This weekend, sailors from the newly formed, Oconomowoc High School Sailing Team, head east to Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, in search of a chance to place in the prestigious Toby Baker National Regatta.
Teams from across the Midwest will compete for the coveted spot, to represent the MISSA at this event. Qualifiers will move on to the event, held on May 21-23, in Seattle, Washington, at “Sail Sand Point”, Seattle’s Community Sailing Center.
Participants from Oconomowoc High School are Senior: Ben Otten, Juniors: Connor Trepton, Katrina Debbink and Bridget Murphy, Sophomore: Brittan Keck, and Freshman: Dan Groskopf. Smooth Sailing and Fair Winds to our local metro Milwaukee kids!
If you don’t have plans for this evening, consider attending this band concert at Carroll University.
It’s given by the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, a juried group of adults who gather to promote the arts and love of music. This season’s concert, entitled “Luminescence,” will benefit ACAP, Adaptive Community Approach Program.
A highlight of the performance will be this year’s high school concerto winner, Sabrina Pruszka, who will be featured on the clarinet. Also, the very popular “Star Wars” medley will performed.
The concert starts at 7:30 in Shattuck Auditorium. See you there!
For years location was the buzzword in the real estate market. Today, more than ever, location is an important consideration. How do you know where to start looking? What if your favorite neighborhood is out of your price range? A good way to start looking is to drive around. Find a few neighborhoods that you are interested in. Make note of community services you may want to be close to: schools, shops, and churches. Determine how far from work each place is. If a neighborhood is far from amenities and adds significant time to your commute, you have to decide if the location is worth the extra drive time and gas costs.
If you have your heart set on one neighborhood but can’t find an affordable or available house there, think about why you like the area. Is it the schools? The style of homes? The size of the lots? Make a list of the attractive features and start asking around for similar neighborhoods. A good realtor will be able to make suggestions, as well. You may be surprised and find an area that you like even more!
The name of the game when preparing your home for sale is Imagination. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves – and their stuff – in the house and you have to help them out. Following these 4 tips will help buyers imagine what a great home your house can be!
Store It: If you are moving because you have more stuff than space, get some space! Rent storage somewhere. If you suffer from separation anxiety, there are many storage rental options that you can have delivered to your home. Hide It: Most people have shelves, counters and walls featuring things that aren’t necessary for everyday life. You want buyers to picture their things in those spots, so hide away all of yours. CAUTION – Don’t throw everything in a closet or cupboard! Buyers want to know what kind of storage you have and they will open every door in the place. Keep storage spaces uncluttered, too. Depersonalize It: Your children are adorable, but unless they come with the house, buyers don’t need to know what they look like. Take down pictures and religious items. Neutralize rooms that have personal themes – like the picket fence in your daughter’s room or the powder room that you wallpapered with pictures from your trip to Europe.
Clean It: Once you have your house in order, make sure it is clean! Buyers can’t imagine themselves in your house if they are focused on the dust bunnies in the corner and the grease on the range hood.
April 26, 2010 at 03:52 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
On Tuesday April 20 th I sat down with then Mayor, Maury Sullivan and asked him to reflect on his past six years as the Mayor of Oconomowoc. The Mayor reflected on a number of his accomplishments, most notably he feels he is leaving the office with a city that is in good shape from a fiscal perspective and from a staffing function. According to the Mayor, when he first took office the city was spending $100,000-$135,000 on street repairs. This past year the city allocated over $3M for street repairs.
When asked what stands out most to the Mayor as an accomplishment he listed the road upgrades while conceding that there is much work to be done there. The new growth in development within the city which he quotes from State reports that the city has benefited from $559 million in new construction within the city over the past six years. Other projects have been stalled due to financing, most notably the Rockwell project in the downtown area and the Pabst Farms development. City finances are the Mayor’s third area of accomplishment. “During this last six years there has been a relatively low increase in levy, this last year there was no increase. The levy for the city is the fifth lowest of 190 cities in Wisconsin.” said Mayor Sullivan.
