February 05, 2010 at 10:46 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Read that again, I said SUPER SUNDAY….Did you think I meant Super Bowl Sunday? Well that too! But when you work in the profession I do, every Sunday is Super Sunday.
Open houses abound and it is a chance for potential buyers to take a peek inside of homes they’ve seen online. It is a chance for sellers to open the door and show off the home they loved and now have on the market.
Every job has its plusses and minuses. Working weekends is just part of our job in real estate, and Sunday is one of the most productive because of open houses! THIS SUNDAY WILL BE NO DIFFERENT! The Super Bowl starts late afternoon, 
so even if you are going to a party, you have a chance to stop at some opens. For a full schedule, check out this link to view local open houses.
There is much hype about the Super Bowl, who’s playing, how they got there, who should have gotten there, who’s the half time entertainment and of course the commercials!
Monday morning there will be all the rehashing of the evenings entertainment and the outcome. Here are some top Super Bowl plays from years gone by.
Personally after what New Orleans has been through as a disaster city for the last few years, I’d love to see them go home winners….How about you? Other winners this weekend will be the buyers who get out there and find a dream home on Super Sunday!
Posted by:
Pat Tasker
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February 04, 2010 at 03:57 PM
Luxury can be defined as very rich, pleasant and comfortable surroundings. Luxury can also be defined as The Glen at Blackstone Creek in Germantown. This magnificent community offers a private clubhouse, outdoor pool, a fitness room, open air amphitheater, a putting green and walking trails among tranquil ponds.
The Glen at Blackstone Creek condominium development features ranch homes situated on the Blackstone Creek Golf Course. These luxury ranch homes can be free standing or side by side units with private patios. Home features include open floor plans with dramatic ceiling heights, hardwood floors, granite counters, 6 panel doors and custom millwork throughout.
There are currently 9 homes available for immediate move-in. All available homes feature 2 bedrooms and a minimum of 2 full bathrooms.
These luxury homes range in square footage from 1,570 - 2,623 and offer full basements, all plumbed for a full bath, some with full size windows and walk-outs.
Future homes will also feature open floor plans with dramatic ceiling heights, hardwood floors, granite counters, 6 panel doors and custom millwork throughout. These upcoming luxury homes will range in square footage from 1,594 - 2,008 and offer full basements, all plumbed for a full bath, some with full size windows and walk-outs or can be built as slab on grade.
The Glen at Blackstone Creek is an Epcon Community, featuring quality built homes that are distinguished by visually exciting interior and exterior design elements and superior construction materials. There are choice lot and home packages available for you to customize. Call The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen (262-894-6512) for more information, or check out our website: thekuchtas.shorewest.com today! More information is just a ‘click’ away.
Isn’t it time to stop shoveling and cutting the grass and start living your life? Make the move to a luxury condo at The Glen at Blackstone Creek - your new life awaits!
Posted by:
Colleen Kuchta
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January 29, 2010 at 08:41 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
When the Pilgrims came to America in the 17th century, they lived simple lives and struggled through daily routines with the most basic of necessities and primitive housing.
Today, those Pilgrims would be amazed at the life enjoyed by owners at Pilgrim Glen Condominium in Menomonee Falls.
The location is so convenient, a quiet setting on Pilgrim Road, just south of Good Hope Road, with the conveniences of suburban living, yet a hop onto the freeway to quickly get to downtown for nightlife, theatre, museums and restaurants!
Pilgrim Glen’s setting finds 2 units per building with attached garages spread out over the grounds. The club house is fully decorated and features a large living area for parties and gatherings plus a full kitchen. The fitness center is enjoyed by all and offers a wide array of equipment. The outdoor pool is a natural gathering spot for owners during those hot summer months.
Pilgrim Glen always has something social going on for those looking for something to do, whether it is a Packer Party on the weekend or game nights, ladies bunko, Saturday morning donuts and coffee. In summer activities move outdoors and include “jazz in the park” at the gazebo and water aerobics. Pool parties are popular events where everyone brings a dish to pass, including a Luau Last year, so festive where drinks were served inside big coconuts. These events are well attended and everyone has a great time. A group called “helping hands” has been put together by a few of the residents. They offer their services for free to Pilgrim Glen homeowners. They get up on ladders to change light bulbs; they are willing to help with household projects you may need assistance with. “The overall feeling here is being surrounded by caring friends” says one of the residents. You can meet up with the neighbors and share some fun times together if you’d like, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings with friends and family. The grounds are lovely for walkers with several ponds and trails around them.
