We're moving into fall, and it's been a year of steady shifts in the Indiana real estate market 2025. The data is one thing, but the stories I see play out in Bartholomew and Jackson counties bring the numbers to life.

What the Market Looks Like

• Prices are up a touch compared to last year, but it's not runaway growth. Most sellers who priced realistically found solid offers. According to the Indiana Association of Realtors, statewide prices remain slightly higher year-over-year.
• Inventory has opened up. For buyers who felt trapped in the low-choice, high-pressure market of a couple years ago, the landscape feels more forgiving. Realtor.com's Indiana overview shows a notable increase in active listings compared to last year.
• Pace has slowed. Homes aren't disappearing in 48 hours anymore. Weeks on market are becoming the norm, and that's not a bad thing.

Stories Behind the Numbers

I worked with a couple relocating here from out of state. They missed out on a few homes early this summer, then we spotted one that fit them perfectly. It had been sitting on the market for a few weeks, which gave us room to negotiate, something that would've been unthinkable two years ago. They're now under contract, excited, and grateful the pace gave them space to breathe. On the flip side, I've seen local sellers wrestle with letting go of last year's price expectations. One family listed high in June, but after a couple of quiet weeks, they made a thoughtful adjustment. Sometimes the lesson is simple: the market rewards those who meet it where it is. This is especially true in the Bartholomew County real estate market and Jackson County real estate market, where balanced conditions are replacing the frenzy of past years.

What to Watch This Fall

• Rates: Mortgage costs remain the biggest hurdle. Freddie Mac shows average 30-year rates still hovering at historically high levels.
• Supply: If listings keep climbing, buyers will gain even more leverage.
• Local demand: Steady job growth and affordability still make Columbus and Seymour attractive. Groups like the Columbus Area Economic Development Corporation and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce highlight why families and businesses continue choosing this region.

Takeaway

The Indiana market in 2025 isn't about speed, it's about strategy. Buyers have more room to make thoughtful choices. Sellers succeed when they're realistic and flexible. If you'd like more insights, tips, and guidance on navigating the local market, visit my Real Estate Services & Guide.