Well, the past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride and we aren’t out of the financial ride yet. But, in the meantime real estate markets that were solid or flat are still that way and riding out the storm. Right now, most of the US housing areas and specificlally the Lake Geneva market stopped declining and are stabilized, waiting for the upswing. But we are painted with a broad brush and characterized with those markets that had a big boom and an even bigger bust. So what is the deal? Real Estate is LOCAL and local conditions drive pricing and activity. We need Buyers. We need Buyers to regain confidence and move to purchase. Local, small banks are ready and willing to make loans. Are you working with a Realtor that knows the numbers? Has a relationship with a Bank? Can give you the data you ask for? If not, move along and find the professional sales person that this type of marketplace develops.
This is the time to be purchasing……..invest now!
Lake Geneva Real Estate
Recipe for Success
Are you looking for a new ingredient to add to your Real estate transaction? It could be me. I go above and beyond to add to the business relationship as we get your house sold or move you into a larger home. Give me a call and let’s see what we can do together.
Are you staged to Sell?
Yes, in this market where every Buyer has a lot to select from you need to make sure that your home stands out from the crowd. Three standards are coming into play: 1) Remove the clutter: Families looking for a new home whether primary or secondary need to visualize living in your space and moving some of those prized pieces to a box doesn’t hurt. It also shows you are serious about moving.
2) Create curb appeal: When Buyer’s walk up to your house they are looking at it from the standpoint of ‘do I think this home is what I want my friends to see?” Do I like this entry? Is it friendly and welcoming? If not, add flowers, clean up the debris, and add some lighting. Small changes for big returns. AND 3) consider upgrades: New mirrors and lights in the bath are easy to fix. Can you replace old curtains with blinds? Not too expensive but blinds add light, make spaces look larger and immediately make your home more modern. Bigger replacements can be appliances, counters and sinks. Again first impressions make the sale.
These are easy and not that time consuming yet they can make the difference.
Top Ten Facts about Wisconsin Real Estate
Real Estate is truly like the weather – it is local! And while areas of our country are struggling, Wisconsin is stable. The following link will give you a great postcard peak at why real estate in Wisconsin is valuable. Think locale and long term, know your pricing, work with a knowledgeable lender and link up with a Realtor who know their marketplace.
http://www.wra.org/Resources/resource_pages/awareness_downloads/2008/TenFactsposter8.5x11_web.pdf
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Margaret
Gifting Money for a downpayment.
I frequently get asked aobut gifting money for a down payment to help out a child. Giving your child a gift of cash for the down payment on a home works like this. Currently, you can give up to $12,000 a year to an individual ($24,000 through gift-splitting with your spouse) and not have any gift-tax impact. So you and your spouse could give give your adult child and his or her spouse up to $48,000 for a down payment in 2008.
Please do talk with your financial advisor prior to any gifting of money but these are the limits.
Mortage Solutions with Johnson Bank
Quick, Quality Financing for Buyers…..
Are you working with a financial partner that is interested in your long term financial success? If not, you need to be. Johnson Bank is a permier lender and at thier website www.johnsonbankmortgage.com you can start the financing process for your home. Even if you work out the details on the web, you need to touch base with Julie Kramer, Asst. Vice President/Senior Mortgage Loan Officer. There are a multitude of lending programs availabe to Buyers! YES! Even today you work with 5% and 10% down payments. Go on line, call Julie at 262-757-1163 and start your new home buying process.