Northwest Indiana Real Estate

Post Trib Article

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:13:28 -0500

In today's tough housing market, selling your own home isn't so easy

May 20, 2008 <script type="text/javascript"></script> Recommend
From staff and wire reportsNEW YORK -- Savanna Forbes grabs a Swiffer mop to pick up a few stray dust bunnies before the open house she is holding in her Manhattan apartment. She already has printed out full-color flyers and tucked away dishes, books and personal items she considers unsightly.

It's all part of her effort to take on the risky real estate business without the aid of a real estate agent. Forbes is selling For Sale By Owner -- FSBO, in real-estate speak.

"This is not normal living," she said, laughing. "It's unnatural. I'm a tidy person, but not a paper is out of place."

But despite all her efforts, Forbes is prepping a home for no one to see. Her open house gets no visitors.

In the past, people who sold their own homes could pocket the commission that otherwise goes to a broker. But in today's tough housing market, doing it yourself isn't so easy.

"Two years ago, homes were selling overnight, and all you really needed was a yard sign," said Steve Udelson, CEO of owners.com, a resource site for buyers and sellers.

Now, sellers need to be more flexible by sharing the work -- and commission -- with a buyer's agent, Udelson said.

The National Association of Realtors

says 12 percent of home sellers went it alone in 2007, a drop from 18 percent in 1997. But Udelson says that number is misleading because it fails to count the nine percent of

sellers who went without a real estate agent but added their homes to a home

listings database.

Darlene Herrera, owner of NuAge Real Estate in Hobart, said about 20 percent to 25 percent of homeowners in Northwest Indiana are selling their homes on their own.

Herrera said the location is what determines how successful the sale will be.

A couple whose home was in a good location sold their home after the first open house, Herrera said.

Douglas Willems, owner of Willems Realtors in St. John, said not all for-sale-by-owners are as lucky. He said many for-sale-by-owners have to lease their house until it is sold.

Willems said he helped lease a home priced at $400,000 in Schererville recently.

Leasing houses has become a trend, especially for houses that are priced higher, in Northwest Indiana since the market is not at its peak, Willems said.

"Selling your home on your own is like winning a beauty pageant," Willems said.

Mark Camphaug, president of freefsbo.com, another buyer and seller resource site, said many sellers fail because they're "marketing-challenged." It's no longer enough to list in local papers and free online sites. Investing in the Multiple Listing Service is "a no-brainer," he said.

"Look at it as a buyer," Soto said. "Buyers tend to overestimate the cost of repairs."

Forbes realized her apartment, priced at $495,000, was too much. With the help of a friend who's a real estate agent, she settled on the new price of $439,000.

www.nwi2rent.com

Contact Doug Willems for more info. 219-730-8275

FOR SALE- 4401 West 73rd Court Merrillville Indiana 46410

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:09:37 -0500

Newer Ranch w/ Large rooms

Merrillville, IN 46410

Well located open concept ranch style home with two very large bedrooms featuring walk in closets. Additional Sound Proofing on the common wall. Also two Skylights in the kitchen bring alot of light. Neutral colors in this home schedule a visit and you won't be disappointed.

Details

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Contact Info

Willems Realtors

Dir 219-730-8273
Email | Website

Munster House Leased in 2days

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:05:35 -0600

LEASED IN 2 DAYS

Munster,

THIS HOME HAS BEEN LEASED IN 2 DAYS BECAUSE OF OUR WAITING LIST or WORKING WITH RELO COMPANIES. Contact Doug Willems for Tenant Placement in your area.
219-730-8275

Details

Asking Price:

1400.00 per month

Contact Info

Douglas Willems
Leasing Agent

Dir 219-730-8275
Email | Website

Munster House Leased in 2days

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:03:31 -0600

LEASED IN 2 DAYS

Munster,

THIS HOME HAS BEEN LEASED IN 2 DAYS BECAUSE OF OUR WAITING LIST or WORKING WITH RELO COMPANIES. Contact Doug Willems for Tenant Placement in your area.
219-730-8275

