Real Estate Market Report for Mukwonago, WI December 2013- January 2014

Mukwonago, WISCONSIN Market Report December 2013- January 2014 Lisa Bear

The following information is from the MLS and is for the period of 12/26/2013 to 01/26/2014. Please feel free to look at more Mukwonago Wisconsin Real estate per the MLS button link below.


In the Mukwonago Wisconsin Real Estate market 8 homes sold; 1 were list and sold by the same company, and 7 were sold by co-brokes.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 18 new listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 9 pending listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 15 expired listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 3 back on market listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there were 23 extended listings.
In the Mukwonago Wisconsin real estate market there are 119 active listings.

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE OF A HOME IN THE MUKWONAGO WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MARKET IS $160,000.

Now is the time to buy and sell in the Mukwonago Wisconsin Real Estate

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Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate with Lisa Bear

Thank you for visiting.  Please feel free to contact me for any of your real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer. My real estate focus in the  Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dodge County and Washington County areas.  I have my IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so I 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, 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.

Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555) is an experienced real estate agent in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area including:

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.

Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment!
 

 "HELPING YOU MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"

Are You Ready to Buy a House?

Answering these eight questions will help you decide

By Tasha Schroeder

 

The idea of owning your home is an exciting one, but how do you know if you’re ready? Before you take the plunge, answer the questions below.

 

What’s your financial situation?

Having a clear understanding of your finances is necessary when you’re considering buying a home. Prior to speaking with a real estate agent, you should make a budget to see how much you can reasonably afford to pay. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance and other upkeep.

 

Can you afford even the initial costs?

 

Down payment amounts vary based on the type of loan you’re offered or if you’re eligible for a first-time homebuyers’ program, but remember that the more you put down, the lower your mortgage payments will be.

Other initial costs can be substantial: loan set-up fees, home inspections, insurance, property taxes and other fees will cost you about 2 to 4 percent of your home price.

 

Is your money organized?

 

Hopefully you’re the kind of person who balances your checkbook and understands where your money goes, but if you take a more lackadaisical approach to your finances, you’ll need to step up your game. Get organized, check your credit report and keep building your savings. Getting your affairs in order helps you improve your credit score, qualifying you for better interest rates, and good financial records will help you take full advantage of tax deductions.

 

What are your future expenses?

 

Think ahead to the next few years. Are you making any big life changes that will hit your wallet hard? If you’re planning to have children or start paying tuition soon, you should factor that cost into your decision now. It can become difficult to replace an aging car or take an expensive vacation once you’re paying a mortgage.

 

Do you have an emergency fund?

 

Before you devote all your savings into a down payment or upkeep for your house, look at the bigger picture. You need to build a financial cushion in case of financial setbacks like unexpected unemployment or serious illness.

It’s not just money that should affect your decision to buy a home.

 

Are you flexible when it comes to getting what you want?

 

Your first home may not have all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. Are you willing to defer on your wish list now in order to have a home of your own? In a few years, you may be able to find a home that better suits your needs, but in the meantime you could also consider fixing up a less

expensive home, buying a home with friends or renting out part of your home for additional income.

 

Do you plan to move in three to five years?

 

There is a lot of effort, time and cost involved in buying a house – you want to make your investment pay off for you. In addition to the price of the house itself, you should also take into the set-up costs already mentioned.

 

If you’re planning to move in a year for work or school, you may want to wait until after that time. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a tough spot if you’re forced to sell your home for less than its purchase price in a slow market.

 

Do you enjoy home improvement?

 

If you’re already looking at homes, it’s hard not to imagine how adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls or changing the light fixtures will make a house truly yours. But if you’re used to calling the landlord for anything that goes awry in your home, owning a house might be a jarring wake-up call. When you own your house, any issue becomes your responsibility, from replacing blown electrical fuses to installing a new roof.

 

Now is the time to consider whether you enjoy home improvement projects. Are you confident in your ability to patch drywall or install a ceiling fan, or would you rather pay someone else to do it? If it’s the latter, consider that even if you hire someone else to handle your home improvement issues, you will still have to invest not only money but your time by researching contractors and supervising their work.

 

 

Once you’ve answered these questions and taken the first steps toward purchasing your new home, be sure to find out the going home values in your area --just contact Remax Realty Center in Wisconsin!

 

 

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/real-estate/first-time-home-buyers/deciding-whether-you-are-ready-to-buy-a-house.aspx

 

A Single Woman's Guide to Buying a Home

The pros and cons of buying when single

By Aviva Friedlander

 

Ready-Homeownership

Finish school, find a job, get married, buy a house. In that order. While this is often still the traditional pattern of life events for many women, more and more single women are buying their first house earlier in their lives.

