NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog

This lovingly updated & spacious Home In Valparaiso Indiana's  Liberty Township location sits on 0.68 wooded acres and is conveniently located  to major roads for ease of commute to Chicago-land.

Large Pole Barn that has a concrete floor and heat and water comes in handy for the hobbyist or auto enthusiast.

Talk to Jeff & Grace Safrin to schedule an appointment with advance notice to view this property for sale.

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Liberty Township in Valpo, Spacious Updated home + Pole Barn

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stats

$224,791 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Unit Interior: 3005 sqft Lot: 0.68 acre(s) Location 791 N Calumet Avenue Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker !st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Liberty Township in Valpo, Spacious Updated home + Pole Barn 2 Homes in 1 Related Living or Extended Family accomodated here ! Spacious Home on 2 Lots Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs. Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

Just in time for Super Bowl Weekend we recieved this email from a past client today (a New Orleans Saints Fan)  in which we (Indianapolis Colts fans) successfully Listed & Sold their Northwest Indiana Home subject to their lenders approval of a short sale....

I guess we can agree to disagree on some things :) GO Colts!!!

HI Grace / Jeff,

     Don't have a scanner here, so just put my testimonial below.  Hope that works ok for you.  You may use my name if you wish.

Have a great weekend and

"GO Saints" !!!!!  

   Lynn

I had my house listed with a large well known real estate agent for 6 months.  The house didn’t sell and it sat empty costing me a fortune with each passing month, paying for mortgage, utilities, insurance etc.  I came across Jeff and Grace Safrin’s name on a website.  I talked with Jeff and decided on a short sale, based on the information I had obtained from my mortgage company.  The house was listed on a Monday and by Saturday of the same week we were signing papers.  A Couple of weeks later, we closed on the sale.

   Jeff is extremely knowledgeable in real estate, selling, short sales and handling and dealing with all aspects of this business.  He worked quickly and efficiently to get the sale closed, with liens, and several other road blocks.  Jeff and his wife are very friendly and personable and a pleasure to work with.  The Safrin’s know their business and I would recommend them to ANYONE looking to buy or sell a home.

With Easy access to both the Indiana Toll road or Interstate I 94, not to mention the South Shore Train...Portage, Indiana has affordable housing options and yet is within commuting distance to Chicago-land.

Some of our favorite places to shop & eat are in Portage :)

Once Jeff made a date out of taking me to Bass Pro Shop - we spent a few hours in there getting ready for fishing season on our neighborhood Lake, then had dinner in their World Famous Islamorada Fish Company restaurant :)

 When we are out early morning showing homes in Porter County, our favorite breakfast spot is

Egg on Your Face

 With close proximity to the Scenic Indiana Dunes & Lake Michigan Marina's...the city of Portage is growing fast and worth your careful consideration when looking for a place to call home in Northwest Indiana.

If we can help you find a home in Portage, Indiana that suits your families needs and budget, give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

We can show you any property you find on the internet, regardless of which real estate company has the sign in the yard :)

Does your Church have a Social Media Strategy ?

I've been blessed to serve as Evangelism Chairperson for the next 2 years at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN and I'm busy helping roll out a plan over the next several months that includes Social Media like Twitter, Facebook & Blogging :)

I've blogged about our church before - we're buiding a new sanctuary at the prime location of the intersection of Vale Park Road and Campbell Street in Valparaiso (directly across the street from Valparaiso High School).

so perhaps you've read some of my posts about our Prayer Vigils and Women's Bible Study Group., or Biblical Musical / Theatrical presentations like Queen Esther...

Now, I cordially invite you to please FOLLOW our messages, activities, and building progress

on Twitter   @ clcvalpo

Stay tuned for more announcements during this exciting year of growth for us!

God Bless You All

Sincerely,

Grace Safrin

Located between  Rogers Lakewood Park and Bicentennial Park in Valparaiso, IN is a small development of Townhome Duplexes called The Cottages.  (Click on map link below the photo slide show).

This convenient location conducive to nature trails and yet just a few miles from major roads makes this new listing desirable location + affordable for those who can see the opportunity and have patience. Located close enough for commute to Chicago by I 90 Toll-road or I 94 Expressway or South Shore Train or Local BUS, this may be worth your careful consideration.

The sale of this property is subject to the lenders approval of a short sale.

To read More about Short Sales Check out these previous BLOGS about our previous experiences in getting them done and then give us a call with your questions or to schedule a private showing with advance notice please.

Short Sales are Not a Game.

