Buying
First home, move-up, or relocation — get clear guidance from search to closing.
Buyer guide →Real Estate Agent — Northern Indiana & Southwest Michigan
I’m Caleb Worm with Weichert, Realtors – Jim Dunfee & Associates — a trusted advisor for buyers and sellers across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Twenty-plus years in digital marketing, now focused on helping you navigate one of the biggest moves you’ll make.
How can I help?
Selling
Pricing, prep, marketing, and negotiation — without the noise.
Seller guide →Relocating
Notre Dame, university area, and newcomers to Michiana.
Relocation guide →Home valuation
Wondering what your home is worth? Request a custom market analysis.
Get started →First-time buyer?
Step-by-step guide for buying your first home in Michiana.
Buyer guide →Indiana vs Michigan
Taxes, schools, and lifestyle — which side of the border fits you?
Compare →Auctions
Licensed auctioneer — real estate, land, estate, farm, and commercial property auctions.
Learn more →Guides & Resources
Free guides for buying, selling, relocating, and understanding the Michiana market.
Browse guides →Areas I serve
Indiana and Michigan — one agent who knows both sides of the border.
FAQ
What is the first step of the home buying process?
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the first step. A pre-approval letter from a lender shows sellers you are serious and helps you know your budget before you start looking at homes.
How long does it take to buy a home?
From start to finish, buying a home typically takes about 10 to 12 weeks. Once an offer is accepted, the escrow and closing process usually takes 30 to 45 days under normal conditions.
How much do I pay an agent to help me buy a house?
Home buyers typically pay little or no direct fee to their agent. The listing broker represents the seller and compensates the buyer's agent from the transaction. This means you get professional representation without an out-of-pocket cost in most cases.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Most conventional loan programs require a FICO score of 620 or better. FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Higher scores typically mean better interest rates and lower down payment requirements.
How much do I need for a down payment?
The national average down payment is around 11%, but first-time buyers often put down 3% to 5%. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, and VA and USDA loans may offer zero-down options for qualified buyers.
Should I order a home inspection?
Yes. A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process. It can uncover issues with the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, and more before you close. In Indiana and Michigan, inspections are strongly recommended and often required for certain loan types.
What clients say
★★★★★Caleb helped us buy our first home in Mishawaka. He explained every step, responded to texts within minutes, and negotiated a great deal. Could not have asked for a better experience.
★★★★★We sold our Granger home and bought in Niles. Having an agent licensed in both Indiana and Michigan saved us so much hassle. Caleb made the whole process seamless.
★★★★★As a Notre Dame faculty member relocating from out of state, I needed someone who really knew the area. Caleb showed us neighborhoods we would have never found on our own. Highly recommend.
CALL WORM!
Prefer to talk? Call or text 574-240-WORM — [email protected]