Bonnie Hawksworth: Indiana Dunes Real Estate

06/20/2026

$900 a month. Every month. Indefinitely.

That's the potential property tax difference between a $1,000,000 home in Indiana versus a comparable property in Cook County, Illinois.

In my latest blog post, I highlight how Indiana property taxes stack up against those in neighboring states. For home shoppers weighing whether to move to the Chicago suburbs or across the border — or whether to buy a vacation home in Harbor Country or the Indiana Dunes — this factor alone could sway your decision.

Three states. One house. Very different bills. I broke down the full math in my latest post.

See the link in the comments — or visit my Indiana Dunes Real Estate website and find the link to Insights at the top.

Indiana's constitutional property tax caps create a significant monthly cost advantage over Illinois and Michigan for shoreline buyers — and SEA 1 is making it better. Here's the math.

06/19/2026

Come see why everyone raves about Wild Rose!

I’m hosting an open house on Saturday from noon to three.

📍 5602 Coryana Drive, Valparaiso
🕛 Saturday · 12–3 pm

Wild Rose is one of Valparaiso's most sought-after neighborhoods — lush green spaces, a private stocked lake, a community park, and top-rated Valparaiso schools, all tucked just off Calumet on the north side of town. The HOA handles the lawn — leaving you to enjoy the best of Valpo living.

This home impresses from the moment you arrive. The side-load garage, custom landscaping, and stamped concrete edging give it a polished, low-key curb appeal that's hard to manufacture. Inside, the open-concept main floor is bright and well-proportioned — hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, transom windows, and a renovated kitchen with ceiling-height cabinetry, quartz counters, and stainless appliances.

Main-floor primary suite. Second bedroom and full bath. And a finished daylight basement that nearly doubles the usable space — media room, third bedroom, ¾ bath, plenty of room for whatever you need it to be.

Move-in ready, low-maintenance, and built by Aldred Homes.

Can’t make it Saturday? Check the link in the comments for more details — then call me for a private showing.

— Bonnie

Bonnie Hawksworth, REALTOR®
Christie's International Real Estate
219-309-7638

Discover why Wild Rose is one of Valparaiso's most sought-after neighborhoods — lush green spaces, a private stocked lake, a community park, and top-rated Valparaiso schools, all tucked just off Calumet on the north side of town.

06/13/2026

If you're craving the golf course lifestyle, you'll love this Legacy Hills townhouse in La Porte. I'll be hosting an open house tomorrow, Saturday, June 13 from 11- 2, so come out and see what your well-earned low-maintenance life could look like.

Overlooking the 16th fairway, the home features two main floor bedrooms including a primary suite with spa bath and custom walk-in closet, plus a loft with flex space upstairs. The kitchen has been fully updated — quartz counters, painted cabinetry, stainless appliances, oversized island. Sliders open to a four seasons room and patio with retractable Sunsetter awning.

You'll want to see all the pictures of this lovely , stylish home, so be sure to check the link in the comments!

📍 3027 W. Palmer Ave., La Porte
🕐 Saturday, June 13 | 11am – 2pm
📞 219-309-7638

06/10/2026

20 Crest Drive in Dune Acres is closed!

I'm so excited for my sellers as they embark on their new adventure. It was a privilege to represent them on the sale of their lovely home.

06/05/2026

Many properties are defined by the house.
Some are defined by the setting.
Only rarely do the two align so perfectly that the result is truly memorable.

220 Robbins Road, Valparaiso. Nestled within a mature oak-hickory woodland, this striking custom home overlooks a protected wetland corridor and Damon Run Creek. A private boardwalk leads from the home to a kayak launch and wildlife viewing platform, while two neighboring ponds, expansive views, and abundant wildlife create a setting that feels worlds away from the city — yet just minutes to Downtown Valparaiso to the south and Indiana Dunes National Park to the north.

The residence is recently built and never occupied — nearly 4,000 square feet, five bedrooms, five baths, soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, heated saltwater pool and hot tub. Two primary suites, each with private en suite. Independent exterior access on both levels.

For a buyer seeking genuine natural seclusion without sacrificing modern construction, this property works as a luxury primary residence, a Midwest hub for a distributed family, or a vacation home within easy reach of Chicago and Indianapolis.

Offered at $1,499,000.

Bonnie Hawksworth, REALTOR® | Christie's International Real Estate
219-309-7638

06/02/2026

I was thrilled to represent the buyers of a fabulous White Oak Estates townhome that closed this past week. I can't wait to see how they apply their impeccable style to their new home.

White Oak offers incredible, low-maintenance living in one of Munster's most desirable neighborhoods. It's close to Briar Ridge Country Club, Centennial Park, and all the shopping and dining that the Indianapolis Boulevard corridor offers.

If you're looking to downsize from a single-family residence, Lake County has such great options. Give me a call and let's plot your next move together!

— Bonnie
Bonnie Hawksworth | Christie's International Real Estate
Your Northwest Indiana Realtor® and Real Estate Advisor

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

124 Riviera Drive, Michigan City is under contract!

I couldn't be more thrilled to help my client write her next chapter.

05/16/2026

Claim your spot in the sand before the best days of summer.

This gracious colonial is tucked into the dunes along a quiet spur of Crest Drive. Overlooking a ravine, with protected town parkland beyond, make this home your family vacation retreat — or full time residence in a best-in-state school district. And did I mention it's just a 5-minute stroll to the best beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline?

Visit the link in the comments — then contact me for a private showing.

📞 219-309-7638
Bonnie Hawksworth | Christie's International Real Estate
Your Indiana Dunes REALTOR® and Real Estate Advisor

05/08/2026

Do you know what Mom would really love for Mother's Day?

Skip the flowers and buy her this spacious townhome instead.

I'll be hosting an open house at 1617 Cherry Blossom Drive in Munster this Saturday, May 9th, from 11am to 1pm.

While you're there, register to win a $25 gift card from Just Be Coffee Roasters.

Flowers fade, but this prime spot in the Townhomes at White Oak Estates will be a gift she can cherish every day.

— Bonnie

Bonnie Hawksworth, REALTOR®
Christie's International Real Estate
Your Northwest Indiana Real Estate Advisor
219-309-7638

REALTOR® with | Christie's International Real Estate, serving buyers and sellers along Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline and throughout Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties.