Thursday, November 21, 2013

Five Ways to Ensure Your Home Sells in the Wintertime

 
 
5 tips to ensure your home sells in the winter (© Andersen Ross/Getty Ross)
 
"It used to be that spring and summer were the hot times to buy or sell houses, but people are much more mobile now. If you want to sell your house these days, you don't necessarily have to wait until spring to put it on the market," says Brad Knapp, a National Association of Realtors regional vice president and an agent with Henkle Schueler & Associates in suburban Cincinnati.
True, most would-be homebuyers and sellers in colder climates still call it quits from late November until late February or so.

But Knapp says consumers who face job relocations, divorces or other situations requiring an immediate move keep the market humming all winter long.

"There are fewer buyers and sellers in the marketplace during the winter, but they're all serious buyers and sellers," he says. "They all have a sense of urgency or they wouldn't be in the market at all."

But how can a would-be seller attract a buyer when there's ice on a home's walkway, snow covering the flower beds and little natural light to make a place look bright?
Here are five things Knapp says homeowners must do if they want to heat up the chances of selling a property this winter:


1. Set a realistic price
House hunters expect discount prices in the winter, because they know that any homeowner who lists a property during the period really needs to sell. So Knapp recommends that sellers list their homes at realistic prices to begin with — without any extra "air" for haggling.
"We've been in a buyers market for so long now in most of the country that buyers are trained to lowball," he says. "The best way to avoid that is to price a home accurately in first place."


2. Advertise with snow-free pictures
If possible, you or your agent should commission your home's advertising photos before it snows. If that's not feasible, make arrangements to have a photographer come out the first time the snow melts — even if it's just a brief winter thaw.

You can also have a photographer digitally alter photos to take out snow, but proceed with caution. Too much digital editing can open you or your agent up to allegations of deceptive advertising.


3. Maximize curb appeal
You always want your home to have good "curb appeal" — a nice appearance that's apparent from the moment a would-be buyer pulls up to the curb — but winter snow and gloom make that tough.

To make the most of your home's wintertime look, Knapp recommends making sure all autumn leaves and any dead tree branches are gone. Keep your home's driveway and paths free of snow and ice and put a nice, clean doormat in front.

"You home might not have the same beautiful landscaping that it does in June, but you can at least make sure the property looks halfway decent," Knapp says.



4. 'Stage' the interior for winter
A good real-estate agent or professional home stager can help you make your home's interior look warm and friendly no matter how dreary it is outside. Knapp says you should start by decluttering the home, putting as much stuff as possible away — preferably in offsite storage — to make your home look clean and roomy.
 
Also remove all family photos, sports memorabilia and the like so would-be buyers can picture themselves — not you — living in the home. And don't go overboard with holiday decorations if you're listing your home in December.


"It's OK to put up a Christmas tree, but you might not want the fake reindeer and Santa Claus in the yard this year," Knapp says, adding that you should take all decorations down by Jan. 2.

Lastly, Knapp recommends baking cookies or an apple pie shortly before house hunters arrive. This will give your home an inviting smell when would-be buyers come in from the cold.


5. Have good interior lighting
You always want your home to look as bright as possible to potential buyers, but sparse winter sunlight can make that a real challenge.

Maximize all available lighting by having your home's windows professionally cleaned — inside and out — before you put your place on the market. Don't forget the storm windows.

Also consider replacing 40-watt bulbs with 75- or 100-watt versions — and put all lights on before every showing. "I know that's going to drive up the electric bill, but you want to make sure there's plenty of light," Knapp says. "You don't want an agent who's not familiar with the home showing it to a client and having to paw around to find the light switches."



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

13 Tips to Selling Your Home in the Winter

What makes selling a home more stressful? Selling it in the middle of winter.


     The lawn is brown, the weather is usually bad and, unlike the longer days of summer, you have less time to show it off during daylight hours. But not everyone has the luxury of waiting until the traditional spring or summer home-buying season to plant that "for sale" sign. And while it's true that in most areas you'll probably have fewer buyers during the winter, you will have less competition from other sellers. The season makes staging — the concept of showing your house at its best — even more important. Be prepared to put a little effort into it. "It's more difficult to make something look really appealing this time of year," says Ron Phipps, broker with Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I.
If you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.

1. Keep snow and ice at bay.
The top tip from agents: If the buyer can't get in easily, the house won't sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look like it's been maintained. If you're away frequently or live in an area that's subject to bad weather, it can pay to hire a service to regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks.

2. Warm it up.
If you're showing during the winter, think "warm, cozy and homey," says Ken Libby, owner of Stowe Realty in Stowe, Vt., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors.
Before a buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. "Sellers like to turn the temperature down because of heat costs," says David Ledebuhr, president and owner of Musselman Realty in East Lansing, Mich., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. "But buyers who come in and aren't comfortable won't stay long."
If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can give the house a little ambience, Libby says.
With a wood-burning fireplace, you've got to be a little more careful. If the house is vacant, don't chance it. But if you're still living there and will be there during the tour, it can be a nice touch.
Many times, sellers leave right before the agent and prospective buyers arrive. In that case, adjust the heat to a comfortable temperature and have the hearth set for a fire. Buyers feel the warmth and see the potential, and you don't have to worry about safety concerns.

