Pools, trampolines, and other features that can spike insurance costs

When shopping for a new home, some of the same features that lure you in could end up costing you extra in insurance premiums.

If you’re like the many buyers who wait until after going into contract to get insurance quotes on a property, you could be faced with some serious sticker shock. Check out these five seemingly desirable home features that might end up costing you more than you realize in the long run:

1. Swimming pools

Because of both the high rate of drowning and the severity of water-related injuries, insurance companies consider swimming pools one of their biggest liabilities. Consider the possibility of a neighborhood kid accidentally falling into your pool and sustaining an injury. You could be held liable for the high cost of their hospital bills, and if they choose to sue, you could also rack up considerable lawyer fees and other court expenses.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include a minimum liability coverage limit of $100,000 in order to help protect you financially in the event of such a lawsuit. However, if your home includes a swimming pool, the Insurance Information Institute recommends increasing your limit to at least $300,000 or even investing in an umbrella policy to increase your liability coverage.
Your insurer will also likely require you to build and maintain a self-locking fence around the pool to keep others – especially children – out. Additionally, if the pool itself is expensive, you may need to increase coverage limits on your policy in the event it’s damaged by a storm or other covered peril.

2. Trampolines

Nearly 100,000 trampoline-related incidents are reported every year, according to a survey by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. While the kids may love it, a new trampoline almost certainly won’t play well with your insurance company. Depending on your state and your specific carrier, trampoline-related claims may be excluded from your policy. That means if someone is injured on a trampoline on your property and decides to sue, you might be paying the legal costs out of your own pocket.

Even if there are no specific exclusions from your carrier or in your state, it’s still important to notify your agent any time you introduce a “high-risk” item – such as a trampoline, tree house or a swimming pool – to your property to make sure you’ll be properly covered in the event of an accident.

3. Water view

The value of a waterfront property can be substantially higher than comparable inland properties, whether you live by an ocean, lake, river or some other body of water. However, a beautiful water view often comes with a higher risk for flooding and therefore more extensive insurance coverage.

Although most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage against water damage, they exclude any damage resulting from flood/rising water. For that reason, most residents who live in high-risk flood zones with a water view typically need to invest in separate flood policies in order to protect their properties from the elements. If you have a mortgage on your home, a flood insurance policy will likely be required by your lender. You can check the flood risk of any property by visiting the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program.

4. Vintage charm

Some older homes have maintained original features for decades or even longer, and discovering a well-preserved historical property can be a real estate dream come true. Unfortunately, if key features such as the home’s plumbing system, electrical system or the roof haven’t been updated since poodle skirts were in style, it’s likely an insurance nightmare.

If your electrical system hasn’t been updated in more than 10 years, it’s more likely to malfunction and contribute to a damaging fire than one that’s brand new. Similarly, out-of-date plumbing systems could lead to devastating water damage and an older roof is more susceptible to storm damage and other costly damages. With the combined average cost of claims topping $40,000 for these perils, according to the Insurance Information Institute, it’s not surprising insurance carriers charge more to insure these properties.

5. Square footage

Bigger is not always better. The larger your home, the more it will likely cost to replace if it’s ever damaged or destroyed in a covered peril. That means you’ll require a higher amount of dwelling coverage, which is the coverage provided under your homeowners policy to rebuild the structural elements of your home in the event of a claim.

To get a rough idea of how much dwelling coverage you’d need to completely rebuild your home from the ground up after a total loss, insurance companies multiply the total square footage of the property by local construction costs. Keep in mind, building with more expensive construction materials will impact your coverage needs, so upgrades such as granite countertops also should be reported to your insurance company.

Of course, none of this should dissuade you from buying a waterfront home or installing a swimming pool. Just be sure you enter into the home buying experience with some knowledge about which types of homes carry higher risk — and therefore larger insurance price tags — than others.

3 Tips for Being a Smart Seller

For the past five years or so, millions of homeowners have been stuck in their homes, unable to refinance or sell because they were underwater. That situation began to change in 2013 when the housing market finally began to show signs of life. Buyers across the country were back in the game and home prices rose in many communities.
For many sellers this meant they could finally move out of a small house, cut down on their commute time, or simply go on with their lives. Almost 2 million homeowners came out from negative equity positions in 2013.
If you plan to sell your home in 2014, be aware that buyers have changed since the economic downturn. They’re savvier than ever, and they’re not desperate. Many of today’s buyers are Millennials (also known as Generation Y) who’ve come of age with access to endless information via the Internet. It’s in their DNA to search, and they love photographs and sharing.
Here are three bits of advice that will make you a smart seller in 2014:

Take your photo shoot seriously

Today, many buyers get their first impression of your home online. Too often, listings go online with photos of a dark room, lights off or blinds closed. Even worse? A new listing without photos or that has only one. If your real agent isn’t hiring a professional photographer to take high resolution photos, then you should invest the few hundred dollars to do so. Have them taken at the best time of day. Clean the home in advance and put away clutter. Prepare for the photo shoot just as you would for an open house. If buyers don’t like what they see online, you may never get them in the door.

