lake county in: A F.C.Tucker For Sale Sign in the Yard Leads to a another Northwest Indiana Listing on the same block! - 10/26/10 06:08 AM
It's a Small World !
 
We listed a home on Olcott Avenue in Hammond, Indiana and awhile later got a call from the homeowner a few doors down to list their home to sell as well!
For tracking purposes, we always ask when someone calls-> how they found us?
This out of state owner asked the tenant living in their property to find a local REALTOR, so the tenant remembered the home a few doors down the block was up for sale, went outside, copied down our phone number and website address from our F.C.Tucker For Sale Sign and voila!
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lake county in: Another NW Indiana Home Sold by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale - 10/23/10 08:57 AM
Another NW Indiana Home Sold by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale.

 
Thanks to past Blog posts and their Google rankings, our seller found us to list his property by doing a search online. The seller interviewed several agents found this way and chose to work with us based on the interview.
Not all short sales are the same. IMHO they take even longer for some reason than they did 1 or 2 years ago? This is our longest short sale to date = 4 months from receipt of offer  from buyer … (5 comments)

lake county in: Conditions, Conditions, Conditions, Oh My! The Yellow Brick Road to Loan Approval is full of lions and tigers and bears nowadays. - 10/14/10 08:17 AM

 
 
Interest rates are great, yet getting a mortgage loan approval is NOT easy these days.
 
Now, more than ever pre-approval is vital (although it has always been our policy since day 1 to have clients do this before we start looking for homes).
 
You thought Dorothy's road to Kansas was full of obstacles?
 
Be prepared for the NEW REALITY as the paradigm of closing on time (45 to 60 day out contract dates) is being delayed with underwriting conditions to be met by not just borrowers .... but sellers, agents, family members and employers needing … (4 comments)

lake county in: Just Sold, Hammond, Indiana Home For Sale Listed by F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - 10/07/10 02:01 PM
Today we Closed on A Home we Listed For Sale in Hammond, Indiana. We've Blogged about Hammond before - Grace went to High School there (Bishop Noll) - so the REGION (as it is nicknamed) is very familiar to us.
Funny thing, when we listed this property, we had to drive by several For Sale By Owner Homes in Hammond, IN.
When we took down the F.C.Tucker For Sale Sign and lockbox in preparation for closing, those FSBO signs were still in those yards?
In today's challenging market, a full time professional REALTOR can make a difference, give us a call!
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lake county in: Real Estate On The Go-> Check out our Mobile App. F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana - 09/21/10 12:43 PM
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate is on the go....and now we have a Mobile Application for your cell phones so you can search the Multiple Listing Service of Northwest Indiana, read our latest blogs, check out our Social Media updates and see our latest Hi-def Music Videos + Much more all in one place.
If there is something you'd like to see added to our Mobile App. site for your one stop convenience -> please message us, we are always working on ways to improve our sites for increased service to our clients!
Just copy this Mobile App. address into your … (2 comments)

lake county in: Investment (rental) properties For Sale in NW Indiana-Consider these 36 residences to add to your portfolio - 09/17/10 10:52 AM
Near the Illinois Border (Chicago-land) in Lake County, IN ( Hammond - zipcode 46320) is an opportunity for Investors to consider adding these 36 rental residences which are listed for sale as a package deal (will not divide) spanning several city blocks (over 3 acres of lots) all rented with good cash flow of 6 figure annual NET income.
The Local GNIAR MLS has a description of each Single Family Home and Duplex online (i.e. number of bedrooms, baths, year built, lot size, basement or crawl, carport or parking pad, fence, patio, vacant side lot, etc)...or...call for more details 219-309-9930.
This aerial map has … (0 comments)

lake county in: Lake Station, IN 46405 - Ranch Home For Sale Subject To Short Sale Approval - 09/11/10 04:04 AM
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lake county in: Don't Wait Until it's Too late to Contact Us to sell Your Home Subject to Lenders Approval of Short Sale - 09/03/10 07:06 AM
 Sometimes we get calls from the public or even referrals from other REALTORS that ask us to help people who are behind on their mortgage payments and perhaps had an ARM come due or other hardships that cause them to not be able to afford their property and they ask us to list a home to sell subject to lenders approval of a short sale.
There is a lengthy pre-qualification process (we interview the sellers and with their permission, the lender involved) before we even accept the listing or referral.
Sadly of late, people are waiting too long before asking for help.
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lake county in: Whiting, Indiana 46394 Real Estate For Sale By Map - 08/26/10 01:40 PM
We've blogged about the border town to Illinois = Whiting, Indiana 46394 before.
If you like Pierogies like we do :) - you need to visit in July for their famous annual Pierogi Fest!
If you are looking for housing in the Robertsdale neighborhood of Whiting, IN near Lake Michigan and Wolf Lake Park - we are partial to the best value in town - our affordable listing offers much room for a large or extended family / related living.
Just click on the virtual tour below and compare !
xxx xxx
If we can help you buy or sell a property in Whiting, Indiana … (0 comments)

lake county in: Hessville, Indiana 46323 Real Estate For Sale by Map - 08/26/10 01:23 PM
We've Blogged about Hessville, IN 46323 before.
If you are looking for affordable housing in Hammond, IN (where they have a College Bound Scholarship program for children of residents-> click here for more info on this awesome opportunity) then feel free to search all the homes and real estate for sale in zip code 46323.
We are partial to the best value in Hessville-The Home on the virtual tour below that we have listed for sale.... before you even check out the map take a look at this very well kept, well loved, updated, affordable home with beautiful backyard (like a florist … (0 comments)

lake county in: Crown Point, Indiana 46307 Real Estate For Sale - Search by Map - 08/26/10 03:55 AM
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lake county in: NAR's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun speaks in Northwest Indiana at the annual REALTORS meeting - 08/25/10 12:38 PM
The National Association of REALTORS 's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun addressed hundreds of  Northwest Indiana REALTORS today at the annual meeting held by our local board GNIAR at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville.
A copy of his PowerPoint presentation "Economic Outlook in Uncertain Times" is supposed to be forwarded to us soon, until then, I will recap/paraphrase his talk from my notes.
A little Indiana trivia :)   Dr. Yun received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University! 

 

PAUSE PERIOD = July, August & September 2010 
After the $8,000 1st time Home Buyer Tax credit expired, the Surge of buyers looking for housing was no longer there-> AS EXPECTED.
Key indicators … (2 comments)

lake county in: F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate proudly supports Home Runs For Heroes ! - 08/21/10 04:21 AM
F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate a proud sponsor of Home Runs For Heroes !
We've blogged about the fun going to local Gary Railcats baseball games in the past.
Today we are blessed to have the opportunity of helping sponsor the
" Home Runs For Heroes " 
event held at the
 Gary South Shore Railcats U.S. Steel Yard Stadium
that the Northwest Indiana Military Support Network and the
 American Red Cross coordinate along with the Railcats organization.
 
The program is open to the public from 1:30 pm to 4:30 p.m. and tonight's Railcat game at 6:00pm (against the Rockford RiverHawks) is almost … (3 comments)

lake county in: Veterans Returning From IRAQ this Year still qualify for the $8000. 1st time Home Buyer Tax Credit - 08/19/10 09:04 AM
It's been all over the news the last few days - many US Troops are coming home from IRAQ.
We are very thankful for their service during this long war!
Veterans Returning From IRAQ this Year still qualify for the $8000. 1st time Home Buyer Tax Credit
according to REALTOR.org
"Military Personnel Overseas May Still Be Eligible for Tax Credit"
"As part of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit passed on November 6, 2006, military personnel and certain federal employees serving outside the United States may still be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Although the Home Buyer … (6 comments)

lake county in: Another Porter County, Indiana Short Sale SOLD = 90 days from for sale sign going up to signing the closing documents. - 08/02/10 03:30 PM
 Recently we SOLD a home In Porter County, IN  that we listed subject to lenders approval of a short sale.
Short sales are not a game.
There were back up offers on the property.
The Buyers with the 1st offer submitted were savvy enough to do ALL of their due diligence according to the contract terms and conditions mutually agreed upon BEFORE the short sale was approved.
Short sales are bittersweet.
We have become much more select at which sellers we will work with to list an Indiana  short sale property and which buyers we will work with to show a Northwest Indiana short … (3 comments)

lake county in: Gino's Steakhouse in Merrillville, IN 46410 - Northwest Indiana's best of the Region Award winner is also a Favorite of Ours! - 07/30/10 03:37 AM
 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 … (4 comments)

lake county in: F.C.Tucker Company makes the Top 100 List in REALTOR Magazine again! - 07/22/10 05:40 AM
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 … (3 comments)

lake county in: New Listing - Affordable Hessville, IN 46323 Home For Sale- Music Video - 07/17/10 08:49 AM
New listing in Hessville, Indiana 46323 just in time for the Hammond festival of the Lake's ! Click here for the schedule of events this weekend.
 
We have written about  Hammond, IN before - and about the college bound scholarship program for children of its residents!
Please enjoy the hi-res. music video of this affordable home for sale.  Interest rates are low.  Why pay rent?  When you can own for less!
 
 
xxxx
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lake county in: Why an Experienced Northwest Indiana REALTOR should consider F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate-> - 07/13/10 09:31 AM

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lake county in: Happy 1st Year Anniversary F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate Serving Northwest Indiana! - 07/05/10 07:19 AM
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 … (5 comments)

 
Jeff&Grace Safrin, SpousesSellingHousesTM (F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate)

Jeff&Grace Safrin

SpousesSellingHousesTM

Valparaiso, IN

More about me…

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

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

Office: (219) 309-9930

Fax: 219-510-5005

Northwest Indiana Real Estate - Lake, Porter, La Porte, Counties in NW Indiana. 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, title work, deed, escrow, possession.


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