The 17th Annual "Celebrate Schererville" Festival and Parade will be held June 20-24, 2007 at Redar Park. Redar Park is located a few blocks North of Route 30 on Austin Ave. Lot of fun things will be going on such as live bands every night, carnival, beer garden and much more. Last year Willems Realtors had a float in the parade. We sponsered a Playhouse Giveaway that was featured on our float. Look foward to seeing everybody this year.http://www.willemsrealtors.com/ 04/20/2007

If you plan on becoming a landlord by investing in Northwest Indiana rentals, you must first decide How will you finance this investment?Where in NW Indiana do you want to invest?When you want to start buying investment property?Why you think Landlording is right for you?What size real estate investment do you want to own?Who will be your investment partners or will you invest alone?Email Commercial Affiliates to start  Real Estate Investing in Northwest Indianainfo@CommercialAffiliates.com   04/17/2007

The purpose of the Schererville Soccer Club Incorporated is to provide a quality soccer program for the benefit of the boys and girls of the Town of Schererville and immediate surrounding communities of Lake County, Indiana that will promote the growth of, and appreciation for, the game of soccer.This picture and purpose statement is from their websitehttp://www.scherervillesoccer.org/This is a great place to learn soccer.Find out more about NW Indiana athttp://www.regionreview.com/ 04/13/2007

Indiana Residential Real Estate Disclosure Form is required for all sellers, including FSBO's. Do not sell your home without this form. The Sellers and Buyer must both sign this document. There are other procedures that are required and some that are not. If you are need this or other information, please contact us.     http://www.willemsrealtors.com/ 04/09/2007

Understanding Agency It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transactions. Ask your salesperson to explain what type of agency relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company.1. Seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent). A seller's agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract. 2. Subagent. A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent's principal as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not representing the buyer as a buyer's representative or operating in a nonagenc... 04/09/2007

We offer local expertise about real estate, schools districts and neigborhoods. Thinking of buying? Ask me about Free Buyer Representation, paid by the seller. Thinking of selling? Do not be fooled by variable rate commissions or tiered sale pricing. Need information on selling your home with the highest possible profit to you? Need to know how much Net Proceeds you will earn from the sale of your home? Need help with tricky title matters? As a former officer with a title company, I have experience with probates, estates, living wills, trusts, (POA) power of attorney and clearing title in both Indiana and Illinois. As a co-owner of the real estate firm, I have the flexibility to offer unbeatable rates. Get answers without the attitude from your friendly neighborhood Realtor, Suzanne Wil... 04/06/2007

Your Property Wish ListWhile your opinions on the type of home you want to own may change during the homebuying process, use this easy checklist to help you set your priorities and make the shopping process less time consuming. What neighborhoods would you prefer?What school systems do you want to be near?How close do you need to be to:(a) public transportation (b) schools(c) airport (d) expressway (e) neighborhood shopping(f) otherWhat architectural style(s) of homes do you prefer?Do you want a one story or two-story house?How old a home would you consider?How much repair or renovation would you be willing to do?Do you have special facilities or needs that your home must meet?Do you require a fenced yard or other amenities for your pets?Prioritize each of these options into Must haveWo... 04/04/2007

The Pros and Cons of CondosCondominiums and townhouse offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongs. Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be perfect option for you. Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.Security. Many con... 04/04/2007

I just wanted to let everyone know how wonderful our dining experience was at Tyler's Tender on Rt. 30 just west of Cline Ave in Schererville In. The ingenious idea of trains in a Restaurant Setting. My three year old son was amazed at the model trains and the large size train that haul the children on an indoor track. Desert was extra special as a train delivered it to us. Very neat. They also host children's parties. See their website...http://tylerstender.com/  Courtesy of   http://www.willemsrealtors.com/  04/01/2007

Try these three great downtown Schererville Indiana Restaurants courtesy of http://www.willemsrealtors.com/The Schererville Lounge has been established in downtown Schererville for many years. An old favorite among locals...you know they are doing something right.Lakeside Inn 2 is located in downtown Schererville. Try the seafood and you will be sure to want to come back for more.The Scarborough Faire Cafe combines great food and atmosphere in downtown Schererville. Enjoy dining outdoors? Find a cozy spot and relax.  http://www.arthurandmichael.com/ 03/30/2007

Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership 1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between 2 and 3 times your gross income. 2. Determine if you have enough downpayment to qualify for a mortgage. Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price as a downpayment 3. Consider other sources of help with a downpayment. For example, if you have an IRA account, you can use money you've saved for buying your first home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal. Also check with your state and local government on downpayment assistance programs for first-time buyers. 4. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report. 5. Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for. Also explore different loans options and decide what's b... 03/28/2007

The Pros and Cons of CondosCondominiums and townhouse offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongs. Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be perfect option for you. Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.Security. Many con... 03/28/2007

Understanding Agency It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transactions. Ask your salesperson to explain what type of agency relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company. Please Note: Agency Laws vary by State.1. Seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent). A seller's agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract. 2. Subagent. A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent's principal as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not representing the buyer as a buyer's r... 03/28/2007

Schererville is located 27 miles Southeast of Chicago in Northwest Indiana. The town is located just minutes away from major expressways leading to Illinois.Schererville is served by the Lake Central School district. There is a wide variety of homes available from condos to estates with prices from about $150,000 to over $2,000,000.If you would like more in depth local knowledge please contact us. Feel free to search the entire Northwest Indiana Multiple Listing Service from our main site.http://www.willemsrealtors.com/ 03/18/2007

Schererville, Indiana The Town of Schererville is located 27 miles from Chicago in Lake County, Indiana. An ideal location for Chicago Commuters and a four star school district has fueled a new construction boom in both residential and commercial real estate. It is fast becoming a true suburb of Chicago.Schererville has a wide range of single family homes, townhomes and condos available from $100,000 to well over $1,000,000. Lots of brand new subdivisions.Our office, Willems Realtors is located in the Muncipal District at 27 W. Joliet Street, Schererville, In . The beautiful downtown area includes the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall, Town Court, Police Station as well as restaurants, photographers, insurance offices, bakery, salons, florist, drycleaners and other businesses.Search Schere... 03/10/2007

5 Reasons You Need WILLEMS REALTORS®1. A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.2. Selling or buying a home is time consuming. Even in a strong market, homes in our area stay on the market for number of weeks. And it usually takes another 45 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted.3. Real estate has its own language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with someone who speaks that language.4. WILLEMS REALTORS® have done it before. Most ... 03/07/2007

1. Property Disclosure Form: This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property.  2. Sales Contract: The agreement between you and the seller on terms and conditions of sale. Again, check with your state real estate department to see if there is a required form. 3. Sales Contract Contingency Clauses: In addition to the contract, you may need to add one or more attachments to the contract to address special contingencies-such as the buyer's need to sell a home before purchasing yours. 4. Possession Agreements: Unless you're planning on moving out and the buyer moving in on the day of closing, you'll need an agreement on the terms and costs of possession once the sale closes. 6. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Pamphlet: If your home was built before 1978, you must provide the... 03/06/2007

7 Terms to Watch for in a Purchase Contract1. The closing date. See if the date the buyer wants to take title is reasonable for you.2. Date of possession. See if the date the buyer wants to move in is reasonable for you.3. The earnest money. Look for the largest earnest money deposit possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out, a large deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.4. Fixtures and personal property. Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it's acceptable.5. Repairs. Determine what the requested repairs will cost and whether you're willing to do the work or would rather lower the price by that amount.6. Contingencies. See what other factors the buyer wants met before the contract is final-inspections, sel... 03/02/2007

 http://www.willemsrealtors.com/ TestimonialsBrian and Geralyn"A year and a half ago my wife and I were looking to upgrade our lives with the purchase of a better home in a better area. WILLEMS REALTORS really came through for us. They gave us an unbeatable rate to sell our house and found us a better, bigger and tax wise cheaper house for our money!!!! I can't say enough on how great this company was, well, the fact that I am writing about their service a year and a half later should say something huh? Those of you looking to buy your first house or thinking of moving away from a creepy neighbor please look WILLEMS REALTORS up. My house sold in six days with their help." Troy & CrystalAs first time home buyers, We felt very comfortable asking Suzanne and Doug any question without feeli... 02/19/2007

Choices That Will Affect Your Loan:Mortgage term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payment if the same amount is borrowed. However, you pay more interest overall if you borrow for a longer term. Fixed or adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low rate for as long as you hold the mortgage and is usually a good choice if interest rates are low. An adjustable-rate mortgage is designed so that interest rates will rise as interest rates increase; however they usually offer a lower rate in the first years of the mortgage. ARMs also usually have a limit as to how much the interest rate can be increased and how frequently they can be raised. ARMs are a good choice when interest rates are high or ... 02/16/2007