Archive for the ‘Lake County’ Category
Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification
After several years of experience in Listing and Selling Properties in Northwest Indiana Subject To Lenders Approval of Short Sale, Jeff Safrin, Real Estate Broker/Owner of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate completed the National Association Of REALTORS requirements for the SFR - Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification Designation.
Every Short Sale is not the same - There are many possible scenario’s that can occur during the complex process of short sale approval (lender’s filing of foreclosure proceedings, bankruptcy court proceedings etc..).
1st hand experience in working through these difficult situations are not taught in the basics of NAR’s class, but in the “school of hard knocks” called life experiences.
Our best resource for helping you decide whether you choose us to represent you in the sale of your property which may be subject to your lenders approval of a short sale is the recommendation of our past clients or attorneys who have worked with us during this specific type of real estate transaction.
References available upon 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
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Our 1st Video Client Testimonial…
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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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
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Indiana Real Estate Market Reports By County January 2009 verses January 2010
The Indiana Association of REALTORS has a great website called Indiana Is Home.
There is a collection of Market Data Reports with Statistics on home Sales in Indiana by County updated monthly
Here is a link to January 2009 vs. January 2010 Existing Single Family Residential Home Sales
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
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Ranch Home For Sale in Hessville, IN 46323 Subject To Short Sale Approval
Click here to read about Short Sales in Northwest Indiana we have facilitated successfully.
Then give us a call if you are in the market to Buy a Short Sale Listing.
or…
If you are behind on your mortgage payments and your lender will consider a short sale, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 to set up a time to meet and tour your property and talk to see if we can help you.
Subject to Short Sale Approval
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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 |
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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
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Just In Time For Valentine’s Day – Affordable, Move in Ready Home For Sale in Hammond->
Looking for an affordable Home For Sale in NW Indiana’s Lake County? This 858 SF Ranch is $69,000.
Why Pay Rent?
Freshly Painted Inside – Neutral Colors!
Perched on a 80 x 75 Corner Lot = 3 bedroom Ranch Home w/Fenced Yard & Detached 1.5 Car Garage + 8 ft. Shed makes great starter home or may be the one for those looking to downsize + have the ease of one level living!
Country Kitchen w/Pergo Wood Floor, Wood cabinets, Double Stainless Sink & Stove/Gas Range included. Utility Room off Kitchen is Well insulated, washer & dryer hookups. Living Room off Kitchen w/Pergo Floor and Crown Moldings. Hallway to BR’s/bathroom w/Pergo Floor also. Attic Access from hall for added storage.
Windows & Gas Furnace replaced approx. 11 years ago. Hot Water Heater approx 9 years ago. Roof (tear off) done in 2004. Vinyl Siding. Landscape Beds w/solar lights. Sensor Lights on Garage.
Quiet Location-Gibson woods nearby. Convenient to Commute. Hammond Residents children may qualify for College Bound Scholarship Program.
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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
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Northwest Indiana Homes For Sale with Seller Assisted Financing -> Seller Pays Closing Costs
With the 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit deadline for accepted Real Estate Purchase Contracts being 4/30/10, NOW is a good time to buy a home in Northwest Indiana!
Here are NW Indiana Homes For Sale that offer Seller Assisted Financing - Seller will pay Buyers Closing Costs or pre-paids allowable by lender with a full price accepted offer*
Lake County Indiana Home For Sale in Griffith, 46319 – Seller helps with Buyers Closing Costs ->
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Porter County, Indiana Home For Sale in Portage, 46368 – Seller helps pay Buyers Closing Costs ->
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La Porte County, Indiana Home For Sale, 46350 – Seller helps pay Buyers Closing Costs ->
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For an appointment to see any of these properties – don’t hesitate to give us or one of our experienced professionals @ F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate a call.
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
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New on Market – Home For Sale in Gary, IN on 2 Lots
Spacious Home on 2 Lots
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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 |
