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HUD homes is offering $100.00 Downpayment on all HUD homes in Indiana.  Check with www.HUD.Gov to see if HUD has this incentive in your state.  Now is the time to purchase a home.  Rates are as low as 3.75%.  Call  Alexander Realty Group 1 to purchase a home.  317-295-4663

The Federal Reserve announced today that they will keep interest rates low until at least late 2014 in an effort to help jump-start the sluggish economy by making it less expensive to borrow money across all segments of the economy.

Breaking News: New Obama Housing Program..Bulk REO Sales, Rentals

Diana Olick broke the news this morning that the Obama administration is very close to announcing a plan that would sell government-owned foreclosed properties in bulk to investors who intend to use them as rental properties. The hope is that by taking this inventory out of the sale pipeline, the program could help the broader housing market recovery more quickly.

If you are a investor now is the time to purchase more homes.  If you would like to start investing now is the time. We have some really great deals in Indianapolis. Call us. 317-295-4663

For centuries, homeowners have gathered around a fire to keep warm, chat and cook their meals. Today, most American homes have central heating, but the allure of a fire hasn’t diminished — whether it’s a wood-burning fireplace, a free-standing gas stove or, in a pinch, even the image of a burning log on a midnight television screen.

While there’s something to be said for the sounds and smell of a wood-burning fireplace, a lot of homeowners are opting for the ease of a gas insert. Today’s gas fireplaces look realistic, need minimal maintenance and can heat an entire room.

A low-profile gas fireplace is installed in this Lake Tapps home for sale in Washington state.

There are three kinds of gas fireplaces.

• Gas inserts: This is gas fireplace that can be fitted into an existing wood burning fireplace.
• Built-ins: A fireplace that can be installed into the wall where there wasn’t one previously
• Log sets: Gas burners that sit in existing fireplaces and are more for aesthetics than heat

Gas Fireplace Cost: $2,000 to $5,000 for the fireplace and installation. This is not a DIY project and should be handled by someone who can verify that the fireplace is vented properly.

This Santa Barbara home for sale has a gas insert installed in a former wood-burning fireplace.

Ventilation:

Although a gas fireplace doesn’t emit the smoke or leave ashes like a traditional wood-burning fireplace, they do emit carbon monoxide and other chemicals. Many gas fireplaces and inserts are vented versions that recycle air ?and exhaust directly through an exterior opening.

However, a vent-free gas fireplace can be installed anywhere because they don’t require access to an exterior wall opening. They are required to be cleaner burning and have an oxygen-depletion sensor that will shut off the fireplace if the level of oxygen is too low in the room. Vent-free gas fireplaces are not allowed in California, New York City and a few other places.

This Minnesota lake house features a double-sided gas fireplace.

Pros of Going Gas:

A gas fireplace can be built nearly anywhere in your home and provides a clean, low-maintenance look of a fireplace. You can control the temperature of the fire with a built-in thermostat and can start the fire with a switch or button. Unlike wood-burning fires, gas fireplaces are efficient and return as much as “75 to 99 percent of a fuel’s energy back as heat,” according to “This Old House.” Some gas fireplaces have built-in fans which can heat an entire room quickly.

Cons of Going Gas:

For most people, the cost of installation and the gas or propane to run it is a big enough turn-off due to cost. Additionally, there are some environmental concerns with gas fireplaces, specifically vent-free versions due to carbon monoxide output.

I plan on spending December, January and February sitting by my warm cozy fireplace taking care of all my real estate clients.  Two of my favorite things to do on those cold midwest winters.

The HOME Act: Taking from Your Nest Egg to Save the Nest?