If this Pilgrim lifestyle sounds enticing to you, Call for your appointment to see this unit that is now for sale. This unit with 3 BR, 2.5 baths, it is a rare one with a master suite upstairs, meaning privacy for mom & dad or a great home office for the telecommuter! Purchased as new construction the sellers chose this unit over the others after they fell in love with the private location and view of the ponds and woods. Your patio overlooks this tranquil scene, and you could be the next owner to enjoy, but only if you hurry!
This unit is shown by appointment only; please call Pat Tasker for your chance to see what life is like at Pilgrim Glen: 414-588-4907.
Posted by:Pat Tasker
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January 26, 2010 at 02:44 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Looking for a great subdivision near the Sendik’s Towne Center in Brookfield?
Look no further than Glen Kerry subdivision!
Nestled in the heart of Brookfield, close to fantastic amenities such as:
- Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
- Foxbrook Park and swimming beach
- Mitchell Park
- Quaint ‘old’ downtown Brookfield
- Elementary Schools and Brookfield Central High School
- Brookfield Public Library
- Brookfield Post Office
- Brookfield Square Mall
If you are looking for that special house that is custom built, pristine, and showcase ready, check it out at www.lisaroglow.shorewest.com/1116255.
Posted by:
Lisa Rossetto
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January 21, 2010 at 11:52 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
You should already know that Uncle Sam is offering tax credits to homeowners that improve the energy efficiency of their primary residences.
There are a few things you should be aware of before you tackle any projects. The improvements must meet IRS efficiency standards. Not all products that carry an Energy Star label qualify. Remember to save your labels and receipts; you may need them later to get the tax credit. If you are having a contractor make the improvements, ask that your bill be itemized showing materials and labor separately because labor is not an allowed cost on smaller jobs.
Homeowners can re-coup 30% of the cost, up to a total of $1,500, for projects completed in 2009 & 2010. Here is a list of those projects:
- Replacing older windows & doors
- Adding insulation
- Upgrading HVAC systems
- Put in a newer water heater
- Install efficient biomass stove
- Fix a worn roof
Labor can be included in the credit for bigger jobs like HVAC, stoves & water heater. Only the cost of materials is allowed for insulation, roofs, windows & doors.
There are a few projects that don’t have a cap because they involve using alternative energy sources. Homeowners can recoup 30% of the costs, and the credit runs through 2016. These credits can be claimed on your primary residence as well as secondary homes. Rentals do not qualify. Here’s the list:
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Small residential wind turbines
- Solar energy systems
IRS Form 5965 must be completed to claim your rebate. For further instructions & guidelines a tax advisor should be consulted.
Posted by:Colleen Kuchta
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January 14, 2010 at 10:17 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
I’m sure that you have heard it a thousand times, but it cannot be stressed enough: De-clutter if you are trying to sell! I was showing properties to a buyer this weekend, and they were thrown off by the amount of ‘stuff’ that was left lying around. Books, clothes, shoes, toys, the list goes on & on. Even holiday decorations can be seen as clutter if there are too many, or they are not well placed.
Before we set up the appointments, my buyers and I made sure the homes we selected met all the criteria for bedrooms, bathrooms, location, etc. I know that if the buyers could have seen past some of that ‘stuff’, we would have been writing an offer last night instead of searching the internet for the next group of houses to see.
One easy way to make your house appear tidy is to purchase a few large plastic storage bins. When you know that you are having a showing, toss the items you see laying around into the bins. Buyers will think you are organized & will be impressed rather than thrown off.
Although buyers may not say it out loud, they believe that if your home is well organized & tidy there is a better chance that you have been performing routine maintenance. When buyers see clutter, they sometimes think household tasks are being overlooked.
Do yourself a favor & tidy up before a buyer comes through. You might be pleasantly surprised by an offer if you do!
Posted by:Colleen Kuchta
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January 13, 2010 at 06:07 PM · Posted under Steve Bauman
First-time home buyers were the engines that drove the Waukesha County real estate market in 2009.
