'Tis the season - The REMAX Realty Center - Real Estate in Wisconsin office wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a great 2015!

 

Two Great Reasons to Buy not Rent

Two Great Reasons to Buy not Rent

There are many young people debating whether they should renew the
lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first
home. Based on a recent study, here are two reasons buying a home might
make more sense:

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2015: The Return of the Millennial Home Buyer

2015: The Return of the Millennial Home Buyer

Earlier this month, Zillow predicted
that millennial buyers (under the age of 35) will become the largest
group of buyers, overtaking Gen X (35-50 years old) by the end of 2015.
Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow Chief Economist, explained:

"Roughly 42 percent of millennials say they want to
buy a home in the next one to five years, compared to just 31 percent of
Generation X, and by the end of 2015 millennials will become the
largest home-buying age group. The lack of home-buying activity from
millennials thus far is decidedly not because this generation isn't
interested in homeownership, but instead because younger Americans have
been delaying getting married and having children, two key drivers in
the decision to buy that first home. As this generation matures, they
will become a home-buying force to be reckoned with."

Two days later, Realtor.com also projected that Millennials will be a driving force in the housing market next year. In their 2015 Housing Forecast, they claim:

“Households headed by millennials will see
significant growth as a reflection of economic gains. Millennials will
also drive two-thirds of household formations over the next five years.
Next year's addition of 2.75 million jobs and increased household
formation will be the two key factors driving first-time buyer sales.”

Has the Millennial Home Buyer already re-entered the market?

AEI’s International Center on Housing Risk also released their first First-Time Buyer Mortgage Share Index
this month. The report revealed that the percentage of first time home
buyers may have been underestimated in 2014. According to the report,
the percentage of first time buyers “averaged an estimated 46 percent over the 12 months ending October 2014”.


That number far exceeds other numbers reported by the National Association of Realtors and others.

Bottom Line

The Millennial generation is growing up, finding jobs, getting
married and starting families. Homeownership will definitely be the next
step.

Be a stalker

Stalk the Neighborhood

 
Before you buy, get the lay of the land – drop by morning noon and night. Many homebuyers have become completely distraught because they thought they found the perfect home, only to find out the neighborhood wasn’t for them. 

Drive by the house at all hours of the day to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. Do your regular commute from the house to make sure it is something you can deal with on a daily basis. Find out how far it is to the nearest grocery store and other services. Even if you don’t have kids, research the schools because it affects the value of your home in a very big way.

If you buy a house in a good school district versus bad school district even in the same town, the value can be affected as much as 20 percent.

 Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555) an experienced real estate agent in Wisconsin, Waukesha County & the entire Milwaukee Metro. Wisconsin Lake Living.

How A Real Estate Agent Can Help With Your Second Home

How A Real Estate Agent Can Help With Your Second Home

When buying a second home, you usually don’t know the area of your new home as well as you did when looking for your first home. That’s why it’s necessary to find an experienced real estate agent to help you find your second home.

A real estate agent has the insider knowledge you need to buy a second home from a location you’re unfamiliar with. Not only do they have market knowledge of that particular neighborhood, but they have access to homes that might not be listed on the market, that are still looking for buyers.

If you don’t have a real estate agent yet to help you with your second home, check out our exclusive database of agents to find an agent across the country.

 Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555) an experienced real estate agent in Wisconsin, Waukesha County & the entire Milwaukee Metro. Wisconsin Lake Living.

RE/MAX Realty Center - Real Estate in Wisconsin

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.

The agents at RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-567-2455) are experienced agents with many years of real estate under their belts. If you are looking for top notch real estate agents in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area look no further! The agents in our office think "outside of the BOX", focus on you and YOUR needs. We offer what most of the other agencies in the area cannot. Creativity, Listing Package Options and unsurpassed marketing exposure locally, throughout the entire United States and Internationally! If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service -- we are the answer.

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.

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

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!

Golfers take notice --- home for sale in private golf course community

Golfers take notice!

New Listing --- in one of Wisconsin's top golf course communities. The Legend at Brandybrook. $690,000

This home in the Fairway Villa's is nestled in rolling Kettle Moraine topography. Fantastic open space with plenty of entertaining area. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. Great room, formal dining room. Its offers a spa like atmosphere with built in sauna and hot tub. Spacious work shop for the hobbyist. Private putting green. Plus more.....

Resort like Pool and Tennis Facilities. Family Focused Programming. The Legend is Wisconsin's only private Club to feature 54 holes of golf, all in Waukesha County. Pete Dye inspired design of The Legend at Brandybrook. When you're not golfing, you'll be relaxing at one of our three pool complexes or enjoying a meal at one of our fantastic restaurants. Incredible scenic golf course and club house with top of the line amenities. This community awaits the serious or social golfer. Plenty of activities to enjoy luxury living.

The Secret Science of Bidding

The Secret Science of Bidding

Your opening bid should be based on two things: what you can afford (because you don’t want to outbid yourself), and what you really believe the property is worth. Make your opening bid something that’s fair and reasonable and isn’t going to totally offend the seller. A lot of people think they should go lower the first time they make a bid. It all depends on what the market is doing at the time. You need to look at what other homes have gone for in that neighborhood and you want to get an average price per square foot. Sizing up a house on a price-per-square-foot basis is a great equalizer. Also, see if the neighbors have plans to put up a new addition or a basketball court or tennis court, something that might detract from the property’s value down the road.

Today, so many sellers are behind in their property taxes and if you have that valuable information it gives you a great card to negotiate a good deal. To find out, go to the county clerk’s office.

