About Porter County, IN

Last Friday was our Winter Fest in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. As part of the festivities, there was ice sculpting in Central Park Plaza. If you've never seen artists carving ice into beautiful masterpieces, you've missed out on some fun. Here's a majestic eagle on ice shining in the sunlight.

Chesterton Mortgage Reader Question

I try to respond to questions that are sent in by email and in the comments here quickly, and in some cases i keep the questions to write posts that may apply to more consumers.

Today Mortgage Question submitted by a Chesterton Indiana home shopper -

Question: I have been watching rates bounce up and down near 5% for the last six months, and whenever I talk to my REALTOR they suggest home prices are at the bottom ... so it's a no brainer that things can't get any cheaper. But ... does this automatically mean I should buy? Are there other considerations before we run out and make an offer on a home?

Answer: You have summed up the market situation quite well, there is no better time to buy a home than now. And you are correct as well that there are unique considerations for each individual buyer. Some leading indicators:

• Do you feel your job or jobs are stable going forward? I would be remiss to suggest to someone who is worried they may have a period of unemployment ahead go out a buy a home.
• If you are renting, this is an easier bit of advice since your rent can only go up and you are getting "ZERO" benefit on taxes ... but if you own your home the possible resale of your home becomes a much bigger issue. Have you consulted a real estate professional about the possibility and viability of selling your home for a solid value? They know the villages and communities, they should know if your home is poised to sell or may take some time.

Beyond these two biggies, I can tell you that this is a terrific time to buy a home. I could even suggest, at the risk of sounding partially crazy after the 2007 implosion of the market, that this could be the single best time EVER to build a new home. Trust me, I know home building.

Let's talk!

With Easy access to both the Indiana Toll road or Interstate I 94, not to mention the South Shore Train...Portage, Indiana has affordable housing options and yet is within commuting distance to Chicago-land.

Some of our favorite places to shop & eat are in Portage :)

Once Jeff made a date out of taking me to Bass Pro Shop - we spent a few hours in there getting ready for fishing season on our neighborhood Lake, then had dinner in their World Famous Islamorada Fish Company restaurant :)

When we are out early morning showing homes in Porter County, our favorite breakfast spot is

Egg on Your Face

With close proximity to the Scenic Indiana Dunes & Lake Michigan Marina's...the city of Portage is growing fast and worth your careful consideration when looking for a place to call home in Northwest Indiana.

If we can help you find a home in Portage, Indiana that suits your families needs and budget, give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

We can show you any property you find on the internet, regardless of which real estate company has the sign in the yard :)

Today, February 5, is your chance to watch ice carvers at work! Doesn't that sound just perfect for a cold winter day? And it all starts at noon in Central Park. Ice Carvings in Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana!

And you probably thought all the fun happened in NYC! Not true. Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso, Indianais located at the corner of Indiana and LaFayette, just one block down from the Courthouse Square.

The fun doesn't stop here. Ice skating will be open each weekday evening at Central Park and all day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now through February 15. If you have not visited Valparaiso, Indiana, you are missing out on fun times for the entire family!

Below is a picture of Central Park in Valparaiso, Indiana in the middle of summer. Soon we will have the Farmers Market to look forward to each week. Gotta love Valparaiso, Indiana!