches for homeowners when the temps reach freezing. To be sure that your gutters aren't warped or broken from ice building up and expanding over the winter, do one final clean before the snow flies.
Get a Furnace Check-Up
While this one may involve the help of a professional, it can be well worth the cost. Have your furnace or heating system inspected at least once a year, before the elements require you to turn it on. A simple inspection of the working parts can ensure that you'll have heat when you need it, and it can prevent a costly after-hours emergency call when you'd least expect it! While you're at it, make sure your vents are clean and any filters have been changed. Your furnace professional or a helpful home store associate should be able to point you in the right direction for the type of filter you will need.
The Bottom Line
It's a long list, but once you've tackled all the necessary winterizing tasks, you can sit back and stay warm all winter long. Spending some time and money well before the weather turns cold can provide a wonderful return on a much-needed investment!
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provided by



http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/111035/home-winterizing-tips-that-work?mod=realestate-homeimprove

Since When did "Auction" Become a Bad Word?

On the lawn or online, auctions are taking place in communities large and small across the country, with more than a quarter-trillion dollars in assets and goods being sold via auction every year in the United States. One of history’s oldest forms of commerce, dating back more than 2,000 years, auctions continue to be the quickest and the most effective means of price discovery today.
However, auctions continue to be plagued with misconceptions in today’s marketplace. Auctioneers are far more than just fast talkers. We’ve heard it before from naysayers who say, “Selling at auction is selling at a discount.” We’ve also heard the rumors that auctions “only exist for selling distressed property” and “only junk is sold at auction.”
As unfortunate as these rumors are, what concerns our proud auction professionals the most is that no one questions the market value attained when rare, one-of-a-kind works of art are sold for millions of dollars at auction. No one doubts the prices achieved when luxury homes are sold at auction. No one questions the method when celebrities sell their personal items at auction. However, the mere mention of selling homes, commercial property and other assets through the competitive bidding of an auction creates immediate doubt and uncertainty.
Auctions force buyers to be decisive
The auction process is straight forward, but perception often clouds reality. An auction is simply a public marketplace where items or property are sold through competitive bidding with the highest bid winning the rights to own. Only at an auction will the marketplace (buyers) tell you what they are willing to pay – no more, no less. If it is perceived as being of more value, competition continues. If the maximum value has been met, bidding ends.
Auctions ultimately force buyers to be decisive. While auctions are used to dispose of distressed assets, most people fail to understand why assets are sold at auction. Auctions provide the speed and efficiency needed to complete transactions while returning the highest dollar value. The “For Sale” sign languishing in the yard today does not force or motivate buyers to purchase. The sign will be there tomorrow and most likely the day after, but with an auction a sign will not be posted after Auction Day.
Auctioneers are more than fast talkers
When you hear the word ‘auctioneer,’ the quick, rhythmic cadence of an auctioneer’s trademark bid call generally comes to mind. The bid call has become synonymous with auctioneering. However, talking fast isn’t the primary and most important skill of an auctioneer. Auctioneers are business professionals who are marketing specialists, strategic asset disposition experts and
experienced problem solvers. Auction professionals utilize their extensive product and industry knowledge paired with their network of buyers and new technology to promote and sell assets.
2,000 years and counting
Whether it is luxury, everyday or troubled assets, the auction method of marketing continues to be successful after 2,000 years of practice. In today’s marketplace, auction professionals still offer their services and help consumers market and sell their assets to an audience of interested buyers.
In fact, every day hundreds of auctions occur that do not involve distressed assets or troubled owners. Instead, professional auctioneers are called upon to help homeowners quickly sell their properties, seniors downsize their homes, companies liquidate their surplus equipment or sell intellectual property, art enthusiasts discover the perfect work for their collection, or antique collectors find the next coveted piece for their collections.
Sold on auctions
For centuries, auctioneers have been connecting buyers and sellers in both strong and weak economies. The auction industry in the United States will continue to offer its services to those in need during these troubled times. However, we eagerly await the return of brighter financial and economic times when asset and property values rebound and when more buyers return to auctions to compete for the items they want to buy. When this day comes and marketplaces such as real estate transform from a “buyer’s market” with limited demand and excess supply to a competitive “seller’s market” with limited supply and increased demand, we will be here.
When this day comes, you wouldn’t accept the first offer you receive, would you?
No, you will want an auction!
# # #
To learn more about auctions or find an auction or auctioneer, visit www.NAAauction.com.

We have some Great Auctions Coming up! Don't miss out!

We have some great auctions coming up!

A cabinet shop and woodworking equipment, 73+ Acres in Greene County and A great real estate property in Bloomington! Check them out at our website! www.unitedcountryin.com

Mortgage Rates as of November 15th, 2010

Monroe Bank

• 30 Year Fixed - 4.375%
• 15 Year Fixed - 3.75%

Fifth/Third Bank

• 30 Year Fixed - 4.125%
• 15 Year Fixed - 3.5%
  

Peoples State Bank

• 30 Year Fixed - 4.625%
• 15 Year Fixed - 3.75%
  

2010 Annual Indiana Auctioneer's Association Convention

We had a great time at the Indiana Auctioneer's Association Annual Convention this past weekend and came home with a first place award with one of our advertisements. It was a great weekend full of networking and idea sharing with some of our wonderful colleagues and some great vendors. We look forward to Convention again next fall.

Mortgagte Rates are still low - offering great opportunities!

