Thursday, June 19, 2014

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY THE 22ND 11:30 - 1:30 BEAUTIFUL LAKE HOME AT 37200 FOREST DR. SUMMIT/OCONOMOWOC WI

Beautiful Lake home at 37200 Forest Dr.  5 Bedrooms 3 Baths 4 Car Garage.  183 ft. of frontage on Silver Lake.  Stop on by.


Watch the video for more information



6 Home-Buying Mistakes for you to Avoid

6 Home-Buying Mistakes for You to Avoid

home buying mistakesBuying a home can be exciting, but you don’t want to rush into it. Making simple errors while going about the home-buying process can cause a lot of stress—both emotional and financial—for years to come.
So, take some time to educate yourself about the common mistakes homebuyers make and your own home-buying experience will more likely be successful and exciting:

1. Going Over Budget
Don’t borrow more than you can comfortably afford. For example, don’t get a 15-year mortgage with high monthly payments when a 30-year mortgage will give you more wiggle room. Otherwise, you’ll be strapped for money and unable to save as much as you want.  A rule of thumb: Total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 43% of your total pretax income.
To figure out if you are getting a good deal, do a comparable market analysis through a REALTOR®. Figure in other costs, such as agent costs, escrow fees, title and homeowners insurance, property taxes, legal costs, notary fees andclosing costs.


2. Using the Wrong Agent
Avoid dealing with a dishonest or unqualified real estate agent by selecting an agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. They work as licensed, independent contractors through real estate firms and are governed by strict regulatory guidelines.
Interview a few REALTORS® and pick the one you feel best represents your needs.


3. Not Loan Shopping
Shop around for the best rate. Don’t go with the first one a bank offers you. A mortgage broker can help with this process, but you can also shop around on your own.


4. Banking on Pre-Approval
Just because you’ve been pre-approved doesn’t absolutely mean the mortgage is yours. If your financial situation is called into question during the underwriting process, your lender can refuse to give you the loan. That includes taking out new loans after being pre-approved or switching jobs. They will run your credit, bank and income statements again, so be prepared to answer any questions about discrepancies they might find.


5. Only Loving the House
Your new house doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If you don’t like the block or the town where the house is located, you’re asking for trouble. You won’t be happy there and you’ll have a hard time reselling the property if the neighborhood isn’t good.
Do your research by visiting the area during different times of the day and week. Observe what the neighborhood is like after dark and on weekends. Notice if your street is congested during rush hour. Are the neighbors noisy? Are these the kind of kids you want your children to befriend? Ask yourself if the standard of living most closely represents yours.


6. Ignoring Inspections
Don’t skimp on home inspections when buying a house, even if it adds to the cost. Hire a certified inspector who will thoroughly check the electrical and plumbing systems, heating and air conditioning, roof and walls, foundation and structure, drainage, garage and basement.
You should also inspect your potential property for radon, asbestos, mold, lead, insects and pests. Ask your REALTOR® if he or she can recommend a trusted inspector.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

4 Ways to Make a Great First Impression When Selling Your Home

4 Ways to Make a Great First Impression When Selling Your Home

4 Ways to Make a Great First Impression When Selling Your Home


first impressionWhen selling your home, first impressions matter. Just because your home is listed and the “For Sale” sign is firmly planted in the front lawn does not mean it will attract buyers.
A home needs to be visually appealing to encourage a sale. Even in a market where homes are selling quickly and at full asking prices, it is still crucial to spruce up your home and prove that it is worth every penny you are asking for it.
Here are four tips to help your home make a good first impression that beckons potential buyers:

