Frequently Asked Questions

Answers before you ask.

I hear these questions from buyers and sellers in Northwest Indiana all the time. If you don't see your question here, reach out — I'm always happy to help, and there's absolutely no pressure.

General Real Estate Questions

How much can I expect to sell my home for?
Home values in Northwest Indiana vary based on location, condition, and current market conditions. The typical price range in the communities I serve — Munster, Highland, Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Crown Point, and Hammond — falls between $400,000 and $800,000, though there are options above and below that range. The best way to know what your home is worth is through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which I provide for free. A CMA looks at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, current inventory, and market trends to give you a realistic picture of your home's value. I don't guess — I use data. Let's price strategically, not emotionally.
What will my closing costs be?
In Indiana, typical closing costs range from 2% to 5% of the sale price. For sellers, this generally includes: • Agent commissions • Title insurance and title company fees • Escrow fees • Indiana transfer taxes • Outstanding liens or judgments • Prorated property taxes For buyers, closing costs often include lender fees, appraisal fees, home inspection, title insurance, and prepaid taxes and insurance. I'll provide a detailed net sheet early in the process so there are absolutely no surprises at the closing table. Knowledge is power — and I want you to feel confident every step of the way.
Do I really need a realtor to buy or sell a home?
You can technically buy or sell without an agent, but here's what you'd be giving up: pricing strategy, professional negotiation, marketing expertise, and deep local market knowledge — plus the legal fiduciary duty an agent owes you. I bring 30+ years of marketing experience for global brands to every listing. That means your home isn't just thrown on the MLS — it's positioned strategically, priced intentionally, and marketed like the asset it is. For buyers, I know the neighborhoods, the school districts, the hidden issues that inspection reports might miss, and I negotiate from strength. With 9 years in real estate and having personally bought and sold 6 properties, I've seen every side of this process. The cost of a bad decision far outweighs the cost of expert representation.
How long does it take to sell a home in Northwest Indiana?
In the current Northwest Indiana market, well-priced homes in good condition typically sell within 2 to 4 weeks. Days on market vary by community and price point — homes in Munster and Dyer tend to move faster due to strong school demand. Here's my rule of thumb: if your house doesn't get an offer within 2 weeks, it's the market telling us it's priced too high. That's not a failure — it's feedback. We adjust the strategy, refine the marketing, and move forward. I stay ahead of the curve with pricing data and market insights so your home doesn't sit.

Working with Liz

Why should I choose Liz over other realtors?
Three things set me apart: 1. Top 10% Producer — I rank in the top 10% of agents across all of Northwest Indiana. That's not a marketing tagline — it's a measurable result backed by 80+ homes sold over 9 years. 2. 30+ Years of Marketing Experience — Before real estate, I spent three decades marketing for global brands. I know how to position your home like a product launch, not a classified ad. I'm also one of a select group of AI-Certified Realtors® in the country, bringing next-level technology to every transaction. 3. Lifelong NW Indiana Resident — I've lived here my entire life. I know every neighborhood, every school district, every street. And I've personally bought and sold 6 properties, including two vacation rentals I've managed for 12+ years. I'm not just your Realtor — I'm a buyer, seller, investor, and landlord who has sat exactly where you're sitting.
What areas do you serve?
I serve all of Northwest Indiana, with deep expertise in these core communities: • Munster — Blue Ribbon schools, Chicago commute, median $350K+ • Highland — Tight-knit community, Wicker Park, affordable charm • Schererville — Growing retail hub, great value, welcoming community • Dyer — Top-rated schools, tree-lined streets, premium feel • St. John — New construction, spacious lots, small-town warmth • Crown Point — Historic downtown, Lake County seat, vibrant dining • Hammond — Industrial heritage, lake access, revitalization underway • Cedar Lake — Lakefront living, relaxed pace My brokerage is based in Crown Point, and I cover all of Lake, Porter, and Laporte counties. If it's Northwest Indiana, I know it.
What makes your marketing approach different?
Most agents take a few photos, throw a listing on the MLS, and hope for the best. I do things differently — because my 30+ years in marketing taught me that how you present something matters just as much as what you're selling. My approach includes: • AI-Powered Pricing — Using AI-driven platforms to analyze market data and price your home correctly from day one • Professional Photography — High-quality images that make your home shine in online searches • Custom Listing Websites — Dedicated pages for your property with virtual tours and detailed information • Walkthrough Video Tours — Cinematic video content that reaches buyers who can't visit in person • Targeted Digital Marketing — Strategic social media campaigns and digital advertising to reach qualified buyers I stay ahead of the curve with the latest tools in the industry, including AI-powered platforms that give my clients a real competitive edge. First impressions matter — and I make sure every first impression counts.
How do I get started?
It's simple. Call or text me at (219) 670-3704, or fill out the contact form on this website. We'll have a no-pressure conversation about your goals, your timeline, and what you're looking for. I want you to feel confident, not pressured — from our first conversation to closing day. Whether you're buying your first home, selling an investment property, or navigating a life transition, I'll create a personalized plan to help you achieve your real estate goals. I've got your back.

