Archive for the ‘News and Announcements’ Category

The F.C.Tucker Company is listed as #number 48 in the July/August issue of REALTOR Magazine, for the number of closed transaction sides in 2009. It is also the Top Indiana Company in SOLD volume (#59).

There is no other Real Estate Company in Indiana ranked higher in either category!

 With over 1,500 agents statewide and over $2 billion in sales, The F.C. Tucker Company is the largest independent real estate firm in Indiana, and is ranked among the largest independent real estate firms in the nation. Its family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services – mortgages, title insurance, a full line of insurance products, auctioning, homeowner warranty products, and relocation services. Started in Indianapolis 90 years ago, Tucker has 35 affiliate offices in Indiana and Kentucky, in addition to its 16 Indianapolis-area offices. Less than one percent of all real estate firms in America enjoy a continuing history as long as F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.

NW Indiana Ladies, ever want to join a bible study?

Here is your chance-New Topic  ‘Praying the names of God” for the Tuesday Evening Ladies Bible Study at Christ Lutheran Church Valparaiso, IN

Announcement:

The Ladies Tuesday Evening Bible Study Group at CLCValpo is starting a NEW Study!

Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler ->

 A 26 week study exploring the Hebrew names of God revealed in scripture.

Each week we will study a different name – so come when you are able!

Enjoy fellowship, prayer time and learn that the names of God given us in Scripture aren’t just ornamental, accidental or even historical…they are given us to confirm attributes of God that address our “very time of need”.

Our 1^st session will begin Tuesday evening 8/24/10 @ 7:15pm -8:45 in room 120.

The 1^st name we study will be: ELOHIM = God, Mighty Creator!

The following week 8/31/10 we will learn about EL ROI = The God who sees me -(one of my personal favorites).

Come Join us ladies – all are welcome here!

Grace Safrin – facilitator.

Contact Paula Starek email: clcvalpo@verizon.net or 219-462-6660  for more information or to sign up! 

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!

Mary Magdalene – A Musical Dramatization by Keri Burman of Yadah Praise Productions – @

Valparaiso, IN  Christ Lutheran Church Tuesday, June 1^st, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. Public Welcome!

Come Join us in our NEW Sanctuary @CLCValpo located at the corner Of Campbell St. & Vale Park Road

for a wonderful reenactment of a Woman of the Bible.

Often mistakenly characterized in popular writings, Mary Magdalene was an early follower of Jesus Christ and witness to His glorious resurrection.  Through songs and monologues, Ms. Burman brings the scriptural based story of Mary Magdalene to life, right before the audience, with spirit filled passion and a God gifted voice!

The Songs:

1. See, What a Morning
2. Heal the Wound
3. Where the Nails Were
4. I Don’t Want to Go
5. They Could Not

The Monologues:

1. Mary’s Introduction, Healed from Demon Possession, (Luke 8:1-3)
2. Becoming a Follower of Christ, The Crucifixion of Jesus (Matt. 27:55; Mark 15:40, 41; Luke 23:27-31, 48-49)
3. The Stone is Rolled Away, Peter and John Believe (Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9)
4. Mary’s Encounter with the Risen Lord, (John 20:10-18, Mark 16:9-11)

The ladies at our Women of the Bible Study @ CLC are excited to host this event.

So, if you would like to join us on Tuesday Evening, June 1st at 7:00 pm please call Paula Starek at Christ Lutheran Church located @ 2610 North Campbell St. in Valparaiso, IN 46385. Tel # 219-462-6660 or email – > CLCValpo@verizon.net

There is no charge to attend - (free will offerings for Keri Burman are appreciated).

We just ask you please RSVP in advance by Sunday 5/30/10 - Refreshments provided after the presentation.

Visit Keri’s website to read how her God given gifts and talents are reaching across all denominations to bring stories of the women of the bible to life and remind us of God’s word and love!

Come Join us…All are welcome here

It’s been a busy first few months of the year at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana!

Our Social Media Strategy for Evangelism is evolving and we now not only are on Twitter  but have a growing Facebook Page and this week started a BLOG as well !

With our new sanctuary building completion projected this Spring, it’s an exciting time!

