CEDAR LAKE INDIANA REAL ESTATE BLOG

Astro Realty Home Buying Tips 219 374-9890

2011-09-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Pros and Cons of going into a Condo Astro Realty Home Buying Tips 219 374-9890

13913 Lakeview Point Cedar Lake, IN Lakefront Land For Sale 219 374-9890

2011-08-19T04:53:00.000-07:00

13913 Lakeview Point Cedar Lake, IN Lakefront Land For Sale 219 374-9890

2011-08-18T07:30:00.001-07:00

Arizona Apartment Buildings for Sale http://www.apartmentssold.com/

2011-08-17T12:06:00.001-07:00

Vacationrentals.com 3 bedroom House sleeps 6 in Cedar Lake, Indiana - Cedar Lake Vacation Rental http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/82410.html?promoType=none

Great Mornin Ski run on Cedar Lake

2011-07-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

Good Time Charley Singles Dances in Chicagoland

2011-07-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

It Doesn't Get any Better Than This

2011-07-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Cedar Lake, IN, $975/week

2011-07-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Cedar Lake, IN, $975/week

LGB Trains, Carrera Slot Cars, Lionel Trains Pizza Express Train Shop

2011-06-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

LGB Trains, Carrera Slot Cars, Lionel Trains Pizza Express Train Shop

Vacationrentals.com 3 bedroom House sleeps 6 in Cedar Lake, Indiana - Cedar Lake Vacation Rental

2011-06-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Vacationrentals.com 3 bedroom House sleeps 6 in Cedar Lake, Indiana - Cedar Lake Vacation Rental

Huge Price Reduction on this

2011-05-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is a Great deal Owner says Sell Fast.
Why Below Current Appraisal of 230,000
Buy Today Call for more detials 219 374-9890

13501 Morse Cedar Lake, IN Commercial Building For Sale 219 374-9890

2011-05-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Huge Huge Price Drop 10,000sqft Building Must sell Now Great Location $152,400
13501 Morse Cedar Lake, IN Commercial Building For Sale 219 374-9890

Astro Realty (pauladreno) on Twitter

2011-04-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Astro Realty (pauladreno) on Twitter

YouTube - It Doesn't Get any Better Than This

2011-04-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

YouTube - It Doesn't Get any Better Than This Vacation Rental, Cedar Lake In.

7518 Lake Shore Dr. Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2011-03-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

7518 Lake Shore Dr. Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

Lakefront Home For Sale 133 W. Lakeview dr Lowell, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2011-03-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

Lakefront Home For Sale 133 W. Lakeview dr Lowell, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

13913 Lakeview Point Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2011-03-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

Commerical Building for Sale, 10,000sqft 4 Garages, 12ft door, office space and more call for more details. 13501 Morse Cedar Lake, IN 219 374-9890

Astro Realty of Cedar Lake

2011-02-15T04:37:00.000-08:00

Check us out on Facebook

Astro Realty of Cedar Lake

13405 Bell St., Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2010-11-21T03:50:00.000-08:00

13405 Bell St., Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

View Newsletter

2010-11-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Astro Realty Newletter, R U ready for Winter. Read On for Tips to Prepare you for the Cold and Snow

2010-10-14T05:40:00.001-07:00

7420 W. 136th Pl, Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890 http://astro-realty.com/7420w136.htm

7420 W. 136th Pl, Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2010-10-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

7420 W. 136th Pl, Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

This home needs some TLC, Great Buy only $68,000

7518 Lake Shore Dr. Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2010-10-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

7518 Lake Shore Dr. Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

Great Lakeview home

13405 Bell St., Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

2010-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

13405 Bell St., Cedar Lake, IN Home For Sale 219 374-9890

Nice Investment Property.

Wilson Auction Company - 20 years of service

2010-10-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Wilson Auction Company - October 24 Auction, Southern Illinois

2010-10-12T17:28:00.001-07:00

The Orchard Phase 1 New Homes 765 423-1510 http://cometotheorchard.com/phase1.htm

2010-10-12T16:28:00.001-07:00

Cabo San Lucas Vacation Rental http://cabovacationrental.net/index.htm

2010-05-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

Cabo San Lucas Vacation Rental http://www.vflyer.com/main/PublishPreview.jsp?clURL=http://astrorealty.vflyer.com/27/index-cl-new.html?1274015300799

2009-12-16T14:36:00.001-08:00

REALTORÂ® Magazine-Daily News-IRS Sets New Rules for Tax Credit http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009120702?OpenDocument

2009-12-07T05:32:00.001-08:00

Great deal. Home in Cedar Lake Indiana. Needs work. Only 3 short Blocks off Lake. $8,200
Contact me for details.

