How do the School Referendums affect the Taxes in Hamilton County?
It is a little complicated.  Here is the chart that is posted on the Hamilton Co. Government website.  http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/egov/documents/1333031638_00982.pdf

Contact numbers are posted for each township for further questions.

Here is the current chart:


SCHOOL REFERENDUM & DEBT SERVICE
EXEMPT FROM CIRCUIT BREAKERS
2011 PAY 2012
Noblesville Schools
Contact:  Terry Rich, 773-3171
     Voted on Ballot 2010.  Not to exceed .2115 for 7 years  (10p11 through 16p17)
 School Referendum Rate:   .1926
 School Referendum Debt: .0857
 Total Referendum Rate: .2783
Westfield Washington Schools
Contact:   Nick Verhoff, 867-8013
     Voted on Ballot 2010.  Not to exceed .2300 for 7 years  (10p11 through 16p17)
 School Referendum Rate: .2300
Carmel Clay Schools
Contact:  Roger McMichael, 571-4005, ext. 81072
     Voted on Ballot 2010.  Not to exceed .1600 for 7 years  (10p11 through 16p17)
      School Referendum Rate: .1600
 School Ref. Discretionary: .0304      (old rate, final year)
 Total Referendum Rates .1904
Hamilton Southeastern Schools
Contact:  Mike Reuter, 594-4100
     Voted on Ballot 2009.  Not to exceed .1000 for 7 years  (09p10 through 15p16)
     Voted on Ballot 2010.  Beginning 11p12, rate phased in over approx 3 years, then
     fully implemented.  Expires in 20 years.  
 School Referendum Rate: .1000
 School Referendum Rate: .0193
 Total Referendum Rates:  .1193
Sheridan Community Schools
Contact:  Derek Arrowood, 758-4172
     Voted on Ballot 2011.  Not to exceed .1900 for 7 years.  (11p12 through 17p18)

How to File Homestead and Mortgage Exemptions in Hamilton County, Indiana

How do I file the Homestead and Mortgage Exemptions for my home?

The process has changed in the last few months.  The Homestead Exemption is filed automatically for you when the deed is filed by the title company following the closing.  Only one Homestead Exemption is allowed in Indiana, even if you own multiple properties here.  That exemption is the large one, reducing the assessed value of your property by $45,000.

The mortgage exemption and any other exemptions that you qualify for, must be filed following the closing.  Generally 6 weeks following the closing is best to insure that the deed has been recorded.  You may visit the following offices in person or file online.  Bring your HUD/Settlement Statement from the closing and a driver's license or other legal form of identification.  Be sure to save the receipt that you receive to be sure that you have evidence that the exemption was filed.  The mortgage exemption reduces your assessed value by $3,000.  If you refinance your mortgage, you will need to file the mortgage exemption again.


The Hamilton County Auditors office is located at 33 N 9th Street, Suite 214 in Noblesville.  Their phone number is                         317-776-9602            .  Their hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 M-F.

You can also file at the Carmel/Clay Twp Assessor's Office at 10701 N College Avenue; phone is                        317-848-7116             or the Fishers/Delaware Twp Assessor's Offic at 9090 East 131st Street in Fishers; phone is 577-0501.

You may also file online in Hamilton County at http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/v6/eGov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=997

The little bit of effort it takes is well worth the savings!

Easter Egg Hunts--Not Just for Children Alone!

For the last two years, we have enjoyed the novelty of an Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs.  Our schnoodle loves the comraderie of the other dogs.  The event each year has been held at Carmel's West Park.  The dogs are divided into large 26 lbs or more  and small under 25 lbs.  At the "go", the dogs on leashes sprint into the fields to find treats.  The treats are hidden inside (you guessed it) plastic eggs.  Some of the eggs have numbers inside of them.  These special eggs may be redeemed for a dog toy.

It is a fun time, and of course there is always a dog or two that escapes and romps around.  We have ended the hunt with a bag of dog treats, bakery dog bones, and at least one dog toy.  I am not sure who enjoys the hunt more--our family or the dog.

This year's event is on April 16th at 11:00.  The fee is $3.00 per dog.  

Do you have an event like this in your area?  Tell us about it.   

It's February And You Are Thinking of Buying a Home. 5 Reasons to Begin Your Home Search Now

It's cold outside!  Believe it or not, it is still a wonderful time to buy a home.

*Interest rates are still at near historic lows and the *inventory of homes is plentiful.  More homes will come on the market in the next two months as sellers who have been waiting to get past the holiday season are ready to offer their home for sale.  This trend will continue as we move towards Spring and the warmer Summer months.

*There are less buyers in the market now than there will be in the Spring, the traditionally most active time of the year.  So there is less competition for the home you may want.  You will have the opportunity to negotiate more aggressively with a Seller that is motivated now.

*Winter is an excellent time to check on the energy efficiency of homes.  Feel the areas around doors and windows to see if air flow is noticeable.  Does the home seem well constructed?    Look at the roof if there is snow to see if the snow is melting evenly.  An area that is melting much faster than others may indicate a lack of insulation.  Heat is escaping in that area.

*Homes are more completely tested during weather extremes.  An inspection on the home you choose will be even more beneficial in revealing areas that need improvement.  A clause can be written in your purchase agreement to allow you time to return to check the roof when weather permits.

*Interest rates are still at historic lows. A 30 year fixed rate is currently around 5.25% without adding points, or at 5% with 2 points.  The cost of a point is 1% of the loan amount.    By buying now, you may save significantly on your monthly payment.  Even an extra $200 savings of per month equals $2400/year and $72,000 over 30 years, the life of the loan.

Realty Insights is Growing Up!

Yes, it is true!  Realty Insights is ready for the next big step--a new name and its own custom domain.  Announcing Indy is My Home!  You will find the same great content with a more personal point of view, more photos and community information.

We are moving to a new platform--Thesis and a new look New Chapter.  When the pieces are in place, we will let you know--and you will automatically be redirected to the new site.

For now, hang in there with us.  It will be worth the wait, we promise!