Multiple Offers Earnest Money Steps to Buying a Home Deed vs. Title Filing Deductions Pre-Approval Letters Title Insurance Title Fraud Surveys Appraisals Septic Systems Radon Well Disinfection Flood Zones
Every homeowner is at risk of home title fraud. Title fraud is a scam that involves stealing the title or deed to a home, then borrowing against it, or selling it without the owners knowledge[...]
1. Statewide sales hit 76,262 for the year, 14% below 2022 as mortgage rates averaged 6.81%, nearly a point-and-a-half higher than ‘22 and more than double the historically low rates that helped drive record-setting 2021 sales.
2. The rapid increase in rates also took a toll on listings as homeowners put off potential moving plans to protect their pre-2022 mortgages and avoid selling into a slowing market; annual listings (90,820) fell below 100,000 for the first time in more than twenty years.
3. New listings dropped 12%, but slower sales meant overall inventory increased to 10,976 average daily listings…still nearly 40% lower than 2019, leaving Indiana with less than two months of available inventory through 2023.
4. Historically tight supply kept Indiana’s median price rising 4% to $242,500 as the majority of homes sold in 2023 went from listing to pending in less than two weeks.
5. Mortgage rates dropped nine straight weeks through the end of December; if rates improve to average 6.3% through 2024 (consistent with NAR forecasts), statewide sales could rebound 9% or more next year based on IAR's analysis of previous market performance[...]
Top 5 Home Renovations with the Best Return on Investment. Well-planned home renovations can really enhance your homes appeal and amp up its price when it is time to sell. [...]
I have put together a buyer and seller guide to give you more confidence in 2024 [...]
When deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors [...]
If you are thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what is happening with home prices? [...]
If you are following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them [...]
Sky-high mortgage costs are driving down competition among home shoppers, and a market firmly in favor of buyers is expected before the end of next year, according to a new report from Zillow released this week [...]
The market has shifted, and that is a good thing. Demand and sales are headed back to pre-pandemic levels, which were some of the strongest in recent history. But, the shift has caused a great deal of confusion and uncertainty [...]
Moving day is approaching and your to-do list just keeps growing! But, there is one more to-do to add to your list. This to-do list gets you ready for a peaceful first night in your new home. [...]
Buyers need to have skin in the game as they say to insure that they just do not simply change their mind and decide to walk away from the purchase of a home. Walking away can have a devastating effect on sellers and all other parties involved [...]
The Real Estate Market continues to experience Low Inventory and record Low Interest Rates and as you might expect it continues to be a Sellers Market. It pays to work with an experienced Real Estate Agent to help guide you through the process of how to handle Multiple Offers when you are selling your home [...]
Can your home handle the growing demand for electricity? With a new electronic device hitting the market almost daily, it is understandable that you might wonder if your home can handle the growing demand for electricity. [...]
Even in this strong sellers market, there are home sellers that could be losing on a profit if their homes do not meet the needs or desires of buyers. Meeting those needs means making sure the home is updated, appealing and functional [...]
When it comes to buying a house, you are looking for the perfect place to call home. The problem is, in todays market there just are not that many homes available to purchase. With inventory hovering near record lows and sky-high buyer demand, a multi-offer scenario is the new normal. Here are five things to keep in mind when you are ready to make an offer [...]
If you are a first time home buyer or if it has simply been awhile since you purchased a home, this guide will help give you an overview of the process. As your real estate agent, I will be your advocate and help guide you through the entire process step by step [...]
The biggest difference between a deed and a title is the physical component. A deed is an official written document declaring a persons legal ownership of a property [...]
Do you know what a home appraisal is and what is used for [...]
36 Home Design Trends Ready for Takeoff in 2021. It is all in keeping with the need for our homes to be places of nourishment, safety, rejuvenation and health [...]
Check out the Top 10 media that are talking about Coldwell Banker and its agents. The Weekly Top Hits list represents a small snapshot of Coldwell Bankers 1,000+ press placements for the month [...]
Indiana REALTORS today closed the books on November and released their summary of existing-home sales from the eleventh month of the year [...]
Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market [...]
The color authority today announced PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating as the dual Colors of the Year for 2021 [...]
Whether you are looking to give your living room a quick refresh or want to completely revamp your home, these five apps can help you get started [...]
If you are thinking of making your next move, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong, particularly while buyers are looking to lock in at low mortgage rates. Download my Winter 2021 Seller and Buyer Guides now to learn more [...]
If you purchased a home OR recorded a deed to change the title of your home this year, you should verify that your homestead tax deduction has been applied BEFORE December 31st [...]
Higher conforming loan limits in 2021 mean more house for you.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has released the conforming loan limits for mortgages sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2021. In most of the U.S., the 2021 maximum conforming loan limit (CLL) for one-unit properties will be $548,250, an increase from $510,400 in 2020.
