Homeownership: The American Dream (Part 2)

Homeownership: The American Dream (Part 2)

by The KCM Crew on July 19, 2012 ·

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A major benefit to homeownership is community. There is a greater sense of community among homeowners than there is with renters. Studies have shown that homeowners have a higher participation in local volunteer activities; participate more in local political activities and organizations; have higher voting rates; and are more involved in self-help activities (like the PTA and neighborhood crime watches) than those who rent. Homeowners do not move as frequently as renters, therefore providing more neighborhood stability. This helps reduce crime and support neighborhood upkeep and value.

Let’s look at homeownership as an investment. In 1998 the average Homeowner’s net worth exceeded that of renters by 31 times. In 2001 it was 36 times and eventually in 2007 it was all the way up to 46 times that of renters. Even in these toughest times, the wealth of the homeowner is still over 30 times that of renters. Now, homeownership isn’t about a guaranteed financial short-term return – the market goes up, down and back up again. We have to be prepared for the long-term and a key component to wealth is homeownership.  In Pew Research Center’s The Home as an Investment Survey, 81% of Americans agree that buying a home is still the best long-term investment a person can make.

There’s also the aspect of an educational investment. United States Immigrants all talk about home ownership because they want a better education for their children. It’s proven that children of homeowners achieve greater math and reading scores, they have lower high school dropout rates, and more years of schooling by the age of 25.

Not to mention there’s also a greater social network among homeowners than renters. You have a built in support system of neighbors and friends. You know the local merchants and they know you. You have that support system for you and your family – and it’s there for life.

There you have it. You now know the benefits to homeownership and the American dream.

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"

Choosing a Real Estate Agent? Let RE/MAX Help

Chicago, Milwaukee Top List of Top 10 Real Estate Buyers' Markets - ABC News

Chicago, Milwaukee Top List of Top 10 Real Estate Buyers' Markets - ABC News 

Chicago, Milwaukee Top List of Top 10 Real Estate Buyers' Markets - ABC News

Allan Baxter/Getty Images

Chicago, Milwaukee and Cleveland lead the list of Zillow's top real estate buyers' markets, with homes in those metropolitan areas taking longer to sell and buyers receiving an average discount of 5 percent off asking prices.

Along with publishing a list of the top ten buyers' markets, online real estate marketplace Zillow published a list of the top ten sellers' markets, with San Jose, Calif., and San Francisco topping the list.

To rank the 50 largest metropolitan areas by negotiating power for sellers and buyers, Zillow analyzed its data for sale-to-list price ratio, number of days listed on Zillow, and percent of homes on the market with a price cut.

Zillow defined a buyers' market as an area where buyers have more bargaining power, with listings lingering longer on the market and "sellers being forced to cut asking prices."

Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries said it was "refreshing to see some markets swinging back in favor of sellers, with asking prices being met and listings spending fewer days on market."

"The housing recession has been long and rocky, and we're seeing more balance during this summer selling season," Humphries said in a statement. "Of course, many markets are still firmly in favor of buyers, and we expect that to continue until the recovery takes more of a hold nationwide."

# 2.

Milwaukee, Wis.

• Sale-to-list price ratio: 0.9488

• Homes with price cuts: 39.7 percent

• Average days on Zillow: 161.5

• Zillow median home value: $165,800

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"

The 4-county Metropolitan Milwaukee housing market continued its strong

Home Sales Up 25.8% in June

Home Sales Up 25.8% in June,
28.6% for the 2nd Quarter

The 4-county Metropolitan Milwaukee housing market continued its strong advance in June and for the 2nd Quarter of 2012, posting 25.8% and 28.6% increases in sales, respectively, over 2011.

June was the 12th consecutive month in which home sales increased by double-digits. The combination of historically low interest rates and low prices has helped the market tremendously despite recent fluctuations in consumer confidence.

June also saw a 12.9% decline in homes listed for sale, continuing a recent trend as sales increased. The reduction in listings was needed during the depths of the recession in order to clear foreclosures from the market. However, in today’s market the contraction of listings has led to a tight level of inventory, now at only 6.3 months.

The combination of high sales and low inventory should yield price pressure in the near future, which, in fact, the market started to bear out in the last quarter. Washington and Walworth Counties were the first to show positive price appreciation, with respective 1% and 1.3% increases over the 2nd quarter of 2011.


