🏡 Northwest Indiana Home Buying FAQ

Your Complete Guide by Local REALTOR® Holly Brumm Furdo

Buying a home in Northwest Indiana comes with lots of excitement — and lots of questions.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating from Illinois, upsizing, downsizing, or looking for land or new construction, this FAQ covers the questions I answer every single week in real life as a full-time REALTOR® in NWI.

Let’s make this simple, clear, and stress-free — Holly-style.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home in Northwest Indiana

1. Is now a good time to buy a home in Northwest Indiana?

Yes — but it depends on your goals.
Northwest Indiana remains one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the Midwest, with stable home values, strong job growth, and continued demand from Illinois buyers. Even in shifting markets, well-priced homes sell, and buyers still have great opportunities.

If your finances are stable and you plan to live in the home for a few years, NWI continues to be a smart investment.

2. What price range do most homes fall into here?

Most homes in Lake and Porter County fall between:

$230,000–$350,000 for starter homes
$350,000–$550,000 for move-up homes
$550,000–$1M+ for newer or luxury homes
$300,000–$800,000 for Crown Point, St. John, Schererville, and communities with newer construction

Prices vary by city, age of the home, schools, and lot size. Crown Point, St. John, and Valparaiso tend to be higher. Lowell, Cedar Lake, and Winfield offer strong value.

3. How much money do I need to buy a home?

Here’s a general breakdown:

Down payment: 3%–20% depending on loan type
Earnest money: Typically $1,000–$5,000
Inspections: $350–$600+
Appraisal: $450–$700 (usually paid through your lender)
Closing costs: 2%–4% of purchase price

There are down payment assistance programs available — let me know if you want me to connect you with a lender.

4. What are the best towns for families in Northwest Indiana?

Some of the most popular areas for families include:

Crown Point
St. John
Schererville
Valparaiso
Munster
Dyer
Winfield

Each area offers great schools, parks, low crime rates, and strong community involvement.

5. What school districts are the most popular?

Some top choices among buyers are:

Crown Point Community Schools
Lake Central School Corporation (St. John, Dyer, Schererville)
Valparaiso Community Schools
Munster Schools
Porter Township Schools (Boone Grove)

Your school district preference can impact the neighborhoods I recommend.

6. What should I expect if I’m moving from Illinois?

You’re not alone — nearly half of my relocation clients are moving from Illinois.

Most IL-to-IN buyers love:

Lower property taxes
More house for the money
Shorter commutes than expected (especially near I-65 or Route 30)
A strong sense of community
Newer construction options
Space, garages, and yards

There are differences in taxes, utilities, HOAs, and local ordinances — and I walk you through these step-by-step.

7. How competitive is the market right now?

Northwest Indiana remains competitive, especially for:

Updated homes
Homes under $400,000
Popular school districts
Homes with basements or larger yards

The good news? As your agent, I strategize to help you write strong offers without overpaying.

8. Should I get pre-approved before I start looking?

YES — absolutely.
A pre-approval does three important things:

Shows sellers you’re serious
Helps you shop within the right price range
Makes your offer stronger in competitive situations

If you need lender options, I can recommend trusted local pros.

9. Are there good options for first-time buyers?

Yes — NWI is very first-time-buyer friendly.
You’ll find:

Affordable starter homes
Townhomes and condos
Homes with manageable property taxes
Programs like FHA, USDA (in certain areas), and down payment assistance

I specialize in helping first-time buyers feel confident and informed every step of the way.

10. What inspections do buyers usually need?

Most buyers get:

Home inspection
Pest/termite inspection
Radon testing
Well & septic (if applicable)
Sewer scope (depending on age of home)

Inspections protect you — and I help you understand everything we discover.

11. Can I buy a home with land or acreage in NWI?

Yes — but it’s different from buying in a subdivision.
You may need to consider:

Well/septic systems
Easements
Soil quality
Outbuilding rules
Maintenance expectations
Zoning restrictions

I love helping clients find land or bigger lots — and I explain the real differences upfront.

12. Is new construction a good option?

New construction is extremely popular in NWI. It offers:

Energy-efficient homes
Builder warranties
Customization
Modern layouts

However, you need your own agent — not just the builder’s rep — to negotiate upgrades, timelines, and inspections. I attend every walkthrough and help protect your investment.

13. How long does closing usually take?

Most closings take 30–45 days, depending on:

Your loan type
Appraisal scheduling
Seller timelines
Title work

New construction can take longer based on builder schedules.

14. How do property taxes work in Indiana?

Indiana property taxes are significantly lower than many Illinois communities.
You’ll want to know:

Homestead exemptions
Supplemental bills
How taxes change after the first year of ownership
Township differences

I review estimated taxes on every home before we write an offer.

15. What’s the first step if I want to start looking?

Easy — text or call me.
You don’t need to be pre-approved or even ready to buy yet.

We’ll simply talk through:

Your timeline
Budget
Wants vs needs
School district preferences
Neighborhood personality
Commute
Whether buying now makes sense

Once you feel comfortable, I set up a custom search and we take it step-by-step.

📲 Ready to Buy a Home in Northwest Indiana? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to book a showing this week, I’m here to guide you through the entire process with honesty, clarity, and experience.

Text or call me anytime at 219-313-0692
Or visit hollybrummfurdo.com to start your home search.

Northwest Indiana Home Buying FAQ