FAQ

What is the Geist area?	It is the area near Geist Reservoir, occupying the northeast corner of Lawrence Township (Indianapolis / Marion County) and the southeast corner of Fall Creek Township (Fishers / Hamilton County)
Are there homes on the water in Indianapolis?	Yes. Waterfront homes at Geist begin around $500,000. Since Eagle Creek Reservoir in Pike Township is within the boundaries of a city park, opportunities for waterfront homes there is very limited. However, Morse Reservoir, in Noblesville, does have homes on the water.
Do homes in Indianapolis have basements?	Basements are a function of the price range. They begin to appear around $140,000, and they are present in almost all homes above $250,000.
Does a basement offer a better resale value?	If the home is over about $180,000, then the basement does tend to become an important factor.
How can I get in touch with a custom builder?	Your Realtor should be able to direct you to any number of good custom builders.
Why should I use a Realtor if I want to buy a new home?	Realtors and builders in Indianapolis have a very good relationship. In fact, Realtors bring builders over 60% of their homebuyers. Builders sell a home for the same price whether or not you use a Realtor. However, using a Realtor allows you to have Realtor representation (buyer agency) at no cost to you. This provides a level of comfort and protection for you.
What is the process for building a house?	Looking at models or homes recently completed, and also looking at new subdivisions, is the place to start. You can either select a favorite builder and then determine where your home can be built, or you can select a favorite location, and then determine which builder can build there.
What is the difference between a custom builder and a production builder?	A custom builder usually builds around 10 or 20 homes a year, usually above $270,000, lot included. A production builder produces a large number of homes each year (often in the hundreds), usually below about $270,000.
Is a home inspection part of the process of buying?	Yes. You have the option (and you should exercise it) of having an independent inspection of any new or existing home which you buy. The inspection should be done by a licensed home inspector.
Do I get a copy of the covenants of the subdivision prior to closing?	Yes. You receive a copy within a few days after having an accepted purchase agreement.
What is the commute time from the suburbs to downtown?	With normal traffic, it is usually between 25 and 35 minutes. Add a little to that if it is during rush hour.
How are school system boundaries determined?	Township boundaries act as school system boundaries. For example, Carmel-Clay Schools serve all of Clay Township. Hamilton Southeastern Schools (Fishers) serve the 3 southeastern townships of Hamilton County (Delaware, Fall Creek, and Wayne).
What are the Indianapolis city boundaries?	Indianapolis occupies all of Marion County, a 20-mile by 20-mile square. It has the UniGov system of government, in which the city and the county are one. Incidentally, the former city boundary, prior to UniGov, still serves as the boundary for Indianapolis Public Schools.