By all accounts, the number of homes sold appears to be stabilizing. However, much of the activity has been in the lower price and can be tied to the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit.
In 2008, there were 2,933 Waukesha County homes priced above $100,000 sold through MLS. That figure in 2009 was 2,901. That modest 1 percent decline looks awfully good when compared to the 22 percent drop in the number of homes sold between 2007 and 2008.
By all indications the first-time homebuyer credit had a big impact on the Waukesha County marketplace. Sales of homes priced between 100,000 and $199,999 were up a whopping 30 percent in 2009. Sellers in this price range saw more activity with many homes selling quickly at or near the asking price.
That impressive surge was offset by a 42 percent decline for homes priced between $600,000 and $750,000. The drop in activity here can be attributed, in large part, to the lack of transferees in the marketplace.
The 44 sales in this price range in 2009 pales in comparison to the 135 sold in 2007. That’s a two-thirds drop in sales volume in only two years. It would take all the talents of Ken Lay and Bernie Madoff to make those sales numbers look good.
Let’s hope 2010 sees further stabilization and at all price points. If that were to happen, then we could say we are in full recovery.
Posted by:
Steve Bauman
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January 12, 2010 at 08:54 AM · Posted under Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Formica has a new product out this year 180fx which replicates the look of granite and is a fraction of the cost. Check it out on their website at Formica180FX.com.
Cesearstone has a great new product called Motivo that can be used as a wall surface with dimension (think plaster relief). Check it out on their website at Caesarstoneus.com.
Refresh, renew and remodel your home this year!
Posted by:Lisa Rossetto
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January 11, 2010 at 09:27 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Have you heard the saying “Brown is the new Black” or “50 is the new 40”? Well January/February is the new Spring! At least in Real Estate.
If you are planning on selling this spring, I have news for you! Spring will be a little too late this year. Due to the Tax Credit Extension and Expansion, buyers are already out there hitting the pavement and searching for a new home. They can’t wait until Spring. In order to qualify for the tax credit, you must have an accepted offer by April 30th, 2010 and close within 60 days. Details on this can be found at bit.ly/DontWait4Spring.
So if you are a seller who was planning on selling this spring, you must act now and get your home on the market.
For a free marketing consultation and staging advice, Call Pat Tasker at Shorewest Realtors. This appointment will not only give you pricing advice, but look at ideas on showing your home in the best light. The market today is a cross between a Beauty Contest and a Pricing War. Not only do you have to have the RIGHT price, but it has to look GREAT. I can give you easy steps to take on both counts. Call me today at 262-437-5853
Posted by:Pat Tasker
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January 06, 2010 at 09:31 AM · Posted under Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
As a realtor in Brookfield, Wisconsin, this is a question I get asked quite often, especially during the winter months, when people are in the throws of remodeling.
Here’s what you can expect in the Midwest:
Major Kitchen remodel average cost of $58,000 will recoup about 62% of cost.
Minor Kitchen remodel average cost of $21,000 will recoup about 69% of cost.
A major kitchen remodel would include replacement of cabinets, counters, lighting, appliances, and perhaps flooring, whereas a minor kitchen remodel would utilize existing cabinets, flooring, counters, and perhaps change lighting, appliances, add tile backsplash, etc.
Major bath remodel average cost of $54,000 will recoup about 52% of cost.
Minor bath remodel average cost of $16,000 will recoup about 60% of cost.
Best payback of 90% is for replacement of entry door.
Window and siding replacements will recoup between 68-72%.
The best part about all this remodeling is that you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor before you sell!
(Info. from the Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Report by Hanley Wood LLC)
Posted by:Lisa Rossetto
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December 21, 2009 at 02:32 PM · Posted under Steve Bauman
If Paul Revere were alive today, he’d be shouting from his saddle (OK, maybe he’d Twitter from his Lazy Boy), “Higher interest rates are coming. Higher interest rates are coming.”
For much of 2009 the Federal Reserve has been buying mortgage-backed securities to the tune of more than $1 trillion. This aggressive buying program has helped keep mortgage interest rates hovering around 5 percent for 30-year money.
The Fed has set aside another $163 billion for purchases between now and the end of March. This pace of purchases is substantially less than earlier in the year. Once March 30, 2010 arrives, the buying by the Fed is scheduled to stop.
