NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog: January 2009

Opportunity Knocks to own a parcel of Wooded Acreage in NorthWest Indiana very conveniently located to Major Roads between La Porte. IN and South Bend, Indiana in the scenic countryside of Rolling Prairie, Indiana. nearby NEW Middle and High Schools ! South Shore Railroad Trainstop is not too far either (Hudson Lake) for commuting to Chicagoland!

below are Map, Information and Photos of this lovely property!

xxxx

 To schedule a private showing of this Lovely property or

If we can help you achieve your real esate goals in 2009, give us a call

@ 219-405-1232.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

We are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW IN.  

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.        

    

No one could have predicted this outcome, but, anything can happen on any given day!  Thursday evening the Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's basketball Team upset  THE TOP TEAM in the Horizon League, the Panthers of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (final score 63 - 51)... behind a career high night of senior Jake Diebler who finished with 19 points.

The game started out on a non inspiring note, as the Panthers were knocking down 3's like they were lay-ups and I was thinking "here we go again". Senior Guard Jake Diebler then came out of his shooting shell and nailed down 5 shots from behind the ARC for 15 points in the first half and a HUGE run to end the half propelledValpo to a 31-28 lead....a lead they never surrendered!!!

This was the first game this year where the Crusaders played ALL, I mean ALL 40 minutes!  Freshman standout Erik Buggs ended the night with 14 points followed by Howard Little's 11. Little has been the most consistent player on this team night in and night out. The Panthers were led by Guard Tone Boyles'15 and James Eayrs' 14..... but, just not enough for the Panthers.

Valpo shot 39% from the field - 38.5% from 3 point land and YES, this is not a typo-error... 85.7% from the free throw line ! With those numbers, and only 11 Turnovers, this team can compete with anyone in the Horizon League!                                                                                                             

 

So, now we look towards tonight's game 1/24/09 against the 2nd best team in the Conference now ,the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix, who lost at Butler University Thursday night after leading most of the game. IF the Crusaders play as well and as consistent as they did Thursday.... they definitely will have a chance to make it 2 wins in a row and send a little message to the upper teams in the Horizon Leaguethat come tournament time = "ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN" and in March it usually does :)

editorial by Jeff Safrin

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We are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW IN.  

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.        

We've blogged about life in La Porte County, IN before.... with easy access to Chicagoland via South Shore Train or Indiana Tollroad or the I 94 expressway, and scenic Lake Michigan Beaches and the Indiana Dunes State Park nearby, this NEW Home scheduled to be completed in Spring is spacious and affordable!

Welcome the Town of Westville, INxx

 

If we can help you achieve your real esate goals in 2009, give us a call

@ 219-405-1232.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

We are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, & Starke Counties in NW IN.  

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Yesterday, was a memorable day for our nation and for us as REALTORS. 

Obstacles can be overcome, both in life and business (God willing).

The  American Dream of Home Ownership is having more obstacles of late, in getting to the closing table.

 

 In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's famous line

 " Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh My! " somehow reminds me of a 3 month journey (not on a yellow brick road:) to closing a UNIQUE Real Estate Transaction that had 3 wild surprises to work through/overcome :)

The Lions - Federal Court System     

In late October we listed a Home, whose sale was SUBJECT TO COURT APPROVAL.  In 4 days, we had an accepted offer! The local attorney who represented our seller was wonderful to work with (small world - he went to the same law school as Jeff's brother and our oldest daughter).  He warned us that the time frame for getting full court approval was lengthy and once approved NO TERMS AND CONDITIONS could be changed on the sellers side without going back into court. So all inspections, appraisals, amendments or addendum's need to be worked through and in order.  7 weeks later we received acceptance from the court on the offer to purchase with specific time frame given by which it must close!  It takes a willing buyer to be able to wait this long for an answer!

The Tigers - Underwriters

The latest guidelines for Home Loans are more Stringent!  Conditions, Conditions, Conditions, not all at once, just one new one per week with a long response time (another whole week) to the documents being submitted to meet conditions!  

It took 4 weeks to get through underwriting and some of the things asked for were....well that's another blog! Luckily, the attorney got involved to explain title, deed and legal concerns to someone having power over lending, but no legal degree.

The Bears - Independent Audit of Files                                                     

Loans, especially federally backed funds, are getting independently audited more &  more!  Last weeks final surprise/delay put us

 at the final hour possible.......