Some Short Sales in Northwest Indiana Real Estate Are Getting Done Quicker & Easier !

 
Indiana HomeOwner's facing Short Sale - A New Law that may help!

Short Sale tips that Helped us.

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Opportunity Knocks - Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$154,000 Townhouse For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 1562 sqft Lot: 00 sqft Location 351 Cottage View Terrace Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Opportunity Knocks - Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo Fixer Upper Sold As Is Corner 4 Unit Close to Downtown Valpo! Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Subject to Short Sale Approval Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

Since Valpo is a college town, Valparaiso University under grad or law school students are always look for housing options nearby.

This 4 unit 2 story located at the corner of Chicago St and Elmhurst is near downtown restaurants, coffee shops, banks, businesses, town hall, the courthouse square & more.....not to mention just a few miles from VU.

Worth careful consideration, this Income Producing Property has 4 units (all apartments are leased) and it has been well-maintained and updated.

Enjoy the photo slide show, click on the links for more info and map, call with any questions or for a private viewing appointment with advance notice please 219-405-1232.

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Corner 4 Unit Walk to Downtown Valpo!

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$179,999 Multi Family For Sale Main Features 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Units Interior: 3276 sqft Lot: 00 sqft Location 758 Chicago Street Valparaiso, IN 46385

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Corner 4 Unit Walk to Downtown Valpo! Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Subject to Short Sale Approval Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs! Affordable Newer Home in Town Location Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

This week we spent a few hours exploring Cabela's in Hammond, Indiana.

If you are like me and been around Hammond IN for awhile ( I am a Bishop Noll High School Graduate ), you will know that Cabela's sit on the property that once was the Woodmar Golf Course ( google maps hasn't changed yet - so thie link above confirms this :)

We enjoyed exploring this HUGE facility, shopping for some out wear, & learning alot also. The museum like education displays on fish and animals were incredible. We had fun in the arcades. Jeff even tried a Buffalo Burger for lunch at their restaurant and I bought some FRESH Homemade Fudge from their General store!

From Fishing to Camping to Hunting To anything Outdoors-> i.e. mens & womens clothing, equipment, FOOD, Cabelas  just about Has it all!

I can tell you that we will be back again to check out the deals in their Bargain Cave! 

Here is Cabelas Main website for stores nationwide! A great place to shop for all ages :)

The Town of Schererville is located in Northwest Indiana's Lake County - a convenient commute to the big city of Chicago !

Recently, we Just Listed for sale an affordable Home in Move-in Condition in a great neighborhood !

Enjoy the photo slide show, click on the additional links for a map and description and more info...

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Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs!

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stats

$249,999 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 Unit Interior: 2359 sqft Lot: 0.25 acre(s) Location 7408 Jeffrey Schererville, IN 46375

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs! Affordable Newer Home in Town Location Immaculate & Affordable Condo - great In Town VALPO location! Ideal for Related Living or Big Family-> Cozy Cape Cod Lovingly update & Move in Ready! Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Schererville, IN real estate for sale

Looking for an affordable Home For Sale in NW Indiana's Lake County?  This 858 SF Ranch is $69,000.

Why Pay Rent?

Freshly Painted Inside - Neutral Colors!

Perched on a 80 x 75 Corner Lot = 3 bedroom Ranch Home w/Fenced Yard & Detached 1.5 Car Garage + 8 ft. Shed makes great starter home or may be the one for those looking to downsize + have the ease of one level living!

Country Kitchen w/Pergo Wood Floor, Wood cabinets, Double Stainless Sink & Stove/Gas Range included. Utility Room off Kitchen is Well insulated, washer & dryer hookups. Living Room off Kitchen w/Pergo Floor and Crown Moldings. Hallway to BR's/bathroom w/Pergo Floor also. Attic Access from hall for added storage.

Windows & Gas Furnace replaced approx. 11 years ago. Hot Water Heater approx 9 years ago. Roof (tear off) done in 2004. Vinyl Siding. Landscape Beds w/solar lights. Sensor Lights on Garage.

Quiet Location-Gibson woods nearby. Convenient to Commute. Hammond Residents children may qualify for College Bound Scholarship Program.

1st Time Buyers or Downsizing Buyers May qualify for Tax credit w/accepted by 4/30/10.

Possession Day of Closing. Call Today!

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Typically, we take a vacation around the winter season in NW Indiana because activity on listing and selling real estate USED TO slow down somewhat.

Not anymore:) 

Over the past couple weeks we've been blessed to assign relocation clients to each one of our experienced agents!

