NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog: Indiana: Valparaiso

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!

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

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!

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.

Recently, we Listed and SOLD a home in Valparaiso, IN and received 3 offers to purchase out of  a dozen showing appointments in the 1st 19 days the home was on the Market!

Many times, when we take a listing in NW Indiana (we service Lake, Porter & La Porte Counties), we are asked by our clients when will they get feedback from any showings?

We always answer the same way : The Best Showing Reports Are Offers!

When you schedule an appointment with us to Tour Your Home for a 1st hand view of it's condition, as Professional Real Estate Brokers with combined designations of CRS (Grace Safrin) and SFR (Jeff Safrin) , we do our homework beforehand and pull neighborhood Active and Sold com parables and an MLS Fannie Mae Market Condition Report.

So the price range we suggest is based on fact and the 10 Commandments For House Staging we provide along with other suggestions is based on direct observation of Your Home plus experience with knowing what buyers like after hearing from hundreds of them firsthand in over a decade of working in this field.

This information we provide to you at the listing appointment is your 1st showing Feedback...  from us... the people you picked to sign an Exclusive Listing Agreement to represent you by bringing a ready, willing and able buyer to your property by our many marketing efforts.

Other future showing reports come from Agents whose vested interest (Exclusive Agreement) is with someone else:)

Part of our marketing plan needs seller cooperation. Case in point, the home above that had 3 offers and over a dozen showings in just the 1st 19 days on the market, the sellers cooperated by implementing everything we suggested!

In this case, the sellers were kept busy with either countering, rejecting or accepting an offer rather than wondering about feedback from a showing.

Yes, we do relay feedback that we get from cooperating agents. It's quite easy nowadays, everything is electronic! Both our Lockbox and Showing Assist Scheduler online has auto-reminder emails they send to each agent to simply click "reply" with their mouse or cell phone to give a feedback response immediately, or the next day.

Yet, we still believe the bottom line that the best showing report/feedback is an offer!

From our Home to yours - we @ F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana wish you & yours blessings of a Happy, Healthy and safe Mothers Day Weekend !

Click on the name of any of our Professional Real Estate Agents to visit their websites for more information!

Ty Gammon ->

Neighborhood Matchmaker

Olga Kwolek ->

Hablo Espanol

Linda Littlejohn  ->

Real Estate Broker Associate

Mary Magdalene – A Musical Dramatization by Keri Burman of Yadah Praise Productions - @

Valparaiso, IN  Christ Lutheran Church Tuesday, June 1^st, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. Public Welcome!

Come Join us in our NEW Sanctuary @CLCValpo located at the corner Of Campbell St. & Vale Park Road

for a wonderful reenactment of a Woman of the Bible.

Often mistakenly characterized in popular writings, Mary Magdalene was an early follower of Jesus Christ and witness to His glorious resurrection.  Through songs and monologues, Ms. Burman brings the scriptural based story of Mary Magdalene to life, right before the audience, with spirit filled passion and a God gifted voice!

The Songs:

1. See, What a Morning
2. Heal the Wound
3. Where the Nails Were
4. I Don’t Want to Go
5. They Could Not

The Monologues:

1. Mary’s Introduction, Healed from Demon Possession, (Luke 8:1-3)
2. Becoming a Follower of Christ, The Crucifixion of Jesus (Matt. 27:55; Mark 15:40, 41; Luke 23:27-31, 48-49)
3. The Stone is Rolled Away, Peter and John Believe (Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9)
4. Mary’s Encounter with the Risen Lord, (John 20:10-18, Mark 16:9-11)

The ladies at our Women of the Bible Study @ CLC are excited to host this event.

So, if you would like to join us on Tuesday Evening, June 1st at 7:00 pm please call Paula Starek at Christ Lutheran Church located @ 2610 North Campbell St. in Valparaiso, IN 46385. Tel # 219-462-6660 or email - > CLCValpo@verizon.net

There is no charge to attend - (free will offerings for Keri Burman are appreciated).

We just ask you please RSVP in advance by Sunday 5/30/10 - Refreshments provided after the presentation.

Visit Keri's website to read how her God given gifts and talents are reaching across all denominations to bring stories of the women of the bible to life and remind us of God's word and love!

Come Join us...All are welcome here :)

Valparaiso, IN  Real Estate For Sale - Check out F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate's NEW Listing @

2202 Worthington Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383 - Great Location in  Center Township with award winning schools and Low Property Taxes. We've blogged about our home town of Valpo before... this spacious home with a nice size yard is priced below both appraised and assessed value for your careful consideration! Check out the Description, Map, Photos & more...... then give us a call to schedule a private showing with advance notice please.

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Affordable & Spacious Home-VALPO in Town

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$174,499 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 2316 sqft Lot: 0.27 acre(s) Location 2202 Worthington Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Spacious Home, Scenic Lot, Priced to Sell ! Affordable & Spacious Home-VALPO in Town Magnificent Residence / Gated Community Come Home to The Country & Bring the Horses ! Custom Home + Retreat Like Setting Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

Built to last!

