Eric M. Torness, Realtor

06/06/2026

Quick real talk for anyone assuming they are completely priced out of buying a home in the area because they don't have a massive 20% down payment sitting in the bank. On a home with our local (Chesterton) $370,000 median sold price, people assume they need an overwhelming $74,000 saved up.

In reality, excellent programs allow first-time buyers to qualify with as little as 3% to 3.5% down, dropping that upfront cash closer to $11,000.

I broke down the exact math on local down payments and neighborhood tax brackets into a quick, 5-slide 'Stressless Buying' guide. It’s completely free—if you want to see what it actually takes to own a piece of NWI this year, the link is right in my bio! 🏠

06/05/2026

Bears are coming to Hammond!!!

06/02/2026

I see a lot of local families trying to navigate our current market—whether you're looking to downsize near the park, stop renting, or finally step up into a larger home.

Because local inventory remains incredibly tight, finding the right property before it disappears comes down to knowing the exact school tracks and boundary maps.

To make things a bit easier, I just put together a quick, 5-slide market guide written specifically for local buyers. It breaks down the exact Duneland infrastructure metrics (including our top-20 state ranking and 98% graduation rate), plus a breakdown of how our 1% residential property tax cap protects your monthly budget from the sudden spikes happening elsewhere.

If you are trying to map out a move or just want a clear look at local neighborhood numbers this season, the breakdown is completely free and linked right in my bio. Or, drop a comment below if you want a copy and I'll DM the PDF straight to your inbox!

(That's my 3 year old Siberian husky, Oakley) 👇

06/01/2026

A snapshot of the Town of Chesterton's housing market from April '25 to April '26.

05/20/2026

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance at an owners meeting in Orlando, and he provided updates on the status of the Chicago Bears’ stadium project.

05/08/2026

Miller Beach continues to see major momentum, backed by the $650M South Shore Double Track expansion, ongoing lakefront redevelopment, and growing interest from Chicago-area buyers seeking more space near Lake Michigan.

7155 Hemlock Ave places you right in the center of it — just minutes from the Indiana Dunes, beaches, trails, and commuter rail access. With inventory remaining tight and median sale prices in Northwest Indiana climbing over the past year, Miller Beach continues to stand out as one of the Region’s fastest-growing lakefront markets.

05/06/2026

Fully funded & moving forward.

Last night, during the Michigan City Common Council meeting, Google announced it will gift the final $400,000 needed to complete funding for the Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park project.

The contribution officially closes the gap on the transformational $5 million investment, bringing Michigan City one step closer to a fully inclusive space designed for play, fitness, connection, and community.

Years in the making, the project was sparked by a simple idea: everyone deserves a place to play. Mayor Angie said, “This is what momentum looks like … Michigan City continues to move forward, and tonight’s announcement is another example of the incredible things that can happen when people believe in this community.”

🔗 Read the full Press Release: https://michigancityin.gov/google-gift/

05/05/2026

"Stop trying to time the perfect rate.

You are not buying a rate. You are buying an asset.

Rates matter, but they are only one piece of the deal. Price, negotiation, competition, and long-term hold strategy matter just as much, if not more."

Mortgage rates are volatile..

05/04/2026

Michigan City has brought in $2 billion in economic development projects over the past four years, according to the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City.

05/02/2026