When you use the services of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate to buy or sell a home in Northwest Indiana there is no added junk fees on your HUD 1 closing statement to our company.
We get paid commission when a property sells and closes.
If you are a NW Indiana Home Seller and list your property with F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana - our mutually agreed upon commission rate is in the listing contract and that is all you pay at closing.
There are NO surprise fees like some other area real estate brokerages charge which range from $150. to $695.and are added to the HUD 1 statement at closing!
We have seen these Junk Fees called:
Administrative Fee
File Storage Fee
Transaction Fee
Home Buyers = when using F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate to represent you to purchase your Northwest Indiana property, we do not add on a brokerage fee at closing for you to pay us.
Many other real estate companies do charge you a "buyer fee" that shows up on your HUD 1 closing statement.
Give us a call today to represent you in the purchase or sale of a property in NW Indiana and $ave you money!
Happy 5 Year Anniversary F. C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
serving Northwest Indiana
What
a difference 5 years can make!
On 7/8/2009 at 10 am we opened the doors of our business F. C. Tucker 1st Team Real
Estate at 13 Lincolnway in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana.
The economy was troubled with unemployment rates in double
digits, real estate sales with longer days on market and more short sales and
foreclosures prevalent and consumer confidence low…not exactly the perfect time
to invest hard earned savings and start a real estate brokerage.
Despite all the negative facts and stats shared daily in the
news, Grace & I knew we had the determination, work ethic and experience many successful real estate sales since 1999 to take a chance on our
dream.
5 years later we have not only survived the economic storm, but
we have been blessed to thrive and grow our market share and have even expanded
the areas we service, thanks to many loyal and repeat satisfied clients and
their referrals of friends and family!
We also appreciate the strong backing of Indiana’s Real
Estate Leader - F.C. Tucker With more than $3 billion in annual sales, F.C.
Tucker Company is Indiana’s largest independently owned comprehensive real
estate firm with more than 40 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates
throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all
real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the
company’s family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services.
F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced
sales associates and “Golden Rule” commitment to its clients.
The 1st 5 years of
owning our brokerage F. C .Tucker 1st Team Real Estate has gone by very
quickly!
Thankfully, the economy has
improved for many, unemployment rates have gone down, there are fewer
foreclosures and short sales, and best of all, well priced homes in move in
ready condition are selling in shorter market times with a few even getting
multiple offers.
We
respect the real estate goals of each client we serve. We work diligently to
provide personalized professional service to help our clients achieve their
goals of buying or selling property in Northwest Indiana and are humbled by
their faith and trust in us and grateful for their business.
We look forward to representing
many more people, for many more years, in the purchase or sale of property in the
NW Indiana counties of Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke.
If we can be of service to you in
the future, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Thank
you!
Sincerely,
Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
13 Lincolnway Suite # 203
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Office # 219-309-9930 FAX # 219-510-5005
serving Northwest Indiana
Visit our various Social Media Sites: 

Northwest Indiana has plenty of planned events and celebrations for all ages for Independence Day 2014!
Just follow this link to see a list of day by day events for various locations in Northwest Indiana
Including Parades, Fireworks, Festivals. Programs, Parties & More!
As always, we appreciate your business and referrals!--
Visit our various Social Media Sites: 

Remembering the brave hearts who serve our nation!
From Our Home to Yours - Wishing you a safe Memorial Day Weekend!
Here is a link to a calendar of events in Northwest Indiana this Holiday weekend.
As always, we appreciate your business and referrals!
F. C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
13 Lincolnway Suite # 203
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Office # 219-309-9930 FAX # 219-510-5005
serving Northwest Indiana
You Tube Videos by Northwest Indiana REALTORS
In a written testimonial Michael a 1st Time Home Buyer describes his experiences using the services of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate to represent him as buyer agent in the purchase a foreclosure property in Northwest Indiana.

If we can be of service to you in finding a home that suit your needs and budget - Talk To Tucker - Indiana's Real Estate Leader (est.1918).
Judgment, Courage, Patience and Vision...
These words appear on a plaque in the Executive offices of F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. under a likeness of the firm's founder, the late Frederick C. Tucker, Sr. The words not only describe the founder's attributes, but they also serve as continued reminders of our Company beliefs.
We have a long history
Started in Indianapolis 90 years ago, Tucker has 35 affiliate offices in Indiana and Kentucky, in addition to its 15 Indianapolis-area offices. Less than one percent of all real estate firms in America enjoy a continuing history as long as F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
We continue to grow
The F.C. Tucker Company is owned by H. James Litten, who dedicates himself to continuing to grow and diversify the services provided by the company.
Our goal
Our goal is to orchestrate a process that makes your experience in buying or selling real estate a smooth and enjoyable one. In addition, we have designed a seamless, multi-integrated system with the latest in technology to assist all parties involved.
Contact us
If you don't have a Tucker sales associate and would like help in selecting one who specializes in the areas and price range you desire contact us by phone or email.
Buying or Selling a Home in Northwest Indiana?
Check out our videos on You Tube!
We want to be your REALTORS
F. C .Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
13 Lincolnway #203
Valparaiso, IN 46383
www.1stTeamRealEstate.Net

