Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Mortgages and Veterans
The KCM Blog - Mortgages and Veterans
One of the great things about this country is that we do a lot for those who have served us. And in the area of real estate financing, we can do exceptional things.
Understand that the VA (Veterans’ Administration) is, in the mortgage world, like HUD is with FHA financing. They are an insurance company, collecting premiums and using the backing of the Federal government to guarantee the payments to lenders. Because of the government’s guarantee, lenders can stretch traditional guidelines and offer very competitive terms (of course, while adhering to the VA’s guidance).
Some of the more attractive features of a VA loan are:
- 100% Financing on Home Purchases – Veterans, assuming they are in good standing, can buy a home with no money down. In most cases, the maximum VA loan is $417,000.
- The Ability to Finance Reasonable Closing Costs – On many VA loans, the closing costs are negotiated into the sales price and the seller pays them. This feature can significantly reduce the cash a veteran needs to buy a home.
- More Understanding with Regards to Credit Challenges – In an effort to help those who served us, lenders are more liberal towards hiccups in credit.
- Common-Sense Look at Income – Rather than approve loans strictly by income ratios, VA mortgages incorporate what is called Residual Income. There is a form that actually budgets all expenses (not just housing) to account for family size, heating and electrical usage, and more.
- Financed Insurance Premium – The VA charges what they call a Funding Fee to set up a fund to reimburse lenders, should a default occur. The Funding Fee varies on loan terms and usage (consult your lender for exact costs), but the good news is that it is typically just added to your loan. Instead of paying thousands of dollars up front, you can pay $10-$50 a month in a higher payment.
- Refinancing Your VA Loan is Easy – Through the I.R.R.L. (Interest Rate Reduction Loan) Program, getting a better rate (if the market has better rates) does not carry with it all the verifications of income, credit, appraisals, and assets of other loans…and closing costs can be added into the loan! The logic is the VA is already “on the hook” and lowering the payment increases the likelihood of continued payments, so why not be as lenient as possible.
Stop trying to seem perfect.
Accept your faults. Make mistakes.
Hang yourself out there. Try and fail. Be gracious when you fail.
When you do, people will definitely remember you because people who are willing to fail are rare... and because people who display grace and humility, especially in the face of defeat, are incredibly rare.
Accept your faults. Make mistakes.
Hang yourself out there. Try and fail. Be gracious when you fail.
When you do, people will definitely remember you because people who are willing to fail are rare... and because people who display grace and humility, especially in the face of defeat, are incredibly rare.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County.
I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.
Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding. When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County.
I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.
Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding. When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
www.housefliptips.comSex Appeal to Flip a House in Today’s Market
Buyers are so picky that if they view photos online and do not like your room colors, they will skip over what they think is a “fixer upper” and move on to the next home. Wow you say, “but I LOVE that powder blue color in my bedroom”. Well, even though you may love it, the potential buyer may not love it. And, to add insult to your color choice, the buyer can only think, “geez, it’s gonna be super expensive to repaint those rooms, and I don’t really want to have to deal with all of that”.
We have a flipping houses secret weapon that my team uses: our visual coordinators. We send them out to every listing prior to going on the market. Sex appeal (of a house!) is a combination of many factors. The girls spend about 1-3 hours with the client giving suggestions ranging from landscaping, to paint colors, to rearranging furniture, and decluttering.
Our sellers spend as long as it takes to work on completing the list and making sure that we are picture perfect before going on the market. It only takes one buyer and we must look perfect for the first impression.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.
When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Median Home Prices Rise in April: RE/MAX
Median Home Prices Rise in April: RE/MAX
05/18/2012
By: Tory Barringer 
The RE/MAX
National Housing Report found that the national median home price rose
for the third straight month in April, indicating that the housing
recovery in 2012 is continuing.
The report surveyed 53 metropolitan areas and found that the median home price was $161,000, 3.2 percent higher than in March and 5.9 percent higher than in April 2011. February marked the first time in 18 months that home prices experienced an increase, and data from March and April shows a positive trend.
