America is a great nation and despite what the press might sometimes have you believe is always at the forefront of embracing new, green technology.

Right now there are 30,000 wind turbines spinning across our vast country and the economic effect of this blooming industry is being felt.

Wind turbines contain around 8,000 parts and they are often manufactured in the US (in fact, about half the components used in wind farms are made in the U.S., compared with 25 percent in 2004) – in particular here in the midwest. Which is poised with the right manufacturer mix to be able to feed the supply chain with parts.

In Indiana, potential component manufacturers could create 25,180 new jobs out of the total $62.2 billion in investment. It is also estimated that 398,000 jobs could be created from the 185,000 megawatts of wind generation that should be installed in upcoming years. Indiana is among the top 10 states for investment and job-creation potential with the state ranking sixth in the number of employees – 53,064 of them – working at firms that have the technical potential to become active manufacturers of wind turbine components.

Even more local, here in Northwest Indiana, LaPorte County is listed among the top 20 counties in Indiana supplying component parts.

This is an excited time for Northwest Indiana!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

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Northwest Indiana is a beautiful place in Summer – Crown Point, Valpo and Hammond as well as all other communities in the region shine in the summer sun – flowers are in bloom and everyone has vacations on their mind!

However, something that is not at the forefront for homeowners in the region this summer is their electricity bill. As we all know in summer as we all turn on the air conditioning costs go up! However,  small habit changes can add up to big savings when it comes to electricity. But where to start?

Well here are some summer electricity bill cutting tips!:

1. Unplug – Standby? No! Devices draw a small amount of electricity just by being plugged in, so pull the plug!

2. Lighting – Switch old fashioned lightbulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs – these last ten times longer than traditional bulbs, will pay for themselves in six months and use 75% less energy! A winner all round!

3. Washer, Dryer & Dishwasher etc: These use alot of energy, so if yours is on its last legs then replace it for an energy star rated machine as these use alot less energy and save you big bucks over their lifetime.

4. Thermostat: Turn up the AC Thermostat when you are out during the day and turn the temperature down when you are in to make yourself comfortable. Most modern systems have this feature automatically – make sure it is turned on!

5. Not in a room? Turn off the light – it may be an old one, but its true!

Just by following these tips you save yourself some money as well as help the environment here in NWI.

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

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Yes we have said before, but it is being shown to be more and more true that Northwest Indiana’s economy is robust and that the area makes an excellent relocation destination.

Even in terms of comparing the region to the rest of the state – NWI is faring great!

Elkhart, Howard and Kokomo counties all need double digit rises in their economy to get it back on track, whereas Lake and Porter Counties only needing around 4%. Meaning that a small change will cause the region to be properly out of recession. Right now the recovery is very much underway with higher employment, lowever unemployment, more home sales and more and more industry moving to the region to take advantage of its fanstatic proximity Chicago.

Pending home sales have risen for three consecutive months nationally with double digit rises compared to 2009. Also, Job wise Indiana added 22,700 jobs in April, the largest over-the-month increase in employment since February 1999 according to the Building Indiana blog. The region of course also has its own development district championing growth in the area!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

Corn, Corn and more corn!

St. John is a vibrant and fun community and now that summer is here it is time to let down your hair and have a little fun in Northwest Indiana!

The St. John Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club will hold their annual community Corn Roast this coming Friday, August 13th 2010 from 4-8pm. Mark your calendars now!

This exciting event is in its 7th year now and will be helf on the lawn at the community hospital outpatient centre. Last year there were around 2,500 local’s in attendance making it a great successful event all round. Residents should be made aware that proceeds are invested straight back into the community, so local residents are helping themselves and having fun in the process!

Those coming out to enjoy this year’s event will receive a sandwich, chips, beverage and all the corn they can eat. – In addition to the corn there will be live music from a band, kids activities and much, much more! Fun for the whole family!

Tickets are available for $5.00 in advance at all St. John financial institutions or by calling the chamber office at (219) 365-4686. Tickets will also be available at the door for $7.00.

See what a great community we have here in Northwest Indiana? No wonder there are people relocating to the area everyday!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

The Carnegie Library here in Crown Point, Indiana is part of the 1,700 libraries that were created from funds from the donations of noted philanthropist and steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

Carnegie’s money helped construction of 9 libraries here in Lake County as well as 2 in Porter County in the early 1900’s.

However, the city is considering selling the Carnegie Library in Crown Point, Indiana when its new facility opens in the next couple of years. Officials hope to find a buyer who appreciates its place in history when it could go for sale in under two years. Afterall, this is a part of Crown Point as well as our nations history! Many of the buildings which were part of the 1,700 have been destroyed, whereas others serve as gift shops and museums.

The library is 102 years old and once served as one of the main community focal points for Crown Point, IN. But now it is too small and is currently used for library offices, storage and meetings.

Stay tuned to our blog for more news on this important Crown Point icon!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

Looking after your home can be a tough task. But using this summers weather and longer daylight hours..get out there and do some work on your home!

After all, a properly maintained home is a happy home that will save you money over the years in unnecessary repair bills.

Here are some areas to focus on in summer maintenance in Northwest Indiana:

1. Outside space – This is when to dig out the power washer! Clean all decks and patios. Check and repair cracks in the concrete and if you have a deck, check for any rot and problem areas and replace and treat the wood.

2. Roof – Clean, clean, clean! Debris and dirt can build up on an roof thanks to storms, heating and cooling. Even if you are not worried as your roof has a warranty, spending a little time on it can save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs. Replace broken slates/tiles and visually inspect for problem areas.

3. Water/Piping – Check exposed pipes for loose joints, cracked pipes and leaks. Drain your water heater tank if you have one – this will help sediment build up. This can add years to the lifespan of the tank. Also, if you have a septic tank, why not get it pumped?

4. Air conditioning and heating – give your heating and air conditioning system a miantenance check. Check for any problem areas and have it serviced by a professional. Change air filters to protect your home from allergent and air pollutants – this is very cheap and easy to do.

5. Outside your home – check for areas needing paint touch ups, siding that needs replacing and more. This is an area where being proactive can save a lot of money in the winter if you take care of this now.

We hope these tips will help you have a great, productive summer around the house!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

Summer is here, with the better weather brings a chance to enjoy the great, GREEN outdoors! By playing a round of Golf!

This is, of course not our first post about Golfing options in Northwest Indiana – see our previous post: Golf Options in Northwest Indiana here.

However that just told you where to play – here we list up coming events next month and in August for the local golfers courtesy of Valpolife.com

July:
Boys and Girls Club 30th Annual Golf Outing – July 8th 2010

Location: Forest Park Golf Course in Valparaiso.

Event: Shotgun four-person scramble starting – 11:30 am. Includes Prizes, raffles, and more! Food and beverages will also be provided.

Proceeds support the the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County Clubhouses located in Chesterton, Portage, South Haven and Valparaiso.

1st Annual Hannah’s Hope Golf Outing – July 10th 2010

Location: Brassie Golf Club in Chesterton

Event: First annual Hannah’s Hope Charity Golf Outing to benefit the First Steps of Northwest Indiana. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 am with a 1:00 pm shotgun start. The cost is $75 per golfer. Entry includes 18 hold scramble format, driving range, putting green, lunch, dinner, door prizes, raffles etc.

August:

Kiwanis District Convection Golf Outing – August 6th 2010

Location: Riverpoint Golf Club in Hobart, Indiana.

Event: District Convention Golf Outing for the Indiana District of Kiwanis. This time it is a 4-person scramble will begin at 8:30, with door prizes, hold prizes, lunch, golf carts, and soft drinks provided. Entry is $50.00 per person, with all welcome.

Remember that Northwest Indiana has a thriving golf scene and community and it makes an idea relocation destination for golfers!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

Exciting news for Crown Point, Indiana as the Crown Point Community Library Board voted unanimously to issue bonds for the construction of a new building. This is great news for residents and those relocating to Crown Point!

