REAL ESTATE

October real estate: See inside $500K homes in five different Indiana cities

Portrait of Joe Mutascio Joe Mutascio
Indianapolis Star

Home sales dropped 15% nationally in August from one year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors, as mortgage rates hit a 23-year high.

However, the association noted that the supply of available homes is also down 14% compared to a year ago, meaning it remains a strong seller's market due to the low supply.

In Indiana, the number of homes sold was down 17 percent year over year in August while home prices were up 4.5%, according to the real estate site Redfin.

The average home stays on the market in Indiana for just 18 days, a number that has been as high as 60 in 2019 and 40 as recently as Feb. of this year.

All that to say, homes are moving quickly in Indiana but there are still some great listings if you stay alert and act quickly.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Here are five impressive examples of what a buyer in the $500,000 to $600,000 range can find around Indiana right now.

Indianapolis

This Indianapolis condo in the heart of Downtown has stunning city views showcased by floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and both bedrooms.

The $565,000 condo was built in 2011 and has an open floor plan, two baths and more than 1,600 sq ft of space.

Custom, powered shades can cover the impressive windows at the push of a button when you need some privacy, and the hardwood floors and modern kitchen complete the stylish living area.

Investors buying Indiana real estate:How Wall Street cashed in on the American Dream: Homebuyers outbid in droves by investors

Evansville

Built in 1928, this Evansville home combines historic charm with modern style and design.

The brick exterior, clean landscaping and winding path to the front porch set back from the street make for eye-catching curb appeal.

Once inside, the remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home listed for $530,000 has a spacious kitchen with hardwood floors and Café appliances, and a master suite bathroom that will make your friends jealous.

Indiana housing goals:What does a million dollar house look like in Indiana? See inside 4 for sale

Lafayette

This Lafayette home has tons of space with more than 4,300 sq ft, vaulted ceilings and a loft with its own full bath and bedroom that is perfect for guests.

The open-concept great room has a fireplace and an entire wall of massive windows that let in tons of natural light, but also look out at what might be the home's best feature.

A pond, stocked for fishing and complete with a large fountain, really sets this house apart. The waterfront back deck leads down to a dock for a small boat

Listed for $524,900, the home has a long list of new upgrades including the roof, a new irrigation system and newly painted interior and trim.

$47.9M Big Tree Farm:See inside one of Indiana's most unique estates for sale

Monticello

If waterfront living is calling your name, this Monticello home sits on Lake Freeman and has plenty of the great views and recreation opportunities you'd expect.

Complete with its own dock and covered boat house that includes a boat and jet ski lift, it also has a large deck overlooking the lake.

Inside the 1945 two-story home listed for $549,900, you'll find two bedrooms, one bath and plenty of large windows taking advantage of the waterfront views.

Other features include double living rooms, a detached two-car garage and a large garden shed on a grassy back lot.

South Bend

This home in South Bend is perfect for the buyer looking for more privacy and room to spread out.

The 3,430 sq ft of space inside this 4 bed, 4 bath home is just the beginning. It's the 11 acres of woods surrounding the property that really makes it a unique listing.

A fully fenced backyard with a new concrete patio and firepit, along with a pole barn, add to the entertaining and customizing options outdoors, while inside you'll find that the $549,900 home built in 1955 has been fully renovated.

The new kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, while the owner suite has tons of room and a stylish bathroom.