FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER RESOURCE • NORTHWEST INDIANA
Your first house is closer than you think. Let's go get it!
I'm Holly Brumm Furdo, a Northwest Indiana Realtor who lives for this moment: helping first-time buyers across Lake, Porter, and Newton Counties go from “someday” to keys in hand. No jargon, no pressure. Just a clear path and somebody who is genuinely thrilled for you.
From the Dunes to the cornfields
Myth: 20% down or bust.
Reality: we'll find your path.
- Crown Point
- Valparaiso
- Merrillville
- Chesterton
- Schererville
- Munster
- Hammond
- Gary
- Hobart
- Portage
- Kentland
- DeMotte
- Morocco
- St. John
- Dyer
- Griffith
- Highland
- Lowell
- Hebron
- Porter
Work with someone real
Real answers, real patience, and a real cheerleader in your corner.
Anyone can list a house. I do one thing all day: help first-time buyers cross the finish line, smiling, high-fiving, and one key closer to home.
The roadmap
You'll never wonder what's next, I promise. I break the whole journey into clear, doable steps, from credit and cash to offer and closing. You get the plan, and I herd the details.
The translation
Loan paperwork, contract fine print, inspection reports. I turn mortgage-speak into plain English before you sign a thing. You ask, I translate, we laugh about it later.
The advocate
From your first offer to the final walkthrough, I work for your interests so the process protects you instead of steamrolling you. I have your back, always.
The cheerleader
A first house is a big deal, and it should feel like one. Expect pep talks, high-fives, and a very satisfying key handoff. Confetti is optional but encouraged.
Lead quiz
Where do you stand?
Answer a few quick questions and I'll help you figure out your next step. No pressure, no judgment.
Step 1 of 4
You've got your next step!
Your answers are on their way to Holly. She'll follow up with a plan that fits exactly where you are right now. No pressure, no judgment, and no mystery lists, promise.
Who I help
Whoever you are, there's a seat for you. Save me one.
Buying or selling looks different for everyone. Whether it is your very first house or your very last, I meet you where you are, tell it to you straight, and cheer the whole way to the front door.
First-time homebuyers
My favorite people in the world, hands down. You have the questions, I have the answers, and together we turn "someday" into a jingle-jangle key ring.
Growing & move-up families
Need another bedroom, a bigger yard, or a better school zone? We find the house that grows with you, not one you outgrow.
Home sellers
Getting your place ready to sell means honest pricing, smart prep, and zero drama. I help you put your best foot forward and move on.
Relocation buyers
New to the area and not sure where to start? I know the towns, the commutes, and the good coffee. You land, I handle the rest.
New-construction buyers
Builders talk in contracts and timelines. I translate it all, watch the details, and make sure you know what you are signing.
Downsizers & empty nesters
Rightsizing your life is a big, good move. We find the place that fits the next chapter, with less upkeep and more freedom.
The path
Eight steps from “thinking about it” to keys in hand.
Get your bearings
Budget, credit, savings. Where you stand, with zero judgment.
Get pre-approved
A lender does the math so you can shop with real confidence.
Dream with a plan
Must-haves versus nice-to-haves, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Build your team
Agent, lender, inspector. Your all-star squad of professionals.
Go house hunting
Open houses, street walks, and the this-is-the-one feeling.
Make an offer
Offer strategy and negotiation, explained in plain English.
Inspect and confirm
Inspection, appraisal, final details. No surprises at the end.
Get the keys
Closing day: sign, celebrate, and start your very first chapter.
Where I work
Three counties, one happy home base. Yours could be next.
Lake County
Seat: Crown PointLakeside living and brick street squares, minutes from Chicago. Think Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, and Munster.
A little more on Lake County
Porter County
Seat: ValparaisoThe Indiana Dunes, Valparaiso buzz, and Chesterton coziness. Weekends here involve beaches and bonfires.
A little more on Porter County
Newton County
Seat: KentlandWide-open farmland, dark country skies, and honest square footage. The pace is slower and the yards are generous.
A little more on Newton CountyMyth vs. reality
Myths we love to bust. Bring 'em on.
Half of my job is clearing up what first-time buyers hear from the rumor mill. Here are the big three, with receipts and a satisfied smirk.
The myth
“You need a 20% down payment.”
The reality
First-time buyer loans and Indiana programs can work with far less. Your lender runs the real numbers, not the rumor mill.