2009-12-07T05:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to all.

2009-12-07T03:46:00.001-08:00

Drive Careful today

2009-11-24T07:46:00.001-08:00

LAKEFRONT LIVING AT IT'S FINEST
No Work All Play in this great Lakefront Condo
http://astro-realty.com/cedarlakecondos.htm

2009-11-22T17:01:00.001-08:00

14424 Windsor St, Cedar Lake, IN
Large Home for your Family Holiday Gatherings for Sale: http://astro-realty.com/14424Windsorst.htm

2009-11-22T09:11:00.001-08:00

Imagine Cooking your Holiday dinner in the great Kitchen for your Family.
http://astro-realty.com/cedarlakecondos.htm

2009-11-22T07:25:00.001-08:00

And enjoy the Perfect Lakeview

2009-11-22T07:19:00.001-08:00

Your Holiday Dinner in your new home

2009-11-22T07:16:00.001-08:00

Lakefront Living is the Best. Contact me for your new home

2009-11-22T05:12:00.001-08:00

Good Morning to all and God Bless you..Happy Holidays

2009-11-22T05:08:00.001-08:00

Are you getting Married, then you will need a checklist of all the things to do: http://villadebruno.com/checklist.htm

2009-11-22T04:23:00.001-08:00

Cedar Lake museum should get new roof :: Lake County :: Post-Tribune http://www.post-trib.com/news/lake/1897894,museumroof1122.article

2009-11-21T10:25:00.001-08:00

Southern Illinois Properties for Sale: http://jdavidthompsonrealty.com/southern-illinois-properties.html

2009-11-21T10:24:00.001-08:00

Because the Top Floor is the Best I know you Want only the Best Lakefront Condo Furnished http://astro-realty.com/cedarlakecondos.htm

2009-11-20T04:51:00.003-08:00

Build you new home in this Lakeside community
http://astro-realty.com/6908w135th.htm

2009-11-20T04:51:00.001-08:00

Commercial Lease Space
Located in Cedar Lake, The town of New Developments Located on U.S. 41.
http://astro-realty.com/commericallease.htm

2009-11-20T04:50:00.001-08:00

14424 Windsor St, Cedar Lake, IN
Have the Whole Family over and Not be Crowded this holiday season..
14424 Windsor St, Cedar Lake, IN

2009-11-20T04:49:00.001-08:00

13129 Polk St. Cedar Lake, IN
What a Great Lakefront Home
Enjoy your Christmas here..
http://astro-realty.com/13129polk.htm

2009-11-20T04:35:00.001-08:00

Because the Top Floor is the Best
I know you Want only the Best
Lakefront Condo Furnished
http://astro-realty.com/cedarlakecondos.htm

2009-11-20T04:34:00.001-08:00

3788 Kingsway Dr. Crown Point, IN
Great Deal in Lake of the Four Seasons
Backyard Pool
http://astro-realty.com/3788kingsway.htm

2009-11-19T17:30:00.001-08:00

Corrosion Resistant Industrial Tanks
http://crecoinc.com/industrial-tanks.htm

2009-11-19T17:26:00.001-08:00

If you know of anyone who may be interested in any of my information that I put out there. Please pass it on..

2009-11-19T17:16:00.001-08:00

Our vision is very clear...we want to be your auctioneer! Southern Illinois
http://wilsonauction.com/

2009-11-19T17:14:00.001-08:00

Visit your new home here: Surround yourself with lush, rolling countryside. http://cometotheorchard.com/

2009-11-19T17:13:00.001-08:00

Autumn Ridge offers 160 acres of dense forest, acreage lots to build your new home in wooded setting. http://visitautumnridge.com/main.htm

2009-11-19T17:11:00.001-08:00

Are you getting Married, then you will need a checklist of all the things to do:
http://villadebruno.com/checklist.htm

2009-11-19T17:06:00.001-08:00

Energy-Efficient Performance MILLION-AIR Heat exchanger SureStart Ignition System
http://transite1.com/furnances.htm

2009-11-19T17:05:00.001-08:00

The New Charlotte Home in NW Indiana
http://www.trailcreekhomes.com/thecharlotte.htm

2009-11-19T17:04:00.001-08:00

FREE LISTS Arizona Distress Properties
http://www.sjfowler.com/index.php?page_id=233

