Ozaukee & Washington County Real Estate

Goodwill Plans to Come to Grafton!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:19:37 -0500

Looking for a place to donate clothes you no longer wear or items such as furniture, electronics, and housewares? Or are you looking for some gently used furniture, electronics, household items or clothes for yourself or your family?

Goodwill is hoping to open a retail and drop-off location in Grafton! If all goes as planned, the store should be opening in June, and will be located in the former Sears building on Wisconsin Street, just a short distance south of Highway 60/Washington Avenue. This is a great addition to the community as this will be the only location in Ozaukee County.

If you're not familiar with Goodwill, they are a non-profit organization with headquarters in Milwaukee that assists youth, seniors, veterans and military families, immigrants, and people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds and other special needs in securing employment and becoming and staying a contributing member of society. You can learn all about their mission, services, and opportunities by visiting their website, goodwill.org.

Ozaukee County's Best Kept Secret -- Harrington Beach State Park

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:05:45 -0500

I don't ever remember walking along the beach or strolling around the quarry at Harrington Beach State Park in the middle of the winter. But this winter is different.

So far this year, we've had minimal snow and unusually warm temps. Today we made it into the 50s. Add bluer than blue skies, a breeze out of the west, and the golden sun, and you have the makings of the perfect day to play hooky from work.

So that's what I did -- at least for part of the day. I couldn't resist.

If you haven't been to Harrington you should take some time to visit. Located in Belgium, just 25 minutes or so north of Milwaukee, this state park offers year-round activities including camping, fishing, cross country skiing, and hiking.

This is the place we'd go to as kids for some summer fun, whether we biked there from home or drove down with the entire family piled into our old green Dodge on a Sunday afternoon.

No matter the season, there is awe everywhere you look. It's the perfect place to go when you want to play hooky for the day.

Bundle Up for Cedarburg's 38th Annual Winter Festival

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:00:16 -0500

Looking for some winter fun in a community full of charm? Then plan on spending some time at Cedarburg's Winter Festival February 4 and 5.

These two days are full of a variety of events and activities for all ages including the Ice-Burg Open Golf Tournament, Co-Ed Sno-Ball Tournament, a dog weight-pull competition (NEW THIS YEAR!), costumed bed races on Cedar Creek, a parade, barrel races, and snowshoeing. Enjoy a pancake breakfast on Sunday along with an egg hunt. And don't forget to allow enough time to stroll through and enjoy the many shops and restaurants Cedarburg has to offer.

Cedarburg is located about 20 minutes north of Milwaukee and is best know for its old-world charm, unique shops, great restaurants and a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year.

So bundle up and come check out Cedarburg this coming Saturday and Sunday!

How Come You Back Off Every Time I Ask You About Your Pre-Approval?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:36:45 -0500

I think I've written about this topic in the past, but because of some recent happenings, I think it bears repeating.

The first step to buying a house is to get pre-approved.

I know some buyers out there don't want to hear that. You just want to get a taste of what's on the market. What can you get for $150,000? What can you get for $200,000? What can you get for $250,000?

But the bottom line is, it's too risky for me to take the time to search the market for you, to email listings to you, and to drive around showing houses to you if we don't know how much the bank will loan you. And it makes me wonder if perhaps you're not as serious about buying a house as I might have thought you are.

And there's a risk for you, as well. You could walk through a house that you fall in love with only to learn you don't qualify for the price point. Or worse, you could write an offer on a house only to have the seller reject you because you aren't pre-approved.

It's worth it to take the time to talk to your lender about what's affordable to you. It doesn't cost you anything, and it's the most important step you can take toward home ownership.

So please don't back away when the question of whether you are pre-approved comes up in our conversation. It's important for both of us to know the answer so we can determine the best way to proceed with your home search.

Winter Farmers Market in Port Washington

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:38:40 -0500

As I write this, the beginnings of a snowstorm are happening outside. It's bitter cold and those fine snowflakes are falling. You wouldn't think this would be the time of year for a farmers market in Wisconsin -- but it is!

Beginning Saturday, January 28, and continuing the last Saturday of each month through May, is the Port Washington Winter Farmers Market. What sorts of goodies will be sold at this event?

You will find beef, pork, yellow perch, bread, lettuce, preserves, sorghum and honey, maple syrup, chips and dips, butter, cheese and yogurt will be available -- and everything is locally grown or produced!

The market is held at First Congregational Church, 135 North Webster Street from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and it is sponsored in parntership with the First Congregational Church Sustainability Committee, Port Washington Main Street and PortFish LTD.

