What Happens After We Find a Home — How Do You Handle Inspections, Negotiations, the Closing Process, and Potential Problems?

Finding the Right Home Is Just the Beginning

When you finally find the home — the one that checks your boxes and feels just right — the excitement sets in. But it’s also where some of the most important work begins.

As a licensed Indiana real estate broker serving Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana, my job doesn’t stop once you pick a home. That’s when I go to work behind the scenes — guiding you through inspections, negotiations, and the closing process to make sure you’re protected, informed, and confident all the way to the finish line.

Step 1: The Offer and Acceptance

Once you’ve decided to move forward on a property, I’ll prepare a competitive, well-structured offer that fits your goals and today’s market conditions.

That means:

• Reviewing comparable sales to confirm the home’s value

• Strategically crafting terms that appeal to the seller while protecting your interests

• Presenting the offer clearly and professionally to increase the chance of acceptance

If multiple offers are on the table — common in the Fort Wayne market — I’ll use data-driven insight and strong communication to help you stand out without overpaying.

Once the seller accepts, we move into the inspection and due diligence phase.

Step 2: The Home Inspection

The inspection is your opportunity to understand the property inside and out before finalizing the purchase. I connect my clients with trusted, licensed home inspectors who deliver detailed reports on the home’s structure, systems, and safety.

Here’s how I help you navigate it:

• I attend inspections whenever possible, ensuring we fully understand findings in real time.

• I review the report with you to identify what’s normal for the age of the home — and what may need attention.

• Together, we decide whether to request repairs, negotiate credits, or move forward as-is.

The goal is simple: to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying, with no surprises after closing.

Step 3: Negotiating Repairs and Terms

This is where experience matters. Inspection findings often open the door to further negotiation, and that’s where I advocate on your behalf.

Depending on the situation, I might:

• Negotiate for seller repairs before closing

• Request closing cost credits in lieu of repairs

• Revisit purchase price if significant issues are uncovered

My approach is always calm, professional, and fact-based — helping both sides stay focused on solutions, not emotions.

Because I’ve built strong relationships with many Fort Wayne-area agents and contractors, I’m often able to resolve these moments quickly and fairly — keeping your deal on track while protecting your bottom line.

Step 4: The Closing Process

Once negotiations are complete and the lender gives the green light, we move toward closing day — the most rewarding step of all.

Here’s what happens next:

1. Appraisal: Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.

2. Title Work: The title company ensures the home is free of liens or legal issues.

3. Loan Finalization: You’ll receive a closing disclosure detailing every cost, payment, and fee.

4. Final Walkthrough: We confirm the home’s condition matches what was agreed upon.

5. Closing Day: You’ll sign the final documents, the funds are transferred, and the keys are officially yours! 🎉

I’ll be with you every step of the way — reviewing paperwork, answering questions, and coordinating communication between your lender, title company, and the seller’s agent.

Step 5: Handling Potential Problems — Calmly and Professionally

Even in the smoothest transactions, unexpected issues can arise — from appraisal gaps to title delays or inspection concerns. The key is experience, communication, and composure.

Here’s how I handle them:

• 🧭 Stay proactive: I anticipate common challenges and address them early.

• 💬 Communicate clearly: You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening or what your options are.

• 🤝 Find solutions: Whether it’s renegotiating terms, extending timelines, or connecting with reliable local professionals, I focus on resolution — not reaction.

My years in real estate (and two decades of IT problem-solving before that) taught me that clear communication and calm leadership solve 95% of issues before they ever escalate.

What You Can Expect Working With Me

When you choose to work with me and Good Life Property Group, you can expect:

✅ Step-by-step guidance from offer to closing
✅ Expert inspection and negotiation support
✅ Consistent communication with all parties involved
✅ Transparent updates so you always know what’s next
✅ A trusted advocate focused solely on your best interests

Buying a home should be exciting — not stressful. My mission is to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful from the moment we find your home to the day you get your keys.

Ready to Start Your Home Journey in Fort Wayne?

Whether you’re ready to make an offer or still exploring your options, I’d love to guide you through every step with clarity and care.

📞 Schedule your buyer consultation today and let’s talk about your goals, timeline, and how we can make your move simple and successful.

👉 Travis Maassen, Licensed Indiana Real Estate Broker
Good Life Property Group — Serving Fort Wayne & Northeast Indiana
Guidance. Communication. Confidence. From offer to closing and beyond.