Journal
Issue 103 · October 2026 · IndianaNotes on Indiana real estate, the numbers behind the questions people actually ask before they move.
What is the property tax circuit breaker, and does the cap follow you to the next house?
Indiana's percentage property-tax caps and the over-65 circuit breaker credit work differently when an owner changes homes.
Read October 28, 2026What does a house built before 1960 sell for in West Lafayette now?
The map identifies West Lafayette neighborhoods with older sales, but its build-year range does not establish the age of every home.
Read October 27, 2026The Indiana mortgage deduction is gone from your tax bill. What replaced it?
The mortgage deduction was repealed, and homestead benefits have continued to change. The schedules need to be read by assessment and payable year.
Read October 27, 2026What sells in Vinton Highlands, Lafayette?
Vinton Highlands has a substantial recorded-sale count, but the sizes behind the neighborhood median vary.
Read October 26, 2026What is the Indiana veteran property tax deduction, and what happens when you move?
Indiana changed its veteran property-tax benefits for the 2026 assessment year. A move also requires attention to the new property's filing.
Read October 26, 2026What sells in Blackthorne, West Lafayette?
Blackthorne's asking prices sit above its two-year sale median in the cited snapshot. Those figures describe different sets of homes.
Read October 25, 2026Does Indiana make you disclose a death in the house?
Indiana treats a death in the home under its psychologically affected property rules, with limits on responses to direct questions.
Read October 25, 2026What sells in Hickory Ridges, Lafayette?
Hickory Ridges' snapshot contains mostly larger homes. That affects how its asking prices compare with the longer sale record.
Read October 24, 2026Who is exempt from the Indiana seller's disclosure form?
Indiana's disclosure exemptions depend on the type of transfer and the seller's capacity, rather than simply whether the owner lived in the home.
Read October 24, 2026What sells in Shawnee Ridge, West Lafayette?
Shawnee Ridge's available listings occupy a different size and price range from parts of its closed-sale record.
Read October 23, 2026You inherited a house with your siblings and one of you wants out. What then?
Co-owners of an inherited Indiana house may have options for agreement before a partition proceeding leads to a sale.
Read October 23, 2026What sells in Amberleigh Village, West Lafayette?
Amberleigh Village meets the map's minimum sale count. Its small sample calls for careful selection of comparable homes.
Read October 22, 2026How does a personal representative sell a house in Indiana?
The will and the estate's administration determine a personal representative's sale authority. Documentation should reach the title company early.
Read October 22, 2026What sells off Lindberg Road, West Lafayette?
Lindberg Road connects several West Lafayette neighborhoods. Their individual sales records are more useful than the road name alone.
Read October 21, 2026Can a house be sold without probate in Indiana?
How an Indiana home passes after a death depends on the ownership arrangement and estate documents already in place.
Read October 21, 2026How do you plan a two-day house-hunting trip to Greater Lafayette?
Build a Greater Lafayette trip around suitable homes that can be shown, with time for the commute and a second look.
Read October 20, 2026What sells in Stonehenge, West Lafayette?
Stonehenge's record combines homes from different build years. Those differences need to be separated before pricing a resale.
Read October 20, 2026Can you sell a house that is held in a trust in Indiana?
A trustee's authority to sell comes from the trust document and applicable law. Confirm the title and signing arrangements before listing.
Read October 19, 2026Which Lafayette neighborhoods sold the most homes, and what that tells a seller
Lafayette's busiest sales records can help an owner find comparisons. The count alone does not measure a neighborhood's desirability.
Read October 19, 2026What records should a seller keep, and for how long?
Keep the records behind a home's adjusted basis throughout ownership and through the applicable period after the sale.
Read October 18, 2026Which West Lafayette neighborhoods sold the most homes, and what that tells a seller
West Lafayette's sales count measures completed transactions. New construction and neighborhood size affect how it should be read.
Read October 18, 2026Which improvements actually raise what the IRS calls your basis?
The IRS distinguishes improvements from ordinary upkeep when calculating basis. The records matter, including whether the improvement remains in the home.
Read October 17, 2026Millbrook and Wiggins Farm: what new construction nearby means for your resale
Millbrook and Wiggins Farm add to the new-home discussion in West Lafayette. Resale owners need to examine the specific homes competing with theirs.
Read October 17, 2026Do you have to tell the IRS you sold your house, and what is the 1099-S?
Receiving Form 1099-S and qualifying for the home-sale exclusion are separate questions. Keep the closing paperwork for the tax return.
