Ozaukee & Washington County Real Estate: March 2009

Find out more about Ozaukee and Washington County real estate, including the cities of Grafton, Belgium, Cedarburg, West Bend, Jackson and Germantown.

Rejuvenate Yourself with a Drive in the Country

countyr road

Taking a drive out in the country every once in awhile can help clear your mind.

The solitude you usually find on those roads can help you see that people who berate you to others are not the people you want in your life, and it can help you be thankful that those who have betrayed or lied to you are no longer in your circle of friends.

That calmness that surrounds you during those drives can remind you of the gratitude you have for the good people who do surround you. They are the friends who are honest with you and somehow have the perfect blend of words to say when you need it most. They are the co-workers who lift you up with their encouragement and remind you that you are a good person and that you are good at what you do -- no matter what that might be. They are the folks you meet in social networks who know firsthand what you're going through and bring calm with their words of support.

Drives in the country can help bring the inner peace you have been waiting for and somehow show you the way to forgive those who have done you wrong, allowing you to finally let go and move on.

It can help you see what you've heard so many times before -- when you hold on to anger or resentment, you only hurt yourself.

 Take a drive in the country sometime -- and enjoy the ride...

 

Suz Catering -- Ozaukee County's Best Kept Secret

I think every once in awhile our paths cross with that of someone who leaves an impression we do not soon forget.

Dessert tray

Recently my path crossed with that of Suzanne Fischer, owner of Suz Catering in Grafton, Wisconsin. I found out about Suzanne from a mutual friend when I asked if she knew of anyone who might be able to cater our local realtor board's Christmas party. After my first conversation with Suzanne, I knew I met a winner.

Of course I wanted to hire someone for this event who made a product that would be enjoyed by the attendees. But I never anticipated the level of enthusiasm and service that would also be provided.

From offering suggestions of menu items suitable for the event and venue and that kept us within a tight budget, to delivery, set- up, restocking food items throughout the evening, and cleaning up after the event, Suzanne's professionalism was second to none. As her brochure says, she "pays special attention to every detail." Every single detail.

Food spreadSuzanne will cater for any size event-theme parties, holiday gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, showers, graduations. Menu items available include entrees, sandwiches, appetizers/hors d' oeuvres, breakfast items, salads, side dishes, desserts, vegetables, soups and beverages.  Extra services such as place settings, flatware, linen napkins, table skirting, glassware, and plastic ware/paper products are also available.

It seems that so often the service providers we work with these days don't offer that personal touch that seemed to be such a natural thing in times past. Suzanne Fischer is an exception to that.

Suz Catering really is Ozaukee County's Best Kept Secret. Call or email her today. You'll be happy your paths crossed.

Suz Catering
262-388-3123 or 262-375-0126
suzcatering@att.net

T-Mobile Dance -- Life's For Sharing

I just received this from a family friend and had to share it. This will bring a smile to your face -- guaranteed. Enjoy!

This commercial was shot at the Liverpool Street  Subway Station in London  several weeks ago (Jan 15, 09). Only the dancers knew what was happening; the general public didn't have a clue what was about to unfold. This Youtube site has had over 2 million hits in less than a month's time.

 

 

 

10 Steps To Help Sell Your Home Faster In A Slow Market

Here is some excellent information for anyone who currently has their house on the market or is thinking about putting their house on the market!

Via Gwenn Tanvas - Wisconsin Mortgage Expert - FHA Loans - VA Loans - USDA Rural - (Credit Resotration Expert! ):

I doesn't take a rocket scientists to realize that real estate across most of the country is not appreciating as fast as it was at one time.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing, unless of course you purchased last year and are selling now. People who have owned a property for several years are still generally well ahead in the game. While we cannot predict what 2009 will bring, most markets have slowed, if not declined. For the majority of established home owners in the prevailing market, prior property appreciation will ensure at least some degree of profit, however today's sales may not be as prosperous as they would have been in 2006. All homeowners want to get the highest possible profits; The questions is . . How does one go about this? There are 10 negotiating steps that a seller can follow to assure that their home gets the best price and is sold quickly.

 Step 1: Use A Local Realtor.When the market is down, so is the number of buyers. That means that you need to expose your property to as many potential buyers as possible. Who do prospective buyers get in touch with when they are house hunting? Real Estate Brokers, National Association of Realtors statistics show that 85% of buyers count on real estate brokers for their home selections, while the Internet accounts for 80%. That being the case; Who creates all of those on-line real estate postings? The Answer, local Realtors right in your neighborhood. .

