NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog

 Recently, our Local REALTOR Association hosted a  2 hour presentation by

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

“It Makes Cents: State Programs to Make the Dream of Home-ownership a Reality.”

The seminar covered topics such as below market interest rate programs, down payment assistance to first time and move up buyers, first time buyer tax credits for Indiana Home Buyers.

There are Income Limits based on Household Size AND on the Indiana County you plan to buy in.

Here is the Chart that shows the maximum Home Price Per IN County and differing income limits depending on number of persons in the household(1 to 8)for 2011-2012 years.

Jasper County in Northwest Indiana extends these state programs to ANY buyer, the rest NW Indiana counties of Lake, Porter & La Porte, Newton only 1st time home buyers may qualify.

These 3 separate programs cannot be co-mingled and buyer must use a participating lender.

FIRST HOME -

offers low interest rates only

 FIRST HOME / PLUS -

offers down payment assistance

  Mortgage Credit Certificate -

offers % of annual Mortgage interest expense as a FEDERAL TAX CREDIT (not a deduction)

an online education program for Hoosier Home Buyers using any of the above programs is required to complete .

If we can be of service to you in the purchase of your 1st Northwest Indiana Home - give us a call!

Not everyone qualifies for a USDA Loan (based on income and credit).

Not every Northwest Indiana Home For Sale is located in a region that qualifies it for U.S.D.A. Financing!

Before we work with any home buyers in NW Indiana, we have them pre-qualified first.

If they qualify to finance their home purchase with a USDA loan, next we narrow down the choices of the homes for sale that are geographically in the rural areas of Lake County, Porter County, or  La Porte County in NWI where U.S.D.A loans are acceptable according to the current Property Guidelines listed below*

*Yellow shaded areas on the map give you a rough idea of where rural housing loans may be used in buying homes in the Region of Northwest Indiana counties of Lake, Porter and La Porte. We verify every address online and with the lender before scheduling showings!

 You can Achieve the American Dream with

USDA Rural Development Housing Loan!

Talk To Tucker Today to help you !

This program, through USDA, features 100% financing for qualified moderate income families desiring to purchase single family homes with little to no cash investment.

Overview->

Despite no more federal tax credit rebate, 1st Time Home Buyers are still making purchases of homes in Northwest Indiana.

Recently, from our sphere of influence, we represented young buyers in their first home purchase.

We enjoy taking time teaching and explaining the many phases of the real estate transaction.

The fax machine went off the other day and this hand written testimonial reflects their perspective of working with us.

We are humbled and blessed by the opportunity to work with clients like this and we wish them many happy & healthy years in their 1st home!

If you are considering buying a home in NW Indiana for the first time, give us a call.

Interest rates are great, yet getting a mortgage loan approval is NOT easy these days.

Now, more than ever pre-approval is vital (although it has always been our policy since day 1 to have clients do this before we start looking for homes).

You thought Dorothy's road to Kansas was full of obstacles?

Be prepared for the NEW REALITY as the paradigm of closing on time (45 to 60 day out contract dates) is being delayed with underwriting conditions to be met by not just borrowers .... but sellers, agents, family members and employers needing to provide additional documentation...

Recent examples of conditions to be met that various buyers lenders have asked for include:

• A letter of explanation stating why buyer wants to move to a home less than a few miles from where they are currently living.

• A copy of buyers recent employmment drug test results.

• Social security numbers of agents in the transaction (agents were not the buyer or the seller).

• Terms and conditions of the sellers deficiency in a short sale. Buyers lender requested this.
  

• Letter of confirmation from employer that buyer is not responsible for charges on the company credit card used for business travel. Credit card was in company name not buyers.
  

• Proof of gift funds (copy of Birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees and death certificates) that great grandmother is related to buyer-entire family tree 3 generations of documents required.

Conditions, Conditions, Conditions, Oh My!  The Yellow Brick Road to Loan Approval is full of lions and tigers and bears nowadays!

Only the Wizard of Oz knows what they will ask for next?

Have you encountered unusual "Conditions" asked for by underwriters in order to close a transaction?

FYI->The Indiana Housing & Community Development Market Stabilization Program has monies available for  Home Buyers to buy a Home in Indiana!

 This Program is explained in more detail @ IndianaHousingNow.org

$15,000 is available to Home Buyers in Indiana who qualify based on Income Guidelines toward the purchase of a home that is not rquired to be re-paid if the property remains the homebuyers' principal residence for at least 10 years.

This downloadable brochure provides more details on this program for your review.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Northwest Indiana and need professional representation, please give us a call to serve as your Buyers Agent.

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Northwest Indiana Real Estate Blog!

 Just as the seasons change here in NW Indiana, we help clients achieve their Real Estate Goals in various seasons in life. We look forward to serving you.

 Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin - "Spouses Selling Houses" TM

Real Estate Broker Associates with F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty - phone # 219-405-1232.

Valparaiso residents serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana.

1st time Home buyers - if you buy a home and close on the deal by 11/30/09, you may qualify for up to $8000 in Tax Credit's - that's a BIG refund Check around tax time - why not you? !

On  Facebook  ?...... be-friend us - look up Jeff Safrin  : )    

 Linked in??.....  link to us... look up Grace Safrin  : )

TWITTER?? ...Follow....  SAFRIN

 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.

Counter Offers in Real Estate - They Don't Always Work....3RD times a charm - This 3rd seller accepted the offer as written - and we closed ! 

When we get an offer to purchase on one of our listings and it is substantiated by recent comparable solds and it has reasonable terms and conditions, we inform our sellers that a COUNTEROFFER is in fact a rejection of the Original offer...the BUYER does not have to come back at all...and in a market like this...you can't EXPECT them to, especially when there is plenty of other properties out there to chose from. Putting your pen to the paper to change minor things may cause the PAIN OF REGRET.

 This week we closed on a Home in which we represented BUYERS who were downsizing.

We had just SOLD their Home, so time was of the essence, since they did not want to Move twice.

Luckily, the Market in NW Indiana where they were looking, had a surplus of homes actively listed to chose from in their price range.

After a weekend of weeding out many listings by email, and eliminating even more by driving by the location 1st to see the area, our buyers called to have us do property histories and schedule showings on the handful of homes they choose preliminarily as their top picks.

Monday : Offer # 1  We wrote it right there at the kitchen table during the showing - The home was in need of repairs (minor) plus needed painting & new flooring, probably the reason why this home was still on the market, but our clients were willing to overlook this as they needed a home soon :)

Outcome = Even after the home being on the Market over one year, the sellers countered  (possession issue).Our Buyers response was  "Lets go look as some more Homes" !

Wednesday : Offer #2  Written on a Vacant property (there seem to be alot of these out there right now). So there will be No Possession obstacle here!  But, MLS History reveals this is the 3rd time the home has been Listed, and even more disturbing,  neighborhood comps reveal that this property is way overpriced for year built and size and area. There is even a huge sign down the road from this property announcing the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR DATE of this communities homes!

Outcome = We wrote this offer and submitted comps to justify the price and we expected a counteroffer this time...not one that was less than serious (1% off list price). The out of state seller was obviously out of touch with the Local Real Estate Market. Times like these, you can get all the way to an appraisal and have deals fall through.  Our Buyers did not want to take that chance...their response was to keep looking.

Saturday : Offer # 3  - Vacant Home  & on market several different times at several different prices, price reduced.  With market comps near list price, we wrote the offer and called the agent of record right from the showing to tell them!

Outcome : 3rd times a charm :)  Offer Accepted as written and less than one month later our Buyers have a Home and move within a week of closing on their previous home !

If you are a looking to Downsize or Move Up and would like our experience of helping many families do this without moving twice...give us a call @ 219-405-1232 to represent you on both the sale of your home and coordinate this transition by representing you on the buy of another home.

If you are 1st time home Buyer click here to read about the $8000 Tax credit available only if you close on a Home this Year By November 30th!

______

On  Facebook  ?...... be-friend us - look up Jeff Safrin  : )    

 Linked in ??.....  link to us... look up Grace Safrin  : )

TWITTER?? ...Follow....  SAFRIN

Jeff & Grace Safrin REALTORS - "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

Real Estate Broker Associates with  F.C. Tucker - Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company

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.

Thanks for Visiting our Blog! To read more about local NW Indiana events, sports, and more, click our blog link below. For more homes for sale view our Other Listings @ www.safrin.net-client testimonials!

    We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call 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. 

This weekend was busy for us as we were out showing and selling homes in Northwest Indiana!

When Spring arrives, we get a plethora of calls from prospective buyers on our listings for sale.

If you are not currently working with a REALTOR, and are a serious pre-approved buyer...please know that we can show you not only our listed properties, but any home you find on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or other internet search sites, no matter which Real Estate Company has the listing!

Please feel free to change the search criteria in the search box below to meet your price range and families needs and location.... then give us a call @ 219-405-1232  - leave a message if you get our voicemail and we'll call you back .... we have no gatekeepers or team - what you see, is what you get - you will not be passed around .....you will be dealing directly with us both throughout the entire transaction.

Also, if you have property to sell in NW Indiana? - we make House Calls :)

xxxx

Look Forward to hearing from you soon & Happy Spring!

________

Jeff& GraceSafrin " Spouses Selling Houses" TM

Real Estate Broker Associates with  F.C. Tucker - Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company

 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.

