NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog

We recently closed on another short sale transaction in Northwest Indiana.

Every Short Sale is different. Variables affect the length of time it takes to successfully close this non-traditional real estate transaction.

What happens if there is a task requested by the Short Sale Lender that a discerning REAL Estate Broker knows is NOT possible to complete?

You get this repetitive message via email every few days:

Please be advised that you have overdue tasks in Equator, your short sale may be declined if you do not take action. 

Short sale Request by Lender: Add Mrs. Seller to the Listing Agreement, Purchase Agreement, Preliminary HUD 1 Closing Statement so we can forward file to the Investor for approval.

How can a short sale lender request adding a name to legal contracts and a federal document when that name is NOT on the mortgage?

Mrs. Seller was NOT on the Mortgage.

Mrs. Seller WAS on the NOTE.

The mortgage IS the legally filed instrument naming who is TITLED to the property.

The Mortgage was Sold (MERS).

This stalemate took over 3 weeks to resolve.

Our response to this Short Sale lender request = NO WAY!

We will NOT just add a name to a listing agreement or purchase agreement or HUD 1 Closing Statement if the name is NOT LEGALLY ON TITLE OR DEED. 

Pursuant to further discussions with the Title Company:

A 3rd party who is NOT ON THE PROPER DEED OR RECORDED MORTGAGE CAN NOT SIGN A DEED TRANSFERRING, nor appear named on the HUD 1 closing statement.

Sometimes I wish we had a direct line to the President , so he can know 1^st hand on a grass roots level just what is really going on!

Recently, we listed a home for sale in the Sarasota Heights neighborhood in Portage, IN

(Portage Township).

Rowena Kyle Elementary school grounds borders this property's fenced backyard

(talk about "living close to school" :)

 Click on Photo of school to visit website

 There are walking/biking trails Prairie Duneland Trail nearby as well (just around the block).

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We've Blogged about Portage, Indiana zipcode 46368 in Porter County, Northwest Indiana.

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.

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 NW Indiana.

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 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 :)

You're Brain's the Most Important Real Estate, Invest in it!      

 CRS 201 Listing Strategies 2 Day Course in Merrillville, IN February 9 & 10, 2012

My personal testimonial about pursing my CRS designation can be found by a trail of Internet evidence over the 2 year journey it took me to earn this designation.

How did these classes help improve the bottom line in our business?

We closed more sales. Even in a challenging market!

Knowledge, Inspiration, New Ideas and Strategies learned during CRS Classes from seasoned sucessfull instructors was key to our business growth.

How ? (This is my story, yours will differ:)

• Like discussing the strategy of reverse offers in the CRS classes I took in Merrillville, Indiana

• This led to an article I contributed to that ran in CRS Magazine.

• The article was found by a syndicated Real Estate Author who interviewed me for Chicago Tribune Article.

• Mutliple newpapers nation wide re-printed versions of the article.

• The producer of ABC News Nightline read it, called us and yes we were on TV !

It doesn't stop there..... from other ideas written down during class brainstorming session...one of our listings got exposure on HGTV's Hidden Potential and the Local paper

 Our Listing Inventory is still key in keeping the phones ringing with inquiries and buyers today. We are using what was learned in CRS classes to sell Northwest Indiana Real Estate. 

"Build it and they will come!"

If you are are REALTOR who is not a CRS, consider investing in yourself and attend a CRS Class this year!

It's an investment I am thankful for as it is still paying dividends (and generating new referrals :)

Editorial by Grace Safrin, CRS, Broker/Co-Owner F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

 If you are REALTOR in the Chicago-land area or Northwest Indiana don't miss this upcoming opportunity In Merrillville, Indiana on February 9 & 10, 2012 to attend

CRS 201 : Listing Strategies (from the Council of Residential Specialists) The Proven Path To Success

Contact The Indiana CRS Chapter to register today at 800.707.8461

or email:

ChapterAdmin@IndianaCRS.com

permission for posting of this Class Flyer granted by Administrator of IN CRS Chapter.

This home is located in phase II of Eagle Ridge Subdivision off Route 6.

Located between Valparaiso and Chesterton this Duneland area development in Porter County provides easy access

to Indiana Dunes National Lake shore, South Shore Train Station for Chicago-land Commute and Indiana Toll road

and expressways nearby for an hour drive to The LOOP Downtown.

A new hospital is being built nearby (estimated completion late 2012 off IN SR 49 ).

Enjoy the music video tour and give us a call to make an appointment to see this beautiful property!

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We've blogged about living in the town of Munster, IN 46321 before.

Recently, we listed for sale a Brick 1/2 Duplex Home - 2 story with finished basement and detached 2.5 Car Garage on a mature tree-lined street close to schools, parks, Community Hospital, and major roads for ease of commute to Chicago-land.

There is still a downpayment assistance program in Indiana for 1st time homebuyers offered by IHCDA.IN.GOV

With Low Property Taxes, Great Location and Affordable price-> this Home is worth careful consideration!

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Looking for Things To Do This Summer in NW Indiana?

For the next 3 weekends July 8-10, July 15-17 & July 21-24, 2011,

the Towle Theatre in Hammond, IN is putting on a"Modern Day Musical Love Story" -> I Love You Because

inspired by the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice.^[1]

Music by Joshua Salzman , Book and Lyrics by RyanCunningham

We've blogged about the excellent local theatre productions we've attended at the Towle Theatre before.

Tickets are $15. and show times are Thursday, Fridays & Saturday @ 8pm and Sunday @ 2pm.

See you at the show :)

Occasionally, clients will be gracious enough to take time and write a testimonial for our website.

Since we have been in the Real Estate Business since 1999, we've helped nearly a thousand buyers, sellers, relocating clients, investors, business owners, asset management companies & banks, in real estate property transactions, not only in Indiana, but by referral, -> nationwide!

As a result of being in business over a decade, a percentage of our clients are repeat!

Just this week, we had clients who used us years ago to sell their Lake County Indiana Home while they were having a custom home built by a builder. Now years later, they gave us a call to list their property to sell!

A few weeks ago, a former client who lives out of state now since we sold his Porter County Indiana Home, called us to help represent him on the purchase of an investment property in NWI.

Calls like these, which are unexpected, are welcome unwitten testimonials :)

Actions Speak Louder than Words -> The Best Testimonial is Repeat Business!

We do appreciate client's repeat business and referrals and are humbled to serve in helping them achieve real estate goals, now and in the future.

Recently, we listed an Awesome 2 Story Home in Concord Meadows, a desirable North-side VALPO location.

Nearby at  the 122 acre Rogers Lakewood Park you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating (rowboats and paddle boats), fishing, disc golf, picnicking, hayrides, summer day camp for children and More!

A 1/4 mile south Bicentennial Park, is 15 acres where you can enjoy tennis, softball, the playground, basketball & more!

A bicycle ride away from the new YMCA in town and

Grammar and High School nearby (both on Campbell Street) as well!

Click Google Map to see more.

Enjoy the Hi-def music Video of this Valparaiso, IN 46383 property that offers over 3000+ finished square feet of living space on 1/3 acre cul-de-sac lot. The Walkout Lower Level is set up for guests or extended family as a related living apartment.

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We do give closing gifts to home buyers we represent. One in particular has had the most impact over time, (if taken and used or applied).

This particular closing gift never costs us anything to give and has not changed over time.

Some laugh at it, others who have never heard of it, ask questions about it... seeking to know more, and some really get excited about it and use or apply it immediately. 

Years later, we have gotten calls about this gift and home owners thank us for it when they are ready to use our services agin, this time to sell their property!

You've heard the saying the best things in life are free?

Besides giving a physical gift, at each closing we offer this free advice:

#1 - If you make 1 extra mortgage payment a year toward principal reduction, your 30 year mortgage will be paid off in 22 years!

#2 - If you double your monthly mortgage payments, you will have no mortgage left to pay on your property in 9 years!

With discipline, most everyone can do #1

With frugality and increase*, we have witnessed several achieve #2

*some clients receive promotions, or perhaps a spouse or partner is advancing their education and will earn more income in the future with a new profession, etc...

 This advice has had a far greater impact on lives than all the purchased closing gift doodads

Not Every Home Sale is Easy.

Our local Northwest Indiana Multiple Listing Service has the capacity to store Property History that REALTORS have access to pull prior to listing a property. Property History reveals data such as  the number of times a home has been previously listed and sold.

Sometimes, we recognize the property we are going to list because we have actually shown the home to buyer clients in the past ourselves, when the home was listed with another Real Estate Brokerage.

What helps REALTORS sell a home? Variables like:

#1 cooperation of the seller

#2 correct pricing for location, age, size and condition

#3 sale able condition of the home (staging, maintenance, etc.)

These variables impact whether or not a home will sell, and these variables are not controlled by the REALTOR. We can only give professional recommendations.

The MARKET speaks loudly.

IMHO, well priced homes in desirable locations, staged in excellent condition, and easy accessibility to show on short notice can even attract multiple offers.

So, when we are called to be the 3rd set of Agents to list a property, DAYS on MARKET reveal that one or all of the above are NOT present, and for a home to finally sell, things need to change to facilitate the sale!

Sometimes, it's easier to be the 3rd REALTOR.  By then, a seller may be more willing to act on professional recommendations, i.e. what needs to happen for a successful sale :) 

This process is not always easy or expedient, but working through obstacles is what we do.

In this case, the

Valparaiso, IN home sold finally when listed by F.C.Tucker.

What was key besides the above mentioned 3 important variables coming together?

Also having a very patient buyer and an excellent communicative buyers agent!

There are multiple factors that can prolong a short sale transaction.

Recently we closed on a property in NW Indiana that was subject to lenders approval of a short sale(Schererville,IN 46375)  AND also subject to Bankruptcy court approval of the sale of the property.

To date, this is our longest short sale ever = 3 months and 13 days from accepted offer to closing.

