Ok, so this post is not really Real Estate Related unless you take into consideration that Your Health effects Your Business!  I Do believe your Health is Your WEALTH - if you disagree ...try living with NO HEALTH  ...I'd bet you'd trade money to get it back:) So here's ONE Health tip/suggestion for you & your families this FLU season: Our intact skin is the greatest BARRIER against infection....covering almost our entire body.. well almost .....our EYES can be a Vulnerable area that receives bacteria & viruses from our fingertips.....especially if we rub them with our hands which really can pick up alot of germs! (Thats why Handwashing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of germs.). Although there are many things that impact our susceptibility to illness, common sense dictates the pos... 12/04/2007

  BE BOLD......WEAR GOLD !      That's the motto for the Valparaiso University Crusader's!   A new and exciting year for VU Basketball in 2007 as they now play in the HORIZON LEAGUE ! Coming to the local games as season ticket holders for the past few years has provided great family fun and enjoyment at a reasonable cost for ourselves and client guests as well! Come check it out for yourself - the NEXT HOME GAME is Wednesday, November 28th tip-off at 7 pm sharp!  Click here for a schedule of their Games with Audio and Video Feed ---> http://www.valpo.edu/athletics/mbb/2007-2008/schedule.php  Valparaiso University is located in Porter County, Northwest Indiana. For Help in Relocating to NW Indiana, Give us a call @ 219-405-1232     Sincerely, Jeff & Grace Safrin -REALTORS            "Sp... 11/15/2007

 Affordable, Newer Homes in a family friendly development with sidewalks and ponds framing the landscape describes Fox Chase Farms. With easy access to Chicago by South Shore Train or Toll-road, and lower Real Estate and Sales Taxes than IL......plus great schools....Porter County in Northwest Indiana's town of Valparaiso is worth your careful consideration if you are looking for a home!Enjoy the Music Slide Show below of the Best Priced Home in this Fine Development! Give us a call @ 219-405-1232 to help you with your relocation to NW Indiana!   Look forward to hearing from you.   Sincerely,Jeff & Grace Safrin"Spouses Selling Houses"TMF.C. Tucker /Advantage Realtyvisit our website for more homes for sale in NW INServing Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in Northw... 11/14/2007

 Samaritan's Purse  -  is an International Relief organization that provides Spiritual and Physical aid to people in need around the  world based on the parable of the Good Samaritan.I was fortunate to find out about this philanthropic organization through my Ladies Bible Study here locally in Valparaiso, IN...(More on this group in a future Blog story...this group of 15 women, from a small town, all different Christian denominations, most with grey hair & retired, are impacting the WORLD with wonderful and amazing works of faith!)OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD delivers millions of shoe boxes to underprivileged children in hundreds of countries all over the world!They ask for things like For Hygiene Items, School Supplies, Personal Notes - not your typical Santa's List!These are children in ... 11/05/2007

  Valparaiso University, Located in Porter County, Northwest Indiana is an award winning school in the Midwest that enjoys local residents support of their Athletic Programs! Recently we attended a Valpariso University Football Home Game on a windy & cool Saturday afternoon that was enjoyable  (even though VU lost in the last quarter :( Jeff, who is an avid fan of sports...enjoys getting up close to the play on the field ...sound effects of impacts are alittle too much for me though ... I prefer sitting up in the stands ( photos come out better also :) Here are a few of the scenes we captured 10/27/07.   If you are looking for an affordable time for Family Fun, Valparaiso University Basketball Season starts this week with a Home Game on Saturday, November 3rd...tipoff 7pm CST...we will ... 10/30/2007

                    Hello Everyone...Just wanted to share this tidbit in time for HALLOWEEN for those who may run across properties occupied by a different type of tenant....LOL Every Week We Receive an Email Newsletter From our State Association in Indiana and it Always provides interesting and informative articles that relate to our professional practice. This week the story in bold below brought a smile to our face :) "1.  Is a Haunted House Considered a Psychologically Affected Property? In honor of Halloween, the IAR Legal Affairs Department brings to you a "spirited" article on Psychologically Affected Property - Psychologically affected property is defined in Indiana Code (IC 32-21-6-3).  An owner or agent is NOT required to disclose to a prospective purchaser any knowledge of a ... 10/26/2007