County-by-County Sales Analysis for June compared to 2011:

• Milwaukee County up 27.2% in sales (969 units vs. 762 units)
• Waukesha County was up 20.3% (534 sales compared with 444)
• Washington County was up 54.8.% (161 vs. 104)
• Ozaukee County also up 11.0% (121 units vs. 109 units)
• Racine County up 2.1% in sales (198 units vs. 194 units)
• Kenosha County was down 5.7% in sales (164 units vs. 174 units)
• Walworth County up 34.7% in sales (132 units vs. 98 units)

County-by-County Sales Analysis for the 2nd Quarter compared to 2011:

• Milwaukee County up 25.2% in sales (4,555 units vs. 3,639 units)
• Waukesha County was up 31.7% (2,245 sales compared with 1,705)
• Washington County was up 43.8% (667 vs. 464)
• Ozaukee County also up 29.0% (503 units vs. 390 units)
• Racine County up 11.4% in sales (945 units vs. 848 units)
• Kenosha County was up 11.0% in sales (836 units vs. 753 units)
• Walworth County up 21.9% in sales (613 units vs. 503 units)

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate with Lisa Bear

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, W
auwatosa, 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"

Preparing Your Seller to Prepare the Home to be Prepared for Showings — Part 2 - Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

Preparing Your Seller to Prepare the Home to be Prepared for Showings — Part 2 - Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

Preparing Your Seller to Prepare the Home to be Prepared for Showings — Part 2

By: Cori Lamont

Protecting the Seller’s Personal Property

As per lines 174-178 “Open House and Showing Responsibilities” of the WB-1 Residential Listing Contract Exclusive Right to Sell listed below, it is the seller’s responsibility to prepare the home for open houses and individual showings. However, sellers often look to their listing agent for guidance.
“Seller is aware that there is a potential risk of injury, damage and/or theft involving persons attending an ‘individual showing’ or an ‘open house.’ Seller accepts responsibility for preparing the Property to minimize the likelihood of injury, damage and/or loss of personal property. Seller agrees to hold Broker harmless for any losses or liability resulting from personal injury, property damage, or theft occurring during ‘individual showings’ or ‘open houses’ other than those caused by Broker’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing.”
Listing agents should review this language with all sellers. In addition, licensees should have a checklist handy or provide suggestions to the seller as to how the seller can go about preparing a home for showings. The following are a few tips that may be helpful to the seller:

1. Hide or remove any valuables, including electronics, jewelry, weapons and prescription medications. 
2. Do not leave personal information where anyone can see it. 
3. Determine what will be done with the seller’s pet(s) during showings.
4. Consider removing all references to the names and pictures of any children living in the home. 
5. Confirm that all windows and doors are locked before leaving the property. 

Protecting the Agent 

Sometimes individuals do not like to acknowledge a reality that exists because denial is an easy place to reside. However, opening our eyes to a reality allows us to be better prepared if a time comes when we need to react.
The reality of the practice of real estate is that while sellers’ properties are being opened to the public, agents are the ones showing the property. Whether it is vacant land, a single-family residence or a commercial property, agents place themselves in potentially perilous situations every day. A self-defense class is one of the easiest steps to take in learning how to protect yourself.
Also, discuss with your broker whether your company has a distress code; if not, discuss whether the broker is interested in creating one. A distress code is a word or phrase that a company has in place that an agent would use if the agent was feeling threatened or uncomfortable while with a consumer. The company policy should be clear as to what the phrase or term is and what happens when an agent uses the distress code — whether the police are called, another agent is sent out, the agent is to be called away, among other methods. Also, another decision to make is if the company should have a policy that all new clients should be met at the office and possibly provide a copy of a photo identification and possible license number.
However, the following are some pointers to better protect you as an agent when showing properties or holding open houses.

1. Trust your instincts.
2. Pay attention to both your phone and battery strength.
3. Identify all escape routes as you enter into the property. 
4. Walk behind people; never enter into a room first.
5. Notify your office, and potentially someone else, as to your location(s) throughout the day and check in regularly. 
6. Check all the rooms, locks and windows prior to the leaving the property.
7. If possible, avoid showings after dark.
8. Never go into a space or room you cannot get out of easily.
9. Lock your purse or wallet in the car.
10. Have a visitor check-in sheet that allows you to obtain an individual’s name and contact information. 
11. Park at the curb rather than the driveway.
12. Always have your keys ready when walking to your car.
13. Lock your car doors once you have entered.
14. Be observant — stop talking on or looking at your phone! 
15. Use technology to your advantage. MRIS has created Moby. Moby is a free app that is designed especially for the safety of real estate professionals that will contact emergency services and provide your location. For more information on Moby, visit www.mris.com/mris-products/affiliated-services/moby.

