First Time Offered - Custom 2 Story Home for Sale in Duneland Cove - Chesterton, IN 46304

The Duneland Cove Community has an awesome

park with

tennis courts,

playground

and basketball court!

Recently we listed a 2 story home - 1st time offered by original owners - this custom built home does not have your typical floor plan and offers spacious room sizes, many built-ins and quality woodwork & trim.

Enjoy the Hi-Res. music video below and then give us a call to schedule a private showing with advance notice please 219-405-1232.

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Thinking of RELOCATING to Chesterton, Indiana?

did you know? ...

If you are planning a move to Chesterton, Indiana located in Northwest Indiana's County of Porter, did you know you will live about an hour from Chicago by Train ( South Shore Stop map ) or IN Toll road.

Chesterton is home to the world famous Wizard of Oz Festival held annually! We've blogged about the Town of Chesterton before.

With the scenic Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan nearby, there is a wide range of housing options available from affordable to mid priced homes to gated Golf Communities/Country Club Settings!

We just listed a move in ready home with amenities galore in the award winning Dune-land School District.

Lower taxes, Affordable Homes, scenic recreation spots, yet big city culture nearby! Enjoy the best of both worlds by living here!

Affordable Home For Sale in Valpariaso, IN 46383-Bring Your Decorating and Updating Ideas-Estate Sale.

Nestled along a winding road in the woods in center township south of U.S. 30 is a home that awaits a new

families memories.

Perched on a beautiful wooded 1/3 + acre lot this spacious bi-level has a surprisingly open floor plan and lots of closet space+ big windows to let in lots of natural light for the era in which it was built (1966).

"They don't build them like they used to",and when you enter this home, you will see retro light fixtures and features - yet the open floor plan/ bones lend themselves to modern living - so bring your decorating ideas and updates - the price is right accordingly (<$75 per sf) - just needs Mr. or Ms. handyman with a little sweat equity to make this house a home sweet home!

We've blogged about the location - Living in Valparaiso, IN before -"The Vale of Paradise"  offers country atmosphere - yet within an hour commuting distance to the big city of Chicago! With award winning schools and low property taxes - this town is worth careful consideration if you are relocating to Northwest Indiana's Porter County!

As you can see, affordable housing is available in VALPO.

Enjoy the Hi-res Music Video of this Home for Sale below and then give us a call to see it before it's SOLD!

Please allow ample response time when writing all offers to purchase for attorney review.

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Recently, we had the enjoyable opportunity to play a round of golf at the beautiful Long Beach Country Club in Northwest Indiana's scenic La Porte County.

Now we've blogged about La Porte County attractions in the past and the fabulous sunsets along Lake Michigan beaches and the local wineries nearby.

The Long Beach Community is a great place for a second home or even year round lake living.

Homes for Sale in Long Beach along the Lake Michigan Shoreline or even a short walk away- or - on the Golf Course as pictured in the Map below.

Give us a call @ 219-405-1232 if you are considering making Long Beach Indiana your next Home Sweet Home or if you are in the market to sell your Long Beach Property.

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We've blogged about the border town to Illinois = Whiting, Indiana 46394 before.

If you like Pierogies like we do :) - you need to visit in July for their famous annual Pierogi Fest!

If you are looking for housing in the Robertsdale neighborhood of Whiting, IN near Lake Michigan and Wolf Lake Park - we are partial to the best value in town - our affordable listing offers much room for a large or extended family / related living.

Just click on the virtual tour below and compare !

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1610 Lake Avenue, Whiting IN
	Price: $149,000	Jeff & Grace Safrin F. C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 405-1232 fctucker1stteam@gmail.com
Bedrooms: 6
Bath: 2.0
SQFT: 2978
Lot Size (acres): 0.08
Year Built: 1922
Property Description: Whiting,IN 46394 is the setting for this LARGE yet affordable well kept home->could accommodate extended family/related living w/6 Bedrooms + partially finished walkout basement! Ceramic tile entry in Large carpeted Living Rm w/bay window.Main Floor BR w/adjacent full bath. Country kitchen w/ceramic tile floor/countertops+lots of cabinets,corner breadbox/appliance garage,lazy Susan,convenient laundry closet->washer,dryer,stove,refrigerator stay.Dining rm addition off kitchen w/many glass front display cabinets,large tiled serving/buffet counters,built in desk,vaulted ceiling w/fan+wall of windows overlooks privacy fenced backyard w/deck.Bedrooms upstairs all have hardwood floors+ceiling fans.UL bath w/lovely marble flooring.Plenty of closet space!Walkout basement has unfinished area for tools/lawn equipment,plus finished Rec Room,6th BR,storage/utility area. Newer Windows & Vinyl Siding &HWH. See Inside photos
Additional Photos:
powered by DIGITAL HOME INFO	Equal Housing Opportunity
All information believed to be reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Std Text Msg Rates Apply where applicable.

If we can help you buy or sell a property in Whiting, Indiana 46394 - give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

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We've Blogged about Hessville, IN 46323 before.

If you are looking for affordable housing in Hammond, IN (where they have a College Bound Scholarship program for children of residents-> click here for more info on this awesome opportunity) then feel free to search all the homes and real estate for sale in zip code 46323.

We are partial to the best value in Hessville-The Home on the virtual tour below that we have listed for sale.... before you even check out the map take a look at this very well kept, well loved, updated, affordable home with beautiful backyard (like a florist shop in your own backyard in summer with many varieties:)

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3526 174th Street, Hammond IN
	Price: $119,999	Jeff & Grace Safrin F. C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 405-1232 fctucker1stteam@gmail.com
Bedrooms: 4
Bath: 1.5
SQFT: 1872
Lot Size (acres): 0.13
Year Built: 1973
Property Description: Well Loved Home in Hessville,IN 46323.Spacious Bilevel w/beautiful Hardwood floors on the main level in the Living Rm, hallway + all 3 Bedrooms! Anderson Windows throughout! Ceiling fans in the Formal Dining Rm & all 3 BR's. Updated Main Bath. Galley Kitchen=all appliances stay. HUGE deck off kitchen overlooks lushly landscaped backyard-no need to call the florist-just pick from many varieties growing in your own yard! Built-in gas grill included.Lower level w/Rec Rm, 1/2 bath, 4th BR or den/exercise rm, plus large laundry/utility/Storage Rm. Washer & Dryer stay. Side Drive. Detached Garage. Major Updates include-> New Roof on Home AND 2.5 car Garage (tear off) in 2008, Hot Water Heater 2005, Furnace 2006, Security System transferable. don't delay - call to schedule a private showing appointment with advance notice please. See inside photos...
Additional Photos:
powered by DIGITAL HOME INFO	Equal Housing Opportunity
All information believed to be reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Std Text Msg Rates Apply where applicable.

If we can help you find a home or sell a home in Hammond, IN 46323 - give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

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The National Association of REALTORS 's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun addressed hundreds of  Northwest Indiana REALTORS today at the annual meeting held by our local board GNIAR at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

A copy of his PowerPoint presentation "Economic Outlook in Uncertain Times" is supposed to be forwarded to us soon, until then, I will recap/paraphrase his talk from my notes.

A little Indiana trivia :)   Dr. Yun received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University! 

PAUSE PERIOD = July, August & September 2010 

After the $8,000 1st time Home Buyer Tax credit expired, the Surge of buyers looking for housing was no longer there-> AS EXPECTED.

Key indicators to measure the frustratingly slow pace of recovery of this recession will be if Real Estate Sales in October, November and December 2010 match or exceed sales during the same period in 2009.

Some factors contributing to slow economic recovery:

• Unemployment rate remains high =>7 million jobs were cut during the recession, plus many long term unemployed = those over 6 months without a job number over 6 million, not to mention college grads entering the work force!
• Government spending is up
• Budget deficit is high (just like after the great depression)
• Oil prices still high
• Business spending is down despite Corporate profits at near record highs->One Theory behind this is Policy Changes in Washington D.C ( i.e. healthcare mandates) causing uneasiness about future $ impact on businesses makes them hesitant to expand/hire.

