indiana information: Power of the Press...gets the phones ringing - even if NW Indiana is far from Sunny California :) - 02/03/09 10:07 AM

 Imagine our surprise when Google alerted us to a few  Sunny, California newspaper articles !!
We've Done Blogs about our Positive Experiences with Reverse Offers before...
and even the CRS Magazine Interviewed me for an Article in the January / February 2009 Issue...
from that point on the calls have been coming in ...   
Our Company, F.C.Tucker (Indiana's largest ) just featured Jeff's take on our experiences with Reverse offers as Out of the Box thinking approach to Real Estate Sales in the February Statewide newsletter !
   The famous syndicated columnist for REAL ESTATE Lew Sichelman called me last month when interviewing multiple REALTORS … (4 comments)

indiana information: Rolling Prairie, IN -New Listing- 5 Wooded Acres + Spacious 2 Story Near New Schools! - 01/27/09 09:18 AM
Opportunity Knocks to own a parcel of Wooded Acreage in NorthWest Indiana very conveniently located to Major Roads between La Porte. IN and South Bend, Indiana in the scenic countryside of Rolling Prairie, Indiana. nearby NEW Middle and High Schools ! South Shore Railroad Trainstop is not too far either (Hudson Lake) for commuting to Chicagoland!
below are Map, Information and Photos of this lovely property!
xxxx
 To schedule a private showing of this Lovely property or
If we can help you achieve your real esate goals in 2009, give us a call
@ 219-405-1232.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
We are Full … (5 comments)

indiana information: Inauguration Day Closing - Lions & Tigers & Bears - Oh My! - 01/21/09 08:03 AM
Yesterday, was a memorable day for our nation and for us as REALTORS. 
Obstacles can be overcome, both in life and business (God willing).
The  American Dream of Home Ownership is having more obstacles of late, in getting to the closing table.
 
 In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's famous line
 " Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh My! " somehow reminds me of a 3 month journey (not on a yellow brick road:) to closing a UNIQUE Real Estate Transaction that had 3 wild surprises to work through/overcome :)

The Lions - Federal Court System     
In late October we listed a Home, whose … (11 comments)

indiana information: Jungle Jack Hanna's "Into The Wild" Show at Merrillville, Indiana's Star Plaza Theatre! - 01/19/09 02:50 AM
  For the Young or Young at Heart, and for Animal enthusiasts, Jungle Jack Hanna's Tour called "Into The Wild" kicked off it's nationwide tour with one of it's first stops at our Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, IN.
As part of Jeff's Birthday gifts, I surprised him with 3rd row tickets:) He is an avid animal lover and I kid him about buying a farm when we retire, so he can raise as many criters as he wants! When we List Horse Farms or Dairy Farms or any Farms with Livestock,in NorthWest Indiana, I know he will be spending much time in the … (3 comments)

indiana information: Porter County Home SOLD by Jeff & Grace Safrin of F.C.Tucker - Client Testimonial. - 01/12/09 08:04 AM
          Sometimes obstacles surface before the Successful Closing a Real Estate Transaction :)
At times like these, experience pays. 
Over the years we've collected a wealth of information from networking with experienced Professionals in all fields related to Real Estate, that allows us to come up with PLAN B if needed.  
Jeff has a reputation of not letting viable deals die...note the word viable - they must have a pulse to begin with:)


I think this recent testimonial letter reflects that our clients appreciate the extra efforts we apply if & when needed.
We have sold several homes and this was … (6 comments)

indiana information: Valpo Lost to Wright State at the ARC - 01/11/09 07:13 AM

 Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty
Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana
Visit our website for properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?
- the Housing Market
- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>
www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible … (5 comments)

indiana information: No Gate Keeper's - What You See Is What You Get :) - 01/08/09 02:47 AM
     We recieved another heart warming testimonial from Clients over the Holidays. See Letter Below
We are not the self proclaimed "Best Realtors in Town", and our Philosophy of Practice is contrary to the popular MEGA Team concept of "bigger is better"... (we have no secretary, assistants, processors, marketers, ..etc).
 What you see is what you get.,,,, at the listing appointment, for home showings, when you call us on the phone, or email or text message, and at the closing of the real estate transaction.
Real Estate is a Contact Sport. To us, winning is defined as developing a long term relationship by personal contact & communication with the … (6 comments)

