Inspired Insights Blog
Your source for quick reads, market updates, homeowner tips, and local news from Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

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More Transparency is Coming to Indiana Real Estate... And That's a Good Thing!

July 1, 2026 - Jill Kaps VanBruaeae - Managing Broker Indiana - Realtor, licensed in Indiana

If you've worked with us before, you know we believe communication is one of the most important parts of buying or selling a home. We think clients should always know what's happening every step of the way; we never want there to be any surprises.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana is taking another step toward greater transparency in real estate. A new state law now requires REALTORS® to disclose, in writing, when a brokerage receives a referral fee from another brokerage company. If you've ever wondered what happens when an agent refers a client to another REALTOR® in a different market, this new law just means you'll know exactly what's happening behind the scenes.

So...what does that mean for you?

Honestly, not much - except you'll receive a little more information.

If we refer you to another brokerage because we believe they'll do an excellent job taking care of you, you'll receive a simple disclosure explaining that referral. Likewise, if another brokerage refers a client to us, that client will receive the same disclosure. It's all about making sure consumers know exactly how the transaction works.

It's important to know that this does not apply when clients are working with another agent here at Inspired Homes. Since we're all part of the same brokerage, no referral disclosure is required in those situations.

You may also notice a few additional lines in some of the forms you sign. The Indiana Association of REALTORS® has updated several listing agreements and buyer representation agreements to include this new disclosure language. While it adds a little more paperwork, it also provides greater clarity for everyone involved.

As Managing Broker of Inspired Homes Indiana, I welcome changes that help educate consumers and create greater transparency. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make, and you deserve to understand every part of the process.

At Inspired Homes, we've always believed in being upfront, honest, and putting our clients' interests first. This new law simply reinforces those values. So if you ever have questions about the paperwork you sign—or anything else during your real estate journey—please ask!

Thank you for trusting Inspired Homes in helping you make your real estate dreams come true.

Additional information from NAR →

Welcome to Inspired Insights - Why a Realtor Matters

June 26, 2026 - Diane Bennett - Owner-Managing Broker-Realtor, licensed in Indiana and Michigan

THE IMPORTANCE OF A REALTOR WHO IS TRULY ALL ABOUT YOU 
Our amazing Marketing Coordinator, Mychelle, asked our team to start blogging about things that matter to YOU, using our real life experiences. Great counsel, Mychelle! What a great way to be all about our clients and to share advice that we get from working in this exciting industry every day.
So, in this first installment, I want to tell you why it is so important to hire a realtor for this journey. Sometimes things go smoothly and easily, and people think they can just do this themselves. Those are great times, but more often than not, we find hiccups that only a passionate, experienced, client focused Realtor (or team) can help you navigate. 
Let’s start with a fall through. I got to represent a young couple purchasing their first home. We looked at a few before they found out about an off market property for sale by owner. We submitted an offer that seemed fair for condition, but the seller thought his home was worth more. I recommended a local appraiser and the property did, indeed, appraise for more than we had offered. Because the seller expected so much more for the house, and the buyer really liked and wanted it, we wrote an offer which protected them from paying too much (through inspections) for the items we suspected might come back in need of repair.  
Yes! LOTS of repairs were recommended by inspectors and repair contractors. Expensive repairs. Inspired’s phenomenal Transaction Coordinator, Melanie, worked diligently to collect every bid, to be sure the buyers knew what they would be getting into should we close on this sale. Unfortunately, Mr Seller felt the repairs were cosmetic and not foundational as the buyers were told by contractors, so they have fallen through on this sale and will start over, looking at new things on market. 
A “fall through“ sounds like a sad story, so what is my point? If these buyers had purchased alone, without a strong Realtor, would they understand or know to ask about the incredible expenses they would face in future ownership of this property? Not likely. This particular couple was spared tens of thousands of dollars in future expenses. Have you ever seen the movie MONEY PIT? So glad this wasn’t their story!
Can’t wait to tell you more of our experiences! Check back soon!

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