Ozaukee & Washington County Real Estate: May 2009

Yesterday I received a call from one of my buyers. He didn't want to go through with the accepted offer he had on a house. Simply put...he was experiencing buyer's remorse. I'm sure many of us have experienced this, either as the buyer or as the real estate agent.

The reason may have nothing to do with the inspection or financing or any other contingency in the offer to purchase. The reason may just be "it doesn't feel right."

You never know the response or reaction you're going to get from the listing agent when you make that call to let them know your buyer "wants out." But yesterday, I was the recipient of perhaps the most gracious reaction I've ever received. The seller's agent, while frustrated, showed a degree of compassion and admitted that she, too, had experienced "buyer's remorse" with her first house. She said to go ahead and forward the Cancellation and Mutual Release Agreement.

I think sometimes, especially in these times, emotions can get the best of us. But I was reminded yesterday of the importance of understanding, grace, and professionalism. I will never forget this agent's kindness and certainly hope to have the opportunity to work with her in the future. She's what we need more of in this world of real estate -- and in this world in general.

While Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer for most of us, it is a day meant to remember those who have fought and given their lives to provide us with the freedom we enjoy every day. Take some time this Monday, May 25, to say "thank you."

PORT WASHINGTON -- Parade begins at 10:30 am. The parade starts at the corner of Wisconsin and Grand Avenue and proceeds through downtown to Veterans Memorial Park. Events following the parade include an address by keynote speaker, Joe  Dean, president of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight; presentation of the Badger Boys and Girls representatives, and representatives from the Army thanking the public for their support of our troops and veterans. Music will be provided by the Port Washington High School band.

SAUKVILLE -- A prayer service will be held at 8:00 am at Saukville Union Cemetery. The parade begins at 9:00 am and will go north on Main Street to Veterans Park on Green Bay Avenue. Following the parade there will be placing of a wreath at the Veterans Memorial, the firing of a rifle volley, and the playing taps. An open house and light lunch will be offered at the Legion clubhouse, which is located at 601 W. Dekora Street.

GRAFTON -- Grafton's festivities begin with a parade at 10:00 am, beginning at the Legion hall, 1540 13th Avenue. A program at Veterans Memorial Park will follow, honoring soldiers and recognizing local students. Lunch and beverages will be available after the program at the Legion hall.

FREDONIA -- Fredonia's parade begins at 9:00 am at Firemen's Park on South Milwaukee Street. Joe Demler, a Fredonia native and World War II veteran, will be among the speakers following the parade. The keynote speaker will be Bob Piaro, founder of the Veterans Assistance Foundation. Also featured in the events will be veterans color guard, Ozaukee High School band, and youth groups.

BELGIUM -- A Mass at St. Mary's Church in Lake Church will be celebrated at 8:00 am and will include the reading of the names of veterans whoare buried in local cemeteries. The village's parade will begin at 10:30 am, ending at Community Park. The Master of Ceremonies will be Joe Sopko, Post Commander of Belgium American Legion Memorial Post 412. A memorial plaque will also be unveiled. The Cedar Grove-Belgium High School Band will perform, and food and beverages will be available.

I have to admit that there have been times when I've wanted to curse some of those home shows so many of us seem to be addicted to. Sometimes they have a way of making it look like selling a home is so easy. They can give the impression that a buyer makes a choice after seeing just three homes. And they have a way of convincing sellers to make every improvement they suggest, regardless of cost.

Sigh...if it were only that easy.

But over the past week, I met with two potential sellers who both said they know what work they need to do to prep their home for sale -- declutter, paint, replace damaged screens, reduce the number of personal photos, and CLEAN! They both observed, as we walked around the exterior, that they had to work on their gardens -- clean out the weeds, add new mulch where needed, and cut the lawn!

And both knew they should not put their homes on the market until these preparations were complete.

And how did they know all this? Both admitted, "I watch those home and garden shows."

They understand that you only get one chance to make a positive first impression. They both understand that you want potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house, not the current owners.

So I apologize to all the home and garden shows out there for the bad thoughts I've had. You've done good.

Alas! The grass is green and even needs to be cut! The daffodils are in full bloom. The temperatures are on the rise. People are coming out and enjoying the new life we call spring. And it seems like the real estate market in Ozaukee and Washington counties is continuing to come back to life, as well.

The number of single family homes that sold in Ozaukee County rose from 39 in March to 45 in April. In Washington county, that number rose from 52 to 69.

During the month of April, Ozaukee county didn't see the sale of any two-family dwellings, but Washington county increased by one over March.

Condominiums continue to sell, as well, with the number of sold units remaining steady in both Ozaukee and Washington counties with 10 and 22, respectively. 

SUMMARY OF SALES IN OZAUKEE AND WASHINGTON COUNTY JANUARY - APRIL 2009

The tables below illustrate the number of units currently on the market and with the status of "pending." (The status "pending" means the property has an accepted offer and all contingencies have been removed.)

Interest rates continue to hover around the 5% mark, and the $8000 credit is still available to first-time homebuyers. So if you've been thinking about jumping into the real estate market, this may be the time to spring into action!