Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market in Fishers? According to veteran local realtor Laura Turner, the answer is: both — and neither.

In our latest podcast, Turner, a real estate agent with F.C. Tucker and one of the top-producing agents in the Indianapolis metro area, returns to the show for a wide-ranging conversation about a housing market that has changed dramatically since her last visit.

Turner describes Hamilton County as “almost three separate real estate markets.” Carmel is still selling like crazy, higher-value homes in Fishers are flying off the market, and the middle tier — homes in the $400,000 to $600,000 range — faces stiff competition from a wave of new construction. Inventory is up about 10 percent across the region, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in years, yet homes are still moving swiftly, with days on market up only slightly.

We dig into some of the biggest forces shaping the market right now. Turner weighs in on the national argument that America’s housing crisis is really a retirement crisis, with baby boomers aging in place rather than listing their homes — and how a few builders are finally catching on with low-maintenance products aimed at that generation. She shares her take on the new federal housing bill encouraging multi-family construction, and on the rental-housing ordinances in Fishers and Carmel that were overturned by the state legislature.

For buyers, Turner offers practical guidance: how far ahead to start a home search, when to bid above asking, and how assumable mortgages and builder rate buy-downs can ease the sting of today’s interest rates. She has candid advice for first-time buyers facing a median price above $400,000 — starting with skipping the luxury apartment and banking the difference toward a down payment. Sellers get a reality check too: the days of naming your own price and adding $40,000 over the comps are over.

Turner also looks ahead 12 months with her crystal ball, predicting more inventory and a healthier, more balanced market — roughly 60/40 in favor of buyers, by her estimate. And she closes with an unvarnished look at what it really takes to succeed as a full-time realtor, a profession where only a fraction of the 7,600 agents on her board make it their livelihood.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching your home’s value, this conversation is full of local insight you won’t find in national headlines.

The LarryInFishers Podcast series is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

Listen to the full interview at this link or the link below.

People new to Hamilton County often ask me a question about the county fair: Why is there no midway or carnival rides?

I recently posed that question to Maggie Herrington, Health and Human Sciences program assistant with the Purdue Extension office in Hamilton County.

“This is a 4-H fair,” Herrington said. “Our focus here is on the 4-H’ers, all of their hard work and outstanding achievements. We have lots of activities for public participation and for families.”

In other words, the Hamilton County 4-H Fair is intentionally different from many traditional county fairs. Instead of commercial carnival attractions, the emphasis remains on 4-H members, their projects and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The 2026 fair is scheduled for July 16–20 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds on Pleasant Street in Noblesville, near State Road 37 and the Noblesville Post Office.

When I asked Herrington which attractions are the most popular with fairgoers, she answered with two words: food and animals.

“We have a fantastic food court here,” Herrington said. “One of the secrets about our food court is they are all local nonprofit service organizations that provide the food here at the 4-H fair—the Extension Homemakers, some of our 4-H clubs and other service organizations here in the county. No for-profit food trucks at this fair.”

The arrangement means money spent at the food court supports local clubs and nonprofit organizations rather than commercial vendors.

Although communities such as Fishers have experienced rapid development and population growth, agriculture remains an important part of Hamilton County’s history and identity. Large portions of the county remain farmland.

“Just a short drive north of here, Hamilton County still is quite rural,” Herrington said.

The fair provides an opportunity for residents from the county’s increasingly suburban areas to see livestock, agricultural exhibits and the work of young people involved in 4-H.

“All the old favorites are here, all of the traditional activities that everyone looks forward to—the showmanships, the fashion revue and the ice cream contest,” Herrington said. “We also have a lot of great new activities this year.”

Those additions include a gaming day, a children’s entrepreneurship afternoon and a cornhole tournament.

The fair also features contests, animal shows, exhibits, food and activities in which members of the public can participate.

The complete schedule, fairgrounds map and other information are available on the Hamilton County 4-H Fair website.

Fishers residents who use the 82nd Street and I-69 interchange to travel to and from the Indianapolis area should prepare for overnight ramp, lane and road closures this week as work continues on the Clear Path 465 project, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced.

