1 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
July 2020
allRthings E EAL AL E STATE S TATE View more photos and information of this month’s featured home on page 11
1528 N. Hurst Circle, Princeton
Serving Gibson, Knox, Pike, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties in Indiana and Wabash County in Illinois.
CLARION REGISTER PRINCETON DAILY
MOUNT CARMEL
2 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
Décor ideas for the housebound traveler BY KIM COOK ASSOCIATED PRESS
If your actual travel plans are on hold, you can soothe your wanderlust with a few home décor change-ups or additions. Whether you’re wishing you were at a wilderness cabin, the beach or an exotic passport destination, designers and retailers are offering clever ways to bring the world into your quarantined home space. Can’t stroll the real streets of Italy? You can clad floors or walls in a kitchen, bath or family room with a surfacing that evokes that feel. Italy’s ABK of fers the Nuovi Mondi capsule collection of large-format ceramic tiles digitally printed with painterly landscapes and whimsical illusor y elements like tightrope walkers, bicyclists and playful children. Termed ``ceramic wallpaper,’’ its scenes include cityscapes of Rome, Venice and Milan. Another Italian tile maker, Refin, offers Risseu, a collection of porcelain stoneware tiles inspired by Genoa’s historic, cobbled courtyards and city gardens. Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at the online interior-design platform Modsy, says you can evoke the feel of your favorite coastal getaway through some well-chosen prints and materials. “Look for pieces that have a subtle tropical vibe via foliage, like palms, as well as natural raw wood or rattan textures, and fun global prints,’’ she says. ``Incorporate prints and objects that depict shells and sea life.” Lamps Plus, Lightology and Burke Déco r have table lamps with resin bases crafted like pieces of coral. Missing your favorite beachcombing spot? Small touches, like changing the lighting or choosing new cabinet pulls, may be just the ticket. “Beach destinations have long been an inspiration for my design style,” says interior designer Jeffrey Alan Marks in Santa Monica, California. “My favorite place is Malibu; I just love walking the beach and experiencing the ocean atmosphere.” He’s recreated the vibe with a pendant fixture that’s par t of his Point Dume collection for Progress Lighting; tiers of blue-toned, galvanized metal are inspired by lapping waves
and the industrial materials found on the pier. Get a few of CB2’s polished sandstone and agate stone doorknobs, or Wayfair’s knobs made of oceanwashed pebbles gathered in New England, and ever y time you open a cabinet you’ll be reminded of shoreline walks. Or opt for a set of Two’s Company’s remarkably realistic seaglass plates, fashioned in the shape of oyster and clam shells, at Burke Décor. New York textile design studio Eskaye l has a new patter n called Out East; founder Shanan Campanaro’s watercolor toile paintings were drawn from photos of the Hamptons sourced through interior design firm Curious Yellow. Montauk landmarks like the lighthouse and clam bar, Sag Harbor’s windmill and theater, and Sagaponack’s vineyards and stables are among the images. The collection is available as both wall covering and fabric. At Serena & Lily, they’ve got photo prints of soothing, beachy scenes from various artists. At Murals Wall-
paper, you’ll find vistas of the Canadian Rockies, Scottish Highlands, Iceland and even Mount Everest, should you be pining for the mountains. Color is another easy, subtle way to call to mind a vacation destination, Wood says. “Think about the bold pops of color you might see on an island getaway. Or opt for layers of serene blues and seafoam greens paired with neutral hues to evoke the sea and sand and create a calming backdrop,” she says. If a sophisticated hotel is more what you long for, Wood has suggestions. “Chic hotels have a few key components: luxurious materials, sleek fur niture and restrained styling. If you’re feeling bold, start with a saturated wall color. Choose case pieces that have an interesting material burl or metallic textured finish. Add glam accents such as velvet and gold, and finalize the look with abstract or geometric ar t, sculptural vases and ar t books,” she says. CB2 has the exotic yet urbane
Kinzie credenza designed by Mermelada Estudio, with swaths of handapplied bronze and gold metallic paint on mindi wood, a type of white cedar. Got a million destination photos on your phone or computer? Consider making a cof fee table book — perhaps as a gift for a wistful fellow traveler. Chatbooks and Parabo Press are two options. Parabo will also tur n a favorite scenic shot into a square, largeformat print, canvas or framed work. Have it tur ned into a mural at Murals Your Way. Or consider having the photo printed on ceramic tiles at ImageSnap; choose from tiny 2-square-inch versions or larger 1-square-foot ones. Want something more painterly? Various ar tists on Etsy.com will transform your travel photo into a wall-wor thy acr ylic or watercolor original painting. If armchair travel is the way we’ll be going for awhile, keeping that last great adventure fresh in mind may be only a décor order away.