On  Facebook  ?...... be-friend us - look up Jeff Safrin  : ) 

 Linked in ??.....  link to us... look up Grace Safrin  : )

TWITTER?? ...Follow....  SAFRIN

  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.  

What a difference your tax return check may be if you purchase your first home by December 1st, 2009.

Talk to Jeff & Grace Safrin Today @ 219-405-1232 for details about our proven system of working with serious buyers and the steps on our flow chart to successful Home Ownership!

________

Jeff& GraceSafrin " Spouses Selling Houses" TM

Real Estate Broker Associates with  F.C. Tucker - Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company

 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.

On  Facebook  ?...... be-friend us - look up Jeff Safrin  : ) 

 Linked in ??.....  link to us... look up Grace Safrin  : )

TWITTER?? ...Follow....  SAFRIN

  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.  

The centerpiece of the NEW Stimulus Package is a First Time HomeBuyers Tax Credit ! 

Which means you may be eligible to claim up to $8,000. on your tax return **reducing your income tax liability if

you are a First Time Homebuyer and

CLOSE on a Property by December  1st, 2009.

With Interest Rates being Lowest in years,

Why Pay Rent when You can OWN?

If we can help you find a home that suits your Budget and needs in NW Indiana ...

( Lake County, Porter County, La Porte County, Jasper County or Newton County )

Please give us a call @ 219-405-1232 so we can schedule an appointment to get together soon and go over the Home Buying Process.

Look Forward to Hearing From You!

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Real Estate Brokers

F.C.Tucker - Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company

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.

This is just one in a series of upcoming Posts For Localism By Jeff & Grace Safrin, F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty, Serving Northwest Indiana...on HOMES SOLD IN A MARKET THAT's NOT SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD.... inspired by Terry Rasner-Yacenda's many Posts! Please Feel Free to Join the MOVEMENT and Change the MILEAU - write about HOMES SELLING in YOUR AREA as well !

We Received a Referral, a Pre Qualified Buyer from a Local Lender here in NW Indiana.  This particular client wanted a Home that was MOVE IN READY, due to his busy work schedule and family commitments.

In our First meeting, we went over specific criteria including : Location, Price Range, Size, & Desired Amenities.

After weeding out homes that did not 'fit' via email and phone conversations, we went out on appointment to see the best and final picks.

Believe it or not, it pays to listen closely to what the client wants - because the 1st home we entered, was, a few weeks later, THE one that this client went back too and chose to write an offer on! Seems everything else we looked at was compared to the FIRST IMPRESSION.

Now, we have Listed and Sold Homes in Greeenfield Creek before. It is such a scenic subdivision in Valparaiso, IN with spacious Lot sizes and newer upscale homes.  I keep some common area photos on file to email clients looking at homes in this neighborhood.  Although only a few blocks compose this development, it has been well thought out. Most Homes here border either a large private wooded parcel, or, centrally located PONDS that have beautiful walking paths around them for community use...and even a small covered bridge :)

What set this home apart from the others?

#1 =  Location - Our client wanted a Home in Valparaiso  and Preferred Wooded Views .

#2 = Price - This Home was THE Best Value in the Subdivision According to Recent Comparables*

#3 = CONDITION - This Residence although 11 years old, beat out NEW CONSTRUCTION homes that we looked at because the sellers had the Home Professionally Painted in rich, warm designer colors AND had NEW CARPET installed on the main level.

Also, Professional REALTORS, that work well together, make for WIN - WIN situations for our respective clients!

The Listing Agent, was prompt in presenting our offer to Her clients. Follow - Up Communication between us, both post Home Inspection, AND throughout the PENDING Status until CLOSING was maintained. Every situation was mutually resolved, AND no important detail slipped through the cracks. In today's Marketplace, experienced, knowledgeable professionals, working together, make for successful cooperative transactions!

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

Thanks for Visiting our Blog! To read more about local NW Indiana events, sports, and more, click our blog link below. For more homes for sale (without the Music slide shows) view our Other Listings @ www.safrin.net

    We are Your Local Experts for NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today !

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed bymembers and 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.

Jeff & Grace Safrin REALTORS - "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty

  Serving Lake County, Porter County, La Porte County, Starke County, Jasper County and Newton County in NW Indiana.

If You Need Assistance In Relocating To Porter County in Northwest Indiana,

Including the Cities & Towns & Neighborrhoods Of:

Valparaiso: Shorewood Forest, or other developments including Whitethorne Woods, St. Andre & Jackson Heights & More!

Chesterton: Sand Creek Estates, Villages of Sand Creek & More!

Portage, Ogden Dunes, Dune Acres, Beverly Shores,

Kouts,  or Hebron......................Give us a Call @ 219-405-1232

Visit Our Website @ http://www.safrin.net

For Community and School Information,  plus Check out Our Happy Clients Testimonials as well!

Look Forward to Hearing From You!