NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog: Indiana: Valparaiso

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!

Social Media Strategies for Churches ?

Yes, it's one of many plans for our growing congregation at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN

Last month we launched our Twitter account

& this month we're now on Facebook

- become our friend if you'd like :)

Click here to read my previous blog post about the exciting happenings this year @CLCVALPO as we build a new worship space!

- and many thanks to ValpoLife.com for reprinting the article for our community!

God's Blessings

Grace Safrin

Evangelism chair

This lovingly updated & spacious Home In Valparaiso Indiana's  Liberty Township location sits on 0.68 wooded acres and is conveniently located  to major roads for ease of commute to Chicago-land.

Large Pole Barn that has a concrete floor and heat and water comes in handy for the hobbyist or auto enthusiast.

Talk to Jeff & Grace Safrin to schedule an appointment with advance notice to view this property for sale.

xx

Liberty Township in Valpo, Spacious Updated home + Pole Barn

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stats

$224,791 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Unit Interior: 3005 sqft Lot: 0.68 acre(s) Location 791 N Calumet Avenue 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 !st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Liberty Township in Valpo, Spacious Updated home + Pole Barn 2 Homes in 1 Related Living or Extended Family accomodated here ! Spacious Home on 2 Lots Affordable Portage Tri-level on 2 Lots Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs. Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

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

Located between  Rogers Lakewood Park and Bicentennial Park in Valparaiso, IN is a small development of Townhome Duplexes called The Cottages.  (Click on map link below the photo slide show).

This convenient location conducive to nature trails and yet just a few miles from major roads makes this new listing desirable location + affordable for those who can see the opportunity and have patience. Located close enough for commute to Chicago by I 90 Toll-road or I 94 Expressway or South Shore Train or Local BUS, this may be worth your careful consideration.

The sale of this property is subject to the lenders approval of a short sale.

To read More about Short Sales Check out these previous BLOGS about our previous experiences in getting them done and then give us a call with your questions or to schedule a private showing with advance notice please.

Short Sales are Not a Game.

Some Short Sales in Northwest Indiana Real Estate Are Getting Done Quicker & Easier !

 
Indiana HomeOwner's facing Short Sale - A New Law that may help!

Short Sale tips that Helped us.

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Opportunity Knocks - Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$154,000 Townhouse For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 1562 sqft Lot: 00 sqft Location 351 Cottage View Terrace 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 Opportunity Knocks - Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo Fixer Upper Sold As Is Corner 4 Unit Close to Downtown Valpo! Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Subject to Short Sale Approval Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

Since Valpo is a college town, Valparaiso University under grad or law school students are always look for housing options nearby.

This 4 unit 2 story located at the corner of Chicago St and Elmhurst is near downtown restaurants, coffee shops, banks, businesses, town hall, the courthouse square & more.....not to mention just a few miles from VU.

Worth careful consideration, this Income Producing Property has 4 units (all apartments are leased) and it has been well-maintained and updated.

Enjoy the photo slide show, click on the links for more info and map, call with any questions or for a private viewing appointment with advance notice please 219-405-1232.

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Corner 4 Unit Walk to Downtown Valpo!

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$179,999 Multi Family For Sale Main Features 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Units Interior: 3276 sqft Lot: 00 sqft Location 758 Chicago Street Valparaiso, IN 46385

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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 Corner 4 Unit Walk to Downtown Valpo! Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you! Subject to Short Sale Approval Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs! Affordable Newer Home in Town Location Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

What a Game on New Years Eve - Valparaiso University Crusaders Win in Final Seconds 55-54

over University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers !

Ok, so the scoreboard photo is blurry (hey, this game was a nail-biter :) but it shows that with 3.8 seconds, Valparaiso University Crusaders trailed by 1 &  Milwaukee Panthers coach took a time out to set up a play to inbound the ball which is stolen away (intercepted) by Valpo Senior Brandon McPherson who takes it to the basket himself for the W !

