Live and work in Hammond and looking to move (Portage: real estate, credit)

[aikidoka]

Hello everyone, my first post.

Per the title, I'm looking at real estate. My job will remain in Hammond. I'm trying to keep my commute within 30 minutes or so. Hobart has a couple residences (townhouse and new const. duplex) that are in my price range and pretty nice.

Any suggestions/advice? I'm getting married soon and that's part of the reason I want to move. I dont want to continue in a one bedroom apt and I've been wanting to get out of Hammond for awhile now.

I'm not sure if we will have children so the school issue is a bit up in the air for us.

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by aikidoka

Hello everyone, my first post.

Per the title, I'm looking at real estate. My job will remain in Hammond. I'm trying to keep my commute within 30 minutes or so. Hobart has a couple residences (townhouse and new const. duplex) that are in my price range and pretty nice.

Any suggestions/advice? I'm getting married soon and that's part of the reason I want to move. I dont want to continue in a one bedroom apt and I've been wanting to get out of Hammond for awhile now.

I'm not sure if we will have children so the school issue is a bit up in the air for us.

What price range are you looking at? That will be a huge determining factor in where I would point you ...

My first thought, since you mentioned townhomes would be the Rockwell subdivision at Calumet & Rt. 30 - behind Jewel - in Dyer. 2 beds/2 baths - spacious layouts ... and you can nab one for definitely less than $150K.

Also, if you're looking at single family, take a look at Dyer again. Good schools too. (And there's a great house - though it does need some updating - it has SUPER bones, quiet neighborhood, great yard and it's MUCH bigger than I thought it was ... I've shown it before and wish I had the right buyer. Anyhow, if you go to www.gniarmls.com the price is 148,900 and is on 212th Place. This is definitely one you want to take a look at in person - imagine no furniture, the hardwood that's probably under the carpets, take out the window in the kitchen eating area and add a slider & small deck with a grill ... am I selling you yet? LOL!)

Just a disclaimer, it's true that I'm an agent BUT I have no personal stake in that house - not my listing, not even my brokerage. I would've loved this house when I first got married 124 years ago.

[aikidoka]

I was looking to max out at $140,000. I could do more with my income but I'm trying to be conservative and keep money for things in the near future. That also makes it easier for me to close by the end of the year and get the tax credit.

I was wondering about the quality of life compared to Hammond. I've heard that areas of Hobart and Portage are bad but I'm not sure what to try and avoid exactly.