The chilly weather in Wisconsin makes me think.....
1. Soup
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Buying a new house
Contact Lisa Bear if you are considering a new home purchase.
Residential REMAX real estate broker associate with expertise in luxury lake homes,lake homes,luxury homes, residential single family,condos, vacant land,foreclosures and investment properties. Serving the greater Milwaukee metro area including:Waukesha County, Lake Country, Jefferson,Dodge,Ozaukee Washington,Walworth,Milwaukee Counties. On-line markets, LISTING PACKAGE and FOR SALE by OWNER OPTIONS, MLS search access, buyer agency, Home Warranty, all with outstanding service!
Click here to search the MLS - wihomes4sale
Showing posts with label buying a home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying a home. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Buying a Home: The Cost of Waiting
Buying a Home: The Cost of Waiting

Whether you are a first time buyer or a move-up buyer, you should look at the projections housing experts are making in two major areas: home prices and mortgage rates.

If you are a move-up buyer currently looking at a home priced at $500,000, this is what it could cost you on a monthly basis if you wait to buy next year:

______________________________ ______________________________ ______
ATTENTION: If you are a real estate agent looking for more information to share with your buyers as to why now is a great time to purchase, sign up for a Free 14 Day Trial of KCM and download the Summer Edition of our 11-page eGuide,Things to Consider When Buying A Home.
Posted: 01 Jul 2014 04:00 AM PDT
Whether you are a first time buyer or a move-up buyer, you should look at the projections housing experts are making in two major areas: home prices and mortgage rates.
PRICES
Over 100 economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists were recently surveyed. They were asked to project where home prices were headed. The average value appreciation projected over the next twelve month period was approximately 4%.MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES
In their last Economic & Housing Market Outlook, Freddie Mac predicted that 30 year fixed mortgage rates would be 4.8% by this time next year. As of last week, the Freddie Mac rate was 4.14%.What does this mean to you?
If you are a first time buyer currently looking at a home priced at $250,000, this is what it could cost you on a monthly basis if you wait to buy next year:If you are a move-up buyer currently looking at a home priced at $500,000, this is what it could cost you on a monthly basis if you wait to buy next year:
Bottom Line
With both home prices and interest rates projected to increase, buying now instead of later might make sense.______________________________
Saturday, February 8, 2014
The 5 Worst Things You Can Do Before Buying a Home
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.
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.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Home Staging Helps Bring Top Dollar Sale
Home Staging Helps Bring Top Dollar Sale
"Staging is not decorating. Decorating is optional, staging is mandatory in order to sell the house for the most possible money in the shortest amount of time," says home staging instructor Joanne O'Donnell.
O'Donnell has been teaching courses on how to stage a home to be sold for several years. The concept first became known in 1972 by then-Realtor, Barb Schwarz who realized that homes would sell for higher prices if they were prepared to sell first.
Today, hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals, decorators and sellers have come to understand the once-little-known term staging that was coined by Schwarz
.
O'Donnell recently taught a course in San Diego, Calif. In the course were two mother-daughter teams, Realtors and even a lawyer.
"When we put your home on the market it is no longer your home; it is a product and we're marketing it," O'Donnell told the students.
Home stagers start by viewing the seller's home inside and out. O'Donnell encourages the students to walk through a home that they plan to stage with the seller, being sure to take notes of items that need to be moved and/or removed.
While home staging may improve the looks of the home, O'Donnell is careful to point out it is not interior decorating. Instead she says it's much simpler.
"You can't go out and buy new things for every problem that you have with a house," says O'Donnell.
She tells the students to be problem solvers, reminding them that her clients are selling their homes and they don't want to spend a lot to do it.
Really home staging is about de-cluttering and making a home desirable to the masses. "Clutter eats up equity," O'Donnell frequently reminds the students throughout the course.
"The whole idea of staging is that you want to market to the largest number of people to get as many offers as possible," says O'Donnell.
There are five key points that must be applied when staging a home. O'Donnell refers to them as the Five C's of Staging: the home needs to be clean, clutter free, have color, be creatively staged, and finally stagers have to compromise with the sellers, because, of course, many sellers continue living in their homes while they're being shown.
"People don't see that a lot of things that are in their houses are part of themselves and when you try to sell a house you want to make it as neutral as possible, not necessarily in the colors, but in the way it's presented," says Gerin Canin, a lawyer from New York who is transitioning into a home staging career.
Canin believes home stagers play a vital role in real estate.
"I think that when people sell their homes they don't necessarily see their house as a potential buyer would see their house. They become attached to things. [The seller] doesn't notice things that other people would notice. So I do think it's important to have an opinion from someone else," explains Canin.
