Posts with tag 'South Bend IN'

Some people like the gym for the bustle and activity, the burst of motivation, and the cutting edge equipment. You're probably paying more for the pumped-up atmosphere than you realize, though. Over time, that low monthly payment adds up.

A home gym offers safety, convenience, and one less bill each month. Think you don't have the money to put together a home gym? Think again! Our real estate agents have seen some pretty sweet setups, and many of them have been installed on a budget. Here are a few tips for designing a home gym you'll love to work out in — while keeping the cost down.

1. Work with the space you have available.
   The garage is a frequent choice for a home gym because it's out of the way and doesn't take away from limited square footage inside the home. Garages also have higher ceilings to accommodate taller equipment. If you have money to install some nice mirrors and flooring, you could consider converting an unused room, part of the basement, or third-floor space into your home gym. But if you're on a budget, look for spaces that can be easily converted into what you want and save your money for the equipment.

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There are many things to love about living in the Michiana area, including the incredible variety of dining options. If you love to eat out, you're not alone. Our real estate agents are constantly exploring local restaurants so they can offer recommendations to new residents. 

Since there are so many great Asian restaurants here, we were excited to learn that National Tempura Day is coming up on January 7th. Here are a few of the best local places for you to get your tempura fix. 

1. Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar: 119 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601
   One of the top 10 fine dining destinations in the greater South Bend region, Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar offers incredible sushi and Japanese dishes in a unique, upscale environment. If you're been looking at South Bend homes for sale, you'll definitely want to familiarize yourself with this incredible restaurant! They're known for their incredibly fresh seafood and a full bar that serves up some of the best martinis in the area. Start your evening off with some shrimp or vegetable tempura, then enjoy a hibachi entree, sushi platter, Asian fusion entree, or a rice or noodle dish.

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The COVID-19 pandemic, and the social distancing requirements that came with it, initially created a lot of chaos and inconvenience. However, as time goes on, we've all found creative ways to adapt. Some of the changes that were born out of necessity have now made life much easier.

The real estate industry is one place where going virtual has made a real difference. Our real estate agents love how much more convenient the buying process is for their clients. Here are a few of the ways social distancing has changed things for the better.

• Virtual Tours
  Virtual tours are the first option most buyers will explore when looking at South Bend homes for sale. These are short videos that show off the best features of homes listed on the market. While this is certainly nothing new, many buyers use them to narrow down their choices before going further.

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So, you're looking at South Bend homes for sale, and you see many different types of properties with different square footage and features. Should you buy a house? Or should you buy a condo? Each has its benefits and drawbacks. One has a pool and is close to downtown. The other has a fenced-in yard and is in the suburbs. Since homeownership and condo living are two different experiences, what you decide to buy will come down to your needs, preferences, and overall financial picture.

How Are Condos and Houses Different?

A condominium is a private residential unit within a larger building or complex. Condos are more like apartments, so they're a denser form of housing. Condo owners have full control over what happens inside their home, but the exterior of the building and common areas are owned and maintained by a condo board or homeowners association (HOA). Condos are usually found in more urban areas and are very popular with investors, downsizers, and first-time buyers.

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Thanksgiving dinner may look a bit different this year for most of us, so why not try something different for dessert? If you've been looking at South Bend homes for sale this fall, you'll probably also want to simplify your meal prep and perhaps skip the homemade pie. The good news? There are scores of fantastic recipes out there that prove Thanksgiving dessert doesn't have to be pie. 

Here are some new riffs on Thanksgiving dessert: 

1. Pumpkin Truffles
   Need that pumpkin fix? Pumpkin Truffles should do the trick. Plus, what's better than bite-size so that your guest can keep the sampling size down and try several different desserts? The ingredients are cream cheese and graham crackers, which hold everything together, plus confectioners' sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and pumpkin puree. Include chocolate for dippings. The type of chocolate is up to you.
   
   This recipe takes some prep time, so be forewarned. The dough must be chilled for 3 hours; after the dough balls are formed, they must be refrigerated; and then the chocolate must be melted for dipping. The truffles are made of cream cheese, so this dessert should be chilled until served.

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