Makes: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 can (19 oz) Progresso® chicken vegetable soup

2 Pillsbury® Grands!® frozen buttermilk biscuits (from 25-oz bag)

DIRECTIONS

1. In medium saucepan, heat soup just to boiling over medium-high heat.
2. Meanwhile, place frozen biscuits on microwaveable plate. Microwave on High 15 to 30 seconds or just until biscuits begin to thaw. Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces.
3. Place biscuit pieces on top of simmering soup. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 6 to 7 minutes or until dumplings are fluffy and no longer doughy in center

We’re your “recipe” for success!
Call The Lynda Anderson Team today!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

*recipe obtained from www.pillsbury.com

HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

EXTENDED!

Great news!  Congress has approved and the President has signed an extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit!  Originally slated to expire on November 30th, the credit will now be available for eligibel homebuyers through April 30, 2010.

Who's eligible?  First-time homebuyers, who are defined by law as buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.  They may qualify for up to an $8,000 credit.

Existing homeowners who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence may also be eligible for up to $6,500 tax credit.

All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify - including newly constructed and resale single-family detached, townhomes, or condominiums - provided the property will be used as the principal residence of the buyer.  Vacation homes, rental and/or investment properties do not qualify.

The credit is refundable and does not have to be repaid unless the homeowner sells or stops using the property as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.

Buyers who closed on qualifying property after November 6th and before May 1st, 2010 are eligible to take the credit.  Home purchases subject to a fully executed, binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010 will also qualify, provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.

We encourage you to contact a CPA for more information on the credit and to find out if you qualify.

In the meantime, it's still a buyer's market and one of our Buyer Specialists would love to help you find your first or next home!

Sincerely,

Lynda Anderson

The Lynda Anderson Team is here to help you!
Call Today!
219-531-MOVE (6683) 

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1        box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen chopped spinach

½       cup reduced-fat sour cream

1        tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1        tablespoon sun-dried tomato bits or chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/8     teaspoon salt

½       teaspoon lemon juice

1        clove garlic, finely chopped

8        Old El Paso® flour tortillas for soft tacos & fajitas, 6 inch (from 10.5-oz package)

½       lb sliced cooked ham

1        jar (12 oz) sliced roasted red bell peppers in water, drained (about 1 1/4 cups)

8        oz sliced provolone cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove spinach from pouch; place in colander. Rinse with warm water until thawed; drain well. Squeeze spinach dry with paper towel. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sour cream, basil, tomatoes, salt, lemon juice and garlic.

2. On each tortilla, spread 1 tablespoon sour cream mixture. Top 4 tortillas evenly with ham, roasted peppers, spinach and cheese. Cover with remaining tortillas, sour cream mixture down.

3. Spray griddle or 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Cook 2 sandwiches at a time 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and thoroughly heated. Cut each sandwich in half to serve. Serve with your favorite soup or salad, if desired.

*Recipe obtained from www.pillbury.com

The Lynda Anderson Team is always willing to help you!
Buying or selling? Call today!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Whether you're just learning to skate or are perfecting your twirls and spins, the new Ice Skating Rink at Central Park Plaza is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of downtown Valparaiso's winter wonderland. Don't have your own skates? Don't worry! Skate rental is available for every member of your family.

The fee is $5 for skate rental and $3 if you bring your own skates.

Hours for Ice Skating:

Friday, February 5
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 6
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 7
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Monday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 10
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thurday, February 11
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 14
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Monday, February 15
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

*Information obtained from http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/.

Ready to Buy or Sell?
Call The Lynda Anderson Team Today!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Looking for a great way to exercise in a great setting?  Then come out to your Lake County Parks and cross country ski.

Each park that offers this activity has several miles of trail through wooded areas as well as open fields. The trails are designed for a beginner as well as the experienced skier, so don't worry if you have never tried before.

Ski rental season opens December 1st and ends March 31 (at Lemon Lake), weather permitting. So put on your hat and gloves and come on out for this great winter activity. NOTE: Rentals at Oak Ridge Prairie and Stoney Run close the last day of February.  Ski trails are groomed at Lemon Lake and Stoney Run when there is at least a four inch snow base.