Sellers respect a bid that is an oddball number and are more likely to take it more seriously. A nice round number sounds like every other bid out there. When you get more specific the sellers will think you've given the offer careful thought. 

A Good buyers agent will help you and is invaluable!  Lisa Bear!

 Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555) an experienced real estate agent in Wisconsin, Waukesha County & the entire Milwaukee Metro. Wisconsin Lake Living.

 

Real Estate Forecast 2015

Realtor conference today. 

Predictions of mortgage rates for 2015 is 5% and 6% for 2016. 

Rents are also going to increase. 

If you are on the fence about buying a home.... the numbers say it makes sense to do it sooner than later. 

I'm always available to help you!

Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555), your real estate expert offering 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!

Previous Bad Luck?

Want to buy another house, but in the past have had some bad luck with a foreclosure, shirt sale or bankruptcy?  There is opportunity - just talk to the right people.  I am here to help!

REMAX Fit To Sell - Prepare Your Home For Sale

RE/MAX Jeopardy Question

Finding a good Real Estate Agent

Choosing a Neighborhood

Before deciding on a house, first decide which area is most suitable for you.  Consider the following:  What is the crime rate? How important is traffic and proximity to schools, shopping and other activities?  Have property values been increasing?

Call me, my job is to know these important neighborhood characteristics. 

Making an offer

Your offer is a written proposal, designed to cover all aspects of the purchase agreement.  Once accepted, it becomes a binding contract.  The offer details the property's address, sale price and closing date.  It must include provisions for any required and requested inspections and clearly state all financial obligations regarding the mortgage, deposits and taxes.  

Call me, my job is to know the changing laws and requirements!

When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, I am a great 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.

Choosing an agent

Choosing an agent.........

Who can sell your house fastest and get the best price - that is the question. Agents should be upfront with you about their qualifications. How long have they been working in the area;  what type of marketing plan will they use to sell or find your house; what type of fees are involved with their service?

Call me  -- I want your business!

When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, I am a great 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.

Do I need a home inspection?

Having a home inspection done before you purchase is an important step towards protecting your investment.  When looking for an inspector, ask about their qualifications and experience. Ask the inspector about their area of expertise and review a sample report to see what the details of the inspection will cover.  Have a home inspection check list. And, always check references. 

Call me, Lisa Bear,  for reliable resources. 262-893-5555

Fixtures

The question of whether or not a fixture stays is a common question of buyers and sellers.  A fixture is any item of value that is permanently attached to real estate.  This includes such things as light fixtures, wall to wall carpeting, landscaping and so on.  Kitchen appliances are not always included.  Be safe by ensuring that any item is question is clearly described in the contract. 

Call me, Lisa Bear, with your questions. 262-893-5555

SIZE MATTERS

Size Matters

You can increase the size of a room, or can you? While you cannot increase square footage, you can affect the appearance of size. Clean up clutter on end tables and add a vase of flowers.  Replace drapes with lightweight window coverings or blinds.  Add a large mirror on an empty wall or above the fireplace.

Call me for additional staging ideas.  Lisa Bear - 262-893-5555
Home selling tips

Do you have vision?

Do you have vision?

Home ownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially.

You're paying for housing whether you own or rent.

There are substantial tax benefits to owning (Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income). Often making it cheaper annually to own!

Contact me today and learn how to have vision:

5 Resolutions for First-Time Home Buyers

By: Angela Colley

 http://www.realtor.com/advice/5-resolutions-for-first-time-home-buyers/#.UsL86LRjLNE

 

If you’ve promised yourself you’ll become a homeowner for the first time in 2014, we’ve got one month to go, easy-to-accomplish resolutions to help get you there. Previously published in last year -- have you accomplished these yet?

1. Boost Your Credit Score
Your credit score will play a key role in your mortgage approval and rates. At the beginning of the year, order your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, a free service authorized by federal law. Go over each report, dispute any errors, and pay off old debts.
In the meantime, avoid big-ticket items such as cars or furniture and don’t apply for new credit. Jon Sterling, a regional sales manager for real estate offices in Northern California, says, “An inquiry itself causes a credit score to temporarily drop, and acquiring more debt by buying something, or the capacity to acquire more debt by opening a new credit account, can have dramatic effects on [your] mortgage situation.”

2. Save Up to Put Down
According to Sterling, you’ll typically need a 20 percent to 30 percent down payment to qualify for the best mortgage rates. At the beginning of the year, try cutting optional expenses to save more. For example, cutting out an $85 cable bill will save you $1,020 in a year. Remember, every little bit helps you avoid higher interest rates or private mortgage insurance.

3. Find the Best Real Estate Agent
Finding a great real estate agent takes time but will pay off in the end. Sterling recommends you find a buyer’s agent who “can give you a few recent testimonials from happy buyer clients. Be sure to check those references to be sure they are legitimate.” To get started, ask friends and family for referrals or search realtor.com®’s Find a REALTOR® database.

4. Get Pre-Approved
Knowing what you can afford, what you qualify for, and what type of loan you want can help you find the best deal when you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. To get started, research the differences between conventional and unconventional loans and use a mortgage term comparison calculator to get an idea of the cost. When you’re ready to shop for mortgages, use realtor.com®’s Get a Mortgage Quote tool to see current rates and get quotes from lenders in your area.

5. Find Your Dream Home
Sterling says potential home buyers should be “reading and researching as much as they can” as soon as they can. Don’t wait until you’re ready to shop to start looking at homes. Start early by researching neighborhoods in your target city and viewing homes online to get an idea of pricing. Once you’re ready to shop, you’ll have a much better idea of what you want and what you can afford.