February 26, 2010 at 02:28 PM · Posted under Kelly Kuchta
A short sale, also called short pay, is a regular sale transaction, other then that the lender agrees to receive a lower amount of a owned debt in exchanged for the sale of the property to a third party. Short sale is usually at no cost to the borrower and may help you prevent the downgrading of your credit score or providing you a fresh start.
Many lenders will agree to accept the proceeds of a short sale and forgive the rest of what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. By accepting a short sale, the lender can avoid a lengthy and costly foreclosure, and the owner is able to pay off the loan for less than what he owes.
Half of our Listings in the area over the past few months are short sales.
That’s how prominent short sales have become. If you want more information on Short Sales in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington or Ozaukee counties just call The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen at 414-651-1613 or 262-894-6512 if you prefer, email us with your questions kkuchta@shorewest.com. We are happy to help and the best thing is, our services are at no cost to you because the bank pays for the Commission!
This weeks New Listings report is from 2/17/10 thru 2/24/10 for Single Family homes in Germantown WI Real Estate market. Currently Germantown has a average listing price for sale of $345,811. The Washington county average currently is $319,929.
The current number of properties on the market in Germantown WI is 78. The Germantown median listing price is $296,950. The Washington county Single Family listings total 825 .
Below you will find some New Listings in Germantown for the week of 2/17/10-2/24/10.
For More Information about these listing or any others contact The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen.
This weeks report from 2/17/10 thru 2/24/10 for Single Family homes in Menomonee Falls WI Real Estate market. Currently Menomonee Falls has a average listing price for sale of $334,956. The Waukesha county average currently is $435,403.
The current number of properties on the market in Menomonee Falls is 178, and for Waukesha county real estate, the total listings are 2,326.
Below you will find this weeks Single Family Sold properties for Menomonee Falls Real Estate.
Below you will find some New Listings in Menomonee Falls Real Estate.
For More Information about these listing or any others contact The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen.
Cell: 414-651-1613
Email: kkuchta@shorewest.com
Come back next week to see New Listings and what have Sold.
Lights, camera, action! Nature Hill Intermediate School in Oconomowoc is proud to present the theatrical production of Beauty and Beast. The performance will take place in the newly built Oconomowoc Performing Arts Center at Oconomowoc High School on March. 11, 12 and 13. I stopped in at school the other day, and happened to see the kids rehearsing. As usual, residents will be treated to a wonderful display of talent and entertainment for the entire family! It’s a special treat for the kids to perform this production in the Art’s Center. It’s the policy of the NHI drama department, to produce one show a year in the new building. See this flyer for further information regarding ticket purchases, show times and dates. Check it out!
February 22, 2010 at 07:29 AM · Posted under Kelly Kuchta
Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday, March 14, 2010. Why do we do this? One of the biggest reasons we change our clocks to and from Daylight Saving Time (DST) is that it saves energy. Energy consumption and the demand for electricity is directly correlated to the times that people are awake. As found in this blogpost:
Make sure you set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, March 13th!
When you’re ready to move in Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee or Milwaukee county, call The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen:
February 18, 2010 at 08:35 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
Square footage for homes on average is decreasing in size, according to Amy Hoak’s report from Market Watch. The average square foot print of a home has shrunk from 2,520 sq ft in 2008 to 2,480 sq ft in 2009, a clear trend that builders are responding to the demand for smaller more efficient homes. Click here to link out to the Builder Magazine Concept Home website.
February 17, 2010 at 03:58 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
I love this article from the Wall Street Journal because it reports what we have known in the market for some time. With the supply of distressed homes rising in our area there is no shortage of a low priced home. Many of these distressed homes need lots of work inside to bring them back to a “market ready” condition. So if you are competing with these homes why not make your home look the best? And that is the focus of this article. A seller needs to price the home competitively, but how do you compete with homes where the price seems to be in a free fall? Staging, painting and positioning your home so that it is compelling in price and appearance is a must in today’s market. I often will tell my clients that when a buyer schedules an appointment to see your home they are not coming to buy your home.(I often get puzzled looks when I say this.) The buyer is coming to cross your home off their list! Most buyers today will be looking at 30-40 homes before they make their offer. They generally have a list in mind of what they want in a home. If they walk through your home and the carpet is stained, or you have old wall paper up and the avocado colored toilets and sinks are functional but you prefer not to replace them, guess what? The buyer is moving on. In some cases you will have to do more work but let’s be honest for a moment; you don’t want to do the work because it is a hassle, so why would the buyer want to do the work? Today more than ever a seller’s home needs to be compelling. If you need assistance with this and you want to sell your home, I can help. Just give me a call and we can make sure your home IS the home the buyers want!