 

Whether it's because rents are high, home prices are affordable in the desired area or simply because of an aversion to living with roommates, single women are becoming a stronger force in the real estate market. In fact, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, more than one in five homebuyers in the U.S. is a single woman.

 

If you're single and ready to make the big purchase, make sure you know what it takes to go it alone. 

 

Going over finances

 

Make sure you speak with an accountant or financial advisor to figure out what you can afford. Consider the amount you will need for the mortgage payment itself, property taxes, insurance premiums, utility bills, as well as money for repairs and maintenance. The main reason that buying early in life is a smart choice is appreciation value. Your home gains in value over time and when you sell it, that extra money can go a long way toward a down payment on a new home, or other investments. 

 

Finding a reliable real estate agent

 

If real estate is foreign to you and even if it isn't, you would be best off working with a real estate agent to help you find that perfect place and to guide you down the road to homeownership. Consider finding a real estate agent close to your age, and even better, one who is single and successful just like you. A good Realtor should also be able to recommend a trustworthy financial advisor, lawyer, inspector and contractor to help you with the process.

 

Starting small

 

Buying a smaller place, with two bedrooms or less, has a number of advantages for a single. The lower purchase price will likely net you a mortgage payment that is lower than rent in that same area. You will save on utilities, maintenance and cleaning costs. You will have fewer rooms to furnish and decorate. And, when the time comes, it may be easier to sell when you are ready to move on.

 

Considering alternative dwellings

 

Living in a single-family home with a landscaped yard and a picket fence is the stuff dreams are made of. Reality says that buyers must do what's practical for them. Many singles choose condominiums, co-ops or townhouses over single-family homes for some very good reasons. Aside from being more affordable, they may provide maintenance services, security in the form of a buzzer-operated front door or doorman and a built-in social network of neighbors. Overall it's a smart idea for single women to invest in a home. By navigating the ins and outs of homeownership when you're single, you'll be in an excellent position to guide your husband through the process should you want to buy again once you're married.

8 home improvements that will save you money

By Steven Holbrook of U.S. News & World Report

Making prudent purchases

As energy costs rise, you might be looking for ways to be more energy-efficient without breaking the bank. Here are eight money-smart moves to consider when making home renovations.

Anything 'low flow'

In addition to saving water, low-flow fixtures will save you more than a buck or two. Inexpensive and easily installed, low-flow fixtures can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent and can save you up to $145 per year, according to Energy Star, a government program that promotes energy-efficiency. Low-flow showerheads cost about $20 at home improvement stores.

Insulation

Insulation keeps your house warm in the winter, cool in the summer and reduces heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 percent, according to Green Energy Solutions, Inc., a company that specializes in retrofitting buildings to make them more energy-efficient. You can pick up a roll of insulation for about $15 at home improvement stores.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs last four to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. While they’re more expensive initially, you’ll save about $6 per year on energy bills, according to Energy Star.

A clean dishwasher

Modern dishwashers use an average of 5.8 gallons of water per cycle, while older models can use as much as 10 gallons per cycle. According to Energy Star, you could save around $8 per year in energy costs by making this upgrade. Or, you could clean and repair your current washer if it’s only a few years old. Check out this guide from Better Homes and Gardens to learn how to maintain your dishwasher.

A programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats have become popular due to their energy- and money-saving benefits. When used properly, this device can save users up to $150 per year, and it’s generally more accurate than a regular thermostat, according to Energy Star.

Weather stripping

You might be surprised to find how much money you could save by patching up that draft in your kitchen or bedroom. In homes that haven’t been weather stripped, air leaks account for 30 to 40 percent of heating and cooling loss, according to Energy Star. Weather stripping materials start for as little as $5 at home improvement stores.

A tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters allow users to shave 20 percent off their water bill. In addition to lasting five to 10 years longer than tank heaters, tankless heaters never run out of hot water. Plus, you get a federal tax rebate if you purchase one, according to Energy Star.

 

Ceiling fans

A ceiling fan will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature while reducing your energy bill by about $15 per year, according to Energy Star. Ceiling fans are priced at about $50 at home improvement stores.

10 tips for homebuyers and sellers in 2014

By Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com

 

Goodness, is it 2006 again? At the dawn of 2014, it feels like it.
Homeowners enjoyed double-digit price growth in the first half of 2013, greatly exceeding experts' predictions of a year ago and even settling into pre-recession values in many markets. Though there was some softening in the second half, sellers remain in their element and are turning the screws on anxious buyers who fear further price spikes and escalating interest rates. New-construction home sales are up, previously underwater properties are in positive equity again and investors are turning their attention to "secondary markets" to find value. Economists expect house prices to rise another 4 percent to 5 percent in 2014, meaning remaining bargains will get even more sparse.
With that in mind, here are 10 tips befitting the up-market of 2014.

