612 Portage Community Restoration

612 Portage was in foreclosure and bought by Chapin Inc. for $9500 a few years ago. A few weeks ago, 612 Portage was unveiled to the Chapin Park Neighborhood. The restoration work, all done by volunteers, was met with rave reviews and felt great to see people enjoying the home! The story of 612 Portage is told in a story … Read More

House Hunting and Habits

In the book Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, it is estimated fifty to sixty percent of our daily activities are habitual. This is not necessarily bad. Would be difficult to relearn how to brush our teeth or drive a car every time you do that particular activity. There are also activities that are done daily, that could be considered … Read More

Fall Leaf Tours

There are many places in Michiana to enjoy the beauty of Fall Foliage. Below are highlighted parks and schools that have particularly beautiful foliage. Colorful coast: Many ways to enjoy fall colors Interactive Fall Foliage Map Bendix Woods Bonneyville Mill Park Elm Road Elementary Howard Park Meadows Edge Elementary Notre Dame St. Patrick’s County Park Wilson Park If looking to … Read More

Mortgage Pre Approval

A Mortgage Pre Approval states the maximum amount that can be spent on a home by a buyer. There are more aspects behind the maximum amount that also need to be considered. Monthly payment is more important than maximum budget. What down payment amount is required. Monthly payment also includes insurance and other costs Lori Hiscock from Ruoff Home Mortgage … Read More

Decorating There’s an App for That

Shopping for items to decorate your home can be difficult. It is hard to envision how the item will look or fit within an existing space. Aside from hiring a professional interior designer, the two apps mentioned below can do an excellent job assisting with decorating your home. Both apps are available for Android and iOS. Autodesk Homestyler MagicPlan If … Read More

Twin Branch and Reverewood: Excellent Neighborhoods

The Twin Branch and Reverewood Neighborhoods are located on the East Central side of Mishawaka. Both neighborhoods have easy access to many amenities, with some being within walking distance. There are two elementary schools, and Queen of Peace Catholic School. Two local parks, Hums and Twin Branch parks, with Twin Branch having a splashpad. There is Health care nearby, and … Read More

New Town, New House, Don’t Know Anybody

All settled into an excellent house, gorgeous neighborhood, new town, but haven’t really found way to connect with new people. Read below for ideas to get out and meet new people. If have kids, there is always one house that all the kids hang out at. Stop by, and talk to the kids. Good way, to get indirectly introduced to … Read More

Walking and Mud Rooms

There are two real estate trends that have been bubbling up over the last few years, though different, the two physical spaces share a common border. One deals with the layout of cities, neighborhoods, and suburbs. The other deals with the way in which we enter our houses, and what we do with all the stuff we take out of … Read More

HVAC, Hot Water, and Fuses

One of the most important aspects of a house to pay attention to when house hunting is the home power plant, which includes, heating, cooling, and electrical. Below are important details to look for that the power plant may need an upgrade. Contemporary Basement by Vancouver Architects & Building Designers Synthesis Design Inc. A great way to know how old … Read More

Before you update, think about who you’re updating for!

Doing a kitchen update can get pricey pretty quick. Before you tackle something like this, it’s good to think about who you’re remodeling for. Are you just updating to put your home on the market or will you be living with your choices for many years to come. Do you plan on moving in a year or so? Your choices … Read More