Erica Amans, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

06/12/2026

I hope everyone is safe and sound!

Last night's storm got me thinking...

Would you rather lose power in the middle of summer after a thunderstorm or tornado...
OR
Lose power in the middle of winter with no heat?

A tornado touched down in our area, and our power has been out since 11:15 PM. While we're making do, it made me realize how different my preparation is depending on the season.

As a homeowner, power outages are inconvenient.

As a home seller, they can be stressful.

Imagine having a showing scheduled and buyers walk into a dark house with no lights, no AC, and maybe even no water if you're on a well. Storms happen, and buyers understand that, but it definitely changes the experience.

So now I'm curious...
⚡ Summer outage?

❄️ Winter outage?

And what's one thing you always keep on hand when the power goes out?

Drop your answer below. 👇

06/12/2026

Some transactions mean a little more than others.

I had the privilege of helping this seller purchase 3411 Beowulf Run years ago, and now I've had the honor of helping them sell it as they move on to their next chapter.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to walk alongside people through different seasons of life. From the excitement of buying a home to the memories made inside it, and eventually helping navigate the next step when the time is right.

Congratulations to my seller on a successful closing and all that lies ahead. Thank you for trusting me not once, but twice, with such an important milestone.

Thinking about your own next chapter? I'd love to help.
📞 Erica Amans | 260-740-8673

06/11/2026

📍 Sold 📍 3411 Beowulf Run has been sold! Very happy for my clients. If you're thinking about selling your home, let's talk!

3-Bed Home in Auburn IN with Main Floor Primary, Loft & 3-Car Garage Near I-69. Looking for a newer home in Auburn with space to grow and an easy commute to Fort Wayne? Welcome to 3411 Beowulf Run in a quiet neighborhood with walking trails and peaceful ponds. Built in 2022, this 3 bed, 2.5 bath ...

06/11/2026

Is anyone else's black cat celebration National Black Cat Day?

🐾 Today we’re celebrating our sleek, mysterious, and totally lovable black cat—proof that good luck definitely comes with fur and whiskers. 🖤

Whether they’re bringing charm to your home or stealing the spotlight on camera, black cats deserve all the love today and every day.

Drop a 🐈‍⬛ in the comments if you’ve got one of your own!

06/11/2026

Everyone talks about the sunsets.

Everyone talks about the boating.

Everyone talks about the dream of owning on Lake James.

But after helping buyers and sellers on these lakes for years—and living on Snow Lake myself—here are 5 things people are often surprised to learn:

1. You're not buying one lake. You're buying access to five.
The Lake James Chain includes Lake James, Jimmerson Lake, Snow Lake, Big Otter Lake, and Little Otter Lake.

Depending on where you buy, your boating experience can be completely different.

2. Not all waterfront is created equal.
A channel-front property, a bay-front property, and a main-lake property may all be considered waterfront, but they offer very different views, water depth, traffic levels, and boating experiences.

3. Boat traffic matters more than road traffic.
Many buyers ask about commute times. Experienced lake owners ask what the lake feels like on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.

4. The purchase price is only part of the equation.
Docks, boat lifts, seawalls, shoreline maintenance, and lake equipment are all part of lake ownership. The right property isn't always the lowest-priced one.

5. A Lake James address doesn't always mean Lake James frontage.
This one surprises buyers all the time.

Some homes have a Lake James mailing address but may be located on a channel, a backlot, or have association access rather than direct frontage on the main lake.

That's why local lake knowledge matters.

Buying the wrong property on the right lake can be just as disappointing as buying on the wrong lake altogether.

My family has been enjoying these lakes since 1951, I live on Snow Lake, and I've spent years helping buyers understand the differences between lakes, waterfront types, and neighborhoods before they make a move.

Comment "Lake Life" and I'll send you my Northeast Indiana Lake Guide.

Erica Amans
260-740-8673

06/11/2026

Everyone talks about the sunsets.

The boats.

The sandbars.

The lake views.

But nobody talks about the sewer alarm box.

If you're thinking about buying a lake home in Northeast Indiana, there's a good chance the property is connected to the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District. It's one of those details that rarely comes up when people are dreaming about lake life, but it's part of living here.

From flat monthly sewer fees to alarm boxes you can sometimes hear across the water, there are plenty of little things that longtime lake residents consider normal—but they can surprise newcomers.

That's exactly why I host my Relocation Workshop. We talk about the things people wish they knew before moving here, from lake life realities and internet service to sewer districts, winter weather, and choosing the right lake for your lifestyle.

The workshop is free and held on Zoom on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6 PM EST.

Comment Relocation and I'll send you the registration link.

My name is Erica. I help buyers and sellers in Northeast Indiana, and I live on Snow Lake—my family has been here since 1951.

06/11/2026

Let's play a game.

You're touring a house.

One room has beautiful countertops, fresh paint, and trendy light fixtures.

The other has a 17-year-old water heater, an aging HVAC system, and a roof nearing the end of its life.

Which one is more likely to cost you money after closing?

Here's the reality: most buyers spend a lot of time evaluating finishes and not enough time evaluating the systems that keep the house running.

The pretty stuff is easy to change.

The expensive stuff isn't.

Before you fall in love with the cosmetic updates, take a few minutes to look at:

✔️ Water heater age
✔️ HVAC age and condition
✔️ Roof age
✔️ Electrical panel
✔️ Major maintenance items

Because replacing countertops is usually a project.

Replacing a failed water heater while you're trying to get ready for work is a surprise.

The smartest buyers know that understanding the home's systems is just as important as loving the home's style.

💬 Comment **"Buy Guide"** and I'll send you my buyer guide with tips on what to look for before you make an offer.

06/10/2026

Nobody talks about this when you're relocating to Northeast Indiana.

Everyone focuses on the house.
The kitchen.
The acreage.
The lake view.

What they don't tell you is six months later you'll somehow own a golf cart, a kayak, a fire pit, a riding mower, and you'll be pricing out boats "just to see."

And before you even get there?

Make sure you check the internet.

I've watched buyers fall in love with a property only to discover the internet options weren't going to support their job, streaming habits, or daily life.

The truth is, relocating here isn't just about buying a house. It's about understanding the lifestyle that comes with it.

Question for the locals:
What's the outdoor purchase you swore you'd never buy... but now own?

Comment RELOCATION for my Northeast Indiana Relocation Guide.

06/10/2026

Hidden Costs First-Time Buyers Overlook

It’s not just the down payment! 💵
Here are a few extra costs you’ll want to plan for so there are no surprises at closing.

06/10/2026

I never expected to spend this much time thinking about cat food, but here we are.

Memphis is on a special diet, which means every trip to buy food feels a little bit like making a car payment.

Of course, he's completely worth it. He just doesn't seem to appreciate the sacrifices being made on his behalf.

Please tell me I'm not the only pet owner whose animal has become unexpectedly expensive.

What's the most ridiculous thing you've purchased for your pet?