indiana information: The Residential Specialist - CRS Magazine quotes Grace M. Safrin, Real Estate Broker, CRS, from Valparaiso, Indiana! - 01/07/09 09:30 AM
    Back in October, I received an email from Bridget McCrea a writer for the bi-monthly Magazine "The Residential Specialist" which is mailed out globally to Certified Residential Specialists.
She had read some of my Thread Posts on the on-line FORUM at the CRS website about Reverse Offers.
Working on an Article entitled : "Unusual Tactics For Unusual Times" she asked if she could set up a phone interview with me as this topic may fit what she was looking to cover.
A week or so later, we talked for at least a half hour!  She thanked me and awhile later sent an email … (4 comments)

indiana information: Happy New Year For Indiana HomeOwners Facing Short Sale- New Law That May Help! - 01/02/09 06:30 AM
     We SOLD and Closed on a Property Today January 2nd, 2009 that was
 Subject To Lenders Approval of a Short Sale.
The Purchase Agreement was received by us via Fax from the Buyers Agent and Jeff contacted the Sellers Lender's Loss Mitigation Department the next morning.
He listened to the usual "sch-peal" of how LONG an answer would take and the LIST of requirements that needed to be in place (pre-lim HUD, hardship letter, etc...) even BEFORE they would consider reviewing this offer.
I walked over to him while he was on the phone and handed him a highlighted portion of
A … (8 comments)

indiana information: Indianapolis Colts WIN Sunday - What an Incredible Stadium to watch a NFL Game in! - 12/15/08 09:32 AM
 
-----------------------------
 Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty
Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana
Visit our website for properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?
- the Housing Market
- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>
www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty … (20 comments)

indiana information: It Could be a LONG LONG Season for Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's Basketball - 12/12/08 03:16 PM

Everyone I talked with after the first few season games said Valpo was gonna be OK this year. I have played basketball since I was 5 years old, and even coached some, so I knew better. Now, my concern become real after watching the Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's Basketball Team lose to Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne - IPFW Mastodons, 63-46 Wednesday evening at the ARC.
I looked at the season schedule and thought this would be the telling game for the Crusaders and it was. It is gonna be a tough, long & challenging seasonfor the young Valpo Men's Basketball Team.
IPFW is coached … (6 comments)

indiana information: Valpo Begins 2008 Season with Win over Marian! - 11/16/08 11:22 AM

Valpo led by Michael Rogers' 23 points : 11-14 from the field. Following Rogers was Cameron Witt whose inside the paint play gave him 16 points and 8 of 11 from the field. This was a mediocre test for the Crusader's as the "real" test" will start this Tuesday, November 18th  at the ARC when Central Florida comes to town. The Golden Knights are a very good Conference USA Team and have a standout guard Jermaine Taylor that is a projected 2nd round pick in the NBA Draft this year! They are a well coached/disciplined team that will test the Crusaders on … (4 comments)

indiana information: Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's Basketball Opens Season with Exhibition Game & Win! - 11/10/08 02:52 AM

 
So, the exhibition games are over and it is now on to the "real deal" regular season as the Crusader's host Marian College of Indianapolis on Saturday, November 15th with a 7:30p, tip-off. It will be an "interesting" season for this young team. As long as everyone stays healthy and the role players show up every night it very well can be a successful 2008-2009 Valparaiso University Crusader Men's Basketball Team!
Editorial by Jeff Safrin

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM
 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 
(4 comments)

indiana information: New Listing - De Motte, IN - Beautiful Ranch w/Home Theater, Golf Course Lot - Sandy Pines Golf Estates - Quality! - 10/29/08 10:01 AM
We've Blogged about Homes we've Sold in De Motte, IN . 
With easy expressway access to  I 65 in Indiana making travel to both Chicago, IL and Indianapolis accessible, this Jasper County Town has great Schools and the nearby town of Wheatfield is Home to one of our favorite Restaurants.
 
This week we listed for sale  a Custom Built Ranch Home  Sandy Pines Golf Estates with Amenities Galore....not to mention scenic views of the 14th Green of the Golf Course !
 