The report surveyed 53 metropolitan areas and found that the median home price was $161,000, 3.2 percent higher than in March and 5.9 percent higher than in April 2011. February marked the first time in 18 months that home prices experienced an increase, and data from March and April shows a positive trend.
Data revealed that of the 53 metro areas surveyed, 43 saw an increase in
median home prices over last year, and 12 of those saw double-digit
percentage increases.
Also encouraging was the fact that home sales in April were 4.1 percent higher than the previous year, making it the 10th month in which sales pushed higher year-over-year. Of the metros surveyed, 39 reported more home sales than a year before, with 18 showing double-digit percentage increases. These increases indicate a strong season, RE/MAX said.
The average Days on Market for all home sales in April was 96, a drop from March’s 101 and April 2011’s 98. In the last 12 months, the average for Days on Market has been below 90 in only two months. This is in contrast to what is expected in a market with a dwindling inventory and increased sales.
Based on the 53 metro areas surveyed, the report also showed that the inventory of homes for sale fell 3.7 percent and was 25.6 percent lower than April 2011. Month-to-month inventories have fallen for 22 consecutive months, owed largely to the fewer foreclosure properties coming to market.
At the current rate of sales, the average Months Supply is now 5.3, the same as March but two months lower than the 7.1 supply last year. Months Supply is the number of months it would take to clear a market’s active inventory at the current rate of sales. A six-month supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
Also encouraging was the fact that home sales in April were 4.1 percent higher than the previous year, making it the 10th month in which sales pushed higher year-over-year. Of the metros surveyed, 39 reported more home sales than a year before, with 18 showing double-digit percentage increases. These increases indicate a strong season, RE/MAX said.
The average Days on Market for all home sales in April was 96, a drop from March’s 101 and April 2011’s 98. In the last 12 months, the average for Days on Market has been below 90 in only two months. This is in contrast to what is expected in a market with a dwindling inventory and increased sales.
Based on the 53 metro areas surveyed, the report also showed that the inventory of homes for sale fell 3.7 percent and was 25.6 percent lower than April 2011. Month-to-month inventories have fallen for 22 consecutive months, owed largely to the fewer foreclosure properties coming to market.
At the current rate of sales, the average Months Supply is now 5.3, the same as March but two months lower than the 7.1 supply last year. Months Supply is the number of months it would take to clear a market’s active inventory at the current rate of sales. A six-month supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.
When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
You are invited to see one of the neatest HOMES in the Waukesha County WI tomorrow!
Please bring your associates or better yet, a buyer to view and enjoy
an afternoon cookout on the lake!
Tuesday, May 15th
11am - 1pm
5373 State Hwy 83
Hwy 16, north on Hwy 83 to home on left
Chenequa, WI
PINE LAKE
If you think the outside is fantastic -- wait until you see the INSIDE!
12,000sq ft mansion delicately blends yesterdays charm
w/today's conveniences, boasting fountain splashed courtyard, veranda,
grand salon,lakeside cottage, pump house, sports court plus more.
Regal banquet-sized dining, 3 story grand
staircase, gourmet kitchen, hearth room, library, theatre, 8 beds, 6/2
baths. PLUS Guest house, 5+ garage,
Lisa Bear
Darci Froemming
Charlie Johnson
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.
When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Good NEWS from Wisconsin REAL ESTATE - Home Sales Up 44.2% in April (edit/delete)
Home Sales Up 44.2% in April
The housing market’s resurgence continued in April, increasing 44.2% in the 4-county metropolitan area. April is the 10th month in a row in which home sales have increased by double-digits. April sales (1,541) were about even with sales in April of 2010 (1,555), at the height of the federal tax credit.
April is usually the first notably busy month of the year for REALTORS® as they take listings and help buyers find homes. This year, however, agents have been active much earlier than typical. The combination of unusually warm weather, gradually increasing consumer confidence, low interest rates and low prices have established a firm pattern of recovery in the Metropolitan Milwaukee housing market.
