Happy New Year For Indiana HomeOwners Facing Short Sale- New Law That May Help!

NEW Indiana Law Lenders Response to Short Sales     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 New Indiana Law passed to help Homeowners facing a Short Sale...

Indiana HOUSE BILL 1359  an excerpt which reads :

"Requires a creditor, a mortgage servicer, or an agent of a creditor to acknowledge a written offer made in connection with a proposed short sale of property that is subject to a mortgage transaction that is at least 60 days delinquent. Provides that the acknowledgment must be provided not later than 10 business days after the date of the offer. Requires the creditor, servicer, or agent to accept or reject the short sale offer not later than 30 business days after receipt of the offer."

I heard Jeff read this exerpt to the Representative on the phone and then ask to speak to a supervisor:)

ONE WEEK ( 7 Calendar Days ) later, the offer was accepted and 3 weeks (21 Calendar days) after that the Final HUD 1 Statement to Close was Approved!  28 DAYS TOTAL - now that's a Short SALE!!!

Even the Buyers Agent was surprised..LOL

It will be a great NEW Year in Indiana, if other Lenders follow this example and heed THE NEW LAW affecting Short Sales  :)                                                                                                                           New Years Wish Lenders Cooperate with REALTORS to get Short Sales Done FAST

There are monetary fines to the lending institution for failure to adhere, if the new TIME guidelines to keep Short sales SHORT is not upheld!

As PROFESSIONAL REALTORS....We'd rather work collaboratively WITH BANKS and LENDING Institutions to facilitate Successful Short Sales & help PREVENT the CLOGGING UP OF OUR PUBLIC Court Systems and Honorable JUDGES time.  Not to mention the waste of Indiana TAX PAYERS MONEY when a home forecloses ( who pays court system employees & sheriffs? we do ;)

There are ready, willing, and able buyers shopping NOW with Interest Rates LOW.......WAY BEFORE a house deteriorates and depreciates a neighborhood by standing empty for a year!

YOU NEED REALTORS to help SAVE this Housing MARKET. 

editorial opinions by Grace Safrin

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

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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 for the accuracy or content provided.  

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It Could be a LONG LONG Season for Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's Basketball

IUFW Scores 

 Valparaiso University Crusader Student Super Fans

 Come out and support our Local team !

Click Here for Schedule of Games and Ticket Info

 V.U. Students & Super Fans dressed as Elves :)

Crusader's Dance Team await Half-Time to perform.

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 by Dane Fife, yes, the same Fife that played under Hall of Fame Coach - Bob Knight at the University of Indiana,and some of the same principals were displayed in Wednesady nights game:

 1. INTENSE Man to Man Defense 

2. Aggressive Animated Coaching 

IPFW played hard! The team played intense for 40 minutes and played a style of man to man D that would make any Coach proud.

Sometimes stats don't tell the game, these stats did:

Valpo Shot - 19 for 61 from the field - they MISSED 42 Shots - yes 42,  many were from inside the paint that is 31.1% for the game.

Valpo Shot - 4 for 21 from behind the arch - that is 17 missed and a whopping 19% for the game.

Valpo Shot - 4 for 12 from the Charity Stripe - that is 8 missed and 33.3% for the game.

VU Girls basketBall Team Upsets Purdue  There was a 1 hour delay of the game even starting due to the Valparaiso University Girls Basketball Game (which I must say was exciting -VU Crusader Girls UPSET No. 21 Purdue Boilermakers in a great game!.

It does not get any easier in the next 2 weeks as on Saturday 12/13/08 the Crusaders travel to play the Redhawks of Miami of Ohio . Then a week from Saturday on 12/20/08 at the United Center in Chicago, IL- Are you ready .........The Tar Heels of North Carolina - yes the Number 1 Ranked Team in the Country will play Valpo. I really only have 2 words for that upcoming game OH BOY!                                         Great Local Sports in Valparaiso Indiana

 

I am an optimist, but, it is going to be a trying year for our Valpo Crusaders. Don't get me wrong, this team will be competitive, but need to develop consistency. I have only seen one player this year so far, Howard Little, show game in and game out consistency. Freshman standout Erik Buggs, shows promise, but still is learning and lacks some judgment..... Like trying to drive to the basket and beat 6'9" Post Players :)In time, I'm sure that will all change. Valpo so far this year, has shown they have no threat from anyone beyond the 3 point line. That will be an issue as the season goes on. IF, they can get some perimeter shooting- it will open the inside play to Igbavoda, Rogers & Little. The Crusaders have played all their games this year without standout Senior Guard Brandon McPherson and do they need him NOW !

Editorial By Jeff Safrin

________________________

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

Click below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

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

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

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 for the accuracy or content provided.                     

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Valpo Begins 2008 Season with Win over Marian!

 Valparaso University Crusaders part of the Horizon League

 2008 Opening Season Game of V.U. Men's basketball

 Welcome to The Athletics Recreation Center @ V.U.