View of 18th Green & Golf Clubhouse at Sandy Pines in De Motte, IN
Oh yea...here is a detailed list of the features of this … (12 comments)

indiana information: Valparaiso Crusaders post Homecoming win with HUGE 2nd Half Comeback against Davidson Wildcats! - 10/15/08 03:46 PM
   The VALPO Crusaders posted a great comeback win last Saturday against Davidson Wildcats in their Homecoming Game in front of over 4300 fans. It started out horrible for the Crusader's as they fell behind early and found themselves down 21-6 at half...But,
 
Leave it to Coach Stacy to motivate the team for the second half.  What a 2nd half it was, as the Crusaders forced overtime and eventually beat Davidson College 35-29. The Crusaders rushed for an impressive 351 yards, compared to Davidson's 151, and that was the difference. Ross Wiemer of the Crusaders rushed for 170 yards and 3 TD's!
(3 comments)

indiana information: Union Township Middle School in Valparaiso, IN Named as No Child Left Behind - BLUE RIBBON School ! - 10/06/08 06:50 AM
   Scoring in the TOP 10 % on the ISTEP exams statewide :
Congratulations to the Great Team of Teachers and Principal Jerry Lasky @UTMS, not to mention the students and parents who are dedicated to learning that made this wonderful achievement possible!
Only 230 schools across the nation were named on 9/9/08 by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings as No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools (only 8 of these named schools were located in IN).  
When moving From Lake County To Porter County, Indiana over a decade ago, Jeff & I both felt strongly about not only saving money on property … (2 comments)

indiana information: WHAT IS GOIN ON IN INDY WITH MY COLTS ??? Heres a hint --------- - 10/05/08 03:26 PM
The Indianapolis Colts-New Stadium-New Expectations-Manning Bowl 2009 ?...not gonna happen.
  My Colts are lucky not to be 0-4. YES 0-4.
They barely beat the Vikings in Minnesota as they were down 15 in the 4th.
Then to Texas and down 27-10 AND with 4 minutes left, are you absolutely kidding me?
Who kept the station tuned in? Well, actually, I did!  How they came back with 21 unanswered points, converted 2 TD's on Houston's fumbles to win 31-27.... is really nothing short then the football angels looking down on this team!
 Lets see.. Colts are 0-2 at HOME and with … (12 comments)

indiana information: Porter County Indiana's Taltree Arboretum & Gardens - 10/04/08 12:40 PM
 
 Recently, we attended an event hosted by
Meridian Title Company in Northwest Indiana
that was held at Taltree Arboretum & Gardens 
 a 300 ACRE natural sanctuary located in
Porter County, IN.
     Crisp Fall weather made touring the lovely gardens and groomed walking trails around wetlands and prairies enjoyable!  
 
Later, we enjoyed networking with collegues while enjoying some warm food and wonderful Beatles themed live music at the pavilion.          
 
 

 
 
 
If you are a nature lover, and plan to move, visit, or live in the South Lake Michigan Region, Taltree is a GREEN SPACE preserved by … (9 comments)

indiana information: Creamy Cauliflower Potato Bisque - Easy Crock Pot Recipe ! - 09/28/08 09:33 AM
    
Yesterday, while Traveling in Lower Michigan, we stopped at Dutch Farm Market and bought Farm Fresh Produce - Just Picked Cauliflower ( pictured here ), Potatoes and Onions!
Today, being a busy Sunday starting with Church, showing some of our listings and presenting an offer, I wanted and easy "set it and forget it" Slow Cooker dish that would be an adjunct to dinner tonight as well as provide left-overs for the next few days:)

Here is the recipe if you'd like to try it :
In a 4 quart Slow Cooker combine and cover & Cook on HIGH setting for 4 hours:
 2 lbs of … (15 comments)

indiana information: Hebron, IN site For 'Best of the Midwest' Kohl's Fall Soccer Tournaments @ Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex - 09/24/08 01:14 PM
 Last Weekend, we had the opportunity to watch Jeff's Nephew participate in
Kohl's FALL "BEST OF THE MIDWEST" Soccer Tournaments
held at the
 Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex
located @
2105 E 181st Ave Hebron, IN 46341
Besides perfect Indian Summer weather, the grass and conditions of the many fields (over 120 acres dedicated to the game of soccer to be developed in phases) was impeccable.
 
Located off Interstate 65 In Lake County ,Northwest Indiana (State Road 2 exit West toward Lowell, IN ) the 120 acres of land dedicated entirely to soccer fields will be developed … (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.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog