After the first 20 minutes of the V.U. Crusaders vs IU South Bend Titans game, I sat wondering how was it even remotely possible that the Crusaders came within 11 points of 6th Ranked North Carolina only a few days earlier? They were missing shots, they were sluggish, they were out rebounded, outplayed, & out scored in every area of the game. (Let's give some credit to the Titans).

In my previous years of watching Valpo play, they had times as a slow starting 2nd half team. After a 10-4 spurt,  the Crusaders were down 43-34 and I was thinking  "uh-oh". During a time out, I turned to the friends behind me and my wife and said "McPherson is a 5th Year Senior, he needs to step up & take control of this game and team with leadership" .....and he did!!!

Valpo went on a 21-0 run!  It all started with Howard Little and Eric Buggs defense to start the 2nd half ! This combined with one of the most impressive 3 point shooting bonanza I have ever seen by Brandon McPherson. Having season tickets in the front row, it was an absolute treat to see him right in front of me knocking down 3pointers... 4 in a row! It was as though the basket was 10ft wide:) Whatever he threw-up, WENT IN! Brandon ended the game with a career high of 25pts.

 Valparaiso University Crusader Cheerleaders

 Howard Little and Eric Buggs (#15) Help Brandon McPherson up :)

 VU Crusaders 1st 2009 season home game vs. IU south Bend Titans

 Valparaiso University Crusader maskot

 VU Band and Student Section with Super Fans :)

 Free Throws- they will be key to getting the W !

Valpo won the game final score = 78-56.

This is a young team and there are 2 players that, in my opinion, will need to step it up and be the Leaders - McPherson and Little. Both these guys are very solid players and with their leadership and hard play as examples, Valpo may just have a pretty good year !

Editorial By Jeff Safrin

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 

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!

Olga Kwolek, Ty Gammon, Linda Littlejohn, Grace Safrin  all expereinced REALTORS with F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana

 

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

 

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 

 Valparaiso University 2009 Men's Basketball Team Preseason Game at the ARC in ValpoIf you follow our Blog, you know we are Local Fans of Valpo Crusader's Basketball.

 

This week the 1st regular season home game is on Thursday, November 19th at the ARC - tip off  7:05 pm.

 

With alot of new team members on the Roster, this should be an interesting year! 

 

It's already off to an exciting start as the Valparaiso University Crusaders men's Basketball Team came within 11 points of the ranked  #6 University of North Carolina@ Chapel Hill Tar -Heels  team yesterday in a pre-season game!!!

Howard Little Shoots a free throw in preseason VU game at the ARC

so....

Come out and Be BOLD - wear GOLD - support your local college basketball team and bring your family and friends!

Tickets  start @ just $7.00 and children under 2 are free.

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 
Look No More - This Bungalow will surprise you!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$145,500
Single Family Home
For Sale
Main Features
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 2322 sqft
Lot: 7,500 sqft
Location
7020 Olcott Avenue
Hammond, IN 46323

Jeff & Grace Safrin

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
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Hammond, IN real estate for sale


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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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 
Affordable Tri-level in Portage, IN on 2 Lots! - $118,000
Main Photo
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Parking Spaces: 2
Year Built: 1965
Subdivision: Cooley's
Lot Size: 75 x 125
Garage Size: 2.5 Car
School District: Portage
Square Footage: 1240
Agent Name: Jeff Safrin
Broker: F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
MLS #: 252403
Price: $118,000
Flexibility: Negotiable
Additional Pricing Information: Convenient Location !
2329 Hickory Street
Portage, IN 46368
  • Range/Oven
  • Full Refrigerator
  • Washer/Dryer
  • Microwave
  • Hardwood Floors
  • Kitchen Island
  • Vaulted Ceilings
  • Patio
  • Fenced Yard
  • Swimming Pool
  • Grass Lawn
Perched on a double lot, this 3 bedroom tri-level home has a detached 2.5 car garage with side drive and a large fenced backyard with patio & 24' round above ground pool with newer filter(2008) and wood swing/ play set stays. Open concept living room with volume beamed ceiling. Country kitchen with beautiful newer wood cabinets, small prep island, pergo wood floor, all appliances stay. Large updated main bath off kitchen as well as spacious master bedroom with ceiling fan. Other 2 bedrooms are in the lower level along with utility room. Washer & Dryer stay. Windows and interior doors replaced within the last year. 2 window a/c units included. 1st time home buyers opportunity knocks at this affordable price. You may qualify for an $8,000 tax credit if offer accepted by 4/30/10. Call to schedule a private showing with advance notice please. Talk To Jeff & Grace Safrin Real Estate Broker/Owners of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Serving NW Indiana call 219-309-9930.
-->
Jeff & Grace Safrin - Broker/Owners
1stTeamRealEstate@Sprint.Blackberry.Net
219-309-9930
Independently Owned and Operated.
Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing OpportunityVFLYER ID: 2935233
All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 

Opportunity for 1st Time Home Buyers and Move up SellersWith the extension AND expansion of the 1st time Home Buyer tax credit until April 30th of 2010.