By Phoebe Chongchua
Here are a few home staging tips from professionals:
For the inside:
Clear the clutter.
Put away all electrical cords and extra appliances.
Put away family photos.
Think open space.
For the outside:
Shutters improve the look.
Paint/Power wash.
Plants, high, medium, low -- with lots of color.
Decks -- even small ones can be a big improvement.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
How to Set the Sale Price of Your Home
Set the Sale Price of Your Home
Every reasonable owner wants the best possible price and terms for his or her home. Several factors, including market conditions and interest rates, will determine how much you can get for your home. The idea is to get the maximum price and the best terms during the window of time when your home is being marketed.

In other words, home selling is part science, part marketing, part negotiation and part art. Unlike math where 2 + 2 always equals 4, in real estate there is no certain conclusion. All transactions are different and, because of this, you should do as much as possible to prepare your home for sale and engage the REALTOR® you feel is best able to sell your home.
What Is Your Home Worth?
All homes have a price — sometimes more than one. There’s the price owners would like to get, the value buyers would like to offer, and a point of agreement which can result in a sale.
In considering home values, several factors are important:
Because all transactions are unique there is flexibility in the marketplace. The amount of flexibility depends on local conditions.
For example, suppose you’re selling a townhouse. Suppose also that there have been five recent sales of the model you own and that sale values have ranged between $200,000 and $210,000. You now have an idea of how your home might be priced. In a strong market you might be able to ask for $210,000 or a little more. If the market has slowed, $210,000 may be a reasonable asking price, but perhaps more than the final sale price.
Here’s another scenario. Imagine that you live in a community of Victorian-style homes, most of which were built in the 1920s. All the homes are different in terms of size, condition, modernization, style and features. In such a neighborhood, an average sale price is just a statistic without much practical meaning. On a single block one home may sell for $400,000 while another is priced at more than $1 million. The average price may be outrageously high for one home and staggeringly low for another.
Every reasonable owner wants the best possible price and terms for his or her home. Several factors, including market conditions and interest rates, will determine how much you can get for your home. The idea is to get the maximum price and the best terms during the window of time when your home is being marketed.
In other words, home selling is part science, part marketing, part negotiation and part art. Unlike math where 2 + 2 always equals 4, in real estate there is no certain conclusion. All transactions are different and, because of this, you should do as much as possible to prepare your home for sale and engage the REALTOR® you feel is best able to sell your home.
What Is Your Home Worth?
All homes have a price — sometimes more than one. There’s the price owners would like to get, the value buyers would like to offer, and a point of agreement which can result in a sale.
In considering home values, several factors are important:
- The value of your home relates to local sale prices: The same home, located elsewhere, would likely have a different value.
- Sale prices are a product of supply and demand: If you live in a community with an expanding job base, a growing population and a limited housing supply, it’s likely that prices will rise. However, it’s important to be realistic. If the local community is losing jobs and people are moving out, then you’ll likely have a buyer’s market.
- Owner needs can impact sale values: If owner Smith “must” sell quickly, he will have less leverage in the marketplace. Buyers may think that Smith is willing to trade a quick closing for a lower price — and they may be right. If Smith has no incentive to sell quickly, he may have more marketplace strength.
- Sale prices are not based on what owners “need”: When an owner says, “I must sell for $300,000 because I need $100,000 in cash to buy my next home,” buyers will quickly ask if $300,000 is a reasonable price for the property. If similar homes in the same community are selling for $250,000, the seller will not be successful.
- Sale prices are NOT the whole deal: Which would you rather have: A sale price of $200,000, or a sale price of $205,000 with an agreement that you will make a “seller contribution” of $5,000 to offset the buyer’s closing costs, pay a $2,000 allowance for roof repairs, fund two mortgage points, re-paint the entire house and leave the washer and dryer?
Because all transactions are unique there is flexibility in the marketplace. The amount of flexibility depends on local conditions.
For example, suppose you’re selling a townhouse. Suppose also that there have been five recent sales of the model you own and that sale values have ranged between $200,000 and $210,000. You now have an idea of how your home might be priced. In a strong market you might be able to ask for $210,000 or a little more. If the market has slowed, $210,000 may be a reasonable asking price, but perhaps more than the final sale price.
