Selling your Home During the Winter Month ~ Unexpected Benefits.

Selling Your Home This Christmas? 3 Unexpected Benefits

If you’ve got a home on the market right now, it can leave you feeling like the Grinch stole your Christmas. Everyone knows spring’s the season for selling.  And working home showings into a busy holiday schedule is like trying to shove a 20-foot tree into your living room.

Competition Dries Up

Come spring, sellers will flood the market, and your home will be just another fish in a great big pond. But right now, you’ve practically got the market to yourself.

“Very few homes come on the market in December and January, so you’ve got serious buyers who just pounce on homes as soon as they hit the market,” If your home is priced right and within the Buyers price range, you should be getting some showing activity. You’d be surprised at how many of these homes sell in a week, during these winter months.

In fact, a recent study of 19 metropolitan cities showed that homes listed in winter were more likely to sell within six months and spent fewer days on the market compared to homes listed in other seasons. Even in frigid climates like Boston, Wisconsin and  Chicago, winter sellers got better results than those who listed any other time of year.

Of course, every market is different, so ask be sure to ask your agent.

Most folks want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter day. If a buyer’s trudging around in freezing weather to look at your home, they must be serious. That’s because many winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it’s an expiring lease, relocation, or a contract on their current home.

So does that mean you have to send guests packing every time you get a call for a showing? If they ask to look at your home in the middle of a family gathering, it’s okay to say no. Serious buyers will come back the exception is if there’s a serious buyer who’s in town during the holidays to look for houses because it’s their time off,”

A good agent will set proper expectations with the buyer’s agent if your home isn’t picture-perfect for a last-minute showing. They’ll also let you know if and when they’ll be out of pocket and which agent will handle your listing during that time so holiday opportunities don’t pass you by.

Breaking/Good News for Housing Industry

Breaking/Good News for Housing Industry

Ultimately this will help first-time homebuyers, as well as those who earn lower incomes, to more easily obtain government-backed loans.


Two monumental decisions in U.S. housing regulations this week are major victories for homebuyers – and the housing industry at large. 



For starters, the final qualified residential mortgage, or QRM, rule eliminates the highly controversial requirement of a specific down payment amount, bringing the rule in line with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s qualified mortgage, or QM, rule. The latter was created to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices. 

Another victory for housing: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are releasing new guidelines that will allow borrowers with lackluster credit profiles to obtain loans with a down payment as low as 3 percent by considering “compensating factors.” Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt, who oversees both Fannie and Freddie, announced the government’s new plan in hopes of quelling lenders’ fears when the government-backed loans they sell go sour.



Additionally, Fannie and Freddie also plan to loosen demands on lenders to buy back defaulted mortgages, creating more stability, confidence and clarity for the lending industry.
RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly applauded the announcements, which ultimately help first-time homebuyers, as well as those who earn lower incomes, to more easily obtain government-backed loans. 

“This is great news for our industry, and it’s a welcomed change we’ve been advocating at RE/MAX,” Kelly says. “Taking a measured but less stringent approach to lending creates more stable housing conditions and, most importantly, opens the doors to homeownership for qualified, willing homebuyers who’ve been sidelined in the wake of the downturn.” 


Click link for full article:

Breaking/Good News for Housing Industry

Waukesha County Real Estate Market

Waukesha County Real Estate and the last 30 days of market activity. The following is the real estate market activity for the last thirty days in Waukesha County Real Estate . Waukesha County Real Estate is great. The following MLS information is for 6/15/2014 to 7/15/2014

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market 599 homes sold; 133 were list and sold by the same company, and 466 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there were 820 new listings.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there were 313 pending listings.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there were 16 withdrawn listings.

In the Waukesha County Real estate market there were 0 canceled listings.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there were 309 expired listings.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there were 86 back on market listings.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there were 255 extended listings.

In the Waukesha County Real Estate market there are 3,720 actives listings in Waukesha County Realestate .

Have a productive day and I will see you at closing.

Stacey Guzanick 262-490-3696   www.HomesWithStacey.com

RE/MAX Realty Center

Home Selling Tips

Crank up the curb appeal Pull weeds, rake leaves and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they block windows

 or the path to your front door.

Paint
It's important to make your house generic. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home appear larger, brighter and more appealing to potential buyers.

Make repairs
Fix things like leaky faucets and sticky cabinets, and replace old screens. They may seem insignificant, but minor repairs add up in the mind of a potential buyer. They tend to overestimate how much repairs cost. You don't want to give them any reason not to put in an offer.

Rearrange
Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each room. If you have too much furniture, rent a portable storage device to hold things until you are ready to move into your new place. If you don't have enough furniture, borrow or rent.

A clean and uncluttered kitchen is a staple of home staging.

Pack up
This includes personal photos and portraits. Less is always more. The less clutter and knickknacks you have lying around, the more potential buyers will be able to see your home and what it offers. Remember, you are selling your house, not your stuff. Plus, getting a head start on packing will eliminate some stress down the road.

Organize
When your house is meticulously organized, buyers will envision themselves living a stress-free life in your home.

Clean
Clean every inch of your house, and don't forget to make your windows and floors sparkle. If your carpet appears old and stained, think about replacing it. Also, make sure there are no offensive odors. Purchase an air-neutralizing spray that will help remove odors without creating an overwhelming masking odor. Clean homes sell!

