NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Announcement:

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

Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler ->

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come Join us ladies - all are welcome here!

Grace Safrin - facilitator.

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

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

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

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

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

Recently we attended a Chicago White Sox Game that had a brief Summer Rain during play and if you look closely at the left upper side of the scoreboard there is a rainbow that appeared for a few brief moments! It was Beach Towel Night Giveaway and these freebies  sure came in handy during the storm :)

They certainly are on a winning streak nowadays and it's getting exciting!

Fun night at the ball park - Chicago attractions are close enough to enjoy for us NW Indiana folks :)

Could there be another celebratory poster like this one we stood in front of at US Cellular Field in Chicago in the White Sox Future this year? we sure hope so :)

We've blogged about the recreational community we call home named Shorewood Forest located in Valparaiso, Indiana 46385 (Porter County, NW Indiana).

Here are some recent photos we took on a sunset boat ride on lake Louise!

If you are looking to live in a recreational community which is within commuting distance to the big city of Chicago, Shorewood Forest should be a careful consideration.

We decided that we would take a look at moving within the area and see if we were able to find a newer home.  We loved the home we were in and would move only if we could find a good deal that allowed us to not spend the money required to update our 22 year old home.  We had several constraints that would make the overall success of the move very difficult.  Any offer we made would need to be contingent on the closing of our home, we needed to remain in the same school district, and we needed to be under contract within 5 weeks and the sale of our home and closing on a new home must be at the same time. We had many requirements of a new home including a certain kitchen style, four bedrooms, private backyard, 3 car garage, pool, etc.  Basically we loved the home we were in and would move only if the stars aligned and we could find a great deal. 

 Jeff and Grace went to work and through their determination they aligned the stars.  After diving deep into what we wanted, they took us to several homes to refine both our expectations and better understand what we considered important.  We had two offers on our home within the first two weeks and this was after the housing bubble burst, where credit was tough and the number of buyer's limited.  In addition, the move included several small children and Jeff and Grace structured the contracts and entire transaction (sale of our home and purchase of the new home) to minimize the risk to our family. 

 If you have a complex situation with a short timeline and need a first class team that is able to apply tremendous energy to push a deal through while helping you manage the risk to you and your family, then you need the husband & wife team of Jeff and Grace Safrin.

 Best Regards,

Chris & Kelly

We've blogged about the Northwest Indiana town of Wheatfield, IN before.

Recently, we listed a home for sale at 5328 West State Road 10 zipcode 46392.

With schools and Interstate 65 nearby for ease of commute, this affordable tri-level on 0.42 acre lot with fenced backyard is worth your careful consideration.

Enjoy the hi-res. Music video and then give us a call @ 219-309-9930 to schedule a private showing of this property.

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New listing in Hessville, Indiana 46323 just in time for the Hammond festival of the Lake's ! Click here for the schedule of events this weekend.

We have written about  Hammond, IN before - and about the college bound scholarship program for children of its residents!

Please enjoy the hi-res. music video of this affordable home for sale.  Interest rates are low.  Why pay rent?  When you can own for less!

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Chicago-Land Fun is just a short drive from NW Indiana Living!

I was born & raised on the south Side of Chicago (10th ward to be exact - Hegewish;)

Moving to NW Indiana (1st Lake County-St. John in 89, then Porter County-Valparaiso in 97) was a great way for us to benefit from affordable housing and lower taxes, yet be within driving distance or train ride to major attractions in Chicago!

Recently, I surprised Jeff with a Father's day gift - some Ivy Leage rooftop baseball Tickets to watch a Cubs game overlooking Wrigley Field.

The views were spectacular, not to mention the yummy buffet and comfy cushioned leather seats.