This vote is the stepping stone to a brand new state of the art library resource center for the community. The new library is expected to be double the size of the current facility which isn’t just too small it is also inefficient in its energy use and uses outdated technology.

The library has bought property between Main and East Streets just south of Robinson Court with active negotiations to purchase more land.

Although there is still a way to go to get to opening day, if things keep moving the way they are Crown Point could have a new library by January 2013, with construction starting next May!

The cost is estimated at around $12 million which would add another $12.76 to $88.14 per year to taxes on homes ranging in value from $100,000 to $400,000.

But those championing the new Library say that asides from a great facility for Crown Point residents they have stated that the existing buiding is 100 years old, meaning that this investment in a new library is for Crown Point’s future!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

Planning is underway!

Forth of July is just a few weeks away which means – preparation!

During a tough economy it is expected that sales slow, but fireworks around Independence Day – NOT SO MUCH!

The weather forecast for Northwest Indiana is expected to be fantastic! So firework sales are expected to be high and with the forth of July falling on a Sunday this year – it is expected that people will take the whole weekend to celebrate!

Asides from private parties at home, there are other public events going on that are being planned for Northwest Indiana (this is not exhaustive of course!):

Crown Point, – July 4, 2010 Parade, Fireworks etc – Lake County Fairgrounds, For more: www.cpjuly4.com.

Hammond – July 3, 2010 – Harrison Park 2:00 pm, food, entertainment, and more, fireworks at 10:00 pm. For more: www.gohammond.com.
  
Merrillville – Hidden Lake Park Independence Day Celebration, July 3&4, 2010, 9pm premier fireworks and festival celebration in Northwest Indiana. Annually, the park has over 15,000 visitors on these two days. Admission is only $3 for cars, $5 for vans, and $10 for buses, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville.
  
Portage – July 3, Parade, symphony concert, fireworks.

Schererville, July 2, 2010, Fireworks Display, Rohrman Park. For more: www.46375.org.

Valparaiso, – July 4th 2010, Fireworks, fun, and more! Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1600 Roosevelt Road.

Whatever you have planned for next month – have fun and celebrate the birth of our great nation!

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!

Memorial Day is a time for reflection.

It is a federal holiday we observe on the last Monday of May to commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.

First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I and has grown to what it is today. Controversy aside, often Memorial Day is also seen as the beginning of the summer.

No matter your feelings on current conflicts or past, a day like Memorial day is a chance to come together as American’s and remember those whose lives have been lost and also remember those still living who are currently serving in our armed forces.

Naturally there are many events at the local monuments here in Northwest Indiana as well as events nationally in Washington DC.

Here below we have listed a sample of events that are occuring in our region:

In Hammond – The 52nd annual Hammond Mohawks/American Legion Victory Post 168 Memorial day Parade, 11 a.m. A formal Memorial Day service including flag ceremony, 21-gun salute, speakers and music is scheduled at approximately noon.

In Merrillville – American Legion Post 430 has scheduled a free breakfast at 8 a.m. at the post as well as a silent parade at 10:30 a.m. at the Old Town Hall on 73rd Avenue.

In Portage – A parade begins at noon Monday at Portage Mall north of Central Avenue. Lineup begins at 11.

In Schererville – Veterans of the Cold War will have a special remembrance service at 10 a.m. at Memory Lane Memorial Park.

In Valpo -  there is the Valparaiso Memorial Day Concert at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave.

Whatever you are doing this memorial day, be safe.

Thinking of relocating to the Northwest Indiana area? You can use our moving truck for FREE!

As one of the top producing teams of experts in our field both locally and Nationally, our full service team strives hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a truly rewarding experience.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Northwest Indiana Real Estate using our complimentary Northwest Indiana Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Jana Caudill and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Northwest Indiana Real Estate needs. You can call the office on: 219-661-1256 or email us on: jana@janacaudillteam.com

We believe you win in life by helping others. Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to help you too!