Thinking About Buying a Home in Indiana? Start Here.
Missy Horner
President, Empire Title Services | 20+ Years Experience
Maybe you've been thinking about it for a while. Maybe the idea hit you recently — a lease renewal that felt wrong, a friend who just bought, a Saturday afternoon drive through a neighborhood that made you think what if.
However you got here, you're here. And that's the right starting point.
Because here's what we've learned after 20+ years of helping Indiana and Ohio buyers close on homes: the people who feel most confident at the closing table are almost always the ones who understood what was happening every step of the way. Not because they were experts — but because someone took the time to actually explain it.
Why We're Writing This Series
We talk to buyers every week who are surprised by things that didn't need to surprise them. Earnest money going somewhere unexpected. Not understanding what "under contract" actually means. Getting to closing and seeing numbers that nobody explained months earlier.
None of that has to happen. And with this series, we're going to make sure it doesn't — at least for anyone who reads along.
Introducing: The Indiana Buyer's Journey
A 13-week series covering everything you need to know about buying a home in Indiana and Ohio — from the very first step to the day you get the keys.
New post every Friday at 9 AM. No jargon. No fluff. Just the real stuff from people who've seen it all at the closing table.
What's Coming Every Friday
Coming soon
More Coming Every Friday
Inspections, appraisals, title searches, closing day, and everything in between
Who This Is For
This series is written for anyone who's seriously thinking about buying a home in Indiana or Ohio — whether you're months away from making a move, just starting to explore, or already in the middle of the process and feeling like you missed something.
First-time buyers who want to understand the full process
Buyers who've purchased before but things have changed
Couples navigating a major financial decision together
Anyone who wants to feel confident walking into closing
People who've heard horror stories and want to avoid them
Indiana and Ohio buyers tired of vague, generic advice
A Word From the Closing Table
"The best closing experiences we have are with buyers who showed up knowing what to expect. Not because they read a textbook — but because they asked good questions early and got real answers."
— Missy Horner, President, Empire Title Service
We've been doing this in Richmond, Indiana and across the region for over two decades. We've seen what goes smoothly and what doesn't. And the difference almost always comes down to preparation and communication — not luck.
This series is our way of helping you get there. Every Friday, one topic. Plain language. Real information from people who live and breathe this process.
First Up: Why Pre-Approval Is Step One
Next Friday we're starting where every home purchase should start — before you ever schedule a showing, before you fall in love with a kitchen, before you tell anyone you're looking.
It's not what most people expect to hear. But it's the advice that separates the buyers who close from the ones who watch someone else get the house.
Missy Horner
President, Empire Title Services
With over 20 years of experience in Indiana and Ohio real estate closings, Missy Horner leads Empire Title Services in providing expert title insurance, property searches, and closing coordination. A trusted resource for real estate agents, lenders, and homeowners throughout Wayne, Randolph, and Henry counties.