10 Things to Toss From Your Kitchen in the Next 10 Minutes

Got a small window of free time? Use it to de-clutter your cook space in a flash by unloading these extraneous items.

• Duplicate tools. (You don’t need three whisks or four graters.)
• Mismatched mugs. (Buy a nice-looking set instead.)
• Chipped plates.
• Takeout menus. (They’re all online.)
• Ketchup and soy sauce packets.
• Worn-out water bottles.
• Specialty glassware you keep on the top shelf and never use. (Examples: tiny cordial glasses, heavy beer steins.)
• Lids without a pot.
• Kiddie plates (i.e. princess- or Elmo-themed) that your preteens have grown out of.
• Restaurant takeout containers. (Invest in a unified set that will instantly neaten up your shelves and refrigerator

Pets Need A Healthy Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family – and that includes the four-legged members! Here are some tips to keep animals safe during seasonal celebrations.

2016 Home Buying Force Full of Millennials

2016 Home Buying Force Full of Millennials

2016’s Buying Force

Fueling the increase in total sales, realtor.com® predicts three distinct segments of home buyers to dominate: older millennials (25 to 34 years old); younger Generation Xers (35 to 44 years old), and retirees (65 to 74 years old), Smoke says.

Millennials: Millennials are expected to make up the largest demographic of buyers in the coming year at 30 percent of the existing home market.

“Driven by increasing income, millennials will seek out homes that meet the needs of their growing families – putting the most weight on the safety of the neighborhood and the quality of the home,” according to realtor.com®’s forecast. “Commute time and a preference for older homes have these buyers looking in city centers and closer-in suburbs.”

Contact Heidi Buchberger RE/MAX Realty Center to BUY your next home!

262-443-2672

heidi.buchberger03@gmail.com

WHY YOUR REALTOR MAY SAY "YOU'RE FIRED!"

Posted by Debbie Drummond on Friday, November 20th, 2015 at 6:41pm.

THE "DO NOT" LIST WHEN BUYING & SELLING YOUR HOME

The Real Estate profession attracts a variety of personalities.  Most who succeed in real estate do so because they care about helping their clients.  Having to "fire" a client is not something agents look forward to.  In fact, we may go out of our way to avoid firing a difficult client.  

Realtors don't get paid until you buy or sell your home.  They have no choice but to fire clients who insist on counter-productive tactics.  These are some things to avoid if you don't want to hear "You're Fired!"

REALISTIC BUYERS & SELLERS FINISH FIRST

Buying a home can be similar to buying a car.  Look at the payment estimator on the website for a luxury car like Lexus or Mercedes.  Ask for a vehicle you can buy or lease for $250/month with no money down.  You get zero results.  

The same is true when buying a home.  If you want a home with a pool in the most popular area, you won't find it for the economy price.

An experienced Realtor will help you understand the current market.  They'll help you decide how much to offer.  When the offer is accepted they will guide you through each step of the home buying process.

If you insist on making a lowball offer, your Realtor may let you try it once or twice.  Sellers may counter or simply reject low ball offers.  While you're waiting for the seller's response, another buyer may come along and make a better offer.  If you continue making lowball offers, smart agents will stop wasting their time on you.

The Price isn't RIGHT!  When marketing homes for sale, Realtors invest their time and money.  Professional photographs, virtual tours and advertising expenses can add up.  The best marketing in the world won't sell a home if the price isn't right. Many Realtors reject over-priced listings rather than wasting their time and money.

If you disagree with the price your Realtor suggests, let them know you disagree but give them a chance to show how they arrived at the price.  Remember, even Zillow admits they are not 100% accurate.  If your Realtor has comps supporting their price, chances are good your Realtor is right and the online evaluation is off.  Remember, the online valuations have not seen your home or the comps.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

One of the most frustrating clients Realtors encounter is the one who ignores the paperwork.  When you're buying a home, not performing in a timely manner can have consequences.  Some of the most challenging clients are the ones who procrastinate until the last minute.  Missed deadlines can put deals in jeopardy.  They may even trigger penalties such as a per diem for closing delays.

Buyers who fail to have inspections performed during the due diligence period may waive their right to do them.  Once the due diligence period has passed, contingencies based on inspections are considered removed.

If you're buying a home in a Homeowner's Association, take time to review the HOA documents as soon as you receive them.  The HOA documents are an important contingency.  If you find them objectionable you must cancel within the specified time frame.  In Nevada, buyers have 5 days to review the HOA documents.  Find something objectionable?  You can cancel within the five day period and get your deposit back.  Wait longer and your Earnest Money Deposit is at risk.

Loan Documents are necessary.  Providing all necessary documents to the lender is another area where delaying can cause problems.  Today's underwriters must follow stricter guidelines.  Once they review the initial documents, they will usually have another list of items for the buyer to provide.  The new documents may lead to requests for more.  Buyers who delay getting items to the lender may not get their loan approved in time.  

