Time in D.C. and Exciting News!

Hello, friends! We hope your week has been great so far. It's busy as usual with The Murphy Team as we are preparing for a closing tomorrow and working on some new listings. For as cold as it's been around the Tri-State the past couple weeks, the market is hot! We certainly hope this is just the start of a great spring and summer season this year.

We can't wait to work with new clients in the coming months and are more prepared than ever to get your home sold or help you find a beautiful new space for your family. Andrea just returned from Washington, D.C. where she attended ERA's annual conference called IBC. Not only did she get to attend some fantastic classes to pick up new skills and ideas to bring back to our clients, but she won a very prestigious award! 

Our very own Andrea Murphy won Rookie of the Year -- NATIONALLY! She was one of 3 agents nominated out of every ERA franchise in the country. The process just to get nominated is competitive; an agent has to have a high level of production, community involvement, activity in the local Realtor association, and some really killer client reviews and letters of recommendation. We know it's an honor just to be nominated for awards like that, but how awesome is it that she won?! We are very proud of her and know that this just fuels her fire for building this business even more and helping more clients realize their dreams of home ownership.

To accomplish these goals however, we know new ideas and practices have to be put in place. Andrea has been raving about how great the classes were at the conference, and here is just a sample of the courses she chose to take.

Ninja Selling: Focused on competition and getting listings sold. This class was all about setting up a business system for each listing and using specific steps to help clients get their homes sold. 

Social Media Idea Sharing: We feel like social media marketing is a very powerful tool and is only growing in popularity and effectiveness. This class focused on getting the most out of social media marketing and using it to influence business practices.

15 "Must Do's" in 2015: This course was taught by an ERA National trainer that we love in our local offices. His class focused on client care and meeting expectations of our clients each day. 

New Negotiating Edge, Getting Past NO!: As a client, don't you want your agent to be a strong negotiator? Of course you do, and that's why this class is important. It focused on honing negotiating skills to get your home sold or bought for market value and working through difficult negotiating situations that may arise. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Useful & Useless Technology: We have so many technologies are our disposal these days, and we want to make sure the platforms we use are actually beneficial for our clients and business. This class broke down what technology has the highest value and how to implement it in a specific business plan.

While these courses were the focus of the conference, Andrea did leave a little time to celebrate her award and get out for some good food and sightseeing around D.C.

The highlight was visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, which she says was one of her bucket list items. She got to see some amazing exhibits while walking around, but what was her favorite?

Dorothy's ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz! The are the shoes Judy Garland wore in the movie -- they're so dainty and still shine like they're brand new! 

But before long, it was time for Andrea to click her heels like Dorothy because "there's no place like home". She's back and has hit the ground running, so if you have any questions about buying or selling your home, call anytime!

Have a great week!

Winter's (Hopefully) Last Hurrah!

The groundhog wasn't kidding a few weeks ago when he didn't see his shadow -- we certainly have a few weeks of winter left! We hope you're staying warm and cozy at home, and if you have to get out this week, please take precautions. The main roads around Evansville have been cleared, but the side roads are still pretty slick, so be careful out there!

Since we will be experiencing another spell of severely low temperatures this week, we thought it would be a great idea to share some tips on travel and home safety. Let's hope this is the grand finale from Old Man Winter, and soon we will be looking forward to warmer days in the Tri-State.

Let's start with some tips for travel in case you need to get to work or an appointment.

1. Be prepared. Keep your car stocked with supplies like extra clothes, water, a blanket, a snow scraper/brush, jumper cables, cat litter (for traction in case you get stuck), and a flashlight with working batteries.  Fun fact: Did you know your floor mats can also be used for traction under your tires if you get stuck?
2. Keep your gas tank filled. Don't let your gas gauge get below a quarter of a tank with temperatures this low. The gas could freeze, especially if you park in your driveway or a parking lots for extended periods of time.
3. Clear all windows and mirrors of snow and frost. You don't want anything blocking your line of vision while driving.
4. Keep extra windshield washer fluid or antifreeze with you. These will be useful if you happen to get caught somewhere while it's snowing or sleeting.
5. Don't get in a hurry. This seems like a no-brainer, we know, but don't expect to rush anywhere in wintery conditions. Drive slower, allow plenty of space between you and your fellow drivers, and give yourself extra time to stop and get going again at intersections. 

Now let's move on to some tips to keep your home safe during these colder temperatures.

1. Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This is especially true in your kitchen and bathrooms because it will allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes, helping prevent a potential burst.
2. Drip your faucets. Another tactic to prevent your pipes from bursting is to maintain a slow flow of water from your faucets. This keeps water moving through spaces that are generally unheated and unprotected.
3. Apply weather stripping around your doors and windows. It's an inexpensive way to keep your home warmer and cut down your energy costs, not only during a severe cold spell, but throughout the winter.
4. Have an alternate heating system ready. Whether you have a home generator, a space heater, or a fireplace, know how you will heat your home in the event of a power outage. Locate extra blankets and warm clothes so they are handy as well.
5. Stay in the loop. Keep your cell phones charged and have a battery-powered radio ready as well so you can call family and friends and listen to the news even if the cold knocks out power.

Be sure your furry family members stay safe & warm too!

What do you and your family do to stay safe during winter weather? We'd love for you to share with us!

Stay warm, friends!

Valentine's Day Ideas: Our Local Favorites

Happy Valentine's Week! This holiday tends to be a day that people either love or hate. But whether you're a hopeless romantic who envisions a dinner filled with candlelight and flowers or a scorned soul who would rather spend the day eating those silly heart-shaped candies while bashing this cliched "holiday", The Murphy Team has some festive ideas for you to celebrate February 14 the way you see fit.

If you're not currently involved in a relationship, we think the best way to spend this day is with friends! Go out and have fun, pamper yourself a bit, and enjoy being independent. 

Ideas for Single Ladies:

• Manicure/Pedicure
• Massage/Facial -- we LOVE Shannon Aleksandr Salon & Spa -- check out their Valentine specials this week!
• Shopping: Eastland Mall, Downtown Newburgh, weekend trip to Louisville or Nashville
• Dinner: Some great places for a fun dinner with friends are Bar Louie, CKB in Henderson, Kanpai, Eclipse Tapas, Zuki Downtown, or casual Mexican somewhere like Los Bravos or Acapulco.
• Winery Tour: Explore the Southern Indiana wine trail, or stay close to home and visit Mystique Winery in Lynnville.
• Movie Night: Head out to the theater and catch a new movie or stay in and have friends over for a movie marathon of your choice.

Ideas for Single Gentlemen:

• Spend the day watching sports with friends at a fun, casual restaurant like Buffalo Wild Wings, Roca Bar, Kiplee's, or Backstage Bar & Grill.
• If you're brave enough to get out in colder weather, play a round of golf.
• Do a beer tasting course at Tin Man Brewing Company.
• Have friends over for a "guys night" movie marathon. Watch all those silly/scary/action-filled movies a lady might not enjoy.
• Go out on a limb and put together a nice gathering for both your male and female friends. Cater in food, have music and games ready to go, and create a relaxed atmosphere where no one will even remember it's Valentine's Day! 

For anyone in a relationship or marriage:

• Enjoy the traditional dinner and a movie date night. Our favorite local "date" restaurants are Bonefish Grill, Biaggi's, Haub Steakhouse, Madeleine's, new favorite Sauced, and The Red Geranium in New Harmony. Our advice is to book a reservation in advance!
• Cook at home, especially if you don't cook often. Scour Pinterest or Google some ideas for meals. You'll avoid the crowds at restaurants and your significant other will be very impressed that you put such effort into a nice meal!
• Take a weekend trip. Since the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, use this time to spend together. Visit French Lick for the day or weekend and explore the beautiful West Baden Hotel and French Lick Winery. They also have live entertainment, afternoon tea, a wonderful spa, and of course, the casino. 

• Do something your significant other loves to do. Guys, if your lady has been asking you do to a couples' massage with her for years, surprise her and take her this Valentine's Day. Or ladies, if your guy has been hinting at wanting to go see the Ice Men play or wants to watch their favorite team's basketball game, volunteer to watch with them. It's a nice gesture on a day that is all about showing love to those special people in your life.
• Plan an activity that is out of the ordinary. Visit the new renovations at the Evansville Museum and Planetarium or plan a tour of The Reitz Home Museum. Another fun option would be to take a painting class at Rose & Monet.

