Archive for the ‘Merrillville’ Category

 Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville, IN 46410 – Northwest Indiana’s best of the Region Award winner is also a personal Favorite of Ours!

 Many times clients relocating to NW Indiana ask us, Where is a good place to eat?

Although there are many good restaurants in Northwest Indiana, our favorite steakhouse is Gino’s in Merrillville, IN 

Conveniently located off I65 and US 30 interchange, right near the Star Plaza Theatre and a short drive from a day of shopping at Westfield Southlake Mall. Gino’s location is convenient for either a special occasion or a quick last minute quality lunch or dinner.

Click here for Google Map and Street View->Located at : 
600 E. 81st Ave.
Merrillville, IN 46410
Gino's is open daily at 11 am and have great lunch specials-> give them a call to make reservations:
                       
Phone: (219) 769-4466
Or stop in for a drink and some appetizers:) Bon Ape-tit!

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!

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

With the NEW Tax credit for existing home owners (of 5 years) who plan to sell and move up or downsize (up to $6,500).
PLUS
The extension of the 1st Time Home Buyer tax Credit (up to $8K)….
The Next 5 months window of opportunity is best captured when partnered with experienced Professional REALTORS.
Call us to represent you in your next property transaction. 219.405.1232.
Jeff Safrin – Real Estate Broker/Owner
Grace Safrin – Certified Residential Specialist
F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana
“Spouses Selling Houses” TM

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

Serious Buyers Relocate Year Round !

Many people have the idea to “wait” until spring again to put their home on the market.

With that in mind, the competition for homes priced well and staged to sell is less in Fall than in Spring when many more come on the market.

If you are having thoughts about selling your home – why wait and risk Interest rates to go up ? (less people will be able to afford your home if that happens).

Give us a call today or click this link to schedule a Free Comparable Market Analysis.

Have a wonderful Fall Season!

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

Recently we Listed an Affordable Ranch Home in Merrillville, IN

On the way to the listing appointment, we were reminded of many fun times as we passed the Radisson Star Plaza

Hotel AND THEATRE

Not only do they have a Great Irish Pub with good ol food & drink, but we’ve seen funny comedy acts, great concerts and even had our youngest daughters sleepover Birthday Party in Winter at the Hotel a few years back because of their incredible Tropical Indoor Pool & Playground!!!

Because NORTHWEST INDIANA is conveniently located outside of the Major metropolis of Chicago with easy expressway or Toll-road Access as well as South Shore Train for commute….it has become somewhat of a suburb of Chicago-land.

With Lots of Great Shopping Malls and Great City Parks & Services, the Town of Merrillville is worth careful consideration for those looking to relocate to NW Indiana.

Our oldest daughter went to ANDREAN HIGH SCHOOL in Merrillville and had a great time going downstate her senior year for the State Basketball finals and cheering in the CONSECO FIELD house for her TEAM !!!

After the Listing, we stopped at a favorite eatery for a Chicago Style Beef Sandwich at Indiana prices

Yes, The Town of Merrillville, in LAKE COUNTY,

Northwest Indiana has many Fun Options besides these mentioned here- come on down for a visit and experience it for yourself…….

Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Spots, 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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Notice: The Photos in this BLOG are Property of Jeff Safrin and are protected under copyright laws-they may not be copied, reproduced or re-transmitted without the express written consent by Jeff Safrin.