Real Estate is Local

Despite national news, Dr. Yun shared local data which confirmed that Real Estate is a Local Business and there was no bubble in middle America (Indiana).

you can see this by the data that was shared today:

 1st 6 months of 2010 -  Northwest Indiana Real Estate Sales :

Lake County, Indiana Real Estate sales up 18%, Prices up 8 %

Porter County, Indiana Real Estate sales up 43%, prices down 2%

"All Bad Loans are Made in Good Times"

Dr. Yun went on to talk about the previous lose lending criteria that lead to many defaults and as a result Short Sales and Foreclosures are Here to Stay awhile - REALTORS experienced in these atypical Real Estate transactions will be in demand in this market.

Slide showed the rate of default on VA Loans (No $ down) as lowest of all. Subprime Loans = highest default rate.  IMO-There goes the no "skin in the game" theory - defaults more probable from people spending more than they can afford, then from walking away from no money down loans.

The Future:

Positive Indicators for Real Estate

• Mortgage Interest Rates are the lowest since the days of President Eisenhower!
• Housing Starts are down and Population growth continues - this may lead to a shortage situation in several years.
• GDP is growing
• Economic Stimulus package is opening up job opportunities - as job growth increases, housing demand will increase.
• Real Estate is a Tangible Asset.

F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate a proud sponsor of Home Runs For Heroes !

We've blogged about the fun going to local Gary Railcats baseball games in the past.

Today we are blessed to have the opportunity of helping sponsor the

" Home Runs For Heroes " 

event held at the

 Gary South Shore Railcats U.S. Steel Yard Stadium

that the Northwest Indiana Military Support Network and the

 American Red Cross coordinate along with the Railcats organization.

The program is open to the public from 1:30 pm to 4:30 p.m. and tonight's Railcat game at 6:00pm (against the Rockford RiverHawks) is almost a sellout ! Thanks to local businesses and people who have stepped up to buy tickets making it possible for local Veterans and their families to attend.

We look forward to enjoying a night at the ball park with this honorable group of service men and women who have sacrificed for us! Thank you and God Bless!

There are many returning US Troops lately in the news that still qualify until April 2011 for the 1st Time Home Buyer Tax credit. VA Loans are also available for returning Vets to finance property purchases.

It's been all over the news the last few days - many US Troops are coming home from IRAQ.

We are very thankful for their service during this long war!

Veterans Returning From IRAQ this Year still qualify for the $8000. 1st time Home Buyer Tax Credit

according to REALTOR.org

"Military Personnel Overseas May Still Be Eligible for Tax Credit"

"As part of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit passed on November 6, 2006, military personnel and certain federal employees serving outside the United States may still be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Although the Home Buyer Tax The credit is being made available to eligible military personnel and federal employees who:

• purchases or enters into a binding contract to purchase, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011; and closes on or before June 30, 2011. "
• For additional information about obtaining this credit, please consult the IRS's new release on the Home Buyer Tax Credit for Military Personnel. 

Welcome Home Veterans!

If we can help you find a home in Northwest Indiana, give us a call

If you are planning a move to Chesterton, Indiana located in Northwest Indiana's County of Porter, did you know you will live about an hour from Chicago by Train ( South Shore Stop map ) or IN Toll road.

Chesterton is home to the world famous Wizard of Oz Festival held annually! We've blogged about the Town of Chesterton before.

With the scenic Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan nearby, there is a wide range of housing options available from affordable to mid priced homes to gated Golf Communities/Country Club Settings!

We just listed a move in ready home with amenities galore in the award winning Dune-land School District.

Lower taxes, Affordable Homes, scenic recreation spots, yet big city culture nearby! Enjoy the best of both worlds by living here!

Check out the hi res music video below and give us a call if you are considering making Chesterton, IN your home sweet home!

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Recently, we took an afternoon off for some R & R.

We needed to put up a sign up on a new listing in Porter Cove, which has a fun Northwest Indiana Golf Course - The Brassie Golf Club - Chesterton, IN 46304 practically in this subdivisons backyard!

Here are a few photos of the course/clubhouse.

If you enjoy golf and are in the market for an affordable move in ready home, why not opt for the best of both worlds - see map below.

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View Larger Mapxxx

Northwest Indiana Home Owners Testimonial endorsing F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Services

Recently, we Listed a home in Valparaiso, IN 46383 that SOLD quickly and here is what our sellers had to say:

     We can't thank Jeff and Grace enough! We had already found the house we wanted to move to before calling them to put our house on the market. They gave us some staging suggestions to get our home ready to sell. We followed their expert advice and thanks to that, plus their excellent marketing, we had two offers in a week!