Certain high-cost areas also have higher limits, reflecting the higher price of housing.
Combine these new loan limits with rates remaining near record lows and soon there will be more possibilities for you than ever before. Contact me today to discuss.
The housing market continues to show signs of a strong V-shaped recovery [...]
What is the difference between a floodplain and a floodway? The distinction between the two is important when considering development and mitigating risk in a community. [...]
Even if you are not a first-time home buyer, it is always a good idea to decide what you can afford before you begin viewing prospective homes. There are two ways to do this: by getting a loan pre-qualification or pre-approval from a mortgage lender [...]
Why Disinfect? Well disinfection can eliminate or reduce many different kinds harmful bacteria and viruses as well as harmless bacteria which can cause unpleasant taste and odors. However, disinfection will not correct water problems caused by chemical contamination from nitrate, fuels, pesticides, or other substances. Well disinfection should be performed under the following circumstances [...]
Do you know what Title Insurance is and the purpose of a Title Insurance Policy? [...]
If you are thinking of making your next move, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong, particularly while buyers are looking to lock in at low mortgage rates. Download my Spring 2020 Sellers Guide Now to learn more [...]
Do you know what a CMA is? A comparative market analysis is a side by side comparison of homes for sale and homes that have recently sold in the same neighborhood and price range [...]
The Harris Poll recently surveyed 2,000 Americans, and 39% of the respondents who live in urban areas indicated the COVID-19 crisis has caused them to consider moving to a less populated area [...]
A recent survey shows that in 34 of the 50 U.S. states, buyer demand is now strong and 16 of the 50 states have a stable demand. Also, 46 states and Washington, D.C. reported weak seller traffic [...]
Want to know if home prices have stablized in your area? Simply enter your address and an automated monthly report will be sent to you via email which will give you valuable information pertaining to homes that have recently sold and are currently for sale in your neighborhood [...]
It is important to understand how economists are using three types of sciences to formulate their forecasts and to work toward clearer answers about an economic recovery [...]
The latest results of the Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS) provided by the U.S. Census Bureau shows how Americans place immense value in homeownership, and it is continuing to grow in the United States [...]
With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it is important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy [...]
Once again, Coldwell Banker's parent company Realogy tops the list as the number one real estate brokerage in the country when comparing sales volume [...]
4 Common Furnace Issues That Could Become Dangerous
During any season when you need to use your furnace, the last thing you want is to have it malfunction [...]
Curious About What Your Home is Worth?
Knowledge is Power. I can provide you with a quarterly report to help keep you in touch with home values in and around your area. This report will give you valuable information pertaining to homes that have recently sold and are currently for sale in your neighborhood [...]
Keys to Selling Your House Virtually
The question is, if you need to sell your house now, what virtual practices should you use to make sure you, your family, and potential buyers stay safe [...]
Understanding Types of Property Surveys
As a buyer, it would be prudent to always order a survey when purchasing a home to help identify any encroachments on the property. There are several different types of surveys [...]
Understanding and Maintaining Septic Systems
Septic tanks with gravity flow drainfields have been used for many years in areas not served by public sewers. Unfortunately, not all soil and site conditions are well suited for these standard systems [...]
What is Radon?
Prolonged exposure to unsafe levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer; in fact, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and can cause cancers in pets, as well [...]
White River Vision Plan
The White River connects more than 10,000 acres of parks and attractions in Central Indiana, and whether you are looking for a quiet escape to nature or a community celebration, there is always something happening along the river [...]
The Economy in 2020 - The Great Lockdown
I found this economist to be both informative and funny [...]
Spring Cleaning 2020 = Disinfecting.
Here are 5 Tips to Help Keep Germs Out of Your Home [...]
Tips for efficiently working from home
Adapting to a new work environment is always difficult, even when it is moving into the comfort of your own home. Working from home can present new obstacles for those learning to manage work and life [...]
Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: 16 Tips and Tricks
It is uniquely satisfying to grow your own food from scratch. There are lots of reasons to plant a vegetable garden. When you grow your own produce, you can ensure your vegetables are free from chemicals and that you will have a reliable supply of food on hand [...]
With the current pandemic putting a pause on the economy many of your are wandering when the economy will recover, are we headed into a recession and is this going to be like 2008 all over again [...]
Believe it or not, there are lots of things you can do to prep your house for a sale without even going to the store [...]
Go online with the home buying/selling process.
The home buying/selling process can be even more challenging nowadays now that we are facing the coronavirus epidemic. The quarantine situation and the social distancing is making things way harder for home buyers or sellers [...]
Helping You Celebrate Life's Great Moments
Mobile (317) 590-3571 Office (317) 844-1131 Email brad@btgough.com
My Website www.btgough.com