  Yesterday, after a 2.5 hour closing, I was reminded of another line from the Wizard of Oz that helps explain why we persevere....

"There's No Place Like Home"                      

editorial by Grace Safrin, CRS, Real Estate Broker

Photos courtesy of wikepedia

  If we can help you achieve your real esate goals in 2009, give us a call

@ 219-405-1232.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

We are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW IN.  

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.      

  For the Young or Young at Heart, and for Animal enthusiasts, Jungle Jack Hanna's Tour called "Into The Wild" kicked off it's nationwide tour with one of it's first stops at our Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, IN.

As part of Jeff's Birthday gifts, I surprised him with 3rd row tickets:) He is an avid animal lover and I kid him about buying a farm when we retire, so he can raise as many criters as he wants! When we List Horse Farms or Dairy Farms or any Farms with Livestock,in NorthWest Indiana, I know he will be spending much time in the Barn, feeding and petting the animals, while I am left doing room measurements.. LOL

Having only seen Jungle Jack Hanna on the Late Nite Show with David Letterman previous to this, we expected to be the only adults in a theater full of children:)

To our surprise, although there were many families with young children present, Jungle Jack draws a big diverse crowd of adults ranging from workers from Local area zoo's as well as school teachers and quite a few senior citizens!

The reason he knows (and talks about) the makeup of who is in his audience, is that an hour before the show, he sits in the lobby and signs autographs, poses for photos with and talks to as many people as he can!

He is much more personable than the TV image we had!    

And, the shows focus is extremely educational, while raising awareness of which species of animals remain endangered from extinction.

From the dozen or so rare species he brings along with him, (that experienced trainers handle), to the video clips of his many adventures to continents around the globe, the 2 hours with Jungle Jack Hanna went by in an eyeblink - and was very worth the ticket!

As director of his hometown Zoo in Columbus, OH, Jack  even gave away free passes to a grandma from the audience that volunteered to come on stage and touch a python, even though she was scared!       

                             If You have an opportunity to see one of Jungle Jack Hanna's upcoming Live Appearances in a city or town near you, we would highly recommend it!

Some Rare Asian Clouded Leopards may number only in the several Hundreds nowadays because of being hunted for their coats.	A 14 week old Cheetah being raised alongside a Anatolian Shepard (breed of herding dog ironically used to keep cheetah's away from flocks :)

____________________________________________________
 

If we can help you buy or sell a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW IN.  

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.     

   "God shapes the World By Prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil. God works through the prayers of His people!" (Paul E. Billheimer)

 Some of you know by reading my past Blog posts, I am blessed to be starting my 2nd year as Church Council Member and Stewardship Chair at Christ Lutheran Church located across the street from Valparaiso High School.

Recently, the city approved the sale of several acres of Prime Property at the corner of Vale Park Road and Campbell Street adjacent to our Church. So we are busy in raising funds with a Capital Campaign to start building a New Sanctuary this Spring!

Our Pastor, Jerry Castleman picked Psalm 85, specifically verse 9 NIV as the title for our Capital Stewardship Campaign to build the New Church.

I feel strongly about PRAYER guiding us through every aspect of our daily lives....and especially this growth process, so I volunteered for the position of Prayer Director during this time. 

I am so excited to share that we are hosting a Prayer Vigil at Christ Lutheran Church on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 from 6am till 10pm and the Public is Welcome to come join us ... drop in whenever you can.

There will be Music Interludes every hour on the hour by talented congregational members either playing musical instruments or singing.

Each half hour on the Hour, there will be Readings from the Scripture by CLC members who have chosen to share passages that inspire them to pray.

The rest of the time will be for silent reflection, Bibles will be provided, to read and reflect on God's word.

The Youth Groups are making prayer beads to give out as gifts to those attending.

A Host Table will be set up with volunteer Greeters - and a special keepsake scrapbook is being made by a talented member to use for guests sign in.

We will have plenty of Prayer Request Forms that guests can fill in and leave with us - for their prayer requests to be lifted up at Future Sunday Services.

Also, There will be a collection of prayers written by congregation members that will be sealed and buried in a Time Capsule in our planned PRAYER WALK which connects our corner parcel of Church land to the existing Community Walking Paths!

 If you can join us in person, or even take time to pray with us from a remote location that day, we would welcome it!

