Hello all, Spring is here offically today on the calendar, but in Northwest Indiana, it's still winter coat season this weekend with even some snow in the forecast :(

One thing for sure, our HOME PRICES in NW Indiana, are affordable, unlike other areas of the country which have a "weather premium" attached LOL.

Those who live here gotta love it (or end up leavin for warmer climate) either way - Moving In or Relocating out of "The Region' as we call it....

We have a great Team of Experienced Professionals @ F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Northwest Indiana that can help sell your home or help you find a Home Sweet Home too!

Happy Spring -It's never been a better time to buy... with Interest Rates Low and the Home Buyer Tax credit until 4/30/10.

Check out this New Listing For Sale in Hammond, Indiana 46323 - a Brick Ranch Home with Finished Basment that could accomodate your extended family or related living as it has 2 kitchens, plus bathrooms, living areas and bedrooms on each level! Priced Below Assessed Value - this home is worth your careful consideration!

We've blogged about living in Hammond, Indiana before. With it's close proximity to Chicago-land by expressway or south shore train.

The City of Hammond, IN offers it's residents children the opportunity for a full ride college scholarship read about the specifics of the College Bound Scholarship Program Here and enjoy the photo slide show below of this affordable and spacious home - click the links for more info and details and then give us a call to schedule your private showing of this property.

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Related Living Possible here !

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$139,900 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 2472 sqft Lot: 0.14 acre(s) Location 7028 Olcott Ave. Hammond, IN 46323

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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 Related Living Possible here ! 2 Homes in 1 Related Living or Extended Family accomodated here ! Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Spacious Home w/Inground Pool on 9+ Acres w/Stocked Pond & 3 Barns! Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Hammond, IN real estate for sale

From Our Home to Yours..Happy St. Patricks Day!

"For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day." -Irish Blessing

After several years of experience in Listing and Selling Properties in Northwest Indiana Subject To Lenders Approval of Short Sale, Jeff Safrin, Real Estate Broker/Owner of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate completed the National Association Of REALTORS requirements for the SFR - Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification Designation.

Every Short Sale is not the same - There are many possible scenario's that can occur during the complex process of short sale approval (lender's filing of foreclosure proceedings, bankruptcy court proceedings etc..).

1st hand experience in working through these difficult situations are not taught in the basics of NAR's class, but in the "school of hard knocks" called life experiences.

Our best  resource for helping you decide whether you choose us to represent you in the sale of your property which may be subject to your lenders approval of a short sale is the recommendation of our past clients or  attorneys who have worked with us during this specific type of real estate transaction.

References available upon request.

Yes, it's that time of year in Northwest Indiana....we lose an hour of sleep this weekend, but gain an hour of daylight!

Daylight Saving Time is Sunday, March 14th,2010. 

Remember to set your clocks ahead (Spring Forward) one hour before you go to sleep tonight :)

More importantly - this is a GREAT Time to Check Your Smoke Detectors /batteries!

Have a great weekend everyone - Spring is certainly in the air!

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View Larger Mapxx

Perched on a scenic cul de sac lot with a creek and stocked Pond in the backyard.... this cutom built home has many amenities, not to mention it is steps from  Flint Lake (great fishing) and comes with it's own boat dock (only 1 of 8 available - they are in demand - you can sell to one of your new neighbors in WOODMERE  if you wish:)

Valparaiso, Indiana's north side (center township) is very convenient to major roads like the Indiana Tollroad or I 94 expressway or the South Shore Train Stop for a Chicago-land commute.

With the new 80,000  SF YMCA and gourmet restaurants and town only minutes away - this is an ideally located development which also has it's own community tennis courts and walkway to the Lake and public deck for fishing!

This home's Home Theater Room in the finished basement includes top line Runco projector system and a Lutron Mood Lighting System and Remote control Power Rise Levelor Blinds, not to mention a full kitchenette and beautiful wet bar making entertaining a crowd easy!