Prior to his election as the Mayor of Oconomowoc, Sullivan was the Town Chairman for the Town of Summit, soon to be the Village of Summit. During those litigious years the City and Town were at odds over a border agreement. This past December roughly 4500 acres merged into the city as part of the 10 year border agreement between the two municipalities. Over 32 lawsuits were filed as a result of the announcement of the Target Distribution Center. “I felt that quite frankly this was foolishness and I advocated with the Town Board to negotiate and they had tried litigating, but that had mixed limited success and started negotiating with the boundary agreement in 1999.” We no longer have litigation…I wasn’t thinking of this as an accomplishment while I was Mayor. Clearly Sullivan’s involvement as Town Chairman and his 3 term tenure as Mayor of Oconomowoc has had an impact on the relations between Summit and Oconomowoc.
When I asked the Mayor to look forward as he leaves office, he sees that most of the issues that the city will face are issues related to development, growth in the city and the hot topic of impact fees. When I asked Sullivan about the impact fees, he stated, “I think they will not be changed, because the impact of having residents pay for development impact fees would be so substantial that I don’t think that the taxpayers would agree to that.” The bigger issues facing Oconomowoc are the downtown areas and the Pabst Farms Development. A good deal of concern about the future of the Pabst development is still on many minds in the community while DDR continues to bring forth plans for the new mall, most have realized that the plans once promised to the city with high end retailers such as Nordstroms will not materialize.
The biggest hurdle for the new mayor is a balancing what Pabst would like to develop with the public’s perception of what they were promised. The demographics don’t tend to support the higher end retailers for our area and of course the recession has not helped the plans for the new mall. Optimistic and upbeat about the future of the city the former mayor has no plans to drift into the sunset. Sullivan would not rule out a run for this office or any other office at the moment. For now he plans on enjoying time off with his wife Ann in our great city.
Owning a home is the American Dream. Unfortunately, being in debt has become the American way of life, especially with so many people affected by the current recession.
If you are looking to buy a home in the next year or three, take action now to get your credit in order. The better your credit score, the better rate you will get, allowing you to purchase the best house for your needs.
The first step is to evaluate your spending habits and make a household budget. Pay every bill on time every month. If needed, stop using credit cards in order to pay down those high interest-charging balances.
Credit consolidation programs are usually not a good way to boost your credit score. Instead, check out a credit recovery seminar or program in your area. There you will learn how to take charge of your credit and make positive, lasting habits. Contact me for more information on finding a credit recovery program that can get you on track for home ownership
As the temperature warms up, I know my kids are looking forward to summer vacation. And I start thinking of what to do with them all those long weeks so they aren’t parked on the sofa playing video games. There are always lots of typical summer camps, but I found a few in the Milwaukee/Waukesha areas that are out of the ordinary.
Chess Camp – For the casual and competitive chess player.
Conservatory of Music – for players of specific instruments as well as nature and stage camps.
Game Builder Camp – Children actually design, develop and create a video game. A nice change from just playing them at home.
Green Bay Packer Camp – Boys and girls can learn about football, sportsmanship is stressed, and they meet Packer players.
Considering to short sale a house can be a scary thought for many homeowners. For some, though, it is the best option to avoid financial disaster. If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments or are struggling to make the payments, selling your house is a smart decision.
Afraid that you can’t get enough from a sale to pay off what you owe? That’s what a short sale is … the bank agrees to accept less than what is owed. If you have a hardship, such as loss of income, unemployment, divorce, illness, or job transfer, the bank is more likely to consider a short sale and get you out from under an oppressive mortgage.
If you put your house up for sale and a short sale is needed, the bank will have you fill out some paperwork. You will be asked to provide copies of financial statements, pay stubs, and tax forms. You will also be asked to write a hardship letter , explaining why your situation requires the short sale. If you have more than one mortgage, you will have to do this for each one.
Once an offer is made on the property, you must accept the offer and then the lender must accept it. Approval from the bank can come in various ways and might take months, depending on the situation and the lender.
If you think a short sale is needed to sell your house, use a Realtor who is educated in short sales. Work with an agent who has a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification from the National Association of Realtors.