Friday, July 10, 2020
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 3
Making the most of your outdoor space, no matter how small BY MELISSA RAYWORTH ASSOCIATED PRESS
Coronavirus quarantine had many people rethinking the interiors of their homes this spring. DIY projects were tackled, and rooms reorganized. Now that summer’s here, why not give the same mini-makeover to backyards and outdoor spaces? You’ll feel less cooped up if you bring some indoor style outside, even if it’s just to a tiny balcony or front porch, says New Jersey interior designer Anna Maria Mannarino. “You’re expanding the real estate really by bringing the indoors out,” Mannarino says. Here, she and two other design exper ts — Connecticut landscape
architect Janice Parker and Houston interior designer Lauren Rottet — share advice on how they create stylish outdoor spaces that can accommodate a range of activities, from cooking and socially distant entertaining to relaxing and working from home.
COMFORT AND COZINESS Even the smallest outdoor space probably has room for one or two comfor table chairs and a bistr o table, Mannarino says. If you don’t normally keep a table outside, Rottet suggests bringing out a small folding table when you want to dine or work outside. Add a crisp linen tablecloth, she says, and even an inexpensive card table will look special. Layering the space with pillows
and a throw blanket for evenings adds a cozy vibe. Choose pillows and cushions in an outdoor-friendly fabric like Sunbrella, which needs little care to stay looking and feeling good throughout the seasons, Mannarino says. “And I would definitely add an outdoor rug if you have the space to do it,” she says. If you don’t want to buy an outdoor rug, Parker says, just bring out a throw rug from inside to use on a sunny day.
SOUNDS AND SCENTS The sounds of rippling water or birdsong can be great antidotes to r umbling traf fic or barking dogs. Parker suggests buying an inexpensive tabletop fountain, and bird feed-
ers to attract songbirds. “It’s a great time to get into bird watching,” she says, “because they do seem to be more abundant than in the past.” (Get a squir rel-proof feeder if you want to make sure the food actually goes to the birds.) There’s an even simpler, vir tual option, Parker points out: When you sit outside, play recordings of chirping birds or rippling water from your phone or other device. Pleasing scents will also elevate your outdoor space. Buy a potted lavender plant, Parker says, or flowering plants like nicotiana (also called “flowering tobacco”), which “are iridescent in the evening and have a wonderful scent.” Many grocer y stores are selling potted plants and “you don’t have to
Linda Folsom Broker Associate LindaFolsomHomes.com Cell 812.779.9293 Office 812.473.0123 F.C. TUCKER EMGE REALTORS SOLD!
CONDO
NEW PRICE!
SALE PENDING!
NEW LISTING!
SALE PENDING! 201 S. RACE ST., HAUBSTADT
201 W. LOCUST ST., FT. BRANCH
Majestic 4BR, 2BA home built in 1875 is full of charac-
Brick 2BR, 2BA home with little upkeep! Attached
CONDO
1700 E. MORGAN AVE., EVANSVILLE 3BR, 1BA home on a corner lot. Large rooms. Basement.
577 & 585 W. WARNOCK, PRINCETON 2 mobile homes on 8 city lots adding up to .88 acres. 577 W. Warnock is a 1963, 2BR, 1BA with a 9x20 room addition & 20x30 det grg. 585 W. Warnock is a
209 W. LOCUST ST., FT. BRANCH Under Construction! Brand new 2BR, 2BA Condo w/ Garage. Open floor plan, little maintenance, fully
ter and charm. Original woodwork, lg. eat-in kitchen,
garage, hardwood floors, newer luxury vinyl flooring,
corner lot, 2.5 car detached garage.
newer roof, kitchen appliances and privacy fence.
Home Warranty.
yard barns & portable metal carport.
choose paint & flooring.
$189,500 • MLS# 201910106
$140,000 • MLS# 202017676
$149,900 • MLS# 201946764
$55,000 • MLS# 201945899
$150,000 • MLS# 202022109
Detached garage. Workshop.
1976, 3BR, 2BA 14x17 with wooden deck, 2 storage
equipped with stainless steel appliances. Buyer can
4 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
fuss with re-potting them,” Parker says. If they come in plain plastic containers, simply wrap the container in a bit of burlap or other fabric to make it more attractive. For something more dramatic, Rottet says, potted citrus trees look and smell lovely. Or add a pencil cactus or other succulent in a tall planter; it can withstand summer heat while functioning like a sculpture in your outdoor space. When summer ends, fill the planter with a hardy flower like pansies, which might even last through the winter. No time or resources to add plants this year? Floral or lavender candles are another option, Parker says.
