Bethany Kerr Realtor-Next Home Realty

17/06/2026

🏡 What Is Title Insurance and Why Do You Need It?🏡

When you buy a home, you’re not just purchasing the house…..you’re purchasing the legal right to own it. That’s where title insurance comes in.

Before closing, a title company researches the property’s history to make sure there are no issues that could affect your ownership, such as:

✔️ Unpaid liens or judgments
✔️ Unknown heirs claiming ownership
✔️ Errors in public records
✔️ Forged signatures on past documents
✔️ Boundary or survey disputes

Even with a thorough title search, hidden issues can sometimes surface after closing. Title insurance protects your ownership rights and helps cover legal costs if a covered title problem arises.

Unlike most insurance policies, title insurance is a one-time purchase at closing that protects you for as long as you own the property.

💡 Think of it this way: Homeowners insurance protects the house from future events. Title insurance protects your ownership from problems that may have happened in the past.

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. Title insurance helps ensure that investment is protected. Never skip buying title insurance!!!

🏡

15/06/2026

🏡 Understanding the Home Inspection Period in Indiana🏡

One of the most misunderstood parts of buying a home is the inspection period.

In Indiana, a home inspection is an opportunity for buyers to learn more about the condition of a property and identify potential issues before moving forward. It is not intended to create a “perfect house” or a list of minor maintenance items for the seller to address.

So what is considered a major defect?

Generally, major defects are issues that significantly impact a home’s:
✔️ Safety
✔️ Structural integrity
✔️ Mechanical systems
✔️ Habitability

Examples may include:
🔹 Foundation or structural problems
🔹 Roof failures causing active leaks
🔹 Major electrical hazards
🔹 Significant plumbing issues
🔹 HVAC systems that are not functioning properly
🔹 Mold, termite damage, or other serious environmental concerns

Items such as loose door handles, nail pops, worn caulk, cosmetic imperfections, aging paint, or other routine maintenance concerns are typically not considered major defects.

Every transaction is unique, and the inspection response process is often a negotiation between buyer and seller. The goal is to address legitimate concerns while keeping the transaction fair for everyone involved.

If you’re buying or selling a home in Southern Indiana and have questions about inspections, I’d be happy to help explain the process and what to expect.

📞 Bethany Kerr
🏆 Voted Best Realtor in Southern Indiana Four Years in a Row
📱 812-207-6869

15/06/2026

❗️BACK ON THE MARKET❗️

Through no fault of the seller, this property is available once again after the buyer’s financing fell through.

✅ 5 Acres
✅ 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths
✅ Open Concept Floor Plan
✅ Fireplace
✅ Already Inspected & Appraised

If you’ve been waiting for your opportunity, now is your chance!

10055 Old Highway 111 | Elizabeth, IN
Bethany Kerr | 812-207-6869

10/06/2026

If you’re looking for peace and quiet and a well maintained, better-than-new property, this is the one. Right next door is a nature preserve, so you’ll never have neighbors on that side. It’s 3 beds-2 baths and cute as a button!

10/06/2026

🚨 After the Flood: Protect Yourself from Contractor Scams 🚨

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent devastating flooding. During times like these, neighbors come together to help one another—but unfortunately, scammers often show up too.

If your home has been damaged, watch for these warning signs before hiring a contractor:

❌ They show up unsolicited at your door. Reputable contractors are usually busy and don’t pressure homeowners into immediate decisions.

❌ They demand large upfront payments. Be cautious of anyone asking for most or all of the money before work begins.

❌ They want cash only. Legitimate businesses typically accept multiple forms of payment and provide receipts.

❌ They pressure you to sign immediately. Take time to review contracts and get multiple estimates.

❌ They cannot provide proof of insurance, references, or a local business address.

❌ They offer to “handle everything” with your insurance company without explaining the process.

✅ Get multiple written estimates.

✅ Verify licenses and insurance when applicable.

✅ Check online reviews and ask for local references.

✅ Read every contract before signing.

Most importantly, don’t let anyone rush you. The flood damage may feel overwhelming, but taking an extra day to vet a contractor can save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches.

Please share this post to help protect friends, family, and neighbors during the recovery process. ❤️



If you’re unsure about a contractor, ask trusted friends, family members, or local professionals for recommendations before signing anything.

08/06/2026

Sad to see this buyer go…we had so much fun looking at houses! Congratulations! Thanks to Jennifer Childers Burns for stepping in for me today!

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

🏡 Why Indiana Property Taxes Can Be So Confusing at Closing😅

If you’ve ever sold a home in Indiana and thought, “Why am I paying property taxes again at closing?” you’re not alone!

Indiana property taxes are collected in arrears, meaning we pay taxes after they’ve accrued…..not before.

Here’s what that means:

📅 When you pay your property tax bill in May and November, you’re paying for a period you’ve already owned the property.

📅 If you sell your home before the next tax bill comes due, you’ve lived in the home for part of that tax period but haven’t paid those taxes yet.

👉 At closing, the title company credits the buyer for your portion of the unpaid taxes from January 1 through the closing date.

This often surprises sellers because they’re writing a “check” for taxes they haven’t received a bill for yet. In reality, they’re simply paying their share of taxes for the time they owned the property.

Think of it like splitting a restaurant bill. If you ate 75% of the meal, you’re responsible for 75% of the cost….even if the bill doesn’t arrive until later.

The good news? This is a normal part of Indiana real estate transactions and ensures that both the buyer and seller pay only for the time they owned the property.

The more you know!!!