DeFelice Digest
Field notes for first-time buyers.
Current archive
6 posts. Market reads, first-home notes, and the questions that come up before showings.
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First-time buyer guide
What to Actually Look For at Your First Showing
Staging works. That is the point of it. Here is how I walk buyers through a house, in the order I do it, and why the basement gets more time than the kitchen.
Market read
Is 2026 a Good Time to Buy a House in Indianapolis?
Yes, but it all depends on your circumstances.
First-time buyer guide
Needs vs. Wants: How to Sort Your First-Home List
One question sorts almost any list: if this house were perfect in every other way, would this alone make me say no?
First-time buyer guide
Renting vs. Buying in Indianapolis: An Honest Comparison
Renting is not throwing money away and buying is not automatically smart. Here is the honest comparison, and how I decided on my own first house.
First-time buyer guide
Pre-Approval Is Not A Budget
Getting pre-approved does not mean you should spend that full amount. Learn how Indianapolis first-time buyers should think about budget and monthly comfort.
First-time buyer guide
First-Time Home Buyer in Indianapolis: Where do I start?
Most first-time buyers in Indianapolis don't need showings first. They need a plan. Here's where to start before touring homes or getting overwhelmed by Zillow.