Overall, January home sales decreased 5.7 percent with 1,445 homes pended compared to 1,532 in January 2009. Shelby County posted a 45 percent increase, followed by Hancock County at 13.3 percent and Johnson and Madison counties, with 12.3 percent and 6.1 percent increase, respectively.

Tucker's just-released data indicates that eight of the nine Central Indiana counties saw increases in average home prices. Homes in Hancock County sold for an average of $142,837 in January 2010, a 42.5 percent increase over the same period last year. Also, Hendricks County showed a 27.9 percent increase in home prices, bringing the average to $179,516. The average year-to-date sales price for a home in the nine-county area was $134,027, which is 10.9 percent more than January 2009.

"As we move into the busy home-buying and selling season of spring, I expect more home buyers will enter the market to take advantage of the first-time and move-up buyer tax credits,:" said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's Residential Real Estate Services Division. "Also, the steady increase in home sale prices should boost seller confidence while the local real estate market continues to improve overall."

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 6.3 percent in January 2010 with 14,578 homes on the market, 985 fewer homes than in January 2009. Six counties experienced above average inventory declines. Madison County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 9.3 percent, followed by Hancock and Marion counties with 8.6 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively.

As the tax season nears, Litten reminds buyers that there are many advantages to purchasing a home. "Beyond the mortgage interest and real estate tax exemptions on your tax returns, homeowners may also qualify for residential energy credits of up to 30 percent of the cost for certain home improvements, including equipment and installation for solar electric power, solar water heating, wind energy and more," said Litten.

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Editor's Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on Feb. 7, 2010. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the NAR, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing.

With more than $2.1 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 45 offices and more than 1,300 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

The four awards, presented by Fred C. Tucker III, president of the F.C. Tucker Company, were as follows:

Fred C. Tucker Sr. Award
Pat Purdue was awarded the Fred C. Tucker Sr. Award for exemplifying the high standards and time-honored traditions initiated by the company’s founder, Fred C. Tucker Sr. During his 25 years with the F.C. Tucker Company, Purdue has exemplified judgment, courage, patience and vision as is evident by his remarkable business sense managing the company's assets. His long-standing dedication has taken him from intern to Chief Financial Officer.

In presenting the award, Fred C. Tucker III, president of the F.C. Tucker Company, said "Pat is passionate about his job and compassionate for every individual associated with the company. His work ethic is second to none, and he is a developer of people, by helping many grow to a higher level in their careers."

Associate of the Year
For the 23rd time, Bif Ward won the Associate of the Year award. This award is presented to the sales associate with the highest closed volume. In 2009, Ward’s closed volume exceeded $36 million. Ward works out of the Meridian North office and has been with the company for 30 years.

"Bif Ward certainly exemplifies judgment, courage, patience and vision," said Jim Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's residential real estate services division. "We are so fortunate to have such an energetic, knowledgeable sales associate on our team."

Bud Tucker Volunteer of the Year Award
F.C. Tucker Company sales associate Nancy Leonard was awarded the 2009 Bud Tucker Volunteer of the Year Award, the company's highest annual honor for volunteer service in the community.

The award is named in honor of Fred Tucker's father, who was deeply committed to serving the community. In presenting the award, Tucker said, "Nancy gives unselfishly of her time and talent, and is never looking for any recognition in return."

Leonard, a sales associate with the F.C. Tucker Company's Keystone at the Crossing office, was recognized for her volunteer efforts as the former president of First Step, Inc., an organization created to promote the development of infants and toddlers with delays and disabilities to reduce the need for special education. Also, Leonard is a member of the Safe Haven Steering Committee in her community, an organization created to assist new mothers with alternatives to unsafe abandonment of newborns. She is a long-time team captain and champion fundraiser for the Junior Achievement Bowl-a-Thon and serves as one of the key organizers of her office's increasingly successful auction to benefit St. Mary’s Child Care Center.