Have your home inspected before listing 

Nothing is worse than waiting months or even years for an offer, only to have potential buyers discover that your HVAC system is on the fritz or that there is dry rot. When that happens, you’re forced to reduce the price or give credits.
Even worse, you may scare off the buyer and be forced to go back on the market. Often when this occurs, buyers and agents think there’s a problem with your property—which can make it tough to sell. That’s why a few hundred dollars on a pre-sales inspection is the best investment you can make. If there are issues, you can price the home accordingly. More importantly, you’re providing the buyers with more information. You’ll be in their good graces from the start.

Throw buyers a bone

Receive an offer on your home at a good price? Have you been one of the lucky ones who received more than one offer over a short period of time? Good for you; you’re in the driver’s seat. Even so, you still want to be in the buyer’s good graces during escrow and even after the sale. If you have the opportunity, throw the buyer a bone. If they ask for an early closing and you can do it, give it to them. Negotiate to buy them a one-year home warranty or give them a small credit. These little offerings will go a long way toward a speedy and hassle-free escrow.
The most important thing to remember is that to be a smart seller, you need to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Remember that today’s buyers lived through one of the biggest housing and credit crises in generations. They’re motivated but cautious, and they have a wealth of information available to them online. Don’t take anything for granted.

Real Estate Market Report for Dousman

What's Happening in Real Estate in Dousman? WI Realtor, Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Dousman, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County

Dousman is a great place to live, work and relax in the beautiful Kettle Moraine area of southeastern Wisconsin.  We are a growing community with a mix of multigenerational families and new arrivals.

 

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Dousman for the last 30 days. 

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. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/13/14 to 3/13/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Dousman, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market 2 homes sold; 1 was list and sold by the same company, and 1 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 3 new listing.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate there was 4 pending listing.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 1 expired listing.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 0 back on market listings.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 extended listings.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 36 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $728,500.

10 ways to spruce up your side yard

By Scot Meyer of SwitchYard Media

The front yard faces the street, and the backyard is a private green space. But the side yard is too often an afterthought.
Many people treat the strips on the sides of their homes as nothing more than grassy alleys leading to their backyards, or as suburban demilitarized zones providing some buffer between their house and those of their neighbors. But with a little planning and design savvy, the humble side yard can become a garden spot or be put to a variety of other productive uses. Here are 10 ideas.

Let it go to the dogs

If you have pooches, why not give them a nice place to play? A fenced-in side yard can be a perfect dog run, giving your pets a place to romp while keeping your front and back yards free of droppings and the unsightly brown spots that can result from the nitrogen and salts in canine urine.

Doug Del Gandio of Four Seasons Landscaping & Nursery in Maryland says synthetic grass can be a good choice for a dog run. It looks natural but is durable and low-maintenance. Although you'll still have to scoop the poop, urine runs right through the turf to the ground below without causing any damage.
Del Gandio, whose company installs artificial grass at residences and commercial properties, says that two of his biggest clients are kennels.

Outdoor shower

Outdoor showers are great amenities for beach houses, but their appeal doesn't stop there. If you have a pool or hot tub in your back yard, an outdoor shower in your side yard can be a great place to rinse off the chlorine before you head into the house.
Options range from inexpensive and portable fixtures fed by garden hoses – perfect for washing muddy children or dogs before they come inside – to more elaborate setups designed to offer a spalike experience for grown-ups.
You'll want fences or other kinds of screening for privacy, even if you're planning to keep your bathing suit on, and you should check with local building codes and a plumber before connecting the shower to your home's water lines or drainage system.

Sports space for adults

Side yards often make good places to hone your sports skills. In California, JPM Landscape has turned side spaces into soccer fields for children and bocce courts for the older set. In Maryland, Four Seasons Landscaping & Nursery specializes in installing putting greens in such spaces.

Del Gandio says the side yard can easily be turned into a play area for soccer or other sports if it is level enough, and even the tighter spaces in older or urban neighborhoods can be ideal for Sport Court basketball or volleyball courts.

Outdoor kitchen

Making the best use of your side yard is often a matter of determining how your house fits on your property. Del Gandio says that some houses, particularly in older neighborhoods, have kitchens with side entries. When that's the case, turning a side yard into an outdoor kitchen or dining area can be a good idea. It can create an appealing space for entertaining and for cooking out.