     The Safrin's used their experience and expertise to help sell our home in no time. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for REALTORS that work for you and with you to make buying or selling your home a great experience.

Chris & Erin Schmidgall

Valparaiso, IN

Just SOLD - Valparaiso, Indiana Expired Listing sells when Marketed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Sometimes, we list homes that had been on the market previously with other REALTORS and did not sell.

At the closing table last week, the buyers remarked to Jeff that our detailed marketing and many photos and descriptions about the various amenities of the home was what "sold them" to come out and view the property.

Location, Price, Condition, and Marketing are all factors that influence buyers to make an appointment to see a property.

As Professionals, it is our job to give you suggestions and implement a specific marketing plan based on known data so your home has the best chance of a successful closed sale. 

 If you are in the market to sell your Northwest Indiana Home, read what our past clients have to say and then give us a call to schedule an appointment @ 219-309-9930. 

 Recently we SOLD a home In Porter County, IN  that we listed subject to lenders approval of a short sale.

Short sales are not a game.

There were back up offers on the property.

The Buyers with the 1st offer submitted were savvy enough to do ALL of their due diligence according to the contract terms and conditions mutually agreed upon BEFORE the short sale was approved.

Short sales are bittersweet.

We have become much more select at which sellers we will work with to list an Indiana  short sale property and which buyers we will work with to show a Northwest Indiana short sale property.

Extensive interviewing goes into the decision process so we have the best chances of getting deals done! 

Uncooperative sellers or fickle buyers only make for experiences which will be passed along to friends and relatives who become "experts" in their own mind, because of "stories"  they have heard :)

Hasty and sweeping generalizations about short sales are, by definition, illogical.

We glady accept back-up offers on our Short sale listings -> Sale pending does not mean SOLD.

If you are considering buying a short sale, give us a call to discuss at lenght the risks of this non traditional type of Real estae transaction. Some Short sale Buyers are Missing the Boat so to speak. Or,  if you are behind on your mortgage payments give us a call to see if selling your home with your lenders approval of a short sale is an option to consider?

 SFR certified and have closed short sale listings in NW IndianaHAFA or not, EQUATOR system or not.

Here are some Northwest Indiana Short sale properties we have SOLD as well as some of our insights to working to get short sale deals done:

please click on the link to read the story behind each of these successes.

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/206925/sold-by-the-safrin-s-successful-short-sale-2262-vermillion-st-lake-station-in-46405-northwest-in-priced-to-sell-with-alittle-tlc-spacious-corner-home-big-fenced-yard

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1420474/lake-county-indiana-short-sale-sold-in-26-days-from-for-sale-sign-up-to-signing-the-closing-documents

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1296437/some-short-sales-in-northwest-indiana-real-estate-are-getting-done-quicker-easier

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1722094/just-sold-la-pore-county-in-short-sale-closed-before-the-june-3oth-1st-time-home-buyer-tax-credit-deadline-whew-

  http://activerain.com/blogsview/239193/Short-Sale-Tips-that-Helped-Us

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1504566/some-nw-indiana-short-sales-are-closing-sooner-than-traditional-real-estate-transactions-

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/861999/happy-new-year-for-indiana-homeowners-facing-short-sale-new-law-that-may-help

  http://activerain.com/blogsview/588362/13-weeks-to-Complete

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/475656/Valparaiso-IN-Opportunity-Knock

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1593093/back-up-offer-closed-in-this-real-estate-market-anything-can-happen-we-encourage-our-sellers-to-keep-showing-their-property-

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/520985/indiana-realtors-take-note-2008-legislation-you-should-be-aware-of-

  http://activerain.com/blogsview/1349045/our-listings-of-reo-or-bank-owned-properties-for-sale-are-selling-quickly-in-nw-indiana-once-priced-right-and-ready-for-ma

Porter Cove - Great bedroom community for Chicago-land commute in NW Indiana!

We've blogged about the quaint town of Porter, IN 46304 before.

 Located in Porter County, this Duneland Community is close to Lake Michigan's Scenic Indiana  

Dunes National Lakeshore! Conveniently located by IN tollroad, expressway or South Shore Train to

Chicago, yet with lower cost of housing and reasonable property & sales taxes, the Town of Porter is worth careful consideration for your next MOVE or RELOCATION plans.