Here’s another scenario. Imagine that you live in a community of Victorian-style homes, most of which were built in the 1920s. All the homes are different in terms of size, condition, modernization, style and features. In such a neighborhood, an average sale price is just a statistic without much practical meaning. On a single block one home may sell for $400,000 while another is priced at more than $1 million. The average price may be outrageously high for one home and staggeringly low for another.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
How to Handle Counter-Offers
Buying a home is not always a linear process. After you have found the right house, made an offer and started getting excited at the prospect of owning a new home, the seller may not accept your proposal. In some cases, the seller will make a counteroffer, delineating their desired terms. The seller might be making counteroffers to multiple other buyers, too.
What are your options when you receive a counteroffer? Read on to learn more about the process.
What Is a Counteroffer?
A seller’s counteroffer usually includes added specifications that will make the buyer’s offer acceptable. Expect to see the following:
- A higher price, closer to the original asking price.
- A more substantial earnest money deposit.
- A change in closing date or possession date.
- Alteration to the contingency time frame.
- Modification of service providers.
- Payment of various fees excluded.
How to Accept a Counteroffer
To accept a counteroffer, write “accepted” on it, then initial and date it. If you do not do so before the offer’s expiration date, a seller can accept another buyer’s purchase offer.
Multiple Counteroffers
Depending on the laws in your particular state, a seller may be able to give counteroffers to multiple parties. Each one can be different. Know that even if you accept a seller’s counteroffer, they have the right to choose to accept someone else’s counteroffer instead. Act quickly and close the deal so that you don’t miss out on the house you want.
Has Your Counteroffer Been Rejected?
Sellers are not required to respond to your counteroffer. A seller can write “rejected” across the contract with a signature and date, or initial it at the appropriate place at the bottom. If you do not hear from the seller, the offer will expire anyway, according to the expiration date that most offers have.
What If the Seller Refuses to Accept a Counteroffer?
Suppose a seller does not answer your counteroffer, and the asking price is too high. Consider this advice from real estate professional Michael Emilio: “Inform the listing agent (or the seller, if he is acting as his own agent) that you will be handing over a new counteroffer in a week’s time. Add $1,000 to your original offer. Continue with this strategy until he accepts your offer.”
Your persistence may motivate the seller to resume negotiations with you and possibly agree to your terms. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to walk away if your counteroffer is not accepted. It’s better to move on to a potential win than to frustrate yourself with a home purchase offer that isn’t going anywhere. With a sound offer and counteroffer strategy, you’ll surely get a great house in the end.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
What is Earnest Money and How Does It Work?
A: While I’m not sure that I understand your question, I will go ahead and give you an explanation of “earnest money.” As you indicated, earnest money is the deposit that you put down when you signed a contract and made an offer on the purchase of a home. These funds will be credited to you at the time of closing when you will be required to pay the down payment and other closing costs.
It sounds like your Realtor wants a copy of the cancelled check to provide to escrow or possibly to complete their in-house transaction file. Your Realtor is doing their job in making sure that escrow has a copy of the payment to ensure that you will be credited at the time escrow closes. Of course, if your offer on the property is not accepted for some reason your earnest money (deposit) should be returned to you. Hope this helps.
http://www.realtor.com/advice/what-is-earnest-money-and-how-does-it-work/#.Usx0vf53vIU
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Clear the Clutter and Sell Your Home
Clear the Clutter and Sell Your Home
You don’t have to live like a minimalist, but when it’s time to sell your home, rigorously editing your decor will help make the sale. Potential buyers want to picture themselves living there, and they can’t do that if your stuff is spilling out all over. Even if your house is clean, having things crammed in every nook is a visual turnoff.As you declutter, pay particular attention to these:
- Furniture: Keep it to a minimum in your living areas so that your rooms look bigger.
- Entry: Clear out shoes, coats, umbrellas and other outdoor items from your foyer or mudroom.
- Equipment: Move out big pieces, such as drum kits or exercise equipment.
- Bookshelves: Edit your shelves so that you have a neat, orderly space with books and perhaps a few decorative items, like a vase, globe or art.
- Periodicals: Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, recycling if you can.
- Photos: Take down your personal photos. Let the buyer imagine pictures of their own family on the walls, tables and shelves.
- Cables: Organize the cords for your computers, printers, televisions and other electronics so that they don’t look sloppy.
- Plants: Get rid of sickly plants and keep only a few healthy ones on display.
- Kitchen counters: Remove everything from your countertops, keeping only essentials like a toaster. Decorate sparingly (bowls of unblemished fruit look nice). And clear off all those magnets, coupons, and children’s artwork from the refrigerator.
- Cabinets and pantry: Arrange the shelves neatly, with items and labels pointed in the same direction.
- Bedrooms: Make sure beds are made and all clothes, toys and shoes are off the floor.
- Nightstands: Take away the tissues, medicines and magazines and keep just lamps, clocks and maybe a book or two.