Options available through some online suppliers go beyond simple barbecue grills to include smokers, wood-fired ovens, griddles and even outdoor refrigerators and cabinetry.

Grow your own food

Even if your side yard isn't suitable as a place to cook or eat your food, it might make a great place to grow some of it.
Some side yards are damp and shady places, shielded from the sun for most of the day by the houses on both sides. But if yours gets plenty of sunlight, you might consider using it for a vegetable garden.
Even tiny gardens can be surprisingly productive, yielding a steady supply of tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, peppers and other produce from a plot as small as 4 by 4 feet. Raised beds can offer better drainage and some protection from weeds and pests. Check the Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Zone Map to get an idea of what will grow, and when, in your area.

Outdoor living room

A side yard that is only a mediocre venue for watching the grass grow can be turned into an appealing outdoor living room with some paving stones and the right furniture. This space can be an extension of the home, providing an extra room where you can relax or entertain guests. And accessories such as portable heaters, fireplaces or fire pits, and even mosquito-repellent systems, can make the outdoors as comfortable a place to hang out as the inside of your house.

Practical and pretty

Sometimes, it works best to use a skinny side yard as a place devoted to a homeowner's less glamorous needs. In the Sun Belt, the side yard is often the default site for a home's central air-conditioning unit – and in many cases, it makes sense to keep garbage cans, recycling bins and garden tools there, as well. But utilitarian doesn't have to mean ugly.
This side-yard remodel by JPM Landscape of San Jose and Pleasanton, Calif., corrals the clutter behind fences and plantings, leaving room for an attractive walkway and a neat lawn.

A place to exercise your green thumb

Because it can be inexpensive to fence a side yard, given its smaller square footage and the fact that the house's outer wall can be one side of the enclosure, the space can be converted from a public showcase into a private workspace.

One practical option is to use a side yard screened by a fence or shrubs to do your gardening. The area can house a potting bench or a nursery. You can plant seedlings there and raise them until they are sturdy enough to be transplanted to the more public parts of your yard or garden.

Here's your moment of Zen

Because they are relatively small and secluded, an enclosed side yard can offer the perfect place for restful solitude, where you can meditate or relax with a good book.
A Japanese rock garden, or karesansui, also known as a Zen garden, can be a nice addition to such a space. They are easy to construct and mainly consist of rocks, gravel and sand. Some designers add fire pits or plants, but all that's really needed is the garden itself and a place to sit and contemplate it.
Traditionally, the sand in a Japanese rock garden is raked to create ripples designed to resemble water. But if you prefer the sight and sound of the real thing, a fountain or similar water feature may be a good alternative for the space.

Child's play

An enclosed side yard can make an ideal outdoor playroom for small children, providing them with a fresh-air alternative to staying inside and watching television or playing computer games.
Permanent playhouses can help children exercise their imaginations, experts say, while slides, swing sets and other gear can help them exercise their bodies.
For safety, playground equipment should be high-quality and properly installed, and the area around it should covered with a protective surface, such as rubber mulch.
Sandboxes can also provide opportunities for free-form play, but they should be kept covered when not in use if there are cats around, to prevent them from becoming oversized litter boxes.




http://realestate.msn.com/10-ways-to-spruce-up-your-side-yard#12

Real Estate in Ixonia Market Report February 2014-March 2014

Real Estate in Ixonia Market Report February 2014-March 2014

What's Happening in Real Estate in Ixonia? WI Realtor, Lisa Bear, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Ixonia, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Jefferson County

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Ixonia for the last 30 days. 

 The town of Ixonia was organized on February 12, 1841, as the town of Union. Five years later Union was divided into two new towns. The name "Ixonia" was given to one of the new towns on January 21, 1846; as the residents could not otherwise agree on a name, the name was chosen by drawing letters at random

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 Jefferson County. Real Estate in Jefferson County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/13/14 to 3/13/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Ixonia, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Jefferson County.

In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market 6 homes sold; 1 were list and sold by the same company, and 5 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Ixonia , Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 10 new listings.
In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 2 pending listings.
In the  Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 expired listings.
In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 0 back on market listings.
In the  Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 extended listings.

In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 58 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $167,850.

In Ixonia,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

A year-round plan for the perfect lawn

By Evan Rothman of Popular Mechanics

When asked to define a perfect lawn, Peter J. Landschoot, director of the Center for Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, speaks like a philosophy professor. "There is no perfect lawn," Landschoot says. "It depends on the user's expectations, the lawn's environment and the owner's sense of aesthetics and lifestyle. It's personal."

