Happy 4th of July everyone!  Guess what the McColly Real Estate Office of Portage, Indiana is doing on Saturday?  We are participating in the 4th of July Parade in Portage.  A decorated trailer pulled by a truck will be filled with kids and agents will be handing out goodies.  Doesn't that sound like fun? The parade will begin at 11:00 at the north end of Portage in Porter County and proceed south through the village.  It ends at Enright Park where there will be an antique car show, a bake sale, food, and fun.  This year the parade is again sponsored by the Lions Club.   Of course, the evening will end with fireworks.  See you at the parade!  Be sure to wave.  Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.com 07/01/2009

If you are anywhere close to Portage, IN in Porter County this summer, don't miss the Portage Community Market at Founders' Square Park - Downtown on Central Ave.  It is going on now through October 11 from 11 am to 3 pm.  Wide selection of fresh produce, breads, flowers, yard art, honey, art, jewelry, and crafts.  Click on this link for more information on another great Farmers' Market in Northwest Indiana. Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.comMcColly Real Estate 06/24/2009

Last year and at the start of this year there were a lot of changes in the mortgage industry.  New rules, new regulations and so on.  It is taking a lot of people by surprise.   I know cause of the calls coming into me this week for people were wanting to be pre-approved to buy a new Indiana house and they have no money down and no one to give them a gift of down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price. Two of them told me that were waiting for tax refunds or big bonus checks.  Which in it’s self is fine, but what about rainy day issues.  We thank God that we have a rainy day account and everyone should.   I want to thank Missy Caullk for giving me this idea for NW Indiana Home buyers and if you are ever in need of moving to Ann arbor and be near the Wolverines give Missy a call. Einstein... 01/10/2009

Changes have come to an Indiana FHA Lender near you.  The HUD Mortgagee Letter 08-40 gives us changes to Indiana FHA refinances and are effective January 1st.   This Mad Mortgage Machine update will include guidelines that are not being changed, but I have listed them anyway as a review for those Average Joe LOs that read my blog and a refresher to the rest of you already familiar with FHA guidelines.      There are 10 Things that you really need know about the recently updated Indiana FHA Refinance Guidelines:   1. The max LTV for rate & term Indiana refinances (including streamlines WITH an appraisal) is 97.75%* 2. The max LTV for cash-out refinances is 95%* for loan amounts less than the conforming limit and 85%* for loan amounts at or above the conforming limit. (Must be on time 12... 01/02/2009

but not too much.  Rates are still quite low and still a perfect time to buy in Northwest Indiana!  Did I say, "a perfect time to buy!"  Yes, yes I did.  let me count the ways... get $up to $7500 back from the gov't low rates home prices are lower then they were this time last year It is a buyers market (do not abuse this privilege or you'll be wasting your time and your Realtors) You get to use me in 14 states What a way to start off the new year Selling before the Capital Gains goes up! (thanks to Tara visit her link below)   For companion commentary go the Mad Mortgage Machine Blog and see whatelse I have to say. Dave Woodon   12/18/2008

"The more things you do, the more you can do." Lucille Ball (1911–1989) Actress and comedienne   I was riding the bike in the gym this morning and as I always do, I was listening to a podcast.  That got me to thinking that it is time for a iPod University 3, but before I do that I have something else in mind.  I am a reader and a listener.  I love to learn and hear new ideas that may help me grow my business.   If they are implemented correctly or at all.  I have always thought of myself as the guy that goes the extra mile.  Really, beyond just showing up at closings or getting a good closing gift.  As someone, that makes sure they understand and that is not even the extra mile that is a part of the job.  What can a mortgage broker do to go the extra mile?  I had one LO that went out an... 11/04/2008

Here is a quick video for tomorrows Mad Mortgage Machine Show and podcast.  This week, I talk to Giovanni from New Beginnings Credit Repair in Merrillville, In.  I, also, discuss the fairy-tale foreclosure from the Extreme Home Makeover in Atlanta, Ga, the possible affects of the the fed taking over Fannie and Freddie, and the possible resurrection of Down Payment Assistance.      So, tune in tomorrow for the Mad Mortgage Machine Radio Show on WIMS am 1420 or WIMSRadio.com The NW Indiana FHA Lender of Choice Dave Woodson The Mad Mortgage Machine 09/12/2008