Click link below to watch video recap of this exciting games top moments including the loud ending->

Highlights & final awesome play from the Horizon Network TV

or read a written recap of the game from VU's website->

12/31/2009 - Men's Basketball
McPherson Steal and Layup Gives Valpo One-Point Win in Final Second Over Milwaukee

My voice is still horse from last night :) but it was a great way to bring in the new year for our home-town team!

Next Home game at the ARC Saturday, January 2nd, tip-off 7:05 pm

Valparaiso University Crusaders Vs. GreenBay Phoenix

Looking to Move up and Take Advantage of The Extended and Expanded Tax Credit Before April 30th 2010 ?

How about this Home For Sale in Porter County, IN ?

Location-> Live Among Mansions! Whitethorne Woods an Upscale Gated Neighborhood in NW Indiana w/Easy Access to Major Roads like the Indiana Toll road or I 94 and South Shore Train stop nearby to connect you to Chicago. Excellent Schools (Duneland). Lovely Nature Setting -> Perched on over an Acre Wooded + Professionally Landscaped Lot. Spacious & Elegant Custom Home w/ High Ceilings * Abundance of Windows * Dramatic 2 story Entry Foyer+Great Room w/ Fireplace + Plant or Display Ledges * Fine Upgrades Include : Wide Trim * Beautiful Molding & Wainscoting * Wood Floors *6 Panel Doors * Formal and Informal Living and Dining Spaces *Cherry Wood Kitchen Cabinets * Maytag Appliances *Main Floor Guest Suite * Lavish Master w/Jetted Tub + Sitting Room + 2 Walk-in Closets * Jack & Jill Bath + walk-in closets in 3rd & 4th Bedrooms also * Finished Walk-Out LL has 5th BR w/French Doors & Private Bath *Playroom *Home Office w/lovely Built-ins * 2 Computer Desk/Study Nooks in LL Family Rm! * Watch the Deer from your Big Deck off Kitchen Overlooking the Large Backyard * This Property is Maximum Value! Low Taxes! Call Today to Schedule Your Private Showing w/advance notice please.

Enjoy the Music Slide Show and Happy Holidays :)

xx

After the first 20 minutes of the V.U. Crusaders vs IU South Bend Titans game, I sat wondering how was it even remotely possible that the Crusaders came within 11 points of 6th Ranked North Carolina only a few days earlier? They were missing shots, they were sluggish, they were out rebounded, outplayed, & out scored in every area of the game. (Let's give some credit to the Titans).

In my previous years of watching Valpo play, they had times as a slow starting 2nd half team. After a 10-4 spurt,  the Crusaders were down 43-34 and I was thinking  "uh-oh". During a time out, I turned to the friends behind me and my wife and said "McPherson is a 5th Year Senior, he needs to step up & take control of this game and team with leadership" .....and he did!!!

Valpo went on a 21-0 run!  It all started with Howard Little and Eric Buggs defense to start the 2nd half ! This combined with one of the most impressive 3 point shooting bonanza I have ever seen by Brandon McPherson. Having season tickets in the front row, it was an absolute treat to see him right in front of me knocking down 3pointers... 4 in a row! It was as though the basket was 10ft wide:) Whatever he threw-up, WENT IN! Brandon ended the game with a career high of 25pts.

Valpo won the game final score = 78-56.

This is a young team and there are 2 players that, in my opinion, will need to step it up and be the Leaders - McPherson and Little. Both these guys are very solid players and with their leadership and hard play as examples, Valpo may just have a pretty good year !

Editorial By Jeff Safrin

 If you follow our Blog, you know we are Local Fans of Valpo Crusader's Basketball.

This week the 1st regular season home game is on Thursday, November 19th at the ARC - tip off  7:05 pm.

With alot of new team members on the Roster, this should be an interesting year! 