2009-11-19T17:03:00.001-08:00

DISCONTINUED CARRERA ITEMS AND
SPECIAL PRICING FOR THOSE ITEMS
http://pizzatrains.com/carrera-slot-cars.html

2009-11-19T17:01:00.001-08:00

Protect yourself with a really Good Lawyer in NW Indiana http://latuliplaw1.com/

2009-11-19T16:54:00.001-08:00

Do you need and Auction Service in Southern Illinois, Or do you enjoy Aucation, visit
http://ollisauction.com/

2009-11-19T16:53:00.003-08:00

Southern Illinois Properties for Sale:
http://jdavidthompsonrealty.com/southern-illinois-properties.html

2009-11-19T16:53:00.001-08:00

Looking for your Perfect Christmas Tree
Visit http://hubingers.com

2009-11-19T16:52:00.001-08:00

Take care of your Boat dock with help from
Lakefront Maintenance: http://lakefrontmaintenance.com/

2009-11-19T16:51:00.001-08:00

Is your Property Clean enought for EPA
checkout this out here:
http://kleensweep2000.com/EPA.htm

2009-11-19T16:45:00.001-08:00

NW Indiana Lakefront Homes for Sale
http://astro-realty.com/lakefronthomesforsale.htm

2009-11-19T16:34:00.001-08:00

Arizona Distressed Property Deals at:
http://ping.fm/8ibXq

2009-11-19T16:10:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to all my friends and followers. I want to say thank you to all of you for your friendship and God Bless you all. P.

Great Cedar Lake Business, Featured Article in Paper

2009-04-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Cedar Lake business offers residential maintenance, cleanup
By Sharon Porta Times Correspondent Sunday, April 26, 2009
While the housing crisis has hurt many businesses, Kleen Sweep is not among them. After many years of handling maintenance and cleanup of commercial businesses, Thomas Lesh has expanded his business to include residential cleanup."For years, we have taken care of businesses, handle graffiti, power wash and repaint. And when a business moves out, we go in and clean it up," said Paula Reno, the company's CFO. "So about six months ago, we just decided to partner with investors and banks that are foreclosing on properties to offer the service residentially. Investors buy the home as is and we go in and clean it up."The condition of the homes varies, but Reno said the previous owners always leave something behind."Nine out of 10 times there are things there that need removing," Lesh said. "We take a truck, load it up, bring it back here to sort and salvage."Because the company is not in the resale business, they have been making donations to families that have lost items, victims of floods and fire and the Salvation Army."We don't really want to sell the items. We make our money doing cleanup," Lesh said. "We have a huge building and thought that instead of throwing it away, we would find people who need it. We are getting all kinds of things that people need -- especially now in these hard times."Crews move into the homes and handle everything from painting and plumbing to general maintenance. Services include cleanup of the property, removing old furniture or garbage, pressure washing when needed and hiring professionals to repair dry wall, carpentry and landscaping."Some of the houses are in pretty bad shape and some are not," Lesh said. "But this end of the business has been pretty good."Kleen Sweep even has a sister company, Astro Realty, to handle the sale of the homes once they are in good shape."We still offer all of our commercial services, like parking lot sweeping, snow removal, lawn care and more, "Reno said. "And with this, we're really able to help people who are losing or who have lost their homes." Kleen Sweep Location: 13501 Morse St., Cedar Lake
Phone: (219) 374-4296
Owner: Thomas Lesh
When opened: 1985
Number of employees: 10
Type of business: Parking lot sweeping, snow removal, lawn care, residential and commercial clean-up
Web site: www.kleensweep2000.com

New Waterfront Restuarant, Cedar Lake

2009-03-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse Rest will open up on April 6. The Chamber is having a Big Gala on April 25 here, I cannot Wait

Great News for Cedar Lake

2008-07-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

Cedar Lake restoration moving forward
StoryDiscussionFont Size: Default font size Larger font size BY MELANIE CSEPIGA
Times Correspondent | Tuesday, July 22, 2008 | 2 comment(s)

CEDAR LAKE | Dredging will be one component of a federal ecosystem restoration and enhancement project on Cedar Lake, but how much sediment will be removed from the lake remains to be seen.

After reviewing the recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draft document on the project and hearing Town Council concerns, consultant Kay Whitlock is expected to make some recommendations when the council meets at 7 p.m. July 29.

"It recommends a whole array of features to be combined, so it's not just dredging," Whitlock, of Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Crown Point, said of the draft document.

