I’m Scott Swinford, a mortgage loan originator (NMLS# 138422) in Crown Point and a former firefighter paramedic. I’ve been a loan officer for more than 20 years, and VA loans are the center of my work. If you want the basics of the program first, start with the VA Loan Overview. This page is about using the benefit here. I also make VA loans throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, so if you’re buying outside Northwest Indiana, I can still help.
On this page:
VA loan basics
- A down payment may not be required. Eligible buyers with full entitlement can finance the full price, as long as it doesn’t exceed the appraised value.
- No monthly mortgage insurance. VA loans don’t have it, even with no down payment.
- A one-time funding fee. Most borrowers pay it, and you can add it to the loan. Veterans who receive VA disability compensation are exempt.
- Sellers can help with costs. A seller can pay your normal closing costs, plus concessions of up to 4% of the home’s reasonable value. See how VA seller concessions work.
- You can use it more than once. The benefit is reusable.
For funding fee rates and eligibility rules, see the VA Loan Overview and the VA loan eligibility page.
What is different in Northwest Indiana
The VA appraisal and older homes
Many homes in the older cities near the lake were built before 1978. For those homes, the VA appraiser will require any chipping or peeling paint to be corrected before closing. Worn roofs and missing handrails are other common items. Knowing this before you write an offer saves time. See the VA Minimum Property Requirements checklist.
Termite inspections
VA requires a wood-destroying insect inspection on purchases in this area. It’s a quick inspection, and I recommend ordering it early.
Wells and septic systems
Rural homes in Jasper, Newton, and parts of Porter and LaPorte counties often have a private well and septic system. Expect a water test, and allow time for it.
Property taxes for disabled Veterans
Indiana changed its Veteran property tax benefits for bills payable in 2027. Totally disabled Veterans can deduct 100% of their home’s assessed value, and other disabled Veterans may receive a credit. That lowers your monthly payment when taxes are escrowed. Read Indiana property tax relief for Veterans.
Low appraisals
If the appraiser expects the value to come in below the contract price, VA’s Tidewater process gives your agent a short window to submit additional comparable sales before the value is final. I let your agent know as soon as it happens. See the VA appraisal FAQ.
Buying in Illinois or Michigan
Many buyers here are relocating from Illinois, and some are deciding between the two states. I’m licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, so I can make your VA loan on either side of the state line and help you compare.
County by county
Lake County
Lake County is the largest housing market in Northwest Indiana and includes Crown Point, St. John, Schererville, Munster, Merrillville, Hobart, Hammond, Highland, Griffith, Dyer, and several other communities. Buyers will find a wide range of housing, from older established neighborhoods in the northern part of the county to newer subdivisions and residential development farther south. On older homes, the VA appraiser is more likely to call for repairs such as peeling paint, so review the VA Minimum Property Requirements before you make an offer.
The market can change significantly from one community to another. Property values, taxes, school districts, municipal services, and housing styles can vary even within a relatively short distance, so it is important to evaluate the specific property rather than relying on countywide averages.
Property taxes are another important consideration. In addition to the property’s regular real estate taxes, some properties may have special assessments or other charges included on the tax bill. When you’re comparing homes, review the property’s actual tax information so you have a clearer picture of the ongoing cost of ownership. Disabled Veterans may also qualify for Indiana property tax relief.
Learn more about VA loans in Lake County.
Porter County
Porter County includes Valparaiso, Chesterton, and Portage, along with smaller communities such as Hebron, Kouts, Porter, and Burns Harbor. Homebuyers will find everything from established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions to larger lots and rural properties.
The county changes quite a bit from north to south. Northern Porter County includes communities near Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes. Valparaiso, the county seat, sits in the central part of the county. Further south, Hebron and Kouts have a more rural, agricultural setting.
If you’re buying outside the more developed areas, pay close attention to the property’s water and sewage systems. Rural properties are more likely to use a private well and septic system. On a VA loan, that usually means a water test, and the systems must meet the VA Minimum Property Requirements.
Learn more about using your VA home loan benefit in Porter County.
LaPorte County
LaPorte County includes Michigan City, La Porte, Westville, Wanatah, Long Beach, and several smaller communities. Buyers will find a wide range of properties, from established neighborhoods and homes near Lake Michigan to larger lots and rural properties farther south and east.
Michigan City offers access to the Lake Michigan shoreline, while the City of La Porte has its own distinctive setting surrounded by several inland lakes. Outside the larger communities, buyers will find more rural properties where wells, septic systems, acreage, and outbuildings are more common.
If you’re considering a condominium, there is an important VA requirement to check early. The condominium project must be approved by VA before a unit in the project is eligible for VA financing. Checking the project’s approval status before you make an offer saves you from finding out after you’re under contract.
Learn more about VA loans in LaPorte County.
Jasper and Newton counties
These are the most rural counties I serve, including Rensselaer, DeMotte, Kentland, and Morocco. VA can finance a home on acreage, though the appraiser needs comparable sales to support the value. Manufactured homes are also more common here and can qualify. More in VA loans in Jasper County and VA loans in Newton County.
American Hero Rewards
Veterans, first responders, and teachers have access to the American Hero Rewards program, which offers discounts from local businesses on services you’ll use during a move.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a home in Northwest Indiana with no down payment using a VA loan?
Yes, if you are eligible and have full entitlement. A VA loan can finance the full price of the home as long as the price does not exceed the appraised value. You may need a down payment if part of your entitlement is tied to another loan.
Can the seller pay my closing costs on a VA loan in Indiana?
Yes. A seller can pay your normal closing costs, and those do not count toward a limit. Separately, VA allows seller concessions of up to 4% of the home’s reasonable value for items like the VA funding fee and prepaid taxes and insurance.
Is a termite inspection required on a VA loan in Indiana?
Yes. VA requires a wood-destroying insect inspection in areas with moderate to heavy termite risk, which includes Indiana. You must correct any active infestation and damage before closing.
Is there a VA loan limit in Northwest Indiana?
Not if you have full entitlement. VA sets no loan limit in that case, and your lender decides how much you can borrow. If you’ve used part of your entitlement, the 2026 county limit of $832,750 applies in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, and Newton counties.
Do disabled Veterans get a property tax break in Indiana?
Yes. For tax bills payable in 2027, totally disabled Veterans can deduct 100% of their home’s assessed value, and other Veterans with a disability rating of 10% or more may receive a credit. File State Form 12662 with your county auditor by January 15, 2027.
Next step
I’ll pull your Certificate of Eligibility at no cost, confirm your entitlement and funding fee status, and tell you what you can afford before you shop. Call 219-695-0369 or text me at 219-758-8072.
Get prequalified here or send me a message.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a loan offer or commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, property acceptance, and underwriting guidelines.
