If you're thinking about building a home, you're probably imagining the fun parts.

Walking through model homes. Picking out your floor plan. Choosing cabinets, flooring, and paint colors. You’re dreaming of having enough space for the kids, a home office, and maybe even that covered patio you've always wanted.

It's exciting.

But before you get caught up in all the design decisions, there are a few things you should know that can save you a lot of money, stress, and regret later.

I've represented several families and helped them navigate the home-building process throughout the Indianapolis area, including Hamilton County and Boone County. I see the same mistakes happen over and over. The good news is they're almost always avoidable.

Fall fun in and around Indy

Looking for fall fun? Check out this list of festivals, haunted houses, apple picking and more all around the metro Indy area.

Where to see fireworks in the Indianapolis area

The skies will light up all over central Indiana on July 4th. See where you can see fireworks in Indianapolis and the northern suburbs.

IndyStar column by Laura Musall: Interest rates are up; waiting to move may not be best for your wallet

When interest rates started to climb a year ago, some buyers said they were going to wait out the market, thinking prices were going to plummet. That didn’t happen. Prices are up, and we still have a supply issue.

Here’s what’s happening in the market now:

· Home sales are down this year compared to the same time in 2022. Sales are down about 12% in Carmel; 18.5% in Fishers and 12% in Washington Township on Indy’s northside.

· Average home prices are up, about 5% in both Washington Township and Fishers and 2.5% in Carmel. Average home prices increased in the double digits from 2021 to 2022.

· Homes are still selling. In fact, the average sales price is about 99% of the list price; it was 100% a year ago.

· Buyers are out there, but there aren’t enough houses to meet demand in lots of areas of metro Indianapolis. Now is a good time to sell a house.

But is it a great time to buy a house? Yes!

Real EstateLaura MusallNovember 17, 2023Home Building, Interest rates, Mortgage, Home selling, realtor, Indianapolois realtor

Laura's Insights