Read October 16, 2026Hired by Purdue: buying a house around the academic calendar
A Purdue start date can be fixed while housing availability changes. Plan the search and temporary arrangements around both.
Read October 16, 2026If your spouse has died, what is your basis in the house now?
After a spouse's death, the tax basis of a jointly owned home may combine two different figures. The deed and estate records matter.
Read October 15, 2026Taking a job at SK hynix: where can you buy in West Lafayette?
For a move connected with SK hynix, the employment schedule and available housing need separate attention.
Read October 15, 2026Are Indiana property taxes paid a year behind?
Indiana's property-tax bills generally cover the prior year. That lag is important when reading a closing statement.
Read October 14, 2026Retiring from Purdue: stay, renovate or move?
Retirement can change how a home is used. Compare staying, adapting the layout and moving before committing to any one route.
Read October 14, 2026What happens to your escrow account when you sell your house?
A mortgage payoff leaves the servicer to reconcile the escrow account. Check how any remaining balance will be returned or credited.
Read October 13, 2026Moving to West Lafayette to be near grandchildren
A move closer to grandchildren calls for attention to the drive, daily routines and the home itself, as well as the sale price.
Read October 13, 2026Does Indiana require a radon test when you sell a house?
Radon testing may arise during a sale even where the state licensing rule does not require a seller to order it.
Read October 12, 2026Selling the family home you bought when you came to Purdue
Selling a long-held West Lafayette home involves comparing similar sales, choosing preparation work and making a plan for the contents.
Read October 12, 2026What happens to a reverse mortgage when the house is sold?
A reverse mortgage can become payable when a home is sold or the borrower no longer occupies it. Families should confirm the servicer's requirements promptly.
Read October 11, 2026What sells in Stonehenge Villas and The Villages at Arbor Chase, West Lafayette?
Stonehenge Villas and The Villages at Arbor Chase have separate records. Their names alone do not establish a floor plan or maintenance arrangement.
Read October 11, 2026Can you use a 1031 exchange on the house you live in?
Section 1031 concerns qualifying business or investment real estate. A personal residence is generally considered under different tax rules.
Read October 10, 2026What does $400,000 buy in Lafayette right now?
Lafayette sales near this price include a range of sizes and build years. Read the neighborhood figures as context for individual homes.
Read October 10, 2026Do you lose your over 65 property tax benefits in Indiana when you move?
Indiana's senior property-tax benefits have their own eligibility and filing requirements. A move calls for a fresh check with the county auditor.
Read October 9, 2026What does $500,000 buy in West Lafayette right now?
The West Lafayette record includes different sizes and build periods near this price. A budget alone does not identify the right house.
Read October 9, 2026Who fills out the Indiana sales disclosure form when you sell a house?
Indiana's sales disclosure form records the transaction for property-tax purposes. It is separate from the seller's statement about the home's condition.
Read October 8, 2026How do you read the Lafayette neighborhood map?
How to use the Lafayette map's price bands, neighborhood cards and seven columns without treating a median as a valuation.
Read October 8, 2026If your employer pays for your move, is it taxable income?
Employer-paid moving benefits can affect taxable income. Review the package and applicable tax guidance before relying on its headline amount.
Read October 7, 2026How do you read the West Lafayette neighborhood map?
A guide to the West Lafayette map's shading, sales figures, home counts and limits.
Read October 7, 2026Do you have to file the Indiana homestead deduction again when you move?
A move requires checking the homestead claim on the new property and the notification requirements for the one you leave.
Read October 6, 2026What sells in New Chauncey, West Lafayette?
New Chauncey's older homes vary in size and the work done over time. The map's price range is a starting point for a closer assessment.
Read October 6, 2026Do you pay capital gains tax when you sell your house?
The home-sale exclusion applies to gain, subject to eligibility rules. Purchase records, improvements and the cost of selling help establish the calculation.
Read October 5, 2026What is a transfer on death deed, and should it be on your house?
An Indiana transfer on death deed needs to be recorded during the owner's lifetime and coordinated with the rest of the estate plan.
Read October 5, 2026What sells in Barrington Woods, Lafayette?
Barrington Woods' record contains many recent builds. Sellers should distinguish the house's features from what a builder currently offers.
Read October 4, 2026Why do you have to sign an agreement before an agent shows you a house?
A written buyer agreement sets out the services, term and compensation before a represented tour. Read those terms before signing.
Read October 4, 2026What sells in Hills & Dales, West Lafayette?