Click here to visit our You Tube Channel NOW
With more than $3 billion in annual sales, F.C.
Tucker Company is Indiana’s largest independently owned comprehensive real
estate firm with more than 40 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates
throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all
real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the
company’s family of businesses includes a full range of real estate
services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of
insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has
earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates
and “Golden Rule” commitment to its clients and employees.
We invite you to visit and Like our Facebook Business Page F.C.Tucker 1st Team where you can find Northwest Indiana Real Estate Information.
With more than $3 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana’s largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with more than 40 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company’s family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services, relocation services, homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and “Golden Rule” commitment to its clients and employees.

When a property listed for sale in NW Indiana has all of the following:
Desirable Location
Priced to Sell
Well Kept Condition
Unique Amenities
There will be a flurry of activity and showings on the property and multiple offers!
It's Supply and Demand...
Buyers who have viewed and compared many homes for sale in an area realize when one new listing comes on the market that has all of the above positive attributes, it is a good buy! ... and put an offer on it quickly before another home buyers contract is accepted.
When a multiple offer situation occurs, all interested buyers are asked to bring their highest and best offer and terms forth in a written and signed purchase agreement to the seller by a certain date and time.
This can be done with or without a Multiple Offer Disclosure Form. The seller does not have to elect to wait a certain time period however usually an extended time for receipt of best offers are given to those buyers interested to be among those the seller considers.
Price is not the only criteria the seller weighs when choosing between multiple offers..... there are other conditions that may affect the sellers decision.
Purchase Agreement variables like:
Contingencies on sale or close of another property.
Buyer asking for seller assistance to pay x number of dollars of their closing costs and pre-paids.
Being non flexible on other terms in the purchase agreement such as closing and possession dates, inspection repairs paid for by the seller, personal property requests asked for by the buyers, home warranty requests, etc...
Listing additional further conditions or addenda in the offer can be a consideration.
Submitting less earnest money than requested.
Type of financing is an important consideration: There is a difference i.e. Cash verses conventional loans verses FHA or VA financing.
All of these variables are taken into consideration as well as price!
An experienced professional REALTOR can recommend structuring an offer in a multiple bid situation for their buyers to get the contract accepted.
Call us to represent you in this market where there is an inventory shortage for affordable homes in good condition.
Thanks for stopping by and reading our Blog about Life in NW Indiana, The Housing Market, Communities, Local Sports, Events, attractions & more.
Sincerely,
Jeff & Grace Safrin, Broker / Owners 
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate
13 Lincolnway Suite # 203
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Office # 219-309-9930
serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton & Starke Counties in NW Indiana
Independently Owned & Operated
Visit our various Social Media Sites:

Follow us on Google+
Talk to Tucker - Indiana's Real Estate Leader , established 1918.
Judgment, Courage, Patience and Vision...
These words appear on a plaque in the Executive offices of F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. under a likeness of the firm's founder, the late Frederick C. Tucker, Sr. The words not only describe the founder's attributes, but they also serve as continued reminders of our Company beliefs.
We have a long history
Started in Indianapolis 90 years ago, Tucker has 35 affiliate offices in Indiana and Kentucky, in addition to its 15 Indianapolis-area offices. Less than one percent of all real estate firms in America enjoy a continuing history as long as F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
We continue to grow
The F.C. Tucker Company is owned by H. James Litten, who dedicates himself to continuing to grow and diversify the services provided by the company.
Our goal
Our goal is to orchestrate a process that makes your experience in buying or selling real estate a smooth and enjoyable one. In addition, we have designed a seamless, multi-integrated system with the latest in technology to assist all parties involved.
Contact us
If you don't have a Tucker sales associate and would like help in selecting one who specializes in the areas and price range you desire contact us by phone or email.
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy New Year 2014 filled with blessings!
http://www.1stteamrealestate.net/photos/fctucker_1st_team_real_estate/images/3609273/361x480.aspx
As always, we appreciate your business and referrals !
Click on the name of any of our Professional Real Estate Agents to visit their websites for more information!
Ty Gammon ->
Neighborhood Matchmaker
Linda Littlejohn ->
Real Estate Broker Associate
Melissa Rardin ->
REALTOR
Ken Mills & Denise Darling->REALTORS 
Judgment, Courage, Patience and Vision...
These words appear on a plaque in the Executive offices of F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. under a likeness of the firm's founder, the late Frederick C. Tucker, Sr. The words not only describe the founder's attributes, but they also serve as continued reminders of our Company beliefs.
We have a long history
Started in Indianapolis 90 years ago, Tucker has 35 affiliate offices in Indiana and Kentucky, in addition to its 15 Indianapolis-area offices. Less than one percent of all real estate firms in America enjoy a continuing history as long as F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
Our goal
Our goal is to orchestrate a process that makes your experience in buying or selling real estate a smooth and enjoyable one. In addition, we have designed a seamless, multi-integrated system with the latest in technology to assist all parties involved.
Contact us
If you don't have a Tucker sales associate and would like help in selecting one who specializes in the areas and price range you desire contact us by phone or email.

It has been an amazing period of time for our agents and our company
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving NW Indiana.
As we continue to reach more and more milestones, we are seeking the
best and brightest in the industry to join us.
Just click here to listen to Linda Littlejohn's testimonial, and then Talk To Tucker !
With over 20 years experience as a real estate broker, Linda has achieved
leading sales producer of our office in 2012 and 2013!
We Want To Be Your Destination Brokerage F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate serving Northwest Indiana
If you are looking to learn more and grow your real estate business, we are
here to help positively affect your professional career.
Talk To Jeff & Grace Safrin today @ 219-405-1232 to learn more about
what F.C.Tucker Co. Inc. has to offer agents.
We offer a full range of real estate services.
It’s family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services:
- Tucker Mortgage
- Title Insurance
- Title Services
- Home Services
- Tucker School of Real Estate
- Relocation Services
- Homeowner Warranty Products
- Tucker/Schrader Auction Company, L.P.
- Tucker Referrals
Judgment, Courage, Patience and Vision...
These words appear on a plaque in the Executive offices of F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. under a likeness of the firm's founder, the late Frederick C. Tucker, Sr. The words not only describe the founder's attributes, but they also serve as continued reminders of our Company beliefs.
We have a long history
Started in Indianapolis 90 years ago, Tucker has 35 affiliate offices in Indiana and Kentucky, in addition to its 15 Indianapolis-area offices. Less than one percent of all real estate firms in America enjoy a continuing history as long as F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
We continue to grow
The F.C. Tucker Company is owned by H. James Litten, who dedicates himself to continuing to grow and diversify the services provided by the company.
Our goal
Our goal is to orchestrate a process that makes your experience in buying or selling real estate a smooth and enjoyable one. In addition, we have designed a seamless, multi-integrated system with the latest in technology to assist all parties involved.
Contact us
219-309-9930
FCTucker1stTeam@gmail.com
If you don't have a Tucker sales associate and would like help in selecting one who specializes in the areas and price range you desire contact us by phone or email.
A well maintained home sells !
Invest some time this winter into checking over your home room by room and looking for any maintenance items that need attention,
especially if you are a snow bird and plan to spend extended time in a warmer climate south of Northwest Indiana!
We have provided a handy checklist for you below - if you would like us to email this list to you, give us a call @ 219-309-9930.
Talk To Tucker for all your NW Indiana Real Estate needs :)


Halloween is around the corner!
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind for your children.
As always, we appreciate your business and referrals.
Have a fun & safe Halloween!
Talk To Tucker - for all your Real Estate needs!
We have a long history
Started in Indianapolis 90 years ago, Tucker has 35 affiliate offices in Indiana and Kentucky, in addition to its 15 Indianapolis-area offices. Less than one percent of all real estate firms in America enjoy a continuing history as long as F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
We continue to grow
The F.C. Tucker Company is owned by H. James Litten, who dedicates himself to continuing to grow and diversify the services provided by the company.
We take part in trade association and community involvement at all levels
Trade association and community involvement at all levels is an important component of the Tucker management and sales groups. Presidencies and chairmanships occupied by Company representatives have included the National Association of Realtors, Indiana Association of Realtors, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, Indiana Real Estate Commission, Crown Hill Cemetery, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Humane Society of Indianapolis, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Penrod Society and the Stanley K. Lacy Alumni Group, just to name a few.
Our goal
Our goal is to orchestrate a process that makes your experience in buying or selling real estate a smooth and enjoyable one. In addition, we have designed a seamless, multi-integrated system with the latest in technology to assist all parties involved.
Contact us
If you don't have a Tucker sales associate and would like help in selecting one who specializes in the areas and price range you desire contact us by phone or email.

If you are an Indiana Home Owner behind on your mortgage, can no longer afford your home, considering a short sale of your property, you may qualify for relocation assistance up to $2,500. from the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network (I F P N).
There is a Transition Assistance Fund (T A P) for those who qualify** -> you can find out if you do by calling (877) GET - HOPE or applying online via the State's Website www.877gethope.com
**You must be able to maintain your property until it is sold.
This Indiana State Funds can be in addition to any HAFA program funds (Federal Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) or in addition to any Bank / Lender relocation assistance at closing for short sale.
For other short sale references/articles click here.
CRS CONSUMER ARTICLE
Household allergens can cause a variety of symptoms in many people, including
sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and shortness of breath. Allergens may also be a
contributing cause of asthma, especially in children. However, it is possible to minimize
the effects of such allergens by taking steps to control their presence and dispersal in
the home.
The most common household allergens include dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, and
pet dander (dried flakes of skin shed by pets, particularly cats and dogs). Effective
control relies on a combination of measures that, when used properly, will reduce the
levels of allergens and allergen exposure.
• Increase ventilation to the home. Opening windows whenever possible promotes
good air exchange and will reduce the concentration of airborne allergens,
especially pet dander.
• Wash bedding and stuffed toys once a week in hot water to control dust mites
and cat allergens in particular.
• Keep pets clean and well groomed to control dander.
• Use mite-resistant mattress covers and pillow covers and wash these frequently.
• Dust and vacuum regularly, and use micro-filtration or HEPA filter vacuum bags.
The jury is still out on whether bag-less vacuum cleaners are more effective in
removing allergens than those that require bags; some studies indicate that
many bag-less vacuums are not sealed tightly enough and can actually make the
problem worse. Wearing a dust mask while dusting and vacuuming is also a
good way to reduce exposure.
• Consider removing wall-to-wall carpeting and replacing them with easily-cleaned
area rugs, particularly in bedrooms.
• Make sure bathrooms, especially those with showers, are well ventilated. Open
the window and use exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors to prevent moisture
buildup, which can encourage mold and mildew growth.
• If possible, reduce indoor humidity to 50% or less by using room dehumidifiers or
the dehumidifier feature available with many central air conditioning systems.
• Clean or replace furnace and central air conditioner filters on a regular basis.
Make sure that air conditioner drain pans are clean and that they allow the water
to drain properly.
Taking these simple steps can mean breathing easy in a healthier, more comfortable
home.
Article courtesy of Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection
Pillartopost.com
One benefit of being a CRS is the wealth of information from our local chapter sponsors,
one of which writes very helpful articles for home owners->
Thanks Pillar to Post for sharing this advice!

Whether it’s a big project such as a bathroom remodel, something small like putting up
shelves, or repairs and routine maintenance, many homeowners turn to handymen to
get the job done. It used to be that everyone knew “a guy down the street who can do
everything”, but these days finding a qualified, professional, and reliable handyman can
be a real challenge. Here are some tips for homeowners to ensure that they have the
right person for the job:
1. MAKE SURE THEY ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORK
Certain projects require specific skills that all handymen may not have. You will
of course want to know that they have the qualifications and experience to do the
job. In addition, many states require persons performing certain work to be
licensed; electrical and plumbing often fall into this category. Check with your
state on whether such licenses are required and verify the status of the
contractor’s license if it applies.
2. ASK FOR REFERENCES
Request at least two local references from previous customers. The handyman
should be willing to do this without hesitation. Then, contact those references!
Ask about the quality of the work, timeliness, professionalism, and how the
handyman handled any changes that may have occurred during the course of the
project. Also ask how satisfied they were with the work overall.
3. CHECK OUT ONLINE REVIEWS
Online review sites such as Yelp and Google Places can offer insights into what
kind of experience people have had with specific handymen. These types of
reviews can be helpful in getting an overall impression, but a straight “thumbs
up/thumbs down” review may not provide the information you’re looking for.
Membership sites such as Angie’s List are another good source of reviews.
4. VERIFY INSURANCE COVERAGE
Liability insurance is always a good idea. If the handyman or another worker is
injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for medical costs.
Ask for evidence of coverage before agreeing to any work. Uninsured handymen
often charge less for their services because they lack the overhead expense of
insurance, but it could cost you in the long run.
5. GET WRITTEN ESTIMATES AND A CONTRACT
Ideally, ask three handymen for written estimates for the work you have in mind.
Be sure that each estimate contains enough detail so that you can make a
comparison between them. For example, are the specified materials of the same
quality? Does the cost include cleanup and hauling away any debris or
old/broken items? Read all contracts carefully and be sure to ask about anything
that you are unsure of.
6. DETERMINE THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE BEFORE YOU SIGN
Beware if you are asked to pay for the entire job up front – this is not an accepted
business practice and could leave you open to fraud. Handymen will often ask for
50% when the contract is signed, which will allow them to purchase materials for
the job and assure them that you are committed. Be sure to request receipts for
all payments.
.
Article courtesy of Pillar To Post
Pillartopost.com