Chesterton, IN

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!

If you prefer natural, organic, and local ingredients in your food, then Third Coast Spice Cafe in Chesterton, Indiana is the place for you! Not only do they offer some tasty omelets with fresh veggies but even the eggs they use are cage free Indiana eggs.

Now if the need for fresh food hits you at lunch time, their sandwiches and salads are also incredible. My favorite salad is their chicken club salad. It sounds ordinary but it's far from ordinary. It's large and filling and I can never leave there without cleaning my plate completely! Satisfaction at its best is what you will get at Third Coast Spice Cafe. Oh, did I tell you that the breakfast items are available all day long. So if you've slept until noon, drop by for breakfast or lunch.

Third Coast Spice Cafe also offers a variety of premium coffees, teas, Italian sodas, smoothies, shakes, breakfast pastries, and decadent desserts. Have I made you hungry yet?

You can easily find Third Coast Spice Cafe in Chesterton, Indiana at 761 Indian Boundary Road, Suite 6 right off of Hwy 49.

See you there!

A fun afternoon of shopping can be accomplished at school in Chesterton, Indiana. Visit the Schoolhouse Shop and you will find gifts, antiques, candies, pottery, glass, garden accessories, toys, and so much more.

The Schoolhouse Shop in Chesterton, Indiana is located in what used to be a two-room schoolhouse built in 1886 atop a high sand dune. Designed in the Italianate Revival style and made from local bricks, a bell tower was place over the front entry door. Much of the land around the school was used to farm blueberries and cranberries.

In the 20s the school was abandoned and later used as a chicken coop. in the 40s, fine art and pottery began to be sold form the building. Two additions were built on the the schoolhouse in the 60s. Finallly in 1997, after going through a couple different owners, the two-room schoolhouse in Chesterton, Indiana, opened as The Schoolhouse Shop.

It's time to start part 2 of the Precept Upon Precept Class on the book of Hebrews, "Draw Near to His Throne". If you missed Part 1, you can still join us for part 2.

Hebrews Part 1 was one the the best Precept studies yet and it only covered 4 chapters. Just think how exciting it will be to get through the rest of the book! Join us - we'd enjoy having you. The class meets on Wednesday starting January 6 from 9 - 11am at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Avenue in Chesterton, Indiana. Lessons will be handed out at the first class.

If you'd like more information on the Precept Upon Precept class, here is a link to the Liberty Bible Church website.

It's that time again for the annual Duneland YMCA Womanless Beauty Pageant! You heard that right, the Womanless Beauty Pageant! Although there will be plenty of laughs to go around, this is a serious fundraiser to raise the necessary funds to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

With a population a little more than 10,000 people, this event is one of the biggest fundraisers for our community YMCA. It also happens to be one of the most theatrical fundraisers that includes local business men competing in evening gowns and swim wear for the titles of Miss-ter Congeniality and Miss-ter YMCA.

Every year this event seems to grow bigger and more lavish. Besides the competition, there is a silent auction that is part of the gala to raise funds. The unique part of the auction is that the men who participate in the contest are responsible for gathering the charity auction items.

Last year, the event raised nearly $27,000 for the YMCA. It truly is amazing what can be achieved when humility is left at the door. Come join us on Saturday, November 6th, for the Duneland Family YMCA Womanless Beauty Pageant...You Won't Regret It!