February 17, 2010 at 03:28 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
Selling homes in Wisconsin in the winter, can be challenging. When the snow flies and temperatures drop, buyers can “hibernate”. It’s not unusual to track showings with the weather. A bright sunny day can produce several families at an open house, whereas, a cloudy, cold, snowy day can result in a “no-show” open. Unfortunately, we are in a long, steady home market. The days of putting a property on the market in the spring, and removing it in the fall are over. Now, more than ever, sellers need to take advantage of the tax incentives, low interest rates, and the many other tools that companies such as Shorewest have to offer, to result in a sale and a “date” at the closing table.
As a professional, full service agent, it is my duty to provide my sellers with options to maximize their exposure to buyers. One such option is staging the interior AND exterior of one’s home. This recent online post I found through the Greater Milwaukee Board of Realtors points out several tips of the trade that agents and sellers can use to achieve this goal. A good example of these strategies are highlighted in the video below. I think you may find the video and the article helpful.
If you’d like more information regarding the many tools Shorewest and I can offer, give me a call or stop by the open house on Sunday at the featured listing. In the meantime, enjoy the remaining weeks of winter, and remember that spring will be here, before you know it.
February 16, 2010 at 03:09 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
The clock is ticking if you are interested in taking advantage of the tax credits for home buyers and sellers. Actually, between taking this photo and uploading it, I lost a day, so we are at 73 days and counting.
Don’t lose out on your ability to put these tax credits to work for you. In 73 days, the credits run out, and other leading factors will start to dramatically change the real estate picture. I am not an alarmist, but I do believe that as a Realtor I have a duty and obligation to inform my clients about the forecasted changes to interest rates, pricing, and levels of inventory that may affect their ability to reach their real estate goals in 2010.
If you have questions about how these factors may affect YOUR real estate goals in southeastern Wisconsin, call me. I am committed to making your real estate goal, my number one real estate goal!
February 16, 2010 at 11:21 AM · Posted under Kelly Kuchta
See this Ashbury Woods Condo Being Sold by The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen of Shorewest Realtors. The address is N110W16973 Ashbury Cir 7 Germantown, WI 53022-5571. Ashbury Woods Condominiums are located in Germantown WI, and offers their owners a country atmosphere with city conveniences. Luxurious private entrances and garages with remote control for your comfort and convenience. The homes here offer a full list of amenities including walk-in closets, cathedral ceilings, mini/vertical blinds, a washer & dryer in each unit and a private balcony. The on-site management and maintenance team are committed to offering quality service to their owners. Take a look at the video below for more information.
This condo is FHA & VA approved, and it includes a home warranty. For a private showing, please call or email Kelly or Colleen Kuchta. Email: kkuchta@shorewest.com Cell
: 414-651-1613.
February 15, 2010 at 07:20 AM · Posted under Cathy Butschke
I just read an excerpt from an interview of executives from two large real estate firms in the United States; – the same day I attended our company Awards Breakfast at which we were treated to an update by Steve Harney, my “main man” when it comes to getting up to date information on what’s happening in the real estate economy. Guess what! The messages are in direct conflict about the future role of the Federal government in the housing market. It’s no wonder buyers and sellers find it difficult to predict what’s going to happen!
A little background – banks can sell their mortgages on the secondary market to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The mortgages are then “bundled” and sold to private investors. In the past, these investments were very secure, but with so many homeowners’ currently in default and foreclosure, fewer investors want to risk their money on mortgage backed securities. To take the risk, investors want more interest. The Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board are purchasing these securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the goal being to free up money and maintain lower interest rates so that buyers can get mortgage financing. According to the real estate executives in the interview, the Treasury Department is prepared to continue financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for at least the next three years. Furthermore, the government is prepared to be involved in the housing industry for as long as it takes to keep the economy moving in the right direction. On the other hand, Steve Harney has stated that the contributions from the government to Fannie and Freddie have just about reached the levels committed to, and that after March 31st, the government may back off and allow the mortgage markets to adjust independent of government intervention. Furthermore, Harney commented that the President only briefly mentioned the real estate market in his latest address, indicating that the administration intends to turn its focus away from the housing market.
Both the executives interviewed and Steve Harney agree that less involvement by the Feds will most likely mean a rise in interest rates. According to the executives, a 1% increase in interest rates will hardly be felt in the real estate industry as a whole and is not enough to slow down sales, given that home prices are still low. Steve Harney takes the view of the CONSUMER. A 1% increase in interest rates has a large impact on buying power, translating into a higher monthly cost for the same home. In other words, higher interest rates mean YOU will get less “bang for your buck.
February 05, 2010 at 10:07 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
My trusted smart phone kicked the bucket the other day and I was forced rather quickly to think about another phone. Not wanting to switch carriers, I did decide to jump into the Apple world. Both of my sons have Apple laptops and brag how the “old man” needs to get with it. So, I bought the iPhone 3GS and started looking at some of the apps that my guys were always talking about. Here is a cool one I found for Real Estate; Sherwin Williams—you know the paint store, they have this cool app. So let’s say you are thinking about re-painting the living room, but your favorite couch is not in need of re-covering. Well take a picture with your iPhone of the couch and the app will give you the primary color and two secondary colors that you could use to accent the room with. even gives you the Sherwin Williams paint numbers so you could go to the store and get a sample! How cool is that? If you have an iPhone, the app is FREE.