High School sailing is in full swing in the Midwest. This past weekend, our local sailors played host to 12 teams from Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. They competed in “team racing,” which consists of a round robin format, pitting one school against another in a 3 on 3 boat situation. Teams utilize strategy to block their opposing team. Boats are awarded points based on their respective finishes, i.e. 1st through 6th places, and the team with the lowest points wins that round. At the end of the regatta, the team with the most wins is the victor. Kids love this format, because in addition to their individual sailing skills, they can assist their team mates in maneuvering boat position.
Discovery World allowed us to use their docks as a base camp, allowing spectators a wonderful view of the sailing. Clear skies and blustery winds, at times in excess of 30 knots, made for some very exciting sailing!
This weekend, our teams from Oconomowoc High School and Marquette High School, will travel to Wayzata, Minnesota, to compete in a National Team Qualifier for the Mallory Regatta. Top teams from each region across the country, will compete in May in Connecticut, should they qualify.
For more information regarding local high school sailing, contact Milwaukee Youth Sailing Team at www.mystracing.org.
I see it all the time … Buyers don’t know what to focus on when they look at a house. Paint color, window treatments, carpeting and light fixtures are easy to change. A purple bedroom can be repainted and an ugly ceiling fan can be replaced with something suitable to your style. So just what IS important?
Part 4: The Kitchen: No one wants an outdated kitchen. No one wants to spend the money to remodel a kitchen, either. Kitchens can be VERY expensive to remodel and a house with a new kitchen probably has a much higher price tag. Sometimes you can save money by renovating the kitchen on your own after closing, especially if you are able to do some of the work yourself. Plus you will then know that the work is done right and that everything is done to your liking!
Even if a complete remodel isn’t in the near future for your budget, there are many ways to dress up a dated kitchen without breaking the bank. Painting cabinets, new wall color and window treatments, and sometimes even a new countertop are inexpensive ways to make a kitchen tolerable until you are able to make major changes.
I see it all the time … Buyers don’t know what to focus on when they look at a house. Paint color, window treatments, carpeting and light fixtures are easy to change. A purple bedroom can be repainted and an ugly ceiling fan can be replaced with something suitable to your style. So just what IS important?
Part 3: The Foundation A poor foundation can be a deal breaker! Rarely are basements in Southeastern Wisconsin totally dry, but there is a big difference between a basement that leaks once a year and one that leaks every time the neighbor waters the flowers! The current homeowner should have system to deal with the water, like a sump pump. Note how the water is being dealt with now; the same solution might work for you.
Cracks in the foundation are another concern. Some are of little consequence, but larger cracks could be a red flag that there is a structural issue. Have a professional look at the areas. You will then be informed enough to decide if the house is worth the potential headache.
I see it all the time … Buyers don’t know what to focus on when they look at a house. Paint color, window treatments, carpeting and light fixtures are easy to change. A purple bedroom can be repainted and an ugly ceiling fan can be replaced with something suitable to your style. So just what IS important?
Part 2: Windows and Doors
If the windows and doors in a home are older, they may waste energy and cost money year round. Heat escapes in the winter and enters in the summer through windows and doors that need to be replaced. When considering a house, examine door seals and feel around windows for drafts. Look closely; if a room has been remodeled, the windows in that room probably have been replaced even if the others haven’t.
A great house shouldn’t be out of the running just because it needs doors and windows. You have bargaining power and financing options that can help off set the cost of replacing doors and windows. Talk to your Realtor and put an expert’s knowledge to work for you!
April 12, 2010 at 08:49 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
On Tuesday April 6th the votes in the City of Oconomowoc decided it was time for a change at the top. 3 term incumbent Maury Sullivan was replaced by Jim Daley. Recently Jim spoke with me about his vision for the City of Oconomowoc. The turnout for the election was higher than other “off year” elections with 27% of the residents casting their votes.
Q: Were you surprised by the turnout this past Tuesday?
Mayor-Elect Daley: You know our campaign thought we had a very strong message. The need to focus on our downtown and allow responsible development and responsible growth in our community –these are issues that are important to Oconomowoc. We were very optimistic going into the election but the turnout and the margin of victory were at levels that exceeded our expectations. I think it shows how strong the message was.