1. Sellers: Jump-start the process

You may be an avowed procrastinator, but if you want to sell a house this year, start planning now. The process, say sellers, always takes longer than expected. So get your home inspected now; there may be unseen major repairs to address. De-clutter, clean closets and shelves, store extraneous possessions and furnishings and other stuff that might keep sellers from picturing themselves in your space. Attend an open house or two to get an idea of how to stage yours. And move along: Owners still waiting for the market to peak should beware that this real estate cycle may be shorter-lived than last.

2. Buyers: Be credit-ready

There's a lot of competition out there for homes, so tarry not. Get your credit report and start repairing any blips. If your scores are below 620 or so, a conventional loan will be a challenge. But if they're under 740, you still might not get the best rates. Many buyers get a prequalification letter from the lender, but you can one-up them with a preapproval, which comes after a more thorough evaluation of your finances. A preapproval letter shows the seller that you're good to go and can close quickly.

3. Sellers: Vet your real estate agent, then follow the agent's advice

Sellers lose time and money by hiring poorly. Interview several potential agents. You'll want a full-timer who is Web savvy and uses mobile technology, because at least 4 in 5 buyers view their homes first online. Your agent should be a proven performer in your submarket and be willing to walk you through the financial aspects of your deal. The more the agent knows about schools, commutes and other local details, the better. Once vetted, accept your agent's advice on pricing, marketing and negotiation.

4. Buyers: Adjust your negotiating expectations.

Lowball offers are off the table in this environment and could eliminate you from consideration. Respond to counteroffers quickly to keep other buyers from entering the picture; you don't want to encourage a bidding war. If one breaks out, be prepared to get fewer concessions and pay more money. And have a few other homes in mind so you can be willing to walk away if the price soars.

5. Sellers: It's your market (finally) so make the most of it.

 

At long last, it's a seller's market! While you're interviewing agents, be wary of those offering too-good-to-be-true price opinions because they may be trying to "buy" your listing. And don't jump at that first (seemingly) generous offer, especially if sellers are getting multiple offers. If you're getting your price and then some, give something back to the buyer in good faith, such as an early move-in date or some personal property you're not attached to. Never let the buyers' agents know what you're willing to do, though. Make them ask.

6. Buyers: Find life after foreclosure.

Have a foreclosure in recent years? Join the crowd. Though you might think you have to wait seven years to get another conventional mortgage, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration say they actually require just a three-year waiting period if the foreclosure was caused by extenuating circumstances. There are plenty of nonconforming lenders -- often called "shadow bankers" -- out there if you can endure a big down payment (around 20 percent) and above-market interest rates. Or consider a lease-purchase or lease-option where you pay the homeowner a monthly premium above your rent for the right to buy at a set price later.

7. Sellers: Hesitate to renovate.

We hear that newly renovated homes are easier sells, and that's true. So is it time to remodel that outmoded kitchen? Not if you plan to sell soon. According to remodeling surveys, the average renovation project returns only about two-thirds on investment. For example, a major bathroom remodel costing $15,000 yields about $10,000 in resale value. The same goes for a major kitchen remodel. In most cases, it would be cheaper to issue credits to buyers or drop your price a few grand. Lighter jobs like new doors are more practical and return about 85 percent. But feel free to spend a bit on paint (basic colors), curb appeal and fence replacement to enhance exteriors.

8. Buyers: Ask and you won't receive (an unpleasant surprise).

You'd be dismayed at the things sellers aren't obliged to disclose in most states, including on-premises felonies, suicide, murder or a neighboring sex offender. Don't be afraid to thoroughly question the selling party in writing before signing the contract. Some questions: Is there a cell tower, water tower, natural gas well, oil well or other non-residential construction scheduled to be built in this neighborhood (then define "neighborhood")? Is there commercial zoning on nearby vacant land? Is the yard prone to flooding? Are train whistles or other regular loud noises audible there? Did known criminal activity occur in the house? Have there been reported hauntings? Are there loud neighbors, dogs or other noise pollution? Are there registered sex offenders or other known criminals living nearby? If the selling party refuses to answer any of these questions, that's a bright red flag

9. Sellers: Tailor your local game.

Folks who base their selling decisions on trends on cable news are often left wondering, "Why can't I sell at this price?" The truth is, all markets are different and all real estate is local, and prices can vary greatly even in adjacent subdivisions. Home prices are dictated largely by demand, land availability, foreclosures and employment. Most local real estate offices will provide market stats and at least a few recent comp sales in hopes of earning your business. Additional trend data can be found online or in local newspapers and business journals. A polite call or email to a local real estate appraiser might net more info or links to local statistics.

 

10. Sellers and buyers: Heed changing trends.

Pay attention to trends and react accordingly. Thinking of laying carpet? Agent surveys in the past few years show homes with hardwood floors or faux wood laminate floors are far faster sells. You still want to be in suburbia? Millennials don't. Numerous cities -- such as Austin, Texas; Portland, Ore.; and Minneapolis -- have watched this more environmentally conscious generation flock to "mixed-use" urban districts served by trendy cafes, nightclubs, bike paths, civic events and mass transit. For now, they're not buying condos, which haven't recovered like the single-family market. They're renting -- but watching the condo market ever so carefully.

 

Don't Overlook a Home's Potential

Cosmetic issues are easy to remedy

By Michele Dawson

Home shopping for first-time homebuyers it's an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, experience. If you're like others in the market for their first home, you probably have in mind exactly how your soon-to-be home will look.

 

But it's important not to fall into the bad decorating, dingy walls and dirt-bare back yard equals bad-home trap. If you don't see past the hideous wallpaper, funky light fixtures and avocado green carpeting, you may miss out on a home with great potential.

 

And, if you're looking for a home in a seller's market where homes are being snatched up as soon as they go on the market, you'll come to realize you can't be choosy if you want to make a competitive offer.

 

One of the first things to do is to get pre-approved for a loan and determine the maximum you can afford to offer for a house. Don't look at homes that are asking for more than 5 percent above your maximum, otherwise you'll be setting yourself up for disappointment if you find the perfect—but outside your budget—home.

 

So what to do?

 

The floor plan of the home is extremely important. If a floor plan isn't quite to your liking, consider rearranging it or adding on. If you're looking at an existing home and will need to remodel or expand to suit your needs, the estimated cost of renovation needs to be considered when making an offer.

 

Also, consider the features of a home:

• Walls. While these are among the easiest to remedy, they also make a huge first impression. If the walls need to be painted, are covered in wallpaper or are painted a color you find distasteful, picture them crisp and clean in the color of your choice—that's how they could look after you paint them.

• Floors. Like walls, carpet or floor surfaces that are old or outdated can be easily replaced. You could even ask for a carpet allowance in your bid, especially if you're in a buyer's market.

• View. Things like old, ugly—even dirty—windows and window treatments can make a view appear less desirable. Those things can be improved, so unless the only view you have is of your neighbor's clunker on the side of the house, don't get hung up on what is surely a fixable view.

• Landscaping. Your best bet is a moderately landscaped yard because you can always improve landscaping without spending too much. Worst case, even if you're looking at dirt, landscaping is one of the easier projects to tackle. Plus you get to design it however you'd like if you're starting from scratch.

• Closets and garages. You can never have too much storage space, which is why so many newer homes have three-car garages. But if you encounter a converted garage that is now a bedroom or storage room, don't give up. Converted garages can almost always go back to their original purpose without much cost or labor.

• Kitchen. The most popular room in the house, many homeowners want their kitchen to be large and have modern appliances. Don't let outdated color schemes deter you because there's nothing like a fresh coat (or two) of paint to make a kitchen your own. Plus, if you like the rest of the house enough to make an offer, you can give the kitchen a minor spruce-up with some new appliances or a major overhaul complete with new countertops, cabinets, and flooring.

• The exterior. If the home doesn't have good curb appeal, try to picture it with a fresh coat of paint and revitalized landscaping.

• Pools. If you want a pool, buy a home with a pool already built in. Pools are expensive and you will not get a full return on the cost when you go to sell. Let someone else lose the return. The cost of repairing a pool is less than putting one in, so if you're looking at a home with an old pool that looks like it's in bad shape, it's still a better bet than putting one in later.

When making an offer, consider what you can't live without, as well as your budget. Also, be sure you hire a professional home inspector to inspect the house. If the home's systems are in good working order and the house has everything you want except a minor item or two, make an offer accordingly.

 

Most importantly, keep in mind that unless you're building your dream home from scratch, you'll probably never find the perfect home. But seeing past a previous owner's bad decorating choices to the core of the home and its potential for livability will yield you the home you've always wanted. It may take some work, but hey—it's yours.

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 five, easy-to-accomplish resolutions to help get you there.
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.