DINING AND COOKING A gas grill can be an asset if you’re cooking outdoors a lot. But Rottet also recommends the Big Green Egg charcoal grill. “It’s not a huge commitment,” she says, “because you can roll it into a tight little space.” If you have a grill and would like to create more of a kitchen around it, add an outdoor table or console that can ser ve as a work surface and per-
haps has some storage, Mannarino says, “so you’re not just walking over to a grill and holding a tray in your hand.” Want to create the feel of an outdoor bar? Add a rolling bar cart, or, even more simply, fill your biggest salad bowl with ice, Parker says, and bring out a selection of cold drinks.
Sokeland
SUNSHINE AND SHADE If you’re working outside, you need shade to see the screen. Retractable awnings are helpful, as are large outdoor umbrellas that stand alone or fit into an outdoor table. (They also let you spend more time outside, if it’s raining.) In the evening, Rottet says, you
•Computerized Load Design •Residential & Light Commercial Sales & Service •Servicing All Brands 402 N. Hillcrest •Yearly Maintenance Agreements Fort Branch, IN 47648 •Computerized Record Keeping (812) 753-4535 •Family Owned & Operated Since 1968
Heating & Air
can expand the feeling of even a small backyard by wrapping strands of small white lights (available in outdoor-safe versions that are batter y-powered or solar-powered) around your trees. Lanter ns with lit candles inside are lovely outdoors after the sun goes down, though LED candles can be a more practical choice on a breezy night. A fire pit will also brighten up your outdoor space, and warm it up this fall and winter. Rottet created one for her Houston home using a large concrete planter that can withstand heat. But as Parker points out, you don’t have to buy anything to have a fire pit. It might be fun to create one the old-school way: Dig a wide hole in the ground, she says, contain the space safely and build a campfire “boy scout style.” The changes you make to your outdoor space don’t have to be elaborate, she says. “Just get out there. Take your chair from the kitchen table if you need to. Take your coffee cup and go.”
Friday, July 10, 2020
1022 E. Broadway, Princeton
WE BUY DISTRESSED HOUSES!
812-386-6777 We Are Selling! We Need Listings! Please Call today! SALE PENDING!
SALE PENDING!
1600 E. Broadway, Princeton Beautifully remodeled 3BR, 2BA brick home on a large .96+/- corner lot. Spacious open floor plan, new stainless steel appliances, fireplace, 3 car finished and insulated garage. $193,900 MLS# 201949243
Beautiful 4BR, 3.5BA country home on 5 acres. 2 car attached garage. Full, partially finished basement. 30’x40’ pole barn, 30’x74’ heated/insulated shop w/ car lift, 36’x100’ poultry barn and wood storage shed. 4 rented, cash-producing grain bins.
See all our listings on Realtor.com and check us out on Facebook!
Josh Meeks
Damon Atkins
Bill Atkins
Matt Brown
631-1862
779-7578
779-7372
632-8229
Associate Broker/Owner
Associate Broker
Associate Broker
Associate Broker
BACK ON THE MARKET!
6381 E. CR 450 North, Otwell
$315,000 MLS# 202002522
SOLD!
220 E. Second St., Oakland City Beautifully remodeled 4BR, 2BA home with incredible updates throughout the entire home. New carport. French doors open to lg. rear deck. $124,900 MLS# 202015286
710 E. Water, Princeton Very nice 4BR, 1.5 BA home w/ nice rear deck, lg. fenced back yard w/ gardening space, yard barn & children’s place house. Updated throughout with new paint, carpet, cabinets, countertops, flooring and more. $114,900 MLS# 202014286
SOLD!
327 W. Cherry St., Oakland City 2-3BR, 1BA home w/ attached carport and welcoming porch. Close to all amenities and in a great location. $54,900 MLS# 202001293
SALE PENDING!
8432 E. CR 300 South, Oakland City 3BR, 2BA home on 1 acre features an open floor plan, pole barn w/ lg. covered front porch in rural but convenient location. $134,900 MLS# 202000476
PRIME FARMLAND!