Q: What is your first priority when you take office?
A: Mayor-Elect Daley: The first priority is to stop the bleeding from the commercial and retail level from the downtown. Both the downtown areas and the Pabst Farm Development need the community’s attention to move forward and build support. We need to be business friendly but also protect the community’s interests at the same time. The downtown revitalization has to be the #1 priority and I think to do that what we need to do initially is to work on fees, the bureaucracy and the red tape that makes it less desirable for business to come to Oconomowoc. I want our city hall message or mantra to be Oconomowoc is open for business. We are here, we are aggressive and we want investment dollars and businesses in our community to serve our citizens. With the economy being how it is, all communities are in an extremely competitive status of trying to draw quality business into their environments and Oconomowoc right now is making itself very uncompetitive. The proof of that is there for anyone to see if you drive in downtown.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Fowler Lake Revitalization Project?
A: Mayor-Elect Daley: From my understanding of the project, it was the result of a lot of compromise from a lot of different parties and I want to dig deeper into this to make sure that it’s not the “left-overs” of compromise. I don’t question that the Fowler Lake waterfront needs to be addressed. My concern for a project this big is that it has to be done right and I don’t think this can be a fast track item. This is the kind of project when we are talking about pristine lake frontage we should really be looking at this long term in a forward planning manner. I don’t want to address Fowler Lake for what is good for tomorrow, rather what’s good for the next generations. It is an immensely expensive project which I think its time has come but it needs to be done right. I think there are some issues with the current proposal that need to be refined before we move forward
Q: The high speed rail stop in Oconomowoc has garnered much attention. Rep Joel Kleefisch recently introduced legislation regarding the high speed rail. What are your thoughts on this issue?
A: Mayor-Elect Daley: First of all I don’t think the high speed rail is an affordability issue as much as it is a priority issue–should we be spending our money on this as a community? Every dollar we spend supporting one project is a dollar that we are taking away from supporting another one, unless we are interested in doing things like raising taxes, which I am opposed to. When we look at the high speed rail, The Kleefisch bill is a very legitimate bill. I don’t think his intention is to straight up kill it (high speed rail). What Kleefisch is saying in his legislation is that we have a lot of questions that we would like answered before we can support this as a state. I think he is right in that. What I said in the campaign is that this is an issue of ridership, and my understanding is that there is not a dependable study that has been done to date that is going to show what the ridership is going to be plus I think there are a lot of issues that could potentially decrease the ridership. The number one issue is where the Madison terminal is located. My understanding is that right now it is slated for the Dane county airport and I think out of the people that I have spoken to there is absolutely zero interest in traveling to the Dane County Airport. Now if that was a downtown Madison or accessible downtown stop I think that would increase the likelihood of people in our community willing to jump on the train, go to Madison for, say a Badger game or walk down State Street. When we are looking at the Dane county airport stop that strands the rider from the rest of the Madison community and the rider has to either grab a cab or a bus– it is just those additional layers of inconvenience that will affect ridership in an extremely negative manner.
Mayor Elect Daley will be sworn into office at the April 20th Common Council meeting at 7:30pm located in the City Hall.
It is starting to warm up, and time to start thinking about boating. Here is a little information about some of the local public boat launches.
There are actually 6 locations on Lake Geneva, and 2 on Como Lake. The launch off of Schofield Rd is being redone (see picture). This will be a “Big” improvement. If you would like more information about the boating scene in the Lake Geneva area, feel free to give me a call. Diane Krause 262-215-4893.
Boat Launches Geneva Lake - City of Lake Geneva south end of Flat Iron Park
Lake Geneva, 262-248-4416 Daily fees: Non-motorized or non-trailered boat: resident $3.75, non-resident $4. Trailered and motorized boats less than 20 ft.: resident $3.75, non-resident $5.50. Boats 20 ft. but less than 26 ft.: resident $6.75, non-resident $10.25. Boats 26 ft. or more: resident $8, non-resident $12. Season passes: Non-motorized or non-trailered boats:
resident $37.50, non-resident $40. Trailered and motorized boats less than 20 ft.: resident, $37.50, non-resident $55. Boats 20 ft. but less than 26 ft.: resident $67.50, non-resident $102.50. Boats 26 ft. or more: residents $80, non-residents $120.
