Why you should Buy a Home In 2016

We listed down the benefits of buying a home now that we just started 2016. If you are a first time home-buyer, just moved out of your parents house, had been renting out forever or buying a second home for investment, here are reasons why you should buy a home in 2016.

1) Mortgage is cheaper than rent.

It has been a trend for rental rates to continue to rise each year. In most markets, monthly rent is higher than average monthly mortgage. And as everyone know, mortgage payment is secures an investment while paying for rent is not. See this US News Money article on Rental Rates on the Rise. 

2) Indy homes has one of the most reasonable prices in America.

According to CNN Money, Indianapolis is one of America's most affordable cities to buy a home based on home prices, median income and mortgage rates. Check out the article in their Most Affordable US Cities to buy a home. If you are getting one of the best home deals in the nation, why should you even hesitate?

3) There are low mortgage interest rates. 

Whether it's 30-year fixed-rate, a 15-year fixed-rate, the interest rates remain unchanged based on Freddie Mac's mortgage rate survey during the start of the year. See the results of Freddie Mac's survey here. With affordable home prices in Indianapolis, here is one more aspect that can help home buyers save money.

4) Think long-term investment.

Buying a home is one of the best long-term investments. Some may say Real Estate market is cyclical with lots of ups and downs, but if the trend continues this 2016, this is the best time to be a home buyer.

For more tips on buying a home, please call Lora Reynolds, Broker/Owner of Indy Homes Realty Group, LLC at 317-496-6291 or visit her website at www.lora.indyhomesforyou.com and start your house hunting. Good Luck!

Home Appraisals 101

Home Appraisals 101

Home Appraisals 101 - One of the most important part of in selling your home is getting a fair home appraisal. This is a tricky part since home prices change and may even turn off buyers if the property is appraised lesser than the purchase price. So here are some tips for home sellers to make sure you are getting a fair home appraisals.

1. Research your neighborhood's recent sales.

Do your homework by researching on recent sales in your neighborhood. Even finding out the causes of these sales in your neighborhood can be an important factor as they can affect the price of the sale. After your research, forward all these information to the appraiser.

2. Prepare your Home.

We are always told that appraisal is not based on your home's appearance, but it still affects the total score. So make sure that your home is spotless, clutter-free and has received all its needed improvements before the appraiser's visit. Exactly how you would set up your home before an open house.

3. Provide the features of your home.

Most appraisers will not always know all of the features of your home so it is a good thing to pro-actively provide it before appraisal. They are mostly looking for the following features:

• any improvements, renovations or upgrades
• new landscaping
• any custom materials such as granite counter tops or high-end woodwork
• easy access to public transportation, shopping, dining, or entertainment
• the quality of the schools in the area

4. Ask questions.

After the appraisal, request a final copy of the appraisal and review it carefully. If you find any errors or think the appraisal value is too low, don’t be afraid to ask for explanation. You can also consult a mortgage professional.For more information about the process, you may call Lora Reynolds, Broker Owner of Indy Homes Realty Group, LLC at 317-496-6291.

New Listing!!! 1419 Round Lake Rd, Greenwood

1419 Round Lake Rd, Greenwood, IN 46143
Home for Sale

Address: 1419 Round Lake Rd, Greenwood, IN 46143

1419 Round Lake Rd, Greenwood, IN 46143 New Listing - This home is perfect for a growing family with more than 3000 sq ft of living space in a family-friendly neighborhood,  Villages at Grassy Creek.

4 Large Bedrooms

2 Full Baths

3032 square feet

 $155,000
Walk in closet, bonus room and huge laundry room

Close to Clark Pleasant Middle School, Hwy 65 and Greenwood Park Mall.

Any questions?  Please contact Lora Reynolds of Indy Homes Realty Group 317-496-6291 or lora@indyhomesrealtygroup.com.

New Listing!!! 3328 Hemlock St Whiteland IN

3328 Hemlock St Whiteland IN 46184
Home for Sale

Address: 3328 Hemlock St Whiteland, IN 46184

3328 Hemlock St Whiteland, IN 46184 New Listing - This home in the Timber Valley development is the perfect family home with original upgrades from the builder!

Back patio space includes a hottub that overlooks the pond

3 Large Bedrooms

2 Bath Ranch complete with Appliances

Split Bedroom Floorplan

1978 square feet

 $144,000

Close to Pleasant Crossing Elementary, Country Roads 600 N and 75 W and a few minutes from Indy.

Any questions?  Please contact Lora Reynolds of Indy Homes Realty Group  317-496-6291 or lora@indyhomesrealtygroup.com.

Color Paint of 2016

Color Paint of 2016

According to construction materials giant Sherwin Williams, the 2016 Paint Color of year is the calm and soothing Alabaster (SW 7008). It is described to offer "a sense of personal solace and revival to weary minds."

For more information on Alabaster, its best pairs or paint colors in general, check out the Sherwin Williams website.

Moving to Downtown Indy

Moving to Downtown Indy

Moving to Downtown Indy - Are you moving to Indianapolis, but don’t know where to begin? Figuring out which downtown neighborhood in Indianapolis can be tricky. But this post is aimed to give you Indianapolis' neighborhood profiles so you can decide which area suits you best.

North

The northside of the city is home to Butler University, a private arts college which is also a prime tourist attraction with public cultural shows. A walkable community near Butler University is Butler-Tarkington.For those with a vibrant night life, trendy bars and nightspots are located along Broad Ripple Avenue, near the neighborhood Broad Ripple Village.Meridian-Kessler is also a popular development in North Indianapolis with its stately brick homes and private yards.

Northwest
16 Tech, dubbed as Indianapolis' technology district is located northwest of the city. With its walkable convenience to downtown shopping, dining and entertainment, northwest also offers the best residential spaces. Among great neighborhoods in this area include Stadium Lofts (formerly the location of Bush Stadium) and Pike Township with its residents' diverse nationalities and backgrounds.

Almost North
An affluent development with mid-20th century Victorian mansions is the Old Northside, also known as the home to the city's wealthiest and to the Morris-Butler home museum. Other near north neighborhoods with less expensive and less maintenance homes are Cottage Home and the historic district of Lockerbie Square.

South
Offering larger homes and lots, South Indianapolis is a haven for large and growing families. Among their popular choices are far-south community Perry Township, which used to be truck farms of German immigrants; Old Southside with its wide range of housing options from cottages to luxury homes and its abundance of green spaces that includes historic Babe Denny Park and Pogue's Run.

Almost SouthThe home to most Indy-based artists is Fountain Square with its larger homes, perfect for adding a studio space. There are also a variety of old factory or warehouses renovated to living spaces, a favorite of young professionals.

East
Eastern Indianapolis offers city convenience with the tranquility of the suburbs. Among the Eastern neighborhoods include Holy Cross on the eastern tip of Indianapolis, Highland Park with well-crafted duplexes and Victorian cottages, Cottage Home is a historic, close-knit neighborhood also on Downtown's East side.

Suburbs
Near Downtown Indianapolis, there are lots of suburbs surrounding the Crossroads city. Located north of Indianapolis city limits, Hamilton County includes fast growing cities like Fishers, Carmel and Noblesville with an annual 10-percent housing turn over. Down South of Indianapolis, there is Greenwood, a city in Johnson County. Lots here are spacious enough for house barn or farms.