Top Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Dubois County

Published On: January 3, 2025|Categories: Blog|

If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re probably feeling excited, nervous, and maybe even a little overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking in Jasper, Evansville, or somewhere in between, it helps to know exactly what to expect during the process.

This guide explains the following:

What to do before you start looking at homes
Why getting preapproved matters
How to find the right REALTOR® for you
What to expect when touring homes
How to make a smart offer
What happens during inspections and appraisals
What to know about closing on a home

Here’s a closer look at each.

What To Do Before You Start Looking At Homes

Before you browse listings or start touring homes, take a close look at your finances. Figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend monthly. That includes your mortgage, taxes, insurance, and any homeowners association fees.

It also helps to check your credit score early. You can do this for free once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com, a site authorized by the federal government. A better credit score may help you get better interest rates, which can save you thousands over the life of a loan.

You’ll also want to start saving for a down payment and closing costs. These vary depending on your loan type and lender, but it’s smart to have some cushion money set aside.

Why Getting Preapproved Matters

Getting preapproved for a mortgage shows sellers you’re serious—and it gives you a clear budget. A lender will review your income, debts, and credit to tell you how much you can borrow. That makes your home search more focused and prevents disappointment later.

Keep in mind that preapproval is different from prequalification. Preapproval means your documents have been reviewed by the lender, making it stronger when you’re ready to submit an offer.

You can find helpful housing resources on the Indiana state government site as well, including links to mortgage programs and homeowner assistance.

How To Find The Right REALTOR® For You

Not every real estate agent is the same. When you’re buying your first home, you want someone who knows the area, communicates well, and can walk you through each step. A local REALTOR with experience in Dubois County and the surrounding communities can help you find properties that match your needs and budget.

Your REALTOR should also explain the homebuying process clearly and answer your questions without making you feel rushed or pressured.

What To Expect When Touring Homes

Once you start touring homes, it’s easy to get swept up by the excitement. Pay attention to things like the home’s condition, layout, and age of major systems like the HVAC and roof. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your REALTOR is there to help you understand what you’re seeing and whether a home fits your long-term needs.

Even if you fall in love with a property, take the time to compare it with others in the area. Your agent can help you understand local market trends in places like Huntingburg or Ferdinand, so you know if a home is priced fairly.

How To Make A Smart Offer

When you find a home you want, your REALTOR will help you write an offer. This includes the price you’re willing to pay, any contingencies, and your proposed closing date. A good offer balances your budget with the home’s market value and competition from other buyers.

Don’t lowball unless your agent recommends it. Sellers may reject low offers outright, and you might miss out on a home you love.

What Happens During Inspections And Appraisals

After your offer is accepted, you’ll usually schedule a home inspection. This helps you uncover any problems that could affect the home’s value or safety. If the inspector finds major issues, you can negotiate repairs or even walk away, depending on the contract.

At the same time, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If the appraisal comes in lower than the offer, you may need to renegotiate or cover the difference out of pocket. Your REALTOR will guide you through this.

What To Know About Closing On A Home

Closing is the final step before you get the keys. You’ll review and sign a lot of paperwork, pay your closing costs, and officially become the owner. Your real estate agent and lender will coordinate the details to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Be sure to bring your ID and any necessary payment with you on closing day. Once everything’s signed and the funds are processed, the home is yours.

If you’re moving to areas like Newburgh or even Santa Claus, your agent can also give you tips about local utilities, services, and helpful resources through the Indiana state website.

FAQ About Buying Your First Home

Check out these commonly asked questions about buying your first home. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.

How Much Money Do I Need To Buy A House?

Most buyers need a down payment of at least 3% to 20% of the home’s price, plus closing costs, which can add another 2% to 5%. There are also government-backed loans that allow for lower down payments.

Can I Buy A Home With Student Loan Debt?

Yes, many people buy homes while still paying off student loans. Your lender will look at your debt-to-income ratio to determine how much you can borrow.

Should I Use A REALTOR Or Go It Alone?

Using a REALTOR is highly recommended. As a buyer, you usually don’t pay their commission—it’s covered by the seller. A good real estate agent will advocate for your interests and help you avoid costly mistakes.

What Happens If The Home Inspection Finds Problems?

You can negotiate with the seller to fix the issues, reduce the price, or offer a credit at closing. Your REALTOR will help you weigh your options and amend the contract as needed.

How Long Does The Buying Process Usually Take?

On average, it takes 30 to 45 days from the time your offer is accepted to close on a home. If you’re paying cash or buying a move-in ready home, it may be faster.

Buying your first home is a major milestone, and the right preparation can make all the difference. A local real estate agent who knows Dubois County and surrounding towns like Jasper, Evansville, and Huntingburg can help you navigate every step of the process with confidence. Whether you’re ready to start looking now or just gathering info, connect with a REALTOR who’ll support you from the first showing to the final signature.

$524,700

3289 St. Charles Street Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,906 SqFt 0.595 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$479,000

282 Kaywood Lane Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,627 SqFt 0.8 Acres

Listing courtesy of RyanCraig from RE/MAX Local.

$435,000

1869 Gregory Lane Jasper, Indiana

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,084 SqFt 1.25 Acres

Listing courtesy of Andrew Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$409,900

1479 Martha Drive Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,087 SqFt 0.46 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$398,700

760 Poplar Lane Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,230 SqFt 0.63 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$365,000

905 Spruce Drive Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,580 SqFt 0.34 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$364,700

464 Kluemper Road Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,851 SqFt

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$329,700

391 Gardenia Lane Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,977 SqFt 0.25 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$319,700

775 S Crestwood Drive Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,964 SqFt 0.54 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$299,900

822 W 9th Street Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,244 SqFt 0.23 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties, as well as all the surrounding communities. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty, our site is directly connected to our local MLS. We update it with new homes every hour.

Sign up for new listing alerts so you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale – and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!