A small number of Hills & Dales sales provides context, but the condition and changes to each older home require individual attention.
Read October 3, 2026Pre-qualified or pre-approved: what is the difference, and does it matter?
Ask what the lender verified before issuing the letter. The labels alone do not establish how much review has taken place.
Read October 3, 2026What sells in Concord Ridge, Lafayette?
Concord Ridge's completed sales sit within a defined range, with recently built homes contributing to the record.
Read October 2, 2026Do you need a survey, and which kind?
A location report and a boundary survey provide different information. Choose the work that answers the question about your property.
Read October 2, 2026What sells in Belle Terra, West Lafayette?
Belle Terra's sale-price range is broad despite its recent build years. Plans, lots and included selections deserve individual review.
Read October 1, 2026What is the final walkthrough actually for?
Before closing, check the agreed repairs, included items and condition of the house against the purchase agreement.
Read October 1, 2026What sells in Provenance, West Lafayette?
Provenance's sale figures combine homes from several recent build years. A resale needs a comparison that accounts for that mix.
Read September 30, 2026What does the Indiana seller's disclosure actually require?
Indiana's seller disclosure records known conditions and is generally delivered before an offer is accepted. Exemptions and specific answers require care.
Read September 30, 2026What sells in Chesapeake Pointe, Lafayette?
Chesapeake Pointe's record consists of recently built homes. The figures require care before they are used to price an owner's resale.
Read September 29, 2026What is title insurance, and why do you pay for it once?
The title search and the insurance policy do different work. Buyers should understand whose interest each policy protects.
Read September 29, 2026What sells in University Farm, West Lafayette?
University Farm has an established housing stock and a broad sale-price range. Condition and updates help narrow the comparison.
Read September 28, 2026What are closing costs, and who pays them?
Loan fees, title work, recording charges and prepaid expenses all contribute to the cash required at closing.
Read September 28, 2026The Capilano neighborhoods: one name, three price ranges
Capilano by the Lake, Capilano Estates and Capilano Highlands are separate neighborhoods, each with a small sales sample.
Read September 27, 2026What does a home inspection actually cover?
An inspection records visible conditions and points to further evaluation. Its scope and limitations are as important as the list of findings.
Read September 27, 2026What sells in Baker Farms, Lafayette?
Recently built homes make up much of Baker Farms' record. The evidence for an individual resale needs closer examination.
Read September 26, 2026Do you have to be in the room to close?
A closing from another location may be possible. The lender and title company need to approve the signing arrangements early.
Read September 26, 2026What sells in Three Meadows, West Lafayette?
Three Meadows' record includes many recently built homes. Resale sellers need to check what those sales included.
Read September 25, 2026What is earnest money, and when do you actually lose it?
Earnest money is credited at closing. Its return after a canceled purchase depends on the agreement, deadlines and release process.
Read September 25, 2026What sells in Oak Ridge, West Lafayette?
Oak Ridge's recent builds have sold at a range of prices. Options, lot and condition require a closer comparison than original construction cost.
Read September 24, 2026What is the difference between contingent and pending?
Contingent and pending both indicate an accepted offer. What remains open, and whether another offer is useful, requires checking the actual transaction.
Read September 24, 2026What sells in Raineybrook, Lafayette?
Raineybrook's build years and price range cover very different homes. A neighborhood median needs property-level context.
Read September 23, 2026Should you fix it, or price for it?
Separate repair needs from cosmetic preferences before spending on a house you plan to sell.
Read September 23, 2026What sells in Arbor Chase, West Lafayette?
Arbor Chase's sales include established homes and recent construction. Resale preparation needs to account for both.
Read September 22, 2026What happens if the appraisal comes in under the offer?
An appraisal below the contract price requires decisions about financing, cash and the terms of the agreement.
Read September 22, 2026What sells in Winding Creek, West Lafayette?
Winding Creek's recorded sales span a broad price range. Size, finish and condition matter when selecting comparable properties.
Read September 21, 2026What does a listing agent actually do after the sign goes in the yard?
After a listing goes live, the work includes showing feedback, pricing decisions and the steps between an accepted offer and closing.
Read September 20, 2026What happens to everything in the house?
Furniture, family belongings and everyday possessions need a plan of their own, with time for decisions, collection and removal.
Read September 19, 2026What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, and does the designation mean anything?
SRES is training in the issues surrounding moves later in life. The designation describes coursework, not a promise about an agent's service.
