Bedel Blog

The housing market in 2024 is a complex dance among low locked-in rates, rising current rates, and limited inventory.

Given the number of cons, seeking alternative methods to transfer a home to beneficiaries efficiently is suggested. If probate avoidance is a goal, a revocable trust or a transfer on death deed should be considered.

It's no secret that the housing market is experiencing spooky times, with home prices around all-time highs and mortgage rates at multi-decade highs.

If you plan to upgrade your home, why not take advantage of the new federal tax incentives? While more information is needed on the state-level rebate program, now is a good time to develop your home efficiency game plan.

How things play out will depend on the future supply of existing and new homes for sale, the health of the mortgage market, and the consumer's financial well-being. If you are looking to sell your home, you might want to do so sooner rather than later.

When looking to "make a move," it's best to do your financial assessment, research your options, and consider the time you expect to live in the property. Generally, if planning to stay in the home long-term, buying makes better financial sense than renting under most circumstances.

Looking for a living option for yourself or a loved one that will help reduce the burden of household duties and ultimately aid in personal wellbeing as aging occurs can be a little daunting.

The current score for the Bedel Barometer is +3. While we all know “past performance is not a guarantee of future results,” our economic metrics continue to improve with the slow reopening of the economy.

Maybe you want to renovate your home to avoid having to buy a new house in today's cutthroat market. Perhaps you wish to pay off higher interest credit card or student loan debt. Tapping home equity can be a viable and beneficial financial strategy for many reasons but also comes with its fair share of risks.

Home prices have been soaring across the country, and new institutional investors are entering the market to compete with traditional buyers. With interest rates near all-time lows and home equity at all-time highs, current homeowners may enjoy a benefit when it comes to cashing out equity.

Purchasing a second home should not be an impulse decision. It requires diligent research and financial commitment. Before you buy, consider the consequences, estate issues, and more.

Mortgage rates are at historically low levels, and many are refinancing to take advantage of this. How do you know if refinancing makes sense for you? You’ll need to consider three things – closing costs, the interest rate differential, and how long you plan to stay in your home. We explain all three in detail so you can make the right decision for your situation.

Timing the sale of your home with the purchase of a new house can be tricky. If your selling and buying cycles are out of sync, you do have options for making your down payment. Read on for the details.

Anyone who has worked with a realtor has a general idea of the basics of the job, but there’s much more to real estate than showing homes and brokering deals. It turns out realtors can provide many services to their clients that you might not be aware of. If you’re in the market to buy or sell, be sure to check out several ways your realtor can be working for you.

What do you think of when you hear the term “reverse mortgage”? Chances are it might not be positive. But the reverse mortgages of yesteryear are being replaced by more evolved loans that can be helpful to some. The key is to understand the changes in the newer mortgages, and then to talk with your advisor to be sure it’s a viable strategy in your comprehensive financial plan. We have the details…

A 20% down payment used to be the rule of thumb when purchasing a home. Avoiding private mortgage insurance (PMI) and lowering the interest rate on your loan were some of the benefits. But times have changed! If you’re unable to afford a 20% down payment, you have options - but be sure you understand the pros and cons first!

It’s a hot seller’s market right now – and that could mean more cash in your pocket if you’re looking to sell your house. But not so fast! Before you make that leap and list your home, be sure you fully understand the tax implications of selling your house for a greater profit. Read on to discover how to uncover what your tax liability will be when you sell your home.

Thinking about buying or selling a home? In Central Indiana, home prices have never been stronger! Will this trend continue? If so, how long? ...

The busy home-buying season is just ahead. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner looking to upgrade or downsize, it’s important to know how much home you can afford to buy.

A second marriage often finds the couple with two houses. Purchasing a new home and putting your own stamp on it is one of the joys of starting a new life together.