For those unable to attend, but who wish to submit a prayer request in advance please feel free to email me @ safrin@jorsm.com with "Prayer Request" as the topic in your email.

I leave you with this comforting verse that I recently prayed with our Leadership Team :

John 14:12-14 (New International Version)

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

 God Bless You

Prayerfully,

Grace Safrin

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Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana

Visit our website for properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.          

          Sometimes obstacles surface before the Successful Closing a Real Estate Transaction :)

At times like these, experience pays. 

Over the years we've collected a wealth of information from networking with experienced Professionals in all fields related to Real Estate, that allows us to come up with PLAN B if needed.  

Jeff has a reputation of not letting viable deals die...note the word viable - they must have a pulse to begin with:)

I think this recent testimonial letter reflects that our clients appreciate the extra efforts we apply if & when needed.

We have sold several homes and this was the first time we ever felt
that the Realtors involved actually earned every dollar.

We were impressed by Jeff and Grace's 'tecno' knowledge that was heads above
anyone else we talked with for selling homes.

They had great suggestions for staging our home which we followed.

The previous Realtor was not successful in even getting a bid in 6 months but Jeff
and Grace got us one in a month even in this tough market!

The buyer ran into a few problems, but with Jeff's many contacts and knowledge of
the new lending rules he was able to plow through for a successful ending.

Jeff and Grace are very personable, knowledgeable and persistent for
their sellers.

If we ever return to the area they are the ONLY
Realtors we will call.

Jerry and Cathy Baldwin

____________________________________________________
 

If we can help you buy or sell a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW IN.  

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.     

" To win, you've got to put the ball in the macramé. " ~Terry McGuire	Valparaiso University Fight Song Banner in the Athletics Recreation Center ( ARC)

 

The Valparaiso University Crusaders lost to the Wright State Raiders 64-48 in Horizon League action Saturday night 1/10/09 from the ARC. It really did not take long to see it was going to be a long game, as the Crusaders did something that I had never witnessed before in my entire lifeplaying or coaching basketball. Valpo had only 2 field goals in the first 17 minutes ! YEP, 2... and those were from behind the arch and one was a bank shot trey! Who would have thought, with that kind of performance, they would only be down by nine points (28-19) at half-time.

The second half, Valpo attempted to make an incredible comeback, but to no avail. The Raiders were just too big, too strong, and too athletic for the Crusaders to overcome that kind of hole. It is pretty much the same weaknesses every game with this Crusader Team. NO perimeter shooting+  NO Post play, and with those 2 problems, you are not gonna win very many, if ANY, leaugue games, this year. Without any 3 point threat they boxed down 4 or 5 against Urule Igbavoda and this kid is getting pounded inside! I don't know of any playerthat can play 3 or 4 against one and win that battle!  The Crusaders MUST find someone, somehow, someway, to start hitting from behind the ARC or, it is possible, it will be a "goose egg" in wins for this team the rest of the year :(

"You don't play against opponents.  You play against the game of basketball."  ~Bobby Knight	The VU Bench, Coaches & Players, One Look says it all!

 Wright State was led by Todd Brown who lead all scorers with 19pts followed by teammate John David Gardner who finished with 18. The Raiders played this game without their starand sensational guard Vaughn Duggins! The Raiders finished the game shooting 45% from the field - 41.7% from behind the Arch (10 out of 24) and 60.9% from the Charity Line. The Crusaders were led by Michael Rogers 12pts followed by De'Andre Haskins 10pts. Valpo from 3 point land shooting 7 out of 22 for a miserable 31.8% - they were just as bad shooting from the field at 33.3% AND sadly worse.....9 of 20 (45%) from the free throw line. One side note, Freshman Guard Erik Buggs left the game early in the 2nd half after falling hard and hitting his head on the court. He was attended for well over 5 minutes before heading to the locker room. Early indication is a possible concussion and his status for Thursday's game at UIC is questionable?

So what is next ???  (3) things to work on if the Crusaders are going to play competitive basketball the remainder of the year. 1. FREE THROW SHOOTING, 2. PERIMETER 3 POINT SHOOTING, 3. POST PLAY. Not taking anything away from this team, I need to point out that this Valpo team, just prior to the season start,  lost 2 Keys players that decided not to return. One was a solid big post player and another an absolute PURE 3 point shooter. So far, the team have not been able to fill those 2 voids! It is a rebuilding year. I knew that coming in, but still, the basics need to be attained and that is yet to be seen.