Mortgage Rates as of November 4th, 2010

Monroe Bank

30 Year Fixed - 3.875%
15 Year Fixed - 3.375%

German American

30-year - 4.000%
20-year - 3.875%
15-year - 3.375%

People's State Bank

30 Year Fixed: - 4.125%
20 Year Fixed: - 4.125%
15 Year Fixed: - 3.500%  

2010 National FFA Alumni Auction Huge Success in Indy!

Auction Fever was alive and well as anxious bidders entered the 500 Ballroom prior to the 2010 National FFA Alumni Live Benefit Auction held October 22^nd during the 83^rd National FFA Convention at the Indianapolis Convention Center. This year’s convention set an all-time event attendance record with a total crowd of 54,942 members, advisors, sponsors and guests. 

The annual Live Auction is a major financial contributor to the overall budget of the organization. Highlights of this year’s auction include a 2011 Ford F-150 Supercrew XLT donated by Ford Motor Company. The bidding started at $15,000 and quickly reached $25,000 in increments of $500 until the Auctioneer’s gavel finally fell at $29,500. Other highlights included a 6 month New Holland tractor/baler lease for $7250, New Holland Rustler utility vehicle $7100, 2010 Yamaha Grizzly ATV $4650 and a trip to Germany donated by CLAAS $3750. Proceeds for the Live and Silent auction were approximately $120,000.  

 The live auction was conducted by veteran auctioneers Mike Jones, President of United Country Auction Services and company Vice President, Shawn Terrel who have conducted the auction the past four years on behalf of the nation’s largest student organization of its kind. Every table was filled to capacity with 736 people registering for the Live and Silent auctions.

Online simulcast bidding was made available by United Country for those who could not attend in person. According to auctioneer Terrel who oversees the online portion of the auction, “this year we experienced the largest amount of active participation through the online component of the live auction” he went on to say “we began using online auction technology on behalf of the FAA four years ago and have experienced significant growth each year”.  

 "Future Farmers of America" was founded by a group of young farmers back in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting-- it's a science, it's a business and it's an art. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways.
  Today, the Future Farmers of America members are our nation’s future biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs of America. United Country representatives hope that some of the 523,309 FFA members will consider a professional career in real estate or auctioneering. There are 7,487 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

 United Country Real Estate CEO Dan Duffy has committed his company to investing in worthy causes and according to him, none is more important than the youth of America. “As a father of five boys, I am excited about their future knowing that because of the good works of organizations like FFA and its exemplary training of our future leaders, our country and the world as a whole is in good hands” remarked Duffy.

 In addition to the United Country Kansas City, Missouri home office team, owners and staff members of United Country-Bonham Auction and Realty, Indianapolis and United Country-Coffey Realty & Auction, Bloomington, IN assisted in conducting the auction. 

 

 United Country Auction Services can be contacted by phone at 800-999-1020 or e-mail at tturner@unitedcountry.com and its full list of properties and services can be viewed online at www.ucauctionservices.com. 

 United Country Real Estate is the largest fully integrated franchise network of conventional and auction real estate professionals in the United States. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has been an innovator in real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports more than 600 offices across the U.S. and in Costa Rica with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes one of the largest portfolios of property marketing websites (more than 1,100 separate sites), seven proprietary real estate catalogs with a cumulative distribution of 1.5 million readers, an extensive, current buyer database and national advertising of properties that reaches more than 90 million homes per week. United Country has recently been recognized by Dun and Bradstreet’s AllBusiness.com, The Land Report, Entrepreneur and The Wall Street Journal as one of the top U.S. real estate franchises.

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Free Home Energy Assessments offered to Bloomington Residents

City Partners with USGBC and SCCAP to Offer Free Home Energy Assessments to Bloomington Residents

 Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that several local agencies will partner together to offer free energy assessments to any homeowner who asks - regardless of income - during the “Beat the Meter Blitz” week, Dec. 6 - 10.    

 After deciding that they want to make home energy efficiency investments, many homeowners struggle knowing where to start. Home energy assessments can help prioritize projects, but their price tag of $300 or more can be a barrier to homeowners who are interested in making improvements. To help address this challenge, the City Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) and Economic and Sustainable Development (ESD) Departments will partner with the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) to complete as many audits as possible to owner-occupied homes free of charge.

"This partnership will help people make decide which improvements they would like to make to their homes," said Kruzan. "'Beat the Meter Blitz' will help identify ways to live better, greener and more affordably. It's a great event, and one more way the City is trying to help people improve their quality of life."

 The initiative is focused on reducing the energy consumption of residential buildings, which account for a large proportion of our environmental footprint. According to the EPA, residential buildings use about 20 percent of all energy consumed in the United States, and roughly 54 percent of that total is for space heating and air conditioning. 

 “Without a list of priorities, it’s hard to know whether you should start by insulating the attic, getting a new water heater, installing weatherstripping around the front door, or any other number of improvements,” said Jacqui Bauer, City Sustainability Coordinator. “These free assessments will give homeowners from all over the city free access to an expert’s opinion, in exchange for a pledge that they’ll implement some of the suggestions.”

 Staff members from HAND, ESD and SCCAP, and volunteers from IU and the USGBC will conduct the assessments. Homeowners interested in signing up or getting more information should contact HAND at 349-3420 before Nov. 16. Appointments are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Fixed Rate Mortgage Rates Continue to be low - Don't miss a great opportunity!

Mortgage Rates as of November 1st 2010.

People's State Bank

30 Year Fixed:          4.250%
20 Year Fixed:          4.250%
15 Year Fixed:          3.500%

Region's Mortgage

30 Year Fixed         4.250% 
20 Year Fixed         4.250%
15 Year Fixed         3.750%

Monroe Bank

30 Year Fixed          4.000%
15 Year Fixed          3.375%