Shorewest also has this really cool app for finding homes with a geo locator feature. Let’s say you’re having your favorite cuppa at Starbucks in Oconomowoc and you want to know all the available homes for sale around your location. If you have loaded the FREE iPhone app for Shorewest it is a snap. A couple quick taps on the phone and voila you have the latest inventory at your fingertips, literally! Click here to view and download the free Shorewest Iphone app.
Well it appears 2010 will bring picture perfect weather to Lake Geneva to celebrate “Winterfest”. Many actives in the Lake Geneva area, with the primary focus down by the Riveria at the Lake! Come see and judge the Ice Sculptures starting at 11AM on Saturday when the last tool is set down. For a closer look at the action, check out the video below!
February 02, 2010 at 06:01 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
Well it might not be there in time for many home owners who find themselves “underwater” in their mortgage. As a heads up the new HAMP program or Home Affordability Modification Program, that Washington put in place, has a few changes that were recently implemented. The goal is to streamline the process. Click Here for more information on the HAMP changes.
In other news, a report recently released indicates that FHA is in good shape. Some people critical of the FHA were concerned that they are taking a bigger risk in the mortgage business with their dramatic increase in market share. This story makes the point that their share has risen from a 3% market share to a 30% market share almost overnight. A personal note: FHA has played a role in the real estate recovery; however the low down payments are very concerning. Yes FHA requires a higher credit score, however even with good credit if one of the two persons who are buying the housing loses a job (a possibility in this economy) or their income is adjusted slightly, does FHA think those borrowers wont default? These are difficult times for everyone. The sooner we move towards responsible lending and borrowing the better our recovery will be. If the borrowers continue to live on the edge we could face another round of difficulties.
February 01, 2010 at 10:46 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
This quick video gives some reasons why walking away from your home may not be a good idea. The financial impact of a foreclosure decision can negatively impact your credit for the next 5-7 years. Short sales are longer and can be more difficult routes, however the negative impact can be as little as 2 years on your credit. Take a look at the video and decide for yourself. If you find yourself in this situation feel free to call me and we can discuss your options.
A short sale, also called short pay, is a regular sale transaction, other then that the lender agrees to receive a lower amount of a owned debt in exchanged for the sale of the property to a third party. Short sale is usually at no cost to the borrower and may help you prevent the downgrading of your credit score or providing you a fresh start.
what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. By accepting a short sale, the lender can avoid a lengthy and costly foreclosure, and the owner is able to pay off the loan for less than what he owes.
or Ozaukee counties just call The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen at 414-651-1613 or 262-894-6512 if you prefer, email us with your questions kkuchta@shorewest.com. We are happy to help and the best thing is, our services are at no cost to you because the bank pays for the Commission!
Kelly Kuchta
Lights, camera, action! Nature Hill Intermediate School in Oconomowoc is proud to present the theatrical production of Beauty and Beast. The performance will take place in the newly built Oconomowoc Performing Arts Center at Oconomowoc High School on March. 11, 12 and 13. I stopped in at school the other day, and happened to see the kids rehearsing. As usual, residents will be treated to a wonderful display of talent and entertainment for the entire family! It’s a special treat for the kids to perform this production in the Art’s Center. It’s the policy of the NHI drama department, to produce one show a year in the new building. See 
Karen Trepton
Glenn Hanon
have to do more work but let’s be honest for a moment; you don’t want to do the work because it is a hassle, so why would the buyer want to do the work? Today more than ever a seller’s home needs to be compelling. If you need assistance with this and you want to sell your home, I can help. Just give me a call and we can make sure your home IS the home the buyers want!
The clock is ticking if you are interested in taking advantage of the tax credits for home buyers and sellers. Actually, between taking this photo and uploading it, I lost a day, so we are at 73 days and counting.
Cathy Butschke
My trusted smart phone kicked the bucket the other day and I was forced rather quickly to think about another phone. Not wanting to switch carriers, I did decide to jump into the Apple world. Both of my sons have Apple laptops and brag how the “old man” needs to get with it. So, I bought the iPhone 3GS and started looking at some of the apps that my guys were always talking about. Here is a cool one I found for Real Estate; Sherwin Williams—you know the paint store, they have this cool app. So let’s say you are thinking about re-painting the living room, but your favorite couch is not in need of re-covering. Well take a picture with your iPhone of the couch and the app will give you the primary color and two secondary colors that you could use to accent the room with. even gives you the Sherwin Williams paint numbers so you could go to the store and get a sample! How cool is that? If you have an iPhone, the app is FREE. 
Diane Krause
In other news, a 