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself With The Entire Sales Agreement. Nearly all jurisdictions have standardized real estate contracts which have become lengthy and complex over the years. It is important that you read it carefully and be aware of what you are agreeing to and become familiar with every unmodified term and condition. Make sure there is nothing in the agreement that needs to be taken out, rewritten or added. The Realtor will be able to assist you in the process to assure are protected and in compliance with law of your State or local municipality.

Step 3: Become Familiar With The Current Real Estate Market. When it comes time for negotiations, knowing what the recorded sale prices were isn't sufficient because often they don't give the complete detail of the transaction. As an example, two houses might have both sold for $300,000. One home in the area may have sold for $350,000 while the other went for $300,000. One owner negotiated with the buyer and agreed to a 6 percent seller credit for a new roof and appliances. In this example, the 6% would equal $18,000. Local Realtors who are familiar with the details of recent sales are able to provide the best negotiation advice.

Step 4: Understand All Of The Terms You Are Willing To Offer. You are confident that your home is going to sell at some satisfactory price, but instead of starting out with an inflexible amount, consider the property sale as a combination of price and terms. For example, it might make more sense in a slow market to help reduce the buyer's closing costs by offering a "seller contribution "instead of lowering the price of the property. Often the seller contribution could be significantly less than a reduction in price, and buyers who require cash to close the sale could find it more attractive as well. Another popular strategy is to offer the buyer an incentive in the form of a credit to buy down their interest rate, therefore making it more affordable on a monthly basis.

Step 5: Request A Smaller Deposit.In order to bind a legal contract, the buyer needs to make a deposit. In an ideal marketplace, a seller will receive a large deposit, but in a down or "off" market, a much smaller deposit may have to be accepted. The buyers prefer to make the lowest possible deposit because a huge deposit indicates a big financial and psychological commitment. You can ask for a lower deposit if the buyer has a mortgage pre-approval or if the buyer shows a strong interest in the property and you have no other offers.

Step 6: Sweeten The Pot. Are you really planning to take large items like a swing set or washing machine? In certain cases it may be better to leave such items if a buyer makes an offer.

Step 7: MLS Photos Must Be Up To Date. If your MLS photo shows snow around your home in the middle of the summer, potential buyers will know your house has been on the market a while.  They may interpret this as meaning that you might be desperate to sell and will expect to lower your initial offer. Make sure your Realtor posts recent photographs.

Step 8: Fully Understand The Marketing Plan. The realtor's marketing plan should be reviewed quite often to see that it is being followed and is changed whenever it is needed.

Step 9: Check Out Open Houses. Going to open houses, also known as your competition is a great idea. It isn't always easy to be objective.  However, do other owners have selling ideas that might work in regards to your home? Is there something you can use to bargain with? You could consider offering to do some painting or other cosmetic repairs.

Step 10: Keep Everything In Context. Don't worry about nickels and dimes when your main goal is to get the house sold.

As an example, we were just about 1 week away from settlement when I was advised by the Realtor that the buyer (my client) was requesting an extra $600 to resolve last minute concerns. That gesture seemed like nothing more than a case of buyer's remorse, so rather than loose the deal, the seller agreed to it, received an otherwise ideal price, and closed the sale. It wasn't long before the prices softened in the local market. The seller thought it was better to lose $600 than to find another buyer later when the market was harsher and the final sale price might have been less by several thousands of dollars. Of course the seller would have preferred to save that $600; However, six hundred dollars was a small price to pay considering that the delays could have meant a big reduction in price and worse no sale at all.

Finally, as you work with your Realtor, make sure you set a fair and realistic price.  Even a 2-3 month delay in selling your home could cost you $10-20,000.  They know the market and what is selling.  Don't get attached to a set sales price and remember, you will be getting a great deal on the new home you are purchasing.

Gwenn Tanvas is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists who specializes in Government Programs such as FHA, State and Federal VA and USDA Rural Housing Loans. Visit her website for more information, on-line calculators and a secure on-line application. She is able to assist with transaction throughout the state of Wisconsin. Her offices are located in Appleton, Oshkosh and Green Bay and offers the convenience of one-stop shopping. http://www.WisconsinLoanTips.com or http://www.MortgageProsOfWisconsin.com she can also be reached for comment or to answer questions via email at gwennt@centurytel.net

So What Do Realtors Do All Day??

