‘You really can’t prepare’: Indiana real estate broker reflects on unprecedented storms

August 26, 2026 - 22:53

Indiana real estate broker Megan Hayes says this past week has been unlike anything she has seen in her fifteen years in the business. "You really can't prepare for something like this," she said, standing outside a listing that lost several large trees. The storms that swept through the state left thousands without power, blocked roads with debris, and damaged homes across multiple counties.

Hayes and her team at a local agency in Hamilton County spent the days after the storms juggling phone calls from worried sellers and buyers. Some clients wanted to know if their pending closings would be delayed. Others needed help getting into properties to check for water damage or broken windows. "We had one couple who were supposed to move in on Friday. Their new house was fine, but the street was blocked by a fallen transformer. We had to coordinate with the utility company just to get the moving truck through," Hayes explained.

Despite the chaos, the real estate community has stepped up. Several agents have been delivering generators to elderly clients, handing out bottled water at their office, and using their trucks to haul away branches from driveways. Hayes says the storm has reminded her that the job goes beyond contracts and keys. "We are part of this community. When people are in trouble, we show up. The deals can wait. Helping people comes first." Power has been restored to most areas, but cleanup continues. Hayes expects a busy few weeks ahead as homeowners file insurance claims and start planning repairs. For now, she is just grateful her family and clients are safe.