Once a year, Downtown Valparaiso closes down Lincolnway (our main thoroughfare) between Michigan and Lafayette streets to create a 'kid-safe zone'.  In this zone, they offer Trick-or-Treating, cider, hayrides around the square and other fun family activities.  This is a good opportunity to not only stretch out you Halloween celebrations, but also to familiarize yourself with our great downtown businesses.  You are guaranteed that your children are safe from oncoming cars as traffic is prohibited during this time.  Another benefit is that candy is given by area businesses and your can bet they make sure their treats are safe to eat.This year's event is scheduled for Friday Oct. 26th from 4-6 p.m.To find out more information, go to www.popcornfest.org/trickortreat.html.   10/21/2007

We all tend to post the really great things about our communities.  This week, here in Valparaiso Indiana, we got shocking news that a first grade teacher was arrested during school and removed due to drunkeness.Shocked, sad, angry ... all normal emotions.Valpo 1st grade teacher drunk, arrested at school I want to post this to localism though because I think a bigger point was made.  The school dealt very quickly and decisively with a terrible situation.  They didn't cover it up.  They didn't appeal to a union to "protect" the teacher.  They had her arrested immediately.I want to suggest that many schools would have delayed, hid the details, or even covered up the whole story.  I am proud to live and work and raise my kids in a community where a school system acts and leads. 10/11/2007

Real Estate is a service oriented business. Whether you are a Realtor, Mortgage broker, Stager, or otherwise, there is a certain amount of personal service that goes into the job - no matter how far removed you are from the clients themselves.  I truly feel that the most successful in this field gain fulfillment from the serving of others and those who do it foe purely selfish reasons are doomed for failure. In a business such as this, trust is paramount to a successful career and trust often begins with some level of personal connection - even if it is just a word of mouth referral.So, it only seems logical that we would seek ways to market ourselves that would do more than just serve our need for business, but also serves the interests of others and says "I care about what you care ab... 09/10/2007

Valparaiso Indiana - Single Family HomesResidential          2- Bedrooms         3 Bedrooms         4 Bedrooms         5+ Bedrooms         All Bedrooms        Active    #Units3114415236363     Average List Price$149,332$245,485$343,354$601,831$313,595     Average Market Time76868914492     Average Square Feet11511875261538982324         All Off Market    #Units113433381         Pending    #Units61110128     Average List Price$123,933$147,355$280,680$799,000$213,225     Average Market Time11390914694     Average Square Feet11671529243647501891         Sold    #Units52323253     Dollar Value$472,360$4,568,701$5,995,650$1,085,000$12,121,711     Average List Price$99,120$204,265$269,583$534,950$235,170     Average Sold Price$94,472$198,639$260,680$542,500$228,712     Average Market Time1036... 09/04/2007

              Welcome To Shorewood Forest...          A Year Round Recreational Community  an Hour From Chicago, IL  Located in Valparaiso, INWhich is part of Porter County.  The Private Lake Louise, measuring 240 acres is at theHeart of the Community & offers residents opportunityfor water sports & recreation, not to mention boating& fishing ...(catch & release -Bass, crappie, blue gill, &   catfish)!                                                      Our community offers a variety of things to do besides Nature Trails and Walking paths .....Neighborhood Playgrounds, Basketball Courts, Ball Field, &Tennis Courts as well !  A CLUBHOUSE  (available for rent to members )  in ground swimming pools, private beach, picnic areas and Boat Docks (available for rent for those residents who do ... 09/04/2007

Yes that's right the name Valparaiso translates to Vale Of Paradise !       With Interesting Historical meaning to the name, Valparaiso is located in Porter County,  Northwest Indiana, about 50 minutes from Chicago's Loop ! But For Popcorn Lovers around the country....VALPARAISO, IN was once Home Sweet Home of the late famous  Orville Redenbacher and     the town's population will grow with visitors fromall over  who will be in town to attend the annualPOPCORN FESTIVAL !!!                         Roads around the town square  will be filled with arts, & crafts booths, food, music, & lots of people not to mention a PARADE and Races also!The hand painted artistic benches on every corner will be resting spots for those with tired feetor those who just got stung by the bumble bees that also... 09/01/2007

Valparaiso, Indiana -- Single Family Homes  Residential          2- Bedrooms         3 Bedrooms         4 Bedrooms         5+ Bedrooms         All Bedrooms        Active    #Units2914115337360     Average List Price$144,507$246,069$337,115$586,263$311,546     Average Market Time85807813085     Average Square Feet11761838257638212302         All Off Market    #Units82923363         Pending    #Units185115     Average List Price$79,900$208,000$295,960$210,000$228,913     Average Market Time18312075103108     Average Square Feet7282027282317822190         Sold    #Units72118248     Dollar Value$993,400$3,333,375$5,269,200$839,000$10,434,975     Average List Price$145,729$162,847$300,844$430,450$223,250     Average Sold Price$141,914$158,732$292,733$419,500$217,395     Average Market Time63... 08/15/2007