1. Make an Enticing Exterior
The walk-up to your house should be inviting, not forbidding. Stay on top of your lawn mowing and driveway maintenance, and tidy up your front landscaping. This includes:
  • Moving all toys, bicycles and scooters away from the front of the house
  • Cleaning windows until they are sparkling
  • Making sure address numbers are in place and polished
  • Giving your front door, garage door and gutters a fresh coat of paint
  • Adding a few embellishments like a colorful welcome mat, a wreath for the door or a big potted plant to the side of your front door
  • Checking the roof to see if it needs repair, even if it’s cosmetic.
2. Shape Up the Interior
Once the exterior wows potential buyers, you can continue to make a great impression as they make their way inside.
For starters, clear any clutter. If you have too much furniture, put some of it in storage. Keep kitchen and bathroom countertops as clear as possible. Closets and shelves should be well-organized and give the impression that they are spacious.
Remove excess knickknacks or family photos that make the house feel like your home, instead of allowing potential buyers to picture themselves as the residents.
Clean the inside of your home from top to bottom. Dust and open all your blinds and curtains to let light in. Wash away smudges from walls and touch up the paint as necessary. Wipe down the inside and outside of your appliances and microwave. Remove ash from your fireplace. Get your carpets cleaned and vacuum your floor each morning before potential buyers view your house.
Addressing aesthetics can leave a lasting, favorable impression. So, hang fresh, clean towels in the bathrooms. Position a beautiful centerpiece in the center of your dining room table and a few potted plants in decorative containers throughout your home. Consider placing potpourri in key spots, especially if you need to eliminate pet odors or if you have a smoker in the house.

3. Check on Evening Appearance
Even if you’re positive your home is presentable during the day, double-back to the exterior and interior areas at dusk to gauge your home’s ambiance in the evening.
Ensure that the walkway is well-lit and house numbers are visible, and that outdoor lighting enhances the home’s appearance.
Inside, make sure to replace nonfunctioning light bulbs in fixtures and vanities, and leave key decorative or track lighting turned on so that the home doesn’t seem dark upon entering.

4. Make Necessary Repairs
Repair anything that is broken. Cabinet doors should close properly. All your faucets should be drip-free.
Remember, you are trying to present a simple, clean, attractive, problem-free home that exudes potential—an empty, yet enticing palette for your home’s next owners.
Taking time to create a great first impression sometimes is all it takes to quickly send a offer your way.
This article is updated from a previous version by Michele Dawson/Realty Times.
This article is updated from a previous post by:
 RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin 


Tuesday, June 17, 2014

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014 / GREAT LAKE HOUSE 37200 Forest Dr. Oconomowoc / Summit





Stop on by 37200 Forest Dr Oconomowoc /  Summit WI 53066

Sunday June 22nd 11:30 - 1:30

Private and Secluded 5 Bedroom 3 Bath Exposed Ranch over looking 183' of had sandy lake frontage.
4 Car Garage on 9.3 acres.  Vaulted timber framed ceilings in the oversized Living Room.  GFP with amazing natural stone floor to ceiling. Sliding glass doors leading to the large deck that over looks the beautiful lake and private pond.  Lower level rec room is a great place to entertain with the full size kitchen and bar.
Call this home today.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Silver Lake / Oconomowoc Wisconsin



Silver Lake Oconomowoc / Summit Wisconsin













The name of the Lake says it all by itself. Silver lake is unique do to its convenient location it's pristine waters and the abundance of activities that are at your hand.  If water skiing fits your bill you'll enjoy your panoramic views.  The fishing is anything short of phenomenal: ask any seasoned fisherman or novice for that fact. The views from every aspect, as well as every window, are breath taking in any season or any reason. Enjoy one of Waukesha  County's best kept secrets.  Welcome home to Silver Lake. 






Thursday, June 12, 2014

Lake House for Sale in Oconomowoc Wisconsin / Silver Lake

Lake House for Sale in Oconomowoc Wisconsin / Silver Lake




37200 Forest Dr
Oconomowoc WI 53066

Private and secluded Lake home. 5BR, 3BA Exposed Ranch. 183' hard sandy lake frontage, 4 car garage, 9.3 acres. Vaulted timber framed ceilings in the oversized LR, GFP with amazing natural stone floor to ceiling. Sliding glass doors leading to large deck. Spacious kitchen with rustic oak custom cabinets, natural counter tops and island with a raised snack bar. Master BR suite, Jacuzzi tub. Lower level, 2 BR, updated bath with heated floor. Family room w/GFP and a rec room with bar, 2nd updated full kitchen.

Wisconsin Living and Real Estate in Waukesha County Wisconsin, Lisa Bear 262-893-5555: Prequalification vs. preapproval : Understand the ...

Wisconsin Living and Real Estate in Waukesha County Wisconsin, Lisa Bear 262-893-5555: Prequalification vs. preapproval : Understand the ...