Tracey Symon, NextHome Real Estate Connections

09/14/2026

POST 6 of 6 — WHO PAYS THE BUYER'S AGENT?

The rules changed in 2024. Sellers are no longer REQUIRED to pay the buyer's agent commission. It's now negotiable in every deal.

Here's what that means for YOU:

Your Buyer Representation Agreement will state what your agent charges — usually a % of the purchase price or a flat fee.

At the offer stage, your agent will ask the seller to pay that fee. Most sellers still do.

BUT — if the seller refuses or only offers part of it, YOU are on the hook for the difference. That's in your agreement. That's the commitment you're making when you sign.

✅ Before you sign, ASK:
• What is your commission?
• What happens if the seller won't pay it?
• Can we cap what I'd owe out of pocket?
• Can we make the offer contingent on seller paying it?

These are FAIR questions. A good agent will answer them without hesitation.

That wraps up the series. Save these posts. Share with a friend who's house hunting. And if you're buying in Terre Haute or the Wabash Valley and want an agent who explains everything upfront — you know where to find me.

09/12/2026

POST 5 of 6 — READ THIS BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING

There are TWO very different types of buyer agreements. Know which one you're signing.

📍 PROPERTY-SPECIFIC — Ties you to this agent ONLY for one specific address. See the house, decide, move on if you're not interested. No further obligation.

⛓️ EXCLUSIVE (ALL PROPERTIES) — Ties you to this agent for EVERY home you look at during the term. If you buy ANYTHING through anyone else during that time, you may still owe THIS agent the commission.

Read that again.

If you're just curious about ONE house you drove by — ask for a PROPERTY-SPECIFIC agreement. Don't sign an exclusive months-long deal just to peek inside.

An honest agent will offer you the right level. If they'll ONLY do the exclusive version — that tells you something.

💬 Have questions about a contract someone handed you? Message me. I'll walk through it with you — no obligation.

09/12/2026

“Take a beautiful fall drive and experience one of Parke County’s historic communities.”
September 12-13, 2026

Visit the historic Bridgeton District! You will find live demonstrations of grinding flour and cornmeal on a 200 year old French buhr stone at the Bridgeton Mill, history tours of the mill, town and bridge and Pioneer craft demonstrations.

09/12/2026

Yes, commission is negotiable. It always has been.

But before you pick the lowest number on the page, ask these questions:

1. What's your marketing plan for MY home — specifically?
2. How do you price? Show me the comps you'd use.
3. Who handles the transaction after we go under contract?
4. What's your list-to-sale price ratio? How does that compare to the market?
5. How do you handle multiple offers — and when's the last time you did?
6. Are you full-time? How many transactions did you close last year?

The lowest fee isn't the best deal. The highest fee isn't either. The best deal is the agent whose plan nets you the most money at the closing table.

Post 5 of 5. If you're thinking of selling in the next 12 months, let's talk.

09/12/2026

POST 4 of 6 — HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR AGREEMENT LAST?

This is where a lot of buyers get trapped.

Some agents will hand you an agreement that lasts 6 months. Or a year. That means if you don't click with them, you're STUCK — or you owe them commission even if a different agent finds your home.

Here's what's reasonable:

🟢 A SINGLE SHOWING — Just want to look at one house? Sign a property-specific agreement for that ONE property. Then decide.

🟢 30 DAYS — Fair "trial period" to see if you and the agent work well together.

🟢 60–90 DAYS — Reasonable if you've decided you want to work with them long-term.

🔴 6 MONTHS OR MORE — Slow down. That's a long time to be locked in with someone you just met.

You can NEGOTIATE the length. It's a contract. Everything is negotiable.

09/12/2026

Your September homeowner reminder: Look up! 🍂

Leaves and debris can clog gutters and prevent water from draining away from your home. Clean the gutters, check the downspouts and make sure water is being directed away from the foundation.

This simple fall project may help prevent water problems around the basement or crawl space.

09/11/2026

🧡 What Is My Home Worth in Today's Market?

"Wondering what your home might sell for? Message me for a free market analysis."

09/11/2026

https://www.homes.com/property/3859-anderson-dr-s-terre-haute-in/m0lm2fp8ef040/

MOTIVATED SELLERS—BRING US AN OFFER! 🔥

Welcome to this beautifully designed 2023 condominium offering an impressive 3,199 finished square feet of comfortable, flexible living space.