With 4383 Finsihed square feet of living space on a 0.262 acre lot with very little lawn maintenence - this home is worth your careful consideration as it is PRICED BELOW ASSESSED VALUE - enjoy the photo slide show and info and give us a call to set up a private showing of this lovely property!

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Elegant Spacious Home, Scenic Setting, Boat Dock too - price below assesed value!

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$338,000 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 Unit Interior: 4383 sqft Lot: 0.26 acre(s) Location 1804 Woodmere Drive 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 Spacious Home w/Inground Pool on 9+ Acres w/Stocked Pond & 3 Barns! Elegant Spacious Home, Scenic Setting, Boat Dock too - price below assesed value! Great Starter Ranch Home Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Custom Home + Retreat Like Setting Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

It's been a busy first few months of the year at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana!

Our Social Media Strategy for Evangelism is evolving and we now not only are on Twitter  but have a growing Facebook Page and this week started a BLOG as well !

With our new sanctuary building completion projected this Spring, it's an exciting time!

Check out our blog @ http://www.clcvalpo.blogspot.com

and...Stay tuned for some heartwarming faith stories to be posted by various members of our congregation, including youth!

Christ Lutheran Church invites you to a variety of ministries that are supported in prayer and are celebrated in the praise of God!

The "State of Real Estate" in Indiana is improving.... Here is a video with Market Statistics from Jim Litten - President of F.C.Tucker Co. Indiana's largest Real Estate Firm with->

F.C.Tucker  Statistics

- 45 Offices

- Over 1300 Sales Associates

- Over $2.1 Billion Sold in 2009

- 14,294 Families Represented in 2009

- 10,489 New Listings in 2009

- 10th Largest Regional Brand in America

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Spring is in the air and the snow is melting in NW Indiana...

Here are some seasonal photos (Spring & Summer) of a property we have listed for sale @

5232  N Colsen Ct,  New Carlisle, IN  46552 

    4000+SF Hillside Ranch on 4 + Acres of Retreat Like Setting La Porte County, IN. Near(20 min)South Bend & Lake Michigan.Commute to Chicago by South Shore Train.Custom Quality Built,Original Owners,Well Insulated.Open Concept Foyer/Living/FDR w/Loft overlooks LL FamRm.2 Story Wall of Windows brings in views of nature.Magestic Central Brick FP on each Level.Main Flr.Master Suite w/Private Deck,2 Walk-in Closets,Glass Block Shower(Dual heads)+Double Vanity Sinks+Whirlpool Tub.Country Kitchen w/Stainless Appliances,Custom Pantry Area w/Wine Rack,Island w/Convection Oven,Breakfast Bar w/sleek cooktop surface,Dining Nook Opens to 2nd Deck.2nd BR on Main level used as Home Office=has Closet+bath.Grand LL FR w/2nd FP,Bar Area,2walkouts to lg Patio.2 LL BR's share 3rd bath.Big Laundry+storage/utility rms.20x40 Heated Inground Pool+Solar Cover+Robot Vacuum.30x48 Pole Barn,Shed,Inground Sprinklers,Meticulous Landscape.NEW CARPETING THROUGHOUT.

Seller pays $4000.towards your closing costs w/full offer!

Welcome Home-Your Custom Brick & Vinyl Ranch Home with finished walkout lower level is perched on a 4.375 Acre parcel of land in a quiet culdesac location where wild life abounds. 4 Bedrooms (2 on main level, 2 LL) & 3 full baths + an attached 2 car garage (side load) w/side drive is sure to please! For the hobbyist or collector of toys the 1400 SF Pole Barn (30 x 48) w/covered porch & 10 x 10 overhead door + handy 8 x 14 storage shed is a plus! All quality ANDERSON windows & doors throughout w/special ice and water shield windows used on the 2 story wall of windows w/western exposure views! Well Insulated Home (R32) has low montlhy gas budget of $93. for over 4000+ SF of living space!. 4 electic panel boxes=2 in home(200 amp) + seperate panel box in pole barn & another panel box for heated pool w/solar cover.2 Energy efficient furnaces w/humidifiers & 2 central air units(zone). Inground sprinkler system covers area from barn to street & property line to property line laterally!

