NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog

Real Estate Market Share Stats - Update

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:17:35 -0700

As one of the Leading Real Estate Companies in the World,

F.C.Tucker (also Indiana's largest Real Estate Company established in 1918)

is a leader in Market Share in Closed Sales Volumes Stats.

With over $ 2 Billion Dollars + in residential real estate sold annually just in the State of Indiana,

Talk To Tucker for all your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs!

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Concord Woods neighborhood in Valparaiso, IN Home For Sale 46383

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:56:14 -0700

We've listed and sold homes before in the desirable north side neighborhood named Concord Woods in Valparaiso, Indiana, Porter County, Northwest Indiana.

This week we listed for sale a beautiful home perched on a corner lot 1/2 acre lot that has has a recent kitchen remodel by Charleson Custom Homes!

Close to award winning schools, Lakewood Park, Bi-Centennial Park, and the new YMCA.

In the Spring there are Dafodils, Lilac, quince, Lilly of the valley and dogwood and other blooming ornamental trees...

Summer brings the hydrangeas and the Hostas and Lilies..

Fall colors of the leaves are spectacular to see and in

Winter you can just imaging hearing sleighbells ring (are you listening?)

at 3904 Sleighbell Lane to welcome you Home Sweet Home!

XXXX

Showings by appointment

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Welcome Melissa Rardin, REALTOR, F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Northwest Indiana!

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:46:52 -0700

Were excited to welcome Melissa Rardin, REALTOR to F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate!

If you are looking for someone to work hard for you and help you either sell your Northwest Indiana home or buy another home or even if all you need is information on the current Real Estate Market, please do not hesitate to

Talk To Melissa

219-545-9028

email:

merardin@yahoo.com

Welcome Melissa Rardin, REALTOR, F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Northwest Indiana!

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Sold - Valparaiso, Indiana Real Estate Listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team serving NW Indiana

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:12:09 -0700

This Valparaiso, Indiana Home for sale listed by

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Sold!

105 Days on Market

(including short sale approval time).

Talk To Tucker for all your NW Indiana Realty needs.

We invite you to Visit and "Like" our Facebook Business page to see other Northwest Indiana properties sold

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Northwest Indiana Home Sellers Testimonial

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:59:07 -0700

This Northwest Indiana Home Seller found us by doing an Internet Search, talked to us on the phone and then interviewed us in person to list her property.

Most of our business comes from people we know -> Our sphere of influence, or from past clients we've helped, referrals from: local business associates, other REALTORS, clients, or family and friends recommendations to use our services.

We are grateful for new clients and blessed to earn their trust during the important transaction of buying or selling real estate in NW Indiana.

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Northwest Indiana Short Sale SOLD in 70 Days on Market when listed with F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:35:49 -0700

Some Northwest Indiana Short Sales Close faster than others.

NW Indiana Home Owners who need to sell their property subject to their lender approving a short sale

find us by several different ways including :

Word of mouth referral from past clients

Internet search for Real Estate Brokers expereinced in closing short sales

Recommendations from attorneys who know that we have successfully negotiated short sales with banks.

This Northwest Indiana short sale listed by F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate was on the market only 70 days from For Sale sign up to signing the documents at closing.

We are thankful for cooperation of all parties involved and blessed to have the opportunity to help others in this

non-traditional real estate transaction.

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Just Sold Lake County Indiana Pre-Approved Short Sale

Thu, 03 May 2012 06:05:37 -0700

This Pre-Approved Short Sale in Lake County Indiana closed 68 days after an accepted offer by the seller.

Even if a NW Indiana listed property that is subject to short sale is pre-approved by the sellers lender, the

terms and conditions of the buyers offer on the property

must meet the lenders criteria for the transaction to move forward.

If you are looking to sell your Northwest Indiana Property

subject to your lenders approval of a short sale,

Talk To Tucker

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Short Sale Requests by Lenders: When the bank asks you to do something do you say NO WAY or Yes SIR?

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:41:20 -0700

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!

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Cabela's In Hammond, Indiana !

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:48:48 -0800

This week we spent a few hours exploring Cabela's in Hammond, Indiana.

If you are like me and been around Hammond IN for awhile ( I am a Bishop Noll High School Graduate ), you will know that Cabela's sit on the property that once was the Woodmar Golf Course ( google maps hasn't changed yet - so thie link above confirms this :)

We enjoyed exploring this HUGE facility, shopping for some out wear, & learning alot also. The museum like education displays on fish and animals were incredible. We had fun in the arcades. Jeff even tried a Buffalo Burger for lunch at their restaurant and I bought some FRESH Homemade Fudge from their General store!

From Fishing to Camping to Hunting To anything Outdoors-> i.e. mens & womens clothing, equipment, FOOD, Cabelas just about Has it all!

I can tell you that we will be back again to check out the deals in their Bargain Cave!

Here is Cabelas Main website for stores nationwide! A great place to shop for all ages :)

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Cabelas in Hammond, Indiana - A Field trip For all Ages :)

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:48:11 -0700

This week we spent a few hours exploring Cabela's in Hammond, Indiana.

From Fishing to Camping to Hunting To anything Outdoors-> i.e. mens & womens clothing, equipment, FOOD, Cabelas just about Has it all!

I can tell you that we will be back again to check out the deals in their Bargain Cave!

Here is Cabelas Main website for stores nationwide! A great place to shop for all ages :)

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

WOW - HGTV comes to Valparaiso, IN to film one of our Listings for the TV Show HIDDEN POTENTIAL !

Mon, 12 May 2008 20:44:57 -0700

Today was an exciting Monday for us !

We received a phone call a few months ago about the possibility for one of our hometown properties being featured on HGTV's show HIDDEN POTENTIAL.

Well today, after much behind the scene details, that dream became a reality. Van loads of equipment and a caravan of vehicles, filled with kind and very knowledgeable production crew, spent several hours here in our Vale of Paradise !

The Shows Star Host Brandie Malay, and feature Architect/Designer Barry Wood were both gracious enough to take a moment from their busy schedules to take a photo with us.

These chic professionals bring much expertise to the show!

Barry Wood is an Architect and has his own NY, New York Design/Development Firm

Brandie Malay is also a Professional REALTOR, ABR in nearby Chicago, IL

This Future EPISODE # 608 of Hidden Potential, will probably not air on TV until early fall. The actual Filming of the Home and it's Potential Make-Over was off limits to us. We did get to greet the potential Buyers who have a big decision to make.... picking one of three homes that have been re-designed to meet their future housing needs!

We can, however, show you the picturesque setting in Porter County where this soon to be on TV home sits!

You know what they say.......Location.....Location....Location.... you can graphically redesign and make structural changes to any home.......But the scenery here at this property has been a work in progress by Mother Nature for many years :)

This whole production process has been an enjoyable learning experience, not to mention positive press for us and NW Indiana REAL ESTATE !

We don't Have Palm Trees in NW Indiana....lol

We don't have good weather all year round... Thank God it was a beautiful sunny day today!

But we do have scenic countryside and affordable housing, along with low taxes & award winning schools!

THANK YOU HGTV and the Hidden Potential Crew. From the Producers and Directors, to the Camera man, Set up & lighting crew and Make up Artist etc...thanks to you all for your hard work and efforts to feature a NW Indiana Property! A special thanks to Brandie & Barry as well, for sharing what we love about our Home Town with the rest of the world !

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

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

Visit our Website for Homes For Sale, Vacant Land, Residential Commercial Properties, + More !

For more information on NW Indiana Communities -

check out our Informative BLOGS :)

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Valparaiso, Indiana Short Sale listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Just SOLD

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:20:05 -0700

Just Sold->

another Valparaiso, Indiana Home For Sale Listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real estate serving Northwest indiana.

This Short Sale Closed 95 days after an accepted offer to purchase.

Every NW Indiana Real Estate Transaction is different -> especially short sales!

When you are choosing a Real Estate Broker to represent you in the sale or purchase of a Northwest Indiana Property subject to lenders Approval of a Short Sale, past performance should be carefully considered.

If we can be of service to you in buying or selling real estate in NWI - give us a call.

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana 46360

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:09:07 -0700

Recently, we took our niece and nephew to the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana.

We hadn't visited in a few years, and forgot just how close you can get to the animals on exhibit there!

Snapped a few photos up close and wanted to share them.

If you haven't visited this Northwest Indiana Attraction in La Porte County,

consider putting it on your "to do' list this summer!

And if you are looking to Move to La Porte County, NW Indiana ->

Talk To Tucker to help you find a property that suits your needs and budget!

Rent the Zoo

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Winfield Township Real Estate For Sale in Crown Point Indiana 46307

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:51:14 -0700

We've blogged about moving to Crown Point, IN - The Hub of Lake County Indiana before.

Recently, we listed for sale and Updated Home on 5 picturesque acres of land in Winfield Township.

With it's own library branch and newer schools, this township has homes in a rural setting, yet is city close

(about an hour to Chicago). If you are considering a move to NW Indiana read on....

The uniqueness to this One Owner property, is that over the past 3 decades, original owners

have planted over 900+ trees that are now mature for your seasonal enjoyment including :

Black Walnut, Blue Spruce, White Pine, Silver Maple, Tulip Trees, River Birch, Sycamore, Shag Bark Hickory, Ash, Sweet Cherry, Sour Cherry, Wild Apple, Flowering Crab Apple, Wild Cherry, Rose of Sharon, Liliac Bushes & more!

The back 2 acres of this property

(total acreage measures approx.167.5 x 1320 -

survey available) is

Natural Indiana Prairie Landscape

where various species of wildlife may be spotted->

Blue Heron fishing, or

ducks swimming,

deer stopping by to take a drink.

Enjoy the hi-def music video and then give us a call to schedule a private showing of this beautiful property->

xxxx

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Indiana License Law Changes Affecting Real Estate Agents

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:24:07 -0700

One License for Real Estate!

Indiana will become a single licensure state beginning July 1, 2014.

IN Senate Bill 0275 details the changes in law.

Currently, you can hold either a Real Estate Salesperson License or a Real Estate Broker License in Indiana.

All Real Estate Agents who currently hold a salespersons license will

need to complete a 24 hour Broker transition course by 6/30/14.

Real Estate Broker will be the single license in IN after this date.

Continuing Education Requirements for Real Estate Brokers will also increase in 2014 to 36 hours every 3 years/(12 hours a year).

For more info on Why The Changes? and how this new law impacts current Salespersons, current Brokers,

current Principle Brokers, Licensees in Referral or those thinking of starting a career in Real Estate during

this transition period visit Indiana Association Of REALTORS for some informative videos.

Indiana License Law Changes Affecting Real Estate Agents

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Office # 219-309-9930

serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana

Independently Owned & Operated

Visit our various Social Media Sites: