Lakefront Vacation Splendor

Ask anyone who has spent a day frolicking in the waves, hiking in the dunes or relaxing with a good book on the shores of Lake Michigan’s southern beaches.

Jewelry for the Kitchen: New knobs and handles can add a fresh look

Since the typical kitchen has upwards of 20-40 knobs, handles or pulls, changing them can add up. That’s probably why most of us don’t do it very often.

Builders State their Case in Washington, DC

More than 750 builders from across the nation met with their respective senators and representatives on Capitol Hill last week during the annual National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Legislative Conference

A Good-Looking Kitchen Sink Needs to Work Well Too

They come in many shapes and sizes for a reason. Kitchen sinks are probably the most used area of any home.

Alsip Home & Nursery Set to Thank Customers

Established in Frankfort, Illinois in 1969, Alsip Home & Nursery opened their 17-acre St. John location in 1994.

Survey Reveals America Holds High Hopes For Next Generation Of Homeowners

As a melting pot, America is shaped by the beliefs, customs and cultures of its diverse population.

NAHB celebrates remodeling industry

May is National Home Remodeling Month, and the National Association for Home Builders (NAHB) has been promoting the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler, including tips for why, when and how to choose one that’s right for you.

Moving in the right direction

The fact that buyer demand remains strong as more homes come on the market from a combination of existing stock and new housing starts are all strong indicators that both buyers and sellers are continuing to respond to the extreme affordability low mortgage interest rates provide for them to…

Need to sell before you buy? 101 reasons to call a Realtor today

Far from just driving buyers around or simply placing for sale signs in yards, the daily routine of a real estate agent involves a great many interactions with current and prospective clients, other agents and brokers, appraisers, attorneys, home inspectors, lenders, title companies and more…

IU Northwest offers flexibility for adult learners

Typically, the thought of college life evokes images of young people, ivy-covered buildings, dormitory life, football tailgates and basketball’s “final four.”

Smart sprinkler controllers

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 3 billion gallons of landscape-irrigation water are wasted every year. With more than 13.5 million landscape irrigation systems currently in use across the US, upgrading them to include properly installed and programmed Wa…

Quality of space trumps quality

Can you believe the average size home in the 1950s was 983-sq-ft?

Raising the energy efficiency bar

Honored as being part of the “energy-efficiency elite” during the 2011 International Builders Show, energy bills for heating and cooling the 1,650-sq-ft “Gem,” a transitional home by Treasure Homes in the Village in Burns Harbor, were estimated to average $50 a month.

Indoor air quality: One of the EPA's top 5 environmental risks to public health

When it comes to air sealing and ventilating, new residential building codes are now in place to ensure energy efficiency as well as the comfort of the homeowner. In many existing homes, there can be a number of uncontrolled air leaks that add up to the equivalent of leaving a window open 24/7.

Growing a bright future

Homes are located in neighborhoods, which are part of a larger community. Our homes happen to be located in the shadow of the country’s third largest city, along the southern shores of the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume.

Strengthening our local economy

There’s nothing like a recession to hammer home the importance of real estate in our local, state and national economies. A healthy real estate industry is vital to a prosperous US economy and represents a significant annual contribution to local and state economies.

Remote control cellular shades

Press a button and up they go. Press another button and down they come.

What's your preference?

Builders are building again, and many have available homes ready right now.

5 common myths about solar energy for the home

Solar panels have come along way in recent years. Just ask renewable energy expert Kevin Moore, president of Midwest Wind and Solar.

The return of buyers

That’s really been the story in real state for about the last year.

Steelworker for the Future: ArcelorMittal partnership develops next generation

The backbone of machinery and tools, bridges, skyscrapers, railroads, automobiles and appliances, steel is also at the core of the world’s green economy, where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Groundbreaking USB charger

Drop zones with benches, lockers and cubbies providing storage and reducing clutter at the most common entry point in homes are getting a new addition – charging stations. Often equipped with Leviton’s USB charging receptacles, some plans include mini desks while others feature tall countertops.

Look Up: Ceiling height can be as important as square footage in any room

From a design point of view, ceiling height is all about how the proportions of a given room are created, how light (natural and artificial) will be used and, most importantly, how the space is intended to function.

The future looks bright for green homes

Construction and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their first survey on the green homes market.

What’s Your Dream? Dream homes can come in all shapes and sizes.

Whether you envision a tranquil place where you can take refuge after a long day, a place where friends and family are always welcome, a yard that’s perfect for endless hours of playing catch or simply relaxing in the shade, there is one thing that’s the same no matter who is dreaming – in t…

Dream of homeownership alive and well

Most people in the US want to continue to own or plan on buying a house, according to Gallup’s annual Economy and Personal Finance survey conducted earlier this month.