So it is now off to another Horizon League Game - this upcoming Thursday, January 15th  when the Crusaders travel to Chicago, Ilinois pavillion to play the Flames of UIC and that is sure to be even more physical game - the Crusaders will have their hands full !

Editorial by Jeff Safrin

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." Michael Jordan	Valparaiso University Crusader Student Super Fans!

 Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana

Visit our website for properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.          

 

     In looking back on Our 2008 SOLD Properties in Northwest Indiana,  here is a glimpse at where our Business came From and the areas we serve!

There is Room FOR Your HOME HERE !

We hope to add your story to our

client testimonials!

De Motte, IN  -  Repeat Clients - Let us Help You MOVE UP in 2009.	Valparaiso, IN - Internet Lead - SOLD in 75 Days.
San Pierre, IN - Former Expired Listed & Sold by The Safrin's.	Valparaiso, IN - Referral from Business Associate.
Wheatfield, IN - Sphere of Influence - Listed by Jeff & Grace & SOLD in Only 47 Days	De Motte, IN - Former For Sale By Owner for 6 months - Listed  & SOLD - 46 Days on Market !
Valparaiso, IN - SOLD- Repeat  Clients	Portage, IN - Referral from a REALTOR
Porter, IN - Former Expired Listing - Listed by The Safrin's & SOLD - 67 DOM.	Crown Point, IN - Sphere of Influence - Listed by Jeff & Grace & Sold in 82 Days
Schererville, IN - Referral - Multiple Purchase Offers the 1st week - Sold & Closed in 23 days!	Portage, IN - Repeat Clients - Let us Help you MOVE Up to a bigger Home in 2009.
Hammond, IN - Email Newsletter Lead - Successful SHORT SALE !	Valparaiso, IN - Referral From Business Associate.
La Porte, IN - Repeat Clients - Let us Help you Downsize in 2009 !	Merrillville, IN - Former Expired on the MLS - Listed By The Safrin's & SOLD !
Valparaiso, IN - Internet Lead - Listed By Jeff & Grace - SOLD in 37 days.	Rensselaer, IN - Referral From a CRS ! Listed and SOLD in 46 Days.
Hobart, IN - Sphere of Influence	Lake Station, IN - Referral
South Hammond, IN - Former Expired -Listed By The Safrin's and SOLD by the Safrin's.	Hessville, IN - Referral SOLD !

If we can help you buy or sell a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW IN. 

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff& GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .......check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.    

     For the Last Decade, every January we've usually run a One Page Color Ad in the Local Homes & Life Styles Magazine thanking & listing by name the Co-op REALTORS throughout NorthWest Indiana who've worked collaboratively with us to SELL listings!

This year, we noticed these Books are not moving from the local grocery store stands? And the size has shrunk to about 1/4 of the thickness that it was a decade ago.

So....here is our online Thank You CARD ( which has a shelf -life of more than 2 weeks :)

 

Thankful Reflections 

Jeff & Grace Safrin - Real Estate Brokers with F.C.Tucker   

wish to thank those who helped make 2008 a great year!

 

First & Foremost, to all our Clients, both Buyers & Sellers!

As Always, we appreciate your Business and Referrals!

We Look forward to Serving You in the Future for all your

Real Estate Needs.

  

Second, to the Owner of F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty Deana Rule.

We appreciate your supporting our remote Home Office.

  

Last, but not least, to the following Real Estate Agents who worked with us on

Co-op Transactions in 2008:

Mitch Portney, Ken Cordova, Jim Cordova, Scott LaMantia, Clay Whaley, Jeanette Kesel, Kimberly Genovese, Michael McCarney, Ed Kratkoczki, The Jana Cadill Team, Ruth Norlington, Susan Rhodus, Pete LaSalle, Jillian Kosiara, Patricia Hawrot, Linda Robison, Jorge Pomales, Ken Staury, Rich Gray, Lee Mumaw, Lisa Daniel-King, Rosalind Davila, Mary Swanson.

We Look Forward to doing Business with you in the Future !

With Sincere Thanks,

The Safrin's

______________________________________________________

 Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana

Visit our website for properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.          

     We recieved another heart warming testimonial from Clients over the Holidays. See Letter Below

We are not the self proclaimed "Best Realtors in Town", and our Philosophy of Practice is contrary to the popular MEGA Team concept of "bigger is better"... (we have no secretary, assistants, processors, marketers, ..etc).

 What you see is what you get.,,,, at the listing appointment, for home showings, when you call us on the phone, or email or text message, and at the closing of the real estate transaction.

Real Estate is a Contact Sport. To us, winning is defined as developing a long term relationship by personal contact & communication with the most important part of our TEAM - the clients we represent!

How can clients entrust their families and friends to us as future referrals, unless they get to know us as people. Not just as their REALTORS.

As Jeff's Grandfather (bless his soul), told us over a decade ago when we started working together in this business : Don't try to be Big Shots....Just Little Shots that keep shooting :)

That advice is even more applicable in Today's Challenging Real Estate Market. With all the bells and whistles of technology, with all the wrenches to overcome in getting deals to even close. There is nothing that helps people more than  what I call PRIMARY CARE REAL ESTATE .....

People don't care how much you know, unless they know how much you care.

_________________________________________

Here is the just one testimony that validates concentricity with those we are blessed to serve!

We found out we were relocating to another state. We had our house listed with who was suppose to be the "best Realtor in Porter County". We must admit we weren't impressed with the way the house was listed or marketed. We also weren't impressed with the relationship between us and the listing agent. We felt we had to get through "the gate keeper" first just to talk to them.Well we decided to stay with the agent because after-all, the house was on the MLS. We were hoping that maybe another agent would show it and possibly sell it.

After six months and no offers our contract was over, what do we do now? We couldn't stomach extending and our time was getting short. The market was getting bad and we were told houses simply weren't moving. So we decided to rent. We had listed our house on Craigslist to rent and lo and behold we saw Jeff and Grace Safrin listings. We thought, gosh, what Realtor uses Craigslist? We immediately went to their website and were quite impressed.

The next day we called Jeff and told him our story. He was able to look up the listing from six months ago. He told us he was confident that he could sell our house if we just give him a chance. He's very knowledgeable and to the point. Well, at this point what do we have to lose? Within hours, we were emailing and faxing documents to get our house listed.

We were so impressed with the listing and marketing. They go above and beyond. They use every avenue to list your home. Also when we call... we get Jeff. Hardly ever an answering machine! Well, needless to say our house sold in 2 months and we can move on with our lives.

Thanks so much Jeff and Grace. We will recommend you to everyone we know.

Jay and Shaun Phifer

____________________________________________

If we can help you buy or sell a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time, Full Service, Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.    

    Back in October, I received an email from Bridget McCrea a writer for the bi-monthly Magazine "The Residential Specialist" which is mailed out globally to Certified Residential Specialists.

She had read some of my Thread Posts on the on-line FORUM at the CRS website about Reverse Offers.

Working on an Article entitled : "Unusual Tactics For Unusual Times" she asked if she could set up a phone interview with me as this topic may fit what she was looking to cover.

A week or so later, we talked for at least a half hour!  She thanked me and awhile later sent an email that she was not sure if the article was going to run or not, but was saving our interview for another article she was thinking about submitting perhaps to a Texas magazine.

fast forward to Happy New Year 2009 :)                                                                                                

Low and behold, I get a thick package on January 2nd in the snail mail with a cover letter written by Mike Fenner, the managing Editor of The Residential Specialist Magazine along with several copies of the January/February 2009 Issue!

On page 27, Next to the Title - ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY, THE CHALLENGING REAL ESTATE MARKET IS SPURRING CRS'S TO TRY SOME UNUSUAL TACTICS" I get a mention along with some excerpts of my wonderful conversation with Ms. McCrea last year in the first few paragraphs of the article!

 Thanks CRS Magazine & Organization!

With our 1st Sold /Closed Listing Referral from another CRS REALTOR on New Years Eve....and then this pleasant surprise by mail, the few months I have had the privilege of using CRS after my name has sure paid off.   The time, energy, effort, and expense of the past few years it took me to achieve this coveted designation is well worth it!

Blog post written by Grace M. Safrin, CRS, Real Estate Broker

part of a Husband and Wife TEAM of REALTORS

    a. k. a.

" Spouses Selling Houses" TM

with F.C.Tucker Realty, Serving NorthWest Indiana!

