Jarred Porter

Jul 23, 2025

Indianapolis First-Time Home Buyer Guide: 2025 Edition

Thinking of buying your first home in Indy? This 2025 guide breaks down budgeting, mortgage prep, local programs, and how to buy smart in today’s market.

Buyers
Home Buying

Buying Your First Home in Indy? Start Here.

Indianapolis is one of the hottest housing markets in the country right now—ranked #2 nationally for 2025. But that also means today’s first-time buyers are facing more pressure than ever: rising prices, tight inventory, and higher mortgage rates.

If you’re wondering how to get started (and not get steamrolled in the process), you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every major step—Indy-specific advice included. From budgeting to loan options to local down payment help, we’re breaking it down for 2025.

What’s Really Happening in the Indy Market Right Now?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The $250K starter home? It’s pushing $400K in many zip codes.
    According to WRTV, Indy home prices have jumped 40–50% in just a few years.

  • Homes move fast.
    Median days on market (DOM) in spring 2025 is 12–14 days—meaning you need to be ready to act when you find “the one.”

  • First-time buyers make up a big chunk of the competition.
    Especially in neighborhoods like Garfield Park, Christian Park, and Riverside, where price points are still accessible.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your First Home in 2025

1. Know What You Can Afford
Use a mortgage calculator and factor in more than just the sale price:

  • Monthly mortgage payment

  • Property taxes

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Repairs and upkeep

💡 Not sure where to start? Download our Homeownership Blueprint.

2. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
In today’s market, sellers won’t even look at your offer without a strong pre-approval letter.
Talk to a local lender who understands Indy’s market—especially if you’re using FHA, VA, or down payment assistance.

3. Look Into Down Payment Help
Indiana offers several first-time buyer programs in 2025, including:

  • IHCDA First Place: $8K down payment assistance

  • Next Home: For buyers not using conventional loans

  • Neighborhood-specific grants (ask your Roots agent—we track them)

💡 Curious if you qualify? Take our First-Time Buyer Quiz.

4. Choose the Right Indy Neighborhood
Here are some smart first-home zones in 2025:

  • Garfield Park – Parks, bungalows, and a growing coffee scene

  • Mapleton-Fall Creek – Historic homes and active neighborhood groups

  • Near East Side – Flips, duplexes, and house hack potential

  • West Indy – Lower entry prices, fast access to downtown

🏙️ Want a full overview? Explore our Neighborhood Map.

5. Partner With an Agent Who’s Also an Investor
Buying your first home is emotional—but it’s also one of the biggest financial moves of your life.
At Roots, every agent is also an investor. That means we can help you:

  • Run the numbers

  • House hack or build equity faster

  • Avoid overpaying in a hot market

  • Stay grounded through a stressful process

💡 We’ve helped dozens of first-time buyers just like you. Book your free buyer consult.

Tools That Make It Easier

Grab our free tools built just for first-time buyers:

  • ✅ First-Time Buyer Quiz

  • ✅ Homeownership Blueprint

  • ✅ Indy Neighborhood Map

  • ✅ House Hack Playbook (yes, you can!)

  • ✅ Weekly Off-Market Deal Newsletter

🎯 Access them all here →

Ready to Buy Smart in 2025?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But you can buy in Indy—and buy well—with the right plan.
Let’s build that plan together.

👉 Download our First-Time Buyer Checklist
👉 Schedule your free first-home consultation

Buying Your First Home in Indy? Start Here.

Indianapolis is one of the hottest housing markets in the country right now—ranked #2 nationally for 2025. But that also means today’s first-time buyers are facing more pressure than ever: rising prices, tight inventory, and higher mortgage rates.

If you’re wondering how to get started (and not get steamrolled in the process), you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every major step—Indy-specific advice included. From budgeting to loan options to local down payment help, we’re breaking it down for 2025.

What’s Really Happening in the Indy Market Right Now?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The $250K starter home? It’s pushing $400K in many zip codes.
    According to WRTV, Indy home prices have jumped 40–50% in just a few years.

  • Homes move fast.
    Median days on market (DOM) in spring 2025 is 12–14 days—meaning you need to be ready to act when you find “the one.”

  • First-time buyers make up a big chunk of the competition.
    Especially in neighborhoods like Garfield Park, Christian Park, and Riverside, where price points are still accessible.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your First Home in 2025

1. Know What You Can Afford
Use a mortgage calculator and factor in more than just the sale price:

  • Monthly mortgage payment

  • Property taxes

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Repairs and upkeep

💡 Not sure where to start? Download our Homeownership Blueprint.

2. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
In today’s market, sellers won’t even look at your offer without a strong pre-approval letter.
Talk to a local lender who understands Indy’s market—especially if you’re using FHA, VA, or down payment assistance.

