Buying a Home & Now You’re Under Contract in Northwest Indiana: What No One Really Warns You About
By Ed Stojancevich, on behalf of SouthShore Region Mortgage Group
Buying a home is exciting, emotional, and one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. But once you are officially under contract, the real learning begins.
As a local mortgage professional who has helped thousands of buyers across Northwest Indiana and the Midwest, I see the same surprises come up again and again. These are not things most buyers hear about during open houses or late-night Zillow scrolling.
If you are buying a home in Northwest Indiana or anywhere in the Midwest, here are a few honest lessons most buyers learn after they are already under contract.
Home inspections matter more than you think
Your dad is handy. Your uncle knows houses. Your friend has a great flashlight. That is all great. But unless they are a licensed home inspector, they are not a home inspector.
Especially in Northwest Indiana, where many homes have basements, older construction, or renovations done decades ago, inspections matter. Foundations, electrical systems, roofs, drainage, and yes, the occasional surprise water issue all show up during inspections.
Spending the money on a proper inspection now is far cheaper than discovering later that your dream home comes with a bonus swimming pool in the basement.
Why buying furniture before closing can delay your loan
I get it. You already picked out the couch. The TV is on sale. The grill is calling your name.
Your loan underwriter does not care.
Big purchases, new credit cards, or financing furniture before closing can create unnecessary issues. I have seen closings delayed over sectionals, appliances, and well intentioned just one more purchase moments.
Pro tip. Screenshot the cart. Do not hit buy until after closing.
Communication during the home buying process
Once you are under contract, communication ramps up quickly. A lot of texts. A lot of updates. A lot of questions.
We are not trying to bug you. We are making sure the inspection is scheduled, the appraisal gets ordered, title work stays clean, and underwriting has what it needs when it needs it.
Clear communication is one of the biggest reasons deals actually make it to the closing table.
Why local market knowledge matters in Northwest Indiana
I say this with love. The market today is not the market of 1987, 2007, or even a few years ago.
In Northwest Indiana and across the Midwest, well priced homes still move quickly, inspections matter, and sellers are not always paying for everything just because someone says they should.
Advice should come from professionals who are actively working in today's market, not outdated experiences.
What happens between going under contract and closing
Under contract does not mean done.
There is still the appraisal, underwriting, title work, insurance coordination, document reviews, and enough paperwork to make you wonder how many trees exist in Indiana.
This is normal. It does not mean something is wrong. It means the process is doing exactly what it is supposed to do.
Take a breath. Ask questions. Lean on your team.
The bottom line
Buying a home comes with surprises. Some are exciting. Some are frustrating. A few are funny once you look back on them.
At SouthShore Region Mortgage Group, our job is to guide you through the process, communicate clearly, keep things moving, and remove as much stress as possible along the way.
If you are thinking about buying, already under contract, or just want straight answers without pressure, I am always happy to help.
Ed Stojancevich
SouthShore Region Mortgage Group
Call/Text: 219.237.8026