120 ACRES 114 N. Grove St., Oakland City Great investment opportunity! 3BR, 3BA, 3,823 total finished sq. ft. $78,900 MLS# 202006549
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 5
2208 E. 250 South, Princeton 4.67 Acres. 40x50 steel pull through structure w/ concrete floor & electric crane. 24x32 pole bldg.. w/ office, concrete floor and electric. $94,900 MLS# 201827502
113 S. Main, Princeton Historic downtown building with lots of potential. Large main level perfect for almost any business. Upstairs features a 2BR apartment. Unfinished basement. $59,900 MLS# 201843592
We’re here to help you buy or sell your
50 S. 725 East, Francisco 120+ acres in the East Gibson area. Owner wants an offer! $900,000
home this Summer! Give us a call at (812) 812-386-6777 adnum=00705498
6 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
Signs your gutters are in need of repair METRO CREATIVE SERVICES
Fall is a great time to tackle projects around the house. The weather each fall allows homeowners to make improvements to their homes’ exteriors without worrying about extreme heat or cold, while interior projects like painting are made easier because homeowners can open the windows to allow for proper ventilation. Fall also marks a great time to prepare for upcoming projects that can make winter work that much easier. For example, fall is a great time to take stock of your gutters so you can address any issues before leaves begin to fall or the first snowstorm touches down. Compromised gutters can contribute to water issues in basements and adversely affect a home’s foundation if not addressed immediately, so it behooves homeowners to learn the signs that gutters are in need of repair or replacement. • Gutters hanging off the home: Gutters were once installed predominantly with spikes. However, many industry professionals now install gutters with hanger brackets. Why the change? Spikes loosen over time, leading to the gutters hanging off the home. That can contribute to serious issues if left untreated. Gutters hanging off the home need not necessarily be replaced, but rather secured to the home, ideally with hanger brackets instead of spikes. Brackets hook into the front of the gutter and are then screwed into the fascia of a home. A professional who specializes in gutter repair can perform this task relatively quickly, and it’s an inexpensive yet
highly effective solution. • Gutter separation: Gutters that are no longer fastened together can leak and contribute to issues that affect the home’s foundation, siding and appearance. Clogs and the accumulation of debris can cause gutters to separate because they are not designed to hold too much weight. Replacement of separated gutters may or may not be necessary depending on how big the problem is and the condition of the existing gutters. If replacement is not necessary, separated gutters may be remedied by securing the joints, another relatively simple and inexpensive fix. • Peeling exterior paint: Paint that appears to be peeling off of your home may indicate that water is seeping over the edge of the gutter closest to your home. When that happens, water is coming down the side of the house, causing the paint to peel. In such instances, replacing the gutters is often necessary. • Basement flooding: Not all signs of deteriorating gutters are outside a home. Many a homeowner has been flummoxed by flooding in their basements, and such flooding can be caused by aging, ineffective gutters. That’s because deteriorating gutters sometimes allow water to leak near the foundation of a home, contributing to basement flooding. Fall is an ideal time to inspect gutters and have any issues fixed before leaves begin to fall or harsh winter weather arrives.
You never know what treasures you will find! IN THE HEART OF INDIANA’S AMISH COUNTRY If you’re looking for something different, exciting , and entertaining, head out to Dinky’s Auction Center. On any given Friday evening, they’ll sell up to five auction rings featuring household items, furniture, small items, pigs, cows, horses, building supplies, farm items, - you name it. The Amish community provides the food at the concession stand and sell homemade baked goods, too. There are also some vendors who sell things retail, such as the veggie vendor that has great prices and fresh produce.
9084 E. 550 N. • Montgomery, IN (812)486-2880 • dinkysauction.com
Come and join us for a night of fun, buying, selling, eating and visiting! EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 6 pm!