The Cubs needed more help that night (they lost) but, I won't go there, as we are house divided ;0 on our sports team choices which always makes life interesting (Jeff roots for Cubs, Pacers, & IU Hoosiers...as a south sider I'm a White Sox fan, da Bears and Purdue Boilermaker Mom LOL - that's why we have season tickets at our local VU for basketball - it's common ground:)

Anyway here are some photos of our day off :)- I do enjoy trips the the Windy City - Chicago is close enough to visit daily as many people who work in Chicago reside in NW Indiana. if we can help you "transplant" to the small town or country living from this big city, give us a call as we've lived in both lake & Porter=neighboring IL counties and know them well.

Happy 1st Year Anniversary F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Serving Northwest Indiana!

From all of us at F .C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate we extend sincere thanks to those who supported our 1st year in business!

My how time flies - Just a year ago we sent out this letter to hundreds of past clients and business associates:

 Greetings   from   Jeff & Grace Safrin

Just a note to share exciting news with you!

As of 7/8/09, we are the Real Estate Broker / Owners of F.C. Tucker  1 ^st Team Real Estate serving Lake, Porter, La Porte & Starke Counties in Northwest Indiana.

Although it has been a challenging market and economy, we have been blessed with an opportunity to look ahead to the future and continue to serve the people in communities of which we are a part of.

Our business model is one that is forward thinking and innovative in this field.  Combining the latest technology with sound business principles, we are recruiting seasoned professionals and expanding our market share.

As a valued client, we ask you remember us when your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues are in need of real estate or relocation services in NW Indiana.

Our diligent work habits, positive attitude, ethical discernment, and love for family & life is inherited from parents and grandparents of which we are proud to be descendents of…….Those who came to this county with just a dream. We are humbled to have the opportunity to pursue our dreams and will continue to serve you for all your future Real Estate needs! We also appreciate very much, any referrals to your sphere of influence.

Our office is located across from the Porter County Courthouse on the Square in Downtown Valparaiso (see address below), but as always, we make house calls.

Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions; our new business card is enclosed.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace

With more than $2 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana’s largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with 46 offices and more than 1,500 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.

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway, Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN   46383

219-309-9930

 Today, we look back at a year in review thankful to God for the many opportunities to serve those who are in need of professional Real Estate representation when buying or selling a home in NW Indiana.

Although we've helped moved many, we are more moved by those who have chosen us as their REALTORS.

 We've been blessed to have Listed and SOLD so many homes AND represented so many buyers in a challenging Real Estate market this past year when many companies are downsizing or closing their doors. We are thankful to our clients, past, present and future, as well as our dedicated agents and the solid backing of Indiana's largest and oldest Real Estate Company F .C. Tucker Co. Inc.(est. 1918) whose Golden Rule philosophy always keeps us striving to improve!

Happy 4th of July from F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Northwest Indiana

Wishing you & your families all a healthy and safe Holiday weekend and....

God Bless America!

 As Always, We appreciate your business and referrals!

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

Freedom is never free.  ~Author Unknown

Just SOLD -La Pore County, IN Short Sale Closed before the June 3oth 1st time Home Buyer tax credit deadline - whew!

Our MLS Board has a Short Sale Addendum  Buyers and Sellers sign with any offer to pruchase on a property that is listed Subject to Lender (s) approval of a Short Sale.

The time for negotiating these specific types of Real Estate Transactions with one or more lenders sometimes does NOT coincide with the date the buyers enter on the purchase agreement ;0

Thanks God, everything fell into place on the last day to close!

