A home purchase is often a family’s single largest investment so you want it to be high-quality, comfortable, and a place for yoFrom the moment you start saving for a down payment to the day you get your keys, several professionals play a role in making that happen. As land surveyors supporting closings across Ohio and Indiana every day, we’ve seen where the process goes smoothly — and where it doesn’t.
1. Save for a down payment
It’s likely that this step in your home-buying journey will start long before you are ready to take the plunge and buy a home. Your down payment is the first part of your home’s purchase price that you pay at closing, while your mortgage lender will pay the remaining balance.
Typically, mortgage lenders in Ohio and Indiana like you to contribute 20% of the purchase price as a down payment. However, government-backed loans, like VA and FHA loans, and some conventional loans allow for down payments much lower than that. Just be aware that having less than 20% down may come with risks, including the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and possibly higher interest rates.
2. Know your budget
A realistic homebuying budget should include more than the monthly mortgage payment. You also need to factor in property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, utilities, maintenance, and any HOA fees.
In both Ohio and Indiana, property taxes can vary significantly by county and municipality, so two homes with similar prices may have very different monthly costs. Before you begin your search, it is wise to look at the full picture, so you can focus on homes that fit comfortably within your long-term budget.
3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Mortgage pre-approval is one of the most useful early steps in the buying process. It tells you how much a lender may be willing to loan and shows sellers that you are a serious buyer.
A pre-approval can also help you move faster once you find the right house. In competitive markets across Ohio and Indiana, that speed can make a difference when multiple buyers are interested in the same property.
4. Choose the right real estate agent
A good real estate agent can help you understand local market conditions, negotiate offers, and guide you through the paperwork. That is especially valuable if you are buying in an unfamiliar area or relocating across state lines.
If you are comparing neighborhoods in Ohio and Indiana, an agent with local experience can help you understand commute times, school districts, community features, and pricing trends. Their guidance can also help you avoid surprises later in the transaction.
5. Start house hunting
Once you know your budget and have pre-approval in hand, you can begin touring homes. It helps to create a short list of must-haves and nice-to-haves before you start looking.
Think about location, layout, condition, lot size, and how long you plan to stay in the home. In both Ohio and Indiana, buyers often find that the right home is not just about the house itself, but also about the neighborhood, taxes, and resale potential.
6. Make a strong offer and negotiate terms
When you find the right property, your agent will help you prepare an offer based on market conditions, comparable sales, and the home’s condition. A strong offer is not always the highest offer; it is often the one that best balances price, terms, and timing.
Your offer may include:
- Purchase price
- Earnest money deposit
- Financing terms
- Inspection contingencies
- Closing timeline
- Survey or title contingencies
The seller may accept, reject, or counter the offer. Once both parties agree, the property enters contract. At this point, several important due diligence steps begin.
7. Complete inspections and title work
After your offer is accepted, the transaction moves into the due diligence phase. This is when inspections, financing, and title work usually happen.
Home inspections can help uncover issues with the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, or structure. Title work helps confirm ownership and identify any liens, easements, or restrictions that could affect the property. In Ohio and Indiana, this stage is often when questions about a location survey come up.
8. Understand the role of a location survey
A Location Survey – a Mortgage Location Survey (MLS) in Ohio or a Survey Location Report (SLR) in Indiana – provides a fast, cost-effective way to verify that the legal description in the deed matches the actual physical property being transferred. It does not stake corners but offers critical insight that protects ownership and streamlines closings.
It helps show where improvements sit on the property and can identify whether visible structures such as the house, garage, patio, or driveway appear to encroach on setbacks, easements, or property lines. This is different from a full boundary survey, which specifically calculates boundary lines.
For many residential closings, the purpose of the location survey is to give the lender and title company added confidence that the property improvements are positioned as expected and confirm to the buyer that they are taking ownership of the lot as they expect and as it appears in reality. Essentially that their deed matches real world property.
9. Prepare for closing
As closing approaches, you will review the final loan documents, settlement statement, and title paperwork. This is also when you confirm any items that must be completed before the lender will fund the loan.
If a survey is required, it is best to order it as soon as the title company, lender, or closing agent identifies the need. Waiting too long can slow the closing process and create unnecessary stress near the finish line.
Buyers should also do a final walkthrough before closing to confirm the property is in the agreed-upon condition. At this stage, the goal is to make sure everything is ready for a smooth transfer of ownership.
10. Close on your new home
Closing day is when the transaction becomes official. You will sign the final documents, pay any remaining closing costs, and receive the keys once the lender funds the loan.
After closing, keep copies of your settlement statement, title documents, and any survey paperwork in a safe place. These records can be helpful later if you refinance, make improvements, or need to reference property information.
Why location surveys matter in Ohio and Indiana
Survey questions often come up late in the home buying process, but they are easier to manage when you plan ahead. In Ohio and Indiana, survey requirements can vary by lender, title company, transaction type, and property condition.
Skipping a survey might save a few hundred dollars upfront—but it can cost thousands in legal exposure, delays, or lost deals. A Location Survey is not just a document; it’s an essential layer of protection that helps buyers, agents, lenders, and title companies close with confidence.
How McSteen helps buyers
McSteen provides survey services across Ohio and Indiana, helping support residential transactions with accurate, timely surveying services. If your closing requires a mortgage location survey or SLR, our team can help you understand what is needed and move the process forward.
We work with buyers, lenders, title companies, and real estate professionals throughout both states. Whether your closing is straightforward or more complex, getting the survey step handled early can help keep your transaction on track.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a survey when buying a house in Ohio or Indiana?
Not every purchase requires a survey, but lenders and title companies often request one depending on the property and transaction. A mortgage location or SLR is commonly used to support residential closings.
What is a location survey?
A location survey shows the approximate location of improvements on a property and helps identify possible issues such as encroachments or setback concerns and confirms that on-paper ownership (via the deed) matches real world property. In Ohio they are referred to as a mortgage location survey and in Indiana as an SLR.
When should I order a survey?
The best time to order a survey is as soon as your lender, title company, or closing agent says it is needed. Early ordering can help prevent delays before closing.
Does McSteen serve both Ohio and Indiana?
Yes. McSteen provides survey services in both Ohio and Indiana.
Final thoughts
Buying a house in Ohio or Indiana involves several moving parts, but the process is easier when you understand each step. From budgeting and pre-approval to inspections, title work, and closing, preparation makes a major difference.
If your transaction calls for a mortgage location survey, handling it promptly can help reduce delays and keep your closing on schedule.