Friday, July 10, 2020
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 7
How to remove mildew from your home’s exterior METRO CREATIVE SERVICES
Homeowners want their residences to look inviting inside and out. Part of keeping an attractive property involves addressing issues that can compromise not only the appearance of a home, but even its integrity. People who live in regions with high humidity may find their homes are vulnerable to exterior mildew growth. Mildew is a kind of mold. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of hyphae, which are multicellular filaments, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Mold thrives on any organic matter and surfaces with moisture management problems. Mildew, in particular, lives on shower walls, windowsills and other places where moisture levels are high. Mildew also can grow on home siding as well as fences and other exterior structures. While typically gray or white, mildew can be various colors. Experts recommend various cleansers to help combat the issue of mildew on a home. One of the first products that homeowners tend to reach for is sodium hypochlorite, which is a standard bleach used in laundry and pool sanitation. While sodium hypochlorite seems to make mildew vanish, those at This Old House say that chlorine evaporates too quickly to get to mildew’s roots on porous surfaces, such as wood or vinyl siding. Bleach also can stain clothing and damage foliage around the house. Hydrogen peroxide, or oxygen
bleach, is less volatile, will not affect foliage and can clean mildew, algae and dirt on and below the surface. Trisodium phosphate is another effective cleanser. Commonly known as TSP, it often succeeds where other solutions fail in regard to stubborn stains and mildew. TSP also works well on various exterior surfaces. TSP needs to be used with extreme caution. When using TSP, wear long sleeves, gloves, goggles, and a respiratory mask, says Today’s Homeowner. The product also requires adequate ventilation. There also are some environmental concerns, as TSP can damage foliage. In addition, if the product ends up in lakes and streams, it can trigger an overgrowth of algae that results in the depletion of oxygen levels in the water. Eco-conscious homeowners may want to try oxy cleansers before TSP. Mildew shies away from bright sunlight, so it tends to grow on the north side of homes. Removing trees or other foliage that can further block sunlight to areas of the house can help eradicate mildew growth and stop it before it starts. Another tactic is to clean out gutters regularly and thoroughly to reduce moisture and to prevent decomposing debris from running over the edge of the gutters. This runoff can drip down the home’s siding and spread the mildew to other areas. Mildew can be problematic any time of year. Clean up mildew when the weather cools down to spruce up the look of a home.
E.J. Wagler Construction LLC. Southpointe Dr. • Loogootee, Indiana 47553
(812) 698-7175
Metal and Shingle Roofs, New Construction and Remodeling, Concrete Driveways and Poured Pads, Drywall and Tile.
25 years of experience
8 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
The Tim Mason Team Tim Mason
Jan Mason
(812) 664-0845 timmason@remax.net
(812) 664-2022 janmason@remax.net
See these properties and more online, anytime! www.TimMasonTeam.com 105 E. Garfield, Princeton • $98,500
101 N. First St., Owensville • $98,700 Nice home on a corner lot with a large backyard, 3BR (2BR on the main level and 1BR upstairs) , nice kitchen with plenty of storage, lg. living room and dining room, laundry room is on the main level..
MLS# 202020616
D L SO
523 S. Cathy Drive, Princeton • $259,950 • Brand new 4BR, 2.5 BA home • Lg. bonus room • 2 car attached garage • Buyer can choose colors, exterior, upgrades, etc.
MLS# 202005675 10445 E. Base Rd., Oakland City • $119,700
D L SO Tim Mason (812) 664-0845 timmason@remax.net
Very good location for this two bedroom brick home on a large lot. Eat in kitchen, large living room and full basement. Detached garage and shed.
MLS# 202015256 2477 W. 50 North, Princeton • Nice 3BR, 2BA brick home • 21 acres • Additional 1 bedroom home and 2 Buildings in great condition • Part of property used for established turn-key paintball business also available for purchase
MLS# 201834855 101 S. Gibson St., Princeton • $85,000
Nice home in the country. Two acres of ground, 2 car detached garage, 2BR, eat in kitchen, spacious living room, family room that could be used as a dining room, nice screened porch, patio and deck for entertaining or just to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Newer furnace/AC and water heater. MLS# 202020615
Nice 3BR 2BA home with att grg. conveniently located to shopping. The spacious great room, kitchen, and dining area is an open floor plan, split BR design, lg. master suite, laundry room is located off of the grg, nice front porch, back patio, and partially fenced back yard. MLS# 202018188
