Condo Open House in Valparaiso, IN - 03/31/09 05:56 PM
OPEN HOUSE
656 Forest Glen DriveValparaiso, IN 46383
Offered at $123,900
Sunday, April 5, 2009from 1:00 - 3:00
Main floor condo with large foyer, open concept kitchen and living room with a gas fireplace.  Complete with private patio and garage that has cabinets for storage.  Seller will pay one year's HOA dues ($1445.40) with acceptable offer.  Click here for additional pictures and information on this lovely home in Porter County. 
Hosted by:
Irene Tron219-476-5459www.irenetronrealtor.comValparaiso, IN real estate
 
… (0 comments)

Open House - Saturday, April 4, Valparaiso, IN - 03/31/09 05:23 PM
OPEN HOUSE
3806 Pheasant Walk DriveValparaiso, IN 46383
Offered at $333,900
Saturday, April 4, 2009from 1:00 - 3:00
Come see this meticulously maintained 3 bedroom and 3 bath maintenance-free townhome.  Located in Quail Ridge subdivision and close to the country club.  Click here for additional pictures and information on this lovely home in Porter County. 
Hosted by:
Irene Tron219-476-5459www.irenetronrealtor.comValparaiso, IN real estate
 
… (0 comments)

God is Faithful - 03/30/09 12:51 PM
This is an awesome praise of God's protection of His children.  The story was originally on the KSBJ radio website.  I hope you enjoy it.
 
'Royce's recovery'12-28-2008| 'Misty''Worrell''On December 29, 2006 at 0300 Royce got out of bed and got dressed, I asked where he was going (he was the EMS Director for the Atascocita Fire Department and often left for calls in the middle of the night), he said his stomach was hurting worse than any pain he had ever felt and was going to the hospital. I went with him. He ended up being transferred to Hermann downtown and taken … (3 comments)

Social Butterfly! - 03/30/09 10:36 AM
I have become a social butterfly!  How did that happen?  It's all Active Rain's fault!  Hey, I've got to put the blame it on someone or something.
Seriously,  I have always been described as very quiet and shy.  What got me interested in real estate, I'll never know.  One thing just seemed to lead to another.  After being in the business almost 6 months, I've decided that I love it! 
The things I enjoy about real estate:
Meeting interesting people at open houses Educating and helping people make one of the most important decisions of their lives. Blogging on AR Finding … (8 comments)

Easter Cross - 03/25/09 11:19 AM
I just found a great witness tool to remind people that Easter is about our risen Savior. Below is more information and also a link to their website.
The ECW is a way a church can enlist all of its members to be missionaries in the communities and neighborhoods that God has placed them in. The ECW gives believers a tangible witnessing tool to express their faith during Holy Week. It is the prayer that the silent witness of the crosses placed in yards will give opportunity for a verbal witness. Many have come to faith or have begun a journey that … (3 comments)

Rough day - Help on the way! - 03/25/09 11:00 AM
While living in Houston for 15 years, I got hooked on a Christian Praise & Worship radio station.  I listened at home and also while at work.  Since moving away in 2005, I have continued to listen online.  On tough days, the praise and worship music has definitely helped get my focus back on the right things.  So if anyone is interested in checking it out just click on the KSBJ link and you'll be taken right to it.  At the top of their website, you will find a button to click to listen live.  Enjoy the music.
Irene TronValparasio, IN … (6 comments)

Another Open House Success - 03/24/09 10:23 AM
Another sign of spring - I had 11 people at my open house on Sunday.  That's the most I've ever had.  I wonder if it helped that I advertised it everywhere I could think of - My blog, Facebook, AR, website, newspaper.  Honestly not a single person marked on my guest register that they heard about it by reading the newspaper.  It was either the signs or the internet.  At times, I have hesitated to hold an open house if I had missed the deadline for the newspaper.  I don't think that will be a deciding factor for me any longer.  … (11 comments)

Looking for storage space - 03/23/09 05:45 PM
Active Rain, Facebook, Twitter, Ping...and I'm sure there's more but I can't remember!  I have spent the last hour trying to figure out how to tie everything together.  I think I managed to do it but I am not sure.  OK, my brain is on overload again.  It's been one month since I joined AR and there's so much information here. 
I've come to the conclusion that my memory is not going because of my age.  Instead, my brain is so full of things I've learned over my few years that I've run out of room.  I need to find more … (7 comments)

Hebrew Names of God - 03/23/09 01:53 PM
Words change meanings over time.  Have you noticed that?  Some perfectly ordinary words 40 years ago could actually offend someone today if you are not careful how it's used.  So where does that leave us with Bible translations?  Sometimes we cannot assume that we thoroughly understand what a verse means without a word study. 
I enjoy doing word studies because they can bring clarity to a difficult passage.  One of the most interesting studies for me has been on the Names of God.  Here is an excellent link to the Hebrew Names of God.  I hope you find some use for this. 
… (3 comments)

Words Matter (even on the MLS) - 03/23/09 08:35 AM
As I was clearing out files at home last week, I came across paperwork from our move almost 4 years ago to Valparaiso, Indiana.  To my surprise, there were even the MLS flyers from the homes that we had our agent show us over one weekend.  Since I did not have a license at that time, I sat down and went through the flyers slowly today - through the eyes of a real estate agent this time. 
As I thought back to our search, I remembered that one simple word was the reason we even looked at the house that we ultimately bought.  Before I … (11 comments)

The Dawning of a New Day. - 03/22/09 08:52 PM
Has anyone else noticed that things seem to be picking up in real estate?  That sure seems to be the case in my neck of the woods - or should I say, my corn field in Indiana. 
It was an abolutely beautiful, perfect day in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Eleven people came through my open house today and I enjoyed each one of them.  A sunny, spring day just seems to put smiles on people's faces.  Is this a sign that the interest in purchasing a home may be picking up again?  I'd like to think so.
Also, things have gotten a bit busier … (2 comments)

Take my Son - 03/22/09 04:27 PM

Via Rebecca Gaujot , Lewisburg WV (Coldwell Banker Stuart & Watts Real Estate):
This is a great story, take a moment to read it, it will make your day! 
 The ending will surprise you Take my Son A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About … (2 comments)

Open House - March 22 - Valparaiso, IN - 03/20/09 09:14 AM
OPEN HOUSE
3806 Pheasant Walk DrValparaiso, IN 46383Sunday, March 22, 20091:00 - 3:00 PMOffered at:  $333,900
More than meets the eye!  With a total of 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, this meticulously maintained and maintenance-free townhome has much to offer.  The ceramic tile foyer opens up to the dining and living areas.  This large great room leads to a beautiful sunroom.  Off of the sunroom, you will find the master suite with a luxurious whirlpool tub in the master bath.  The second bedroom hs loads of built-in cabinets and is perfect for a home office.  An additional living/rec. room also has … (1 comments)

Does Current-Day Christianity Need a Bail Out? - 03/19/09 08:36 AM
 
Via John March, Broker Hilton Head S.C. Area Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty):

To what degree do you believe the following? And if you have children, to what degree do you think they believe the following?
Moral truth is absolute and unaffected by the circumstances. The Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches.  Satan is a real force.  It is impossible for someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior.  Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while He was on earth.  God is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of the universe who still rules it today. Where … (1 comments)

Anyone hear of Spoofing? - 03/18/09 12:33 PM
 

Via Barbara Whisenant - Homes4SaleSanDiego.com (Richard Realty Groups, Inc):
I have a dear friend who has a court order against someone contacting them.  I received a call from my friend who was terribly upset because that person had contacted them with a telephone number they didn't recognize the area code of.  The minute the callers voice was heard, the receiver of the call hung-up and immediately called their cell phone company.
My friend was told that the caller was probably spoofing the call.  Neither of us had ever heard of this.  After some investigation we found a website that offer to … (1 comments)

No Blogger Left Behind - Develop a Blog Business Plan - 03/17/09 06:29 AM
 
Via Frances Flynn Thorsen, e-PRO, SRS (Socialebb Strategies and Solutions):
… (5 comments)