Sellers must co-operate with the time frame.  Those who don't allow buyers access for inspections and appraisals can put themselves at risk.  HOA documents need to be ordered so the buyer has time to review them.  Disclosures need to be completed, signed and provided to the buyers.  Delays in these areas can delay closing.  

One of the most common problems with sellers is not moving out in time.  Most Wisconsin escrows close in 30-45 days. The buyer is entitled to a "Final Walk Thru".  In order for the buyer to do their walk thru, you need to move out.  Start packing as soon as you accept the offer.  It's a good idea to schedule moving out after they've performed inspections and removed contingencies.  You must be out before closing so the buyer can do their final walk thru.  If necessary, you can put your possessions in storage.

HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU AFFORD?

Most Realtors have at least a couple of experiences with unqualified buyers.  Newbie agents may be timid about getting buyers pre-approved before showing them homes.  Experienced agents may occasionally have a client who has a pre-approval but something gets them dis-approved.

Few things are more frustrating than spending days chauffeuring a buyer all over town only to find out they can't buy a home. It's frustrating for the Realtor who could have used the time for other activities.  It's embarrassing and frustrating for the buyer who finds their dream home only to learn they can't buy it.  The embarrassment and frustration can easily be avoided by finding out how much house you can afford before going to look at homes.

New agents may be willing to take a chance showing homes to buyers without pre-approvals.  This isn't a good idea.  There are better ways to get to know the neighborhoods.  Try previewing homes for sale, attend broker opens and network with experienced agents.  Letting a buyer into the car is a liability for any agent.  Realtor safety is one concern.  Have an accident with a buyer in the car and insurance can skyrocket.  Agents shouldn't risk taking out a buyer who isn't pre-approved.

Many of today's sellers demand that buyers be pre-qualified before they can see their home.  This is definitely true in the luxury home market.  High end home owners are not only concerned that unqualified buyers will waste their time.  It becomes a security concern.  Luxury home buyer paying cash?  Sellers will want to see a proof of funds or letter from the buyer's financial institution to verify that the buyer can afford the home.

Buyers who will not get a pre-approval or provide a proof of funds will find themselves low on the totem pole with top agents. This is true in any price range.  It's more important in the luxury home market.  Over the years, I've had many calls from buyers who want to see high end homes.  Legitimate buyers understand when asked for a pre-approval or proof of funds.  Most would expect the same from buyers viewing their home.  A simple letter from a financial adviser can verify your assets without revealing account numbers or your identity.

FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING LAWS MUST BE FOLLOWED

If you suggest that you'd prefer buyers of a certain nationality, religion, etc., a smart agent will not list your home.  Aiding a seller who wants to discriminate is one of the easiest ways for a Realtor to jeopardize their license.  Not to mention they can get stuck with huge fines.  You can also be liable if you are found guilty of discrimination.

Most sellers are more concerned about getting the best price for their home than trying to pick and choose the buyer.  They focus on the buyer's financial qualifications instead of color or religion.  Experienced Realtors inform sellers that they follow Federal Fair Housing Laws and walk away from sellers who insist that their home should only be shown to "x" buyers. 

Buyers who want to be in a neighborhood that's predominantly a particular race are another form of discrimination.  Fair housing laws prevent Realtors from steering buyers to or from specific neighborhoods.  This means Realtors cannot tell you that a neighborhood is or isn't "safe".  

Realtors can suggest you consult with the local Police Department.  In Milwaukee, the official Metro Police Department website has a crime mapping tool.  Besides researching online, it's always a good idea for buyers to drive by properties that interest them at various hours.  Even in the best area, you can find that neighbor who likes to have parties until 5:00 a.m.  These are little details that even the best Realtor won't know.

HOW TO SUCCEED WHEN BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME

Our Realtor friend, Bill Gassett wrote a great article "10 Things Buyers Do that Realtor Hate".  When I read the article, I had to smile because he captured things that Realtors find irritating.  The reason the 10 things are so annoying is they are sure fire ways to fail.  

If you insist on sabotaging the Realtor's efforts, your agent will not only be annoyed but you won't succeed in buying or selling your home as easily as you could have.  Realtors deal with home buyers and sellers everyday.  If your Realtor is getting annoyed, your actions may be like shooting yourself in the foot.

Call Now

Heidi Buchberger RE/MAX Realty Center 262-443-2672

heidi.buchberger03@gmail.com 

Woo hoo, It's Friday

3 Real Estate Investment Tips for Choosing a Rental Property

Those who intend to build or diversify their investment portfolios often choose to buy a real estate property because of its perceived inherent stability of this mode of investment. While it is true that investors may stand to earn a lot more by investing in the stocks of some blue chip company, the risks associated are usually greater too.