Good Samaritan Award
While many people may play the role of a Good Samaritan in day-to-day life, or have been the beneficiary of a random act of kindness, Julie Bacher has acted in a very special and unique way. Bacher, a sales associate with the Suburban North office, won the F.C. Tucker Good Samaritan Award for her special outreach through the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization in donating her kidney to a complete stranger. Bacher, who successfully completed her donation in the fall of 2009, is now committed to spreading the word and urging others to join her.

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With more than $2.1 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 45 offices and more than 1,300 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

Morgan County posted a significant 52.9 percent increase, followed closely by Madison County at 52.6 percent. At the end of the year, the overall market showed greater stability. December home sales were nearly level with those in December 2008 with 1,356 homes pended in 2009 compared to 1,360 in December 2008.

For the year 2009, a total of 24,395 homes sales pended, a slight 1.6 percent decline over 2008 sales numbers. The average home sales price in Central Indiana also stabilized at $139,212, a modest decline of 2.9 percent over 2008's prices.

"A look back at 2009 shows a year of stabilizing and increased activity, especially at the end of the year," said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company’s Residential Real Estate Services Division. "The federal tax credits offered to first-time homebuyers in the second half of the year helped propel much of the sales activity."

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 13.2 percent in December 2009 with 13,875 homes on the market, 2,103 fewer homes than in December 2008. Three counties experienced above average inventory declines. Hancock County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 20.6 percent, followed by Marion and Madison counties with 15.6 and 13.9 percent, respectively. Looking back, January 2009 showed 15,415 available homes on the market.

"2010 looks promising because we are seeing real declines in Central Indiana real estate inventory, including significant portions of foreclosed and bank-owned properties, existing for-sale properties and new home properties," said Litten. "Inventory declines mean further price stabilization and the potential for a pickup in the demand for both existing and new homes."

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Editor’s Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on Jan. 7, 2010. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the NAR, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing.

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

INDIANAPOLIS – Nearly 1,500 Central Indiana homes pended in November, with five of nine Central Indiana counties reporting increases compared to the same time period last year, according to pended sales statistics compiled by F.C. Tucker Company.

November home sales increased 3.3 percent overall with 1,497 homes pended compared to 1,449 in November 2008. Shelby County posted a 54.2 percent increase, followed by Johnson County at 32.7 percent and Boone County at 9.3 percent. Year to date, overall pended home sales are down 1.8 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2008.

"Traditionally, with winter approaching we see home sales start to slow," said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's Residential Real Estate Services Division. "However, with extension of the first-time homebuyers credit and the addition of the repeat homebuyers credit, coupled with affordable housing prices and mortgage rates, we are experiencing steady activity in the market."

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 14 percent in November 2009 with 14,646 homes on the market, 2,394 fewer homes than in November 2008. Two counties experienced above average inventory declines. Hancock County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 18.2 percent, followed by Marion County with 16 percent.

November housing statistics point to continued opportunities for buyers to take advantage of affordable housing prices across the nine-county Central Indiana region. The average year-to-date sales price for a home in the nine-county area was $139,169, which is 3.7 percent less than the same period last year.

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Editor’s Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on Dec. 7, 2009. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the NAR, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing.

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees. ]]> http://www.fctucker.com/news/newagents_Nov_2009.htm Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.fctucker.com/news/newagents_Nov_2009.htm F.C. Tucker adds 14 new residential sales associates in November

INDIANAPOLIS – F.C. Tucker Company has added 14 residential sales associates in November to its network of Indianapolis-area offices. The following REALTORS® are now providing real estate services from the listed F.C. Tucker locations:

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

October pended home sales up 20 percent in Central Indiana
Best October in F.C. Tucker history for listings sold, buyers represented

INDIANAPOLIS – More than 2,150 Central Indiana homes pended in October, with eight of nine Central Indiana counties reporting increases compared to the same time period last year, according to pended sales statistics compiled by F.C. Tucker Company.

October home sales increased 20.1 percent overall with 2,153 homes pended compared to 1,792 in October 2008. Shelby County posted a 62.1 percent increase, followed by Boone County at 37 percent and Johnson County at 34.6 percent. Year to date, overall pended home sales are down 2.6 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2008.