Everything I’ve been reading says to expect rates to start creeping up after the first of the year. Many experts are predicting 30-year mortgage rates of about 6 percent by April.
What does that mean to you as a home purchaser? Say you are buying a $300,000 home with 20 percent down. Monthly principal and interest at 4.875 percent on a 30 year mortgage is $1,270.10. That same loan at 6 percent will cost $1,438.92 per month.
Looking at it from a different angle, that $168 per month savings actually increases your buying power by almost $32,000.
So, the big question is, “what are you waiting for?”
Inventory of available homes is good and Uncle Sam is willing to chip in tax credits of $6,500 to $8,000. Housing prices are down but appear to be stabilizing and interest rates are incredibly low with most predicting an increase on the horizon. I’d say now is the time to buy that new home.
Posted by:Steve Bauman
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December 18, 2009 at 12:39 PM · Posted under Steve Bauman
Short sales can mean big savings to savvy consumers. They also can result in frustration and failure. Pull up a chair for a story about one very disappointing short sale non-transaction.
A builder was facing foreclosure on an expensive spec home that he had had on the market for three-plus years. There were two mortgages on the property held by the same bank and totaling about $1 million.
In June, we were able to cobble together an offer from a very qualified buyer for about $150,000 less than the amount owed on the property. The offer, Seller’s financials and everything else initially required by the lender was promptly forwarded to the lender.
For almost two months we heard absolutely nothing from the lender, despite repeated calls and emails. Finally, we were notified that the file had been assigned to a “negotiator.”
Just when progress was being made, we were informed the FDIC had taken over the file for the second mortgage and they had assigned the note to a collection agency. This is nearly three months into the process and the Buyer was growing impatient.
We begin the negotiations anew with the collection agency with the same sort of mind-numbing multiple requests for already provided documents. After a series of back-and-forths (the collection agency refused to speak directly to the first mortgage negotiator, so we had to serve as intermediary for all communication) the first and second mortgage holders were a few thousand dollars apart on a settlement.
We were at a standoff. And a ridiculous one at that. The second mortgage holder stood to receive absolutely nothing if the property went to a sheriff’s sale, yet its representatives would not reduce their demand. The first faced additional expenses of a sheriff’s sale and holding the property but would not up their offer to the second. Meanwhile, the Buyers had grown weary of the entire process and had found another home.
The Buyers gave notice that they would be withdrawing their offer unless a resolution between the mortgage company and collection agency could be reached in short order. Again, there was no movement by either party.
You guessed it…the Buyers walked.
Two more months have passed and the house now sits vacant, deteriorating from a lack of heat and electricity. And no sheriff’s sale has been scheduled.
I can’t imagine a worse outcome. Eventually, the first mortgage holder will take over the property. It will either have to hire someone to restore the home or sell it at a steep discount. Remember, this is a house that had been marketed for more than three years without attracting an offer, so a quick sale is highly unlikely.
Meanwhile, the second mortgage holder (a.k.a. you and me, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer) will lose about $200,000. Municipal taxes go uncollected. A neighborhood of expensive homes suffers because of the neglected property and its eventual sale at an extreme discount.
The FDIC’s representative however took it all in stride. When informed the deal was falling apart, his response: “Oh well, that’s one less file on my desk.”
Posted by:Steve Bauman
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December 16, 2009 at 10:12 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
As you may well know, the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and expanded. The IRS has also issued a few guidelines for you to follow. Number one on the list: if you have purchased a new home since November 6, 2009 and you qualify for the tax rebate, you will need to wait until a revised Form 5405 is issued by the IRS later this month. The IRS has made changes to the old form and added instructions on claiming your Tax Rebate check. If you purchased after November 6th, and sent in your request for the Tax Rebate, it will be in vain. The IRS issued a bulletin before Thanksgiving that clearly states all rebate request must be made on the NEW Form 5405 - which will be coming out later this month.
Not sure if you qualify for the credit? Here it is in a nutshell:
You must be a first time home buyer (haven’t owned a home in the past 5 years) OR if you have owned a home for 5 of the past 8 years, and are buying a new home, the new home must be used as your principal residence.
The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price with first time buyers receiving a credit up to $8,000, and current home owners receiving up to $6,500.
The new home must be under contract by April 30, 2011 and the transaction must be closed by June 30, 2011.
