Most of the people I work with are accustomed to making significant decisions. Real estate is no different. They look closely, ask thoughtful questions, and move forward when something truly makes sense.

The people I work with do not approach real estate casually. They pay attention to quality, timing, and opportunity. My role is to provide perspective so they can see those factors clearly.

I am Kris Bashenow, an Indianapolis luxury real estate advisor representing buyers and sellers in higher value residential transactions across central Indianapolis.

Before entering residential brokerage, I spent years working as a luxury home appraiser, evaluating high value and architecturally significant properties. That experience shaped how I look at homes, how I evaluate value, and how I advise clients today.

Seeing Homes Differently

Appraisal work teaches you to look at property in a disciplined way. You learn to separate what something costs, what something is worth, and what someone will actually pay. Those are not always the same number.

In higher value homes, that distinction matters even more. Architectural significance, craftsmanship, location within a neighborhood, and long term desirability often matter more than finishes or surface level updates.

Evaluating those factors carefully and objectively became the foundation of how I approach real estate.

From Valuation to Advising

As an appraiser, I was usually involved after major decisions had already been made. A buyer had already committed to a purchase. A renovation had already been completed. A builder had already finished construction.

The work was analytical, but it was retrospective.

Over time, I became more interested in the decisions that happen before those moments. Whether a property is truly worth pursuing. Whether pricing reflects reality. Whether quality matches presentation. Whether timing makes sense.

Those are the questions that shape outcomes.

Becoming a Realtor allowed me to work at that earlier stage, where perspective and judgment can influence results in a meaningful way.

A Focus on Higher Value Homes and Established Neighborhoods

After entering residential real estate, I earned the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation through the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. It was a natural extension of the work I had already been doing and a way to formalize my focus on higher value residential properties.

Today, my work centers on central Indianapolis and surrounding established communities, including Meridian Kessler, Butler Tarkington, Herron Morton Place, the Old Northside, Meridian Hills, Williams Creek, and Downtown, along with Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, and Geist.

These are areas where construction quality varies widely, architecture matters, and micro location often has a measurable impact on value. Buyers and sellers in these markets tend to care about fundamentals, not just presentation. That environment suits the way I work.

How I Think About Real Estate Decisions

Real estate decisions involve both financial and practical considerations. The best outcomes usually come from balancing both.

Replacement cost and market value are not the same. What it costs to build or renovate a home does not automatically translate into what the market will pay. Understanding that difference helps prevent over improving or overpaying.

Quality is often visible, but not always obvious. Construction methods, materials, deferred maintenance, and renovation decisions all influence long term value. These factors rarely show up in listing descriptions, but they matter.

Demand is not evenly distributed. Some properties attract strong interest immediately. Others allow room for negotiation, even in competitive markets. Recognizing that difference early can significantly affect results.

Timing matters. Market conditions, inventory levels, and buyer behavior shift constantly. Interpreting those signals is part of the advisory role I take seriously.

Many of the clients I work with already understand real estate at a high level. What they want is perspective and clear analysis of what is actually happening beneath the surface of a transaction.

Renovation Experience and Real World Perspective

In addition to appraisal and brokerage work, I have been directly involved in residential renovation projects. That experience adds another layer to how I evaluate property.

Renovation teaches you how quickly costs can change, how complex construction decisions can be, and how important it is to make disciplined choices early in a project. It also reinforces how much the quality of work and materials affects long term performance and value.

That perspective is especially useful when advising buyers considering properties that need updating or sellers deciding where improvements will have the greatest impact.

Why Indianapolis

Indianapolis offers something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in many larger cities. Established neighborhoods with architectural character, strong communities, and long term stability, combined with a level of value that continues to attract relocating professionals and investors.

Within a relatively small geographic area, you can find historic Tudors, Colonial Revivals, mid century modern homes, classic brick estates, and thoughtfully designed newer construction.

For buyers relocating from larger markets, the value proposition is often striking. For local residents, the variety of housing stock creates opportunities that reward careful selection and long term thinking.

That combination makes central Indianapolis a compelling market and one that benefits from careful analysis rather than assumptions.

What Makes My Approach Different

I do not approach real estate as a sales business. I approach it as an advisory practice.

My appraisal background shapes how I evaluate property. My renovation experience shapes how I assess condition and cost. My market experience shapes how I interpret demand and timing.

Much of my work involves identifying properties that are truly exceptional, recognizing when demand will be strong, and advising clients when conditions allow for meaningful negotiation.

I am not here to persuade someone to buy or sell. I am here to help clients see their options clearly, evaluate trade offs, and make decisions they will feel confident about years from now.

Let’s Talk

If you are considering buying or selling a higher value home in the Greater Indianapolis area, or evaluating your options in the current market, I am always open to a thoughtful conversation.

Every situation is different, and the right decision depends on timing, goals, and context.

If you would like to understand how I evaluate properties, timing, and negotiation opportunities, I am always happy to have a conversation.

You can schedule a consultation:
(317) 451 - 4213