RENTAL LOCATIONS

Lemon Lake County Park    6322 W. 133rd Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307    219-663-7627
* Four miles of trail in wooded area and open field, ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
Oak Ridge Prairie County Park     301 S. Colfax Street
Griffith, IN 46319    219-884-7238
* Three miles of trail through open prairie and wooded areas. Good for those looking for an easy to moderate challenge.
Stoney Run County Park     142nd and Union Street
Leroy, IN 46355    219-996-6500
* Seven miles of easy to moderate trail winding through a wooded area. Designed with intermediate to advanced skiers in mind.

RENTAL INFORMATION
FEE: $5.00 includes tax, per skier, for 2 hours. $1.50 includes tax, per skier for each additional hour.
TIMES: Weekdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.   Weekends 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Last rental at 4 p.m.  All equipment must be returned by 5 p.m.  Exceptions only for special programs.  Park closing may vary due to extreme darkness.
DEPOSIT: A valid driver's license or credit card must be left with park employee in charge as security on the equipment. License or credit card will be returned when equipment is returned.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Daily rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis. The park manager reserves the right to close the ski program when weather conditions are not favorable. All equipment will be used on the park site ONLY. The rental fee includes use of skis, boots, poles, and fun.

Please call 219-769-PARK for additional information.

*Information obtained from http://www.lakecountyparks.com/winter.html.

The Lynda Anderson Team is here to help you.
Call today!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Looking for a great way to exercise in a great setting?  Then come out to your Lake County Parks and cross country ski.

Each park that offers this activity has several miles of trail through wooded areas as well as open fields. The trails are designed for a beginner as well as the experienced skier, so don't worry if you have never tried before.

Ski rental season opens December 1st and ends March 31 (at Lemon Lake), weather permitting. So put on your hat and gloves and come on out for this great winter activity. NOTE: Rentals at Oak Ridge Prairie and Stoney Run close the last day of February.  Ski trails are groomed at Lemon Lake and Stoney Run when there is at least a four inch snow base.

RENTAL LOCATIONS

Lemon Lake County Park    6322 W. 133rd Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307    219-663-7627
* Four miles of trail in wooded area and open field, ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
Oak Ridge Prairie County Park     301 S. Colfax Street
Griffith, IN 46319    219-884-7238
* Three miles of trail through open prairie and wooded areas. Good for those looking for an easy to moderate challenge.
Stoney Run County Park     142nd and Union Street
Leroy, IN 46355    219-996-6500
* Seven miles of easy to moderate trail winding through a wooded area. Designed with intermediate to advanced skiers in mind.

RENTAL INFORMATION
FEE: $5.00 includes tax, per skier, for 2 hours. $1.50 includes tax, per skier for each additional hour.
TIMES: Weekdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.   Weekends 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Last rental at 4 p.m.  All equipment must be returned by 5 p.m.  Exceptions only for special programs.  Park closing may vary due to extreme darkness.
DEPOSIT: A valid driver's license or credit card must be left with park employee in charge as security on the equipment. License or credit card will be returned when equipment is returned.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Daily rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis. The park manager reserves the right to close the ski program when weather conditions are not favorable. All equipment will be used on the park site ONLY. The rental fee includes use of skis, boots, poles, and fun.

Please call 219-769-PARK for additional information.

*Information obtained from http://www.lakecountyparks.com/winter.html.

The Lynda Anderson Team is here to help you.
Call today!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Porter County
Active homes - 1,257
Homes under contract - 88
Homes that have sold - 82

Lake County
Active homes - 3540
Homes under contract - 230
Homes that have sold - 217

*Numbers obtained from the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors.

The Lynda Anderson Team is here to make your home a sold statistic.
Give us a call!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 20 min
Makes: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

Cooking spray
4  (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
1  cup chopped cooked chicken
½ cup thin red bell pepper strips
¼ cup thin green bell pepper strips
½ cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
1  tablespoon sliced green onion (1 medium)
½ cup Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa

 DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with foil. Spray both sides of each tortilla lightly with cooking spray. Place 2 tortillas on foil-lined pan. Sprinkle each with half of the chicken, bell pepper strips, cheese and green onion. Top with remaining 2 tortillas.
2. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until light brown and crisp. Cut into wedges; serve with salsa.