Nevertheless, there remains a committed breed of homeowners eager to give perfection a try. Take David Cira, a 32-year-old paramedic with the New York City Fire Department. He grew up in a condo in Queens but spent countless happy weekends at his grandfather's home nearby, where the lawn was always just so. "Nothing thrilled me more than mowing the lawn and helping in the garden," Cira says. "I was good at it from an early age, and it was a passion I never got away from."

Today, Cira maintains his parents' pristine lawn in Mineola, N.Y. He has taught summer adult-education classes on turf care, and he has consulted for a landscape designer. To his friends and neighbors, he's an oracle of lawn wisdom. "With a beautiful lawn, you get more out than you could ever put in," he says.

On the other hand, perhaps you've loved your grass but it hasn't loved you back. We understand. We've been there. Lawn enthusiasts such as Cira and Landschoot know that it's a year-round relationship, not just a summer fling. That's why we worked with them to develop a four-season guide to the perfect lawn.

Spring

1. Test the soil
For a healthy lawn, you must work your way up from the bottom. Start each spring with a soil test. Grass grows best in soil with a neutral pH — about 6.5 on the pH scale — and a region-appropriate amount of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium salts, aka potash. "If your soil isn't the greatest from the get-go, you're going to have problems all year," Cira says. You're also going to waste money on fertilizer and other soil amendments that won't work properly because the soil is too acidic or too alkaline. "I know a lot of people who put down lime annually because they feel they should," Landschoot says. "If your soil has a good pH and adequate phosphorus and potassium, all you need to do is put down nitrogen fertilizer every once in a while, which is easy to do and relatively inexpensive." Home soil tests cost around $10, but some nurseries do the test for free.

2. Wake up your lawn
There is no better way to jump-start your lawn than with a proper mowing and edging. That's a given. In the age-old debate about whether it's better to mow before trimming or trim before mowing, Cira puts himself firmly in the latter camp: "This way, you mow your trimmings. It looks neater."

Become a lawn journalist

One of Cira's most effective tools to help him keep his lawn looking pristine is a journal. In the spring, he makes notations about weather and rainfall and takes digital photos. He also chronicles the products he uses and what battles he fought and won — or lost.
You can forget a lot just a month later, and you're certainly likely to forget from one year to the next. For example, if you had a lawn problem and bought a product that didn't work, but two years later the same thing happens, you don't want to waste money on that product again. A journal may seem obsessive, but lawns respond best to obsessive behavior.

Summer

1. Water wisely
As temperatures increase, so does lawn stress. Under normal conditions, a lawn needs about an inch of water a week. But when conditions are hot and dry — or worse, hot and windy — you need to add water to replace what has evaporated. Depending on rainfall, you may need to go from watering every five or six days to every four or five days. Buy yourself a water gauge. It's especially important for homeowners served by municipal water systems, not wells. "A lot of towns have lower water pressure in the summer because of pools and carwashes," Cira says. "Just 5 psi less can equal half-inch less water per session, so increase its time to compensate."
Water has to have a chance to soak in so it reaches the roots. Each watering session should provide 1 inch of water. Avoid brief watering sessions, which contribute to shallow rooting. For the gearhead there are all manner of toys to eliminate guesswork, such as temperature-sensing weather stations that connect wirelessly to your computer. Yet Cira is partial to simple devices, such as a cup-style rain collector. "The techie stuff can be helpful, but I still like the old-school stuff the best," he says.

Autumn

1. Snatch the thatch
Thatch, a mat of yellowish dead grass that can block air and moisture, must be removed. If you slacked on the dethatching in spring, now is the time, but don't go at it too aggressively. If you set the tines too deep on a power rake, you can destroy the lawn. "You're better off making three or four shallow passes, in which you increase the depth of the tines, than going too deep in one pass," Cira says. Likewise, use small flags to mark sprinkler heads to avoid collateral damage.
Don't rent a dirty dethatcher. It's always a bad sign when rental equipment is beat up and dirty, but more so if it's lawn gear. Dirt and debris from a previous customer can spread disease and weed seed from the rental machine to your lawn. Choose your rental center carefully. Look for clean, well-maintained equipment.
2. Go to seed
True lawn lovers know that early fall is the season to reboot. If you need to reseed, Cira advises using proprietary turf-grass seed, available at nurseries, online and from landscape-supply houses. Turf-grass breeders constantly improve their seed, and many produce specific regional types. Although this seed is more expensive than what's sold at home centers, it's also more vigorous. Cira quotes the adage that a cheap tool is an expensive tool. "You might pay a few dollars more for a proprietary seed, but the results are tremendous, and you don't have to keep constantly reseeding," he says.