Just heard that song and it sounded like a good title for what I am doing here and now The fed is making it easy for us to go back into a refi boom.  Rates dropped yesterday on the news that the Fed was taking over Fannie and Freddie and I will still be honest with you.  I am not sure what to think, but I am going to act and get it out there right here and now.  Use this window to refi or lock your great rate.  We were up 144bps yesterday and today we are up just 6bps.  If you are the average joe lo and does not understand what market to watch you are lost right now.  You should just go sit in the corner and let all of the hoopla pass you right on by.  Here, I will let my video do the talking for me...     I am Dave Woodson and I am the Mad Mortgage Machine. I cover all of Indiana, Flor... 09/09/2008

   This week, we Closed on another Home We Sold in Portage - Northwest Indiana.             We wrote the offer to purchase for the Buyers our Repeat Clients in early June. The REAL WORK of Selling a Home starts AFTER the Contract is signed. Getting the Deal to Close can be the REAL challenge in this current Real Estate Market. That's where Professional REALTORS do make a difference! In this case there were over a dozen obstacles to overcome! We won't go into them all, but this is the first time in our decade long career that we have had to go back to the table and re-negotiate the offer to purchase several weeks right before closing! At the closing table (over 2 months later), Jeff said  I don't know if you believe in prayer, but this deal came together by one! Thankfully, all parties w... 08/14/2008

As of this week a lot of mortgage brokers are out of business or at least should not be operating in the state of Indiana.  The brokers were given a year to comply with a 2007 law to name a principle broker, a lot like our Real Estate brethren, and have that person pass a state exam.  In NW Indiana, more than 75 failed to comply.  I will tell you that some have gone on to become a banker or just decided that they were done with it all.  If you feel that you are working with someone that is not current you can go to www.in.gov/sos for a complete list of those mortgage brokers who are not licensed.  I am not on the list Dave Woodson Indiana's Mortgage Broker 08/07/2008

   Don't you just love that Baseball saying that applies to hitting a Home Run in Real Estate !      We were the 3rd REALTORS up at Bat to take a Portage, Indiana Listing... during the Busy Spring Training Season this year!        Early in the Ball Game, at the end of the Second Inning or about 60 days on Market, we tried to bunt....  We Presented a Reverse Offer From our Sellers to Second Showing Buyers ... alas we struck out :(      But, the stands were full of LOTS of FANS with Showings Galore on this Property :)  so we had a positive expectancy that the best was yet to come!      Top of the 4th Inning, around 125 days on market,  Bases Loaded => Our Marketing Plan That Sells Homes was in FULL SWING !!!     We Hit a Home Run....  Sellers Accepted an Awesome Offer To Purchase From Rea... 08/01/2008

Spacious tri-level home situated on large corner lot in Timber Creek subdivision conveniently located to major highways, shopping, and more. Main level features living room with bay window and pass through to kitchen. Large eat-in kitchen includes all appliances and has sliding doors leading to sunroom that has own heat and A/C. Upper level features master bedroom with access door to full bath and 2 additional good sized bedrooms. Lower level rec room offers fireplace, bath, laundry room (washer & dryer stay), and crawl space access. Sellers are also including lawnmower, snow blower, and gas grill in price of home! There is plenty of room for storage in the heated 2.5 car garage and utility shed in rear yard. This is a great family home and a great price! For more information, see http... 07/02/2008

  Tune in tomorrow, Saturday June 28th at 10:30am CST or 1130am EST for the “Mad Mortgage Machine” radio show.  This week, I will be answering a question that I received out of Highland, IN from a first time home buyer and her frustration with banks and other lending institutions.    I, also, lay out my ideas and goals for the show and the direction that I want it to go.  This is not designed to be a 30-minute commercial for just me or Indigo Financial Group or even my referral partners. But, I truly want the listener to walk away with a nugget of knowledge each week whether it be on Mortgages, Real Estate, Investment advice or even grocery shopping.    In these oft-troubling times, I want to be the one that you look to for answers, and if I do not have the answers then I will find them... 06/27/2008

Education has always been my mainstay here in this industry and it is more important now more than ever.  I was holding monthly seminars, but got side tracked a little, but I am reviving them and they will always be on the 2nd Tuesday each and every month.  We have a great facility here at Indigo Financial Groupwith access to some of the leading industry experts in Mortgages, Credit and Real Estate. This Tuesday and every second Tuesday of the month, I will be conducting my Home Buyer Seminar at my conference center in my my office located at 705 Franklin in Michigan City, IN.   Topics discussed will be:  - How to select the right agent - Credit Reports and scoring - Buy vs. Rent nad why it makes sense to buy now more than ever  - Question and Answer Session - Free Credit Report - North... 06/07/2008