Recipe obtained from www.pillsbury.com



The Lynda Anderson Team is here to serve you!
Call today!
21-531-MOVE (6683)

Serving Valparaiso, Indiana, and the surrounding townships, the Valparaiso Family YMCA has been a part of the community for more than 50 years. While we consider family our primary constituency, regardless of how it is defined, our programs and services are designed to meet the individual needs of children, teens, and adults of all ages. Membership and program participation is open to all people, regardless of their ability to pay, and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, physical or mental ability, religion, or national origin.

Each year, the Valparaiso YMCA:

• has more than 6,000 members
• serves more 365 children in our pre-school program
• keeps more than 275 children active in summer camp
• enrolls more than 900 children in youth sports
• teaches more than 1,000 children to swim
• sees more than 350 families enjoying family-centered events
• provides after school care to more than 441 children
• offers financial assistance for membership and program fees to more than 640 families

Please Note

• You must present a membership card or purchase a daily guest pass each time you visit the Y.  Positive identification is required to purchase a daily guest pass.
• Membership is not transferrable.
• Some programs and classes are open to the public and do not require membership.
• A parent must accompany children under 10 years if not enrolled in a class.
• Parents with children are encouraged to use the individual Family Locker Rooms or the "Girls" or "Boys" side of the regular Locker Rooms.
• The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen property and encourage you to use a lock on all lockers.
• The Y is a tobacco-free environment.

Information obtained from http://www.valpoymca.org/home.

If you’re interested in buying or selling your home,
call The Lynda Anderson Team at
219-531-MOVE (6683).

If you have had thoughts of.... Did I choose the right Realtor?.... Why isn't my property selling?...... Are they marketing my home where it should be?...... I am tired of this and am ready to be done!!!    This is all normal too.

I want to assure you that you are in good hands.  I am marketing your property on 87 internet sites.  I will continue to advertise in the Homes & Lifestyles.  We have software that allows other Realtors to register their buyers with us.  When they do this I can notify them and give them information on your home.  We have over 1,300 people registered on one of our internet sites.  They are emailed information on your property.  My buyer specialists are telling all their buyers about your home if it falls into the buyers price range. 

We constantly track where the buyer leads come from and put the marketing money in those places.  We want to spend the money where it works.  Our stats show us that the majority of the leads come from the internet.  We make sure you stand out there!  The National Association of Realtors also track where buyers come from, and their stats are also in line with ours. 

We are talking your property up to buyers and other realtors.  We have called surrounding properties to also tell them about your home in hopes of them knowing of someone in the market to buy.

I also keep watch on the market to see if other homes above and below our price range are selling.  I will continue to keep you informed on the market, however, please feel free to call me anytime you have a concern or question.

Have a great day!

Lynda Anderson

 Market Statistics for dates of 
November 17, 2009 through December 14, 2009

Porter County
Active homes - 1,336
Homes under contract - 89
Homes that have sold - 124

Lake County
Active homes - 3825
Homes under contract - 258
Homes that have sold - 390

*Numbers obtained from the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors.

Should your home be a sold statistic?
Call the Lynda Anderson team for sold results!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

EXTENDED!

Great news!  Congress has approved and the President has signed an extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit!  Originally slated to expire on November 30th, the credit will now be available for eligibel homebuyers through April 30, 2010.

Who's eligible?  First-time homebuyers, who are defined by law as buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.  They may qualify for up to an $8,000 credit.

Existing homeowners who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence may also be eligible for up to $6,500 tax credit.

All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify - including newly constructed and resale single-family detached, townhomes, or condominiums - provided the property will be used as the principal residence of the buyer.  Vacation homes, rental and/or investment properties do not qualify.

The credit is refundable and does not have to be repaid unless the homeowner sells or stops using the property as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.

Buyers who closed on qualifying property after November 6th and before May 1st, 2010 are eligible to take the credit.  Home purchases subject to a fully executed, binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010 will also qualify, provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.

We encourage you to contact a CPA for more information on the credit and to find out if you qualify.

In the meantime, it's still a buyer's market and one of our Buyer Specialists would love to help you find your first or next home!