Porter Cove is a development of newer homes in the Town of Porter. You can see more photos of this development by clicking on this link to their Facebook page.

With biking/walking Trails and Golf nearby, this development has public recreational ammenities close by without the cost of expensive HOA dues!

Award winning Duneland School district is another plus!

Recently we listed an affordable, Immaculate home for sale in Porter Cove. Enjoy the hi-res music video and then give us a call to schedule a private showing of this beautiful property.

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 Gino's Steakhouse in Merrillville, IN 46410 - Northwest Indiana's best of the Region Award winner is also a personal Favorite of Ours!

 Many times clients relocating to NW Indiana ask us, Where is a good place to eat?

Although there are many good restaurants in Northwest Indiana, our favorite steakhouse is Gino's in Merrillville, IN 

Conveniently located off I65 and US 30 interchange, right near the Star Plaza Theatre and a short drive from a day of shopping at Westfield Southlake Mall. Gino's location is convenient for either a special occasion or a quick last minute quality lunch or dinner.

Click here for Google Map and Street View->Located at : 
600 E. 81st Ave.
Merrillville, IN 46410 
Gino's is open daily at 11 am and have great lunch specials-> give them a call to make reservations:

                       
Phone: (219) 769-4466

Or stop in for a drink and some appetizers:) Bon Ape-tit! 

Wild Rose Neighborhood in Valparaiso, IN offers Low Maintenance Home ownership Lifestyle for busy professionals, snowbirds, or those wanting to downsize and just enjoy life!

If you are looking to simplify your life and enjoy a Low Maintenance Home in a scenic setting, then the  Wild Rose neighborhood on Valparaiso's north side may be worth your careful consideration.

The HOA dues includes lawn mowing and trim, fertilization, snow removal, garbage pickup!

There is a private park for residents to enjoy with a playground, basketball court, picnic tables, grills, and even a neighborhood gazebo overlooking a private lake where you can fish or take out a small boat and enjoy!

The town of VALPO and all it's attractions/events is nearby, not to mention the South Shore train Stop is minutes away for an easier commute to the big City of Chicago (or the IN toll road/sky-way is a driving option with the exit minutes away from this development as well.

Recreation nearby??  - one of the country's remaining outdoor theatre's the 49-er drive in is family fun for all ages :)

Recently we listed an Immaculate home For sale in Wild Rose - affordable priced and in move in condition!

Enjoy the neighborhood photos and check out the hi res. music video if you are looking for a new home sweet home!

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NW Indiana Ladies, ever want to join a bible study?

Here is your chance-New Topic  'Praying the names of God" for the Tuesday Evening Ladies Bible Study at Christ Lutheran Church Valparaiso, IN

Announcement:

The Ladies Tuesday Evening Bible Study Group at CLCValpo is starting a NEW Study!

Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler ->

 A 26 week study exploring the Hebrew names of God revealed in scripture.

Each week we will study a different name - so come when you are able!

Enjoy fellowship, prayer time and learn that the names of God given us in Scripture aren't just ornamental, accidental or even historical...they are given us to confirm attributes of God that address our "very time of need".

Our 1^st session will begin Tuesday evening 8/24/10 @ 7:15pm -8:45 in room 120.

The 1^st name we study will be: ELOHIM = God, Mighty Creator!

The following week 8/31/10 we will learn about EL ROI = The God who sees me -(one of my personal favorites).

Come Join us ladies - all are welcome here!

Grace Safrin - facilitator.

Contact Paula Starek email: clcvalpo@verizon.net or 219-462-6660  for more information or to sign up! 

 Real Estate Sales continue at a healthy pace in NW Indiana IF your home is priced right for the neighborhood and staged to sell ( tip top shape).  It does not matter that the 1st Time Home Buyer tax credit is over - Homes listed in June and July are getting offers and closing!

This Valparaiso, IN  46383 Home Sold when listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate and had more than one offer in just 2 weeks on the market and closed a few weeks after that!

Move-up Buyers, those with Job Relocations, Investors and those downsizing/retiring still need to buy or sell properties to get on with their goals in life!

Give us a call today should you need Professional services to market your home to sell too!