Crews will perform overhead bridge work, install pavement markings and move barrier walls in northeast Indianapolis.

New traffic signals are also expected to be installed this weekend at 75th Street and Binford Boulevard. That work was rescheduled after rain last weekend. Delays are expected during Saturday’s installation, and drivers should plan ahead and seek alternate routes when possible.

Scheduled restrictions

Wednesday, July 15 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

• Ramp from 82nd Street to northbound I-69 closed
• Westbound 82nd Street closed under I-69
• One lane closed on northbound I-69 over 82nd Street (only affects traffic coming from northbound I-465)

Thursday, July 16 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

• Westbound 82nd Street closed under I-69 for overhead bridge work

Friday, July 17 at 9 p.m. to Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m.

• 75th Street reduced to one lane in each direction between Kitley Avenue and Knue Road
• Binford Boulevard reduced to one lane in each direction between the I-69/I-465 interchange and 71st Street
• Up to 10-minute stoppages on 75th Street and Binford Boulevard during signal installation

Emergency access will be maintained on 82nd Street. INDOT said dates and planned work may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Speed enforcement remains active

The Indiana Safe Zones speed control program remains active in the Clear Path construction zone. The program uses automated systems to monitor speeds in designated work zones, with the goal of protecting workers, drivers and passengers by reducing excessive speeding. Motorists are urged to slow down and avoid distractions in construction zones.

Rebar Development will be permitted to begin certain construction work before 7 a.m. as crews continue work on the CityView project at 116th Street and Lantern Road in downtown Fishers.

The Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety approved the early-start waiver Tuesday morning. Rebar CEO Tom Dickey told board members that summer heat can create problems with concrete temperatures and add costs associated with cooling the concrete.

The concrete work requiring the earlier hours is expected to be completed by Aug. 10.

Dickey said the city has received one complaint from a resident of a nearby apartment building. The resident reported purchasing noise-reduction equipment to lessen the effects of the early construction activity. Rebar plans to offer her a stipend to help cover that expense.

Mayor Scott Fadness said there is a public-policy reason for allowing the work to be completed “as soon as possible.” He also asked what residents should expect during later stages of construction.

Dickey said framing work will begin soon, bringing the sound of nail guns before 6 a.m. That work will start near the 116th Street end of the site. As construction moves south, however, residents of the nearby apartments will experience more of the noise.

“There is some logic for allowing an earlier start,” Fadness said. “I think if people just know when these things are going to occur, that makes a huge difference.”

In other business Tuesday, the board:

• Awarded the final four Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants of the current round, totaling more than $67,000. Grants went to Northfield Estates, Cumberland Place Village, Intracoastal at Geist and Tremont.
• Approved bids for restroom facilities at athletic complexes for Fishers High School and Hamilton Southeastern High School.
• Approved sewer grants, agreements and a contract involving the Hyde Park and Lynwood Hills neighborhoods.

Soccer fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 26 championship match during a free outdoor event Sunday, July 19, at the Fishers Event Center.

The World Cup Final Watch Party will be held at the FORUM Credit Union Plaza, 11000 Stockdale St. Gates open at 2 p.m., with the match scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

The event is open to all ages. Tickets and advance registration are not required, and free surface parking will be available.

The match will be shown in an open-air setting on the plaza lawn. Local vendors, family-friendly activities and interactive fan experiences are also planned. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, but guests may not bring outside food or drinks.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Because the event will be outdoors, attendees should also prepare for the weather with items such as sunglasses or rain gear.

Each guest may bring one factory-sealed bottle of water containing no more than 40 ounces. One empty refillable aluminum or plastic water bottle is also permitted, but glass containers are prohibited.

Two water fountains are available inside the Fishers Event Center near Market District and Section 105.

The Humane Society for Hamilton County will hold its annual Woofstock Survivor 5K & Dog Walk on Saturday, Aug. 8, raising money to provide medical care for sick and injured animals.

The event is open to runners and walkers of all ability levels, with participants invited to bring their dogs. The $59 registration fee benefits the shelter’s Survivor Program. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, commemorative medal and swag bag.

Following the race, an after-party will feature food, festival games, a police K-9 demonstration, a 50/50 Ball Drop and a new children’s tent.

The Survivor Program pays for treatment of animals that arrive at the shelter with serious illnesses or injuries, including animals that have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. It also helps HSHC accept animals facing possible euthanasia at other shelters.

“It’s amazing to see how the Hamilton County community comes together through this event to help our most vulnerable animals every year,” HSHC Community Engagement Manager Emma Nobbe said. “Without their support for the Survivor Program, we could not provide the life-saving care that so many of our animals need to get the second chance they deserve.”

Participants may also raise additional money for the program. Prizes will be presented to fundraisers who reach designated benchmarks, with categories for youths, individuals, corporations and teams. Race awards will be presented by age category.

HSHC describes itself as an open-admission, no-kill shelter that does not euthanize animals because of limited time or space, treatable medical conditions or behavioral issues that can be rehabilitated. The organization says it has maintained an average live-placement rate of 98% since 2014.

Registration, donations and fundraising information are available at WoofstockRocks.com

We have some political news from our neighbors to the north. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen announced Monday that he will seek a third term in 2027, telling supporters that serving as mayor “has been the greatest honor of my life” and that he’s “not done yet.”

With that, the natural question for those of us south of the county seat: what about Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness?

There has been no official announcement, but let’s keep two important things in mind at this stage.

First, follow the money. The Fadness for Fishers political committee reported just under $543,000 in cash on hand as of December 31, 2025, according to the committee’s most recent annual campaign finance report. The committee raised more than $279,000 in 2025 — a non-election year — while spending about $134,000, growing its war chest by roughly $145,000. The mayor has continued holding fundraising events this year, so expect that number to climb in 2026. Politicians do not typically build bankrolls like that to retire on.

Second, even though there has been nothing official, I have had plenty of off-the-record comments from people who would be in a position to know, all pointing in the same direction: our mayor is planning to run for another term. Again, nothing official, but that is the word I am getting.

Scott Fadness is the only mayor Fishers has ever known. After voters approved city status by a wide margin in a 2012 referendum, state lawmakers provided for an initial election in 2014, with the new city’s first officials serving one-year terms once Fishers officially became a city on January 1, 2015.

No Democrat filed in that first election, so the May 2014 Republican primary decided the office — and six candidates ran. The two front-runners were Walt Kelly, the former Fishers Town Council president, and Fadness, the town manager at the time. It was a close race between those two. Fadness won with 4,274 votes (46.5 percent) to Kelly’s 3,881 (42.2 percent) — a margin of just 393 votes, in a primary that drew only about 15 percent of registered voters.

Since then, Fadness has faced exactly one opponent in any mayoral election: Logan Day, in the 2019 Republican primary. That one was not close. Fadness took 6,057 votes to Day’s 2,941, winning better than two-to-one with over 67 percent. No Democrat has ever appeared on a Fishers mayoral ballot — Fadness ran unopposed in the general elections of 2014, 2015 and 2019, and drew no opposition at all, primary or general, in 2023.

We have plenty of time before the May primary and November general election of 2027. Will Scott Fadness make it official, and if so, when? If he runs, will anyone step up to challenge him in the Republican primary? And will any Democrat choose to become the first ever to contest a Fishers mayoral race?

We should have answers to these questions as time moves along. Stay tuned.

Indiana’s two major-party candidates for secretary of state will appear together at a OneZone Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday, August 18, at the FORUM Events Center in Fishers.

Republican nominee Max Engling and Democratic nominee Beau Bayh will be the featured guests for OneZone’s Voices of Leadership Luncheon.

According to the chamber, the discussion will focus on the candidates’ backgrounds, leadership philosophies and visions for Indiana. The event is expected to draw business executives, public officials, community leaders and other residents from across Central Indiana.

“The OneZone Chamber is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful civic engagement,” OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell said in the announcement.