3. Look Into Down Payment Help
Indiana offers several first-time buyer programs in 2025, including:

  • IHCDA First Place: $8K down payment assistance

  • Next Home: For buyers not using conventional loans

  • Neighborhood-specific grants (ask your Roots agent—we track them)

💡 Curious if you qualify? Take our First-Time Buyer Quiz.

4. Choose the Right Indy Neighborhood
Here are some smart first-home zones in 2025:

  • Garfield Park – Parks, bungalows, and a growing coffee scene

  • Mapleton-Fall Creek – Historic homes and active neighborhood groups

  • Near East Side – Flips, duplexes, and house hack potential

  • West Indy – Lower entry prices, fast access to downtown

🏙️ Want a full overview? Explore our Neighborhood Map.

5. Partner With an Agent Who’s Also an Investor
Buying your first home is emotional—but it’s also one of the biggest financial moves of your life.
At Roots, every agent is also an investor. That means we can help you:

  • Run the numbers

  • House hack or build equity faster

  • Avoid overpaying in a hot market

  • Stay grounded through a stressful process

💡 We’ve helped dozens of first-time buyers just like you. Book your free buyer consult.

Tools That Make It Easier

Grab our free tools built just for first-time buyers:

  • ✅ First-Time Buyer Quiz

  • ✅ Homeownership Blueprint

  • ✅ Indy Neighborhood Map

  • ✅ House Hack Playbook (yes, you can!)

  • ✅ Weekly Off-Market Deal Newsletter

🎯 Access them all here →

Ready to Buy Smart in 2025?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But you can buy in Indy—and buy well—with the right plan.
Let’s build that plan together.

👉 Download our First-Time Buyer Checklist
👉 Schedule your free first-home consultation

Buying Your First Home in Indy? Start Here.

Indianapolis is one of the hottest housing markets in the country right now—ranked #2 nationally for 2025. But that also means today’s first-time buyers are facing more pressure than ever: rising prices, tight inventory, and higher mortgage rates.

If you’re wondering how to get started (and not get steamrolled in the process), you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every major step—Indy-specific advice included. From budgeting to loan options to local down payment help, we’re breaking it down for 2025.

What’s Really Happening in the Indy Market Right Now?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The $250K starter home? It’s pushing $400K in many zip codes.
    According to WRTV, Indy home prices have jumped 40–50% in just a few years.

  • Homes move fast.
    Median days on market (DOM) in spring 2025 is 12–14 days—meaning you need to be ready to act when you find “the one.”

  • First-time buyers make up a big chunk of the competition.
    Especially in neighborhoods like Garfield Park, Christian Park, and Riverside, where price points are still accessible.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your First Home in 2025

1. Know What You Can Afford
Use a mortgage calculator and factor in more than just the sale price:

  • Monthly mortgage payment

  • Property taxes

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Repairs and upkeep

💡 Not sure where to start? Download our Homeownership Blueprint.

2. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
In today’s market, sellers won’t even look at your offer without a strong pre-approval letter.
Talk to a local lender who understands Indy’s market—especially if you’re using FHA, VA, or down payment assistance.

3. Look Into Down Payment Help
Indiana offers several first-time buyer programs in 2025, including:

  • IHCDA First Place: $8K down payment assistance

  • Next Home: For buyers not using conventional loans

  • Neighborhood-specific grants (ask your Roots agent—we track them)

💡 Curious if you qualify? Take our First-Time Buyer Quiz.

4. Choose the Right Indy Neighborhood
Here are some smart first-home zones in 2025:

  • Garfield Park – Parks, bungalows, and a growing coffee scene

  • Mapleton-Fall Creek – Historic homes and active neighborhood groups

  • Near East Side – Flips, duplexes, and house hack potential

  • West Indy – Lower entry prices, fast access to downtown

🏙️ Want a full overview? Explore our Neighborhood Map.

5. Partner With an Agent Who’s Also an Investor
Buying your first home is emotional—but it’s also one of the biggest financial moves of your life.
At Roots, every agent is also an investor. That means we can help you:

  • Run the numbers

  • House hack or build equity faster

  • Avoid overpaying in a hot market

  • Stay grounded through a stressful process

💡 We’ve helped dozens of first-time buyers just like you. Book your free buyer consult.

Tools That Make It Easier

Grab our free tools built just for first-time buyers:

  • ✅ First-Time Buyer Quiz

  • ✅ Homeownership Blueprint

  • ✅ Indy Neighborhood Map

  • ✅ House Hack Playbook (yes, you can!)

  • ✅ Weekly Off-Market Deal Newsletter

🎯 Access them all here →

Ready to Buy Smart in 2025?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But you can buy in Indy—and buy well—with the right plan.
Let’s build that plan together.

