Archive for the ‘fixer upper’ Category

 Recently we SOLD a home In Porter County, IN  that we listed subject to lenders approval of a short sale.

Short sales are not a game.

There were back up offers on the property.

The Buyers with the 1st offer submitted were savvy enough to do ALL of their due diligence according to the contract terms and conditions mutually agreed upon BEFORE the short sale was approved.

Short sales are bittersweet.

We have become much more select at which sellers we will work with to list an Indiana  short sale property and which buyers we will work with to show a Northwest Indiana short sale property.

Extensive interviewing goes into the decision process so we have the best chances of getting deals done! 

Uncooperative sellers or fickle buyers only make for experiences which will be passed along to friends and relatives who become “experts” in their own mind, because of “stories”  they have heard

Hasty and sweeping generalizations about short sales are, by definition, illogical.

We glady accept back-up offers on our Short sale listings -> Sale pending does not mean SOLD.

If you are considering buying a short sale, give us a call to discuss at lenght the risks of this non traditional type of Real estae transaction. Some Short sale Buyers are Missing the Boat so to speak. Or,  if you are behind on your mortgage payments give us a call to see if selling your home with your lenders approval of a short sale is an option to consider?

 SFR certified and have closed short sale listings in NW IndianaHAFA or not, EQUATOR system or not.

Here are some Northwest Indiana Short sale properties we have SOLD as well as some of our insights to working to get short sale deals done:

please click on the link to read the story behind each of these successes.

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/206925/sold-by-the-safrin-s-successful-short-sale-2262-vermillion-st-lake-station-in-46405-northwest-in-priced-to-sell-with-alittle-tlc-spacious-corner-home-big-fenced-yard

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1420474/lake-county-indiana-short-sale-sold-in-26-days-from-for-sale-sign-up-to-signing-the-closing-documents

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1296437/some-short-sales-in-northwest-indiana-real-estate-are-getting-done-quicker-easier

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1722094/just-sold-la-pore-county-in-short-sale-closed-before-the-june-3oth-1st-time-home-buyer-tax-credit-deadline-whew-

  http://activerain.com/blogsview/239193/Short-Sale-Tips-that-Helped-Us

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1504566/some-nw-indiana-short-sales-are-closing-sooner-than-traditional-real-estate-transactions-

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/861999/happy-new-year-for-indiana-homeowners-facing-short-sale-new-law-that-may-help

  http://activerain.com/blogsview/588362/13-weeks-to-Complete

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/475656/Valparaiso-IN-Opportunity-Knock

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1593093/back-up-offer-closed-in-this-real-estate-market-anything-can-happen-we-encourage-our-sellers-to-keep-showing-their-property-

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/520985/indiana-realtors-take-note-2008-legislation-you-should-be-aware-of-

  http://activerain.com/blogsview/1349045/our-listings-of-reo-or-bank-owned-properties-for-sale-are-selling-quickly-in-nw-indiana-once-priced-right-and-ready-for-ma

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!

Schererville, IN 46375 For Sale – Ranch Home on Acre Wooded Lot  – Fixer Upper – Sold as is.

The Northwest Indiana Town of Schererville is conveniently located in Lake County which borders the Illinois State Line, making a Chicagoland commute do-able!

This Ranch home (no basement) is perched on an ACRE wooded lot measuring  75 x 605.

With some TLC and finishes this would make a great starter home or for those looking to downsize and need the ease of one level living – this is worth your careful consideration.

Located just down the block from Homan Elementary School and close to downtown Schererville, shopping, restaurants, etc…

reasonable Property Taxes too!

Please allow ample time for attorney review / response to all offers. Call for more details or to schedule a private showing with advance notice please.

xxx

Fixer Upper Sold As Is

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$124,999 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 1572 sqft Lot: 1.04 acre(s) Location 1514 Austin Schererville, IN 46375 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 Spacious Home, Corner Lot,Subject To Short Sale Fixer Upper Sold As Is Look No More – This Bungalow will surprise you! Best Value in Gated Community Subject To Short Sale Approval Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Schererville, IN real estate for sale

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Please visit our YOU TUBE Video Channel = NorthwestINREALTORS

for Musical Home Tours of Properties For Sale in NW Indiana!

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Lake County, Porter County and

La Porte County in Northwest Indiana.

Feel free to subscribe if you like, to be the 1st to see Music Home Video tours of our NEW Listings as they come on the market!

We’ve been blessed to have served many wonderful people in NW Indiana over the past decade and are grateful for the repeat business and referrals from past clients as well.

Our website has had a Testimonial page for years with letters from clients who gave us permission to share their story ….each situation being unique and just as varied as every home we help sell or buy

Yesterday, after a real estate closing with repeat clients who we’ve come to know and like over the course of helping them in both buying and selling homes in the last 6 month period…we did our 1st Video Client Testimonial.

Thanks Kindly to Tom and Shannon for taking a few moments to endorse our services:)

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Top 10 Reasons to List Your Home For Sale using the Professional Services of “Spouses Selling Houses” TM…

1) Satisfied Clients

Our proven record of providing clients with the best possible service speaks for itself. Please feel free to read our many client Testimonials @ www.safrin.net

2) Straight Talk

We don’t tell clients what they want to hear if it’s not reality. Last year we turned down as many Listings as we SOLD. In this market, there is a difference between wanting to SELL or wanting to STAY. We work collaboratively with those who are willing to listen to professional suggestions.

3) WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get

No Gatekeepers – We answer our own phone calls and give personalized service throughout all phases of your Real Estate Transaction.. No unlicensed personnel or assistants taking your calls, messages or handling the file of one of your life’s biggest investments!

4) Technology

The REAL ESTATE Business is changing. We strive to continually improve our knowledge and keep up with an assertive Internet Marketing Plan and the use of : Social Media Like Twitter, Facebook, Linked-IN, Blogs, SEO, Syndication, Google Ranking, Data tracking- i.e. IP visits/key word analysis.

5) Communication & Follow Up

Having two licensed Real Estate Brokers working for you is an advantage. We place value on keeping our Clients informed.

6) Thinking Outside the Box

In Today’s Challenging Real Estate Market, we have been recognized nationally for our use of innovative strategies to help sellers achieve their goals of Relocation. To read more about this search Google :” Safrin + Reverse Offer “. or read about our successful Short Sale Strategies-> click here

7) Pre-qualify All Buyers we work with

Since day one – we have had this policy! In today’s tight lending environment, it is more important than ever not to waste your time (or ours) by determining ready, willing, and able buyers prior to scheduling a showing on your property.

Value of a Certified Residential Specialist.

Only 4% of REALTORS nationwide have achieved this designation. Not only is extra education a requirement, but proof of a threshold number of successfully closed transactions in a certain time parameter. Grace Safrin is a CRS – read why this makes a difference in marketing your property to sell @ http://www.crs.com/msite/6613688

9) Value of a Top Producer

Title of 1^stVice President of Residential Sales and Life Member of Presidents Club ( our company’s highest honor) is achieved by a disciplined, results oriented work ethic. Jeff Safrin is a consistent top producer both in NW Indiana and statewide.

10) The Power of F.C. Tucker

Founded in 1918 on the “Golden Rule” philosophy, this 3^rd generation family-owned business is the largest and most successful real estate company in the State of Indiana, representing more buyers and sellers than any other company statewide.

We’d be humbled if you’d consider using our professional services – Please give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

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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 helping you too!

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin – “Spouses Selling Houses” TM

Real Estate Broker/ Owners of F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate-Independently Owned & Operated

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

Earlier this week, Jeff got a call to do another Broker Price Opinion on a deserted Home Facing Foreclosure in Northwest Indiana.

It’s sad to note, that some of these properties have been neglected for a long time, with water damage and mold growing as a result.

Surprising that people wait so long and finally abandon their homes. I often wonder when looking at the damages shown by photos…. if the homeowner tried calling a Real Estate Broker experienced in negotiating short sales early in the game….before it’s too late….or even talked to the lender about loan modification programs to get a lower interest rate before their 1, 3, or 5 year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) came due?

The bright spot in the trip came when he stopped along the way back home and took this picture of a Swan carefully guarding her NEST….there is no doubt she would fuss and fight if anyone threatened to take it away.

An old Proverb came to mind when I saw this photo :

Proverbs 27:8
⁸Like a bird that wanders from her nest,
So is a man who wanders from his home.

If you are behind or unable to make your mortgage payments – call us to discuss possible options.

_____________

Jeff& GraceSafrin “ Spouses Selling Houses” TM

Real Estate Broker / Owners of F.C. Tucker – 1st Team Real Estate one of 32 offices Independently owned and operated affiliated with F.C.Tucker- Indiana’s Largest Real Estate Company (established1918).

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 Counties.

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

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

TWITTER?? …Follow…. SAFRIN

Our Listings of REO or Bank Owned Properties For Sale are selling quickly in Northwest Indiana.

Recently we had a listing which was under contract in only 14 days on the market, and closed 27 days later.

However – there was much time, energy and effort by us behind the scenes working collaboratively with the REO specialist at the bank which took months PRIOR to this happening!

This included:

Doing Broker Price Opinion’s in both an “as-is” condition AND another BPO with repair estimates included.

This required meeting multiple licensed contractors at the property in order to provide detailed written quotes on any Repairs or Mold remediation.

Submitting these to the REO Manager (on Bank Forms) and awaiting the file to be returned from committee for decision on what work will actually be doneand the decision on listing price, takes persistent follow up skills.

Detailed Photos (before and after) and invoicingmust be kept & shared with the bank contact.

Also, the REO department has specific Bank Contracts and Addendum’s that differ from our State or Local Board Real Estate agreements and these must be reviewed carefully.

Sometimes, customary fee’s like Title Insurance, are NOT customary , but negotiable!

Financing REO Properties is another topic in and of itself these days

Mortgage departments familiar with this ever growing trend of Real Estate sales are sharing their specific requirements for internal financing of REO properties which may or may not differ from their Local lending branches for conventional home sales.

All in all, in our opinion here are the keys to a quick REO sale ->

• Competitive Market Price- a Real Estate Broker experienced in BPO’s can help set this!
• Decent Property Condition – a home in which health or safety concerns have been addressed & corrected sells quicker!
• Mass Marketing efforts / Internet sydication of the listing from day one of going on the market- multiple showings and competition among qualified buyers yields better offers (a Certified Residential Specialist can help with this
• Excellent communication,attention to details, and meticulous follow through by the Listing Agent (s) of Record are needed in this current market to get deals to the closing table!

If you are a Bank or Lender who has Inventory of Foreclosed Homes in NW Indiana and are looking? to move them quickly, please call us for a confidential consultation. References available on request.

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

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin,  Broker / Owners

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate – Independently Owned & Operated

13 Lincolnway Suite # 203, Valparaiso, IN 46383          Office # 219-309-9930