Moving Checklist - 03/16/09 09:09 AM
Checklist for Moving
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
Give address change to:
•o   Post office
•o   Charge account, credit cards
•o   Subscriptions - magazines, etc.
•o   Friends and relatives
Bank
•o   Transfer funds
•o   Arrange check cashing in new city
•o   Arrange credit references
Insurance
•o   Notify company of new location for coverage of health, fire, auto, etc.
Utility Companies
•o   Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel
•o   Obtain refunds on any deposits made
Medical and Dental Prescriptions
•o   Ask doctor and dentist for referrals
•o   Transfer  prescriptions
•o   Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.
And don't forget to
•o   Empty freezer
•o   Defrost … (2 comments)

Points Explained - 03/16/09 09:03 AM
What is a point?
•·         One point is equal to 1% of the NEW loan amount
Why do lenders charge points?
•·         Whenever government regulations, state usury laws, and/or competitive practices prohibit the lender from charging a rate of interest which would make the real estate loan competitive with other fields of investments, the lender must seek some method of increasing the yield for the investor.  By charging "points" the lender can bring the real estate loan up to those other investments.
Are points called by different names?
•·         Yes -- loan origination fee, commitment fee, discount fee, warehousing fee, funding … (0 comments)

As Seen Through the Eyes of a Buyer - 03/15/09 07:54 PM

Presentation of a home makes the greatest impact on the sale of a home.   Fortunately, this is also the one thing a seller has the most control over.  The first impression can make a difference of thousands of dollars in your pocket at the time of the sale.  To put it simple terms, if it needs to be repaired - fix it!  Your goal should be to create an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and cleanliness.
Exterior
Foundation - any holes, cracks, etc.Rain gutters & down spouts - check  for gaps and clean of debrisSiding - warp or weather damagePaint - … (0 comments)

Extra Icing on My Sin-na-bon, please! - 03/15/09 07:38 PM
No, it's not a spelling error in the title.  I do mean sinnabon with an S not a C.  This is why -
Who doesn't like cinnabons.  You know, the ones that are sold at malls that you can smell a mile away.  Of course, I always ask for extra icing.  Well, our Sunday School teacher today made such a great simile between Cinnabons and God's grace that I just have to share it.  You can keep pouring that extra icing on the cinnabon until you cannot see the cinnamon roll anymore because the icing is covering the whole thing.  That's … (0 comments)

Bible Study - Precept upon Precept - 03/15/09 04:08 PM

Precept upon Precept Bible Study
"Keeping Your Focus When Your Dreams Are Shattered"
A Study on Joseph 
AN IN-DEPTH INDUCTIVE STUDY that will help you understand God's Word, bring healing to your soul, and give direction to your life. 
Four week class on Wednesdays
starting on April 1, 2009
Time:  9:00 AM to 11 AM
Location: Liberty Bible Church
824 N Calumet
       Chesterton, IN           
This is a fantastic way to learn how to study through the Bible on your own. 
Everyone is welcome and childcare is provided.  Please call Liberty Bible Church 219-926-3038 for more information. 
… (0 comments)

Blessed Beyond Measure - 03/15/09 02:50 PM
Yep, that's me - Blessed Beyond Measure!  And what makes it even more amazing is that I don't deserve one bit of it.   Let me tell you about my day ...
 First of all, it was a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky and high in the 50s in Valparaiso, Indiana.  There were so many people out walking the neighborhood enjoying their day.  Spring is in the air.  That right there is enough to put a smile on anyone's face.  But there's more...
 As I'm reading through some blogs on Active Rain, I come across one that was without … (3 comments)

Brain Dead - 03/15/09 02:39 PM
Yesterday, I took some time to look through some of the groups on Active Rain.  I focused on technology, SEO, etc.  What a revelation!  I didn't know what I didn't know!
Let me explain. 
After reading some of the posts, I found myself staring at the computer screen blankly -- overwhelmed.  I realized I had no clue what they were talking about.  Some of the information was so far over my head that I could smell the smoke coming from my brain.
After a few seconds of feeling utterly stupid, I stopped ...
                                                                          thought...
                                                                                   and told myself:     
"Self, … (2 comments)

Stop and Check your Twitpics - don't get stuck - 03/14/09 07:07 PM
Being new to Twitter, I thought this may be helpful to others in the Indiana area.