The abundant inventory that had been characteristic of the Milwaukee market over the last few years, seems to be waning, as listings have declined in three of the last 4 months, 4.3% in April. Brokers are reporting significant tightening of listings in certain communities around the area. This is a noteworthy exception to a ‘typical’ spring market when new listings are abundant.
There are 13,157 active listings in the MLS at this time, which represents 8.5-months of inventory. A steep decline from the 10.5-months of just a month ago in March, and nearly half of the 15.4-months we had in January.
The supply of foreclosed properties in the hardest hit area in the City of Milwaukee push up the region’s average supply numbers, so the inventory level is probably even lower in suburban communities and even some neighborhoods within the city.
County-by-County Sales Analysis:
- Milwaukee County was up 38.8% in sales over 2011 for April (910 units vs. 658 units)
- Waukesha County was up 46.4% vs. April 2011 (410 sales compared with 280)
- Washington County was up 68.8% compared to last year (118 vs. 70)
- Ozaukee County was also up 68.9% vs. April 2011 (103 units vs. 61 units)
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.
When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Looking for a residential real estate agent near Milwaukee?
Looking for RESIDENTIAL real estate for sale in Waukesha County or RESIDENTIAL real estate agents in Waukesha County Wisconsin? I would love to have the chance to tell you how I approach RESIDENTIAL real estate and how I have been successful helping people buy and sell HOMES & RESIDENTIAL real estate in Waukesha County.
RESIDENTIAL real estate for sale in Waukesha County is a great investment. The time to buy RESIDENTIAL real estate for sale in Waukesha County is now. I am one of those METRO MILWAUKEE, WAUKESHA COUNTY AND LAKE COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL real estate agents one of the RESIDENTIAL real estate agents in Waukesha County Wisconsin that is well seasoned and knowlegeable in all aspects of residential real estate.
I welcome the opportunity to talk with you, sit down with you and discuss your needs, or when you are ready you can give me a call when your schedule allows.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.
When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Farming is alive and well in Lake Country
Local farmers say the region with a rich farming history has a good future
An increasing consumer demand for locally grown meat and produce, along with a rising number of local farmers markets and co-op arrangements, have provided Lake Country farmers with new opportunities to market directly to consumers in a Wisconsin-Illinois market of more than three million people.
"The ag economy is as strong as I have seen it," said Dave Morris, whose family owns about 180 acres in the City of Delafield and leases another approximately 800 acres scattered through the region.
Although 25 percent of the land in Waukesha County is still used for agricultural purposes, many thought only a few farms would survive because real estate developers were paying inflated prices to gobble up farms in the 1990s and early 2000s.
That came to a screeching halt in 2007 when the Great Recession struck and the housing bubble burst. Developers who paid those inflated prices cannot find builders for new homes, and they cannot sell the land, either.
"There are a couple of subdivisions that we are farming because there is nothing else to do. The developer isn't able to do anything with the land, and he can't sell it," according to Rob Schuett of Mukwonago, who farms about 1,000 acres in southern Waukesha County.
"I know one real estate developer who had to return hundreds of millions of dollars in land back to the banks," added Lake Country real estate developer Jim Siepmann.
Siepmann acknowledged that his company has about 1,000 acres being leased to farmers because the land "is not going to be developed for a while."
"People in the world need food. In the United States, the one thing we can produce very economically is food," according to Morris.
"China and India are areas in the world where there is a rapidly growing middle class. There has been a tremendous food vacuum there. Now, more and more people there want to eat a healthier diet," explained John Koepke of the Town of Oconomowoc, who farms nearly a thousand acres in the northwest corner of Waukesha County and raises more than 300 dairy cows.
"There has been a tremendous demand for meat and dairy exports. The weaker (American) dollar hasn't hurt either, which makes our products affordable to foreign markets," he said.
"The state of the farm economy generally and locally is very good," Koepke concluded.
But there are exceptions.
