Searching for a Home in Indianapolis? There's an App for that!

I love technology. Someone once described me as “gadget-y,” and I can’t argue with that descriptor. And while there’s a tendency for that aspect of my personality to be drawn into gigantic time-sucking distractions, I am also aware of how some hardware and software tools can be enormously time-saving.

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Where’s the best place to go online to find available homes?” My clients want to be able to access the most current information available about homes that might suit their needs. More often than not, the common theme is this: how can I – while I’m out driving in neighborhoods – get more information about a house that I happen to drive by?

Thanks to a terrific FREE iPhone app by REALTOR.com®, this task has been reduced to the ridiculously simple. AND IT WORKS ON BOTH THE iPAD and iPHONE!

(There is also a Droid version available HERE.)

Not only does this app permit you to enter MLS number data to search from anywhere, it also uses the iPhone’s built-in geo-locating capabilities to figure out where you are and what houses near you are for sale.

So the next time you’re out driving around looking in neighborhoods, simply launch the app, do a search, and find what you’re looking for. You can even send the listing to me if it’s a property that you’re interested in knowing more about or seeing in person.

Here's a quick tutorial on using the app.

Head to the iTunes App Store

Or, choose the App Store on your iPhone. Enter “realtor.com” as a search term and look for the app. Or, click on the button above to take you directly to the app from your browser.

Register the App by clicking on the "Gear" icon in the lower right of the screen.

You'll then get this screen:

Create a new, free account.

This is a really important step. Use an email address that you check regularly. You’ll then be able to get listing updates, share properties with your family, friends and agent.

Add the email address of your real estate agent. If I’m acting as your agent, enter joe@macduffrealty.com in the first spot of the sharing shortcuts.

You can also add other folks who you want to keep in the loop. Add up to two other email addresses here of the folks you want to be able to send interesting listings to. Your BFF, your S.O., your mom...you pick.

You're done with the registration. Now it's time to search for a home.

The main screen give you several options for performing a search.

When you arrive at a neighborhood or house you're interested in, you can choose the "Homes For Sale" button. You’ll be able to view listings close to where you are currently parked (you did park before performing the search, right?!?) as a list, with a street map view, or from a satellite view.

One of my favorite features is being able to "draw" a search area using the "Area Highlighter" view, and you can also view by satellite of map view in this mode. Super cool!

Find a home you want to share?

Click on the "Send" button in the property view and send it to me and a friend! You can also "Save this listing."

The app also gives you the ability to "Share" the listing on Twitter, Facebook or by text message.

Have fun, and I look forward to being of service!

A Home For The Ages.

Most of you know I'm a huge fan of mid-century modern and contemporary architecture. I am enthralled by designs of the early 20th Century, captivated by the work of local designer and builder Avriel Shull, in awe of the breathtaking spaces of I. M. Pei, and left in tears when in the presence of work by van der Rohe.

Yes, we are blessed to have several shining examples of historic and wonderful architecture here in Central Indiana, partiularly if one is willing to drive an hour south of Indianapolis to Columbus, Indiana. (Architectural tours are available in Columbus. HERE is information.) But most of what we know and love is older, more seasoned work.

So it's very exciting when I come across something new. Something fresh. Something local and modern.

This week's Indianapolis Star features an amazing home right here in Central Indiana. I'm inspired. I believe it's an example of early 21st Century architecture and design that will stand the test of time. We may look back in 50 years and remember when. Let's just work to keep it in good hands so that it doesn't become the subject of a story of "How I found The Rehab Project of the Century."

Best wishes to the homeowners. You did really, really good.

HomeFinder: Mark and Sibylle Jennett - More The Indianapolis Star Galleries

View this gallery at The Indianapolis Star: HomeFinder: Mark and Sibylle Jennett

An Historic Headache

What's the "value" of historic real estate? Does the fact that a home is old or architecturally interesting give it some intrinsic value? Can or should an individual restore a property at more cost than the current market value in order to "save" it?

I don't have any answers to those questions, but hope to continue the conversation.

Modern, Updated, Carmel Ranch

Now and then, I am fortunate to have the rare opportunity to market a home that I would actually live in. Sure, I've been in $15 Million dollar homes that are incredible. I've shown homes that are nice and attractive and much more luxurious than I'd ever consider.

But this one's different. It's owned by perhaps one of the most talented designers around, and he's applied his talents to this superb update of a classic Carmel, Indiana ranch home.

This designer-owned home is a must see! It's a fully-updated 4-bedroom, 2.75 bath contemporary ranch with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, designer finishes and modern materials. This custom-built home boasts a Better Homes and Gardens-featured Kitchen, Interior Design Magazine's Eco-Friendly Product of the Year wall coverings and designer elements made just for this home.

Huge windows and skylights flood the interior with light and compliment the open floor plan. All of the bathrooms have been updated with contemporary fixtures and materials, and the FLOR carpeting throughout is low-maintenance, easy to clean and environmentally friendly, too. This home is SUPER HOT!

Here's a link to the Virtual Tour