According to the Metropolitan Board of Indianapolis Realtors (MIBOR) multiple listing service, there were 72 homes sold in the Village of West Clay in 2011.  Interestingly, this is the same number as in 2010. The average sales price has dipped from $495,950 in 2010 to $489,136 in 2011.

The highlight for the neighborhood, however, is that high end sales remained steady but with 2 homes selling for over $1,200,000.  In fact, they are very high end sales: $1,330,000 and $1,650,000 respectively.  We have not seen sales of this price point in about 3 years.  I see this as a very encouraging sign that we have turned the corner and 2012 will be a better year.  Other signs of improvement include the increase in new construction home starts in the Village.  Not only are Pulte and Ryland building spec inventory homes but, we are seeing a return of the “custom builder”!  Builders like Wedgewood Builders  (formerly the custom division of Estridge), Graddison Builders, and Dale Woodall are building homes directly for homeowners.  This is very exciting as the media has still been touting that construction loans are hard to come by.  There are lenders out there making these loans!  And, consumers building new homes!

If you are considering making a  move this year please contact me.  I can be reached at 317-531-1088.

Here is a breakdown by price range:

2011

$800,000+  =6

$500,000 – $799,999 =  29

$300,000 – $499,999 = 20

$200,000 – $299,999 = 12

$60,000 – $199,999 =  5

2010

$800,000+  =6

$500,000 – $799,999 =  33

$300,000 – $499,999 = 14

$200,000 – $299,999 = 17

$60,000 – $199,999 =  2

Village of West Clay Year End Results for 2011 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

As a parent you realize that meticulous attention to detail can help you decide the necessary steps for child care placement. Talking to other parents that offer experiential views or professionals like your pediatrician can help in the recommendation process. Ultimately, your own investigation of the child care centers that are top of the list paired with referrals and facility tours is the best way to narrow down the options and make your final selection.

The first quarter of the challenge in finding child care stems from obtaining a thorough list of at least five, if not more, places that you can check out further. Once you obtain a list, schedule an appointment to take a tour of each place. During the tour pay attention to:

• Cleanliness of the facility. Scan the facility from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the bathroom, kitchen, play areas and nap stations. In communal areas such as child care centers, it is commonplace for germs to spread amongst the kids. You want to feel assured that the facility takes the necessary precautions in maintaining sanitization and cleanliness of the common areas to ensure your child has the best opportunity possible for maintaining health.
• Note the amount of staff per child and the behaviors of staff with the children. Depending on your state, a ratio of one staff to 5 or 6 children is common. You want to make sure your child will get the necessary supervision from a well-staffed facility. Additionally, you want to feel secure in the fact that your child is spoken to with respect and handled appropriately by staff. Introduce yourself to staff during your tour and get a sense of each personality. Pay attention to the behaviors of the other children as well as how they interact with staff. Let instinct be the guide of your visual and personal perceptions during the tour.

After touring each facility, narrow down the list and then conduct a thorough background check of those placements that make the cut. This part of the process is the most crucial and lengthy because it allows you to get a detailed understanding of the policies of the facility, the value of education and teacher qualifications as well as any record blemishes the facility might have from the regulating state in which it is located.

Consider the following factors to help you determine if the facility is the best fit for your child:

• Credentialing of staff and state accreditation. Child care facilities that are properly registered with the state must undergo a specific accreditation process, or accountability based on established and researched quality standards. Your local state department office can supply information about the facilities you investigate if they are accredited by the state. Similarly, if the facility touts quality education programs, the teachers will have certain certifications and credentials. Discover the requirements of the facility for its teachers, the developmental programs or ongoing education required for the teachers and check that all teachers are certified in first aid and CPR.
• Review the educational curriculum of the facility. Request a summary of the educational philosophy and goals of the programs offered and if applicable any information that backs the claims. Take a look at the typical curriculum, learning experiences offered and compare these to the common developmental milestones for kids of your child’s age. Consider the current curriculum as well as the future as a means for preparing your child for the basics necessary to enter the elementary school system.
• Review the safety policies of the center. Discuss the protocol of the facility if your child becomes sick and the method in which the center uses to protect your child from stranger danger. Some places use a personal key code system, some use words. You want to know that your child will not be allowed to leave with anyone but the authorized people or persons you identify as appropriate.

It is not an easy task to find the best placement for your child. You seek quality, compassionate care but a nurturing learning environment, which are two different aspects of child care. If your first list of facilities does not pan out, keep searching because you can find the best option to meet the needs of you and your child.

Submitted by Dan Gilbert on behalf of Primrose Schools, a member of the AdvancED accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of day care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning curriculum. Dan has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.

A Parent’s Guide To Finding Day Care is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

Exterior Elevation 3328 Homestretch Drive

Located on the West side of Carmel in the popular Saddlebrook at Shelborne Neighborhood, this 6 bedroom 5 1/2 bath home has much to offer.

The master bedroom suite is located on the main level and overlooks 2 ponds and a nature preserve.

Pond Views

Special features include trey ceilings and built in stereo speakers.  The master bath features dual sinks, glass block shower with dual shower heads and a spacious walk-in closet.

The main level living is an open concept with 2 story Great Room, Breakfast Room and Kitchen.  Dark hardwood floors are throughout the main level. Also on the main level are a home office with built-in cabinetry and a formal Dining Room.

Kitchen

The Kitchen has a large center island with ample bar seating. Decora custom cabinets are in a white glazed finish and offer many pull out shelving options including dual spice racks. Stainless Steel appliances include 6 burner gas  cook top, french drawer refrigerator, convection and microwave combination.

Upstairs you will find 3 spacious bedrooms all with access to a full bath, a bonus room and a loft. The walkout basement is fully finished and has an additional bedroom, full bath, huge rec room, and an elaborate wet bar.  Plus, you have plenty of unfinished storage space.  For those envisioning a pool in their future the basement walk out feature would be ideal access. Professional landscaping includes a new stone paver patio with gas fire pit. There is exterior night accent lighting. There is an oversized 3 car garage for those of you with “toys”.

Gas fire pit

3328 Homestretch Drive, Carmel IN 46032 – $779,000 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

2383 Glebe Sreet, Village of West Clay, Carmel In 46032

This Village of West Clay home features the master on the main level and 4 additional bedrooms (3 located upstairs & 1 in the finished basement).  There are 4 full baths and 1 half bath.

The Kitchen has new cabinetry which is distressed antique white and the back splash is brick adding an interesting and stylish design element.

Stylish Kitchen 2383 Glebe Street

The floor plan is open and includes a great room, formal dining room and a flex room in the front of the home that can be a:  home office,  formal living room,  music room or children’s play room.

The finished basement is spacious and has a wet bar (the refrigerator & microwave are included).  The large storage room with built in shelving is found hidden behind a “secret” bookcase.

The courtyard is charming, private  and fully fenced.  There is a gas line for  your grill.  The 3 car garage is extra deep and allows for additional storage.

2383 Glebe Street- Village of West Clay- $419,400 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

Exterior Elevation 2022 Rhettsbury

Master Bedroom is located on Main Level.  Flexible floor plan is great for all types of families – ( Empty Nesters, Families with young children or teens, Singles)  There are 2 bedrooms located upstairs in the front of the home with a Jack and Jill bath between them. Another bedroom upstairs in the back of the home with its own private full bath and entrance from the back hallway. And a 5th bedroom in the basement also with a full bath. (4 full baths & 1 half bath in this spacious home). There are dual heating and cooling zones so if the upstairs is not being used you do not have to spend money on extra utilities.

Gourmet Kitchen

The Gourmet Kitchen has all the features you want: Stainless Steel appliances, double ovens, gas cook top, granite counter tops, tile back splash. The floor plan is open for entertaining and incorporates the Great Room, Kitchen and Breakfast Nook in the heart of the home.  The main level features hardwood floors.

The Office is spacious and depending on your taste you can have a formal Living Room or Dining Room.  The basement is finished with a custom built in theater and wet bar.

The Courtyard is lush and private and has a covered porch which is accessed from either the Master Bedroom or the Great Room.

There is a lot to love about this home. Call for your viewing today. Courtney Webster 317.531.1088

2022 Rhettsbury – Village of West Clay – $599,900 – Master on Main is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

exterior elevation 2520 Woodley

This home SOLD 9/28/11 for $434,000.

This Victorian style home overlooks the neighborhood park and is walking distance to the neighborhood pool and shopping.  With 5 bedrooms this floor plan is the largest offered. Total square footage is just shy of 5,000.

The main level features both a formal Living and Dining rooms, a home office AND a Mom’s office, a very spacious open Kitchen including a breakfast area and a Great Room. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  The basement is finished with a 5th bedroom and full bath plus a large rec room. There is a screened in porch overlooking the side yard.

The Kitchen has granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors.

Master Bedroom boasts his and her walk in closets, trey ceilings. Double sinks & garden tub in Master bath.  Mom’s office & mudroom.

2520 Woodley Street – $449,000 – Village of West Clay, Carmel IN 46032 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

12862 Horseferry Road

This home has been leased starting August 1, 2011 for a term of 2 years to a Lilly Executive.

Truly a custom home in the Richardson Romanesque architectural style. Superb value at $899,000. Tax value is $1,00,000. Act now to take advantage of this opportunity! Could be leased for $5,000 a month.

10 foot ceilings, 8 ft. doors, hardwood floors, crown moldings, arches, 4 fireplaces, spacious bedrooms, plantation shutters.

Gourmet Kitchen with pro style stainless steel appliances.Walk in pantry.

kitchen - 12862 Horseferry Road

Hearth room, formal dining, cozy office, formal living room, upstairs laundry.

Finished basement with sports bar, billards area, media room, wine cellar. Heated 3 car garage, irrigation system and security.

Great views from double porches overlooking pond with fountain.

12862 Horseferry Road, Village of West Clay, Carmel IN 46032 – $899,000 or for Lease $5,000 a month is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

This home SOLD 9/29/11 for $385,000.

Great opportunity to own a Village Home.   This perfect location is just a few houses down from a park and is in walking distance to the pool and shopping.

This 4 bedroom floor plan offers open living spaces. The kitchen is the heart of the home and opens to the Great Room and Dining area. Hardwood floors throughout the main level.

Kitchen has large center island with granite counter tops and bar seating, gas cook top, and stainless steel appliances.

There is a flex room on the main level as you enter the home on the left which is currently being used as a bedroom and is located next to a full bath. This room could easily be an office or a piano room.

The basement is finished and has a half bath.  Plumbing is in place for a wet bar.  There is also an exercise room.  More than ample storage is available in the unfinished section of the basement.

The exterior courtyard is fully fenced.  Home features 2 covered porches.  The 2 car garage has extra space for a golf cart.

12644 Treaty Line Kitchen

12644 Treaty Line Street – Village of West Clay, Carmel In 46032 – $397,400 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

Exterior elevation 1833 Limehouse Street

Drastic Price reduction as of  March 1, 2011.  Previous price was $1,599,000. Now $1,377,000! Act fast to take advantange of this great price!!

Dramatic and impressionable both inside and out! Everything you could ask for is in this 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath, 9,624 sq.ft. home.

Special features include: radiant heated floors, granite throughout including floors, automated LUTRON lighting, imported tile work & hardware, distributed sound, 3 high efficiency Trane HVAC including humidifiers/ electronic air filters, theater room wired for 7:1, lowering light fixtures for cleaning/ bulb changing, elegant master, bath & closet with great built ins. 5 fireplaces. Butlers pantry as 2nd kitchen. Central Vacuum system with 3 toe-kicks.  Over-sized 4 car garage.

Kitchen

The floor plan boasts Master on the Main and 4 bedrooms plus a Loft and Bonus room Upstairs. The Kitchen is open to the Hearth room. 2 Story Great Room overlooks Covered Veranda. Dining room connects to Butlers pantry. Basement has bar area, additional bedroom and bath, Theatre Room, Excersise Room and plenty of unfinished storage plus staircase leading to the Garage.

1833 Limehouse Street-$1,377,000- Village of West Clay- Carmel, IN 46032 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay

2045 Rhettsbury for sale or lease $279,900/$2,300

This home has been LEASED for $2,200 as of 10/7/11 for an 18 month term.

This Village of  West Clay Cottage faces the promenade.  Spacious floor plan includes Kitchen, Breakfast room, Combination Dining and Great room with gas Fireplace.

Kitchen

Kitchen features white cabinetry with center Island and stainless steel appliances including Gas range.

Hardwood floors throughout main level.

Basement boast built-in desk & cabinetry by Innovative Closets.

Basement with custom cabinetry and desk

Upstairs are 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Master Suite has vaulted ceilings, walk in closet, separate tub & shower, double sinks.  Upstairs hall with Pergo flooring.

2 car attached garage w/ key less entry. Side deck & Front porch that overlooks green w/fountains.

House is on the end which lends itself to more privacy.  Home is in great condition and shows like a model.

2045 Rhettsbury Street – Village of West Clay Cottage $279,900 is a post from: Everything Carmel :: A Unique Resource on Carmel, IN and the Village of West Clay