Over the years, Jeff & I have been blessed to come to know many fine officers on the Valparaiso, Indiana Police Department in helping them buy or sell homes in town. Below is an announcement about an opportunity for citizens to learn just how much they do in the service of protecting our community. We are thankful for each and every one of them and occasionally, when I hear some of the calls dispatched on our scanner at home I sometimes say a silent prayer of protection:) They are local hero's!

N E W S

FROM THE
VALPARAISO POLICE
DEPARTMENT



Citizens Police Academy Information

Applications Being Accepted for the Citizens Police Academy

The Valparaiso Police Department is searching for community members that would like to learn more about the police department. The department's annual Citizens Police Academy is currently accepting applications.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed for community members to meet officers, learn what officers do on a daily basis and become involved in their community. Topics featured in the academy include; investigations, Indiana law, daily traffic laws and enforcement, crash investigations and patrol division duties including many specialties within the patrol unit such as, K-9 presentations, bicycle team, taser usage and firearms scenarios.

The academy class will meet on every Tuesday, beginning on April 13th and will meet for 10 weeks. Classes start at 6:30pm each day. Applications for the academy are available at the Valparaiso Police Department located at 355 S Washington St or online at www.valparaisopolice.org. Applications must be returned to the department by Wednesday March 31st.

It's March. and anything can happen....March Madness they call it :)

Especially if you live in Indiana and are a college basketball fan!

We've blogged about  the fun attending local area basketball events in the winter season each year - family fun for all ages!

Our hometown of VALPO is know for a famous shot during march madness that got them to the sweet 16 once!

"The Shot" is seen each year on CBS during "March Madness" and is considered one of the top moments in NCAA history.

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Come out and see the game tomorrow - buy tickets online here or at the door!

We've been blessed to have started off the New Year 2010 with sales of our listed properties in NW Indiana in Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties and have more pending real estate closings as well.

Ironically, we still get calls from prospective buyers wanting to see homes that have accepted offers or are SOLD already ?! 

We suggest writing Back-up offers on some of these, but rather than experience the pain of regret for not acting sooner....consider our professional services to list and market your property to sell during this PRIME TIME ->

Time is running out for  $ 8.000 1st Time Home Buyer tax credit needing a offer in place by April 30th, 2010 or for move up / downsizing opportunities for existing home owners to take advantage of the $6500 tax credit!

As Real Estate Brokers & Owners of one of  F.C Tucker Company Real Estate affiliate offices in Indiana, we now travel to Indianapolis from our hometown of Valparaiso about once a month for various meetings, events or an occasional speaking engagement.

It has been our personal observation in the last 6 months, that more and more Wind Energy Turbine's grace the farmland and landscape along Interstate 65 from Northwest Indiana south to Indianapolis.

Wind Energy in Indiana is becoming a growing business!

If you are interested in large vacant land parcels for sale in Northwest Indiana to develop GREEN wind energy business - give us a call to help you find the farm or parcel that suits your budget and needs.

We've been blessed to have served many wonderful people in NW Indiana over the past decade and are grateful for the repeat business and referrals from past clients as well.

Our website has had a Testimonial page for years with letters from clients who gave us permission to share their story ....each situation being unique and just as varied as every home we help sell or buy :)

Yesterday, after a real estate closing with repeat clients who we've come to know and like over the course of helping them in both buying and selling homes in the last 6 month period...we did our 1st Video Client Testimonial.

Thanks Kindly to Tom and Shannon for taking a few moments to endorse our services:)

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 The Indiana Association of REALTORS has a great website called Indiana Is Home.