OK...so here's the deal.

RealtorI love my job. I really do. I love meeting and helping people find "the home of their dreams." I love helping people sell their home and move on to another chapter in their lives. I enjoy all the work that goes into getting all the parties to the closing table. Seeing that look of excitement on my seller's or buyer's face is the icing on the cake.

But just like everyone else, my time is important. And especially in these more challenging times, it's important that we all use our time in the most productive and efficient ways we can.

Some folks out there may not know that real estate agents don't receive a paycheck until we close on a deal. That means that if I spend three months showing a buyer various properties, and all of a sudden their plans change, I don't get compensated for that time. If I list a house and the seller decides they don't want to sell, I don't get compensated for the time or money I put into marketing that property.

MoneyA few days ago, I wrote a post, Talk to Me--, I'll Listen!, which stressed the importance of maintaining an open line of communication between seller/buyer and sales agent. Earlier this week, fellow Active Rainer, Jason Crouch, wrote a great post, How many other professionals work on contingency ALL THE TIME? A sincere look at the real estate business model, which offered some ideas for changing the current real estate business model.

I know before I became a real estate agent, I had no idea the time and effort that went into assisting a seller or buyer in the sale or purchase of a home. But I do now. So I thought it might help to provide a brief summary of what goes into getting a deal to the closing table:

WORKING WITH SELLERS

  1. Meet with the sellers to tour their home.
  2. Complete a comparative market analysis (CMA).
  3. Meet with the sellers a second time to study and analyze market data, determine a price, go over the marketing plan.
  4. Complete listing paperwork.
  5. Measure rooms.
  6. Hire and meet with photographer at the property to take photos.
  7. Enter property into MLS and various web sites.
  8. Create and print information packets for the house.paperwork
  9. Drop off information packets and lock box at house.
  10. Maintain supply of packets throughout listing.
  11. Order and mail out Just Listed postcards.
  12. Respond to emails and phone calls from seller throughout listing period.
  13. Email activity link to sellers to allow them continuous access to a summary of the activity on their house (private showings, open houses, web site hits, etc.).
  14. Prep/order food for Broker's Open.
  15. Set up/host Broker's Open to invite fellow agents to view home and offer opinions.
  16. Contact seller with Broker's Open feedback.
  17. Schedule open houses and hang "Open Sunday" sign at property.
  18. Host open house.
  19. Contact seller with open house feedback.
  20. Contact agents for showing feedback.
  21. Contact seller with private showing feedback.
  22. Enter private showing and open house feedback into computer.
  23. Review market daily and provide seller with changes to market conditions.
  24. Meet with sellers as needed to discuss market position and possible price adjustments.
  25. Contact sellers with questions asked by potential buyers.
  26. Assist sellers with negotiating offer and possible counter offers.
  27. Fax counter offers to and maintain communication with selling agent throughout negotiation process.
  28. Prepare and email seller with list of contingency due dates.
  29. Prepare closing file for Shorewest Closing department.
  30. Contact sellers to verify date/time for home inspection.
  31. Meet with and assist sellers with negotiations that may arise from home inspection.
  32. Maintain communication with selling agent.
  33. Meet with sellers for pre-signing of closing documents.
  34. Attend closing on seller's behalf.
  35. Send out Just Sold postcards.
  36. Follow up with sellers.

WORKING WITH BUYERS

  1. Meet with buyers to discuss their timeline, type of home, lending information, etc.
  2. Set up search for buyers.
  3. Email new listings to buyers daily.
  4. Follow up with buyers for feedback on listings that have been sent.
  5. Schedule showings (usually happens multiple times).
  6. Show properties to buyers (usually happens multiple times).Talking on phone
  7. Contact listing agents with showing feedback and questions raised by buyer.
  8. Contact buyer with answers to questions.
  9. Set up second showings.
  10. Meet with buyer to write offer.
  11. Fax offer to listing agent.
  12. Assist buyers reviewing and writing counter offer(s).
  13. Fax counter offers to and maintain communication with selling agent throughout negotiation process.
  14. Notify buyer that offer has been accepted.
  15. Prepare and email buyer with list of contingency due dates.
  16. Fax accepted offer to lender.
  17. Maintain communication with lender through loan commitment.
  18. Prepare closing file for Shorewest Closing department.
  19. Email list of home inspectors to buyer.
  20. Contact listing agent with home inspection date/time.
  21. Attend home inspection.
  22. Meet with buyer to draw up paperwork requesting repairs resulting from home inspection (as needed).
  23. Maintain communication with buyer regarding offer contingencies and their completion.
  24. Arrange for final walkthrough.
  25. Respond to buyer's emails and phone calls regarding offer or general home buying questions.
  26. Contact listing agent with closing time and location.
  27. Attend closing.
  28. Send out "Found Buyer" postcard.
  29. Follow up with buyer.

