Smart Moves
In Kokomo (Howard County), the median sale price is around $190,000, with homes spending an average of 57 days on the market. Home values have risen an average of 16% from 2024 to 2025. In Tipton County, the median sale price is $214,000, with homes spending an average of 41 days on the market. Home values have risen 8% from 2024 to 2025.
Why Is It Important to Use a REALTOR®?
It’s important to know that using a Realtor® helps homeowners get top dollar for their home while buyers get the most value, without either side feeling taken advantage of.
Sellers:
Pricing it right for the market. Overpricing can cause the home to stall on the market, resulting in less traffic, a lack of offers and, eventually, price drops. Underpricing leaves money on the table. Realtors® use real comps, local trends and buyer behavior to hit the “sweet spot” that brings strong offers.
Prepping for maximum returns. Most sellers don’t know what matters most to buyers. This is where the expertise of a Realtor® comes in by helping sellers focus on high–return-on-investment fixes.
Marketing. A Realtor® isn’t just “putting it online or in the MLS.” A good Realtor® creates exposure through professional photos and videos, MLS strategy, social media targeting, open houses and agent networking. There are differences among Realtors®, so be sure to ask what your agent will provide.
Negotiation to protect the bottom line. Many sellers lose money simply by not knowing what’s normal or negotiable. A Realtor® manages inspections, lender timelines, appraisal issues, title problems and contract deadlines. Many items are handled before the seller is even aware, reducing stress and protecting the seller’s outcome.
Buyers:
Guiding buyers to the best value homes. A Realtor® identifies hidden value, overpriced homes and red flags that could cost buyers money later.
Negotiating for savings. A Realtor® negotiates for better pricing, seller-paid closing costs, repair credits, warranties and concessions.
Protecting buyers through the inspection. What is normal? What is a true concern? What is an expensive repair risk?
Helping avoid costly mistakes. Buyers can lose money by skipping steps, missing deadlines, choosing the wrong loan option or buying a home with hidden issues.
Let’s do a few things to make buyers fall in love before they even walk into your home!
Make the entryway pop. Buyers start evaluating your home the moment they arrive. Add a new welcome mat, potted plants, clean or paint the mailbox, and straighten railings and porch furniture.
Fresh exterior paint or front door paint. This is one of the best bangs for the buck. Painting the front door, trim and shutters can completely change the vibe of the home. Consider adding new house numbers, door hardware, a wreath or plants at the entrance.
Clean up the landscaping for a better “wow” factor. Add fresh mulch, trim or remove overgrown shrubs, edge the beds and add seasonal plants.
Power wash. This is a big one — the entire home, not just the front. Take into consideration siding, porches, driveways, sidewalks and steps. Be sure to wash windows inside and out. This inexpensive step can offer a dramatic transformation.
Upgrade exterior lighting. Replace dated fixtures, add warm bulbs and install solar path lighting. All are easy upgrades.
Now, let’s make them fall in love with the inside of the home.
Declutter. The home should look as spacious as possible. Removing clutter allows buyers to focus on the home itself. Remove personal items and organize closets and cabinets. Closets should be about 50% to 70% full. Excess furniture can be placed in storage. A knowledgeable agent can also help with staging. Garages should be straightened up and organized.
Clean. The market expects a clean home. Hiring a professional cleaner can help, including cleaning appliances, windows, bathrooms and kitchens. Keep the home show-ready during marketing. Make beds daily, pick up clothes and towels, and keep counters clean and organized.
Smells. Odors can be deal killers. Find the source first. If you don’t remove it, you’re just “perfuming a problem.” Common sources include pets, smoke, cooking grease, musty humidity, trash or refrigerators, dirty carpets, HVAC filters, duct dust and furniture that holds odors. Avoid heavy plug-ins and strong candles before showings — buyers may wonder what’s being hidden.
Storage. Storage sells homes because it makes the house feel bigger, cleaner and more functional. Buyers judge storage hard. Ideas include wall shelves, hooks behind doors, pegboards in garages and laundry rooms, and tall bookcases instead of wide ones. Closet upgrades such as double hanging rods, shelf-and-rod kits, shoe racks and storage cubes help. Don’t forget dead spaces like under stairs, hallways, above laundry machines and inside pantries.
What Makes Howard and Tipton Counties Attractive to Out-of-Town Buyers?
Buyers can often get larger homes, bigger yards, garage space, outbuildings and more updates compared with many metro areas.
Both counties offer easy access to Indianapolis, Lafayette and Marion via interstate and highway connections, along with access to airports, making commuting easier.
Small-town living appeals to many buyers, with less traffic, quieter neighborhoods, community events and friendly vibes.
Many buyers value strong school systems and parks, which both counties offer.
Howard County draws buyers due to established employers, healthcare and manufacturing growth, and a steady job base. Tipton County appeals to buyers seeking a quieter county feel while remaining close to major job markets. Both offer restaurants, shopping, health care, acreage, outbuildings, room for gardens, animals and privacy. Demand for country living remains high for these reasons.
Overall, Howard and Tipton counties offer affordable homes, room to breathe and a prime location within reach of Indianapolis and other major hubs — ideal for those seeking value, space and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Carrie Gruel, Owner and Managing Broker for Carrie Gruel & Associates REALTORS®. With proven expertise in residential, land and commercial real estate, buyer representation, listing strategy and commercial sales.
Known for delivering high level client service, strong negotiation skills and market driven pricing strategies that maximize value for sellers while helping buyers secure the best possible terms. Experienced in guiding clients through complex transactions including investment properties, owner occupied properties, land and commercial properties.
What is most important to her? CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Focusing on the seller or buyer so that they have a great experience as all real estate transactions should be. The client is #1 and takes all priority.
Carrie Gruel, Broker/Owner Carrie Gruel & Associates, REALTORS®, is celebrating her 26th year as a licensed Broker and is member of Realtors® Association of Central Indiana, Indiana Association of Realtors®, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors® and the National Association of REALTORS® and holds designations in the following:
ABR — Accredited Buyer’s Representative
GRI — Graduate of Realtor® Institute
CSE — Commercial Sales Expert
RISP — Residential Investment Specialist
She can be reached at 765-432-8955. Office location: 4009 S. Webster St., Kokomo.