Via Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui):
Check Your Twitpic uploads - it could be someone else's picture
Have you ever loaded a picture to Twitpic.com and added a comment to go with it? 
Have you ever checked the picture and it was not your picture?  There was an imposter picture?
That happened to me twice in one day.  It stopped me in my tracks!  Where was my truck pic?  Who posted that cement truck driving … (1 comments)

Are you protecting your Client? - 03/14/09 10:36 AM
This is a great reminder for all of us.
Via Charles McDonald / Your Trusted Broker for Charlottesville Real Estate (RE/MAX - www.MyCharlottesvilleAGENT.com):
I have written about this before but I am seeing several new bloggers on the net and this is an important issue:
Agents: Are you blogging/posting about a current deal / transaction you are involved in?
Think about it for a minute....
I would never consider posting on my blog about a deal I am actively negotiating.
WHY?
1. I have a lot of people (many local agents) reading my blog. Could the agent on the other side of the transaction see … (1 comments)

Lost without email! - 03/12/09 02:14 PM
Our company's server crashed yesterday!  We were without email capability or our websites for hours.  Talk about feeling lost!  I didn't realize how lost I could feel without being able to read or respond to my emails. 
I'm grateful that everything was up and running again late this morning.  The only problem is that all my information and links on my website is gone.  But, guess what the good side of this is!  I get to redo my website with all the knowledge I have gathered on AR.  It'll be even better than before.  It needed improvement anyway.  Since I had … (7 comments)

Technology has made my day! - 03/11/09 12:45 PM
For those of us in real estate, we use computers and technology on a daily basis.  Where would we be without access to the MLS, emails, etc.  In our office there has been a huge push to increase our visibility on the internet. 
As a result of that, I recently joined Facebook and it has made my day!  Last night I found on Facebook the one person that influenced me more than even my parents when I was growing up.  So much of the person I've become and what I think is due to his influence on me.  I've thought of him … (1 comments)

Foreclosure or Sell Below Market - 03/11/09 07:56 AM
Here's a situation I could use some advice on.  My friends, let's call them Sally and Joe, bought their home 9 years ago.  Since it needed quite a lot of work, the home had been on the market for some time.  Joe has the knowledge and experience to do most of the work himself so they bought this home at a fair price.  Over the years, they have invested time, money, and lots of elbow grease and they now have a beautiful home.  Roof and siding have been replaced within the last three years.  Updated kitchen, fresh paint, added on a large … (7 comments)

Be Prepared for a Showing in 15 Minutes - 03/10/09 02:26 PM
As we all know, first impressions are important.  Here are a few suggestions on a quick clean-up when someone calls and would like a showing NOW!  (This assumes that the major things have already been accomplished, such as:  trees & shrubs maintained, pests eliminated, fresh coat of paint, etc.)
Make sure dirty dishes are in the dishwasher Wipe down the counters if needed Empty the garbage Vacuum quickly Put dirty clothes in hamper or washer Take a quick look around to make sure things are in place Turn lights on for a bright look Pat yourself on the back for a … (0 comments)

Smart phone - useful for business - 03/10/09 11:18 AM
One of the best investments I've made in my real estate business is buying a Smart Phone.  Since my old phone was on the verge of death, I decided to look into one that would also work as my key card.  A call to the Greater Northwest Indiana board office gave me the information I needed on the different choices I had. 
With my smart phone, I can do so much more than I expected.  Since I don't leave home without my charged cell phone, I always have my key card also.  It updates itself every night without me having to do … (1 comments)

An enjoyable volunteering experience - 03/09/09 05:11 PM
How can a morning of stuffing envelopes be fun, informative, enjoyable, and a blessing?  Well, let me tell you about my first experience volunteering at the Baptist Children's Home in Valparaiso, IN.   It was all that and more.  In less than 3 hours spent with about 40 other people, I learned how our attitude can make such a difference on how we handle difficulties in life.  Everyone there was awesome!  I don't think the other 3 women and 1 male sitting at my table would mind me tellling you that they were 82 years young and above.  I call them young because that was … (1 comments)

Good Friday Service - 03/08/09 09:37 PM
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 
Location:  Faith Evangelical Baptist Church305 East 400 NorthValparaiso, IN 46383219-464-8418
Day and TimeFriday, April 10 at 7:00 PM
Please join us for a very special evening of worship and commemoration.  Everyone is invited.  Feel free to bring your entire family. If you have any questions you can reach the church at 219-464-8418.
Hope to see you there!
Irenewww.irenetronrealtor.com
 