Magnificent Brick Residence in Valparaiso, IN exudes opulence w/9077 Total Square Ft.  perched on a high point (1.45 acre wooded lot) in Private, Gated, Liberty Lakes Estates,w/ Beautiful Lake Views!

No $ has been spared in Materials/Craftsmanship/Mechanicals. Custom Built w/High End Amenities:

HEATED Driveway & Stone Walkways, Grand Mahogany Front Door, Main Floor has 13.4 ft detailed ceilings. Avant-Garde SWAROVSKI Crystal Chandeliers + various SWAROVSKI sconces / luminaries Brilliant to behold!

Rich Brazilian Cherry Wood Floors in the Formal Dining Room, Great Room,Master Bedroom Suite.

Den/Office w/Brazillian Maple Wood Floor. Pattern inlay Limestone Floor in 2 Story entry Foyer.

Fondulac, WI quarry is the origin for 2 Rumford Natural Stone Fireplaces.

Speakercraft Juke Sound System.

Gourmet Kitchen w/Stainless Electrolux ICON Appliances/SHARP Microwave Drawer. Walk-in Pantry w/ Freezer 

Granite Counters, prep Island, Breakfast Bar. Dinette w/Patio Access

Lavish Master Bath. Cartier Style Doors on main level

13 zones HVAC. Carrier Infinity System->

"The highest efficiency and most advanced home comfort technology."

Hardwired/Networked.

Offered Below Appraised Value.

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We've Listed and SOLD many properties in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Northside VALPO Locations are always a HOT Real Estate Market especially in Cooks Corner Grammar School District.

So if you are looking to call Valparaiso, IN your next  Home Sweet Home - hurry before this well kept Beauty in CONCORD MEADOWS  is SOLD !

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Honey Stop The Car !

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$299,999 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 4451 sqft Lot: 12,800 sqft Location 207 Andover Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Honey Stop The Car ! Corner 4 Unit Close to Downtown Valpo! Why Rent? 1700+SF 2 Story w/Basement & carport in Town Valpo! Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Great In Town VALPO Location + Newer Home too! Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

Bon Femme Cafe in Valparaiso, IN - Bon Appetit !

Last Thursday. after listing a local property for sale in Valparaiso, IN I convinced Jeff we should just stop and get a quick bite to eat in downtown Valpo before our next appointment.

I love the many local independent restaurants to choose from in town,  just steps from our F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate office on courthouse square.

Lake Homes in Valparaiso, IN - Porter County Indiana Communities with Lakes, Vacation Year Round from Home!

This week we started to get out and take some non snow pictures of our Northwest Indiana Homes for Sale since Spring is finally here!

Here are some photos of one of our Homes For Sale in Valparaiso, IN with Lake Access just a short stroll to Flint Lake and it even comes with it's own private Boat Dock on the Lake, (one of only 8).

If you are looking for Lake Living in Valparaiso Indiana, or Lake Front Communities in Porter County, IN  or Beautiful Lake View Homes in Valparaiso, IN  or Porter County, IN Lake Homes for sale, consider this Custom built spacious home just a short walk to Flint Lake in the recreational Community of Woodmere in Center township on Valparaiso's Northside! there is even a Community Tennis Court and Basketball Court.

New Listing Great in Town Location in Valparaiso, IN 46383 Newer Home For Sale in an Established Neighborhood.

This Center Township Property is part of the Award Winning Valparaiso School System.

Being able to walk to the local library, nearby parks or the main street downtown with it's coffee houses, restaurants, ice cream parlors, businesses and shopping,is awesome!

If you are looking to find a walkable place to live check out the walking score- click here-> of this home for sale @ 406 Greenwich St. in Valparaiso, IN 46383 and see all the nearby businesses and attractions!

This newer home built in 1999 is priced well below assessed value and worth your careful consideration!

Enjoy the photo slide show and click on the information links to learn more about theis home and the community and map location, then give us a call to schedule your private showing @ 219-405-1232.

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Great In Town VALPO Location + Newer Home too!

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$218,900 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 2640 sqft Lot: 7,128 sqft Location 406 Greenwich St. Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Great In Town VALPO Location + Newer Home too! Related Living Possible here ! 2 Homes in 1 Related Living or Extended Family accomodated here ! Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$338,000 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 Unit Interior: 4383 sqft Lot: 0.26 acre(s) Location 1804 Woodmere Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Spacious Home w/Inground Pool on 9+ Acres w/Stocked Pond & 3 Barns! Elegant Spacious Home, Scenic Setting, Boat Dock too - price below assesed value! Great Starter Ranch Home Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Custom Home + Retreat Like Setting Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N E W S

FROM THE
VALPARAISO POLICE
DEPARTMENT



Citizens Police Academy Information

Applications Being Accepted for the Citizens Police Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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