Details

Asking Price:

1400.00 per month

Contact Info

Douglas Willems
Leasing Agent

Dir 219-730-8275
Email | Website

For Lease Chesterton Indiana Townhome

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:54:39 -0600

Chesterton Townhome For Rent

191 Sharon Blvd, Chesterton, IN 46375 View Map

This Town home in Chesterton Schools District has 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths and 1 Car Garage,
laundry hook-ups,dishwasher,disposal,and allows pets. (fully trained dogs are allowed please no cats)

Details

Asking Price:

875.00 per month

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Contact Info

Douglas Willems
Property Manager

Dir 219-730-8275
Email | Website

Merrillville House For Rent

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:11:05 -0600

Merrillville Home FOR RENT

5532 HARRISON ST, MERRILLVILLE, 46410 View Map

Merrillville Home for rent.
3 Bedroom 1 Bath with full basement. Call for details at
708-466-8471

Details

Asking Price:

1100 PER MONTH

Sq. Feet:

1,050

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Contact Info

Douglas Willems
Property Manager

Dir 219-730-8275
Email | Website

2724 81st street Highland Indiana 46322

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:07:54 -0600

Highland Home For Lease

2724 81st Street, Highland, IN 46322 View Map

This Prime Location home is located directly off Kennedy Ave for those Chicago Commuters!!!
Beautiful Landscaping Entrance with 3 Car Garage. No pet allowed please. Dishwasher,Stove, Refrigerator, Laundry Hookups and Central Air. Call 219-322-4024 to set up a time to show.

Details

Asking Price:

1450.00 per month

Sq. Feet:

1550

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Contact Info

Douglas Willems
Property Manager

Dir 219-730-8275
Email | Website

3 WAYS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR LANDLORDS IN NORTHWEST INDIANA

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:26:15 -0600

WANTED LANDORDS THAT WANT SCREENING!!!

Free Virtual Tour with Tenant Placement Services... Let us find your next tenant...no upfront fees or out of pocket money. We advertise your property on the internet. Willems Realtors has over 50 people on a waiting list . Please contact Douglas Willems 219-730-8275, OR VIEW http://www.nwi2rent.com/, OR contact the office 219-322-4024.

NORTHWEST INDIANA SELLERS WANTED

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:16:19 -0600

WANTED SELLERS THAT CAN'T SELL THEIR HOMES!!!

Willems Realtors has over 50 people on a waiting list that want to lease to own.

Please contact Douglas Willems 219-730-8275, OR VIEW WWW.NWI2RENT.COM, OR

contact the office 219-322-4024.

Chesterton House for Lease

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:49:38 -0600

Chesterton House for Rent
1282 Port Cove, Chesterton, IN 46304 Click to View Show Home is located in Porter Cove Subdivision. Huge 3 bedroom ranch with large Basement. Bach Yard very private. Call 219-730-8275

Details Asking Price: $1300 per month Sq. Feet: 1800 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Year Built: 2005		Contact Info Douglas Willems Dir 219-730-8275 Email \| Website Other Shows

Merrillville Indiana For Lease

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:34:11 -0600

Merrillville Town House for Rent
2428 West 63rd Ave Unit 2, Merrillville, IN 46410 Click to View Show Merrillville Town Home For Lease. 2 Bedrooms 1 bath For More info visit: www.nwi2rent.com

Details Asking Price: $700 per month Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1		Contact Info Douglas Willems Dir 219-730-8275 Email \| Website Other Shows

Schererville Indiana For Sale or For Lease

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:08:41 -0600

Schererville House For Lease
328 68th Place, Schererville, IN 46375 Click to View Show Ranch with storage basement and garage on large 1 acre lot. Call for details 219-730-8275 For more info: www.nwi2rent.com

Details Asking Price: $1,000 per month Sq. Feet: 1000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Garage Size: 2.5		Contact Info Douglas Willems Dir 219-730-8275 Email \| Website Other Shows

1504 Farmdale Dr, Schererville, INDIANA 46375

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:19:58 -0600

Wonderful Quad For Sale or For Lease
1504 Farmdale Dr, Schererville, IN 46375 Click to View Show Huge 5 bedroom Quad For Sale or Lease to Purchase. Vaulted Ceiling and screen room. Lovely lot across park.Lake Central Schools!! For Lease to Purchase please go to www.nwi2rent.com or Call 219-730-8275 for details.

