It's a good question. So let's put things in perspective. Let's discuss Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, approximately 75,000 existing homes are sold each year. Almost all of these transactions involve real estate agents for both the buyer and the seller. This would mean there are 150,000 real estate agent "transactions" per year in Indianapolis on used/resale homes.There are also about 15,000 new homes sold each year in the Indianapolis metro area, only about one in four of which have real estate agents involved in the transaction - and then usually only on one side of the transaction. This would equate to 3,750 real estate agent new home transactions per year. So, nearly 100% of used/resale homes sales are assisted by two real estate agents, while only 25% of new home transactions have real estate agents involved. Why the discrepancy?
There are several reasons. If you're a buyer looking for a used home, you generally need an agent to have access to all the homes which are listed. With new homes, builders have models and sales representatives onsite, which makes new homes more accessible. Secondly, in some cases, there is a tendency for real estate agents to prefer selling used homes, because the commission they earn is paid much quicker - usually in 30-45 days versus 120-150 days with new homes. Lastly, many real estate agents lack experience dealing with new home construction and therefore shy away from showing new homes. Some agents are afraid their buyers will ask homebuilding questions they won't be able to answer.
If you have interest in building a new home, as well as looking at used homes, you certainly want to enlist the services of an agent who has experience in selling new homes. This can be done simply by asking the agents you interview home many new homes they have sold in the last one or two years. This construction knowledge tip was taken from "Construction Knowledge 101: Everything you need to know about choosing a home builder and building your new home" by Charlie Scott. Request your copy today here.









Anderson Hall News!
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Highland Green News!
Whispering Pines in Avon is growing! This Estridge neighborhood currently has many homes under construction, including a new ranch design under construction at Whispering Pines homesite 111. Along with the new homes, new paved roads are now available for use at Whispering Pines! And their staff is growing. Whispering Pines would like to welcome Lauren Geisler, their new Sales Associate, along with Chase Miller, their new assistant builder! Questions about Whispering Pines in Avon? Contact Angela Line, New Home Consultant, by calling 317.669.8635 or by emailing 
Ideas for the Living Room: Make a non-working fireplace the focal point of the room by adding elements of fire with a large candelabra. Go a step further and add some texture with stacked split-logs. Also, avoid the white-out effect and cover large, plain walls with sculptural artwork, mirrors or removable decals.![[REINVEST]](http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/WK-AV049_REINVE_NS_20100819220202.jpg)
Nearly 7,000 Indiana homes weatherized with federal money - Associated Press via
Finding the Best Builder; Tip # 4
NAHB International Builders’ Show Welcomes Attendees with Discounted Registration Through Aug. 31
In this story from
Check out BuilderOnline's take on Symphony, one of the largest developments ever in Indiana, an
In this report from the Associated Press posted on IBJ.com, favorable market conditions led to a jump in new home sales last month. Even though the lackluster economy has made potential buyers skittish about shopping for homes keeping the pace low, this is good news for Central Indiana homeowners.



Flowers are an essential part of any home environment, whether you’re entertaining or enjoying the space yourself. Of course, we would all like to have fresh cut flowers replaced daily. If you have the time, this is ideal, but busy daily schedules often interfere. Remember potted house plants can create a similar effect. Orchids can last for years, flowering several times over, if well cared for, and many simple green plants - rubber trees and palms, for example - require minimal maintenance. If your green thumb is truly non-existent, don’t give up hope: Decorating with black and white photos of flowering plants or purchasing silk reproductions (see photo) can create the desired effect with zero upkeep.
Estridge Neighborhood News for July
Summers can be long and hot, particularly if you are losing money on your home's utility bill. According to the
In this report from IndyStar.com, the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers has been named to Money magazine's list of best places to live. This Hamilton County Town, which includes the Estridge neighborhoods of Anderson Hall (picture) and Somerset Woods, came in eight on this year's list, good news for homeowners looking to build or buy a home in Fishers.
The question seems simple: "How do I choose the right homebuilder for my family?"
A potential homebuyer in central Indiana looking to build a home should consider a number of factors. First, prioritize your needs, desires, budget and timeframe. Are you looking to build in Avon? In Fishers? Central Indiana, and Estridge, offer many choices of great communities. View Estridge neighborhoods and communities
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is to what degree of control the builder maintains over it's worksites. What is their quality control system? Is there always someone supervising the site, there at the site? Is the contracted and subcontracted work inspected before the next step in the building process? Do they have a master schedule? Good, professional builders have these systems in place to ensure their reputations and future homeowner satisfaction. Remember: the builder you choose has the ultimate responsibility for the quality of your new home. But it's your responsibility to choose a quality builder.
June 26, 2010 - One of the Indianapolis area’s most formidable homebuilders has received a $10 million investment to help it weather the severe housing downturn.