Boat Launches Geneva Lake - Village of Fontana Lake Street
Fontana, 262-275-6136 Daily fees: parking included. Village residents: Boats less than 20 ft. in
length: $10.25 a day, $102.50 per season. Boats 20 to 25 ft.: $12.50 a day, $125 per season. Boats 26 to 30 ft.: $14.75 a day, $147.50 per season. Non-village residents: Boats less than 20 ft.: $10.25 a day, $102.50 per season. Boats 20 to 25 ft.: $18.75 a day, $187.50 per season.
Boats 26 to 30 ft.: $22 a day, $220 per season. Season launch passes available at Fontana Village Hall
Boat Launches Geneva Lake - Village of Williams Bay Geneva Street
Williams Bay 262-245-2700 Daily fees: Wisconsin residents: Non-motorized boats, $7.50; motorized boats less than 20 ft., $10.25; boats 20 to 26 ft., $12.50; boats over 26 ft., $14.75; Non-Wisconsin residents: non-motorized boats, $7.50; motorized boats less than 20 ft., $10.25; boats 20 to 26 ft., $18.75; boats over 26 ft., $22.25. Season pass is 10 times the daily rate. Parking included.
When it comes to negotiation in real estate transactions, most people quickly think of asking price. That offer to purchase has several pages, and much more to it. There are other aspects of the purchase agreement open for negotiation. It’s important to remember that all impact the final purchase agreement, and giving in on one of these may induce the other party to give in on another.
Price Obviously the first thing to consider is asking price. Buyers want to get a good deal, and Sellers want a fair price. Hopefully they can both be happy in the end.
Closing Date When do the Sellers want to move? Are they relocating out of town, have they written an offer on another property? Meeting the Seller’s requirements for closing may make them more flexible on price. Saving them the cost of two mortgages for example might be worth a lower price.
Inclusions What personal property, like appliances are they offering? If a Buyer asks for items that aren’t offered, the Seller might not be as generous with price.
Contingencies There are many contingencies in an offer, the most common is inspection. While I wouldn’t recommend not buying a house without an inspection, Sellers might be willing to take a much lower price from Buyers who don’t put an inspection contingency on. If you’re very knowledgeable about houses and willing to take the risk, it might be worth it to you.
Home sale (Buyer can’t buy the house until they sell their own) is another common contingency. The Buyer with a home to sell is losing on both transactions. They’re paying a premium to the Seller to wait for them, risking losing their dream house should a Buyer with no home to sell come along, and might be forced to take a lower price on the sale of their home to meet the contingency.
Possession When does the Seller actually have to move out of the house? Normally the new Buyer takes possession the day of closing, but maybe that particular day doesn’t work for everyone. Giving the Sellers a free day or two of occupancy after closing might be worth a lot to them.
The local newspaper for greater Milwaukee posted an article that said real estate sales “surged” in March. I had several clients call me to ask about it. As my favorite real estate advisor, Steve Harney, states, telling the truth about the market to the public is our duty. Just what is the truth? Waukesha and Milwaukee county sale prices did increase in March, while Washington county saw a decline. Unit sales increased in the metro market. Does this mean that things are looking up for real estate?
Steve Harney addresses this issue in this recent blog post that highlights the 5 keys to a Real Estate Recovery. Please read this article, as his predictions, based on national economic indicators, show a continued decline in sales, with an increase in supply. The silver lining is this: priced properly, homes are selling, and rates, although creeping up a bit, are still better than they’ve been in recent decades. The clincher is this: history shows that when changes in mortgage rates occur, they tend to be fast and dramatic. If you are considering a purchase, now is the time to act! And sellers,don’t make your asking price competitive, make it COMPELLING! Your chance for the greatest profit now, before rates increase further and supply increases, as well.