The myth
“You need a perfect credit score.”
The reality
Plenty of buyers start the journey with credit that needs a little TLC. We plan around where you are, not where TV says you should be.
The myth
“Spring is the only season to buy.”
The reality
Houses sell year-round in Northwest Indiana. Shopping in the off-season can even mean less competition.
My job is to make sure you feel confident and excited, not stressed and overwhelmed.
Holly Brumm Furdo Northwest Indiana Realtor
A little about me
Trust the person guiding you.
I'm a first-time homebuyer specialist, which means my whole practice is built around buyers buying their very first house. I know the questions lenders will ask, the programs built for first-time buyers, and which neighborhoods are worth a Sunday drive. Spoiler: most of them.
Whatever your budget, your credit history, or your questions, this is a judgment-free operation. Ask me anything, even the “dumb” ones. Especially the “dumb” ones. There is no such thing.
First-time homebuyer specialist
THINK YOU'RE NOT READY TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME YET?
That's exactly when I want you to call me.
One of the biggest mistakes I see first-time homebuyers make is waiting until they think they have everything figured out before talking to a REALTOR®.
Maybe you're worried about your credit. Maybe you don't think you've saved enough for a down payment. Or maybe you have no idea what you can realistically afford.
Don't count yourself out before you know the facts.
You don't have to decide on your own whether you're ready to buy. Let's talk about where you are now, and when you're ready, I can connect you with a lender who can look at your actual financial situation and explain your options.
You might find out you're ready now.
You might find out you have some work to do first.
Either answer gives you something you don't have today: a next step.
READY, NOT READY, OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?
You don't need to have it all figured out before we talk.
Not ready to talk yet?
GET MY FREE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER GUIDEFrom real first-time buyers
WHAT FIRST-TIME BUYERS SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH HOLLY
“Holly supplied me with all the necessary information I needed to know with buying my first home.”
C Christopher Benko
“She is very knowledgeable of the real-estate world and always there to help you with any questions or concerns you may have promptly!”
J Jose Rodrigues First-Time Homebuyer
“You can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help, not just make a sale.”
J Jake Arterburn First-Time Homebuyer
Kind words
Don't just take my word for it.
A few favorites from the people I've helped buy and sell across Northwest Indiana. Their words, exactly as they wrote them.
What First-Time Buyers Say About Holly
“Holly is seriously the best. She has sold and helped us find many of mine and my family's houses. She is always a call away and is eager to answer my questions and do her research. She is also the funniest, sweetest person in the world. She's good people. Trust her with my life!!”
N Niki Arterburn First-time homebuyer
“We couldn't have asked for a better realtor! From our very first meeting, Holly's energy and enthusiasm immediately put us at ease. She truly took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for, which wasn't an easy task for 3 generations moving in together!”
S Sue Crince Multi-generational buyer
What Sellers Say About Holly
“Selling my parents' home was an emotional process, and we truly couldn't have asked for a better realtor. Not only have I known Holly my whole life, but she's someone our family deeply respects and cares about. She treated my parents like family every step of the way and made them feel completely comfortable throughout the entire process.”
T Tiffany Michael Home seller
“I highly recommend Holly Furdo for all your real estate needs! She goes above and beyond, has a solid work ethic and high integrity. She wants the best for her clients and will work harder than any realtor out there to either sell your house or find your dream home.”
J Julie Hanks Buyer & seller
“Holly Brumm-Furdo is the only one I would ever let sell my house!! She is the most energetic, bubbly, person who has always excelled at anything she has done. She is a truly dedicated sales person who is very detail oriented. She will not rest until she has done everything to satisfy your every need, whether it be selling your home or finding your new forever home. She is literally the best at what she does.”
K Kris Cavan Bagan Home seller
Happy endings
Just closed, just like that.
Say hello
Where are you in the journey?
First-timer? Perfect. That's my whole job, and my favorite one. Pre-approved and shopping? Even better. Just curious? That counts too, welcome aboard. Tell me where you are, and I'll tell you exactly what's next, with genuine enthusiasm.
- One real human reads every message. That human is me.
- Fast answers, honest math, and zero high-pressure tactics.
- Lake, Porter, or Newton County: your first house is somewhere in between.
Got it! Thanks for reaching out.
I'll get back to you shortly, usually within a day or two. In the meantime, the first-time buyer guide is a great place to start.