Pick up sticks

Autumn would be easier if leaves were all that fell, but it's also the season of seed pods, branches, nutshells, husks and rotten, unpicked fruit that has fallen out of the trees. Careful tree pruning can reduce the problem but not eliminate it. You're going to need something more powerful than your handheld leaf blower to deal with this bulky, prickly mess. Backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers are far better than handheld blowers for moving difficult debris off the lawn or at least into piles that can be gathered. If you can afford it, consider a pro-quality lawn vacuum, which typically costs $900 to $1,500.

Winter

1. Hit the books
You finally have a little breather. Take some final notes and start poring over your journal. It's as important to study what went wrong as what went right. Visit sources online. "Look for information based on research, and try to stay with local sources," Landschoot says. "Grasses are managed differently in different parts of the country. I'm obviously a biased source, but university websites are a good place to start."

Universities with turf-care and horticulture programs and cooperative extension services often post weed-identification pictures online. If you know your enemy, what prompts its growth and to what it's vulnerable, the battle is halfway won.

2. Prepare for spring
Now is the time to clean and repair equipment. Remove grass clippings and dirt that hold moisture, which can cause rust. Cira even disinfects under the mower deck using a dilute 10:1 water-bleach solution, followed by a rinse.

Next, remove the spark plug and air filter on four-cycle and two-stroke machines. Drain and replace the engine oil on four-cycle equipment and sharpen or replace the mower blade. Clean the string-trimmer head and wind fresh line on it. Finally, install a new, properly gapped spark plug in your mower, trimmer and blower.

Hales Corners, WI Market Report February-March 2014

What's Happening in Real Estate in Hales Corners? Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Hales Corners, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Milwaukee County

February 12,, 2014 - March 12, 2014

 

The Village of Hales Corners is located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.  It occupies an area of 3.2 square miles and, in 2010, had a population of 7,619.  The City of Greenfield is located to the north of the Village, the Village of Greendale is to the east, the City of Franklin is to the south, and the City of New Berlin is to the west. 

Hales Corners offers valuable resources for residents.  A large central shopping area, excellent schools, Whitnall Park and its world-famous Boerner Botanical Gardens, and Wehr Nature Center are all shared with bordering communities.  These facts, plus the ready access to the freeway system, promote the reputation of the Village as being “a great place to live”.

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Hales Corners for the last 30 days.

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 Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Milwaukee County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/12/14 to 3/12/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Hales Corners, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Milwaukee County.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market 4 homes sold; 0 were list and sold by the same company, and 4 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 6 new listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 3 pending listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 expired listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 7 back on market listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 extended listings.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 32 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $209,600.

In Hales Corners,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

March Gardening Checklist

March may find you sighing with impatience as you watch yet another snowfall cover your barren container boxes, but it's one of the most important months for gardeners.
There's still time to do all of your prep work, from honing tools to starting seeds, as you imagine the shapes, tastes and colors of your next garden. Spring begins with the vernal equinox on March 20.

Tool cleanup
If you didn't do so in the fall, it's time to give your lawn mower and other tools some tough love.
● Get ahead of the spring crowds by dropping off your lawn mower now to have the oil changed, bolts tightened and blades sharpened.
● Remove soil from your tools' metal parts using sandpaper or a hose.

• Sand rough edges on wooden tool handles, then coat them with linseed oil.
• Sharpen your tools. A file will sharpen tools of all sizes, from shovels and hoes to trowels and clippers. A Carborundum wheel will work on smaller tools. Pruning shears can be sharpened with a whetstone. After sharpening, use a rag to apply a thin, penetrating oil to metal tool parts; follow with a heavier oil on tools that have moving parts.

Lawn doctoring
The green, green grass of home doesn't get that way by accident, and March is a perfect time to assess your lawn's health.

• Pluck a 4- to 5-inch square from your yard to see what's going on down there. If your area has crane flies, count the larvae. Fewer than 35 per square foot means less work for you: Your lawn should be able to withstand that number.
• If you're not sure what to look for, take your lawn sample to an expert at your garden store and ask for a diagnosis; then just press your sample back into its "bed."
• Lime, treat moss and, finally, reseed as needed. (Overseeding can be done after midmonth.)
• Fertilize your lawn now or start a new lawn using seeds or sod.

Weeding
There's always the battle of the weeds. The only way to win that fight is to keep at it. Nip weeds at the bud — literally, for if they're allowed to flower and go to seed, you could be looking at several years' worth of uninvited guests: Some weeds shed 10,000 seeds at a pop.

• Remove weeds by hand.
• Consult an expert in your area for dealing with persistent pests such as quackgrass or morning glory. Recommendations for herbicide treatment vary depending on the location of your garden's problem spots.