"Certainly the first homebuyer's tax credit was a big part of the resurgence," said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's Residential Real Estate Services Division, noting that Tucker recently had the best October in the history of the company for listings sold and buyers represented. "We are pleased with the recent extension of the tax credit and expansion to include existing home owners."

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 15.1 percent in October 2009 with 15,244 homes on the market, 2,712 fewer homes than in October 2008. Three counties experienced above average inventory declines. Hancock County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 18.5 percent, followed by Marion County and Madison County, with 17 and 16.8 percent, respectively.

"Less inventory and increased demand brings more consumer confidence to the market," said Litten. "This is the closest we've been to a balanced market in three years."

October housing statistics point to continued opportunities for buyers to take advantage of affordable housing prices across the nine-county Central Indiana region. The average year-to-date sales price for a home in the nine-county area was $138,904, which is 4.5 percent less than the same period last year.

Note: President Obama signed the "Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009" (WHBAA) last Friday. This act extended the first-time homebuyer credit to May 1, 2010, increased the income cap allowing more taxpayers to qualify and created a new incentive for "long-time residents" who purchase a different principal residence. Please check www.talktotucker.com for more information.

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Editor's Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on Nov. 9, 2009. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the NAR, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

September home sales increased 12 percent overall with 2,160 homes pended compared to 1,929 in September 2008. Madison County posted a 37.5 percent increase, followed by Hendricks County at 29.6 percent and Hancock County at 27.4 percent. Year to date, overall pended home sales are down 5 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2008.

"First-time home buyers continue to drive our local housing recovery, and last month in particular, we noticed a marked increase in open house traffic," said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's Residential Real Estate Services Division. "Low home prices and the tax credit for first-time home buyers make it a great time to buy a house in Central Indiana."

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 15.7 percent in September 2009 with 15,786 homes on the market, 2,937 fewer homes than in September 2008. Three counties experienced above average inventory declines. Marion County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 19.2 percent, followed by Hancock County and Madison County, with 17.9 and 14.5 percent, respectively.

September housing statistics point to continued opportunities for buyers to take advantage of slightly lower housing prices across the nine-county Central Indiana region. The average year-to-date sales price for a home in the nine-county area was $138,815, which is 5 percent less than the same period last year.

Realtors remind consumers that the deadline to qualify for the federal first-time home buyer tax credit is November 30. That means buyers have to agree to terms soon to get deals closed by the deadline. For additional information, visit www.fctucker.com.

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Editor’s Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on Oct. 7, 2009. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the NAR, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing.

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.

August pended home sales in the nine-county area were down only 0.1 percent overall with 2,213 homes pended compared to 2,216 in August 2008. Johnson County posted a 17.8 percent increase, followed by Hancock County at 15.4 percent and Marion and Hamilton counties with 5.9 percent and 0.9 percent increase, respectively. Year to date, overall pended home sales are down 7.5 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2008.

Available homes for sale in the nine-county region dropped 16.3 percent in August 2009 with 16,068 homes on the market, 3,130 fewer homes than in August 2008. Two counties experienced above average inventory declines. Marion County experienced the greatest decrease in inventory at 20.0 percent, followed by Hancock County with 18.6

August housing statistics point to continued opportunities for buyers to take advantage of slightly lower housing prices across the nine-county Central Indiana region. The average year-to-date sales price for a home in the nine-county area was $138,748, 5.5 percent less than the same period last year.

"August home sales, virtually the same as last year, reflect the positive and steady rebound of the local real estate market," said H. James Litten, president of F.C. Tucker Company's Residential Real Estate Services Division. "Attractive home prices, low interest rates and a first-time home buyer credit have made housing more affordable than it has been in the last two decades."

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Editor’s Note: All statistics were compiled by F.C. Tucker Company from a report drawn from Propertylinx statistics on September 9, 2009. Pending means the sales contract has been signed, but the transaction has not closed. According to the NAR, pending sales typically are finalized within a month or two of signing.

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana's largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company's family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and "Golden Rule" commitment to its clients and employees.