Close to Home
Brayton Scott did not set out to work in real estate. The Elwood native took a path that looked a little different at first. He studied at IUPUI, worked as an adult probation officer, and later earned a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan. By 2021, he realized he wanted something different. That turning point led him back home and into business with family.
“I was born and raised in Elwood, and my cousin London, and co-owner of Greenside Realty Group, was, too,” Scott says. “We had this pipe dream of starting something together. Real estate was not originally the plan for me, but once we got going with Greenside, we just ran with it.” We now have a fantastic team of four agents, and look forward to the continued growth of our brand.
Scott and his cousin, London Leavell, co-own Greenside Realty, a brokerage built around relationships, local knowledge, and a hands-on understanding of homes in smaller communities throughout Madison and all other surrounding counties.
Growing up in Elwood gave Scott a perspective he says continues to shape how he works with buyers and sellers. He has watched the area shift over the years as more people look outside larger metropolitan areas for affordable housing and shorter commutes. Scott has seen the town change for the better, crediting an influx of residents because of Elwood’s close proximity to suburbs and towns such as Noblesville, Anderson, and Muncie. Prices are much more affordable than what buyers find in Hamilton County, with growth happening quickly.
Scott says migration from Hamilton County has played a major role in shaping housing prices across surrounding communities. Sellers who cash out in more expensive markets often arrive with larger budgets, which can shift pricing trends in smaller towns.
“They sell in Hamilton County and bring that cash with them,” Scott says. “That affects pricing here. We are seeing it not just in Elwood but across several communities along the corridor moving north.”
As the housing market continues to adjust, Scott says many buyers remain cautious, especially while watching interest rates. He encourages homeowners who are considering selling to begin preparing well before peak listing season arrives.
“Spring is when things usually start picking up,” Scott says. “Rates are coming down slowly, but nobody has a crystal ball. If you are thinking about downsizing or upgrading, now is the time to start preparing. Late March is when activity usually increases.”
Sellers should meet with a brokerage early in the process to understand their options and financial outlook. Scott says early preparation gives homeowners time to make meaningful improvements that can strengthen their home’s market appeal.
“The first step is meeting with a brokerage to get a ballpark idea of numbers and making sure the move makes sense financially,” Scott says. “Connecting with a lender helps you understand what is realistic. An agent can suggest simple upgrades or cleaning projects that can make a home more appealing to buyers.”
When it comes to return on investment, kitchens and bathrooms remain the strongest areas for homeowners to focus on improvement efforts.
“Kitchens and bathrooms are your money makers,” Scott says. “Upgrades there usually go the furthest. Walk-in showers and higher-finish tile work are also things buyers notice right away.”
Exterior improvements can also influence buyer perception, even if they do not dramatically change appraisal values. Buyers still care about things like privacy fences, sheds, and attached garages. They may not carry the same weight on paper, but they hold weight in buyers’ minds, Scott explained.
For buyers, Scott emphasizes the importance of careful inspections, especially when considering older homes common throughout the region. He says overlooked structural or infrastructure concerns can quickly become expensive surprises.
“If a home has been vacant or is older, having a strong inspector is key,” Scott says. “I always recommend doing a sewer scope, especially on older homes with clay pipes. Those lines can crack or shift, and that can lead to serious issues. Radon testing is another thing buyers should consider if the home has a basement.”
Scott says his approach to real estate centers on transparency and long-term relationships rather than fast transactions.
“We do not put on a fancy image,” Scott says. “We work on homes ourselves, and we understand how they function. Most of our business comes from word of mouth. People know us, they know our families, and they trust us.”
Their hands-on knowledge helps agents notice details buyers might overlook when touring properties.
“Our job is to advocate for the client and point out concerns,” Scott says. “Sometimes buyers are excited about a home and miss things. We try to slow that process down and make sure they understand everything they are stepping into.”
Greenside Realty operates as a team-driven brokerage, something Scott says benefits clients regardless of which agent they work with.
“When you work with one of us, you work with all of us,” Scott says. “We market each other’s properties and help bring buyers to the table. Everyone has their own clients, but you get the support of the entire brokerage.”
Scott credits that team mindset to his partnership with Leavell and the family connection behind the business.
Greenside Realty is proud to be the only brick-and-mortar real estate brokerage in Elwood, founded by dedicated local realtors with a shared vision: to grow as the trusted real estate resource alongside the community it serves. The office can be reached at 765-551-7117 or visited at 9271 W. 1050 N., in Elwood.
