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Resources for Home Buyers in Indianapolis and Greenwood

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to your dream home, these trusted resources can help guide you every step of the way.

Indianapolis and Greenwood home buyer resources from DNA Properties Indy help you understand your options, find trusted lenders, and explore loan programs designed to make homeownership more achievable.

Table of Contents

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  • Get Pre-Approved with Trusted Indianapolis and Greenwood Home Buyer Lenders
    • 🏠 Conventional Loans
    • 🔑 FHA Loans
    • 🎖️ VA Loans
    • 🏡 USDA Loans
    • 👴 Lifestyle Home Loan (Mutual of Omaha Mortgage)
    • 📞 Luis Aparicio, Everwise Credit Union
    • 🏡 Ryan Zaininger, Prosperity Home Mortgage
    • 💬 Dwayne Thompson, Integrity Mortgage Group
    • 📞 Jenni Limbach, Crosscountry Mortgage
    • 🏡 David Garrison, Mutual of Omaha, Home Equity Retirement Specialist
    • 💬 Dallas Williams, Liberty Federal Credit Union
  • First-Time Home Buyer Guide
  • Down Payment Assistance Programs
  • Additional Resources

Get Pre-Approved with Trusted Indianapolis and Greenwood Home Buyer Lenders

 
Indianapolis and Greenwood home buyer resources - lender consultation

Before you start touring homes, getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you’re serious. Most won’t even consider your offer without a prequalification letter.

Understanding your loan options is an important first step toward homeownership. Different loan programs offer varying benefits, down payment requirements, and credit score guidelines. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types:

🏠 Conventional Loans

Typically require a 3%–20% down payment, depending on your credit and the lender’s criteria. Borrowers with credit scores of 620+ often qualify, and those putting down less than 20% will usually pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until reaching 20% equity. Closing costs and fees can vary but are usually competitive.

🔑 FHA Loans

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans are ideal for first-time buyers or those with limited savings. FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment with a credit score of 580+. Borrowers with lower credit scores may still qualify with a 10% down payment. FHA loans include mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) that last for the life of the loan in most cases.

🎖️ VA Loans

Available exclusively to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses, VA loans offer no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. They include a one-time VA funding fee that can be rolled into the loan amount. These loans are often the most cost-effective for qualified borrowers.

🏡 USDA Loans

Designed for buyers purchasing in eligible rural or suburban areas, USDA loans require no down payment and offer low interest rates. They do require guarantee fees (similar to mortgage insurance) and are income-restricted based on household size and area median income.

👴 Lifestyle Home Loan (Mutual of Omaha Mortgage)

Designed for homebuyers aged 62 and older, the Lifestyle Home Loan — also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase (H4P) — allows qualified buyers to purchase a new home using a one-time down payment, with no required monthly mortgage payments. Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintain the property.

This option can help retirees rightsize or relocate without depleting savings, using home equity to finance part of the purchase. Eligibility depends on age, home value, and financial assessment. The loan is insured by the FHA and offered through Mutual of Omaha Mortgage.

Learn More About the Lifestyle Home Loan

Each loan type has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your credit profile, savings, and long-term goals. A trusted local lender can help you compare these programs, estimate monthly payments, and determine which fits your situation best.

Below are some experienced lenders who serve Indianapolis, Greenwood, and nearby areas:

📞 Luis Aparicio, Everwise Credit Union

Phone: (317) 710-2268
Email: laparicio@everwisecu.com
Website: Apply with Luis

🏡 Ryan Zaininger, Prosperity Home Mortgage

Phone: (317) 999-7723
Email: ryan.zaininger@phmloans.com
Website: Apply with Ryan

💬 Dwayne Thompson, Integrity Mortgage Group

Phone: (317) 437-6070
Email: dthompson@integritymtgs.com
Website: Apply with Dwayne

📞 Jenni Limbach, Crosscountry Mortgage

Phone: (765) 578-0196
Email: Jenni.Limbach@ccm.com
Website: Apply with Jenni

🏡 David Garrison, Mutual of Omaha, Home Equity Retirement Specialist

Phone: (765) 516-0130
Email: dgarrison@mutualmortgage.com
Website: Apply with Dave

💬 Dallas Williams, Liberty Federal Credit Union

Phone: (812) 583-3639
Email: dwilliams@libertyfcu.org
Website: Apply with Dallas

First-Time Home Buyer Guide

If you’re new to the process, this detailed guide from Realtor.com is a great place to start:

View the First-Time Buyer Guide

Many homebuyers are surprised to learn that you don’t always need a 20% down payment to buy a home. In fact, some programs allow you to purchase with as little as 3% down on Conventional loans, 3.5% down with FHA financing, or even no down payment at all for qualified VA and USDA buyers. These options make homeownership within reach for more Indiana families.

Working with a knowledgeable local lender is the best way to navigate these opportunities. They can help you identify down payment assistance (DPA) programs, grants, and forgivable loans that fit your income level, credit profile, and long-term goals. Explore the resources below to learn more about what’s available in Indianapolis, Greenwood, and surrounding communities.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Homeownership is more achievable than many buyers realize. Several local and national programs can help cover your down payment or closing costs, especially for first-time or moderate-income buyers. Explore these trusted resources:

  • Down Payment Resource – Are You Eligible?
    This national database matches you with down payment and closing cost assistance programs based on your location, income, and loan type. It’s a great first step to see what you may qualify for before talking with a lender.
  • Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA)
    The IHCDA offers statewide programs such as First Place and Next Home, providing up to 6% down payment assistance for eligible Indiana buyers. Options vary depending on whether you’re a first-time or repeat buyer, with minimum credit scores typically starting around 640–660.
  • CrossCountry Mortgage – Down Payment Assistance
    CrossCountry Mortgage outlines common DPA programs tied to FHA, VA, and Conventional loans, explaining typical down payment percentages, income limits, and grant structures. This is a solid overview of how assistance can work with your mortgage.
  • Local Eligibility Tool via MIBOR and Gretchen Szostak
    Use this interactive form to see which Central Indiana down payment programs you might qualify for. Results are customized based on your income, household size, and property location — all tailored to the Indianapolis and Greenwood area.