Read September 18, 2026Appraisal, market analysis, online estimate: three numbers that are not the same number
An appraisal, an agent's market analysis and an online estimate have different methods and uses. Here is how to read them.
Read September 17, 2026Why does the square footage of your house keep changing?
County records, old listings and appraisals may count space differently. The measurement method should be clear before a price is set.
Read September 16, 2026What should you do to the house before the photographer comes?
Clear surfaces, consistent lighting and clean glass help photographs explain the rooms. Preparation should be specific to the house.
Read September 15, 2026Should you rent for a year before buying in a new town?
Renting can provide time to learn a new area. It also means another housing decision and potentially another move.
Read September 14, 2026What does a relocation package actually cover?
Relocation benefits vary by employer. Read the covered expenses, end dates and home-sale conditions before planning around them.
Read September 13, 2026Who should be in the room when a parent is deciding to move?
A shared conversation can help a family work from the same information while keeping the homeowner's wishes central.
Read September 12, 2026Sell first or buy first: which risk you would rather carry
Selling first releases equity. Buying first secures the next home. The choice depends on cash, carrying costs and available alternatives.
Read September 11, 2026The Symbio Score: data in service of an emotional decision
A closer look at how the Symbio Index approaches the relationship between a home and the household living in it.
Read September 10, 2026Stay, renovate, or move: how to decide without guessing
Renovation estimates and resale returns answer part of the question. The years you expect to use the house matter too.
Read September 9, 2026The 30-year mortgage: an American advantage most countries never got
How the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage developed, where its interest-rate risk goes and what borrowers gain from payment certainty.
Read September 8, 2026Relocating to a new city: the questions that decide it
Commutes, school boundaries and the way a home will be used deserve attention before the house-hunting trip.
Read September 7, 2026How far in advance should you talk to someone about moving?
A move involves repairs, paperwork and financing before the listing or search begins. An early conversation leaves time to organize that work.
Read September 6, 2026Buying versus renting: what the net worth numbers show
The Federal Reserve's household wealth figures show a substantial gap between owners and renters. They also have limits as a guide to buying.
Read September 5, 2026Millbrook: the Carmel builder bringing 1,200 homes to West Lafayette
Estridge's Millbrook plan combines several housing collections with a phased development schedule in West Lafayette.
Read September 4, 2026A second anchor: what SK hynix means for West Lafayette housing
The SK hynix project brings employment plans and a construction timetable. How those translate into housing demand remains a separate question.
Read September 3, 2026Can you live in Lafayette and work in Indianapolis?
Indiana tax-return data show how many Tippecanoe residents report working in nearby counties. A personal commute still needs its own test drive.
Read September 2, 2026Taking a job at the Lebanon campus? Start with the housing math
Lilly's Lebanon campus plans meet a local housing market measured in dozens of monthly sales. The dates and geographic limits matter.
Read September 1, 2026West Lafayette, Indiana, by the numbers: the town inside the college town
Purdue shapes West Lafayette's population figures. Understanding the definitions behind the Census data makes the housing discussion more useful.
Read August 31, 2026Lafayette, Indiana, by the numbers: a working city with a sixteen-minute commute
Lafayette's employers, downtown and housing figures offer a view of daily life and the local market.
Read August 30, 2026Lebanon, Indiana: the county seat with the world's largest limestone columns
Lebanon's courthouse square remains central to the city as employment and housing development expand nearby.
Read August 29, 2026Whitestown, Indiana, by the numbers: from 2,867 people to a town of families
Whitestown's population growth, school boundaries and recent housing construction are central to understanding a move there.
Read August 28, 2026Zionsville, Indiana, by the numbers: the village that kept its bricks
Brick Main Street, an expanded town boundary and the housing market each tell part of Zionsville's story.
Read August 27, 2026Westfield, Indiana, by the numbers: the fastest-growing city in Indiana
Grand Park and Grand Junction Plaza frame a city whose population and housing stock have grown substantially.
Read August 26, 2026Fishers, Indiana, by the numbers: a city that outgrew its suburb
The Nickel Plate District, Geist Reservoir and recent housing figures offer several ways to understand Fishers.
Read August 25, 2026Indianapolis, by the numbers: one median, a hundred neighborhoods
Marion County's housing totals provide scale. The details of an Indianapolis sale require a closer look at the neighborhood and property.
Read August 24, 2026Carmel, Indiana, by the numbers: a city that was built on purpose
Carmel's roundabouts, Monon Trail and downtown districts provide context for its population and housing figures.
ReadNo notes match.