Beginning the journey to homeownership is incredibly exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t have a clear roadmap to follow. At Olthof Homes, our team strives to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible, and whether you’re looking to settle in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne or Northwest Indiana, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect home that suits your needs and budget. Read on as we take you through our detailed, step-by-step guide to navigate the path to your new home. 

Define your needs and budget

The first and most important step in the home buying process is defining what you need in a home and setting a realistic budget. For this step, start by considering the size and layout of the home that will best suit your lifestyle. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are you looking for a single-story home, or would you prefer a two-story layout? Think about your daily routines and what features are most important to you—whether that’s a spacious kitchen for entertaining, a dedicated office space for those who work from home or a large backyard for any outdoor activities. 

Once you’ve identified what you need in your new home, it’s essential to establish a budget. You’ll need to carefully review your financial situation, including your savings, income and any existing debts you may have. This is also the time to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan to understand how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments will look like. This step will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you’re only looking at potential homes that are well within your budget, and if you aren’t sure which mortgage company you would like to go through, we are always happy to introduce you to our lender partners. 

Explore Olthof Homes’ communities

With a clear understanding of your needs and budget, the next step is where the fun really starts. We offer a variety of new home communities throughout Indianapolis, Fort Wayne or Northwest Indiana for you to explore—each with its unique charm and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood close to an excellent school district, a quiet suburban setting or a location with easy access to big city amenities, we have something for everyone. 

Take the time to visit our sales centers in your specific area, and let our knowledgeable sales representatives answer any questions you may have about the communities, floor plans and the overall home buying process. Our team is always available to provide you with detailed information about home designs, lot availability and any special promotions or incentives that may be available to you. 

Tour model homes and choose your floor plan

Visiting model homes is an essential part of the home buying process, and it allows you to experience the quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design that our team at Olthof Homes is known for. As you tour each model home, you’ll truly be able to imagine yourself living in the space, and make sure you take note of the layout, finishes and any optional features that stand out to you. 

Once you’ve toured several homes, it’s time to choose the floor plan and community that best fit your lifestyle. Our team will work with you during this part of the process and show you the options we have for personalization in order to create a home that reflects your exact wants and needs. 

Finalize the details and prepare for closing

Next, you’ll work closely with our team to finalize all of the details of your new home, including selecting any finishes or upgrades and reviewing and signing the purchase agreement. We will guide you through this process and make sure to answer any additional questions that you may have so you feel comfortable and confident about all of your decisions. 

As construction begins, we’ll keep you updated on the status of your new homes, and you’ll have two opportunities to meet with the Construction Manager to see the progress being made. This is also the stage of the buying process where we’ll help you prepare for closing—making sure all necessary paperwork is in order and that you’re ready for move-in day. 

Move in and enjoy

Once everything has been signed and move-in day has arrived, we’ll hand over the keys to your new Olthof home. Our commitment to you doesn’t end at closing, though, and our award-winning Customer Care Team will be contacting you for a follow-up and to go over our warranty program. 

At Olthof Homes, our home buying process is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable for all of our homeowners. We’re always here to support you at every stage, so if you’re ready to start the journey to your new home in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne or Northwest Indiana, give us a call at (219) 327-4770 or fill out our online form today.