Questions we hear every week

Straight answers, no jargon. If your question is not here, ask us directly. A real person reads every message.

Do you only work in Lafayette, or the wider area?

Our home base is Greater Lafayette: Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County. We also regularly help clients in the surrounding communities, including towns like Oxford, Mulberry, and others within about a 40 minute drive.

How much does it cost to work with a buyer's agent?

For most buyers, working with us costs nothing out of pocket. How agent compensation works has changed in recent years, so we walk through exactly how it applies to your purchase in plain English at the start, before you commit to anything.

Can you help me buy a home if I live out of state?

Yes. A lot of our buyers are relocating for Purdue or a new job and cannot make repeated trips. We do the local legwork for you: previewing homes, video walkthroughs, and coordinating inspections, so you only travel when it counts.

I'm moving for a job at Purdue. When should I start looking?

Earlier than you think you need to. The people who feel calm gave themselves a runway: financing conversations 3 to 4 months before your start date, neighborhood narrowing at 2 to 3 months, touring at 6 to 8 weeks, and going under contract 4 to 6 weeks out. That is the heart of our Relocation Runway approach.

Should I get pre-approved before touring homes?

Yes. In a market where good homes move quickly, a pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you are serious. It is usually free and takes a day or two with a local lender.

What does a home inspection cover?

A standard inspection covers the roof, foundation, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic, and basement. It is non-invasive, so mold, radon, termites, and sewer lines each need their own specialist. On older Lafayette homes those add-ons are often worth it.

How do I figure out which neighborhood fits us?

Start with the facts that matter to you: school district, commute to campus or your employer, home age and style, and price range. We compare neighborhoods on those facts, not on labels, and we know the streets well enough to tell you what daily life is actually like.

Is now a good time to sell in Greater Lafayette?

Well-priced homes in our area continue to sell steadily. The honest answer for your home depends on your timeline, your equity, and current conditions on your street, which is exactly what a free, no-obligation home value review will tell you.

What's my home actually worth?

Online estimates are often off by more than people realize. We run a real comparative market analysis based on recent sales near you, walk you through it, and give you a realistic range with no obligation to list.

How should I get my home ready to sell?

Start with decluttering and depersonalizing, then work through repairs, deep cleaning, and curb appeal. Our 30-Day Sale-Ready Plan lays it out week by week so it never feels overwhelming.

How do you price a home?

We present real comparable sales and honest tradeoffs between pricing strategies, then you choose. Pricing to today's market, not last year's, is what gets homes sold without long sits or big price cuts.

Do I have to sign anything to start a conversation?

No. The first conversation is just that, a conversation. We will explain any agreement before you sign it, and there is no pressure either way.

Should I buy a home for my Purdue student?

Sometimes it makes real sense, especially with roommates helping cover the mortgage. Two rules from experience: location matters more than the house, and plan your exit before you buy. The strongest campus-area homes tend to move in spring and summer.

What closing costs should Indiana buyers expect?

Typical items include lender and origination fees, appraisal, title insurance, recording fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Indiana has no state transfer tax. Your lender's Loan Estimate spells out your exact numbers early, and we review it with you.