On the other hand, a house generally appreciates in value as the years go by. So those who want to play safe when making their investment decisions usually decide to go in for a piece of real estate. The key is to choose rental property that is most likely to bring you an impressive return.

Like stocks, shares, and bonds, the investor needs to be extremely careful when buying a property for real estate investment. Not all properties make sound investments and bring on a cash flow readily. Keep reading for a few pointers to help you choose the ideal real estate investment property.

Tip #1. Choose Single-Family Homes Over Condos

Some research studies have shown that single-family homes tend to be more suitable as real estate investment options than condos. This is primarily because of the kind of renters that the former tends to attract. More than 60 percent of all single-family home tenants have children and so move less often than unmarried individuals in their 20s and 30s and childless couples in the same age bracket. In fact, tenants of single-family home tenants are about 20 percent more likely to live in a house for five years or more.

Tip #2. Choose Rental Property with Location Advantages

When you choose rental property for a real estate investment, consider buying one that will attract tenants in droves and also definitely appreciate in value through the years. One way to ensure this is to buy a property that has obvious location advantages. While judging in the light of this criteria, keep in mind that proximity to a school district and a major interstate and the presence of recreational opportunities in the vicinity will make your property always be in high demand among tenants with varied needs.

What is more, these location advantages will ensure that the worth of your property won’t decline in future and you can sell it easily—to a family with school-going kids, a couple in their sunset years who want to settle in a quiet and safe community with lots of recreational opportunities nearby, or a couple who wants to stay somewhere from where it is easy to commute to their respective places of work.

Tip #3. Choose Rental Property That’s Built Right

When looking for a property to buy to add to your investment portfolio, always go in for a house that has a stable structure and a strong foundation. A sturdily-built house will save you hundreds and thousands of dollars in repair, replacement, and maintenance costs in the long run than a derelict and run-down house that is a few thousand dollars cheaper now. What is more, a sturdily-built house will also attract tenants readily; put yourself in the shoes of your potential tenants and you will get the picture.

The above pointers should help you zero in on a property that will ensure positive returns on your real estate investment by appealing to both tenants and sellers, like a well-built single-family house that is in a fantastic location. With many foreclosed properties in the market right now and low mortgage rates, NOW is the right time to plunge into the world of real estate investment.

Do you have any other tips on how to choose rental property that translates into a sound real estate investment? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article.

Call Now

 to See Rental Properties For Sale in 

Waukesha County, Jefferson County and Milwaukee County

Heidi Buchberger RE/MAX Realty Center 262-443-2672 heidi.buchberger03@gmail.com

10 Really Smart Ideas about Selling a Home

10 Really Smart Ideas about Selling a Home 

Selling a Home

____________________________________________________________________________

Selling a home is all about incorporating the right ideas into the home selling game plan. Everybody and everything seems to have a game plan, a strategy to get something done. Hey, we’re in Football season where it’s all about game plans. Who is your favorite? What NFL team has the best game plans? Well, selling a home requires a game plan too.  Today, I’m going to talk about some really smart ideas to selling a home. Let’s cross that closing, finish line.

“ A few plays decide each football game ” – Vince Lombardi

Play out these ideas below and you’ll be sure to win the game of selling a home.

Smart Idea #1

You want to make sure that you want to sell your home and you’re not wishy washy about your decision to sell.  

You need to make up your mind, be confident in your decision to sell and start the process.

Selling a home is not always an easy decision. There are a lot of factors that go into selling a home and a really huge factor are your emotions and letting go.  Flashback to those countless memorable family meals or perhaps little Joey’s first bike ride down the driveway. The list of good times likely goes on and on as they’re etched in your memory. Savor those moments as they can never be taken from you, however when you’ve decided to sell your home, you must now put them aside and base your decisions to selling a home on solid home selling advice not clouded by memories.  

This is a critical first step. Decision to sell made. Do what it takes to sell. Save yourself the agony.

Smart Idea #2

Realize that little things do matter.

It’s true! A shiny new Kitchen sink. A new Kitchen faucet. How about new knobs on your Kitchen cabinets? What could you do in your home’s Kitchen? Repair those things around your home that you’ve been meaning to do. All of these little things matter because they can make the difference in how appealing your home may be to a prospective home Buyer. And, because they’re “little” they won’t necessarily break the budget, yet will take you closer to selling your home. The costs associated with these things can amount to getting a Buyer interested for a lot less money than what you would potentially give up in price due to your home being seen as less than desirable.

Little things are key when you want big things to happen.

Smart Idea #3

Consider a Pre-Listing home inspection.

Know before you sell.