Not everything is rosy
Mike Fryda, who owns a 30-acre dairy farm wedged between a stone quarry and a gun club in the Town of Lisbon, says the state of his farm economy is "not very good.""Milk prices have gone down, while the commodity prices have gown up," said Fryda, who leases another 360 acres of corn, soy beans and wheat.
Fryda said the price for his milk has dropped nearly $6 per hundredweight. The U.S. Department of Agricultural is predicting milk prices will be at least $3.10 per hundredweight lower this year than in 2008. But agriculture fared better than the rest of the economy in 2011 and will likely do so again in 2012, according to The Status of Wisconsin Agriculture, an annual report prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"Wisconsin farmers as a whole earned a record high net farm income of $2.4 billion in 2011. This was up about $350 million from 2010 and three times the very depressed level of $800 million in 2009," according to the report.
Agriculture pumped nearly $890 million into the Waukesha County economy last year, according to the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension.
Agricultural-related businesses employed more than 3,000 workers in the county who contributed about $207 million to the county's total income, according to the extension service.
A history of farming
Waukesha County and the Lake Country region are rich in agricultural history. Between 1918 and 1959, the county assumed the titled "Cow County USA" because of its large number of dairy farms and cows.The state's first aboveground silo was built near Ashippun. Groundbreaking research was conducted on the Pabst Farms near Oconomowoc, according to Koepke, who also noted that the first farm implement with rubber tires was tested in the Town of Waukesha.
A look ahead
Farmers interviewed by Lake Country Publications were generally optimistic about the future, despite drastic declines in the industry during the past half-century.Between 1969 and 2007, the number of dairy cows in Waukesha County dropped from 15,263 to 2,756, an 82-percent decline. There was a 92-percent reduction in dairy farms during the same period, according to Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC).
However, there are still more than 90,000 acres of land in the county devoted to agriculture. Waukesha County and some municipal governments have adopted land-use and tax policies that encourage the preservation of agricultural land, including agricultural enterprise zones in the towns of Oconomowoc, Ottawa and Eagle.
There are 86 Waukesha County farms, including nearly two dozen in Lake Country, that generate more than $800,000 annually in sales through farmers markets, roadside stands, pick-your-own operations and community supported agriculture (CSA) operations where consumers can purchase food directly from farms, according to the extension service.
Diversification is key
Professor Steven C. Deller of the UW-Madison Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics said this so-called "local foods movement" is significant because it provides new revenue streams for agriculture and offers farmers with new opportunities to diversify.Diversification is important to survival, according to Lake Country farmers who think the housing market will eventually rebound, and real estate developers will again start paying higher prices to buy up farmland.
"There is going to be farming in the future; it is just going to be a different kind of farming," Fryda said.
Fryda said selling manure is an example of diversification. He said consumers, particularly those involved in organic farming, will drive several hours to purchase his manure.
Wisconsin is second only to California in the number of certified organic farms in the United States.
Fryda admits he does not make large profits off the manure, but "it helps make ends meet," and it is rela tively inexpensive to produce.
The Koepke farm is producing a new line of artisan cheeses. "La Belle" cheeses are sold at Piggly Wiggly grocery stores in Hartland and Oconomowoc and are available at farmers market.
John Koepke is optimistic the new cheese product will provide a revenue stream that is more stable than volatile commodity and dairy prices. According to the Farm Fresh Atlas, there are 65 farmers markets in Southeastern Wisconsin, nearly a dozen of them in Lake Country.
Morris said Lake Country farmers have a marketing advantage being located in the midst of so many farmers markets and between the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas. He said locally grown food production for sale to local consumers could be the future for some farmers.
"It is very viable if you are in a heavier metropolitan area. You don't need a big tract of land, and people are willing to drive a few miles to get it," he said.
"The significance of it is that it might make people think differently about agriculture. Instead of getting all of their food from a grocery store, they might want to visit a farm," Morris concluded.
Schuett said he might increase his production of locally grown food to sell to the "agritourist," many of them from Illinois, who flock to his farm.. The farm, with its corn mazes, happy faces painted on rolled hay bales and seasonal sales of pumpkins and Christmas trees, has become an iconic landmark along Highway 83.