Using special software, the Corps mixed and matched elements of the project to achieve the highest environmental value at the best price, Whitlock said, noting that the results, for now, include planting vegetation on the shoreline and under water, fish management, treatment of contaminants and dredging.

Bob Gross, president of the Cedar Lake Enhancement Association, the grassroots group that started restoration planning, said he is happy the project is moving along.

"I know the council is reviewing it. With the land purchase we made, we want to get more sediment out than the Corps recommended," he said.

The town has purchased 114 acres to the south on which to place sediment removed from the town namesake lake. A portion of the land eventually would be capped and serve as a park, officials have said.

Whitlock said it was her impression July 15 when she presented the Corps' draft document to the town council that at least some members want to see a greater amount of sediment removed through dredging. That concern will be reflected in her recommendation, she said.

Whitlock, whose area of expertise lies with federally-funded projects, said developing a contract and cost-sharing is not as clear-cut as people might expect.

"Negotiating this kind of contract with the federal government is very sensitive," she said, adding that she has personally been impressed by the value the project holds for the region.

A detailed, public review of the project, funded through federal and state dollars garnered by Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., and state Sen. Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake, is scheduled for the fall.

Gross said the Corps will present the project during a Nov. 7 fundraiser at the After Four Club in Cedar Lake.

Great Happenings in Cedar Lake

2008-05-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

2008-05-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happenings in Cedar Lake

2008-05-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Our Dollar General here is getting a Huge faceLift, Check it out

The whole Strip mall there is getting the lift.. Congrat to Brian the Owner..

Statue Of Liberty, Replica, is Coming to Crown Point

2008-05-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

Wow Crown Point must be very excited about getting a Statue of Liberty.. Jill will continue this post..

More Great News for Cedar Lake IN

2008-04-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

McFarland introduces townhomes starting at $135,900 during grand opening event
StoryDiscussionFont Size: Default font size Larger font size By Michelle Krueger | Saturday, April 05, 2008 | No comments posted.

Discover how you can move right into your own brand new townhome in a picturesque Cedar Lake neighborhood for just $135,900 this weekend. You’ll find all the details on this incredible offer during McFarland Homes’ grand opening event at The Townhomes of Monastery Woods from 11am-4pm today and 1-4pm tomorrow.

“People are really enthused about the area,” Rita Carmin, McFarland Homes’ new home specialist at Monastery Woods, said. “It’s a really pretty location, close to the lake, and very convenient for people who are on the go.”

Featuring two distinct floor plans, The Townhomes of Monastery Woods include a 1,144 square foot ranch plan, the Augusta, and a 1,653-1,991 square foot 2-story, the St. Andrews, which can be customized three different ways to meet your individual needs for extra closet and storage space, a full second bath and/or a third bedroom.

For a limited time, during McFarland’s special grand opening event, the Augusta, featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 ? baths, utility room with laundry tub, eat-in kitchen with sliding glass doors leading out to a 12 x 12 concrete patio, large central family room and master bedroom suite with his and her closets and a walk-in shower that includes by-pass glass doors and a built-in seat, starts at $135,900.

“For those who are looking to move into their new home right away, we currently have Express Homes of this model immediately available,” Carmin said. “You can also choose to build your own Augusta and still take advantage of the Grand Opening pricing for a limited time.”

The 2-story St. Andrews starts with a standard 1,653 square foot plan and includes 2 bedrooms, 1 ? baths, master bedroom with both walk-in and reach-in closets, second bedroom with walk-in closet, large family room with vaulted ceiling, kitchen with built-in pantry and large dinette area with sliding glass doors that lead to a 12 x 12 concrete patio, laundry room with tub and plenty of additional convenient storage space on the main floor plus a large linen closet and 12 x 9, loft perfect for a computer/office area upstairs.

“A fully customized St. Andrews with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths for a total of 1,919 square feet starts at $172,900 before special Grand Opening savings,” Carmin said. “There’s so much you can do with this flexible floor plan to meet all of your needs in a new home, all for a surprisingly affordable price.”

All of The Townhomes of Monastery Woods come complete with 2-car attached garages with automatic garage door openers and two remotes plus all the benefits of maintenance-free living with an Association to remove snow and maintain the landscaping, elegant community entryways and water features.

A nice, quiet setting with four wet ponds on the north side of Cedar Lake, Monastery Woods backs up to Parrish on 129th and is very close to Route 41 as well. An emerging hotspot in Lake County, Cedar Lake offers new homebuyers resort-style living in a quiet, country setting along with the desirable amenities of city life. In addition to a thriving downtown business district and an award-winning school district, Cedar Lake features an 805-acre spring-fed lake with more than 7 miles of shoreline and tranquil beaches for the enjoyment of residents.