Details Sq. Feet: 1960 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 # of Floors: 4 Garage Size: 2.5 Subdivision: Elm Ridge Year Built: 1960 Property Amenities - Full Refrigerator - Washer/Dryer - Fireplace - Vaulted Ceilings - Basement - Security System - Grass Lawn - Central A/C - Central Heat - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/rec room - Office/den - Dining Room - Screen-in porch Community Amenities - Garage Parking		Contact Info Willems Realtors Dir 219-730-8273 Email \| Website Other Shows

5724 Vanessa Ave, Portage, IN 46368

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:45:10 -0600

Cornerstone Subdivision
5724 Vanessa Ave, Portage, IN 46368 Click to View Show Graceful entry welcomes family and friends. If you like open concept homes... this one of a kind bi-level features vaulted ceilings on the entire upper floor. The well appointed kitched features stainless steel appliances... double oven, fridge, bosch dishwasher and easy to clean wood flooring and recessed lighting. In the great room there is a fireplace to gather around. The main bedroom offers one walk in closet plus a double door closet, romantic whirlpool bathtub under custom arched bump-out with beautiful ceramic tile surrond and floor. The lower level has a seperate outside entrance leading to home based business (salon) that may used for a home office, related living or 4th bedroom.

Details MLS: 201257 Sq. Feet: 2100 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 # of Floors: 2 Garage Size: 2.5 Subdivision: Cornerstone Year Built: 2004		Contact Info Willems Realtors Dir 219-730-8273 Email \| Website Other Shows

Schererville Home for Sale

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:51:13 -0500

3000 Finished Square Ft.
2521 Venice Drive, Schererville, IN 46375 Click to View Show Stately and elegant on the outside, ready to have fun and entertain on the inside. Four large bedrooms. Three updated bathrooms. Brick Fireplace. Full finished basement. Hardwood floors in foyer, down center hallway and throughout kitchen, breakfast area and family room. Beautiful kitchen updated with maple cabinetry complete with built-in wine rack, stemware holder and planning desk. Modern intercom system hard wired throughout home and front entry that also functions as a whole house stereo and baby monitor as well. The breakfast area of the kitchen features double french doors that opens to the three seasons screen porch. Backyard has an above ground pool (new liner) and 6' high privacy fence. New Kitchen (2002) New thermo-pane windows (2004), New front door/side-lites and rear french doors (2005) New carpet and paint in finished basement (2006) Call for complete list of updates.

Details MLS: 180850 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3		Contact Info Willems Realtors Dir 219-730-8273 Email \| Website Other Shows

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 8 OF 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:23:19 -0500

Tenant services:

Tenant "Pay-TO-STAY" program (No cost to owners).
Move-In Incentive program.
Spanish Services.
24/7 Emergency Maintenance Services.
Easy pay options

Experience:

Legal procedures for eviction.
Section 8 Housing and HUD program experienced.
Office offers more then 50 years of combined experience.
Family owned and operated business. Practicing Realtors Professionals since 1997.
Specializing in Single Family Homes. Referral assistance for Multi-Unit buildings.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 7 0F 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:21:12 -0500

Eviction Services:

Eviction services: Full eviction- $500.00 for tenants NOT placed Willems Realtors.
This does not include Collection, Attorney, or Court Fees.
Includes the first 6 hours of Agent Services.
Eviction advise- available for $75 per hour. Includes forms. WE ARE NOT ATTORNEYS.
Process serving - $200.00 per serving in Lake and Porter County.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 6 0F 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:19:02 -0500