I see it all the time … Buyers don’t know what to focus on when they look at a house. Paint color, window treatments, carpeting and light fixtures are easy to change. A purple bedroom can be repainted and an ugly ceiling fan can be replaced with something suitable to your style.
So just what IS important?
Part 1: The Roof
An older roof will probably need to be replaced after not too long. Look for shingles that are curling up or missing. If there are several layers, the roof might need to be torn off totally and replaced. Inside, look at the ceilings and in the attic for signs of leaking. Peeling paint and watermarks could be indications of a leak that might require immediate attention.
While the roof can be a big expense, replacing it after you buy the house can be a bonus. It gives you the opportunity to add skylights, change the color of the shingles, and more. If you are concerned about the cost, you can negotiate with the seller and ask for a new roof to be installed or for an allotment so you can do it after closing.
April 10, 2010 at 08:59 PM · Posted under Market Stats
So how does the Germantown WI real estate market look these days?
This weeks New Listings report is from 4/2/10 thru 4/9/10 for Single Family homes on the market. Currently, Germantown has a average listing price for sale of $337,370. The Washington county average currently is $315,976.
The current number of properties on the market in Germantown WI is 87. The Washington county Single Family listings total 876.
Below you will find some New Listings in Germantown for the week of 4/2/10-4/9/10.
For More Information about these listings (or any others) or to get a free list of foreclosures, call or email The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen.
Contact:
Cell: 414-651-1613
Email: kkuchta@shorewest.com
Come back next week to see New Listings for Germantown WI.
Shorewest Realtors has a long list of vendor services that are available for homeowners. I saw this checklist in the office from a local inspector, and thought that it was a very nice, complete list of spring cleaning/checkup basics. Enjoy the wonderful spring weather, and feel free to call if you have any questions regarding specific home resources that you may need.
April 09, 2010 at 08:49 PM · Posted under Market Stats
So how does the Menomonee Falls WI real estate market look these days?
Menomonee Falls new Listings report is from 4/2/10 through 4/09/10 for Single Family homes for sale. Currently, Menomonee Falls has a average listing price for sale of $318,044. The Waukesha county average currently is $429,859.
The current number of properties on the market in Menomonee Falls WI is 191. The Waukesha county Single Family listings total 2689. Below you will find some New Listings in Menomonee Falls for the week of 4/2/10-4/9/10
For More Information about these listings (or any others) or to get a free list of foreclosures, call or email The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen.
Looking to buy a home? Be wary of these “good deal” myths.
#1: Full price is too much
Homes are already listed at “discount” prices. Paying the full list price can still be a good deal. The large selection of homes in SE WI show adjusted prices on all listings.
#2: Short sale and foreclosures are bargains
Short sale and Foreclosures are the “hot topics” but not always the best deal. Short sale listings take a long time to get accepted. Foreclosures often require major repairs, which raise the end price above other listings.
#3: Cut out the middle man and reduce the cost Realtors®
charge commission because they work for you. T
hey are experts in the market. Take advantage of their knowledge. It is to the buyer’s advantage to work with a local Realtor®
.
#4: Shop around for the best rate
Every time your credit is pulled, it is also negatively affected. Also, the best rate often comes with the highest fees. Just partner with a mortgage broker that you trust and are comfortable with.
The BEST advice is to look for the home that is BEST for YOU!
As I mentioned in a past post, spring is a great time to tune up the winter body with some bike riding, and southeastern Wisconsin offers some of the nicest rides around!
Starting tonight, Wheel and Sprocket bicycle shop is host to the ”Nation’s Largest Bike Expo Sale” at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo Center. As the host states, “You can find a bike, buy a bike and ride it home!” The event features over 1500 bikes and thousands of accessories, for the amateur and the serious rider. It’s free to the public, and opens at 4pm Thursday, and runs through Sunday.
Stay tuned for more biking information, as our local “Shorewest Family” sets out to ride weekly on the trails of Lake Country. If you see a group of riders decked out in red and black, it just may be your dedicated Shorewest agents, taking a break from selling the wonderful real estate in Lake Country, to enjoy the beauty of it themselves!
