Jim Thompson-Fathom Realty Indiana LLC

01/26/2023

Got your eye on that new subdivision in town? Should you be one of the first to buy or wait until the neighborhood is nearly complete? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each scenario.

Buying a brand new home has a strong appeal -- everything is crisp and new and under warranty. But what about the timing of that new purchase? Is it wise to be among the first homeowners in a new subdivision or should you hold back and wait to buy one of the last houses available in a neighborhood?

01/24/2023

Congratulations! Your house is under contract. Now learn about the avalanche of paperwork and tasks that lead to a successful closing.

The moment a sales contract is signed, the clock begins ticking for both buyer and seller to fulfil contractual obligations. The seller must provide important documents to the buyer. Many, but not all, of these items are procured by the title company or attorney hired to facilitate the transaction.

01/22/2023

Nothing beats snuggling up before a cozy fire on a cold winter's night. But what is the best type of fireplace for your home? Read on to learn about your options.

There’s little doubt why fireplaces are such a popular feature in homes. But what is the best choice of a fireplace? Let’s take a look at the options.

01/21/2023

Is your formal living room wasted space? Here are some tips for making it modern, usable, and functional.

If your home has both living and family rooms, you may be using only the latter. Here’s how to easily make your unused living room into a home office.

01/19/2023

Saving for the down payment on a home is great, but have you thought about these six hidden costs of homeownership?

You’ve sacrificed, scrimped and saved for the down payment on your first home. But have you saved for the whole new world of expenses that comes with home ownership? If not, you could get blindsided by: Closing costs. Do your homework before making an offer because the down payment is just part of...

01/17/2023

Still feeling bruised because your house didn’t sell? Here’s how to learn from your mistakes and relist your home.

When a home languishes on the market, sellers find themselves in a difficult position, asking tough questions. Should we relist it? If so, do we relist with the same agent? Above all else, what can we do differently? It’s difficult to get over the disappointment of an unsold home but owners need t...

01/16/2023

In honor of the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

01/15/2023

Don’t take your home heat source for granted. Here are the basics of how these important systems work.

Nothing beats a warm evening at home when the winter wind is howling. You might not give your heater a second thought…until it stops working. Here’s a quick tutorial on how they operate so you can stay warm this winter. Types of heaters. The main difference among most heaters is the fuel source....

01/14/2023

Kitchen counters go a long way to making your kitchen warm and inviting, but function is equally as important. Here's how to decide which countertops are best.

Great kitchen countertops are a key ingredient in a top-notch kitchen that is both warm and inviting, yet also functional. Here’s a quick guide to the most common material types, their strengths and weaknesses. The current king: Granite. For the last fifteen years, granite has dominated the kitche...

01/12/2023

Homeowners need to keep on eye on mortgage interest rates. Who sets the rates and what do they mean for you?

The financial world hangs on the mere hint of a possible interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve. But what about rank-and-file consumers? What does the Federal Reserve do, and how does it affect what you pay for your mortgage? What is the Federal Reserve? Despite its name, the Federal Reserve....

01/10/2023

Are you relocating across the country or just around the corner? Here are 5 tips to finding a reputable moving company.

A trustworthy moving company is your key to a less stressful moving day. But how do you go about finding the right moving company? Use our five-step guide to choose the company this is right for your family. Before you know it, you’ll be on the move. Start with recommendations. The best way to fin...

01/08/2023

Perk up your winter landscape (and your chances of selling your home) with these beautiful cold-weather container gardens.

When flowerbeds become barren in the winter, it’s the perfect time to use potted plants to add much-needed curb appeal. Finding plants that can add interest and color to the front of your home while withstanding cold temperatures can be challenging. Here are a few winter favorites that will make y...