Vacation Relief:

Collect Rents.
Provide maintenance services.
8-12 weeks only. More than 12 weeks, (please see full management).
20% of each months rent.
Can advertise and place tenants, (please see Place Tenant Only service).
$500.00 petty cash fund (Owner owned funds. Paid prior to start date)

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

Serving Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Gary, Griffith, Hebron, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, Leroy, Lowell, Merrillville, Munster, New Chicago, Schererville, Schneider, Shelby, St. John, Whiting, Winfield, Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Kouts, Michigan City, Ogden Dunes, Portage, Valparaiso, Westville, Wheeler, LaPorte, Long Beach in Northwest Indiana Real Estate Market

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 5 0F 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:16:29 -0500

For Rent or For Sale:

Willems Realtors can market your property "For Sale" or "For Rent" whichever contract comes in first.
Willems Realtors can list your property "For Sale". Please, contact office at for an
"Exclusive-Right-To-Sell" contract.
Willing to work with other listing agents.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 4 0F 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:14:10 -0500

Tenant Placement Only Services: Willems Realtors will endeavor to find a "Ready-Willing-and-Able" tenant.

Properties photographed and surveyed.
Tenants screened, based on credit, income, employment, and landlord references.
Owner pays utilities, mortgage/rent, and advertising until a tenant is place.
Owner pays one months rent for placement and advertising costs.
$150 upfront processing fee. If services are canceled prior to tenant placement, fee is 1/2 month's rent.
Willems Realtors assumes no responsibility for the care or maintenance of the property.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 3 OF 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:11:41 -0500

Our Advertising for Property Management may include, but is not limited to any or all of the following:

Internet ads- Please note, an estimated 80% of our inquires are through the Internet. More then 80% of the
advertising costs go directly to the Internet advertisements.
Print media includes advertising through: The Times and town specific local newspapers.
Multi-Media may include: Virtual Tour, Picture Tour, and (MLS) Multiple Listing Service.
Other Advertising may include: "In-House Listing", relocation services, Yard sign and lock box.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGMENT 2 0F 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:05:46 -0500

Start up fees for Property Management:

$100.00 One time Administrative Set-Up Fee. Required up front.
$400.00 Owner "Petty Cash Fund". Terms negotiable- $250 up front and $50.00 monthly payments until met. Owner owned funds. Funds are used for services, maintenance, and advertising.
$500.00 total. (Minimum of $300.00 due upon contract acceptance).
Standard Advertising: Willems Realtors offers a "Standard Advertising Packet", at the owners expense.
For the "Standard Advertising Packet" expect approximate advertising costs of $200.00 per month, and will not
exceed $200.00 per month, even if costs exceed that amount. We can stretch your advertising dollar further than
you can because of our corporate rates, agreements, and marketing techniques.
Unless otherwise directed, all of the following means will be utilized to find a qualified renter.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

WILLEMS REALTORS OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES 1 of 8

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:03:57 -0500

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Listed below, please find a simple outline of the services offered by Willems Realtors, LLC.
Full Property Management Services:

10% of each months rent. Flat fee, includes basic services.
Collect Rents.
Lease signing services.
Provide maintenance service coordination.
Monthly drive-by surveys.
Properties photographed and surveyed prior to each occupancy.
Tenants screened, based on credit, income, employment, and landlord references.
Six month minimum contract then month-to-month thereafter.
Management fees deducted from rents.
E-mailed Monthly Statements including accounting of all expenses for the current month.
Hard copy Quarterly Statements and receipts, sent via US Mail.
24 hour Emergency Services.
Owner pays utilities, mortgage/rent, and advertising while properties are vacant.

http://www.willemsrealtors.com/

Cedar Lake Indiana Real Estate Show

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:52:33 -0500

http://www.realestateshows.com/200881

http://www.willemsrealtors.com

Cedar Lake Indiana Home for Rent... Rights to this pier 219-730-8275

Suzanne Willems (Willems Realtors) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 08:37:07 -0500