- Closets: Clean out your closets so they aren’t packed to the rafters.
- Bathrooms: Hide your razors, toothbrushes and shampoos in a cabinet while your house is being shown. Spruce up with some fresh soaps, towels or maybe flowers.
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!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The Key to House Hunting
House Hunting Key: Knowing What You Want
By: Michele Lerner
Start With Your Budget
Before you begin your house search you should have a preapproval letter in
hand from a lender and an idea of your comfort level with a prospective
house payment. You and your Realtor can begin to search for homes for
sale that fit your budget, but keep in mind that you don’t necessarily
want to spend up to the maximum amount you can borrow. On the other
hand, you can consider going slightly above your preferred price range
as long as the monthly payment is still affordable or if you have extra
cash to make a bigger down payment.
Find the Right Neighborhood
After you’ve established your price range you’ll need to narrow your search by neighborhood.
You should be looking at neighborhoods that allow an acceptable commute
to work. Think about the type of setting in which you want to live —
urban, suburban or rural. Do you want a community with lots of outdoor
recreational amenities; one with shops, restaurants and nightlife; or
one with plenty of activities for children and good schools?
Many homes, whether they are
single-family residences, townhomes or villas, are part of a homeowner
association (HOA). Part of your search process should be to consider
whether you want to live in an HOA or not. On the positive side, HOA
rules help protect home values and the dues often include community
amenities and maintenance. On the other hand, the rules also limit what
you can do with the exterior of your home. You’ll also need to include
HOA dues as part of your housing budget.
Condominiums and cooperative homes also
have association dues and offer a different type of ownership, with the
association owning the exterior of the property while you own the
interior. These dues will be part of your housing budget, but they
typically include some of your homeowner’s insurance and other costs, as
well as pay for amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness center.
It’s a good idea to visit communities at
various times of day and night, and on weekends and weekdays, to get a
feel for who lives there and what the activity level is like.
Two important elements of a neighborhood
influence how well the homes in that community will hold onto their
value: crime and schools. While Fair Housing laws prevent a Realtor from
telling clients about crime statistics or talking about “good” or “bad”
schools, a Realtor can direct you to websites that provide information
about those topics. Even if you don’t have children and don’t plan to
have them, buying a home in a well-regarded school district can help the
property’s long-term value.
Start Searching
Most buyers start searching for a home
online on websites such as realtor.com, but you can also ask a Realtor
to help you find homes for sale. You can request email alerts that
notify you when a home that fits your list of priorities comes on the
market.
You can evaluate a home first by looking
at photos and a description online. In many cases, homes’ online
listings have virtual tours or videos that offer the opportunity to see
more.
The next step in your house hunt is narrowing down your priorities to find the home that meets your needs.
Look at both new homes and existing
homes. New homes are sometimes more expensive than existing homes, but
they require less maintenance and often have lower utility bills because
of their energy-efficient features.
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!
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Upside of Foreclosure
The Upside of Foreclosure
Las Vegas Realtor® John Brassner recently shared a story of how one person’s misfortune can become another person’s dream come true for a young first time homebuyer.
“My favorite part of selling homes is when you help people achieve their dreams. Back in September I got a call from Kevin Garda. He had just had a bad experience with another real estate agent and a short sale property that he put an offer on. I told him and his girlfriend, Christina, that I would be happy to find him a home and I was thrilled that he already had been approved for an FHA loan. When I met them, I knew they looked young but I didn’t know what age until recently; Kevin is 23 and Christina is 25!
Anyway, within just a few weeks we had an accepted offer on a great single-story previously foreclosed home in the very low $100’s. Kevin is paying less on his mortgage then he was paying rent previously. And the most exciting news: after putting the home in escrow, Kevin put an engagement ring on Christina. The two are planning to get married soon.
This transaction made me reflect about today’s market. Yes, there are a lot of foreclosures and short sales in our market. I should know, I have done plenty of short sales for my clients. But there is also a positive side.
With the median home price in February being $128,000, homes are more affordable than they have been in a long, long time. Kevin and Christina were able to buy their first home in a neighborhood they wanted to live in and pay less than rent. And, I look forward to helping others do the same. That couldn’t have happened in 2005.”
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"
- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4283341/real-estate-market-report-for-dousman-november-december-2013#sthash.oBEbEJD2.dpuf
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!
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"
- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4283341/real-estate-market-report-for-dousman-november-december-2013#sthash.oBEbEJD2.dpuf
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"
- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4283341/real-estate-market-report-for-dousman-november-december-2013#sthash.oBEbEJD2.dpuf
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