Navigating the home buying process can seem complex at first. One of the keys to moving forward smoothly through the process is to understand which professionals to work with. Below are the types of professionals who can help you through the steps to owning your own home. 

1. Mortgage broker. You are going to need a professional who can connect you with a competitive home loan. Some options include a bank, a mortgage lender, or a mortgage broker. A big bank may seem tempting if you already have an account with one. But they tend to be limited in terms of the loan products they offer. They also may not be as flexible with the mortgage process, or spend as much time with you as a smaller local mortgage company. There are pros and cons to going with a direct lender vs. a broker. But a broker has access to the widest range of mortgage products since they work with an entire network of lenders. That means they can also shop mortgage rates on your behalf, giving you more time to focus on your home search. A local mortgage broker also has a stronger understanding of the local real estate market.
2. Real estate agent. The mortgage broker’s job is to help you find a home loan, but who helps you find a home? The answer to that question is a real estate agent. Technically, you can shop for a home on your own. But a real estate agent can speed up the process by sending you listings that fit your criteria. The real estate agent can also help you when you’re ready to reach out to a seller with an offer. They can negotiate on your behalf, bringing extensive professional experience to the table. This is why you need your own real estate agent. You cannot use the seller’s agent, because the seller’s agent represents their interests, not yours. 
3. Home inspector. You are going to need a certified home inspector to thoroughly assess the condition of the home you are thinking about buying. This process costs hundreds of dollars, which can be frustrating if you end up needing multiple homes inspected. But if you have to pass on a home due to issues discovered by an inspector, think of the long term financial bullet you’ll have dodged. That is why a home inspection is critical. The inspector will check the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. They’ll also look for general issues. 
4. Additional inspectors. There may be some scenarios where you end up calling in a specialist inspector to follow up on something you or the general inspector noticed. For example, if there are signs of mold and water damage, you might decide to bring in a mold inspector to find out how extensive the situation is and advise you as to what remediation would involve. 
5. Title company. When it is time to close, a title company will oversee the transfer of the title, ensuring that there is a clean transfer of ownership from the previous legitimate owner to the next one. They investigate the history of the property, get documents ready for closing, handle escrow funds, and more.
6. Attorney. Not every homebuyer needs an attorney. But there are scenarios where it may be a good idea to have one. You might want one to help you review the offer and contract, as that can help you protect your interests before you sign. Sometimes based on what you learn during the home inspection, home repair negotiations could get complicated. This is situation where a lawyer could also be a big help. Lawyers can also assist with matters involving financial contingencies, disputes with escrow or deposits, and more. 

Buy a Home in Indiana

Grandview Lending is a mortgage broker based in Indianapolis, and can help you buy a home anywhere in Indiana. We can connect you with a wide variety of loan products and bring you competitive rates. If you have questions or are ready to apply for a home loan, please give us a call at (317) 255-0062 to schedule your consultation.