"On the weekends, our phone rings constantly. They come from Illinois. They will pick their pumpkins. They will go to the corn maze, which might take two or three hours. Then they will go on a hay ride. That is what they want do. Spend the day on a Sunday afternoon," he explained.
"If development comes back, and a lot of the land is gone, you have this stuff to fall back on. You have to diversify like in any other job," Schuett added.
And he has learned agritourism tends to be recession proof.
"People who are hurting or out of job come back. They can't make that big destination trip to Disneyworld. But they will come to visit the corn maze. They can afford that."
WI LAKE HOME OWNERS NEWS - New Pier Grandfathering Legislation Signed Into Law - Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
New Pier Grandfathering Legislation Signed Into Law - Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
New Pier Grandfathering Legislation Signed Into Law
By: Tom Larson
On April 2, 2012, Governor Walker signed into law 2011 Wisconsin Act 167, legislation that grandfathers almost all existing piers. In addition, the new law eliminates the pier registration requirement and creates new standards for piers placed on or after April 17, 2012. Finally, the new law guarantees that waterfront property owners have a right to place a pier, even if the property is located in areas that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers to be environmentally significant.
However, both the DNR and lawmakers discovered that many more piers than originally anticipated would not qualify for grandfathering. In addition, very few piers that did qualify for grandfathering were registered with the DNR.
Accordingly, lawmakers decided that it would be best to resolve the pier grandfathering issue once and for all by grandfathering all existing piers.
In addition, the riparian owner does not need to register the pier with the DNR in order to grandfather the pier. All existing piers are automatically grandfathered unless the pier meets at least one of the two exceptions previously listed.
Note: REALTORS® should ask waterfront property owners if (a) they have received notice from the DNR that their pier is “detrimental to the public interest,” and (b)their pier interferes with the rights of other riparian owners.
First, the new law increases the boat density requirement under existing law to allow for personal watercraft, such as jetskis and waverunners. Under current law, waterfront property owners are allowed two boat slips for the first 50 feet of frontage and one boat slip for each additional 50 feet of frontage thereafter. Because a personal watercraft is often tied to a dock and is not placed in a “slip” or on a hoist or lift, the law is not clear as to whether any limits exist regarding the number of personal watercraft that a property owner may have. Accordingly, the new law allows riparians to have two personal watercraft for the first 50 feet of frontage and one additional personal watercraft for each additional 50 feet of frontage thereafter. This is in addition to the number of boat slips allowed under current law.
Second, the new law changes the maximum size requirement for loading platforms on new piers to 200 square feet in total area. Prior law allowed for a maximum width of eight feet wide but did not limit the total area. This change allows for greater flexibility in the size and dimensions of loading platforms so that riparian owners can determine what configuration would best meet their needs.
As a result of these changes, new piers can be placed without obtaining a permit from the DNR if the pier meets the following requirements:
While the new law did not eliminate the requirement to obtain a permit for a pier located in ASNRI waters, it does clarify that if a pier is located in an ASNRI, then (a) the pier is eligible for a general permit, and (b) the DNR may impose conditions on the location, design, construction and installation of a pier located in ASNRI waters, but the DNR may not prohibit the owner from placing a pier. In other words, the riparian owner is guaranteed the right to place a pier, but the exact dimensions may be determined by the DNR. This provision is intended to allow the DNR to determine the size, location and design of a pier to avoid any adverse impacts to sensitive areas like fish spawning areas and other sensitive habitats, but also protects the right of waterfront property owners to place a pier to access the waterway.
See the DNR’s website for an interactive map showing all of the lakes and rivers in Wisconsin that are designated ASNRI at http://dnrmaps.wi.gov/imf/imf.jsp?site=SurfaceWaterViewer.deswaters.