Eileen Mooers, a Delafield resident, is the co-founder of Lake Country Caring, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate in our area. Founded in 1990 this fantastic group serves 1400 plus families locally providing clothing and household items FREE of charge to those in need. To find out more about Lake Country Caring, visit their web site.
In 1996 Eileen was the co-person of the year in Delafield for her many community efforts. During the last two years Eileen has found herself battling brain cancer. After two brain surgeries Eileen and her husband, Neil, have traveled to North Carolina for some cutting edge treatment. You can read more about her struggle at www.eileenshelpinghands.com . We need all of your help with this project. On Sunday May 16 th there will be a big fundraiser at Saxe’s in Delafield as we celebrate Eileen. Up until then we need to raise as much money as possible to help the Mooers offset the huge costs for this treatment, much of which is not covered by insurance. Please visit www.eileenshelpinghands.com and learn how you can join us in helping Eileen who has so graciously helped so many in our community.
April 07, 2010 at 09:36 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
Yesterday voters in Oconomowoc gave a clear signal that they want a change at City Hall. According to the official results at the City of Oconomowoc Jim Daley received 1809 votes while the incumbent Maury Sullivan received 908. Sullivan the three term incumbent was upset by a relative unknown in the realm of city politics. Watch this post for my interview with the new mayor and his vision for the City of Oconomowoc.
April 06, 2010 at 08:40 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
If you love horses, like horses or have thought about having an interest in horses, then you may want to head to Madison for the Midwest Horse Fair April 16-18th at the Alliant Energy Center.
For all of the latest information on clinics, events and speakers this website has all the latest information.
Barnes PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) will present the rodeo portion of the entertainment. If you are interested in seeing barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding, roping and various other rodeo events, then this is worth the trip to Madison! The gates open each day at 7am. The rodeo event tickets are only available through TicketMaster, and you can order by phone at 800-745-3000 or you can purchase tickets in person at the Ticket Office. The premium tickets are all sold out, however the general admission tickets are $5. The rodeo will be held on the 16th so now would be a good time to get those tickets!
The performing arts lift us! Let’s help lift them.
The UPAF Ride for the Arts is one of my family’s favorite Milwaukee events, and it supports a good cause. Have fun and feel good about it. There are 5-, 12-, 25-, 65- and 75-mile bike routes. The 5 mile route is great for families with little kids. You’ll see tricycles and big wheels. The 12 mile route is new this year, which we are looking forward to. Bigger kids will have an easy time doing 12 miles. There are rest stops along the way with snacks and beverages and people available to do minor repairs to your bike.
The ride starts and ends at the Summerfest grounds. After the ride, there is a big party with bands, food and Miller beer (of course). Bike parking is available.
Together we sustain a city that embraces culture, educates our children and provides us with memorable experiences. In 2009, over 22,000 donors proved through their gift to UPAF that the performing arts are not only relevant, but also indispensable. It is because of this broad impact that I respectfully request your consideration of a gift in support of UPAF.
Visit the Ride’s Pledge Info page for more information about how our efforts directly impact our community. UPAF’s Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite Sunday, June 6, 2010. For more information please visit www.upafride.org, or call 414-276-RIDE (7433)
If you’d like to join the Shorewest team, please visit my event Home Page
Tomorrow, communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin will be holding various local elections. Realtors tend to be a very patriotic bunch, as we are part of one of the oldest voices in America, the National Association of Realtors. As a Realtor, I’d like to encourage all of my fellow “Wisconsinites,” to get out and vote tomorrow, April 6th.
I just received an electronic news letter from my local school district, and was impressed with the poise of the students at Oconomowoc High School, who moderated a local forum for the Oconomowoc School Board candidates. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the message of these accomplished candidates, check out the video below, and remember to exercise your right to vote, tomorrow.
April 03, 2010 at 04:52 PM · Posted under Market Stats
So how does the Germantown WI real estate market look these days?
This weeks New Listings report is from 3/26/10 thru 4/2/10 for Single Family homes on the market. Currently, Germantown has a average listing price for sale of $335,695. The Washington county average currently is $316,456.