Reducing NWI's dependence on foreign oil

Logging the equivalent of 9,128,381 gallons of gas in annual petroleum savings plus 70,566 less tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions, the US Department of Energy recognized South Shore Clean Cities for having the top overall improvement in petroleum savings in 2012.

ReStore celebrates anniversary and renovation

With the recent move of the Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana administrative offices to the organization’s beautiful new model home at the same location, the ReStore has some new room to spread out.

Three simple steps to finding the right home for you

Years ago, when I was at that stage of life where I read books to my children every night at bedtime, one of our favorites was The Very Best Home for Me.

Strack and Van Til Day jumpstarts Habitat remodel

When it comes to making a positive, tangible contribution to the community, volunteering to help Habitat for Humanity create simple, decent and affordable homes for partner families is a great way to invest your time and energy.

Saving energy with tankless water heaters

As interest in building homes that are energy efficient and economic to operate continues to grow, many people are giving thoughtful consideration to the type of water heater they want.

Blue balloons signify fourth annual nationwide open house

More than 200 blue balloons will be displayed outside homes across the region this weekend, inviting you inside to take a look and discuss the local housing market with an industry expert. Joining thousands of REALTORS® across the country, members of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association…

A change of pace at the housing industry leadership panel and luncheon

A combined group of more than 70 people from the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana (HBA), the Indiana Mortgage Bankers Association (IMBA) and the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS® gathered at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville earlier this month for the annu…

Notable new faucets

We’ve all experienced touchless technology – faucets and/or soap dispensers that automatically turn on when they sense the presence of our hands – in public restrooms, however it’s still kind of evolving in our homes.

Iconic mid-century lamp collection returns

Blenko hand-blown glass table lamps debuted in 1951 and were widely embraced by a new generation of homeowners looking to make glamour fun and functional. The vibrant colors and bold shapes of the popular lamp line were based on the company’s dramatic decanters with unique stoppers that made…

Heart Health Heroes

When it comes to heart care, specialized doctors evaluate and treat people who have heart disease, which is often also called cardiovascular disease.

Reduce Your Heating & Cooling Costs by 50%

In today's economy, we're all searching for new ways to save money. Reducing energy use in our homes is certainly high on the list, especially with winter fast approaching.

The quest for a house to call home

Just as market knowledge plays an integral role in the decision to invest in stocks, bonds or commodities, it is equally important when it comes to buying and selling real estate.

A Whole New Perspective on Multi-Family Living

If you think choosing a townhome means you'll have to give up some of the things you love most about your single-family home, think again.

An Insider’s View into Buying & Selling a Home

It's no surprise that potential homebuyers have a few lingering concerns about the housing market today.

$4,000 in Fall Savings at the Meadows

Conveniently located in Ross Township on the far southwest side of Hobart, the Meadows is a secluded enclave of brand new, affordably-priced paired villas and townhomes with a Merrillville mailing address, water and sewers within the Merrillville school district.

Big Fall Savings at the Meadows

Conveniently located in Ross Township on the far southwest side of Hobart, the Meadows is a secluded enclave of brand new, affordably-priced paired villas and townhomes with a Merrillville mailing address, water and sewers within the Merrillville school district.

Welcome Home... to St. John

Located next to the Illinois-Indiana border south of US 30 along Route 41, residents choose St. John for a number of compelling reasons.

Last Weekend to Tour Lake County BIA Fall Showcase of Homes

8 new homes open 12-4pm today and tomorrow

RE/MAX Results Introduces the Townhomes at Fountain Park Place

Searching for an extraordinary place to call home? Then, you'll want to visit Fountain Park Place which features spacious two or three bedroom townhomes in an ideal location near the intersection of US 30 & Route 41 in Schererville.

Welcome to Winfield (Part 2)

The brand-new I-65 interchange at 109th is now open!

Lake County BIA Fall Showcase of Homes Open House Event Sat. and Sun. Oct. 2-3 & 9-10

When it comes to finding the right home for you and your family, there are certainly plenty of choices in today's real estate market. While prices remain extremely attractive and interest rates hover at historic lows, consider this a golden opportunity to get exactly what you want in a home …

Welcome Home to Winfield

The brand-new I-65 interchange at 109th is now open!

Olthof inventory sale lets you save big and move right in!

Exceptionally low interest rates make it a great time to buy a new home, and it’s even better when you can save up to $20,000 with the Olthof Homes Inventory Sale. For a limited time, you can save big on an outstanding selection of 40 move-in ready homes complete with fabulous finishes and f…

Grand Opening! Two New Models Showcase Incredible Values in Regency of Crown Point

Starting this weekend, in celebration of the grand opening of two distinctive new model homes, Providence is offering a number of very enticing deals in addition to their monthly savings promotions, according to Carol Biel of Century 21 Executive Real Estate who is a Providence marketing partner.