I can't tell you how tired I am of negative chatter about our industry.   I won't even repeat it all here. Purchasing a home, new or existing, is one of the most American and liberating things a family or couple or single person can ever do.  Hands down it goes without debate that an "ownership' society is more free, safer, healthier, more financially viable, and innovative.  Some things we all know:Home values have gone up for over 200 years.  I understand the "correction" types are all excited about short sales and sticking it to the mortgage companies and banks.  But let's be frank, real estate is not the stock exchange.  Real people buying real homes will result in upward values.Creative and Innovative mortgage finance is one of America's greatest contributions to society.  Every ot... 08/01/2007

Population1-mi.3-mi.5-mi.2006 Male Population5,49417,86524,4122006 Female Population5,88419,27525,699% 2006 Male Population48.29%48.10%48.72%% 2006 Female Population51.71%51.90%51.28%2006 Total Adult Population9,61129,56839,2862006 Total Daytime Population12,98637,89045,8092006 Total Daytime Work Population7,84319,69922,2732006 Median Age Total Population2737382006 Median Age Adult Population3344452006 Age 0-56352,3143,1952006 Age 6-136903,3554,8732006 Age 14-174431,9032,7582006 Age 18-201,5742,5643,0702006 Age 21-241,8353,3443,8292006 Age 25-299672,4272,9902006 Age 30-345651,7092,2552006 Age 35-394771,7912,5552006 Age 40-446592,7023,9202006 Age 45-495952,8904,1882006 Age 50-546332,8094,0072006 Age 55-595352,4673,6472006 Age 60-644571,8862,6332006 Age 65-693011,3451,7962006 Age 70-74236... 07/10/2007

Valparaiso, Indiana - Residential   ACTIVES & PENDING  (SOLDS JUNE 2007)   Residential          2- Bedrooms         3 Bedrooms         4 Bedrooms         5+ Bedrooms         All Bedrooms        Active    #Units3213814336349     Average List Price$148,534$237,167$328,759$562,062$300,083     Average Market Time88859012792     Average Square Feet11821839258137562281         All Off Market    #Units1144464105         Pending    #Units71415238     Average List Price$125,886$152,636$344,527$641,900$249,205     Average Market Time62479433283     Average Square Feet10941702270336872090         Sold    #Units43031267     Dollar Value$510,501$5,096,977$9,086,902$595,000$15,289,380     Average List Price$130,200$175,182$298,728$331,750$234,333     Average Sold Price$127,625$169,899$293,126$297,500... 07/08/2007

Imagine your listing is a can of corn.  Buyers are coming down the aisle (the MLS) looking for this product.  They know they want corn, but aren't sure what kind to buy.  So how will they decide?First, they will look at the packaging (curb appeal).  If that pleases them, they will look at the price. If it does not break their budget they will decide to pick it up and inspect further (schedule a showing).But what happens if they pick it up and it is dented?  They will put it back and move on to the next can.  And so will every potential buyer after that until it has been pushed to the back of the shelf to languish away, unsellable.What makes your listing a dented can? Lots of things:1. Outdated decor and fixtures - the closer a can is to its expiration date the harder it is to sell.2. Di... 06/22/2007

Are you a pround parent of a Valparaiso University Student? Why not build some equity over the next four years via student housing in the form of a condo, large house, small apartment building. Lots of ways to get creative here. Let us know your price range and how close to the campus should the Real Estate investment be located. Contact us for Available Valpo University Area Real Estate Listings.info@CommercialAffiliates.com 04/24/2007

Hud homes are the result of  FHA loan defaults. These foreclosed homes are sold by the Hud Department of the Government. These homes are sold by online bids. Owner Occupant Buyers bid first. If no bids are acceptable from Owner Occupants by a certain deadline, the bidding is opened to Investors. Email us... if you would like to find out about available Hud Homes in Lake, Porter, Laporte, Jasper and Newton Counties of Northwest Indiana.info@CommercialAffiliates.com 04/19/2007

Many investors look for a certain Cap Rates for Investment Properties. Cap Rates vary across the Country and even across town. This very basic measure of investment property value should be understood from Day One, if you are buying or selling investment property. Contact Commercial Affiliates for information on Cap Rates in Northwest Indiana.info@CommercialAffiliates.com 04/17/2007