 Fast Paced Action & Heart filled efforts by the Players!

The Valparaiso Crusaders Men's Basketball Team began the 2008-2009 Season with a decisive win against Marian College of Indianapolis, IN - Final Score 87-56. The outcome of the game was really not in question from the opening tip-off. The Crusader's shot 51.4% in the first half and 61.3% in the second half from the field. That was a blistering shooting performance albeit the Crusader's scored 52 points,  yes 52 points inside the paint to 16 that Marian had. Valpo had more size and quickness than Marian and it showed in the final stats!

 Action Shot by Valpo Crusader

 Valparaiso University Crusaders Student Super Fans !

 Will he make this shot ? 

 Student Super Fans dress the part of CRUSADERS !

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 both ends of the court! Come join us & see -> click here for Ticket Information.

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. 

NorthWest Indiana Real Estate

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

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

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 for the accuracy or content provided.                       

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Valparaiso Crusaders post Homecoming win with HUGE 2nd Half Comeback against Davidson Wildcats!

   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!

So now it is on to Saturday, October 18, 2008 when the Butler Bulldogs take I 65 North 145 miles to visit Brown Field at 1pm for the "in state" rivalry for the HOOSIER HELMET....it should be a great game!    

 

 

 Dedication Ceremony Newly rennovated Brown Field

 National Anthem

          

We are Full Time, Full Service, REALTORS with Indiana's Largest Realty Company.

We are Internet Savvy!

Homes Are Selling in NorthWest Indiana!

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

NorthWest Indiana Real Estate

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

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

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 for the accuracy or content provided.                              

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Union Township Middle School in Valparaiso, IN Named as No Child Left Behind - BLUE RIBBON School !

   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 taxes, getting more home and land for the dollar,but #1 on the list of must have's, was making sure the community we settled in had great schools!

The newness and facilities of both the Union Township Middle School and Wheeler High School are incredible.                                                                                                                     

Our daughter, (now attending university) graduated from this school system and it prepared her well for college!

Jeff & I enjoyed being ROOM PARENTS during our daughter's middle school years! The boys in our Kelly's class especially enjoyed having Jeff around - he was the only DAD at that time as room Dad :)

I actually was on the committee or panel that helped select Mr.Lasky as a candidate for consideration for principal of UTMS!

With this prestigious award - consider a move to Union Township in Valparaiso, IN.... if you have school age children!

We'd be happy to help you find a home here in your price range, and arrange a tour of the schools!

Give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

NorthWest Indiana Real Estate

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

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

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 for the accuracy or content provided.   

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Porter County Indiana's Taltree Arboretum & Gardens

 

Perennial Gardens Greet You 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!   MANY MILES OF WALKING TRAILS

 

Later, we enjoyed networking with collegues while enjoying some warm food and wonderful Beatles themed live music at the pavilion.          

 

 

ENJOY CONCERTS AT THE PAVILLION

 

 

 

If you are a nature lover, and plan to movevisit, or live in the South Lake Michigan Region, Taltree is a GREEN SPACE preserved by volunteer and community efforts funded by contributions that is a must' to put on your List of things to see and do in NW Indiana!

Click on the their website to read more about their Calendar of events and offerings!

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

NorthWest Indiana Real Estate

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

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

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 for the accuracy or content provided.  

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Hebron, IN site For 'Best of the Midwest' Kohl's Fall Soccer Tournaments @ Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex

 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 in phases.

 

Saturday's drive from Valparaiso was only about 20 minutes to the dozens of fields nestled in a rural setting among Indiana farmlands.

Pulling into park, we were amazed to see many license plates from all around the Midwest of families attending this Indiana hosted event including : Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska.

Scheduling of the games was well planned and spaced and allowed us to visit the various tents which housed various food and beverage concessions, sporting goods sales, vendors and exhibitors!

You could even lease a demo SONY high speed sports action camera for free and take home a DVD with your child's game action shots!

 Although our Nephew's team lost their morning game, after a recess for a big lunch at Merrillville, IN Portillos/Barnelli's Pasta Bowl they came back in the afternoon to not only win, but shut out the opposing team! .......

I told my brother-in-law - you have to feed them lots of food before each game :) 

Soccer Sponsors included both the Chicago Magic and Indiana Magic Soccer Clubs.

 With developing facilities such as this, NorthWest Indiana is a place to consider if you are relocating and your children are avid about playing the sport of soccer!

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

Jeff & Grace Safrin REALTORS -

"Spouses Selling Houses' TM

F.C. Tucker Advantage Reaty

NorthWest Indiana Real Estate

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

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

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 for the accuracy or content provided. 

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NorthWest Indiana Attractions - Gary Railcats Baseball- Affordable Family Fun!

Pressbox Last Week we attended one of the

Northern League playoff games for the

LOCAL Northwest Indiana

 Gary SouthShore Railcats Baseball Tea