The open-concept main level brings the kitchen, dining and living areas together for everyday living and effortless entertaining. The expanded kitchen features:

✨ Large island with generous seating
✨ Abundant prep space and storage
✨ Upgraded LG appliances
✨ Induction range with built-in air fryer

You’ll also enjoy more indoor and outdoor living spaces than most homes offer, including an enclosed sunroom, screened-in porch and extended concrete patio—giving you a comfortable place to relax during nearly every season.

Additional highlights include:

🏠 4 spacious bedrooms
🛁 3 full bathrooms
🧺 Main-level laundry
🚪 Upgraded cottage-style doors
✨ Enhanced trim package
👚 Custom closet systems
🎮 Finished lower level with generous family and game areas

The main level includes two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The finished lower level adds two more bedrooms, another full bathroom and flexible spaces for guests, recreation, hobbies or extended family.

With nearly 3,200 finished square feet and upgrades that would be costly to duplicate today, this condominium offers remarkable space and value at $399,900.

The sellers are motivated and ready to consider your offer! Contact NextHome Real Estate Connections to schedule your private showing.

📞 812-814-9103
🧡 Humans Over Houses

Listed for sale at $399900. Welcome to this beautifully designed 2023 condominium, offering 3,199 finished square feet. The open-concept main level ...

09/11/2026

https://www.homes.com/property/1901-s-17th-st-terre-haute-in/8yrscmeqccv36/
🏡 BRAND-NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR $239,000!

Coming soon to Terre Haute’s desirable south side, this beautiful new home offers 1,477 square feet of thoughtfully designed, move-in-ready living space.

The heart of the home is a bright, open living area crowned by a striking vaulted ceiling—creating an airy atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining and everyday life.

Additional highlights include:

🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🛁 2 full bathrooms
✨ Private primary suite
🚿 Custom-tiled walk-in shower
👚 Spacious walk-in closet
🛁 Second bathroom with tub-and-shower combination
⚡ Energy-efficient, total-electric construction
🚗 Attached two-car garage
🏠 Fresh, modern finishes throughout

The two additional bedrooms provide flexible space for guests, a growing household, home office, exercise room or hobbies.

As a brand-new build, there are no old-house projects waiting for you—everything is fresh, efficient and ready to enjoy!

📍 Terre Haute’s south side
📅 Expected to be ready for move-in by mid-October
💲 Offered at $239,000

Homes like this—completely new, efficient and beautifully finished—don’t last long. Contact NextHome Real Estate Connections to schedule your private showing and be the first to call it home!

📞 812-814-9103
🧡 Humans Over Houses

09/11/2026

https://www.homes.com/property/11378-n-meadowbend-way-monrovia-in/qyrterd1whc5j/
🏡 Welcome to 11378 N. Meadowbend Way—a home where the hard work is already done and the good part begins the day you move in!

Natural light pours across the updated flooring and into a stylish kitchen featuring granite countertops, a beautiful backsplash and black stainless-steel appliances. It’s the kind of kitchen that looks impressive but is designed for real life—morning coffee, homework, family dinners and friends gathered around long after the meal is over.

Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet and custom organizers. The spacious loft is ready to become whatever your life needs: a home office, reading nook, playroom, exercise space or second living area.

Step outside onto the composite deck and enjoy the peaceful Monrovia view—perfect for coffee in the morning and relaxing at sunset. 🌅

The expensive improvements have already been completed:

✅ Newer roof
✅ Vinyl siding and gutters
✅ Composite deck
✅ Seven double-hung windows
✅ Updated HVAC system
✅ Remodeled half bathroom
✅ Granite countertops and backsplash
✅ Custom closet organizers
✅ And more!

🏠 2,293 square feet
🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🛁 2.5 bathrooms
✨ Spacious loft

Average monthly utilities:

⚡ Hendricks Power: $320
💧 Morgan County Water: $65
🚽 Monrovia Sewer: $60

This is comfortable country living with the updates, space and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for. Contact NextHome Real Estate Connections to schedule your private showing!

📞 812-814-9103
🧡 Humans Over Houses

Listed for sale at $299900. Welcome to 11378 N Meadowbend Way — a home where the hard work is already done, and the good part starts the day you mov...