1133 S. 250 West, Princeton • $165,000 Great location right off White Church Road! 3BR, 2BA brick home features an office, spacious great room, large kitchen/ dining area, large attached garage and yard barn. MLS# 201930687
Construction has started on this home in Princeton’s newest subdivision, White Church Crossing. 3BR, 2BA home with a 2 car grg. Lg. great room, leading into the kitchen and on to the sunroom, with an open floor plan and split BR design. The master suite has a walk in closet and master BA. MLS# 202016818
Offices in Princeton and Evansville
501 Cathy Drive, Princeton • $189,950
Jan Mason (812) 664-2022 janmason@remax.net
adnum=00705481
Friday, July 10, 2020
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 9
Tim Mason (812) 664-0845 timmason@remax.net See these propertiesand and more more online, anytime! See these properties online, anytime! www.TimMasonTeam.com www.TimMasonTeam.com
LAND • FARM • COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL LAND 400 S. Broadview Circle Princeton 7 Acre $14, 500 per Acre COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 2014 E. Broadway, Princeton $99,000
! D L SO LAND 1000 US Hwy. 41 S. Princeton 5.10 Acres $34, 314 per Acre
RESIDENTIAL LAND 701 S. Second Ave. Princeton 38 Acres $24,987 per Acre COMMERCIAL LAND 4370 S. 100 E. Princeton 20.5 Acres $30,000 per Acre
! D SOL
! D SOL
! D L SO ! D L SO
COMMERCIAL BUILDING COMMERCIAL BUILDING COMMERCIAL BUILDING 1304 W. Broadway, 101 N. Hart St., 1103 W. Broadway, Princeton Princeton Princeton PRICE REDUCED! $499,000 $94,500 $194,000
COMMERCIAL BUILDING COMMERCIAL BUILDING 201 E. Broadway, 815 E. Water, Princeton Princeton PRICE REDUCED! $99,500 $49,500 FOR LEASE 220 N. Hart St., Princeton $850 per Month
RESIDENTIAL LAND RESIDENTIAL 1137 N. Main St., 1644 Hunsaker Rd. Princeton Boonville 15 Acres 41 Acres, Home, Lake $22,500 per Acre $820,000 COMMERCIAL LAND COMMERCIAL LAND 6000 S. US Hwy. 41 North 1885 S. 100 West Ft. Branch Princeton 39.86 Acres 35.74 Acres $32,000 per Acre $29,869 per Acre
FOR LEASE 1992 S 100 West., Princeton $2,000 per Month
FARM 8300 E. 300 S. Francisco 65.76 Acres $6,399 per Acre
FARM E. Steelman Chapel Rd., Patoka 65 Acres $3,676 per Acre
BUILDING LOT
Ready to buy or sell? Call Tim Mason at (812) 664-0845
SALIENG! PEND 108 E. Montgomery, Owensville 0.70 Acre Lot $69,500
Offices in Princeton & Evansville, IN
adnum=00705482
10 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
Rents rise as inventory shrinks, and moving in or out gets more complicated BY DIMA WILLIAMS WASHINGTON POST FEATURES
Amid the coronavirus pandemic - or, rather, because of it - Maura Dickey found her dream apartment. The one-bedroom unit is in a three-story brownstone in Dickey’s neighborhood. It is near the water and comes with a washer, a dryer and a parking spot. She had walked past the building many times. Once she saw the listing online, she immediately called her real estate agent. The reason the apartment hit the market about two months ago is that the rent had become prohibitive for the previous tenants, who had lost their jobs because of the outbreak. “The unfortunate thing is that the unit is available because the two people who lived there couldn’t afford it,” said Dickey, who works for a marketing firm in the financial services industry.
In a way, Dickey’s new home, which she planned to settle into this month, exemplifies the nation’s rental market during the ongoing health crisis. Renters still move because their leases are up, because they want to, because they can. But many more than usual are looking for cheaper places to live because of what the pandemic has done to their incomes. “If people need to move, they need to move,” said Ben Snow, a Boston-based real estate agent with Coldwell Banker who helped Dickey. Across the country, agents say the rental market has remained relatively active amid the pandemic. Other rental market indicators show that inventory has decreased in some cities, while rent prices have held up across the country. Pushed by the reduction in supply, rent prices rose about 4%, on average, from March through May, compared with the
same period in 2019. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has changed how renters look for, commit to and move to new homes. \For Barri Dean, a lawyer who has been quarantined with three sons in an apartment in northern Virginia, the pandemic reinforced the need for a larger home. Dean had begun looking for a more spacious residence before the outbreak. But once the pandemic arose, the way she conducted her search changed, reflecting the effects of the coronavirus on the real estate industry. “A lot of the places I looked at had walkthrough videos,” she said. Video tours have become a necessity for rental agents unable to do in-person showings. Video presentations could morph into the new normal, a useful tool for renters to quickly vet units, after coronavirus-related restrictions let up, Romero said.