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Our recent listings
Spacious Home on 2 Lots
Down the Block From Cedar Lake Elegant & Spacious Home in Upscale Gated Community Custom Home + Retreat Like Setting Walk To Bass Lake – Newer Home on Almost an Acre!
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Top 10 Reasons to List Your Home For Sale using the Professional Services of “Spouses Selling Houses“ TM…
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 1stVice 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 3rd 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.
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For Sale By Owner Stories = The Good, The BAD, & the Ugly ->
For Sale By Owner Stories= The Good, The BAD, & the Ugly->
The Good….
Growing up in a small neighborhood on the south side of Chicago called Hegewisch, (where everybody knew everybody), I can remember several FSBO transactions that happened without contracts! Property was sold by verbal agreement and a handshake….. ah the good old days of people who kept to their word. Today, things are not always as easy, although many FSBO sales are successful. Lately, with the challenging economy & Real Estate Market, the caveat of Buyer Beware calls even more for professional services of a licensed Real Estate Broker.
Since 1999, I’ve been compiling stories (maybe I’ll write a book someday:) of actual events of meeting with FSBO owners. Some we listed and sold, some we helped facilitate the sale by bringing a buyer. But some…. were TBA-AAC (to be avoided, at all costs). Here are just a few excerpts from some of our experiences of dealings with FSBO properties.
The Bad….
A son, with the same name first & last names as his father, met with us to discuss the sale of a 3 unit investment property that we had a potential buyer for. He represented himself as the owner, but the business card, which he gave us when we toured the property had JR. after his name…the county record did not! When Jeff later called to confirm ownership and validity of intent to sell with the SR., his voice became sad for being the one to break shocking news to an elderly man about what his only son was attempting.
A Husband and Wife (two separate last names on title, quickly explained to us when questioned about it, that the change was never made with the county after marriage). At the appointment later in the week, the couple claimed they were motivated to sell, only problem, they must have forgot we printed the county record and when the husband introduced his wife with a different 1st name?… truth = It was actually his mother on Title & Deed – a quick phone call to Mom on the spot was enlightening… LOL …uh oh, no sale here after mama found out.
The Ugly….
A previous client tried to get his friend to at least talk with us before buying for sale by owner. He did not heed the advice, yet a few months after the sale, he did called us about a flood in the basement (neighbors eagerly informed him the home always floods with heavy rains….something that was not told to him by the previous owner). We asked him what the Indiana Residential Sellers Disclosure FORM said….oh no - FSBO not required to disclose defects with the property in IN…so none was ever filled out, like every professionally LISTED property is required to have!
One beautiful FSBO home was listed 100 K over area comps (it was stunning, with an exceptional premium lot – so our buyers asked us to investigate).
The sellers told us they had several deals fall through – we asked why? Apparently, the 3 mortgages on the property (all different lenders) would not allow or come to an agreement on terms to permit any short sale…The sellers were so upside down on what they owed the banks on this property!
We wondered after leaving this home: How any potential buyers could entrust FSBO sellers in similar situations with thousand of dollars in earnest money??…not knowing important background information on the property liens ?
Remember the wise advise written in the refrain to the song Kenny Rogers sang called ‘The Gambler’?
Know when to walk away. There are enough obstacles in a regular real estate transaction these days of getting safe, listed properties to close – no bluffing!
If you are currently trying to sell your property For Sale By Owner without success, give us a call to show you Plan B – We’ve helped many previous FSBO clients get their home SOLD… read some of our TESTIMONIALS.
If you are a serious pre-approved buyer and considering a FSBO property purchase – use our services as a Buyer Agent to represent you in the transaction.
Give us a call today @ 219-405-1232 to discuss any questions or your particular situation.
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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 in NW Indiana.
Jeff



& Grace



Safrin “ Spouses Selling Houses” TM
Real Estate Broker /Owners of F.C. Tucker – 1st Team Real Estate – Independently Owned & Operated
the 32nd affiliate office of F.C.Tucker => Indiana’s Largest Real Estate Company
On Facebook ?…… be-friend us – look up Jeff Safrin : )
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Guard Your Home Like the Swan Guards Her Nest….
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.
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Jeff



& Grace



Safrin “ 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
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Created by Philip Norton