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f we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.    

     We SOLD and Closed on a Property Today January 2nd, 2009 that was

 Subject To Lenders Approval of a Short Sale.

The Purchase Agreement was received by us via Fax from the Buyers Agent and Jeff contacted the Sellers Lender's Loss Mitigation Department the next morning.

He listened to the usual "sch-peal" of how LONG an answer would take and the LIST of requirements that needed to be in place (pre-lim HUD, hardship letter, etc...) even BEFORE they would consider reviewing this offer.

I walked over to him while he was on the phone and handed him a highlighted portion of

A New Indiana Law passed to help Homeowners facing a Short Sale...

Indiana HOUSE BILL 1359  an excerpt which reads :

"Requires a creditor, a mortgage servicer, or an agent of a creditor to acknowledge a written offer made in connection with a proposed short sale of property that is subject to a mortgage transaction that is at least 60 days delinquent. Provides that the acknowledgment must be provided not later than 10 business days after the date of the offer. Requires the creditor, servicer, or agent to accept or reject the short sale offer not later than 30 business days after receipt of the offer."

I heard Jeff read this exerpt to the Representative on the phone and then ask to speak to a supervisor:)

ONE WEEK ( 7 Calendar Days ) later, the offer was accepted and 3 weeks (21 Calendar days) after that the Final HUD 1 Statement to Close was Approved!  28 DAYS TOTAL - now that's a Short SALE!!!

Even the Buyers Agent was surprised..LOL

It will be a great NEW Year in Indiana, if other Lenders follow this example and heed THE NEW LAW affecting Short Sales  :)                                                                                                                          

There are monetary fines to the lending institution for failure to adhere, if the new TIME guidelines to keep Short sales SHORT is not upheld!

As PROFESSIONAL REALTORS....We'd rather work collaboratively WITH BANKS and LENDING Institutions to facilitate Successful Short Sales & help PREVENT the CLOGGING UP OF OUR PUBLIC Court Systems and Honorable JUDGES time.  Not to mention the waste of Indiana TAX PAYERS MONEY when a home forecloses ( who pays court system employees & sheriffs? we do ;)

There are ready, willing, and able buyers shopping NOW with Interest Rates LOW.......WAY BEFORE a house deteriorates and depreciates a neighborhood by standing empty for a year!

YOU NEED REALTORS to help SAVE this Housing MARKET. 

editorial opinions by Grace Safrin

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

Thanks for Visiting & Reading our Blog!  We hope to add your story some day to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Visit our website for more properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.  

Perfect for Empty Nester's or 1st Time HomeBuyers, this Custom Built Ranch Home  offers ease of One level Living...but has room to expand!

Perched on an Acre + Scenic Lot with mature Pine trees, the tall roof pitch allows for the attic to be finished to add a future Home office or another Bedroom. The plans for this were incorporated into the original blueprints and are available for your review.

The last annual tax bill being only $550. total, this Affordable Home is worth your careful consideration!

click on the various links to view Map Location and Home description:

xxxx

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

Thanks for Visiting & Reading our Blog!  We hope to add your story some day to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Visit our website for more properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.  

New Years Eve ended on a good note with a Real Estate Hat Trick:) -1.  a NEW Listing (see our next blog post) 2. a BPO and 3. this Real Estate Closing!

With a verbal offer in only 18 days on the Market and our positive experiences with Reverse Offers this year, we put a Reverse Counteroffer in writing to the Buyers agent to present to the buyers and 32 days later we closed!

We've invited the out of town REALTOR, CRS, who contacted us with this listing lead to AR.  He found us on Grace Safrin's  CRS WEBSITE.

Completing the Education this past Spring and submitting the Proof of required annual Real Estate Sales to become a Certified Residential Specialist has paid off!                                                                 

Consumers who have a lifelong REALTOR will ask them for a referral if they own out of town properties.

Certified Residential Specialists are a part of a network of worldwide designees who hold a coveted      designation that only a small percentage of Agents achieve. If you are looking for a REALTOR for your future Real Estate Transaction, you may want to consider what a CRS offers.....before you choose!

Blog post written by Grace M. Safrin, CRS, Real Estate Broker

part of a Husband and Wife TEAM of REALTORS

    a. k. a.

" Spouses Selling Houses" TM

with F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty, Serving NorthWest Indiana!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.