Be sure to make a note in your calendar to check out Port Washington's Winter Farmers Market and support our local farmers!

Social Media -- The Best and The Worst of It

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:34:03 -0500

I don't think you can exist in this world today and not have at least somewhat of an idea of what social media is even if you don't use it in your everyday life. And I don't think you can be in the real estate business -- or any business for that matter -- and not have it as part of your overall marketing plan.

Today I was reminded yet again just how powerful it is and what a benefit it can be.

In the past 24 hours, I've had a great business plan template emailed to me from a fellow CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) member via LinkedIn. She posted a message and offer to share her plan via the CRS LinkedIn group I joined months ago. She gave me some much needed motivation to sit down and really think about my goals for the coming year and to get it down on paper. Time to hold myself accountable for my real estate business.

I also received some direction from a fellow ActiveRainer on direct marketing and ideas for a simple, yet effective monthly postcard program. You can't interact with this individual and not feel enthused.

Over the past couple of years, I've connected with lenders, real estate agents from my market area but also market areas around the country, home inspectors, past co-workers, and childhood acquaintances and friends. They are now all aware of what I do for a living, and hopefully we can exchange some referrals down the road.

But in recent weeks, I've also seen the not-so-good side of social media. I've seen some inappropriate posts left on Facebook by some professionals whose services I've referred out and local businesses I've patronized.

You hear it all the time -- be careful what you put out there. Watch the language and the tone. Think about how what you write could be misinterpreted by the reader. Think about how it could taint your reputation.

Sometimes I wonder if any of us really understand how far the internet stretches -- how many people now know about us. Once it's out there -- it's out there.

Use social media as part of your business plan. Benefit from it. Learn from it. But perhaps keep the angry commentary, the colorful language, and the sarcasm as a part of private conversation instead.

Reacting with Grace Versus the Alternative

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:31:10 -0500

I've learned a thing or two from some colleagues and myself over the past several years on how and how not to react to different situations in the real estate business.

Got an offer that's not quite what you were hoping it would be? Appreciate that you got an offer. There's a buyer out there that wants to buy your seller's house. Work together to come to agreeable terms. Getting angry at the buyer or the agent who wrote the offer only sets everyone off on the wrong foot from the get go. That's just counter-productive.

Lost a buyer due to a misunderstanding about who was going to be working with said buyer? Assuming you haven't spent too much time with the buyer yet, work out some sort of referral fee or perhaps just let it go. Sometimes it's better to just walk away rather than create awkwardness and confusion for the buyer.

Have a buyer who's making some less than desirable demands of your seller? Keep cool about it. Cursing out the buyer's agent is less than stellar and just unprofessional.

Think your level of production puts you above those around you? Having the ability to stay grounded and offering help and advice to those around you is a much better thing to be rememberd for.

Behave and react with grace. It's a pretty nice way to set yourself apart from those around you.

I'm Realizing I'm Having a Hard Time Letting Go

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:56:51 -0500

I received a call early this morning from one of my sellers to let me know she decided to accept the latest counter offer we received from the buyer who had written an offer on her house. Admittedly, I breathed a sigh of relief.

It's a great offer. Clean, fair, and a pretty quick closing, too. But getting this to the "accepted offer" status wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. And this morning I found out why.

It came down to the realization that agreeing to this latest counter offer meant taking one step closer to letting go of the house. It's the house where she raised her kids. It's the house that defined her independence after a divorce. She told me she gets a lump in her throat when she thinks about accepting this offer. She was realizing she was having a hard time letting go.

I told the seller that no matter why a house is being sold -- good or not so good -- there is going to be emotion weaving its way throughout the process. It's not just a business deal. It's about letting go and moving on to that next chapter.

That house isn't just a bunch of wood and nails and tile and windows and shingles; it's a home. It's where we laugh together, cry together, create holiday and birthday memories, share family meals, and grow together. It's home.

My seller knows her life is pretty great right now. She said it herself. It's time for her to close this chapter and continue the one she started with her new husband last year. I know she's going to be just fine. And I know she's excited for this family about to start a new chapter of their own.

It's Not Nice to Tease

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:11:48 -0500

Dear Mrs. Buyer,

I received your voicemail the other day that you and your husband wanted to buy a house in Ozaukee County. You said you found me on the internet, liked my bio, and were excited to work with me! You left your number, saying you looked forward to hearing from me. I was out and about putting up some "open Sunday" signs and thought it'd be best to call you when I got back to the office -- much easier than trying to talk while driving.