👉 Download our First-Time Buyer Checklist
👉 Schedule your free first-home consultation

Buying Your First Home in Indy? Start Here.

Indianapolis is one of the hottest housing markets in the country right now—ranked #2 nationally for 2025. But that also means today’s first-time buyers are facing more pressure than ever: rising prices, tight inventory, and higher mortgage rates.

If you’re wondering how to get started (and not get steamrolled in the process), you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every major step—Indy-specific advice included. From budgeting to loan options to local down payment help, we’re breaking it down for 2025.

What’s Really Happening in the Indy Market Right Now?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The $250K starter home? It’s pushing $400K in many zip codes.
    According to WRTV, Indy home prices have jumped 40–50% in just a few years.

  • Homes move fast.
    Median days on market (DOM) in spring 2025 is 12–14 days—meaning you need to be ready to act when you find “the one.”

  • First-time buyers make up a big chunk of the competition.
    Especially in neighborhoods like Garfield Park, Christian Park, and Riverside, where price points are still accessible.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your First Home in 2025

1. Know What You Can Afford
Use a mortgage calculator and factor in more than just the sale price:

  • Monthly mortgage payment

  • Property taxes

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Repairs and upkeep

💡 Not sure where to start? Download our Homeownership Blueprint.

2. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
In today’s market, sellers won’t even look at your offer without a strong pre-approval letter.
Talk to a local lender who understands Indy’s market—especially if you’re using FHA, VA, or down payment assistance.

3. Look Into Down Payment Help
Indiana offers several first-time buyer programs in 2025, including:

  • IHCDA First Place: $8K down payment assistance

  • Next Home: For buyers not using conventional loans

  • Neighborhood-specific grants (ask your Roots agent—we track them)

💡 Curious if you qualify? Take our First-Time Buyer Quiz.

4. Choose the Right Indy Neighborhood
Here are some smart first-home zones in 2025:

  • Garfield Park – Parks, bungalows, and a growing coffee scene

  • Mapleton-Fall Creek – Historic homes and active neighborhood groups

  • Near East Side – Flips, duplexes, and house hack potential

  • West Indy – Lower entry prices, fast access to downtown

🏙️ Want a full overview? Explore our Neighborhood Map.

5. Partner With an Agent Who’s Also an Investor
Buying your first home is emotional—but it’s also one of the biggest financial moves of your life.
At Roots, every agent is also an investor. That means we can help you:

  • Run the numbers

  • House hack or build equity faster

  • Avoid overpaying in a hot market

  • Stay grounded through a stressful process

💡 We’ve helped dozens of first-time buyers just like you. Book your free buyer consult.

Tools That Make It Easier

Grab our free tools built just for first-time buyers:

  • ✅ First-Time Buyer Quiz

  • ✅ Homeownership Blueprint

  • ✅ Indy Neighborhood Map

  • ✅ House Hack Playbook (yes, you can!)

  • ✅ Weekly Off-Market Deal Newsletter

🎯 Access them all here →

Ready to Buy Smart in 2025?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But you can buy in Indy—and buy well—with the right plan.
Let’s build that plan together.

👉 Download our First-Time Buyer Checklist
👉 Schedule your free first-home consultation

Roots Realty newsletter

Be the first to know about off-market listings and smart buying tips.

Free. Indy-focused insights for first-time and savvy buyers — straight to your inbox.

Roots Realty newsletter

Be the first to know about off-market listings and smart buying tips.

Free. Indy-focused insights for first-time and savvy buyers — straight to your inbox.

Roots Realty newsletter

Be the first to know about off-market listings and smart buying tips.

Free. Indy-focused insights for first-time and savvy buyers — straight to your inbox.

Roots Realty newsletter

Be the first to know about off-market listings and smart buying tips.

Free. Indy-focused insights for first-time and savvy buyers — straight to your inbox.

Free resources

Get our free buyer tools and start your Indy home journey right.

Blueprints, checklists, and local insights built for first-time and smart buyers.

Free resources

Get our free buyer tools and start your Indy home journey right.

Blueprints, checklists, and local insights built for first-time and smart buyers.

Free resources

Get our free buyer tools and start your Indy home journey right.

Blueprints, checklists, and local insights built for first-time and smart buyers.

Free resources

Get our free buyer tools and start your Indy home journey right.

Blueprints, checklists, and local insights built for first-time and smart buyers.

Subscribe to the roots Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss a deal, insight, or off-market listing.

Subscribe to the roots Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss a deal, insight, or off-market listing.

Subscribe to the roots Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss a deal, insight, or off-market listing.

Subscribe to the roots Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss a deal, insight, or off-market listing.