Jude Livingston
Jude has written 28 articles for the Roots blog.
Written by Jude
Which Indy Subdivision Builders Are Actually Worth Buying From in 2026
Honest agent-and-investor take on which new-construction builders in Hamilton, Hendricks, and Johnson counties hold up, and which ones draw warranty complaints.
10 MIN READWhat 6.43% means for an Indy buyer at $275K, $350K, and $425K
See the exact monthly P&I difference at 6.43% vs. 6.77% across three common Indianapolis price points, in real dollars.
7 MIN READFirst-time buyer in Indy: what a home inspection actually flags (and what it does not)
Indy inspectors see very different issues in 1920s bungalows, 1990s Greenwood builds, and new Westfield homes. Here is what is a dealbreaker and what is not.
10 MIN READWhere to Buy in Indianapolis by Zip Code: Companion Guide to Roots Pod #60
Breaking down 4 Indianapolis zip codes by median price, days on market, and the type of buyer each one actually fits, straight from Roots Pod #60.
8 MIN READWhat Berkshire buying Taylor Morrison means if you're shopping new construction in Hamilton County
Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of Taylor Morrison affects buyers in Westfield and Fishers. Here's what actually changes, what stays the same, and what to ask your builder rep.
8 MIN READWhat 6.52% Mortgage Rates Mean for Indy Buyers Around Fed Week
The 30-year fixed hit 6.52% this week. Here's what that costs on a $275K Indy home, and how to decide whether to lock your rate before the June Fed meeting.
9 MIN READProgressive, family-friendly Indianapolis neighborhoods: an honest shortlist
SoBro, Irvington, Garfield Park, and Meridian-Kessler each have real appeal for progressive families. Here's what the price tags, schools, and trade-offs actually look like.
9 MIN READRenting in Indy with bad credit: What actually works
Bad credit doesn't have to keep you out of a good Indianapolis rental. Here's what private landlords actually look for, and how to turn a rental into a home purchase in 18-24 months.
10 MIN READIndy vs. Lafayette: A relocation comparison for buyers weighing both
Comparing Indianapolis and Lafayette on price-per-square-foot, commute realities, school options, and job markets so you can make the right call.
8 MIN READThe 1% rule for home maintenance: A realistic budget for Indy homeowners
Older Mass Ave bungalows and new Westfield builds don't cost the same to maintain. Here's what Indy homeowners should actually budget.
8 MIN READWest Indianapolis (Morris/Harding area): What you actually get for the price
West Indianapolis near Morris and Harding offers some of Indy's lowest entry prices, but what do you actually get? An honest look at the blocks, safety realities, and appreciation trends.
8 MIN READHow Indy School Choice Actually Affects Your Home Search (and Resale)
School assignment in Indianapolis is more complicated than most buyers expect. Here's how IPS, township schools, and charters affect where you buy and what you'll get when you sell.
8 MIN READPage 1 of 3 · 12 per page
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