Even though you may feel reluctant to sell your house because you don’t want to take on a mortgage rate that’s higher than the one you have now, there’s more to consider. While the financial side of things does matter, your personal needs may actually matter just as much. As an article from Bankrate says: “Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal decision. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market.” So, ask yourself this: why did I want to move in the first place? Chances ar ..read more

Before you decide to sell your house, it’s important to know what you can expect in the current housing market. One positive trend right now is homebuyers are adapting to today’s mortgage rates and getting used to them as the new normal. To better understand what’s been happening with mortgage rates lately, the graph below shows the trend for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac since last October. As you can see, rates have been between 6% and 7% pretty consistently for the past nine months: According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR ..read more

Newly Built Homes Might Be the Answer Do you want to sell your house, but hesitate because you’re worried you won’t be able to find your next home in today’s market? You're not alone, but there’s some good news that may ease your worries. New home construction is up and is becoming an increasingly significant part of the housing inventory. That means, when you go to put your house on the market this summer, considering newly built homes is crucial for expanding the options you’ll have for your next move. Near-Record Percentage of New Home Inventory Newly built homes today make up a near-recor ..read more

The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today's market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the available homes. Navigating all of this can be daunting if you’re trying to do it alone. That’s why having a skilled expert to guide you through the homebuying process is essential, especially today. Bankrate shares this perspective:  "Advice and guidance from a professional real estate agent can b ..read more

If you agree with Shakespeare, then you would have to agree that life can be viewed as a game. If life is a game, then the best way to succeed is to be a student of the game. As students of the real estate game, The Noll Team desires to bring you constant value that helps you be the most confident homeowner you can be. For many, the current landscape has been challenging to navigate. Some homes are selling with multiple offers and some homes are sitting, taking months to sell; showcasing the dichotomy of this real estate market. You may be asking “Why?” Simple economics tells us supply and dem ..read more

You’ve heard the term “first impressions matter,” but did you realize it also applies to your home and curb appeal? The way your home appears from the curb will dictate the perception a buyer has of the inside of your home. If your front yard is unkempt, the assumption will be that the inside of your home is also unkempt, lowering the interest and perceived value. If you want to increase the views on your home, consider some of the options below: Clean and pressure wash the exterior - siding, gutters, driveway, and walkways Update existing light fixtures Keep the lawn, hedges, and flowe ..read more

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power. Even a 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment. And since rates have been moving between 6% and 7% for a while now, you can see how it impacts your purchasing power as rates go down. {Chart shows the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical mortgage payment.}   What This Means for You You may be tempted to ..read more

In Indiana, people are increasingly looking for homes with open floor plans that provide more space for entertaining and socializing with family and friends. They are also incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable materials in their homes, such as bamboo floors, reclaimed wood, and energy-efficient appliances. Another trend that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of natural and earthy tones in home decor. This includes incorporating shades of green, beige, and brown to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In terms of furniture and decor, people in Indiana are gravitating towa ..read more

March is the time of year when basketball fans get ready to see their favorite team go deep into the tournament. Especially this year for the women’s basketball programs of Indiana University & Notre Dame, as well as the Men’s programs of Indiana & Purdue. So, how does this relate to our upcoming Spring Selling Season? It’s March and both the Indiana housing market and Indiana basketball teams are getting noticed and highly ranked within the US. Did you know, that the housing market of Indiana is beating the national averages for home appreciation? In my 20 year career as a real estate ..read more

What are you experiencing? Expanding your family, new job, promotion, relocating, retiring, down-sizing, event losing a loved one, are all reasons people move. Could you be contemplating a move? Last month we talked about your housing goals in 2023. When it comes to moving, lifestyle is usually the key indicator for housing decisions. Expanding your family, new job, promotion, relocating, retiring, down-sizing, even losing a loved one, as well as affordability are all reasons people move. What are you experiencing this year? What is your reason for contemplating a move this year? The Opportu ..read more