 xxx

$130,000.00 - SOLD ->Well Maintained BRICK Ranch w/ Full Basement & Fenced Yard in La Porte, IN ( Subject To Short Sale Approval) Location: Center Township Sorry this home is SOLD already - Red Brick Beauty in La Porte, IN -Lovingly maintained Ranch Home w/Full Basement & Attached 2 car garage offers 3 Bedrooms + 1.5 Baths. Beautiful Hardwood Flooring & newer wood 6 panel doors. Anderson Windows. Updated Kitchen w/Island. Privacy Fenced Backyard w/patio off dining room. Gazebo w/Hot tub ! Handy storage shed. Many Perennials &even a blueberry bush. Pedestal Sink & newer Tub/surrond in main bath. 1/2 Bath off MBR. Mirrored Closet doors. Large finished rec room in LL + plenty of unfinished storage area & laundry room. All Offers are subject to lenders approval of a short sale. Please allow ample response time for offers. Showings with advance notice please. Talk to Tucker - Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company (est.1918). Contact Information Jeff & Grace Safrin - Broker/Owners 1stTeamRealEstate@Sprint.Blackberry.Net 219-309-9930 Independently Owned and Operated. Pricing Price: $130,000.00 Flexibility: Negotiable Additional Pricing Information: All Offers are Subject To Lenders Approval of a Short Sale Property Location 703 W. 13th Street La Porte, IN 45650 View Map Links More Homes For Sale Features Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 1969 Subdivision: Center Township Lot Size: 0.23 Garage Size: 2 Car School District: La Porte Square Footage: 2700 Agent Name: Jeff Safrin Broker: F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate MLS #: 251112 Attributes Appliances Range/Oven Full Refrigerator Washer/Dryer Dishwasher Microwave Interior Amenities Hardwood Floors Kitchen Island Basement Attic Exterior Amenities Patio Fenced Yard Hot Tub Grass Lawn Tool Shed Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 2884618 Photo Gallery Foyer Living Room Dining Area Updated Kitchen Master BR w/ Bath Part Finished Basement Gazebo w/ Hot Tub Fenced yard w/ Shed Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 2884618 All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Sandwiched between the Lake Michigan shoreline, and Wolf Lake & Park Whiting Indiana is known for t's annual famous Pierogi Festival!  It is a border city to the State of Illinois and the city of Chicago - so it makes a great place to call home and an easy commute to the big city!

Most Homes in this Community enjoy just a short walk to both the lake & park!  

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This Large Home (over 3000 SF) is just 3 doors down from the intersection of Lake Avenue and Indianapolis Blvd.

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Alot of Home for the $

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$155,000 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 6 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Unit Interior: 3078 sqft Lot: 0.08 acre(s) Location 1610 Lake Avenue Whiting, IN 46394 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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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 Subject to Short Sale Approval Great In Town VALPO Location + Newer Home too! Affordable & Move in Ready Corner 4 Unit Close to Downtown Valpo! Spacious Home, Corner Lot,Subject To Short Sale Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Whiting, IN real estate for sale

Lake Michigan Summer Sunsets - Beautiful and Free Attraction in Northwest Indiana

photo taken from

Lake Shore Drive

Long Beach, IN

 awesome

summer

sunset!

 If you are in search of a vacation home on Lake Michigan in La Porte or Porter Counties in NW Indiana, give us a call.

Shady Creek Winery lives up to it's name - set on 20 acres of wooded land with a pond and fountain right off the screened-in back porch, patrons can enjoy samples of locally made wines while taking in nature views or take a seat in the rocking chairs on the front porch, or cozy up to the fireplace.

Located in La Porte County (Michigan City near the corner of Tryon Rd & State Road 212).

The visit is well worth the trip and pictured below are the favorites we took home to share with family  & friends on special occasions...The best part of visiting a winery and wine tasting...You won't cringe at the taste after a toast because you've pre-selected the flavors that are best suited to your palate:)

Jeff and Grace Safrin of FC Tucker 1st Team was the best part of our home selling experience. 

 The use of the internet and the blogging to generate interest in the home we were selling is what decided it for us.  No other realtor or realty team offered that as part of their service. 

In today's market and economy we were thrilled to see a realty team go beyond the traditional way to market the house. 

Communication between Jeff and Grace and us was constant.  We were always in the know either via phone or email.  Some days even by text! 