Protecting the Property

Protection of the real estate itself may seem like an unusual item to address when discussing safety. However, lately in some communities, including a popular Madison neighborhood, police departments have been contacting local boards to notify agents concerning burglaries. These burglaries have occurred in occupied homes and vacant homes, and it appears that entry was most often made through unlocked windows and doors.
Vacant homes are often easy targets as well because it is presumed that no one will be returning home or regularly monitoring the property. Law enforcement also indicated that vandalism and theft are regular issues in vacant properties.

1. Be certain to be mindful that doors and easily accessible windows are securely locked, even when agents and owners are home. 
2. Check vacant homes frequently.
3. As the listing agent, introduce yourself to the neighbors — provide them with your business card — and ask them to contact you in the event they notice any unusual activities at your listing. They are there every day and can be a great asset in keeping an eye on the property.
4. At all showings, make certain that doors and windows are secured when leaving.
5. Think safety first — do not enter a vacant home if things do not appear “right.” 
6. Do not hesitate to contact the local police department. Officers are more than willing to do a walk-through to assure the safety of the home.

There are a variety of resources to learn more about safety. For example, the National Association of REALTORS^® has a site dedicated entirely to safety found at www.realtor.org/topics/realtor-safety.
Cori Lamont is Director of Brokerage Regulation and Licensing for the WRA.

Published: July 05, 2012

Residential real estate in Milwaukee Wi - REMAX Realtor Lisa Bear

Milwaukee

We're halfway through 2012, and what a year it's been. Residential real estate has finally taken some meaningful strides toward recovery, and they've all been self-powered without divine (or governmental) intervention. Yes, there have been some head fakes in the past, but there's real reason to believe that market turnaround awaits us. Beyond home prices, key metrics to watch include Days on Market, Percent of List Price Received and Months Supply of Inventory. Locally, a few indicators showed improvement. Let's see what the rest of our local data has to say.

New Listings in the Milwaukee region decreased 14.5 percent to 2,218. Pending Sales were down 13.7 percent to 1,068. Inventory levels shrank 16.2 percent to 9,947 units.

Prices moved higher. The Median Sales Price increased 1.4 percent to $180,000. Days on Market was down 8.7 percent to 97 days. The supply-demand balance stabilized as Months Supply of Inventory was down 33.5 percent to 8.9 months.

We seem to be at a critical inflection point in our search for more employment opportunities. Job growth provides the dual benefit of stimulating new household growth as well as relieving distressed homeowners. There's also the positive feedback loop of housing creating jobs and jobs creating housing. Keeping the affordability picture afloat, the Fed has vowed to keep interest rates around 4.0 percent through mid-2013.

All data for the market reports comes from the Multiple Listing Service, Inc

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"

Pewaukee WI Real Estate Market Report by Lisa Bear,Remax Realtor

Pewaukee WI Real Estate Market Report by Lisa Bear,Remax Realtor

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

 Home Values Pewaukee WI, Home Listings Pewaukee WI, MLS Listings PEWAUKEE WI, Lake Homes Pewaukee WI 53072

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

Pewaukee,  just off I-94 and  HWY 16 west of Milwaukee is located in the heart of "lake country," Pewaukee is a picturesque village on beautiful Pewaukee Lake. This vital community has been successful in preserving the small-town feel and tranquility of the area, while encouraging growth and  thriving businesses, family-friendly neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and low crime.

PEWAUKEE LAKE, another incredibly beautiful WISCONSIN LAKE - You can’t help but have a good time on a WISCONSIN lake.

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 6/11/12 to 7/11/12. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity For PEWAUKEE, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI


 In the Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate market 30 homes sold; 6 were list and sold by the same company, and 32 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate  market there were 60 new listings.
In the Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 23 pending listings.
In the  Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings.

In the  Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the  Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estatethere were 25 expired listings.
In the  Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 7 back on market listings.
In the  Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate  market there were 31 extended listings.

In the  Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 351 currently active listings.

  The average price for a home SOLD was $246,137

In the Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake, 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"