There is a collection of Market Data Reports with Statistics on home Sales in Indiana by County updated montly

Here is a link to January 2009 vs. January 2010 Existing Single Family Residential Home Sales

" To Everything There is a Season"  I thought of the old song Turn Turn Turn

the day we traveled in a Northwest Indiana snowstorm to take this listing for sale in scenic La Porte County.

Even though there is snow on the ground now, the seasons will change and the landscape of this lovely home will look much different in just a few months :)

xx

Come Home to the Country!

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$202,500 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 2608 sqft Lot: 3.19 acre(s) Location 5154 Bootjack Road Rolling Prairie, IN 46371

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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 Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Custom Home + Retreat Like Setting Come Home to the Country! Opportunity Knocks - Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo Subject To Short Sale Approval Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Rolling Prairie, IN real estate for sale

There is so much to do and see in the corridor between Michigan and NW Indiana like:

Lake Michigan Beaches.....

The Michigan City Zoo.....

The Lighthouse Premium Outlet Mall......

South Bend and Notre Dame Games :)

Some of Our Favorite Eateries i.e. Ruth Chris Steak House or BoneFish Grill 

....this beautiful Home and Property we just listed is worth your careful consideration!

Social Media Strategies for Churches ?

Yes, it's one of many plans for our growing congregation at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN

Last month we launched our Twitter account

& this month we're now on Facebook

- become our friend if you'd like :)

Click here to read my previous blog post about the exciting happenings this year @CLCVALPO as we build a new worship space!

- and many thanks to ValpoLife.com for reprinting the article for our community!

God's Blessings

Grace Safrin

Evangelism chair

This week we closed on some of our listed  homes in Northwest Indiana that were for sale subject to the Lenders approval of a Short Sale. Not all short sales are alike. Each has it's own set of individual circumstances and obstacles to overcome in getting to the closing table.

 These particular short sales closed sooner (less time) than some of our other pending listings that have offers with "traditional" lending involved, in which it is sometimes more common to have underwriting delays nowadays ;(

NW Indiana Short Sale SOLD-26 days from For Sale Sign Up to Signing Documents at the Closing Table.

Valparaiso, IN Short Sale SOLD -33 Days from Receipt of the Buyers Offer to Purchase to Closing the Short Sale Transaction.

We've blogged about short sales before, and in our opinion, they are here to stay while. They require much more time, energy, effort, and problem solving than traditional real estate transactions!!! (also our opinion:)

If you are behind on your mortgage payments and considering selling your home subject to your lender approving a short sale, consider giving us a call to discuss the possibility of using our professional services.

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Just to paraphrase an email we received today from our local board->

The Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS...

Reminder of a Public Hearing that will take place

Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 7:00 PM, Crown Point High School auditorium,

1500 S. Main Street in Crown Point.

On the Proposed Illiana Expressway - a Tollroad  that would connect I 65 in Northwest Indiana with I 55 near Joliet, IL.

There have been pro's and con's to this for several years to the point it is now a topic indexed on WIKEPEDIA

Here's a link to the Final feasability Study with maps of the Area that would be affected.

More Roads and better infrastructure & therefore connectivity with our neighbors to the West in IL is needed to relieve congestion and support the expansion and growth our counties in NW Indiana are experiencing - not sure about the public / private partnership part of this proposal ?

more will be reveled after this meeting for sure as the news media and blogs will certainly offer editorial comments.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Contact:    Jeff or Grace Safrin            
Feb. 12, 2010                            (219) 309-9930


F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Associates Honored at
Annual Awards Banquet

VALPARAISO, Ind. – F.C. Tucker Company honored The Safrin Team this week at it’s annual awards banquet in Indianapolis. The team received the Presidents Club award, designated a life member, based on personal income.
 

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With more than $2.1 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana’s largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 45 offices and more than 1,300 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company’s family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and “Golden Rule” commitment to its clients and employees.

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