Lender approval time was double what Indiana law HB 1359 allows (requires an answer in 30 days).

Seems that laws passed to help expedite short sales have little or no effect on the lenders and that they take even longer nowadays than before in the approval process!

Perseverence on the part of the listing agent and patience on the part of the buyers, cooperation on the part of the sellers are some of the key ingredients to make a short sale close.

If we can help you sell your NWI property - give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

Click here to see over a dozen other short sales closed recently in Northwest Indiana's Lake County, Porter County and La Porte County when listed by F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate.

While on the way home from showing properties in Valparaiso, IN , we found this creek along a winding country road and had to stop and take a moment to enjoy the sounds and view:)

NW Indiana Home Buyers Consider a FHA 203K Loan rather than cross that home off your short list!

 Real Estate is a local business. In NorthWest Indiana the average age of existing housing is 50+ years . This, combined with an aging population of sellers who may be unable or unwilling to renovate that dated kitchen or bath, leaves us with a certain % of Inventory on the Market that you, as a Home Buyer may overlook or cross off your short list.

This may delay your finding that 'perfect home' for weeks or even months and you may just get frustrated and even decide to keep feeding the RENT monster!

We are here to tell you-YOU DO HAVE ANOTHER OPTION.

If the LOCATION of the Home (which you cannot change) is desirable, and the Basic BONES are GOOD (i.e.layout, structure, etc.)

• yet you wish that the 1960's 1970's or 1980's look of the place would disappear :)
• and you find a home priced below your price range,
• with neighborhood comps that are higher due to recent sales of homes in the area that have already been remodeled/updated......
• plus you HAVE IMAGINATION about the Home's HIDDEN POTENTIAL  (how it could look with YOUR input),

Then an FHA 203K Loan may be worth your careful consideration as it allows you to purchase the Property and includes the cost of home repairs, updates/remodeling or rebuilding!

There are special Home Improvement Program Renovation Loan Products out there Insured By HUD that allow you to get bids on the work needed, submit those "Subject to Value Appraisal" and when the loan closes the work starts and the contractors are paid (draws from the lender) after the work is completed! 

Why move into a property and run up your credit cards the 1st few years of living there because you probably will want to make some changes anyway?

 With the amount of REO / foreclosure, short sale and FIXER UPPER or SOLD AS IS properties on the market increasing in our area, this could help solve one of Today's REAL ESTATE Problems.

We can refer you to experienced lenders who have a seperate 203 K department with processors and designated underwriters just to handle the specific details and steps of this type of specialized loan (they even provide 60 day benchmark calendar guide).

We also have some listings for sale in NWI below assessed or appraised value, that with updates would make great Home Sweet Homes!

Give us a call today to see what the Neighborhood Market Analysis is as compared to the prices of these properties below in need of updates:

Chesterton: $195,000 priced below market value

Valparaiso: $145,000 Estate Sale

Portage: $179,000-> 3000 Sq.Ft. - Short Sale

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:)

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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Another Valparaiso, IN 46383 Home SOLD when listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate.

Sometimes, the best source for future business is at the closing table!

Back in springtime, we were at a closing with our 1st Time Home Buyer when they mentioned that a friend of theirs who had moved out of town had a home to sell.

So we listed the Home and today it closed in just 84 days on the market!

As always, we appreciate our clients referring their family and friends!

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.

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

"Light Was the First Thing GOD created. All growing things depend on light for life. GOD is the source of all life." Genesis 1:3

"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of even one small candle." Robert Alden

"Many candles can be kindled from one candle without diminishing it." Midrash Rabbah 15:19

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING @ F.C TUCKER 1ST TEAM REAL ESTATE IN NW INDIANA. 

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR PERIODIC UPDATES ABOUT NEW AGENTS on board, EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS, Real Estate Listings, Just SOLD properties, AND MORE!

If you are looking for experienced REALTORS to represent you when buying or selling a home in Lake, Porter or La Porte County, give one of our professional agents a call.

xx<!-- Facebook Badge START -->F.C.Tucker 1st Team Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana | Promote Your Page Too
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Although the search for a dream home sometimes feels so far away.......

Northwest Indiana still has affordable housing - Country Living, yet City Close (Chicagoland)!

Perhaps our NEW Listing - a Ranch Home nestled on a wooded 1.33 Acre parcel in desirable Jackson Township Location (Duneland Schools) in Valparaiso, IN (northern Porter County ) suits your needs?

 This property backs up to a Forest Preserve & even has a Big Pole Barn, not to mention 2 fireplaces in this Open Concept floor plan + Family room with walls of windows and a beautiful knotty pine ceiling!

Click Here for Map and Information and enjoy the music slide show of this lovely property->

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We'd love to help you work on that dream of finding a home that suits your needs.

Give us a call @ 219-405-1232 today, if we can be of service to you.

Check out some of our 'Dreams Come True' stories....our client's testimonials ->

 People like you with various dreams and goals that we've helped in the past :)

Talk To Jeff& GraceSafrin,  REALTORS      

" 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 servingLake, 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

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

 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.