A Quick Note from Me
I find myself in the midst of a season of life and my favorite time of the year where I want to hit “pause” and just enjoy the moment. Last month I turned 32 and that just doesn’t sound like something I resonate with, but I have enjoyed being able to appreciate all of the blessings God has given me in my life.
I have been thoroughly enjoying the FIFA World Cup and watching team USA find success. It is particularly special as it comes during America’s 250th anniversary as a country. It’s a beautiful month to be reminded of the importance of unity and the meaning behind what makes our country great, which are the people and the goals we strive for together.
I also had the opportunity to serve alongside Circle City Relief last month as a way to witness to the local community about Jesus Christ through the provision of food and clothing. I had the privilege to serve alongside my small group from Traders Point Christian Church.
This month I am also looking forward to traveling to Texas to celebrate my brother Chris as he prepares to become a married man this Fall!
Local Events by City of Shay
Things to Do This Month
The Waterpark
Carmel is home to The Waterpark and it is one of those summer spots that works whether you want a full day of activity or just a good way to cool off. Between the FlowRider, lazy river, slides, climbing wall, kiddie pool, and cabanas, there’s a little something for everybody. Perfect for a hot summer day when you want to get out without overthinking it.
Momentum Indy at Bottleworks District on July 11–12
A two-day bike festival with racing, vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. A cool way to experience the buzz around Bottleworks.
Rock the Ruins
From May through September, Rock the Ruins brings live music to one of Indy’s best outdoor settings at Holliday Park, creating an easy summer night out with room to spread out on blankets and chairs, grab food and drinks from local vendors, and enjoy the park with friends, neighbors, or family. The series is hosted in partnership with Indy Parks and the Holliday Park Foundation, and a portion of proceeds supports the park and foundation. In July, the featured show is Joe Russo’s Almost Dead on Friday, July 17 where they cover music by The Grateful Dead.
Indiana Pacers Bikeshare
An evening or a morning bike ride along the Monon has been my recent favorite thing to do so far this summer. As a Marion County resident, I actually get a free pass for 30 minute rides! This has not only given me a new activity for the summer, but also has become my new favorite way to get around the city! They even have electric pedal assist so you can zoom your way through town effortlessly.
Home Owner Tip
Make It Easier for Your House to Stay Cool
When Indiana gets hit with a real heat wave, the best advice from AC pros is not usually complicated. It is about helping your system do its job without extra strain.
A few simple things that can make a difference:
Change your air filter if it’s dirty
Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked by furniture or rugs
Clear weeds, leaves, and debris around the outdoor unit so it has room to breathe
Close blinds or curtains during peak afternoon sun
Wait until evening for heat-producing chores like using the oven or dryer
If your house is still struggling to stay cool after that, it may be less about the thermostat and more about a bigger issue like poor airflow, leaky ductwork, or a system that needs service.
Market Minute
How House Hacking Lets You Buy and Invest at the Same Time
Many buyers assume they have to choose between buying a home to live in or purchasing an investment property. With house hacking, they can do both.
If a borrower purchases a duplex, triplex, or fourplex and lives in one of the units as their primary residence, they can qualify for owner-occupied financing. This allows them to take advantage of significantly lower down payment requirements and better interest rates than traditional investment property financing.
From a mortgage standpoint, this can be a huge advantage:
Conventional financing requires as little as 5% down.
FHA financing requires as little as 3.5% down.
VA financing requires $0 down
Another major benefit is that, in many cases, projected rental income from the additional units can be used to help the borrower qualify for the mortgage. This can increase purchasing power while reducing the out-of-pocket monthly housing expense.
The strategy doesn't have to end there. After living in the property long enough (usually 12 months), the homeowner can move into a new primary residence and, if they qualify, buy a new primary residence. They can then keep the original property as a rental, allowing them to continue building equity and growing their real estate portfolio over time.
Instead of paying 20% to 25% down for an investment property and receiving investor pricing, buyers can purchase a multi-unit property with a much smaller down payment, lock in primary residence financing, and begin building wealth immediately!
Next Step
Planning to Buy a Home, but Don’t Know Where to Start?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, but aren’t sure what the first move should be, don’t guess. The Home Buyer Readiness Quiz at the bottom of this email will help you understand where you stand.
Whether you’re ready now or just starting to think ahead, you’ll walk away with a clearer game plan and fewer unknowns.
Biblical Wisdom
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.
Until next month,
Plant Roots. Build Community.