Today, if a unit is vacant, most local authorities allow in-person tours under social-distancing rules. Another way to see a home - especially if someone is living there - is a video call. Dean did that too, deeming a live tour by mobile phone better than a recorded video. Regardless of the showing method, Janna Raskopf, real estate agent, advises apartment seekers to request visuals of the common areas. “Those are so important,” Raskopf said. “If there isn’t a video of the laundry room, ask if there are any photos. Ask how much the laundry costs per load.” Another matter that has become more important since the outbreak is the vetting of tenants, especially their employment status and their ability to pay monthly rent. In some locales, the coronavirus pandemic has encouraged concessions and incentives for new tenants. SEE MOVING/ PAGE 12
Residential • Commercial • Sales • Service • Installation (812)882-3667 - (812)886-4506 • www.ohdvincennes.com
Overhead Door Company of Vincennes™
Friday, July 10, 2020
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 11
1528 N. Hurst Circle, Princeton • $375,000 MLS# 202022949
Fantastic Home with 45+ Acres! • 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths• • Large Pole Building • • Small Pond • • Wildlife & Trails • • Great ATV Riding •
Tim Mason
Jan Mason
812-664-0845
812-664-2022
timmason@remax.net
janmason@remax.net
12 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
MOVING FROM PAGE 10
In general, large multifamily operations are more likely than mom-and-pop landlords to have the financial bandwidth needed to offer incoming tenants incentives such as rent-free months, fee waivers, and short-term lodgings while waiting for an apartment to become available. Prospective renters should always inquire whether the unit is empty before committing to it. In most states, moving companies have been designated “essential businesses” and have been allowed to operate during the pandemic. But a change of residence has become complicated in ways that can’t be solved by a moving crew. Another rental option - a lease with an option to buy could become more popular as pandemic-induced uncertainty in the market makes some home shoppers want to rent a residence for a few months before buying it. After being trapped for weeks inside their homes, some of America’s 44 million renter households may begin to reevaluate the types of properties they live in. Speaking of availability, pandemic-related eviction moratoriums could add to the confusion as they expire and cases pile up in the courts. Nevertheless, agents across the country expect that rental inventories will rebound once the pandemic eases up and that more renters will move after sheltering in place, though some warn that the economic consequences of the pandemic have yet to unfold completely.
In Need of Roofing or Remodeling? FREE Estimates • 100% Financing Low Rail Metal Roofing
Vinyl Replacement Windows
• Metal Roofing • Vinyl Replacement Windows • Vinyl Siding • Dimensional Shingles • Standing Seam Roofing
TriState Roofing & Remodeling 12400 Darmstadt Rd., Evansville, IN 47725 • 855-601-7663 OR 812-963-3130 www.tristateroofingandremodeling.com • Locally owned & operated • Licensed/Bonded
Friday, July 10, 2020
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 13
Dial back the stress during relocating BY DIMA WILLIAMS WASHINGTON POST
We all experience heightened levels of anxiety from traumatic events such as divorce, death of a spouse or family member, injur y or illness. Also on the list: relocating to a new city for a job or other lifestyle choices. This year, such angst produced by relocating from one state to another - or across the countr y - as noted in the Holmes-Rahe life stress inventor y, has been compounded by the coronavirus pandemic. From spring to September is peak moving time. According to the latest migration repor t by real estate brokerage Redfin, a record 26 percent of home searchers browsed for residences outside their metropolitan areas in the last two quarters of 2019. Regardless of why people decamp one city in favor of another, relocation is, in many ways, an ordeal. There might be a home to sell and
another to purchase at the same time - in two different cities. Belongings to pack and ship. Children to enroll in new schools. Pets to take along, too. A whole new community to blend into. Most states have deemed moving companies an essential business, enabling people to relocate even amid the ongoing health crisis. Yet doing so calls for additional considerations and precautions. Moving companies have adopted new best practices such as estimating costs through video calls in which customers show their homes and belongings. “Some companies are also offering Facebook options so that clients can interact with a moving consultant on the other end,” said Rachel Peretz, director of marketing and business development at the American Moving & Storage Association. “It can be a combination of pictures and videos.” When on site, crews and their cus-
tomers should don masks and gloves and heed social distancing rules, said Peretz. She also advises families to designate one individual to handle all in-person interactions with movers and, when possible, of fer them access to running water and soap for frequent handwashing. Movers are also selling new cardboard boxes so clients do not have to expose themselves to any potential health risks using old packaging that grocer y stores, among other businesses, are usually happy to give away. Well-rinsed plastic bins are another option. While the moving industr y has continued to facilitate relocations, costs are increasing due to coronavirus-induced complications. “With the shipment of household goods, prices are going up in many cases, because movers are shor t on labor,” said Bill Mulholland, director of ARC Relocation. “There are definitely some challenges if the reloca-