• Delish: NASA to grow herbs on the moon

Preparing soil
Once your soil has had a chance to thaw and lose some of its winter moisture, you'll want to prep it for planting.

• Remove mulch over the course of several days, exposing the soil gradually.
• Till or spade soil six to 12 inches deep.
• Mix in compost, peat moss and fertilizer for plants or vegetables. For vegetable gardens, include processed or well-rotted manure in the mix (using fresh manure in the spring may burn or damage your plants).
• Rake the soil level to smooth out low spots; pockets of water can make the soil cool, which slows plant growth.

Vegetables
Start planning your vegetable garden, keeping in mind the following guidelines.

• Choose neighboring vegetables carefully and you may as much as double your vegetable harvest. Onions, for example, are no friend to peas and beans but make good bedmates for tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce and beets.
• Depending on your planting zone and the vagaries of the weather gods, you can — finally — plant some perennial vegetables right in your rich new soil.
• Later in the month (in most zones) you can seed or set out hardier vegetables, such as chard and Brussels sprouts.

Starting seeds
Caponata lovers, get those warm-season crops started indoors from seeds, including tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.

• Whether you use egg cartons, trays or pots, be sure the seedlings get lots of light.
• Get a jump on the Joneses' blooming season by planting some hardy flower seeds, such as petunias and marigolds.
• Potted petunias, which stand up well to cool weather, can be placed on your deck now for a splash of color to whet your gardening appetite.

Pruning roses
After all the pleasure you've had from your rose bushes, now you can reward them with pruning. This will give bushes a more attractive shape and also result in larger blooms and longer stems. Use gloves to protect your hands from thorns.

• With a sturdy clipper, make your cuts just above outside buds to encourage new outward growth, giving the plant more sunlight and air.
• For more tips on pruning different kinds of rose bushes, consult a good gardening book or one of the many reputable gardening websites.

Planting
These are the deciduous days, so selections at garden stores and nurseries are at their peak — and not yet picked over — in March.

• From late March into April is a great time to plant fruit trees and berries. Just be sure they have enough water as they get used to their new neighborhood.
• In addition to zone-specific perennial vegetables, set out or plant new roses and cool-loving flowers such as snapdragons and pansies.

Slug control
As tender shoots start to poke up in the spring, they make a beggar's banquet for slugs. Plan your counterattack before young plants become young nubs.

• As with much garden damage control, natural methods are growing in popularity. One simple approach is to sprinkle slugs with salt, which causes them to dry up.
• Slugs are attracted to stale beer, which you can leave in a shallow dish or bowl; slugs will enter and drown.
• Or you can gather slugs at night by hand, armed with a flashlight, something to lift them with and a pail.
• If you use a commercial slug bait, read the label carefully to be sure it won't endanger children, pets or birds.

Fun for kids
Kids love to help with simple growing projects or to have plants of their own to watch and care for, especially if growth is rapid (remember those pint-size attention spans).

• Growing a hyacinth from the bulb is fun, easy and educational. Find a glass or plastic container with a narrow opening. Set the bulb over the opening, and fill the container with water to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch below the bulb. As the bulb's roots grow downward for a drink, the top will soon begin to develop and bloom — a great lesson in how plants grow, with a colorful, fragrant result!
• Kids love watching plants grow from seeds. Beans, peas and parsley all grow quickly in pots, and seeds can be set in fun shapes or kids' initials.

For the birds
Find out who's likely to fly over for a visit in the next month or two, and target bird treats and feeder types for their individual tastes.

• Most bird species will go for either oil-type sunflower seeds or white millet (offered separately), but sunflower-seed munchers tend to prefer elevated feeders with perches, while millet lovers usually prefer ground or large platform feeders.

Real Estate Market Report for Brookfield February-March 2014

What's Happening in Real Estate in Brookfield? WI Realtor, Lisa Bear, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Brookfield, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County

February 12, 2014- March 12,2014

 

Today, Brookfield covers almost 27 square miles, numbers 40,000 residents, and is a major business, retail, and industrial hub in southeastern Wisconsin. Brookfield remains committed to orderly development, responsible government, and maintaining a high quality of life.

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Brookfield for the last 30 days.

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. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/12/13 to 3/12/13. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Brookfield, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market 25 homes sold; 8 were list and sold by the same company, and 17 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 62 new listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 28 pending listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 20 expired listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 6 back on market listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 29 extended listings.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 253 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $212,972.

In Brookfield,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

 

9 Spring Cleaning Tips for Sellers

As the spring real estate market ramps up, more homes go on the market. Great interior appeal partially relies on a spic-and-span look. So which areas need to stand out during a walk-through?


To give prospective sellers ideas on what needs to be on their spring-cleaning checklists, here are some areas homebuyers will likely view with a critical eye — and how to address them.