Sincerely,

Lynda Anderson

Need help buying or selling a home?
Call The Lynda Anderson Team today!
219-531-MOVE (6683).

INGREDIENTS

1  packaged (9 oz) frozen cooked fajita-seasoned chicken strips
4  Old El Paso® tostada shells (from 4.5-oz box)
4  cups shredded lettuce
¼ cup quartered pitted ripe olives

1  medium tomato, cut into thin wedges

½ cup ranch dressing

2  tablespoons Old El Paso® taco sauce

½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 oz)

DIRECTIONS

1.     Heat chicken and tostada shells as directed on packages.

2.     Meanwhile, in large bowl, gently toss lettuce, olives and tomato. In medium bowl, mix ranch dressing and taco sauce. Pour dressing mixture over salad; toss gently to coat.

3.     Place warm tostada shells on individual serving plates. Spoon salad evenly onto shells; top each with warm chicken and sprinkle with cheese.

Recipe obtained from www.pillsbury.com


Let The Lynda Anderson Team help you!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Porter County
Active homes - 1,396
Homes under contract - 164
Homes that have sold - 159

Lake County
Active homes - 3921
Homes under contract - 357
Homes that have sold - 454

*Numbers obtained from the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors.

Want your home to be a sold statistic?
Call the Lynda Anderson team for sold results!
219-531-MOVE (6683)

Through the Critical Eyes of the Buyer!

-     Wash all windows, inside and out, adding to the overall impression and to help your property show in a nice, bright light. Curtains should be clean and attractive.

-     Remove all smoke, pet, and hobby odors from the property.

-     Clean all light bulbs, light fixtures, and chandeliers so that the property is brighter.

-     Shampoo all carpets and vacuum them daily. If the carpet does not clean up well, replace it. Use a neutral color, or remove the carpet if hardwood floors underneath are in good condition.

-     Clean everything in your house from top to bottom, from the attic to the basement.

-     Remove all “junk” from the attic, basement, closets, garage, tool shed, and especially from the storage area if your property has one. Large storage areas are appealing to buyers. Rent a storage area for those items that need to be cleared out of these areas.

-     Remove posters and adhesive from walls and doors. Putty and paint any holes that result from nails or other mishaps.

-     Clean or paint the basement walls and floor.

-     Wax hardwood floors.

-     Remove all cobwebs.

-     Paint all inside walls with off-white paint. Use two or more coats to cover bold, bright, or dark walls. All walls should be painted—not just washed—brightening the property and making it look much larger.

-     Ensure that the doorbell is in good working order.

-     Make sure that all entrance doors—front door, storm door, screen door—are in excellent condition. If not, replace them. Again, this is the first impression the buyer has of the property. Lighting and cleanliness are especially important.

-     Repair or replace all room doors, closet doors, and windows and screens so that they open with ease.

-     Repair or replace banisters and handrails.

-     Repair or replace broken tiles on walls or floors in showers.

-     Repair or replace loose wallpaper.

-     If the basement shows any sign of water or structural damage, it may be necessary to obtain a structural engineer’s report.

-     Replace toilet bowls if you cannot get them spotlessly clean. It is a minimal expense and makes a big difference.

-     Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.

-     Improve the plumbing to increase water pressure. Buyers will check this every time. Replace the washers in the faucets and remove rust stains.

For outstanding service call The Lynda Anderson Team today!

219-531-MOVE (6683)

Pepper-Herb Beef Stroganoff

INGREDIENTS

1       tablespoon butter or margarine

½      lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into thin bite-size strups

¼      teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1 ½   cups sliced fresh mushrooms (4 oz)

¼      cup beef flavored broth

1       tablespoon chili sauce

¼      teaspoon dried thyme leaves

¼      cup chive-and-onion sour cream

2       tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Hot cooked noodles, if desired

DIRECTIONS

1.    In 8-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips; sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.

2.    Add mushrooms; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in broth, chili sauce and thyme. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are blended.

3.    Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in sour cream until well blended. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve over hot cooked noodles.

Recipe obtained from www.pillsbury.com

Bring The Lynda Anderson Team into your home!
Call today! 219-531-MOVE (6683)