Jeff and Grace went above and beyond when our buyer's lender started making waves at the last minute.  Jeff was all over it!  We were familiar with Jeff's go to attitude, but our buyer hadn't experienced his focus and determination.  Our buyer was extremely grateful for his actions and advice.  We are all pretty sure had it not been for his involvement our buyer's loan would have fallen through. 

The old, traditional way of selling a home isn't very effective in today's market.  Jeff and Grace have reached beyond the traditional to make selling your home a successful event. 

We highly recommend Jeff and Grace Safrin of FC Tucker 1st Team.  Rest assured working with them is the best decision you will make when choosing a realtor to market and sell your home.
 
Kurt and Laura Boyle
Rolling Prairie, IN

Some Short Sale Buyers Are Missing The Boat...so to speak :)

Lately, we've come across some short sale buyers that have miss-conceptions about this specific type of real estate transaction that differs from a traditional property purchase and would like to share these...

• Short Sales are not Fire sales....the banks have a bottom line.

Sometimes buyers have miss-conceptions that they can bid very,very low and ask for even more ( i.e. seller concessions) on a listing that is already priced less than what is owed on the note. This is not so.

• Lenders wait around a long time for the best short sale offer to come in before they'll decide which one to choose.

Not so nowadays. It has been our experience recently that the time frame for some of these transactions is decreasing and if one reasonable offer comes in, they accept it and proceed to close. 

.....one client insisted they had plenty of time to wait to write an offer ....just an hour later that very home was under contract with an excellent offer with hard to beat terms :0 

• As a Buyer of a short sale you can wait to do your inspections until after the lender has approved the short sale...

THERE IS RISK involved with writing offers subject to lenders approval of a short sale.

 Spending money up front on inspections or appraisals without even knowing if the short sale will be approved is part of the gamble.

Short sale properties are many times SOLD AS IS. The inspection is more of an FYI for the buyer, rather than a negotiating tool to get more $$ from the lender.

We recommend our buyers bring an inspector or contractor to the 2nd showing and do their due diligence up front... to check out the property thoroughly BEFORE WRITING an offer on a short sale or REO (foreclosed property), that way they have an idea of what they are getting into.

• The bank will be ready to close on the date the buyer puts in the contract.

IF YOU are a buyer with ANY type of time constraint for housing - maybe a short sale is NOT FOR YOU.

There could be delays in closing a short sale. That's why when we list short sales we take back up offers, in case the 1st buyer walks, there is a back up ready to move forward.

• Short Sales are not a game. 

If you are a buyer looking to purchase a short sale or foreclosed property, using a REALTOR with a designation & experience in this specific type of Real Estate Transaction is vital to getting deals done!

New on Market -

 Pine Creek Estates Neighborhood in Valparaiso, IN 46383

Former Model, Prairie Style 2 Story Home For Sale

We've blogged about our hometown of Valparaiso, Indiana many times before...here is a "cream puff" NEW Listing that will not last long! This Home For Sale has curb appeal, plus a scenic tree-lined backyard setting with POND views.  With a finished basement and all appliances included, plus seller assists closing costs with an acceptable offer - this home is worth your careful consideration.

Click below for Map and more detailed information about the home's features->

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Look no More-> Prairie Style 2 Story in VALPO

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$204,909 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 2876 sqft Lot: 0.22 acre(s) Location 1304 Pine Creek Road Valparaiso, IN 46383 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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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 Look no More-> Prairie Style 2 Story in VALPO Affordable & Move in Ready Corner 4 Unit Close to Downtown Valpo! Spacious Home, Corner Lot,Subject To Short Sale Fixer Upper Sold As Is Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

Give us a call @ 219-405-1232 to schedule a private showing before it's SOLD.

Portage, IN 46368

Listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate & SOLD

We've blogged about the convenience and affordability of living in Portage, Indiana before...

Now that our Listing has SOLD, we are looking to list and sell properties in Portage, IN 46368

So if you are in the market to sell your Home, Portage, Indiana don't give up - give us a call to show you our marketing plan works :)