Lakes · Buying from a distance
Your lake place, about two hours from home
A third or more of my lake buyers come from the Chicago area and elsewhere in Illinois, and many more from Indianapolis.
01Lakes · Buying from a distance
Why people look here
Many of my out-of-area buyers tell me they started looking at Kosciusko County lakes because home prices and property taxes compared well with what they were seeing closer to home, and because the lakes are a drive, not a flight.
Indiana caps property taxes by property type under the state constitution, at 1 percent of assessed value for an owner-occupied primary home and 2 percent for other residential property such as a second home, before any local referendums.
Taxes depend on the specific property and how you use it, so check the numbers for any home with the county and your tax advisor.
02Lakes · Buying from a distance
Getting here
Warsaw and the Kosciusko County lakes are roughly a two-hour drive from both Chicago and Indianapolis.
One thing to know: this area is on Eastern Time, an hour ahead of Chicago. It matters when we set showings and closings, and I'll always confirm times with you so nobody's waiting.
03Lakes · Buying from a distance
Buying from a distance
I work around your schedule, including evenings and weekends. I stack showings into one trip, and I offer live video walk-throughs when you can't get here, so you only drive over for the homes worth seeing.
I'll tell you plainly what a lake is like on a July weekend versus a quiet weekday, what the boating rules are, and what to check on a lake property:
- The seawall
- The pier
- Septic or sewer
- Flood zone
- Association rules
Remote and mail-away closings are often possible; the title company confirms what's available.
04Lakes · Buying from a distance
Find the right lake first
Every lake here has its own personality. Start with the tools I built for exactly this:
05Lakes · Buying from a distance
Second home or full-time move
Some of my buyers want a weekend place; others decide to make the lake home for good. Either way, I'll help you think it through. If you're moving here full-time, see how I help people relocate. When you're ready to look, search homes or tell me what you're after and I'll send you matches.
Questions people ask
How far are the Kosciusko County lakes from Chicago?
Warsaw and the Kosciusko County lakes are roughly a two-hour drive from Chicago. Remember that this area is on Eastern Time, an hour ahead of Chicago.
How far are the lakes from Indianapolis?
Roughly a two-hour drive from Indianapolis to Warsaw and the Kosciusko County lakes.
What time zone is Warsaw, Indiana in?
Eastern Time. That's an hour ahead of Chicago, which matters when we schedule showings and closings.
Can I tour homes by video?
Yes. I offer live video walk-throughs when you can't get here, so you only drive over for the homes worth seeing.
Can I close without being there in person?
Remote and mail-away closings are often possible. The title company confirms what's available for your purchase.
Are property taxes different on a second home in Indiana?
Indiana caps property taxes by property type under the state constitution: 1 percent of assessed value for an owner-occupied primary home and 2 percent for other residential property such as a second home, before any local referendums. Taxes depend on the specific property and how you use it, so check the numbers for any home with the county and your tax advisor.
Which lakes are best for a weekend place?
It depends on what you want from your weekends: big water, quiet 10 mph lakes, a public beach, or being close to town. The Find Your Lake Quiz and the side-by-side comparison of every lake are the best places to start, and I'll tell you plainly what each one is like.
Heather Sanders · REALTOR®
Looking for a lake place from out of the area? Let's talk.
No pressure and no pitch. Tell me what you're thinking about, and I'll give you honest, local advice about your next step.