Building a new home has become an extremely popular option for finding your first or next home. This is due to the record-low existing home inventory that causes multiple offer situations where offering up your first born might not be enough to win the bidding war. Building new isn’t necessarily easier than buying existing, though. So here’s a list of considerations that I recommend if you’re considering building your next home: Don’t go alone: I don’t recommend going into the process without representation on your side. There are so many options to consider when building new, that the … Continue reading...

After negotiating and agreeing on the purchase price and terms of an offer on a property, the next major step in the home buying process is the home inspection. A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. Typically hired by the buyer (a home owner can hire an inspector as well, which I will detail later in this blog), the inspector therefore works for the home buyer and the report belongs to the home buyer. Many Realtors can and will refer to a list of reputable inspection companies, but ultimately the choice of whether to have an inspection and who … Continue reading...

By far, the top concern I’ve heard with homeownership are the hidden costs. If you read last week’s blog, How Much Home Can You Really Afford?, buckle up, we’re doing some more math this week! (Not as much this time.) But first, what could the hidden costs be? From last week, we know that if you have an escrow account, your property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance are included in your monthly mortgage payment. If not, your mortgage lender will still account for these expenses in your pre-approval amount to determine affordability. It’s important to understand that these … Continue reading...

When people are thinking about buying a home, they may often search for homes first without considering how much home they can actually afford. That’s not necessarily right or wrong, but my goal is for you to be as informed as possible. So, I will distinguish the difference between how much you can afford and the amount for which you may be approved. First, let’s talk affordability. Only you know how much you can truly afford based upon your personal budget. Many personal finance experts would encourage you to budget no more than 25% of your monthly net income towards your monthly housing … Continue reading...

News around us regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unfolding hour by hour, thanks to the speed at which we receive information. Schools are out for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, businesses are furloughing workers, new unemployment filing has surged exponentially, and shelter-in-place orders keep tightening and extending. So what does this all mean for the housing market? Unlike the Great Recession of 2008, where the housing market was at the center of the crash. This time around the housing market is a byproduct of the effects of a potential recession due to the … Continue reading...

Many of us have already been at home for at least a week now, but with Governor Holcomb’s announcement this morning, we will be home for at least 2 more weeks. So, here’s my list of recommendations on what to watch, if you have free time. This is the stuff I’ve been watching over the past year or so: Netflix: Movies: Beyonce Homecoming The Irishman Dolemite is My Name Circle Bright What Happened To Monday Abducted In Plain Sight Drive Hush I Am Mother Shows: On My Block All American Good Girls Greenleaf Queen of the South Cheer Don’t … Continue reading...

The coronavirus pandemic is causing uncertainty across the nation—and for many, that includes financial uncertainty. Luckily, there are options for homeowners impacted by the coronavirus. In a recent statement, Mark Calabria, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (which regulates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks) called attention to options homeowners may have if they struggle to pay their mortgage during this time of crisis. “To meet the needs of borrowers who may be impacted by the coronavirus, last week Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (‘The Enterprises’) … Continue reading...

Today is National Home Warranty Day. (It seems that everything has it’s “Day” nowadays…) How should you celebrate this big day!? Ok, maybe not with a dance party, but it's a perfect opportunity for me to give you the real deal on home warranties. So, what is a home warranty? A home warranty is not the same as homeowner’s insurance. And homeowner’s insurance is not a home warranty. Insurance is pretty much something everyone has. If you have a mortgage… you are required to carry homeowner’s insurance. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, most people have an insurance policy. Insurance … Continue reading...

The spring real estate market is underway and you may be hearing reports on the news that the greater Indianapolis market is showing no signs of slowing down in 2020. You’ve been in your home for a while and now you’re wondering if you should stay or sell? Hopefully I can help you sort that out some.. I am a Realtor, so you might assume that this is a cheap attempt to convince you to sell. That’s not the case. I am a homeowner first and I’m aware that selling isn’t always the best option, despite market conditions making it a great time to sell. Reasons to Stay: You love your neighborhood. … Continue reading...

One day, while at my local Kroger, I noticed the Home Chef meal kits were available in the store so I cured my curiosity and bought one. The prep & clean up were a breeze, and the recipe was tasty too - so I was officially hooked. I remembered that I had seen most of the other companies advertise on Groupon, so I decided to give them all a try to compare which one I liked best. Each kit I tried is ranked below, from 4 to 1, with 1 being my favorite. The above pictures are some of the meals from the various kits - I would love to say that I remember what everything is and what company it … Continue reading...