Lighten up your home with natural tones and a neutral dose of style.

Lighten up
Let the sun shine in, and turn on the lights. Open all blinds or curtains, and make sure the house is well lit.

Temperature
Be sure potential buyers are comfortable when touring your home. If it's freezing outside, leave the heat on, and if it's summer, turn on the air conditioner.

Keep it ready to show
It may be a little inconvenient, but until you accept an offer, keep your home in tip-top shape at all times. What this means is that each room should have a clear purpose, nice flow and be clean and clutter-free. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves and their things in a room, and taking these steps will help ensure that.

House Cleaning and Organization Tips for a Tidy Home

HOUSE CLEANING AND ORGANIZATIONS TIPS FOR A TIDY HOME!

In the busy home of an active family, messes can become hazards. Toys end up scattered across the living room floors, dishes build up in the sink and clutter accumulates on the counter. A messy house can feel like a nuisance, but consider this: did you know that a mess can sometimes create dangers to your safety, health and well-being? Household messes are more dangerous than you think; consider these household cleaning and organization tips for keeping a tidy and safe home:

• Keep escape routes open. If a fire, earthquake, flood or other emergency strikes, every second counts. Keep main escape routes in your home accessible at all times. Remove clutter that may be hindering easy movement around doorways and windows in your home, and pick up toys, shoes, and other belongings each night to leave an unobstructed pathway for your family.


• Remove fire hazards. Clutter, like stacks of newspapers, or mail, can turn into a fuel for fire if stored too close to a stovetop. Ensure that any flammable items are stored at a safe distance away from sources of heat like your hot water heater, fireplace or oven.


• Watch for mold. This potentially harmful fungus thrives in damp, warm environments. Clutter holds in moisture and prevents you from seeing signs of trouble. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when mold spores settle on wet surfaces like paper, cardboard and wood, the mold settles in and grows. Health impacts can range from nasal congestion and irritation to pulmonary fungal infections. Cut down on mold risks by tossing the clutter under your bathroom and kitchen sink. Keep an eye on your basement and garage too, these areas tend to accumulate clutter, and the humidity in these spaces can cause mold.


• Don't make pests feel at home: Bugs and pests can be sources of disease that can harm your family. The National Center for Healthy Housing warns that even dead cockroaches or roach droppings can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory illness, as well as cause asthma flare-ups in those susceptible to allergies. Old paper bags and cardboard boxes are favorite nesting spots for pests, so clear these out of your home. Wash the dishes and take out the trash daily. Remind family members to empty bedroom and bathroom trash receptacles and rinse dishes well before placing them in the dishwasher.


• Know what you have: In a disorganized home, it's hard to know what you have. Get your family to pitch in and help clean up, then photograph and catalog your belongings with the Liberty Mutual Home Gallery App. The easy-to-use app makes record keeping a breeze, and can help simplify the process if you ever find the need to claim losses due to theft or damage.

Day-to-day living brings a bit of disorder to every home. Active families and busy schedules don't always leave a lot of time for cleaning. Take just a few minutes each day to clear away the mess, and keep your family safe from potential harm.

Buying a Home or Waiting.

Buying a Home: The Cost of Waiting: Buying a Home: The Cost of Waiting Posted: 01 Jul 2014 04:00 AM PDTWhether… http://t.co/gx6iGIYCtY

Whether you are a first time buyer or a move-up buyer, you should look at the projections housing experts are making in two major areas: home prices and mortgage rates.

PRICES

Over 100 economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists were recently surveyed. They were asked to project where home prices were headed. The average value appreciation projected over the next twelve month period was approximately 4%.

MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES

In their last Economic & Housing Market Outlook, Freddie Mac predicted that 30 year fixed mortgage rates would be 4.8% by this time next year. As of last week, the Freddie Mac rate was 4.14%.

What does this mean to you?

If you are a first time buyer currently looking at a home priced at $250,000, this is what it could cost you on a monthly basis if you wait to buy next year:

If you are a move-up buyer currently looking at a home priced at $500,000, this is what it could cost you on a monthly basis if you wait to buy next year:

Bottom Line

With both home prices and interest rates projected to increase, buying now instead of later might make sense.

Why Should a seller list with RE/MAX?

Why should a seller list with RE/MAX? Because even though real estate is local it attracts international buyers and RE/MAX is GLOBAL!
http://rem.ax/1nXkEd3

30 Days of Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate for sale, sold, and more. 

 This is for the Oconomowoc Wisconsin market activity and is for the period of 5/29/2014 to 6/29/2014 and is for the entire MLS content for this period.

  In the Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate market 37 homes sold; 13 were list and sold by the same company, and 24 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Oconomowoc Real Estate market there were 127 new listings.

In the Oconomowoc Real Estate market there were 21 pending listings.

In the Oconomowoc  Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings.

In the Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.

In the Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 43 expired listings.

In the Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 10 back on market lstings.

In the Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 33 extended listings.

In the Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 417 currently active listings.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home contact me at 262-490-3696 / guzanick@gmail.com

or check out my web site at.   www.homeswithstacey.com

Have a productive day!

Silver Lake Home for Sale with Spectacular Views

Beautiful home for sale on Silver Lake in Oconomowoc WI 53066
5 Bedrooms 3 full baths.  Lower level walks out to 180 feet of hard sandy lake.  

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

Buying 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.

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

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

When 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 

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.

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.