Archive for the ‘home for sale’ Category

It's been all over the news the last few days - many US Troops are coming home from IRAQ.

We are very thankful for their service during this long war!

Veterans Returning From IRAQ this Year still qualify for the $8000. 1st time Home Buyer Tax Credit

according to REALTOR.org

"Military Personnel Overseas May Still Be Eligible for Tax Credit"

"As part of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit passed on November 6, 2006, military personnel and certain federal employees serving outside the United States may still be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Although the Home Buyer Tax The credit is being made available to eligible military personnel and federal employees who:

• purchases or enters into a binding contract to purchase, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011; and closes on or before June 30, 2011. "
• For additional information about obtaining this credit, please consult the IRS's new release on the Home Buyer Tax Credit for Military Personnel. 

Welcome Home Veterans!

If we can help you find a home in Northwest Indiana, give us a call

If you are planning a move to Chesterton, Indiana located in Northwest Indiana’s County of Porter, did you know you will live about an hour from Chicago by Train ( South Shore Stop map ) or IN Toll road.

Chesterton is home to the world famous Wizard of Oz Festival held annually! We’ve blogged about the Town of Chesterton before.

With the scenic Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan nearby, there is a wide range of housing options available from affordable to mid priced homes to gated Golf Communities/Country Club Settings!

We just listed a move in ready home with amenities galore in the award winning Dune-land School District.

Lower taxes, Affordable Homes, scenic recreation spots, yet big city culture nearby! Enjoy the best of both worlds by living here!

Check out the hi res music video below and give us a call if you are considering making Chesterton, IN your home sweet home!

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 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

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!

entrance to Wild Rose off of Edgewater Beach Road	residents enjoy this pivate park and lake
basketball anyone?	enjoy fishing or boating
neighborhood gazebo	barbeque grills and picnic tables

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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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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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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