Members of the Armed Forces and diplomatic personnel serving in foreign countries will get an extra year to purchase a home. They will be given until April 30, 2011 to have a home under contract and until June 30, 2011 to close the transaction.
The new home cannot cost more than $800,000.
Single family homes, multi-family homes and condominiums are included in the credit, provided the purchaser occupies the property.
No one under 18 can qualify for the credit.
If you are able to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s taxes, you will not qualify for the credit.
There are income restrictions, $125,000 for a single person and $225,000 for persons filing jointly. A single person making between $125,000-$145,000 and joint filers making between $225,000-$245,000 may qualify for phased down credit amounts.
Finally, if you are thinking of co-signing, but are unsure if this will effect the eligibility of a first time buyer. The IRS states that the ineligible co-purchaser does not effect the tax credit for the first time buyer, as long as none of the credit goes to that person.
Questions or concerns about the credit OR just want some help and guidance with your new home purchase? Contact The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen at 262-894-6512 or send us an email to ckuchta@shorewest.com. We are both Accredited Buyer’s Agents and are happy to go the extra mile to help you find the home that is right for you. Visit us online at thekuchtas.shorewest.com
Posted by:Colleen Kuchta
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December 15, 2009 at 11:19 AM · Posted under Steve Bauman
Christmas is about 10 days away and already I’m thinking about shopping.
If you or someone on your gift list loves photographic prints I’d suggest you take a look at neilrongstadphotography.com.
Neil is a Milwaukee-based photographer who specializes in high-contrast black and white urban landscapes. Much of his work is shot at night and the images are truly striking. Neil’s stunning pictures of the Calatrava are worthy of an exhibit there.
An ever-expanding portfolio features many Milwaukee landmarks and Neil recently has added pieces from New York, Chicago and Madison.
I met Neil a couple of years ago when I sold his downtown Milwaukee condo. The buyer was so impressed with his work that his offer to purchase included several of Neil’s prints. At the closing, Neil graciously gave me a couple of prints as a gift.
Be sure to check out Neil’s website. Milwaukee has never looked so good.
Posted by:Steve Bauman
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December 11, 2009 at 02:23 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
When it comes to selling a home, there are 4 mistakes some sellers continue to make. Avoid these, and you will find yourself at the closing table within normal market times!
- DECLINING A SHOWING REQUEST! Hard to believe but many times a seller will not approve a showing, as it conflicts with their “schedule”. “Sorry, my kids are napping then” or “Sorry, we are having friends over” or one of many other reasons we have heard. Make every attempt to accommodate the showing request. It may be inconvenient, but work with it. My experience has been, if you don’t set the appointment, there may be no second chance. GET THEM IN. If you are hosting a party at 2 pm, ask if they could come between l & l:30 pm, right before the company gets there. The house will be in great showing condition. DON’T SAY NO…
- NOT DECLUTTERING! A recent consumer panel revealed this comment: “The house was so cluttered! If they can’t find a place for all their stuff, how could we? It was just too small and didn’t look good.” You only have that one chance to make a good impression. In today’s market, that starts with your online presence. If the photos show a ton of clutter, buyers will most likely pass on your home.
- TESTING THE HIGH SIDE OF PRICE. “We know we won’t get this but want to try”. If you knew that strategy would cost you an additional few months on the market, becoming “shop worn” and eventually getting even less than the indicated market price, would you still try? NO. Price it right from the start, and it will sell. You control what you take, if the buyer writes too low, just say NO. The longer you stay on the market, the lower the price you will get. Buyers start to wonder “what is wrong” with the house, must be something or it would have been sold by now. Click here for a video with more details.
- LISTEN! LISTEN TO THE PROFESSIONAL you hire. If you have picked a good experienced agent, use their experience to help you through the process. They give you advice based on past experience, education and knowledge of the market. LISTEN TO BUYERS FEEDBACK. If you keep hearing the same thing over and over, it is an issue that needs to be dealt with. As your real estate professional, I can “decode” that feedback, and tell you what to do to overcome that issue and bring in an offer!
The home selling process doesn’t have to be frustrating, if you work as a team with your agent. For some good advice when it comes to selling a home in today’s interesting market, call Pat Tasker at Shorewest Realtors 262-437-5853.
Posted by:Pat Tasker
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