Every buyer’s financial situation is unique, and the right program can make a big difference in your budget and monthly payment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to Central Indiana, or purchasing your next home, I can help you connect with reputable lenders and determine which loan and down payment assistance options best fit your goals.

Reach out anytime at (317) 721-5310 or (317) 413-7825 or visit the Contact page to schedule a personalized buyer consultation. Let’s make your next move — and your down payment — work smarter for you.

Additional Resources

  • DNA Properties Buyer Services
  • Preparing to Sell Your Current Home
  • Before & After Gallery: Transformations
  • Contact Gretchen Szostak, Managing Broker

Google Reviews

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Nick Reinhart
Damian was a huge help while searching for my first house! Very responsive to all my questions, and helped me navigate the process like a pro, and trusted friend. Highly recommend Damian for anyone looking to purchase!
Response from the owner:Nick, I really enjoyed working with you and think you ended up in a great house! Thanks for the review.
Anthony Gochenour
I worked with Damian to sell my house in Indiana while living full time across the country in Arizona, and I cannot speak highly enough of his work. He went above and beyond in every way, providing exceptional recommendations on repairs and prep for listing the property, helping to coordinate contractors and access to the property, and always being ready to handle every issue that came up throughout the process. He was very knowledgeable and developed an excellent strategy that allowed me to get the most out of the sale during a tumultuous time in the real estate market, while always prioritizing my preferences and comfort.
Selling my property while not physically being there caused lots of unusual hurdles, but having Damian on my side made everything go as smoothly as possible, and I felt confident working through each step knowing I could trust and count on him.
Response from the owner:Thank you Tony! I'm glad you trusted me to sell your beautiful home and help guide you through what I think resulted in a great purchase price. I'd be happy to work with you again!
davidguest7
A realtor is good but also having an expert in staging is better. I'd say Gretchen's expertise and opinion got me 10k more than what the exact floorplan in my subdivision received just six weeks earlier. Very pleased with her outstanding work for me.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, David! I really appreciate it and your willingness to trust my judgment. It helped that you had some great pieces to add to the staging and kept your home looking nice throughout the listing period. Best of luck to you in your new home!
Angela O'Neill
Gretchen and Damien were extremely helpful as always with our latest purchase. We have been working with them for several years to buy and sell investment properties. I trust and value their advice on areas in Indianapolis and comps. Additionally Gretchen is always looking out for us at closings to ensure everything is correct and has caught errors that saved us money more than once. We highly recommend their services.
Emily Szostak
Damian and Gretchen just helped us sell our house and we couldn't be more pleased. They helped us every step of the way from assisting with contractors to staging to helping us navigate the offers. Once we had the house listed, we had it sold in less then 36 hours and closed 3 weeks later. They helped make the whole process a breeze. If you are in a need of a relator, they are definitely the way to go!
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us to sell your beautiful home!
thomas degraff
I’ve worked with DNA as an out of state RE investor for 4+ years, and from distances over 4000miles. From a military service member perspective,
they are very dependable and available after hours for advice with a sale or purchase.
Response from the owner:Thanks, Thom! Congratulations on the recent sale of your building, and we love working with you too!
Gwendolyn Lee Cakery
Proud to know Gretchen and consider her a friend as well as my agent.
victor zarco
the best experience is ... they don't just want to sell you a house ... they care about your long-term profit and satisfaction ... before you make a decision they explain you in an excellent way so that you understand each important point...thanks DNA Properties
Response from the owner:Thank you, Victor! I love working with you too and hope you love the house!
Dylan Sowa
Very responsive, and positive.
Response from the owner:It was very nice working with you, Dylan! You got a very good investment!
Angela Kauffman
Gretchen is a great realtor for investors. She is always on top of every part of the transaction and helps you sort through what is worth doing and what is not as an investor. We've bought and sold several properties with her and it has always been a great experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it.
Peter Szostak
The best realtor there is! Very helpful through the process and will hold the other side accountable. This can save you thousands.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the support, Peter! In real estate, we treat our clients like family, especially when they are! If you need anything from us in the future, we're here for you! -Gretchen S., Owner
Liz Murphy
Gretchen Szostak is the only realtor I will work with after having the pleasure of working with her on two home purchases and one sale. She is bright, professional, and a hard-working advocate for her clients. Her love for homes is evident in every step she takes to find her clients exactly what they want for the best deal possible.
Response from the owner:I'm honored to be your first line of defense, Liz! You should get exactly what you're looking for when it comes to your home, and I'll do anything to make that happen. It's always awesome working with you! -Gretchen
Ricky Anderson
Gretchen is an excellent person and amazing to work with. She won't stop until everything is resolved and you are content. An absolute delight.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words! It was a pleasure working with you.
Scott Surface
Response from the owner:Thank you, Scott! I appreciate the rating :)
Joan Groves
Response from the owner:Thank you!
sean garner
Gretchen has been very helpful in selling our house and buying another one she is very quick to response time and on top of everything!!
Response from the owner:Thanks, Sean! It was great working with you and Brittney and I’m excited to see the house once it’s finished.

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