Buying a Home

Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Absolutely. A pre-approval letter from a lender tells you exactly what you can afford, which means we focus our search on homes within your budget — no wasted time or heartbreak over homes that are out of reach. Pre-approval also strengthens your offer. In a competitive market like Northwest Indiana, sellers and their agents take pre-approved buyers more seriously. It shows you're committed, financially prepared, and ready to move. I recommend getting pre-approved before we schedule our first showing.
What should I look for during a home inspection?
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process. Pay close attention to the major systems: • HVAC — Age and condition of the furnace and air conditioning • Roof — Remaining lifespan, signs of leaks or damage • Foundation — Cracks, settling, water intrusion • Plumbing — Pipe material, water heater age, water pressure • Electrical — Panel capacity, outdated wiring, code compliance In Northwest Indiana specifically, watch for older basements that may need waterproofing, radon levels (Indiana is a higher-radon state), and signs of water damage from our freeze-thaw cycles. I attend inspections with my buyers and help you understand what's a deal-breaker, what's negotiable, and what's just part of homeownership. No house is perfect — but you should know exactly what you're buying.
Is now a good time to buy in Northwest Indiana?
Northwest Indiana continues to offer strong value compared to the Chicago metro. You get more square footage, larger lots, top-rated schools, and a shorter commute — often at a significantly lower price point than comparable homes just across the state line. New construction options are expanding in St. John, Crown Point, and Schererville, giving buyers modern floor plans and energy-efficient features. The market remains competitive with limited inventory, but that's exactly why having a skilled agent matters — I know when opportunities arise and how to position your offer for success. If you're considering buying, let's talk about your timeline and goals. The best time to buy is when the numbers make sense for your life — and I'll help you figure that out.

Selling a Home

How should I prepare my home for sale?
First impressions matter — and buyers make decisions within the first 30 seconds of walking through your door. Here's my preparation checklist: • Declutter and Depersonalize — Remove excess furniture, family photos, and personal items so buyers can envision themselves in the space • Deep Clean — Every surface, every corner. Clean homes sell faster and for more money • Minor Repairs — Fix leaky faucets, touch up paint, replace burned-out bulbs. Small fixes prevent big objections • Curb Appeal — Trim landscaping, clean the front door, make the entrance inviting • Staging — Even simple staging can make a dramatic difference. Sometimes it's just rearranging what you already have Let's price strategically, not emotionally. I'll walk through your home and create a personalized preparation plan that maximizes your return without overspending on improvements that won't pay off.
What is a comparative market analysis?
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a detailed report that estimates your home's value based on recent sales of similar properties in your area. It looks at: • Recently sold homes (comparables) in your neighborhood • Current active listings (your competition) • Market trends — days on market, price reductions, buyer demand • Your home's specific features — square footage, lot size, condition, upgrades I provide a free CMA for every potential seller. It's the foundation of a smart pricing strategy. Pricing too high means your home sits and loses momentum. Pricing too low leaves money on the table. A data-driven CMA helps us hit the sweet spot — and it's one of the most valuable tools in the selling process.
Should I make repairs before listing?
It depends on the repair, the cost, and the potential return. Not every repair is worth making — and some can actually hurt your sale if they look like you're hiding something. Here's my general guidance: Worth doing: Fresh paint in neutral colors, fixing obvious damage, updating dated light fixtures, deep cleaning carpets or refinishing hardwood floors. Skip it: Major renovations that won't recoup their cost, personalized upgrades (like a themed bathroom), or structural work that requires permits. I'll walk through your home and give you honest, specific advice on which improvements will give you the biggest return. My job is to maximize your profit — not your contractor's invoice. No house is perfect, but strategic improvements can significantly impact your sale price.

Still have questions?

I'm always happy to chat. No question is too small, and I want you to feel confident — never pressured.