3. Take advantage of natural light.
"Encourage showing during the high-daylight hours," Ledebuhr says. At this time of year, "if you show after work, you're totally in the dark."
Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Clean all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replace the bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.

4. Get the windows washed.
"Buyers act on the first impression," Ledebuhr says. Windows are one thing that many sellers don't even consider. In winter, that strong southern light can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn't been well-maintained.

5. Play music softly in the background.
To create a little atmosphere, tune the radio to the local classical station. Turn it down so that you barely hear it in the background. "It's soothing," says Libby, who finds that soft classical music tends to have the most appeal to buyers. "I think people tend to stay around a little longer and look a little longer."

6. Make it comfortable and cozy.
Set the scene and help the buyers see themselves living happily in this house. Consider things such as putting a warm throw on the sofa or folding back the thick comforter on the bed. Tap into "the simple things this time of year that make you feel like you're home," Phipps says.

7. Emphasize winter positives.
Is your home on a bus route or some other vital service that means it's plowed or de-iced regularly in bad weather? Be sure to mention that to the buyers.

8. Set up timers.
You want your home to look warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past. But you're not home all the time, so put indoor and outdoor lights on timers, Phipps says.
Look at the outside lighting around the door. Is there enough illumination to make it inviting? If not, either get the fixtures changed or have new ones added.

9. Make it festive.
Even if you're not actually going to be present, greet your buyers as if they were going to be guests at a party, Phipps says. Set up the dinner table with the good china and silver. Have a plate of cookies for your guests, some warm cider or even chilled bottles of water.
"First impressions are so powerful," Phipps says. "If it looks like you're expecting me and greeting me as company, that's a powerful impact."

10. Give the home a nice aroma.
The No. 1 favorite? "Chocolate-chip cookies," Libby says. "Just about everybody likes that smell."
Other popular scents: cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla, cinnamon or yeast.
"But don't overdo it, either," Ledebuhr says. Scented candles in every room or those plug-in air fresheners can leave buyers wondering what you're trying to mask.
Watch the bad smells, too. Pet smells, smoke and musty odors can cling to curtains and carpets. Ask your real-estate agent or a friend to give it a sniff test. Then clean the house, air it out and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it.

11. Protect your investment.
Some sellers (or their agents) will ask buyers to either remove shoes or slip on paper "booties" over their footwear before touring the house. Many buyers like that, Phipps says. It indicates a "pride of ownership and meticulousness that resonates with buyers," he says.

12. Use the season to your advantage.
While the holidays are over (and the Christmas and Hanukkah stuff should come down), you can still use winter wreaths and dried arrangements around the door to spark interest. "Anything seasonally appropriate is fun," Phipps says.
In the winter, with the leaves off the trees, you might also have a nice view that isn't as apparent in the spring and summer months. It's a great time to sell waterfront properties, Phipps says. "You can see the views better this time of year."

13. Consider the area.
In some parts of the country, such as ski areas or warmer regions where the snowbirds flock, winter weather can actually be a selling point. "We're right in the middle of our selling season," says Libby, who is located in Vermont. "It's not always spring and summer."

Article From MSN.com


Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Thank you for visiting our REMAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin website.
Please feel free to contact us for any of your residential or commerical real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer.


Our real estate focus in the  Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dane County, Dodge County and Washington County areas. Several agents in the office also their IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so they can assist you with all your real estate needs in Wisconsin, the USA or anywhere in the WORLD!


When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, is the BEST resource to help you with all your needs and questions, whether a first time home buyer, relocating to or from the beautiful LAKE COUNTRY area, looking to invest or explore foreclosure opportunities or just thinking ahead to the future. 

Lisa Bear is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-893-5555) is an experienced real estate agent in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area. Lisa thinks "outside of the BOX" and encourages her agents to do so as well. If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service - look no further! 

The RE/MAX Realty Center Office, has experienced agents with expertise in luxury home marketing, lake property experts, foreclosure and short sale specialists, investment and property management brokers and commercial brokers. 

Our agents areas of service include, but are not limited to:
The prospering communities of Waukesha County including Delafield, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Sussex, Wales, New Berlin, Dousman, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Chenequa, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Okauchee, Eagle, Muskego and Merton


Great municipalities in Milwaukee County including Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Glendale, Franklin, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Greendale, Shorewood, Oak Creek, St. Francis, West Allis and Whitefish Bay. 


The hometown favorites of Washington County, Jefferson County and Dodge County including Watertown, Hartford, West Bend, Germantown, Jackson, Richfield, Ashippun, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Slinger and Erin.
 
There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"
If lake living is what you desire then Lake Country is the place to be! If you are thinking about buying waterfront property in Wisconsin, a little time invested in learning about waterfront living will pay back sizeable dividends in matching your expectations to realities. 