The 50 percent rule has been unfair to property owners because it applies retroactively to existing boathouses that were legal when originally constructed. Moreover, the rule had proven difficult to enforce because it is almost impossible for county zoning administrators to keep track of each dollar spent on necessary paint, boards and roofing shingles. As a result, it encouraged property owners to be dishonest about what they have spent on repairs and maintenance.
The new law eliminates application of the 50 percent rule to wet boathouses. As a result, riparian owners may perform unlimited maintenance and repair to these existing boathouses that were constructed before 1979. This new law change allows property owners to “keep what they have” but does not allow the boathouses to be expanded.
For more information on the new law, please contact Tom Larson (tlarson@wra.org) at (608) 240-8254.
Tom Larson is Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs for the WRA.
Background
In 2007, Wisconsin lawmakers enacted a law that attempted to grandfather 99 percent of the existing piers from DNR permitting requirements. (2007 Wisconsin Act 204.) To be eligible for grandfathering, a pier was required to meet the following standards:- The pier must have been originally placed prior to February 6, 2004.
- The width of the pier could be no wider than eight feet.
- A loading platform or deck was allowed as long as it is located at the lakeward end of the pier and the platform had a surface area no greater than either (a) 200 square feet, which may be any width, or (b) 300 square feet, if the deck/platform is no wider than 10 feet.
However, both the DNR and lawmakers discovered that many more piers than originally anticipated would not qualify for grandfathering. In addition, very few piers that did qualify for grandfathering were registered with the DNR.
Accordingly, lawmakers decided that it would be best to resolve the pier grandfathering issue once and for all by grandfathering all existing piers.
Grandfathering of Existing Piers
Under the new law, all existing piers placed before April 17, 2012 are grandfathered unless:- a. The DNR notified the riparian owner before April 17, 2012 that the pier is “detrimental to the public interest.”
- b. Or if the pier “interferes with the riparian rights of other riparian owners.” A pier that extends into a neighbor’s riparian zone, which is the water in front of the neighbor’s property, is an example of a pier that would interfere with the neighbor’s riparian rights.
In addition, the riparian owner does not need to register the pier with the DNR in order to grandfather the pier. All existing piers are automatically grandfathered unless the pier meets at least one of the two exceptions previously listed.
Note: REALTORS® should ask waterfront property owners if (a) they have received notice from the DNR that their pier is “detrimental to the public interest,” and (b)their pier interferes with the rights of other riparian owners.
New Piers
In addition to the grandfathering provisions, the new law creates a few different standards for new piers, which are piers placed for the first time on or after April 17, 2012.First, the new law increases the boat density requirement under existing law to allow for personal watercraft, such as jetskis and waverunners. Under current law, waterfront property owners are allowed two boat slips for the first 50 feet of frontage and one boat slip for each additional 50 feet of frontage thereafter. Because a personal watercraft is often tied to a dock and is not placed in a “slip” or on a hoist or lift, the law is not clear as to whether any limits exist regarding the number of personal watercraft that a property owner may have. Accordingly, the new law allows riparians to have two personal watercraft for the first 50 feet of frontage and one additional personal watercraft for each additional 50 feet of frontage thereafter. This is in addition to the number of boat slips allowed under current law.
Second, the new law changes the maximum size requirement for loading platforms on new piers to 200 square feet in total area. Prior law allowed for a maximum width of eight feet wide but did not limit the total area. This change allows for greater flexibility in the size and dimensions of loading platforms so that riparian owners can determine what configuration would best meet their needs.
As a result of these changes, new piers can be placed without obtaining a permit from the DNR if the pier meets the following requirements:
- Width: No more than six feet wide.
- Length: No longer than what is necessary to moor your boat or use a boat lift, or 3-foot water depth, whichever is greater.
- Number of boats: Two boat slips/lifts for the first 50 feet of water frontage of your property, plus one more boat slip/lift for each additional 50 feet of frontage.
- Number of personal watercraft: Two personal watercraft for the first 50 feet of water frontage of your property, plus one more personal watercraft for each additional 50 feet of frontage.
- Loading platforms: A loading platform/deck with a surface area no greater than 200 square feet.