Even while taking a few days R & R in Florida, our corporate office called us with more potential client referrals looking to either buy or sell a home in Northwest Indiana.

Relocation referrals are a benefit of being a F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate agent, and they are distributed in sequence one by one right down the list of agents on board with us (unless an agent is requested by name).

The volume of referrals comes from being a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

If you are an experienced professional REALTOR looking for a change in 2010 and enjoy relocation clients, call Jeff or Grace for a confidential interview to see if our Virtual Real Estate Brokerage Model  is something that would interest you.

Hasty and Sweeping Generalizations about Short Sales are illogical.

We are Listing and Selling them in reasonable time frames.

With cash deals, some Short sales are closing even quicker than regular listed properties!

  Just depends on the lender, cooperation of the seller, qualification of the buyer, and on the experience, knowledge and tenacity of the REALTORS handling the transaction:)

Below are several Homes For Sale in Northwest Indiana that are subject to lenders approval of a Short Sale.

To read More about Short Sales Check out these previous BLOGS about our experiences in getting them done and then give us a call.

Short Sales are Not a Game.

Some Short Sales in Northwest Indiana Real Estate Are Getting Done Quicker & Easier !

 
Indiana HomeOwner's facing Short Sale - A New Law that may help!

Short Sale tips that Helped us.

Porter County, Indiana -Valparaiso, IN 46383 Home For Sale - Offer Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale

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La Porte, Indiana - LaPorte, IN 46350 Home For Sale - Offer Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale

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Starke County, Indiana - Bass Lake Area Home For Sale - Offer Subject To Lenders Approval of a Short Sale

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Knox, Indiana 46534 - Fixer Upper Home for Sale - Offer Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale.

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We Listed a Home For Sale in Northwest Indiana's Lake County (Cedar Lake, 46303) back in late December that was Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale.

Since the Seller was Cooperative and the Buyer Qualified, the Approval process was quick with a Cooperative Lender.

Even though obstacles surfaced, Jeff's experience in Short Sales, BPO's, and working with Banks (REO properties) helped get the approval done in 13 days from the date the offer to purchase was written.

All in all - this one is our quickest turn around time - only 26 days from the date we took the listing till closing!

We could not have done this with acknowledging the cooperativeness and collaborative efforts of all parties working together to do their part : the Seller, the Buyer, the Co-Op Agent, the Loss Mitigation department of the Lender.

Something in my gut wrenches when I read "Short Sales Are a Game".

They involve people's lives, families, difficult circumstances & situations, & loss of one of the most basic Human needs.

You don't "successfully PLAY" a short sale ...it is collaborative, not comepetitive, WORK.

Hopefully, with a compassionate attitude to all parties involved. 

Yes, even empathy for the Loss Mitigator who may be overworked with a huge pile of files on their desk. I will gladly NOT switch places with them for even a day :)

The Indiana Association of Realtors Online has re-printed a statement:

" You have no Business doing a short sale unless...

(reprinted from James J. Tsighis from the Tennessee Association of REALTORS Forum), that disscusses some key points & ethics to consider behind the decision making of even doing these type of Real Estate Transactions.

We've been doing Short Sales for several years now, and just closed our 1st short sale real estate transaction for 2010 in only 26 days from the date of taking the listing till today's signing documents at Closing!

We were not the 1st REALTORS to list this property and there were many obstacles to this short sale which I will not go into.....

What matters, is the thanks we got from the Seller, Buyers, Co-Operative Agent and yes, even the Lender:)

editorial Opinion by Jeff Safrin - Real Estate Broker/Owner F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana

With the 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit  deadline for accepted Real Estate Purchase Contracts being 4/30/10, NOW is a good time to buy a home in Northwest Indiana!

Here are NW Indiana Homes For Sale that offer Seller Assisted Financing - Seller will pay Buyers Closing Costs or pre-paids allowable by lender with a full price accepted offer*

Lake County Indiana Home For Sale in Griffith, 46319 - Seller helps with  Buyers Closing Costs ->

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Porter County, Indiana Home For Sale in Portage, 46368 - Seller helps pay Buyers Closing Costs ->

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La Porte County, Indiana Home For Sale, 46350 - Seller helps pay Buyers Closing Costs ->

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For an appointment to see any of these properties - don't hesitate to give us or one of our experienced professionals @ F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate a call.

What a Game on New Years Eve - Valparaiso University Crusaders Win in Final Seconds 55-54

over University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers !

Ok, so the scoreboard photo is blurry (hey, this game was a nail-biter :) but it shows that with 3.8 seconds, Valparaiso University Crusaders trailed by 1 &  Milwaukee Panthers coach took a time out to set up a play to inbound the ball which is stolen away (intercepted) by Valpo Senior Brandon McPherson who takes it to the basket himself for the W !

Click link below to watch video recap of this exciting games top moments including the loud ending->

Highlights & final awesome play from the Horizon Network TV

or read a written recap of the game from VU's website->

12/31/2009 - Men's Basketball
McPherson Steal and Layup Gives Valpo One-Point Win in Final Second Over Milwaukee

My voice is still horse from last night :) but it was a great way to bring in the new year for our home-town team!

Next Home game at the ARC Saturday, January 2nd, tip-off 7:05 pm

Valparaiso University Crusaders Vs. GreenBay Phoenix

From all of Us @ F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Serving Northwest Indiana 

Wishing You & Your Families a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010 !

We Look forward to an Exciting Year in Real Estate in 2010

 Please don't hesitate to call if you ar anyone you know, is thinking of buying or selling a home or property in Lake, Porter or La Porte County in NW Indiana.

Pictured L to R: Linda Littlejohn, Ty Gammon, Olga Kwolek, Jeff Safrin, Grace Safrin, Irene Tron, Jess Tron

Once a relocating client asked us what there was to do once the weather got cold in Indiana?  We both answered simultaneously with a grim - BASKETBALL - college basketball that is :)

Here is a pictorial recap of just the past few weeks FUN.

#1 Notre Dame Vs. Central Florida(ok, so we also wanted to see Marcus Jordan play and to witness 1st hand the shoe choice he made :) but, his famous fatherMJ sat incognito somewhere in the Joyce Center/Purcell pavillion, so we didn't get a glimpse of him :( 

Although the  game was tied 41-41 at half-time,The Local Favorite Notre Dame played a strong half to win 90-72! 

 It is no secret we are a HOUSE Divided (Jeff went to IU and the girls Purdue)...so we took our youngest out to dinner in West Lafayette, IN(she's a senior:) and experienced Mackey Arena LOUDNESS for the 1st time as # 4 ranked Purdue coach Matt Painter was classy enough to pull out all the starters with over 5 minutes left to play in the game.

The Northwest Indiana Locals-> Robbie Hummel (Valparaiso, IN) and E'twaun Morre (East Chicago, IN) were something to watch and Jeff's prediction is that this team will play in the final 4 ( which is in Indy :)

# 3 Valparaiso University Crusadersvs. Toledo  @ the ARC

We enjoy our Home Town Team Games and seeing past, present and future clients we serve in the community in which we live! VU games are fun for everyone and there is always an interesting half time show!  

 Right down the Block from South Shore Golf & Country Club, this Cedar Lake Indiana Home comes with water rights and is a short walk to the Lake!                                                                                                                                                                

There are 3 Parcels total included in this sale!

2 Bedroom, 1 bath, 1335 square ft. Home for sale + shed on 75 x 125 Lot @ 14625 Bryan St.

and

2.5 car detached heated Garage on adjacent 60 x 125 lot @ 14620 Blaine St. Cedar Lake, IN  46303

and

another vacant lot @ 14624 Blaine St. Cedar Lake, IN 46303 that measures 50x125.

Great property for a starter home or for those looking to downsize or considering Chicago is about and hour away by car - this would make a great weekend getaway or vacation property as the lake and all it has to offer like:  water sports, boating, fishing, skating, ski-ing, swimming, beach, pier, restaurants, shops, parks and Lake County, Indiana attractions nearby!

All offers on this home are subject to lenders approval of a Short sale - we are Real Estate Brokers experienced with getting Short Sales Closed and the Indiana Laws governing the time frame for response to offers by the bank.

Opportunity knocks as this is priced Below Assessed Value !

So enjoy the photo slide show below, click on the map and Information links for more details and call us if you are interested in setting up an appointment to view this property!

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Down the Block From Cedar Lake

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stats

$89,000 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 1335 sqft Lot: 0.52 acre(s) Location 14625 Bryan St. Cedar Lake, IN 46303

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C,.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Down the Block From Cedar Lake Elegant & Spacious Home in Upscale Gated Community Custom Home + Retreat Like Setting Walk To Bass Lake - Newer Home on Almost an Acre! Custom Home w/ Attention To Details For the Discerning Buyer! Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Cedar Lake, IN real estate for sale

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