Wow, Google is heating up the market jumping $80/share on reports that earnings are up 31% in the first quarter.  Citigroup is up after reporting a loss that could have been worse.  There are several more that up and stock futures soar this morning and that puts pressure on mortgage backed securities.  Right now, we are still down a ton, but not as bad as earlier this morning.  We are battling back to even, but we will have a ways to go.  We have been seeing increased call volume into the office.  Our message must be getting out that it is not that bad after all and this is just like a stock.  You want to buy it when it is low and not high.  Clients are starting to see a real bargains out there, and they leave this office knowing that sellers are selling and not giving away.I am Dave W... 04/18/2008

 Fax Contact Information and Request for Confidentiality Agreement to Commercial Affiliates 1-866-267-0649Confidentiality Agreement Requested Prior to ShowingCommercial Affiliates is a Northwest Indiana commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in the food & beverage industry.  Our staff has over 15 years of experience in business brokerage as well as property management and leasing, so we understand your business requirements.  Our scope of services includes business sales, mergers & acquisitions, business valuations, financing assistance and low cost restaurant insurance. Also for a one time fee, we can handle liquor license applications. We will meet with town officials, get local approvals, and submit to the state. Opening a restaurant can be time consuming enough- this ser... 03/19/2008

 Recently, we listed a Spacious Custom Home with a Mechanics Dream Garage in the City of PORTAGE, Located in Porter County, in Northwest Indiana. Northwest Indiana borders the State line of Illinois and offers options for commute by Toll-road, Expressway or South Shore Train to Chicagoland. Portage is a fast growing city offering it's residents State of the Art Theatres, a wide variety of Restaurants, Bass Pro Shop which is a whole day outing in our book :)  AND a NEW HUGE MALL coming soon! With all that said, if you are looking to relocate to an area of economic growth, and spend less money on taxes (considering this week, the sales tax in Chicagoland (Cook County) has been proposed to increase to 10 & 1/4 %) consider a Move to Porter County!      FYI, here in Indiana ...  FOOD, Presc... 03/03/2008

Lots of living space in this 3-4 bedroom home on a large lot. Nice sized living room with wood burning stove. Dining room has plenty of room for entertaining. You'll love the kitchen with plenty of cabinets, all appliances and a dinette area. Additional room on the main floor could be office, bedroom, etc. There's even a full bath on the main floor. Upstairs you'll find 3 bedrooms, laundry room, plus another full bath. French doors just off the kitchen lead to a 31 x 12 deck to enjoy the fenced back yard. Oversized 2.5 car garage is great for storage. This home has a lot to offer. View this home soon!For more information, see http://thejanacaudillteam.com  01/14/2008

All you have to do is move in. This 3 bedroom ranch with full basement is just over a year old. The yard is complete and there's a beautiful stone patio. Open concept living room, dining room and kitchen. Living room has cathedral ceiling and inviting frieze carpeting. Kitchen is very open, includes 1 year old appliances and there's even room to add an island counter later on. The dining area is nice sized with room for a large hutch. Laundry room is also conveniently located off the kitchen/dining area. Master bedroom features full master bath and walk-in closet. Large basement is already insulated and is great for storage or would make a great future rec room. 2 car attached garage. Everything still looks brand new! This home has everything at a great price.For more information, see h... 01/10/2008

About Porter County / Northwest IndianaIn 1836 Porter County was formed, with Portersville as the original "county seat" or capital of Porter County.  In 1837, the Indiana General Assembly changed the name of the county seat to Valparaiso, which is derived from the Spanish term "velo del paraíso", which means "Vale of Paradise". This name was, no doubt, chosen due to Valparaiso's many lakes and beaches, surrounded by bountiful farm lands.Porter County is in Northwest Indiana, at the southernmost point of Lake Michigan.  Porter County is nicely situated between Indianapolis, Chicago and the Motor City (Detroit, of course).  Taking a trip to any of those three major cities is never more than a "day trip" away.Eleven individual communities are located within Porter County:Ogden DunesBurns... 07/16/2007