 Lake Country Living on one of Waukesha Countys great lakes as a full timer or vacationer is a must and there are some great lakes to choose.  Nagawicka Lake, Pine Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Beaver Lake, Okauchee Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Moose Lake, North Lake, Lake Keesus, Lac La Belle, Upper Nashotah, Lower Nashotah, Upper Genesee, Lowe Genesee, Middle Genesee, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Fowler Lake, Golden Lake, Pretty Lake, Silver Lake, Waterville Lake, and Crooked Lake. Great lakes of the surrounding area also include Lake Michigan, Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lake, Little Cedar Lake, Pike Lake and Lake Ripley.

 
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555,  offer online markets, listing package and FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) options, MLS search access, buyer agency and marketing that will exceed your expectations, all with outstanding service!  
 
Your home purchase or sale is likely your largest investment, be sure you have an good agent you can trust! Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great and rates are outstanding!!!
 
Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain


2014 Business Plans

 

           Another great office meeting today and agent 2014 business plans are one step closer to being completed. Most of us hate sitting down and actually doing the dreaded "business plan", there is always one excuse or another. But not at our office! By working together, regardless that individual goals are completely different... its been made easy by sharing ideas, objectives, fears, and goals. After next meeting we will have them complete and be more that ready for 2014.

         Plus --- we have tossed in some office challenges for good measure. What a fun group of people to be around!!!

Think you want to join in an office with this atmosphere... then please do call us!
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Thank you for visiting our REMAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin website.
Please feel free to contact us for any of your residential or commerical real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer.


Our real estate focus in the  Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dane County, Dodge County and Washington County areas. Several agents in the office also their IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so they can assist you with all your real estate needs in Wisconsin, the USA or anywhere in the WORLD!


When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, is the BEST resource to help you with all your needs and questions, whether a first time home buyer, relocating to or from the beautiful LAKE COUNTRY area, looking to invest or explore foreclosure opportunities or just thinking ahead to the future. 

Lisa Bear is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-893-5555) is an experienced real estate agent in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area. Lisa thinks "outside of the BOX" and encourages her agents to do so as well. If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service - look no further! 

The RE/MAX Realty Center Office, has experienced agents with expertise in luxury home marketing, lake property experts, foreclosure and short sale specialists, investment and property management brokers and commercial brokers. 

Our agents areas of service include, but are not limited to:
The prospering communities of Waukesha County including Delafield, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Sussex, Wales, New Berlin, Dousman, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Chenequa, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Okauchee, Eagle, Muskego and Merton


Great municipalities in Milwaukee County including Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Glendale, Franklin, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Greendale, Shorewood, Oak Creek, St. Francis, West Allis and Whitefish Bay. 


The hometown favorites of Washington County, Jefferson County and Dodge County including Watertown, Hartford, West Bend, Germantown, Jackson, Richfield, Ashippun, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Slinger and Erin.
 
There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"
If lake living is what you desire then Lake Country is the place to be! If you are thinking about buying waterfront property in Wisconsin, a little time invested in learning about waterfront living will pay back sizeable dividends in matching your expectations to realities. 


 Lake Country Living on one of Waukesha Countys great lakes as a full timer or vacationer is a must and there are some great lakes to choose.  Nagawicka Lake, Pine Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Beaver Lake, Okauchee Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Moose Lake, North Lake, Lake Keesus, Lac La Belle, Upper Nashotah, Lower Nashotah, Upper Genesee, Lowe Genesee, Middle Genesee, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Fowler Lake, Golden Lake, Pretty Lake, Silver Lake, Waterville Lake, and Crooked Lake. Great lakes of the surrounding area also include Lake Michigan, Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lake, Little Cedar Lake, Pike Lake and Lake Ripley.

 
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555,  offer online markets, listing package and FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) options, MLS search access, buyer agency and marketing that will exceed your expectations, all with outstanding service!  
 
Your home purchase or sale is likely your largest investment, be sure you have an good agent you can trust! Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great and rates are outstanding!!!
 
Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain
 
 
 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

REMAX Fit To Sell - Prepare Your Home For Sale

http://www.youtube.com/v/arhajOkf_K4?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=JmIrePkcKRER7RjRb9FXrQ&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1

Friday, November 8, 2013

Down the toilet goes the money....

When you are renting, you are throwing your money away in taxes, especially those single professionals who have no other write-offs.



Thursday, November 7, 2013

RE/MAX to Appear in Record Number of Holiday Parades in 2013!

RE/MAX to Appear in Record Number of Holiday Parades in 2013!

The 2013 Holiday Parade Season is here and they just keep getting more popular! This year the amazing RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Team will visit 16 communities throughout Wisconsin and the RE/MAX North Central area to help them ring in the season.

We are honored to be a part of so many celebrations and look forward to “bringing the heat” to the Watertown parade on Saturday, November 30 and the BIG 26 ft balloon appearance to  REMAX Realty Center - Real Estate in Wisconsin's OPEN HOUSE on December 7th. Collecting WINTER WEAR and Blankets for the needy in our area. 11am - 3pm