About Hamilton County, IN

Carmel Indiana is a great place to live for all patrons. Carmel is located just west of fishers, north west of Geist, and about twenty minutes north of Indianapolis. Carmel is an established city with a wonderful atmosphere. It is one of the most popular cities in Indiana to call home. Downtown Carmel has been through some amazing updates and changes. You may explore shops, pizzerias, antiques, and more. Carmel school systems are voted to be one of the best. Come see the many events, restaurants, activities, and homes for sale Carmel has to offer.

All Around Indy - Noblesville Diva Night, Hamilton County Scavenger Hunt & Moonlight and Magnolias

2nd Annual Diva Night

@downtown Noblesville

March 8, 4-8 pm

Grab a girlfriend and head to Diva Night in downtown Noblesville for a special evening of shopping, prizes and entertainment just for the girls!

Hamilton County Scavenger Hunt Carmel

@participating Carmel businesses

through March 31

Follow the trail to local Carmel businesses displaying the Hamilton County Scavenger Hunt sign, complete a task, and post it on Facebook. For every 10 tasks completed you'll be entered to win $200 in gift certificates from participating businesses. Hamilton County Scavenger Hunt Carmel suggested starting points and more information.

Moonlight and Magnolias presented by the Carmel Reparatory Theater

@The Studio at the Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, March 8-17

The silly but serious "story-behind-the-story" of the making of the legendary movie Gone With the Wind. Moonlight and Magnolias tickets and information.

Live Music featuring Stella Luna and the Satellites

@Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub in Fishers

March 10, 8-11 pm

One of Indy's most popular bands performs live in the cozy setting of Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub. While you're there, try a Bee's Knees Martini - $.10 of every drink sold goes to charity!

Easter Egg Gourds

@Zion Nature Center in Zionsville

March 10, 10 am - 5 pm and March 11, noon to 5 pm

Home grown gourds make perfect Easter decorations that will last for years! Cost is $2 and all supplies are included. No reservations necessary.

Carmel Arts & Design Second Saturday Gallery Walk

@Carmel Arts & Design District

March 10, 5-10 pm

Enjoy an evening of events, activities and entertainment in the hip Carmel Arts & Design District, including appearances by international and local artists.

What will likely FHA loan fee increases mean for Hamilton County Indiana home buyers? Beginning April 1, 2012, FHA mortgages will get a little more costly, that's how.

Proposed changes to FHA loans include an annual Mortgage Insurance Premium increase of 0.10% for loans under $625,500, bringing the cost up to 1.25% of the loan. Upfront Mortgage Premiums will increase by 0.75 %, bringing the premium total to 1.75% of the loan amount. These premium changes only apply to new 30-year, single-family loans insured by the FHA. Refinancings will not be affected.

Federally-backed FHA loans are a popular choice for home buyers looking for low downpayment options. FHA loans only require a 3.5% downpayment. That's a significant savings for buyers, particularly for first-time home buyers who may lack the funds for the larger downpayment associated with Conventional Loans - typically a minimum of 5% down and often as much as a 20% down payment.

Here's how much more Hamilton County home buyers can expect to pay for an FHA loan when the increases go into effect:

$150,000 loan @ 3.875% @ 30 years = approximate $18/month mortgage payment increase

$200,000 loan @ 3.875% @ 30 years = approximate $24/month mortgage payment increase

$250,000 loan @ 3.875% @ 30 years = approximate $31/month mortgage payment increase

So for a $200,000 loan, that's about $288 a year. Not a lot of money, but enough that if you are seriously in the market for a new Hamilton County home and you plan to use an FHA loan, you might want to get your loan pre-approval before April 1!

Search all Hamilton County homes for sale.