BIA Fall Showcase of Homes Begins Today

From: Michelle Krueger, NWITimes Correspondent

Surprisingly, you’ll find one thing that the “experts” are actually agreeing on lately, and that’s the fact that right now is most definitely a great time to buy a new home.

They also agree that right now could very possibly be your best opportunity to benefit from the great values available in today’s housing market. There’s little doubt that we’re all seeing the cost of goods rise right along with fuel prices. Over time the bottom line is expected to become more substantial for goods and services alike.

While no one has a crystal ball to predict precisely what the future holds, interest rates currently remain at near-historic lows. But, the “experts” are cautioning that they too could begin to rise – with some predicting sooner rather than later.

Plus, first time buyers can take advantage of the Government’s First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit up to $7,500 (find complete details at federalhousingtaxcredit.com).

You can see for yourself why a new home purchase today may just offer the best value you’ll see for quite some time during the 2008 BIA Fall Showcase of Homes this weekend and next. Look for complete details and a handy map at www.nwi.com.

Participating homes will be open from 11am-4pm both Saturday and Sunday in great neighborhood destinations throughout northwest Indiana in Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Dyer, Merrillville, St. John and Winfield. You’ll even find 4 exciting developing neighborhoods highlighted as well. These include:

Autumn Gate

Master-planned on over 700 acres off Route 231 between Parrish and Cline, The Gates of St. John includes 12 inter-connected neighborhoods with abundant amenities for all residents to enjoy. Autumn Gate by developer Phillippe Builders caters to first time buyers.

Homes range between 1,600-2,700 square feet and start in the $200s. Along with savings from the builder’s current Customers’ Choice promotion for all buyers, starter home buyers can take advantage of the Government’s First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.

You can see Phillippe’s extensive standard features plus a selection of luxury options in 2 models. The Hartley is a 2-story with 2,400 square feet of living space, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The Windmill is a split ranch plan with 2,200 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. You’ll also find one immediately available home – the Sommerset at 9257 W. 103rd St.

For more information call (219) 558-8900 or log on to www.thegatesofstjohn.com.

Doubletree Lake Estates & Doubletree West

Surrounded by gentle rolling hills with wooded areas, valleys, ponds, nature preserves and wetlands, Doubletree in Winfield boasts a relaxed, country atmosphere, low taxes and convenient location just 60 minutes from downtown Chicago, on Randolph off of US 30 and near I-65.

A true gated community, Doubletree Lake Estates encompasses a 60-acre spring fed, fresh water lake designated for peaceful recreation. Showcase homes include: Homes of the 20th Century at 8762 Doubletree Drive North, Impact Development Group at 9112 Michigan Drive, Mak Construction at 9130 Doubletree Drive South and Lakepoint Townhomes at 8095 Tuckaway Ct.

Just across the street, single-family lots are nearly sold out in Doubletree West and are available at closeout prices ranging from $44,000 to $55,000. Showcase homes include: MD Construction at 10440 Nelson Street, Luxor Homes at 10423 Pinnacle St. and Mak Construction at 7670 103rd Ave. For more information call (219) 945-1331 or log on to www.doubletreelake.net

Emerald Crossing

Brought to you by the Builder Group LLC, a consortium of highly-experienced and well-respected local builders, Emerald Crossing is strategically located near the Indiana-Illinois border in the southwest corner of Dyer.

The intersection of Rte 231 and US 41 is just minutes east making daily errands a breeze, while Chicago is within 30 minutes thanks to the close proximity of I-394 on 101st west.

A tranquil setting with plenty of natural rolling hills, ridges and ponds, Emerald Crossing features generous homesites from a 1/4 acre up so you can fully enjoy the beautiful landscape. Right now is the best opportunity to select the perfect site for your dream home.

Lots start in the upper $60s with plenty of opportunities that back up to a pond, natural wooded border or preserved green space. Watch for paired cottages and villa homes coming soon. For more information call (219) 663-9040 or log on to www.emeraldcrossing.net.

Madison Meadows

Conveniently located 1/4 mile north of Route 30 (west of I-65) on Madison Street/Merrillville Road (behind Meijers), Madison Meadows by Van Prooyen Builders features a peaceful setting, maintenance-free paired homes and an exclusive enclave of semi-custom single-family homes.

Ranch paired-villas start at $132,900 for 1,376 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths or larger master suite with 2 bedrooms. Two-story paired-villas start at $169,700 for just over 2,000 square feet, 3 spacious bedrooms, vaulted ceilings and 2-1/2 baths.

Single-family homes are tucked away in the back and situated on generous cul-de-sac locations in an appealing natural setting. Pricing starts in the low $200s for complete home and lot packages. You can tour two currently available models--the Molson a 1,790 square foot 3 bedroom, 2 bath bi-level and the Aviara a 2,158 square foot 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2-story. For more information call (219) 663-4384 or log on to www.vanprooyenbuilders.com.

Be sure to visit all the 2008 BIA Fall Showcase of Homes participants to see the very latest values in new home construction from some of area’s leading builders. Watch for complete details on each of the individual homes here next Saturday and in the Sunday Real Estate section tomorrow and next week:

Hennessey Homes – the Seneca

Havenwood of Cedar Lake

12614 Marsh Landing

2,500 sq ft 2-story with 4 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, 2-1/2 car garage

$278,900

www.hennessey-homes.com

Kelly Construction – the Highland

Bridgewood of Merrillville

3700 91st Court

1,916 sq ft ranch with 3 bdrms, 2 baths, 3 car garage

$314,900

www.kellyconstructioninc.com

Klomp Custom Homes – the Karlie

Sterling Gate of The Gates of St. John

8635 105th Avenue

3,600 sq ft 2-story with 4 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, 3 car garage

$629,000

www.klompcustomhomes.com

Pioneer Builders – the Christine

Feather Rock of Crown Point

1000 Jessica Court

2,585 sq ft ranch with 3 bdrms, 2 baths, 3 car garage

Presold

www.pioneerbldrs.com

Pioneer Builders – the Kaylie Lauren

Ellendale Farm of Crown Point

1045 Mary Ellen Dr.

3,485 sq ft 1-1/2 story with 4 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, 3 car garage

Presold

www.pioneerbldrs.com

Slager Homes – the Salem

Renaissance of St. John

9101 W. 96th Place

2,322 sq ft ranch with 3 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, 3 car garage

$399,000

www.slagerhomes.net

Steiner Homes – the Alicia

Lake Hills of St. John

10166 South Branch Street

2,944 sq ft 2-story with 4 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, 3 car garage

$424,900

www.steinerhomesltd.com

Steiner Homes – the Worchester

White Hawk West of Crown Point

4825 W. 100th Lane

3,288 sq ft, 4 bdrms, 3-1/2 baths, 3 car garage

$499,900

www.steinerhomesltd.com

VanProoyen Builders – the Isabella

Ellendale Farm of Crown Point

874 Huey Drive

2,245 sq ft ranch + bonus room with 4 bdrms, 3 baths, oversize 2 car garage

$349,900

www.vanprooyenbuilders.com