tion is absolutely required.” Beyond the act of moving, a relocation might hit delays due to stricter mortgage application requirements many lenders have enacted in response to the financial strains of the pandemic. While not an insurmountable task, relocating is often smoother - especially during the current health crisis - with assistance from an employer, a relocation company, a real estate agent and a lender. Here is how each one of these can facilitate cr ucial aspects of the move: Relocation companies often ser ve both individual clients and employers transferring or hiring out-of-state staff, and can handle many facets of the process that unfold in dif ferent locations. Yet there seems to be one kind of ser vice that is almost universal. Packing and moving costs can SEE STRESS/PAGE 14
METRO CARPETS Residential - Commercial 1286 W. 150 S. Hwy 41 N - Princeton, IN 47670 812-385-2279
14 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
STRESS FROM PAGE 13
depend on the weight of belongings and the distance traveled. Much like air fare rates, the day a client chooses for a move also affects the price. Weekends during the busy spring and summer months command a premium. Large reputable relocation companies, with their in-house movers or vetted contractors, usually offer a safe alternative While typical in the militar y, corporate relocation assistance often varies by company, industr y and the employee’s seniority. Help may range from of fering a signing bonus to reimbursing moving-related expenses; from contracting with a relocation company to buying the employee’s old house to covering closing costs for the purchase of a new residence. Real estate agents, who are proCorporate assistance often carries ficient in relocations, can facilitate deadlines. Many relocation packages many aspects of the move - from have timelines on when you need to use them by. picking a neighborhood to under-
standing the local peculiarities of the closing process. In many instances, real estate agents can also consult with their clients whether to buy out-
right or to rent. Families with kids may gravitate toward a purchase. Homeowners seeking to simultaneously buy and sell in disparate locations, though, could engage in a delicate balancing act, which calls for careful timing, financial prudence and trusted real estate professionals. Besides a a bridge loan, other financing possibilities include a home equity line of credit and a relocation mortgage. The latter does not deviate from traditional loan products such as conventional, VA or FHA mortgages, but, in most cases, requires documents pertinent to the move - such as a job offer letter, for instance, if the borrower is relocating to assume a new position. Because renting doesn’t carr y the financial and logistical complexities of home buying-and-selling transactions, it is a viable option for many. Renting also eases the pressure of making the financial commitment of homeownership in an unfamiliar city. Moreover, in some metropolitan areas, leasing might be financially advantageous for people who expect to soon move again.
Friday, July 10, 2020
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE 15
Laundry room renovations you’ll love METRO CREATIVE SERVICES
spaces that can serve as utility or mud rooms, pantry overDoes it seem like your hamper is always full and the wash- flows, or off-season storage areas. Consider the functions you want the room to serve and include those ideas in your ing machine is running constantly? You may not be imagining designs. it. Laundry Butler for You, a wash, dry and fold service, says the average household washes 50 pounds of laundry a week ADD SOME NATURAL LIGHT and 6,000 articles of clothing every year. Families with chilIf possible, include a window in your laundry room. Natudren at home are doing laundry most often, and those with ral light can help make the room more enjoyable. It also can pets may find there is ample laundry to wash as well. help you identify stains on clothes that need to be addressed With so much laundry being generated, homeowners and make it easier to fold matching items like socks. may want to consider paying extra attention to the space in the house where their clothing is being cleansed. Laundry THINK ABOUT A UTILITY SINK room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but Many washing machines drain out directly to waste pipes it may be time to give these rooms another look. in the floor or wall, but you also can opt to have them empty into a utility sink. This sink also provides a convenient place ASSESS YOUR EQUIPMENT to handwash items, clean tools or paintbrushes, or store If your appliances are aging, a laundry room renovation items that perhaps you do not want to bring into a bathroom can start with an investment in new appliances. New models or kitchen sink. have large capacity loads, tend to be energy-efficient and could have innovative features that help fit with your launINCLUDE SOME FLAIR dry lifestyle. Purchasing front-loading models also can free This utilitarian space need not be boring or bereft of up design space, as you can install a counter directly above design elements. Mirror your home’s style in the laundry the units, saving room for other items like drying racks. room, and include wall hangings, plants, accent items, and even task lighting. Play up certain features with a bold floor FIGURE OUT YOUR ROOM NEEDS tile or brightly colored walls. Updating laundry rooms can be a great way to make A laundry room need not be limited to laundry only. Many homeowners make large laundry rooms catch-all doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient.
PIEPER’S CARPET family owned for 49 years Numerous rolls of carpet & vinyl in stock.
Come check out our selection of your favorite brands! 812-735-3022 9-5 Monday - Wednesday, & Friday 9-12 Thursday & Saturday
115-117 N. Main St. • Bicknell, IN 47512
16 ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Friday, July 10, 2020
YOUR LOCAL
&
VIRTUAL AGENTS
Give us a call for a private, safe showing or live virtual tour!
Tim Mason
Jan Mason
(812) 664-0845
(812) 664-2022
timmason@remax.net janmason@remax.net
Princeton 812-386-3222 Evansville 812-867-3222 •812-573-0300
TimMasonTeam.com