Check out our blog @ http://www.clcvalpo.blogspot.com

and…Stay tuned for some heartwarming faith stories to be posted by various members of our congregation, including youth!

Christ Lutheran Church invites you to a variety of ministries that are supported in prayer and are celebrated in the praise of God!

Over the years, Jeff & I have been blessed to come to know many fine officers on the Valparaiso, Indiana Police Department in helping them buy or sell homes in town. Below is an announcement about an opportunity for citizens to learn just how much they do in the service of protecting our community. We are thankful for each and every one of them and occasionally, when I hear some of the calls dispatched on our scanner at home I sometimes say a silent prayer of protection:) They are local hero’s!

N E W S

FROM THE
VALPARAISO POLICE
DEPARTMENT

Citizens Police Academy Information

Applications Being Accepted for the Citizens Police Academy

The Valparaiso Police Department is searching for community members that would like to learn more about the police department. The department’s annual Citizens Police Academy is currently accepting applications.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed for community members to meet officers, learn what officers do on a daily basis and become involved in their community. Topics featured in the academy include; investigations, Indiana law, daily traffic laws and enforcement, crash investigations and patrol division duties including many specialties within the patrol unit such as, K-9 presentations, bicycle team, taser usage and firearms scenarios.

The academy class will meet on every Tuesday, beginning on April 13th and will meet for 10 weeks. Classes start at 6:30pm each day. Applications for the academy are available at the Valparaiso Police Department located at 355 S Washington St or online at www.valparaisopolice.org. Applications must be returned to the department by Wednesday March 31st.

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the shot valpo buzzer beater

It’s March. and anything can happen….March Madness they call it

Especially if you live in Indiana and are a college basketball fan!

We’ve blogged about  the fun attending local area basketball events in the winter season each year – family fun for all ages!

Our hometown of VALPO is know for a famous shot during march madness that got them to the sweet 16 once!

“The Shot” is seen each year on CBS during “March Madness” and is considered one of the top moments in NCAA history.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZiJWVoQvJM[/youtube]

Come out and see the game tomorrow – buy tickets online here or at the door!

When Indiana’s largest Real Estate Company puts on an event – It’s 1st class !

At least that has been our experience over the last 9 years, being affiliated with F.C.Tucker Co…..1st as Sales Associates and now as Broker/Owners of one of their 45 offices in Indiana (ours being the northwest office in Valparaiso, IN which services Lake, Porter & La Porte Counties).

The Venue was spectacular! The beautiful landmark in Downtown Indianapolis – The Scottish Rite Cathedral cost over $3 MILLION DOLLARS way back in 1927 to complete!

It’s ornate architecture with craftsmanship details and stained glass windows was certainly something to be taken in and appreciated!

The Awards ceremony took place in the Theater.

Jim Litten (co-owner) gave a re-cap of events in 2009 that affected Real Estate. He referred to 09 as “A Year of Anxiety” with reminders of Bank Failures, Bailouts, economists use of words like recession and even depression. He pointed out that 4 states account for 50% of the stressed markets (CA,AZ,NV,FL) and reminded us that ALL REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL.

That being said, he reported very positive news=> that F.C.Tucker Company did over 2.2 BILLION dollars in sales in 2009 in Indiana – up from the previous total sales year of 2008. October of 2009 was the companies 2nd best month ever in Real Estate Sales history!

Fred Tucker III, then presented hundreds of awards to honor the achievements of REALTORS around the state who persevered and prospered during these challenging times despite the negative press.

One award in particular brought tears to my eyes. The Special Volunteer of the Year Award – Honoring Above and Beyond Service to Mankind went to an F.C.Tucker Agent, who gave her kidney to a complete stranger as a Samaritan Donor in the Fall of 2009. God Bless her!

F.C. Tucker is so much more than a Real Estate Company – it’s the PEOPLE who make it special

Like the final award for the evening:

The Bud Tucker Volunteer of the Year Award, an annual award honoring an individual in his/her commitment to community service, or, as Fred’s father Bud once put it …Civic Duty- “The rent you pay back for the space you occupy”. Recapping the countless past winners and sharing the current vitae of this years recipient brought tears to Fred Tucker’s eyes as he brought up this years winner, with his wife and 2 sons appearing on stage to surprise him and share the moment!

The Banquet following the Awards presentation was filled with Food & Dance & Fun!  Gourmet Food Serving Stations with eclectic presentations i.e. pasta in martini glasses, stir fry in take out boxes, and lavish chocolate desserts! PLUS, a live band made up of TUCKERS own talented musicians and singers to rock the night away Mingling and networking galore with agents from all around the state for several more hours into the night!  FUN is an understated adjective to describe the evening.

I tell Jeff every year this gets better & better  – they out do themselves ?!  You just have to experience this event for yourself 1st hand...If you are considering a change in Real Estate Firms in Indiana - Talk To Tucker, so we can see you at next years celebration:)

Once a relocating client asked us what there was to do once the weather got cold in Indiana? We both answered simultaneously with a grim - BASKETBALL - college basketball that is

Here is a pictorial recap of just the past few weeks FUN.

#1 Notre Dame Vs. Central Florida(ok, so we also wanted to see Marcus Jordan play and to witness 1st hand the shoe choice he made but, his famous fatherMJ sat incognito somewhere in the Joyce Center/Purcell pavillion, so we didn’t get a glimpse of him

Although the game was tied 41-41 at half-time,The Local Favorite Notre Dame played a strong half to win 90-72!

Notre Dame Basketball in South Bend, Indiana	NW Indiana’s own Luke Harrangody(#44) from Schererville & Andrean High School !

#2 Purdue University Boilermakersvs. Valparasio University Crusaders @ Mackey Arena!

It is no secret we are a HOUSE Divided (Jeff went to IU and the girls Purdue)…so we took our youngest out to dinner in West Lafayette, IN(she’s a senior:) and experienced Mackey Arena LOUDNESS for the 1st time as # 4 ranked Purdue coach Matt Painter was classy enough to pull out all the starters with over 5 minutes left to play in the game.

The Northwest Indiana Locals-> Robbie Hummel (Valparaiso, IN) and E’twaun Morre (East Chicago, IN) were something to watch and Jeff’s prediction is that this team will play in the final 4 ( which is in Indy

Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN	See you at the Game! Family Fun in Indiana

# 3 Valparaiso University Crusadersvs. Toledo @ the ARC

We enjoy our Home Town Team Games and seeing past, present and future clients we serve in the community in which we live! VU games are fun for everyone and there is always an interesting half time show!

VU wins at Home against Toledo – this is OUR house	VU Student Super Fans always dress to surprise !
Catch the cash Halftime contest – one lucky winner collected $385. dollars from the basketball floor in seconds !!!	This AMAZING 66 year old grandfather shot FIFTY 3 pointers at halftime!!

This week some of our Experienced REALTORS of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate got together for several events!

One was Virtual REBar Camp – some attended online from the comfort of their home, while a few of us went to our local Board of REALTORS in Merrillville, IN ( GNIAR ) and watched the informative break out sessions hosted there!

The information shared at this event was awesome. We all learned much to implement into business building that will benefit our clients! I am refreshed by the willingness of our TEAM to learn, grow and change with the times and embrace the new social media avenues!

The very next day we held our monthly F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Round Table Event locally in the conference room @ Evelyn Bay Coffee Co. in Valpo. This is an event we look forward to montly as everyone brings something of value to the table!

If you remember last month – we all got LinkedIn feel free to link to us!

This month beside discussing the many of the latest REal Estate Topics i.e. The Local Market Statistics in Lake, Porter and La Porte Counties in NW Indiana, The Expanded and Extended Home Buyer Tax credits and local development issues and much more, – we also each wanted to share our Facebook Pages – so feel free to befriend us - just click on the name below to go to their Facebook Page!

pictured here :

Olga Kwolek

Ty Gammon - Your Neighborhood Matchmaker

Linda Littlejohn

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Serving NW Indiana

Not Pictured

Jeff Safrin

Irene Tron

Jess Tron

Jeff Safrin is a fan of

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana

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