With plans for a total of 230 homes, McFarland Homes is also building Paired Ranch homes in Monastery Woods.

“We also have Express Homes with Spring Savings and new construction locations available for our Paired Ranch homes in Monastery Woods,” Carmin said. “These models will also be open during The Townhome Grand Opening event. Whether you’re interested in a new Paired Ranch home or one of the new Townhome models, you’ll find unparalleled value, comfort and luxury in all of the homes at Monastery Woods.”

In fact, McFarland Homes invites you to pick up a handy “Comprehensive Comparison Guide” that you can take with you and use to shop and compare while looking for your new construction home. This valuable hand out is available in all of their sales offices and thoroughly explains over 40 of the included standard features of a McFarland home.

According to Carmin, some features are visible to you when you go through a new construction home and other items are behind the drywall. Both are extremely important to the comfort and maintenance of your home. Educated home buyers need to know the facts about the purchase that is typically their largest, single investment.

Once you have the facts and compare all of the standard features, McFarland Homes is confident that you will want to become a McFarland homeowner.

From their custom homes division and their first maintenance free, all-brick, paired ranch homes, McFarland Homes has always been an innovator in home plans offered through out Lake County. They currently offer Single Family Ranch Cottages in Griffith’s West Haven Manor and Paired Ranch Homes in Merrillville’s Mesa Ridge. McFarland Homes also recently introduced their Townhomes in The Gates of St. John.

Cedar Lake dredging fund earns approval

2008-03-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

A state oversight panel has given final approval for $2 million to help dredge Cedar Lake.

The funds were included in the state budget legislators approved last year, but the project needed a final nod from the State Budget Committee. The five-member panel -- four lawmakers and the governor's budget director -- unanimously approved the project Monday.

Cedar Lake Town Manager Joan Boyer told the committee the $2 million would be used to acquire land to deposit the materials scraped from the bottom of the lake. Once the project is complete, the land will be capped and converted to a large park.

"Cedar Lake does not have a large park," Boyer said. "We just have little pocket parks."

The town is expected to contribute $2.5 million to the dredging project. Combined with the state money, those funds are expected to leverage $8.5 million in federal dollars.

State Budget Committee documents describe the project as an aquatic ecosystem restoration that will "reduce pollutants entering Cedar Creek and downstream communities and support economic growth in Northwest Indiana."

St. John, S'ville developments to draw thousands

2008-02-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

BY VANESSA RENDERMAN
nwitimes.com
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Two major developments in Tri-Town are expected to draw thousands of new residents over the next decade.

With 1,400 housing units on 720 acres, The Gates of St. John will bring about 4,200 people to St. John over the 10-year buildout, Town Manager Steve Kil said.

"This one development would account for half of the 2000 (St. John) population," he said.

The Gates, which is not a gated community, is divided into a dozen communities, each with a different name, such as Autumn Gate and Magnolia Gate. The development is bordered by 101st Avenue on the north, Cline Avenue on the east, U.S. 231 on the south and Parrish Avenue on the west.

For planning purposes, the development is divided into units, or phases. Each of the approximately 22 phases is approved separately. About 60 percent of The Gates is through the platting process, but none of the phases is built out yet, Kil said.

"I think it's going pretty good, given the size of the development," he said.

The Gates includes more than just houses.

Crown Point Christian School opened inside The Gates in January 2007. Construction on a water tower in The Gates is about 70 percent complete and should be operating by the spring. Construction is yet to begin on an assisted living facility, fire station and a well and water treatment facility, Kil said.

A retail component for the development is in the planning stages. It's a small part of the project, set to encompass about 20 acres, Kil said.

"It's going to be a small, downtown type of development," he said.

Another major undertaking is in the works in neighboring Schererville.

The Preserve is a 2,300-unit community on 500-plus acres of land, to be built off 91st Avenue and Burr Street.

"It's going to be a really exciting new community," said Todd Olthof, of Olthof Homes, developer of The Preserve.

Site development is at a standstill until Schererville moves forward on a $6 million sewer interceptor project. The town is acquiring the last needed easements for the project, which will provide excess capacity for customers in the southeast part of the town's service area.

Schererville is actively working on the new sewer, and those sewers are necessary to build the development, Olthof said.

Plans for The Preserve haven't changed since it was last presented to town officials, Olthof said.