NOW may be the time to Buy a Home if you are a 1st  Time Home Buyer with good credit.

or

Sell Your Home if you are an existing Homeowner (for the last  5 consecutive years) and successfully MOVE UP or Downsize and simplify !

Northwest Indiana has plenty of affordable Housing options!

and even Short Sales are getting easier to sell and close thanks to new 2009 Indiana Laws.

 

So if you've been sitting on the fence ( which can get painful after awhile :)

Give us a call to talk about your options....

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 
Cozy Cape Cod Lovingly update & Move in Ready!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$149,900
Single Family Home
For Sale
Main Features
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 1635 sqft
Lot: 0.41 acre(s)
Location
1111 E. 40 th Place
Griffith, IN 46319

Jeff & Grace Safrin

Jeff & Grace Safrin

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
(219) 309-9930
safrin@jorsm.com
http://www.safrin.net



Listed by: JeffSafrin of F.C.tucker 1st Team Real Estate
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Griffith, IN real estate for sale


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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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 
Immaculate & Affordable Condo - great In Town VALPO location!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$99,900
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 915 sqft
Location
3601 Timberbridge
F
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Jeff & Grace Safrin

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
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale


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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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 

Yesterday, we had our 2nd F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Round Table Conference.

These informational monthly gatherings at different local spots are for the purpose of our Experienced REALTORS to come together and be updated on the latest Real Estate Market happenings AND share each others business building tips!

We place value on the fact that every individual comes to the table with unique insights and experiences in life and we all can benefit from each others knowledge, backgrounds, or niche's :)

This is a valuable asset in serving our current and future clients-> striving to stay current with continual quality improvement always in mind.

Our discussion included seasonal service tips, real estate lending changes, social media policy, examples of actual in the field issues encountered by others, local MLS board updates, IDX links, and chance for questions and discussion by all.

The last part of our round table was a hands on working / learning opportunity to share what we know.

Here we are gathered around our laptops discussing LinkedIn

We Invite you to Link with us all on linked in  - click names below to  invite us!

Pictured : Ty Gammon, Grace Safrin, Irene Tron, Jessica Tron, Linda Littlejohn

not pictured Olga Kwolek and Jeff Safrin.

Ty Gammon, Grace Safrin, Irene Tron, Jess Tron, Linda Littlejohn

As Always we appreciate your business and referrals!

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - experienced REALTORS serving Northwest Indiana

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 

Jeff & Grace Safrin experienced REALTORS It's been several years now since we have taken and sold listings of homes for sale that are 

" Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale" .

The process of getting these to close successfully has been, for the most part, becoming easier.

Perhaps it is from lessons learned along the way & doing the footwork and homework upfront before even agreeing to accept the listing and put a 'short sale' home on the market.

Lately, however,  articles in major publications i.e 'Fewer Short Sales Come Up Short', point out that the part of the short sale process we do not control - the loss mitigation departments of lenders - are being more cooperative and responsive about getting short sales done.

In Indiana this year, a new law...HB1359 has helped bring answers to short sale offers within a 30 day time frame.

Since we've noticed this change in NW Indiana short sales....we are even accepting short sale referrals in our market area now from other Real Estate Brokers as a result. Just last week we closed on a short sale that was a referral from another REALTOR.

The lender complied with the new state law and the home closed 29 days after the offer was accepted by the lender! (59 days total from day of written offer).

Total Market Time on this Home = From For Sale Sign Up to signing the closing documents = 81 days in all.  This is a relatively short market time for any home in NW Indiana, let alone a short sale property (where 3rd party negotiations, communications and many requirements above and beyond the usual and customary offer to purchase can lengthen the process of getting the deal closed :)

With cooperative sellers, saleable property and reasonable lenders, short sales in NW Indiana are closing easier & quicker than in years past :)

 

 

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

    Follow SAFRIN on Twitter   Be-friend JEFF SAFRIN on FaceBook   Link to Grace Safrin on LinkedIn   Read our Blog on Positive Real Estate Professionals 

Search the entire MLS for Northwest Indiana Here!

 
 
Newowners Rainmaker_large

Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners, Northwest Indiana

Valparaiso, IN

More about me…

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Address: 13 Lincolnway, Suite # 203, Valparaiso, IN, 46383

Office Phone: (219) 309-9930

Cell Phone: (219) 405-1232

Email Me

Northwest Indiana Real Estate - Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties. A Team Approach To Real Estate. We Are Internet Savvy! We provide you Valuable services and representation in Buying or Selling Real Estate and Relocation services : Competitive Market Analysis of Price, Marketing Plan that sells our Listings, Access to the largest buyer pool via Northwest Indiana Multiple Listing Service, Negotiation of Contracts. Coordination of the many aspects of Closing the Transaction: financing, inspections, insurance, appraisals, surveys, titlework, deed, escrow, possession. Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Technorati Profile
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