Be prepared on what a Buyer’s home Inspection would reveal. Taking care of needed home repairs will always save you money before a Buyer comes to you and tells you what repairs are needed. If a Buyer’s home Inspector’s repair estimate is between $300-$500, what estimate do you think the Buyer will use when requesting money from you in order to make the repair? Yes, you guessed it, they’ll estimate it high at $500; you immediately lost $200! Don’t let them haggle with you, take care of it before when you’ve completed your own home inspection.  Or if you don’t want to take care of the items highlighted in your home Inspector’s reveal, then simply note the items on your Seller’s Property Disclosure and price accordingly so any home Buyers know what needs fixing and therefore has been reflected in the price of your home’s selling price.

Makes you ready for the Buyer’s attempt to reduce your home’s sale price.

Smart Idea #4

Trust who you hire to sell your home.

Oh, does it ever matter! Ask the right questions. Hire the right Realtor. Do your research to find out more about the Realtor you’re considering hiring.  How long have they been selling homes? How long does it take them to sell a home: in other words, how fast do they sell homes? What have their customers said about them? How do the Realtors demonstrate their knowledge? Can you read Real Estate articles where they advise home Sellers how to get their home sold? Reading published content from a Realtor can be very revealing as to their trustworthiness. Trust is a must and if you don’t trust your current Realtor, time to find a new one.

Delivering on Real Estate promises are essential.

Smart Idea #5

Price your home based upon fair market value and not upon how you feel about your home.

Buyers will only pay fair market value for your home. Buyers do not have the emotional attachment that you have in your home, therefore you cannot attach any market value to such a feeling. There are practical and sound ways in which to price a home for sale that your Realtor will employ to get your home sold. Your Realtor should be skilled at pricing homes to sell. Simply listing your home for sale higher than market value will have it languishing on the market for weeks and months on end, only to further devalue your home with price reductions needed.  Don’t be a statistic where home Sellers chase the market. Price it right at the onset!  There are ways and methods in which to value a home and unfortunately, feelings don’t factor in.

Through your Realtor’s reason you’d be wise to control your emotions to get your home sold.

Smart Idea #6

Don’t brush anything under the rug.

Hiding imperfections about your home can prove costly in time, money and even jail! Never think that you can hide any problems about your home. If you know something about your home that could affect it’s value, you need to inform your Realtor and any prospective Buyer.  

Seller’s written disclosure requirements about the home they’re selling may vary by state, yet advising of what you know that may affect its value isn’t optional.

Selling a home requires that you fess up anything that you know about it, particularly if what you know may affect its value.

Plan on confessing any prior repairs or current conditions to avoid problems now or in the future after you sell your home.

Smart Idea #7

Make sure prospective Buyers are well qualified, financially, to buy your home.

Find out your Realtor’s method to assure this.

Nothing is worse than accepting a Buyer’s offer to buy your home only to later find out they can’t qualify to secure a mortgage.

Any prospective home Buyer should have gone through a detailed mortgage Pre-Approval process that enables them to convey confidence in the ability to buy your home.

Get it in writing. Get all the details of their financial ability. Don’t accept a casual conversation had with their Lender.

Smart Idea #8

Be well informed about the home selling process.

Get educated. Understand. Anticipate. And know what to expect.

It’s important to know what to anticipate when you sell a home.  Knowing what to expect will result in a much smoother process with a better home selling outcome.  

From initial preparation, to home showings, to the Buyer’s offer, their inspections, appraisals and getting to the closing table, it’s best to be in the know. Your Realtor will advise you on what to expect.

Reduce your level of anxiety by understanding the home selling process.  

Smart Idea #9

Make your home sparkle before it hits the market for sale.

Sparkle can immediately generate Buyer interest and higher dollar.  Don’t open up the curtains to your home until your home has been thoroughly prepared in anticipation and expectation of genuine Buyer interest.

Sparkle usually doesn’t entail huge sums of money, but rather huge determination, commitment and elbow grease to get your home ready to sell.

Smart Idea #10

Know that your home sale will cover your costs.

Don’t let a surprise hit you at closing where you’re asked to bring money to closing! There are a number of costs associated with selling a home and to avoid any of those nightmare closing surprises, make sure you understand up front what it is that you can expect to pay to sell a home.  Your Realtor should provide you with an estimate of your closing costs that go beyond the commission that you pay to sell a home.  

Get it covered when selling a home.

Finishing up in the closing end zone.

These really are smart ideas to get your home selling game plan over the finish line, don’t you think?! These will most certainly put you a position of strength.

Home selling really doesn’t have to be full of gaps. Simply put into practice these smart ideas and you’ll be on your way to handing the keys off to a happy new home Buyer and cross over into the closing end zone.

Call Now

For A Free Market Analysis 

On Your Home

262-443-2672 Heidi Buchberger RE/MAX Realty Center heidi.buchberger03@gmail.com