The development will be a "master planned community" with parks and a commercial area.

It will be on farmland currently owned by the Luers family, which is known for its Christmas tree sales. The portion of the farm dedicated to growing and selling Christmas trees will be the last section developed.

Indiana Property Tax Residential 1% Cap, Great News for Indiana

2008-01-25T05:40:00.001-08:00

House passes gov's tax plan Thursday, January 24, 2008 INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan to cut and cap homeowner property taxes cleared the Indiana House on a 93-1 vote Thursday afternoon. House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, called it "an historic event" for such an expansive tax restructuring effort to receive wide support this early in the legislative session. He said it bodes well for cooperation with the Republican-led Senate. "We've had bipartisan support," Bauer said. "Now we need bicameral support." House Minority Leader Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, agreed that the vote represented "a very substantial accomplishment." But the GOP floor leader said he remains troubled by a Democratic amendment to the bill that exempts school classroom buildings from the voter referendums Daniels wants to require for local construction projects. State Rep. Craig Fry, D-Mishawaka, was the only lawmaker to vote against the plan, which is contained in House Bill 1001. He complained the legislation too closely resembles a past tax-relief effort that, he said, failed to deliver on promises to homeowners. "I just can't believe we're buying into this garbage all over again," Fry said during floor debate. The legislation, which advances to the Senate, would: * cap tax bills at 1 percent of assessed value for homeowners, 2 percent for landlords and 3 percent for businesses beginning in 2009. * shift $1.1 billion in school and welfare costs off local property taxes and onto the state's ledger. * raise the state sales tax by a penny, from 6 percent to 7 percent, to pay for the welfare and school swaps. * require referendums on most local construction projects but not school classroom buildings. * eliminate township tax assessors. * double the state income tax deduction for renters from $2,500 to $5,000.

Now Is The Time To Buy or Sell

2008-01-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

Daily Real Estate News | January 22, 2008
Fed Issues Emergency Rate-Cut
The Federal Reserve, in an emergency meeting on Tuesday, slashed the key rate to 3.5 percent, citing a weakening economic outlook. The move marks the Fed's biggest rate cut — three quarters of a point — in more than 20 years.

As fears of a recession looms, the Fed said the rate-cut was to help restore confidence in the U.S. economy.

“While strains in short-term funding markets have eased somewhat, broader financial market conditions have continued to deteriorate and credit has tightened further for some businesses and households,” the Fed said in a public statement. “Moreover, incoming information indicates a deepening of the housing contraction as well as some softening in labor markets.”

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says the 75-basis-point cut in the Fed funds was a good step in giving the economy the boost and sending a clear message to both the market and to consumers.

“This strong rate cut will help lower mortgage interest rates and lessen the burden of adjustable-rate loans that are resetting in the current environment,” Yun says. “It also could help stimulate business investment in the wake of market uncertainties. We commend the Federal Reserve Board on its bold action, but at the same time we urge it to keep a close watch to see if additional action is needed.”

The Fed also approved a decrease in the discount rate — which, among other things, impacts how consumers pay home equity lines of credit — to 4 percent.

The Fed’s next scheduled meeting is on Jan. 30, where analysts say another rate-cut may be likely.

Source: REALTOR® magazine online and Dow Jones Newswire (1/22/08)

Is your Realtor a Co-Operating IDX Broker

2007-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not there are listing brokers out there that are not cooperating IDX brokers. What does that mean. This means that your listing will not get the utmost of advertising that it is capable of getting. When a broker puts the property into the mls it is then available to all agents thru the mls. However other brokers also like to advertise your property on their websites giving the opportunity for more people to see your property for sale as they visit other websites. If your broker is not a cooperating IDX broker then your property will limited on the online advertising that it receives. Why is this so important, because 90% of people who are looking for real estate - look on the Internet First.

So keep this in mind when you are looking for real estate. Always ask your buyer broker to show you all property that is available on the mls that fits your needs.

Just another tip from your friendly Cedar Lake Indiana Realtor...

Another Building Bites the Dust

2007-06-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Things are going on here in Cedar Lake.
As I type this today a building is being torn down on Morse St.
It is an old Gas Station and was and eye sore for the community.

I am personally thrilled to see these building come down and I am
sure it will be replaced with something beautifull.

Can't Wait to see what happens next.

Let me know what you have seen happening here in Cedar Lake
to improve our Community..

Astro Realty

2007-06-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some wonderful homes being built in the Cedar Lake and St John Areas
We are Looking Good