… (0 comments)

Home & Garden Show - Valparaiso, IN - 03/08/09 07:17 PM
Home and Garden Show
 Thursday, March 12 thru Sunday March 15, 2009Thursday 10 - 5Friday and Saturday 9 - 9Sunday 10-5
The Home and Garden Show will take place at the Porter County Expo Center in Valaraiso, IN at Rt 49 and 30.  The website for more information is:  www.PCBAonline.com.  The contact phone number is 219-464-2944.
 Irenewww.irenetronrealtor.com
… (0 comments)

Update on "Sphere of Influence" - 03/08/09 02:32 PM
 
Am I ever surprised!  My stats show that the blog I wrote a couple of days ago on Sphere of Influence has been read more than any other one of my blogs.  I have also received the most comments on it.  I so appreciate every single comment and I have learned a lot from them.
I now realize that our "Sphere of Influence" goes way beyond our friends, fellow workers, etc.  What about the cashier at the grocery store we frequent on a regular basis?  Then there's the favorite waitperson at the restaurant.  How do I treat them and what … (4 comments)

Open House - Valparaiso Sunday, March 8 - 03/08/09 08:07 AM
Open house2154 LennoxValparaiso, IN
3 bedrooms ,2 car garage, 2.75 baths
Hwy 2 south of US 30 to 100W.  South on 100W to Emerald Ridge entrance of Carlisle St. right on Carlisle, right on Cameron, left on Lennox
See you Sunday from 1-3.
www.irenetronrealtor.com
 
 
… (0 comments)

Dictionary of Real Estate Terms - 03/07/09 10:55 AM
I was at Borders last night and came across a very helpful book.  It's called the "Dictionary of Real Estate Terms" and is published by Barron's.  ISBN-13:  978-0-7641-3936-9.  It's a great reference guide for buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, etc.  With over 3,000 terms, definitions, and examples, it could prove to be extremely useful out in the marketplace.  I know I'll use it when writing listings since it includes descriptions of different house types such as:  Dutch Colonial, bungalow, Elizabethan style, etc.
I'm sure lots of real estate pros already use it or something like it but newbies may find it useful.
… (3 comments)

Sphere of Influence - 03/06/09 01:52 PM
Call me a homebody -- but I don't think I had heard the phrase "Sphere of Influence" until I got into real estate.  Part of the reason may be that I have never been in any type of sales until now.   I remember the first time I heard it was in a training meeting with my broker manager.  I thought, "Now, that's a catchy phrase".  Silly me!  Now I realize that it seems to be one of the most used phrases in the industry. Would you believe it - I have a "Sphere of Influence."  (very small)
Well, I gotta go influence my … (10 comments)

Hooked on blogging - 03/06/09 12:28 PM
Well, it's happened!  I am officially hooked on blogging.  If someone would have told me 3 months ago that I would be here writing this, I would have told them they were absolutely out of their mind!  I not only enjoy Active Rain, but I've also starting looking for other places to blog such as Facebook and MyDaddy.  It's crazy!  ACTIVE BLOGGERS UNITE! 
Well, have a great weekend everyone.  I'll try to get out in the sunshine.
Irenewww.irenetronrealtor.com
 
… (5 comments)

Internet or shaking hands -- which is best? - 03/05/09 08:25 AM
Being new in the business world of real estate, I am still working at figuring out where I fit in the best.  While talking to my daughter, I realized just how important the internet is in today's world.  Her point of view is that she will not consider doing business with anyone until she has checked out their website.  This is her way of getting a feel for their professionalism and how up to date they are.  Whenever she is about to make a purchase, she checks it out on the internet first.  Yet there are still some people that do … (2 comments)

Understanding the home buyer tax credit - 03/04/09 03:29 PM
This is my understanding of the home buyer tax credit.  If I am is error on anything, please let me know.  Thanks
UNDERSTANDING THE HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT 
•·       Income restrictions:
Single - $75,000
Married - $150,000
•·       Credit is available only AFTER you close on your home
•·       Credit can be claimed on 2008 or 2009 tax return
•·       As long as you own the home for 3 years, you will not have to pay it back
•·       Closing must take place between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009
•·       You cannot have owned a home at anytime in … (3 comments)