1. Trim the lawn and trees
As part of your spring-cleaning checklist trees need to be trimmed, the lawn mowed and flower boxes cleaned out. Sellers can hire professionals for tree care and lawn maintenance if it's too much for them. The average cost to trim or remove a tree is approximately $680 but could cost between $200 or $1,300 depending on factors such as height and girth.

2. Deep-clean the floors
Cleaning every room's floor should be near the top of your spring-cleaning checklist. Hardwood needs to be maintained, and tile and laminate need to be thoroughly mopped. There are various ways to approach carpet cleaning, including different methods to remove tough stains. Alternatively, a professional carpet-cleaning costs approximately $200, depending on the number of rooms and square feet that need to be cleaned.

3. Wash the windows
If windows have layers of film or dust, natural light is diminished in the home. Thus they need to be washed for maximum lighting. To save on time, homeowners can hire a window-cleaning service, which will cost between $200 and $270, according to HomeAdvisor, or between $160 and $220, according to ImproveNet.

4. Scrub the toilets
Your spring-cleaning checklist should also include the toilet, as a dirty one does not appeal to buyers. Better Homes and Gardens has a quick tutorial video on how homeowners can clean their toilet quickly and efficiently so it shines for prospective buyers. Be sure to wear gloves and scrub the inside with a toilet scrub to get all the grime out.

5. Sponge the bathtub
The bathub must be included on any spring-cleaning checklist because prospective buyers need to be able to imagine bathing in it. When cleaning it, be sure to scrub out any grime or dirt buildup to increase its shine. If it's particularly old or worn down, consider having the bathtub refinished to give it a newer look without the cost of replacing it.

6. Declutter the closets
Spring cleaning before a sale is the perfect time for sellers to downsize and to figure out what goes to the next house or to charity. If there are many closets and lots of clutter, homeowners may want to hire a professional organizer. Doing so typically costs between $320 and $520 for their services but could be much less depending on the scope of the job.

7. Organize the cabinets
In the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, any cabinets should be cleaned out and organized for showings. There are easy ways to organize cabinets, such as cup hooks and lazy susans. It's also a good opportunity to get rid of any outdated food.

8. Straighten up the garage
Arranging the garage is a good opportunity for sellers to remove old yard tools, throw away or donate boxes of old clothing and toys, and power wash the floors and walls. That way, the garage will look clean, open and inviting for a potential buyer.

9. Dust, vacuum, dust
Countertops, cabinet faces, desks, nightstands, lamps — dust should be a distant memory before a walk-through. Use a duster, a wet cloth and cleaning fluids to wipe up every speck of dust. Alternatively, you can hire a cleaning service to do a whole house clean, which averages between $160 and $200, depending on the number of rooms and square footage.

The 5 Worst Things You Can Do Before Buying a Home 

Cynics may scoff, but getting under contract on the right home can turn even the most stoic shopper into a bit of a dreamer. From paint colors to planting a garden, picturing yourself in that property is critical for many buyers.


But leave a little room for pragmatism. Remember that getting pre-approved for a mortgage and even under contract isn’t a guarantee. That prefix is there for a reason. Loan pre-approval is not loan approval.

You’ll have more hurdles to clear before a lender legally commits to funding your home loan. Buyers who don’t know any better can inadvertently add obstacles to that path — or even kill the entire deal —between contract and closing day.

Some missteps can be costlier than others. Here’s a look at five of the worst things you can do before buying a home.

1. Go Credit-Crazy

It’s almost become cliché in the mortgage industry, but the warning still bears repeating: Don’t buy a truckload of furniture until after your loan closes. The prohibition goes beyond sofas and settees — avoid obtaining credit for any major expense, such as a car, a boat or, yes, a new bedroom set.
Be careful with even minor expenses. If you absolutely need to obtain new credit or accrue debt before closing, talk with your loan officer as soon as possible.

New payments are going to affect your monthly debt-to-income ratio (and residual income on a VA loan), and not in a good way. Hard inquiries on your credit report could also lower your credit score. That might hurt your interest rate if you haven’t locked or even knock you out of qualifying range all together.

2. Shuffle Dollars and Cents

Lenders will scour your most recent bank statement as part of the pre-approval process. It’s not like they forget about it after that. They’ll take another look at your assets and bank records again during the underwriting process.

You’ll need to explain any unusual deposits or withdrawals. Lenders will require clear documentation and a paper trail if you’re putting gift funds toward a down payment or closing costs. Stuffing a wad of undocumented cash into your account is going to raise some red flags.

3. Get Behind on Bills

Having a late payment hit your credit report before closing can devastate your deal. Payment history comprises about a third of your credit score.

