Keystone Commons (Valparaiso, IN)
By Steve Dalton, Northwest Indiana Home Builder
(219-465-8352 )
Today in mortgage rates As usual, I'll lead with disclaimers "the views expressed here are the opinion of the author, based on an understanding that quite often the market doesn't do what any of us expect."Mortgage interest rates are continuing to hold in the low 5's. Yesterday we were able to lock some customers, with solid credit and down payments, at 5.25 or even better if the customers were interested in paying a point to obtain a better rate for the next year. We should have today's rates at around 10 a.m. this morning.What's affecting the rates right now?   Read entire article by going to Northwest Indiana Mortgage Bank - Daily Briefs
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Do you remember that show from years past "Kids Say the Darndest Things".  First, it was hosted by Art Linkletter and a few years later by Bill Cosby.  Kids have such a unique perspective on life.  As adults, we do not give kids enough credit for seeing things even more clearly than we do at times.  At the Service Memorial in Valparaiso, Indiana, there are some of those kid's perspectives on friendship, hope, and charity.  These kids understand friendship, hope, and charity.  Have a look for yourself.   For those of you who are too young to have experienced "Kids Say the Darndest Things," click on this link for a You Tube clip of the show.  I guarantee it will make you laugh.
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By Irene Tron
I found a gem while exploring Valparaiso, Indiana last week tucked away past the Butterfly Meadow located on Campbell off of Bullseye Lake Road.  If you drive past the playground in the parking lot you will come to Valparaiso's Service Memorial dedicated to servicemen, firemen, and policemen who have lost their lives in the line of duty - The Forgotten Heroes.  It's a beautiful and peaceful place to visit and watch the flow of water in the fountain.  Looking through the names on the memorials I realized that even though I do not recognize any of their names, my life is better because of their service to this community and this country.  I am thankful to them for their service.  Have you thanked fire, police, or military personnel recently for laying their lives on the line each and ever...
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One of the most fun places for children in Valparaiso, Indiana is Butterfly Meadows and Caterpillar Crossing.  A playground designed by Little Tykes for ages 2 thru 11, Butterfly Meadow is located on the northwest side of Valparaiso on Campbell off of Bullseye Lake Road.  Behind the playground is a large meadow full of wildflowers that attracts butterflies.  You can also enjoy a pond not far from the playground.  Geese are usually in and around the pond just waiting to be fed. Even if you don't have kids, this is a great place to come and enjoy.  There is plenty of space to find a quiet spot to have a picnic or read a book.  Watching the kids in the playground is an adventure all by itself! The Valparaiso Parks and Recreation Department maintains walking paths leading to Butterfly Meado...
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By Steve Dalton, Northwest Indiana Home Builder
(219-465-8352 )
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...
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By Steve Dalton, Northwest Indiana Home Builder
(219-465-8352 )
This is totally a post about our local area.  I'm not much of a statistician, so I'll leave the Days on Market and Number of Pends and Average Listing Price type numbers to your favorite REALTOR, and there are some great ones right here on http://www.activerain.com/ for Porter County.  I can comment though on my speciality.  New Homes.  There is a definite change in New Homes activity since the beginning of December.  We've had more traffic through our sales center since December 1st than we had all of October and November combined.  Now, the big reason for my surprise is that normally we don't see a whole lot of traffic until after the Superbowl.  So let me offer a few pointers to those of you out looking at home and new homes in the winter months:Buying a spec in January is a terrific...
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Valparaiso, IN Real Estate Professionals