September 12, 2019 begins with an early morning walk at nearby Glen Miller Park with my dogs, the drive there taking me past this gorgeous old church on South A street.
Glen Miller Park: misty lawns and old trees...
...ducks in the pond...
My dogs and I love it here as much as the golfers and early morning walkers do!
At 10:30 am, I pulled up to 801 North A Street and parked.
This adorable restored old home holds the offices of Coldwell Banker Lingle
and the best realtor I've ever met or worked with: Rhonda Duning.
Rhonda came out to meet me in the foyer and we went to her office, which reflects the busy busy professional she always is. Rhonda is a perfect representation of "Richmond Indiana Life," because she was MY realtor moving to Indiana. Without her, I'm pretty sure I'd never have been able to accomplish such a major change, so it's a real pleasure to tell the world how awesome she is! People like Rhonda why life here is so great: friendly, inviting and knowledgeable,
Rhonda knows just about everyone and is loved by all!
Rhonda's office walls are covered with framed articles, awards and
images of things and people she loves. Since obtaining her real estate license in 2001 (Note the year: Rhonda still remembers being in the middle of realtor classes when the tragedy of 9/11 rocked our nation), Rhonda has won the Top Producer award every single year.Images of family and reminders of home are everywhere. An Indiana native, Rhonda chose Richmond as her home 35 years ago and she KNOWS THE AREA and everyone in it! To have her realtor services is to also have a key to all the who, what, when, where and hows of the area!
Rhonda's husband, Marc's office is down the hall, so he popped in to say "hello." Hoping to do a write up on Marc, too, who's every whit as dedicated and professional as the dynamo he's married to.
When you get together with Rhonda, expect her to be on the phone or computer, taking care of client needs off and on, while you visit. This mug, coupled with the scented candle, are good representatives of her character: she cares about the little details which make life and the home you choose worthwhile, and she gives her all to everyone she meets, every waking minute of the day. She has a "can do" attitude that she actively puts into practice. Her answering machine message ends with "...MAKE it a great day!"
When asked what her favorite things are about being a realtor, Rhonda didn't hesitate: "The people I meet." Rhonda knows and loves the area, so, she's comfortable and friendly with everyone she meets: local business owners, law enforcement officers, neighbors...you name them, she knows them and what their lives are about. To Rhonda, work feels like a "calling," she says, because everyone has a story which impacts their lives and their real estate needs, including divorce, new marriages/births/jobs, death...everyone has a story. 85% of her clientele are local but the other 15% come from just about anywhere. Like me! Born and raised in Maryland, I'd made Utah my home before deciding to move here. How Rhonda went out of her way (and still does) to help with that is another inspiring story all by itself!
During our interview, Rhonda got a call concerning a problem with a locked screen door (that wasn't supposed to be locked), which would keep a prospective buyer from getting in. With a smile on her face, in her voice and attitude, Rhonda reassured the seller she could take care of it, then asked if I'd mind riding along. Of course not!
A lovely home it was to see, too, in such a peaceful neighborhood (my only regret in coming here is that I don't have the resources to purchase more homes in this area because they're sure priced to SELL!). The key Rhonda was given still didn't quite do the trick, so back we went to seller's place of employment for a different key, and then back to the property...this one worked! Nor is this unusual behavior for Rhonda. She doesn't just "try" to meet your needs. She sticks with it until it's solved. That's just who she is.
Next, Rhonda and I went to get photos of a couple more properties in the area she has listed. This is a charming old multi-family on a tree-lined street near where I live.
We got out of the car to look inside this classic, perfectly restored. 1827 gem: 130 S 4th St, Richmond, IN. The current owner also purchased the adjacent lot, which is included in the ridiculously low price of $130K.
It has a notable history as the "Jeremiah Cox House," one of the founders of the state of Indiana. Come inside and see...
High ceilings, polished wood floors and tastefully painted walls; gorgeous tall windows which flood each room with light...
... an eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops, new cabinets and appliances.
Up the perfectly restored staircase...
...tiffany blue carpet softens the noise of hardwood floors and richly painted walls frame inviting furniture and accessories in each bedroom.
There's nothing inconvenient or old about the updated bathroom,
with modern fixtures and ceramic tile.
It's time to leave this house & get back to our respective busy days (although it's hard to pry myself away. It's only $130K!).
It's always invigorating spending time with Rhonda, who loves dogs like I do! Her practice of setting goals and exercising positive thinking, results in positive, productive action for YOU, me and whoever crosses her path. She's discerning and a good judge of character: an invaluable trait in both a realtor and friend!
My dogs and I love it here! We also love that it's conveniently located close to 3 major airports and right on the Ohio state line. We have the privacy, low cost and peace of mind that comes with living in such a small, historically rich city, with all the conveniences we rely on close by. Email Rhonda and let her be your guide to Wayne County, Indiana: rhonda.duning@lingle.com
Check out her and Marc's website for the variety of properties available, from modern, upscale (at low price tags) to the old classics: http://www.marcduning.com/