Stephen Libs Chocolates are the best in town!

Family Ideas:

• Include the kids! Spending Valentine's Day as a family is a great way to celebrate.
• Visit the Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe)
• Have family movie day--kids' choice!
• Get creative at Fire It Up pottery studio.
• If you haven't been to Sky Zone, give it a try. We have heard great things about it!
• Do Valentine's Day themed arts and crafts projects at home to give each other as gifts.

Whatever you decide to do this Valentine's Day, don't forget to enjoy some chocolate and appreciate anyone who fills your life with love!

Let's Talk New Construction

It's that time of year again! We will begin to see new homes being built all over the Tri-State throughout the next few months. In our neighborhood alone, there are two homes being framed and one that just completed construction (15011 Kingsmont -- check it out -- it's gorgeous!). 

It's always exciting to see these new homes being built, and we like to show new construction as an option to buyers along with existing homes because a brand new home can offer some really nice benefits. 

Some buyers shy away from new construction because they feel it has no character and is much more expensive. If you want a 1920s bungalow, new construction might not be your best bet, but please do not discount a newly built home purely based on price because the benefits might justify paying a bit more. 

One clarification we'd like to make is that buying new construction is different from building. If you build, plan to spend about $120/ square foot in the Evansville area, vs. $100 or less for new construction and preexisting homes. Most people choose upgrades and customize floor plans when they're building and that increases the price quite a bit. Buying new construction typically means a buyer is purchasing a spec home a builder has been working on for the sole purpose of selling it. These homes are upgraded nicely too and typically fit into the style and price range of the development where they are built.

Let's take a look at a few of the pros and cons of buying a new construction home.

Pros:

• The price of the home is very straightforward. Factor in building supplies, payments to contractors, land, and a profit margin. That's it. Buyers don't have to worry about sellers who believe their home is the most beautiful in the neighborhood and have a strong emotional attachment to it.
• Taxes are lower at first. When you get your first tax bill (or 2 depending on timing) your rate will only be figured for the land your home sits on. Once the home is assessed, your tax bill will go up to normal range, but you can enjoy at least one low property tax bill.
• You have a brand new home under warranty. All your appliances are new, your flooring, electrical work, plumbing, roof, foundation, paint and everything are brand new! Most builders also offer at least a 1-2 year warranty on the home and often longer on the foundation. You get peace of mind.

• They offer the best Energy Efficiency. New construction homes have been built according to the most recent building code standards. Rest assured your home is as energy efficient as it can be because it has new insulation, heating/cooling systems, and water heater. Who wouldn't want a lower Vectren bill??
• Safety and Maintenance. New homes tend to require less work because everything is in excellent working order. Just do your routine maintenance throughout the year, and you should have more free time to spend doing other things. New homes can also be safer because they feature things like updated circuit breakers, garage doors with sensors, and paint/stains/carpet that are more environmentally friendly for your family.
• Updated and current design. Last but not least, new homes showcase the most up-to-date finishes. Builders are using the materials buyers want to see in a home. You'll see a lot of granite countertops, hardwood floors, bronze or brushed nickel fixtures, stainless steel appliances, and neutral carpet and paint in new homes. There is no need to worry about updating the home because it's current.

Cons:

• They might be a little pricier. They could cost a bit more up front and you might not be able to negotiate much on the price. Builders want to be competitive, so they really try to price their homes fairly and accurately.
• Future construction. If you buy in a brand new development, understand that you'll be around construction for a couple years as more homes are built.
• Big trees. If you want large, mature trees, you probably won't find that in a neighborhood with new construction. Many new neighborhoods in our area are being built on land that was formerly farm ground.

• Lack of "projects". If you want to renovate and customize a home, you probably won't want new construction. Find a great preexisting house to update and fix to suit your taste.
• New homes are often built on smaller lots. It's rare in this area to find a new development with home sites larger than 0.25-0.3 acres. Older neighborhoods do boast larger yards, more along 0.5-1 acre in some cases. 

When you're ready to begin looking, just weigh these options. It's always a good idea to at least look at both preexisting homes and new construction to get a feel for what's available. The more you know, the more confident you will be in your decision when we find your dream home!

Have a wonderful week!