One solitary 30-day late payment can clip 60 to 110 points from your credit score. Maybe not a huge deal if you had an 800 score, right?

Possibly. But if that 30-day late blemish is a mortgage or rent payment, some lenders will boot your application altogether. Many will require at least 12 consecutive months of on-time payments to qualify for a home loan.

4. Co-Sign on a Loan
Co-signing a loan is arguably a bad financial move whenever you make it. But it’s especially risky during the mortgage lending process. It means you’re financially liable for someone else’s debt.
Yes, that someone else might be the most responsible person on the planet. Lenders will still need to factor that new monthly obligation into your overall affordability profile. Adding one more debt to the list could stretch too thin your debt-to-income ratio and assets.

5. Changes in Employment
Probably goes without saying, but losing your job is going to be a big problem. Even job-hopping can present some major hurdles. Lenders crave stable, reliable income that’s likely to continue.
Lenders are likely to slam on the brakes if you take a new job in a different field. Or if you decide to start your own business. Or even if you get a promotion but see some or all of your income shift to a commission basis.

The bottom line: Any change to your employment is significant. Keep your loan officer in the loop, and ask questions when in doubt. The last thing you want is to waste time and money on a home loan you’re never going to get.

Throughout the mortgage process, it can also be helpful to monitor your credit scores for changes so you can know whether you need to address any problems. To do that, you can use a free tool like Credit.com’s Credit Report Card, which updates your credit scores and an overview of your credit report every month.


 

Real Estate Market Report for Muskego January-February 2014

Real Estate Market Report for Muskego

What's Happening in Real Estate in Muskego? WI Realtor,Lisa Bear, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Muskego, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County

January 4, 2014 -  February 4, 2014

 

Muskego is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 24,135. Muskego is the fifth largest community in Waukesha County.

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Muskego for the last 30 days.

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. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 1/4/14 to 2/4/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Muskego, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County.

In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market 14 homes sold; 1 were list and sold by the same company, and 13 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 36 new listings.
In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 11 pending listings.
In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 24 expired listings.
In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 7 back on market listings.
In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 22 extended listings.

In the Muskego, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 121 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $223,775.

 In Muskego,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

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"

Can Seller Incentives Get Your Home Sold Faster?

By: Michele Lerner

 

While some real estate markets have shifted to a sellers’ market, buyers in some parts of the country still have the upper hand. If you’re selling in a market like that or have an unusual home to sell, you may want to consider offering some incentives to buyers to nudge them to make an offer on your property.

 

Which Incentives Work?

Most Realtors say that the very best incentive to sell your house in any market is to price it fairly and make sure it’s in excellent condition. If for some reason you need to sell your home quickly and don’t have the time or money to make home improvements, you can try to sell it “as is” — but you’ll definitely need to lower your price below the market rate for comparable properties.

Other than pricing, you can also offer financial incentives in the form of closing cost assistance, but how much you can offer depends on the rules of the particular loan program that your buyer is using to finance the purchase.

Some sellers try to attract attention and a contract by offering unusual incentives to buyers. Whether these work isn’t always clear because sometimes the buyers might have opted to purchase the home even without a perk or two.

 

Creative Seller Incentives

If you’d like to try enticing buyers with incentives, you need to think about your potential buyers. Identify the types of buyers who might be interested in your home: Are you selling a luxury home or a starter home? Are your prospective buyers young professionals, empty nesters or a young family? The incentives you offer should be tied to the interests of your buyers and to the specifics of your home.

Here are few ideas to consider:

• If you live on or near water, consider including a kayak or jet ski along with the purchase price of your home.
• Similarly, if your home is located near a prime fishing spot—whether it’s a river, lake or ocean—think about offering fishing equipment to buyers.
• When you’re selling a vacation home, you might want to offer a gift card for new furniture or buy (and leave with the purchasers) new linens or kitchen supplies.
•  If you’re selling a condominium or a property located within a homeowners association, consider offering to pay a year’s worth of fees. This would be particularly appealing to first-time buyers who are often concerned about affordability.
• If you live in a community with a country club, you can also offer to pay for a year’s membership in the club or perhaps the initial fees for your buyers.
• While you’re not likely to leave behind a beloved family pet, if you’re moving from a home with a lot of land to a smaller property, you could consider offering to leave a dog or even a horse at the home.
• When the real estate market was particularly slow, some homeowners offered to include their high-end car, such as a Mercedes or BMW or a sports car, in the sale price of the home.

When you’re working with your listing agent on a marketing plan for your home, be sure to discuss the pros and cons of seller incentives. Think about what you might be able to offer that would boost, rather than reduce, your profits when your home sells.

 

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.

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!