Russell said the luncheon is intended to help business and community leaders learn more about the people seeking public office. OneZone described the program as a nonpartisan conversation rather than a traditional political debate.

The secretary of state serves as Indiana’s chief elections officer. The office also oversees business registrations, securities regulation and the maintenance of state records.

Bondry Consulting will serve as presenting sponsor of the luncheon. The company, founded in 2018, provides financial advisory services to municipalities, public agencies and private developers.

Registration is available through the events section of the OneZone Chamber website at this link.

For the first time in its history, Fishers will have to decide whether to tax its residents’ income — and the answer will shape how the city pays for police, fire protection, roads and parks for years to come.

The decision stems from Senate Enrolled Act 1, the sweeping property tax relief law Governor Mike Braun signed in April 2025. The law delivers savings to homeowners — including a credit of 10 percent of a homeowner’s property tax bill, capped at $300, and a growing supplemental homestead deduction that shrinks the taxable value of homes over the next several years. Most Fishers homeowners qualify for the full $300 credit.

But the same law fundamentally rewires how Indiana communities fund local government, and that is where Fishers faces its biggest change.

The end of a 50-year-old system

For roughly half a century, income taxes in Indiana have been a county decision. Hamilton County levies a 1.1 percent local income tax, and the state distributes the money among the county, its cities and towns using a formula in state law. Fishers has never controlled that rate — it simply received its share.

That formula was a sore spot for years. Because it was tied in part to property tax levy growth rather than population, Carmel received nearly $77 million in income tax revenue in 2025 while Fishers received about $42.5 million — despite the two cities having nearly identical populations. A 2020 law that diverted some of Carmel’s growth to Fishers prompted Carmel to sue the state, and a Marion County judge ruled the diversion unconstitutional in 2024.

The General Assembly largely put that dispute to rest in 2025. Legislation championed by then-State Senator Kyle Walker adjusted the Hamilton County distribution, sending Fishers roughly $8 million more in 2026, with Carmel gaining about $1.5 million. More significantly, the new statewide system will end the practice of pooling county income tax revenue and redistributing it altogether.

What replaces it

Under SEA 1, existing countywide income tax rates will expire. In their place, cities with populations above 3,500 — including Fishers — may adopt their own municipal income tax of up to 1.2 percent. Counties may levy their own tax for county services, with the combined county-plus-city rate capped at 2.9 percent, down from the previous statewide maximum of 3.75 percent.

The changes were originally set to take effect in 2028, but legislation signed in March 2026 delayed implementation one year, to 2029. The same measure created a process for counties and municipalities to negotiate future revenue-sharing arrangements, with a report due to legislative leaders by December 1 — meaning lawmakers may fine-tune the system again in the 2027 session.

Why Fishers is considering an income tax

The arithmetic is direct: the tens of millions of dollars Fishers now receives each year from the county income tax distribution will disappear when the old system expires. Unless the city adopts its own income tax, that money is simply gone — at the same time property tax relief is shrinking the city’s other major revenue source.

Mayor Scott Fadness has said the new laws will not force cuts to current services, but will slow the city’s projected revenue growth by “low millions” in the coming years. He has indicated he favors a city income tax, though no rate has been proposed. Fadness has predicted the new system will leave Fishers drawing on property and income taxes in roughly equal measure, and has argued the change is ultimately healthy — tying tax decisions directly to the local government that provides the services.

Critics of the state overhaul argue it pressures cities to raise income taxes to backfill property tax relief, shifting the burden rather than reducing it. Supporters counter that the lower combined rate cap and local control add transparency and accountability.

The timeline

City officials have said income tax discussions will unfold through the current and upcoming budget cycles. Under the revised state schedule, the Fishers City Council is expected to set the city’s first municipal income tax rate during a window in 2028, taking effect in 2029, and would then set the rate annually. Any ordinance would require public hearings before the council votes.

For residents, the bottom line is this: property tax bills are getting state-mandated relief now, and the decision about whether — and how much — Fishers taxes income will be made not at the Statehouse or the county building, but by the nine members of the Fishers City Council, in public, over the next two years.