Piers Located in Areas of Special Natural Resource Interest (ASNRI)
Due to a law change in 2003, riparian owners located adjacent to a body of water considered by the DNR to be an area of special natural resource interest (ASNRI) were unable to lawfully place a pier without a permit. This problem was magnified by the fact that the definition of ASNRI is overly broad and includes any “area that possesses significant scientific value, as identified by the DNR.” This definition is vague and gives the DNR the discretion to designate any area to be an ASNRI. In fact, the term has been interpreted to mean not just specific areas in a lake, but the entire lake in some cases. As a result, riparian owners located adjacent to an ASNRI may be required to obtain a permit to place a pier and could be denied from placing a pier altogether.While the new law did not eliminate the requirement to obtain a permit for a pier located in ASNRI waters, it does clarify that if a pier is located in an ASNRI, then (a) the pier is eligible for a general permit, and (b) the DNR may impose conditions on the location, design, construction and installation of a pier located in ASNRI waters, but the DNR may not prohibit the owner from placing a pier. In other words, the riparian owner is guaranteed the right to place a pier, but the exact dimensions may be determined by the DNR. This provision is intended to allow the DNR to determine the size, location and design of a pier to avoid any adverse impacts to sensitive areas like fish spawning areas and other sensitive habitats, but also protects the right of waterfront property owners to place a pier to access the waterway.
See the DNR’s website for an interactive map showing all of the lakes and rivers in Wisconsin that are designated ASNRI at http://dnrmaps.wi.gov/imf/imf.jsp?site=SurfaceWaterViewer.deswaters.
Nonconforming Wet Boathouses
In addition to modifying the pier regulations, the new law eliminates the restrictions placed on the ability of riparian owners to maintain and repair wet boathouses, which are located below the ordinary high water mark. The restrictions limited the value of all maintenance and repairs over the life of the property to 50 percent of the assessed value of the boathouses, which was intended to eventually eliminate these boathouses by forcing them to fall into disrepair.The 50 percent rule has been unfair to property owners because it applies retroactively to existing boathouses that were legal when originally constructed. Moreover, the rule had proven difficult to enforce because it is almost impossible for county zoning administrators to keep track of each dollar spent on necessary paint, boards and roofing shingles. As a result, it encouraged property owners to be dishonest about what they have spent on repairs and maintenance.
The new law eliminates application of the 50 percent rule to wet boathouses. As a result, riparian owners may perform unlimited maintenance and repair to these existing boathouses that were constructed before 1979. This new law change allows property owners to “keep what they have” but does not allow the boathouses to be expanded.
For more information on the new law, please contact Tom Larson (tlarson@wra.org) at (608) 240-8254.
Tom Larson is Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs for the WRA.
Published: May 02, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Pros and Cons of Getting a Reverse Mortgage
Ask any economist to analyze a financial move and they will tell you that there is always a good side and a bad side. They will use terms like “opportunity cost” or “time value of money.” In essence, their point is that there is no perfect financial transaction. People have to decide what is best for them in their current condition. The same can be said for a reverse mortgage. They are not all good and they are not all bad. Each loan needs to be considered in light of the borrower’s circumstances.
Pros of the Reverse Mortgage
There are quite a few advantages of a reverse mortgage:
- No strict credit score or income requirements
- Borrower is allowed to stay in their own home
- Debt does not have to be repaid as long as borrower is alive
- Limits on loan amounts reduce the chance that the mortgage will be more than home’s value
As mentioned earlier, there are some downsides to the reverse mortgage:
- The loan makes payments to the borrower, growing the outstanding mortgage balance. This can reduce inheritance for the heirs.
- Medicaid benefits could be altered if the borrower receives too much from the mortgage.
- Fees on the reverse mortgage are higher than a conventional loan, but in line with an FHA loan.
Visit our reverse mortgage page for additional program information.
Contact me below or apply online to see if you qualify for a reverse mortgage!
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!
When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.
If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.
When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.
Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!
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