About 20 minutes later, I called the number you left but got your voicemail. I left a message letting you know I would be happy to help you and your husband. I didn't hear back so I tried you again the next day. Left another message and, after not hearing back again, made a third attempt to connect. Still nothing.

So I'm just curious -- what happened?? Did you find another agent in the 20 mintues between you leaving a message and me calling you back? Did I not return your call fast enough? Were you teasing me?

I admit, I got a little giddy when I got your message. You see I've set some pretty ambitious goals for myself this year, and receiving a message like yours the second week of the year -- well I just couldn't help but get a little excited!

I guess I would have just appreciated you taking the time to call me back and let me know what happened. Or you can send me a message. My email address is as easy to find as my bio is.

I certainly hope everything is okay and wish you and your husband well in your home search. And if you still want to work with me, I'd welcome the opportunity. But please call only if you really want to work with me. It's just not nice to tease.

Riveredge Nature Center Winter Snowshoe Night Hike

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:24:45 -0500

Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg is offering a snowshoe hike night on Saturday, January 21. The nature center is located at 4458 Highway Y, and the cost for this event is $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. If you are a member of the center, the cost for adults is $5 and children is $4.

This experience is great for all ages as you learn about the active creatures after dark and enjoy the natural beauty of this gem in Ozaukee County.

Snowshoes will be provided by Riveredge, or you can bring your own. If there's not enough snow to snowshoe, there will still be a regular hike. Be sure to dress appropriately, including insulated boots. Hot beverages will be available after.

Call for a reservation -- 262-375-2715 -- as space is limited.

Bring Back the Shine -- 137 South Tower St., Port Washington, Wisconsin

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:40:11 -0500

Located on the west side of Port Washington, this home offers opportunity for someone looking for a "fixer-upper". On the first floor are the living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a full bath. Per the seller, there are hardwood floors in the living room and bedrooms. Upstairs is a spacious master bedroom with great built-ins, and a half bath. The backyard is generous in size and fenced for added privacy. Gather up your ideas and your vision, and bring back the shine to this home. Lot size/year built per WireData. Home warranty is included. Being sold "as is".

CALL OR EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The Sweet Sound of a Ringing Phone

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:16:48 -0500

With today being a legal holiday, our office is closed.

Nonetheless, I made the decision to come in and get some work done. I seem to be more productive when I'm at the office versus working at home, and with us being closed, I knew the interruptions would be minimal.

I think I got here around 9:00, and the phones have been going CRAZY!! Four hours of steady calls. Sweet way to start the new year and the sort of interruption I would take any day.

Seems there is a renewed sense of optimism this year -- a feeling that things are going to make a turn for the better.

I'm glad I decided to work from the closed office today. I was able to finish up my 2012 business plan, make some calls to a few sellers, send market updates to a couple other sellers, and update my 2012 budget. Quite a productive day.

And the sound of a ringing phone can do amazing things for one's attitude and optimism. Here's to an outstanding 2012 -- for all of us!

A day in the life...

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:45:14 -0500

This is a post that must be shared. Alan May does an outstanding job taking the perspective of a house that's going up for sale. Funny, ingenius, and even a little heartwarming!

Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Realtor® Evanston, Illinois Homes for Sale (Evanston Condos & Evanston Single Family Homes):

Day 1: The Realtor came over today, and he brought a photographer with him. First they moved some of my furnishings around a little (it tickled), opened my drapes, and had the photographer dude take photos. I smiled my bestest smile.

Day 3: The pictures came in... I look radiant. I heard that my owner (sniff, they're trying to get rid of me) is having a "cleaning crew" come over the weekend. I'm a little nervous.

Day 5: The cleaning crew was here... it hurt a little, they used that horrid vacuum under the beds, and behind cabinets... but they also put a few oil-scented plug-ins around... I smell better. While the cleaning crew was here, a painter came by and touched up a few areas where I wasn't looking my best. And the landscaper (Antonio... he's dreamy!)... came by and instead of just mowing my lawn, he trimmed all my hedges, and added a few spots of colour around my yard. I feel fresh and clean.

Day 7: There were a bunch of Realtors who came by this morning. They tromped through the house, and looked at all of my rooms. Some of them even made their way down to my basement. They made some suggestions, and were on their way within a half hour. I'm exhausted.

Day 8: I'm on the market... I'm on the market!! There are beautiful photos of me all over the internet... And there's a sign stuck in my front yard that says "FOR SALE".