It's already off to an exciting start as the Valparaiso University Crusaders men's Basketball Team came within 11 points of the ranked  #6 University of North Carolina@ Chapel Hill Tar -Heels  team yesterday in a pre-season game!!!

so....

Come out and Be BOLD - wear GOLD - support your local college basketball team and bring your family and friends!

Tickets  start @ just $7.00 and children under 2 are free.

Yesterday, we had our 2nd F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Round Table Conference.

These informational monthly gatherings at different local spots are for the purpose of our Experienced REALTORS to come together and be updated on the latest Real Estate Market happenings AND share each others business building tips!

We place value on the fact that every individual comes to the table with unique insights and experiences in life and we all can benefit from each others knowledge, backgrounds, or niche's :)

This is a valuable asset in serving our current and future clients-> striving to stay current with continual quality improvement always in mind.

Our discussion included seasonal service tips, real estate lending changes, social media policy, examples of actual in the field issues encountered by others, local MLS board updates, IDX links, and chance for questions and discussion by all.

The last part of our round table was a hands on working / learning opportunity to share what we know.

Here we are gathered around our laptops discussing LinkedIn

We Invite you to Link with us all on linked in  - click names below to  invite us!

Pictured : Ty Gammon, Grace Safrin, Irene Tron, Jessica Tron, Linda Littlejohn

not pictured Olga Kwolek and Jeff Safrin.

As Always we appreciate your business and referrals!

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - experienced REALTORS serving Northwest Indiana

Are ya ready for some football ?

Local, that is. 

I

t's gonna be a cool fall day tomorrow so bundle up and come out and see the Valparaiso University Crusaders play San Diego at Brown Field @ 1:00pm kickoff time!

Go VU !

Hopefully the Victory Bell will ring in a win for Valpo's bold wearing GOLD team :)

See you at the game ( twittering updates perhaps :)                

Have you ever heard an Angel sing?

I did, last night!

 Keri Burman ( a Valpo resident )  has a full time Christian Drama ministry-> Yadah Praise Productions and travels cross country performing at churches re-inacting Women of The Bible in song and story!

Last night our Church's Womens Fellowship group experienced her performance of the story of Queen Esther.

Words do not even do justice to describe what one feels watching this talented young lady sing and act the story.

If your church is looking for a wonderful performer for a future fellowship event. please consider the spirit filled presentations that Ms. Burman has to offer.

• She does not charge (only free-will offerings are accepted at the end of her program).                             

• She certainly has a God gifted calling to spread the gospel!

• She also does programs for teens.

Please visit her website for more information.

We will most certainly invite Keri Burman back to Christ Lutheran Church, perhaps next Spring when our new Sanctuary is complete!

You can find her on Facebook as well :)

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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Just SOLD - This Shorewood Forest Brick Beauty -> click here for details!

We can now take another LISTING in Shorewood Forest, the year round recreational community in Valparaiso, IN that we call home sweet home.

We can market your home exclusively to the masses...bringing ready, willing, and qualified buyers and get you movin, just like we did for these happy sellers....here are their own words describing the home selling experience.....

Dear Grace and Jeff,

Help us in welcoming                                                                 

Irene Tron - Experienced REALTOR

to F.C.Tucker Company's 32nd affiliate brokerage office statewide:

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Northwest Indiana

To those of you here on Active Rain, this gracious lady needs no introduction! We've enjoyed leaving comments on the many posts of her Valparaiso Indiana Real Estate Blog.....she is the 2nd most active blogger in Valparaiso, IN on AR and 7th in the entire state of Indiana ( and ascending rapidly :)

Her grasp of the importance of a web presence and SEO in this changing Real Estate Business, along with her warm, thoughtful personality & people skills, make her a great candidate to come on board with our Virtual Office Model of Real Estate Practice for professionals.

We are doubly blessed to have her on board - she will be working as a TEAM with her daughter Jess Tron

Here are a few of Irene's own words describing her philosophy of practice :

 We wish her continued Success !

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.