The amount of time between initial contact with a seller or buyer until closing day can vary from a few weeks to a few months to even a year or more.

ClockSo what does all this mean for you, the seller or buyer?

I need you to help me use my time efficiently. If you decide not to purchase a home or are working with another agent - tell me. If you decide you really don't care if your house sells or not - tell me.  That will helps us work together to figure out our next plan of action. The bottom line is that in order for me to make a living, I have to get to the closing table several times a year. And the only way to do that is to work with sellers and buyers who have that same goal in mind.

 

 

 

 

Give this man a well-deserved round of applause! Someone you should know.

This was originally posted by Alan May. Mr. Levy gives hope to all.

Via Alan May Coldwell Banker, Evanston, Realtor® (Evanston, IL):

Meetings like this are taking place in large corporations all over the country.  But this is the first time I've heard one end with this result.  Paul Levy is the man in charge of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.  As with many large corporations and hospitals, they're feeling the financial crunch, and the board is pressing management to think about layoffs to balance the budget.

And whom are they thinking about laying off?... do you suppose they want to begin at the top, with the bloated salaries of upper management.... no, no, no... of course not.

Paul Levy called  a meeting of the entire Hospital staff, in the auditorium.  He knew these people... he knew all of them, because he'd been walking the hospital for weeks, watching people at work.  He stood at the nurses' stations, watching the people who push the patients around in wheelchairs. He saw them talk to the patients, put them at ease, make them laugh. He saw that the people who push the wheelchairs were important extensions of the hospital.

He watched the people who deliver the food talked with the patients and their families.

He watched the people who mop the floors, clean sheets, empty trash, and he realized that many are immigrants, many had second and third jobs, and many were just squeezing out a living. Paul Levy had all this on his mind as he waited in Auditorium.

He looked out into this large group of familiar faces: technicians, secretaries, administrators, therapists, nurses, the people who are the heart and soul of any hospital. People who knew that Beth Israel had hired about a quarter of its 8,000 staff during the last six years and that the chances that they could all keep their jobs and benefits in this economy ranged was slim.

"I want to run an idea by you that I think is important, and I'd like to get your reaction to it," Levy began. "I'd like to do what we can to protect the lower-wage earners - the transporters, the housekeepers, the food service people. A lot of these people work really hard, and I don't want to put an additional burden on them.

"Now, if we protect these workers, it means the rest of us will have to make a bigger sacrifice," he continued. "It means that others will have to give up more of their salary or benefits."

He had barely spoken the words when the Auditorium erupted in applause. Thunderous, heartfelt, sustained well-deserved applause.

Paul Levy stood there and felt it rush over him, like a wave. His eyes welled and his throat tightened so much that he didn't think he could finish.  When the applause finally ended, he told the workers at Beth Israel, the people who make a hospital go, that he wanted their suggestions.

And Paul Levy began getting e-mails.

The overall consensus was that the workers don't want anyone to get laid off and are willing to give up pay and benefits to make sure that didn't happen. A nurse said her floor voted unanimously to forgo a 3 percent raise. A fellow in finance who got laid off from his prior job at a hospital in Rhode Island suggested working one less day a week. Another nurse said she was willing to give up some vacation and sick time. A respiratory therapist suggested eliminating bonuses.

"I'm getting about a hundred messages per hour," Levy said yesterday, shaking his head.

Paul Levy is onto something. People are worried about the next paycheck, because they're only a few paychecks away from not being able to pay the mortgage or the rent.

But a lot of them realize that everybody's in the same boat and that their boat doesn't rise because someone else's sinks.

Paul Levy is trying something revolutionary, radical, maybe even impossible: He is trying to convince the people who work for him that the E in CEO can sometimes stand for empathy.

This is the way that a CEO should behave, like a leader.   This is the way a leader leads their people through a crisis.  This is the way you keep morale high, during financially uncertain times.