Day 14: We've had lots of strangers showing up. Often when my owners aren't home. This makes me really nervous. The first time that happened, I got so excited, I accidentally set off the security alarm. Everyone got really excited, but I felt better when the police showed up and made the Realtor show her credentials.

Day 23: I'm totally exhausted by over three weeks of having to look pretty... but I've heard a rumour that someone has written an offer on me. I hope it was the couple with the little boy. He was so cute, and he liked my room with the blue paint. It would be perfect for him, and I'd love having him here.

Day 24: They say I'm sold. It was the family with the little boy, and they have a little girl, too... and a dog. I don't like dogs... they scratch my floors and they chew on my doors and casements. I'm sad, and nervous.

Day 25: The family that bought me came by for their inspection. They didn't bring the little boy or his sister, but they brought this mean man who told them all the things that are wrong with me. He said that my furnace is ailing... and that I have a leak in my foundation... the nerve!!

Day 26: My family has agreed to repair the foundation, and they're going to give the new family a credit to repair my furnace... whew! I knew I liked them. I'm going to miss them.

Day 29: The foundation crack has been filled. I didn't even realize that my foundation was getting wet, but it feels so much better now.

Day 60: My family has moved out. A big truck arrived, and they loaded all of their things in the truck, and drove away. She stood on my porch for more than a few minutes and cried. She touched my brick, tenderly. I'll miss her... I'm sad.

Day 65: The new family came for something called a "walk-through", and they brought both of the children... they were so excited to see me... and they loved the swingset that my current owners put in the yard for their kids when they were young. They talked about their plans for me. I really tried not to like them, but they're going to repaint me, top-to-bottom. They're going to bring in a brand-new kitchen, and update both bathrooms. I think we're going to get along just fine.

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779 Cell: 847.924.3313 Email: Almay@aol.com
Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate

Do not copy the content of this blog, without first contacting the author for permission. Reblogging is allowed. All other use is strictly prohibited without express permission from me. This blog is tag-resistant... Do not tag me, I don't participate in tagging, no MeMe's don't even think about it

This Job We Have is About So Much More Than Just Selling Houses

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:16:11 -0500

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say 2011 cannot be done soon enough.

What I thought was going to be my "turnaround year," actually ended up being days and months trickling with doubt, anxiety, and fear. I look back and wonder how I got through it knowing full well the hardships aren't over yet. I woke up this morning feeling like someone was sitting on my chest -- when will the worrying end? I've asked myself before and ask again if it is time to give up this career and take a 9-5 job I may not really enjoy but that provides a steady paycheck and health insurance.

Fast forward a couple of hours, and I'm standing in front of the frozen hash brown potato case at the grocery store. As I try to manipulate my cart so another shopper can get by me, I turn to see a past customer looking back at me. I think she was as surprised to see me as I her, and after exchanging our "hellos," she asked if my ears had been ringing. She planned to call me next week. She and her husband are getting divorced. She wants to talk about her options.

I don't know a word to describe fully the shock I felt at hearing her news. I loved working with this family -- they were kind, fun, thoughtful -- I envied the life they had. How could this be??

And I realized again as I have before, that I tend to get emotionally involved -- perhaps more than I should -- with my buyers and sellers. I can't help it. I just do. My job is more than just unlocking doors and pointing out this and that about a house. It's more than filling out contracts and a multitude of other paperwork. It's about helping people move on to the next chapter in their lives. And in order to do that, we get to know about the marriages, the divorces, the new baby, the new job, the job loss, the illnesses, and the deaths. More often than not friendships form.

Running into my past customer this morning reminded me that every one of us, as they say, is carrying some sort of burden. It also seemed to be a sign that, at least for now, I am to continue on this path of selling houses.

Life happens, and it's really, really hard sometimes. But if part of my work involves helping ease that journey for others, I'd say I have a pretty good job.

A Note of Thanks

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:04:54 -0500

It's always this time of year that we seem to get unusually sentimental. Perhaps it's the Christmas carols. Perhaps it's the memories of Christmases past. Perhaps it's the reflecting on the year that is almost behind us.

For me, I always think back over the buyers and sellers I've met -- not only this year, but each year that I've been in real estate. They are the lifeline of my business.

Every day I am grateful for them -- no matter the current market conditions. I say "thank you" for sticking with me, especially during these tough times. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your referrals -- they really are the best compliment I can receive.

I'm ready for another year and expect 2012 to be the best year yet. Your continued support and referrals are appreciated and valued.

Blessings to each of you in the new year ahead.