IAR and MIBOR Support Tax Reform

The Indiana Association of REALTORS® (IAR) launched a radio campaign last week calling for the elimination of the state’s township assessment system as a component of its overall property tax reform agenda.

The radio spot began last week in every major media market statewide and will run until the end of the month. IAR also developed a short video discussing how multiple experts have been recommending this step since 1901. Both spots are hard-hitting based on extensive research and background data to support the position.

Over the last several years, MIBOR has advocated the same position regarding the role of assessors in property tax reform. The video was e-mailed to legislators on New Year’s Day. Click here to view both pieces. Once on the site, click on the arrow underneath the television to play the video and the arrow underneath the radio to listen to the radio spot.

The Top 10 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts

Valentine's Day is the one day a year where you get to show your loved one exactly how much you love him/her. Show your love with a special gift; one that comes from the heart and will last a lifetime.

Here are 10 of the best both inexpensive and expensive gift ideas. But remember, Valentine's Day is not about money it is about sharing your love with one another.

1. A handmade Valentine's Day card - a handmade card says much more than a store bought one and will let your partner know exactly how much they mean to you.
   
2. Fresh flowers - the key to this is how they are delivered. You could have them delivered to his/her place of work, don her apartment with them, or a single red rose with a ring attached to it. What can be more romantic?
   
3. Personalized Chocolates - Personalized chocolates are a way of putting your expressions of love into a unique delivery.
   
4. Plane tickets to Paris - Ah the city of love. Which girl would not like this one?
   
5. A romantic candlelit dinner - for two. Cook his/her favorite meal, light some candles, stand the wine in ice and light background music will set the scene perfectly.
   
6. Jewelry - a heart locket for her with a photo of the 2 of you in side, or a piece of jewelry with a message on it. Maybe an engagement ring (hint, hint).
   
7. Love songs - put together a compilation of both your favorite love songs.
   
8. Say it with words - write him/her a poem about how much he/she means to you. If you can't write poetry, then give a book of poetry instead.
   
9. Lingerie - this one is for both of you to enjoy.
   
10. Picture perfect - have a favorite photo of the 2 of you blown up and mounted onto a nice frame.

The Next "Holiday?"

You guessed right...Valentine's Day! With my fairly new "single" status, I was sort of "bah humbug" about the big Heart Day. But there will be no negative this year.....so, I will embrace St. Valentine in 2008. My first step is to tell you the history of Valentine's Day...so here you go!

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

And there you have it, ladies and gents! The meaning of Valentine's Day...is UNKNOWN! That should not stop us all from expressing our feelings to loved ones this year.

Stay tuned for the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts...

Bye-Bye 2007

The holiday season has come and gone and a New Year is just over the horizon. Do you believe in New Year's Resolutions? I happen to believe in them, but never really took the time to write out my Resolution and see it through. So this year, I'll post it here for the world to see!

A friend of mine recently began a pretty stringent diet regimen. She was so sick of being over weight and she was determined to lose the weight. She posted her plans on her own blog so the world would know her plans. This way, if she didn't follow through, the whole world would know! Accountability at it's best...no one wants to be held accountable, especially if they didn't do what they said they would.

That being said, here is my New Year's Resolution:

• 15 Real Estate Transactions
• 10% saved for down payment on a new home
• Credit card paid off
• Continue working out at least 3 times per week
• Work/personal life balance
• 20% saved per paycheck for taxes

And there you have it. My New Year's Resolution. Are you focused on your goals? Why not post your resolution this year? What do you think of my goals?

'Tis the Season

Happy Holidays, everyone! I've been a scrooge this year and it was time to snap out of it! My son, Owen, and I went to visit Santa this weekend. With the 7-10 inches of snow we got, we were also able to do some sledding! So I've gotten into the spirit just a little, thanks to Santa, a little snow, and a very energetic 2 year old!

If you're like me, the holidays spell misery. The dark days, cold weather, and snow are enough to make you want to crawl into your bed and stay there until the first signs of spring.

Here are some ways to snap out of seasonal depression and move on with your life:

• DIET: Diet is important in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Because the appetite tends to increase, if a careful food regimen is not adhered to, weight gain becomes an added problem. Avoid sweets and starchy or fatty foods. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, instead.



• EXERCISE: Exercise is important as well, and the best exercise is walking outdoors, especially on bright sunny days. Even if the temperature is subzero, if the sun is out, you should be too. Soak up as much of those golden rays as you can.

• LIGHT THERAPY: Keep your house bright. Big windows. Drapes or blinds wide open. Bright lighting, full spectrum fluorescent if possible.

So grab your kids (if you don't have any, borrow some), your coat, hat, gloves, and a good sled and get outside! How does the saying go...got lemons? Make lemonade!

P.S. It doesn't hurt to invest in a good humidifier, too!

I recently began a career as a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. And those of you, who know me well, know I've spent most of my life in careers where great customer service was imperative.

That being said, I never knew the full extent to which I would be counseling, negotiating, consoling, and educating my clients. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad thing...I absolutely love it! I just never quite understood how emotional the home buying and selling process can be.

There are so many great people I get to work with and I love being the go to person for them! It's not like work at all...and that's the best job to have!

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell real estate, I can assure you that great customer service is just a phone call or email away!

When someone loves what they do, it shows. I hope you will consider me for yourself, your friends, and family when it comes to serving your real estate needs.

Lisa Parrett
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
317-246-9966
lisaparrett@lisaparrett.com
www.lisaparrett.com