Paul Levy is the antithesis of Bernie Madeoff, and the CEO's of Lehman brothers, AIG, Merrill Lynch and their Platinum Parachutes.  This is a man of the people.  And I guarantee you, that if and when this crisis is over, the workers of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston will remember who led them through the crisis, allowed them to keep their jobs, their paychecks, and their dignity.

Ladies and gentlemen of Active Rain.  This is the portrait of a modern American Hero.  Let's hope, whatever Paul Levy has... is contagious!

Give this man a well deserved round of applause.

FOR SALE: 4 Bed/1 Bath Single Family Home in Belgium, WI

4 bed/1 bath home, living in the country, Belgium WI

Livin' in the Country

2076 County Rd A
Belgium, WI 53004

$149,900
MLS #1062648

Beds:

4

Year Built:

1952

Stories:

1.5

Baths:

1

Garage:

1

Square Feet:

1292

 Front of 2067 Country Rd A Belgium, WI

 Living room of 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

2076 Country Rd A Belgium, WI

Bedroom at 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

Bedroom at 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

 Kitchen at 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

 Bathroom at 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

Rear exterior of 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

Storage shed at 2076 Country Rd A in Belgium, WI

Description

Have you been looking for a place to call “home"?  You’ve found it here in this well-maintained Cape Cod located in peaceful Holy Cross.  Bigger than it looks, this home has spacious rooms and loads of built-ins and storage.  Recent improvements include newer roof and gutters, siding, kitchen and bathroom floors, some carpet and windows, front deck, updated electrical service, furnace and central air and water heater.  Large attic access offers potential for future bath.  All appliances included.  Year built and square footage per assessordata.org; lot size per tax record.  With low interest rates, this is the perfect time to buy!  Come home to the peace and quiet of country living!

Features

Interior:

Central air, circuit breakers, electrical appliance hookup, forced air heating/cooling, full basement, full bath on main, large closets, large kitchen, living room, natural gas heating/cooling, shower over tub, utility room on lower level

Exterior:

Cape Cod style, deck, detached garage, garden shed, paved driveway, satellite dish, vinyl exterior 

Appliances:

Oven, refrigerator, washer/dryer

Lot Descr:

Private well water, septic system

Agent/Broker Info

List Office:

Shorewest Realtors

List Agent:

Peggy Wester

Phone:

(262) 375-4108 ext 325

Cell:

(262) 370-1757

Website:

http://www.peggywester.com

Email:

pwester@shorewest.com

Talk to Me -- I'll Listen!

Email

One of the most important parts of a real estate agent's job is to maintain communication with buyers and sellers. For me, that means emailing or calling them on a regular basis. It also means the communication must go both ways to really be successful.

When working with a seller, I think it's important to let them know what kind of activity we've had on their house (even if we haven't had any inquiries in a given week), provide feedback from open houses and private showings, and keep them up-to-date on what is happening in their market. Have any of the homes they're competing against received an accepted offer? Have any closed? Have any adjusted their price? Where are they positioned in relation to the competition?

Talking on phoneWhen working with a buyer, maintaining communication means keeping them informed of new listings as they become available as well as informing them of price adjustments or other changes in listings they've shown an interest in.

Just as my buyers and sellers expect and appreciate communication from me, so do I expect and appreciate it from them.

Hearing back from a seller in regards to feedback received from potential buyers or when suggesting repositioning the house in the market (i.e., adjusting the price) is invaluable. It tells me they are receiving my messages and hearing what I'm telling them.

Hearing back from a buyer regarding listings that are forwarded to them or whether or not their purchasing plans have changed is just as invaluable. It helps me to know if the homes being sent are "on the mark" or if they're even still interested in buying a new home.

Stop watchMy sellers' and buyers' time is valuable. My time is valuable, too. Maintaining an open  line of communication from the beginning of the relationship helps all stay on target and use our time in the most productive and efficient way.

Respond to emails. Respond to phone calls. Keep each other informed of what's going on and what your plans are. That can only help all of us work better together in helping sellers and buyers reach their real estate goals.

Talk to me. I will listen!

Why Go To Church?

I just received this in an email from a friend and thought I'd pass it on. Some food for thought.

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope! 
 
Why Go To Church? 
 
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday . "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." 
 
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: 
 
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all
nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be
spiritually dead today!"

When you are DOWN to nothing... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!