The current number of properties on the market in Germantown WI is 85. The Washington county Single Family listings total 870.
Below you will find some New Listings in Germantown for the week of 3/26/10-4/2/10.
For More Information about these listings (or any others) or to get a free list of foreclosures, call or email The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen.
April 03, 2010 at 01:21 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
New rules on lead based paint removal take effect this coming April. If you are a homeowner and your home was built prior to 1978 then remodeling your home replacing windows, scraping old windows etc will need the services of an expert. The Federal Government has enacted tougher more stringent lead based paint rules that now affect us all. The regulation will affect millions of single family homes across the United States. The EPA banned lead in paint in 1978 and it is estimated that more than 38 million homes have some type of lead paint on or in their home. In the past you could strip the paint yourself, but now with the new guidelines you will need to have a professional EPA accredited firms to remove lead paint. The new rule takes effect on April 22 of this year. When you sell your home you are required to fill out a Real Estate Condition Report (RECR). Currently the RECR does not have any questions on it that ask if you removed the lead paint from your home. It asks if you are aware of any lead paint on your property. All Real Estate transactions require that a Lead Paint Addendum be attached if the home was constructed prior to 1978. I would imagine that the RECR will be changed shortly to ask the seller of an older home if they have done any lead removal on the property. As with all new rules there were be lots of confusion. For more information on Lead Based Paint and the potential problems you can visit the EPA site for lead at http://www.epa.gov/lead/
April 02, 2010 at 06:51 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
We have these good friends who have a knack for knowing all the quaint and sometimes quirky places to eat in the Metro Milwaukee area. April 1st proved to be a delightful day, weather wise, so we tripped over to The Rochester Deli in Waukesha off Broadway. I am always on the hunt for a good Reuben and I was not disappointed here. Because it was literally 80 degrees at 6pm, so we decided to sit outside and enjoy the delish food! I finished the Reuben which was accompanied by a great side dish of fresh coleslaw, I meandered back inside to check out the cakes, cookies and various other sweets. I had my eye on this almond cookie that was dipped in chocolate. I love almond and if you do too then this is the best almond cookie I have tasted in a long time. The Rochester Deli advertises itself as the Home of the Best Reuben and I would have to concur. This little gem is right here in our backyard and is my new fav place for Reuben’s!
April 02, 2010 at 04:45 PM · Posted under Market Stats
So how does the Menomonee Falls WI real estate market look these days?
Menomonee Falls new Listings report is from 3/26/10 through 4/2/10 for Single Family homes for sale. Currently, Menomonee Falls has a average listing price for sale of $326,181. The Waukesha county average currently is $435,485.
The current number of properties on the market in Menomonee Falls WI is 189. The Waukesha county Single Family listings total 2627. Below you will find some New Listings in Menomonee Falls for the week of 3/26/10-4/2/10
For More Information about these listings (or any others) or to get a free list of foreclosures, call or email The Kuchta’s Kelly & Colleen.
April 02, 2010 at 01:04 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
It is amazing what paint, rearranging furniture and a few new accessories can do for a room. Case in point: a new home that I listed in Oconomowoc on Waterstone Circle. The layout of this home is fantastic and it sits on a 2 plus acre lot with a guest house. A few added touches in the right areas and some new colors on the walls and voila the room has a whole new feel.
Living Room
In this picture the formal living room is a bit dated with the red accent wall (before photo on left). A fresh coat of paint on this wall and some current artwork and a few new pieces in the large room completely transform the space (After photo on right). The same happened in this very large dining room. Notice the heavy color above the chair rail. A softer color new lamps on the table and leather covered chairs around the handsome table give this room new character and appeal.
Dining Room
In the family area off the kitchen we simply changed the color on one wall and swapped out the blue furniture for something a little more hip and current. Each of these rooms already had great character; we just removed the items that detracted and added furniture and accents that showcase the great benefits of each room. I have used the services of Casa LaBella Ltd for these redo’s and have mentioned them here on my blog posts before. For more information of their services you can reach them at www.casalabellaltd.com.
Kitchen
For more information on this sharp home, click here to get the latest info on this terrific offering at only $475,000!
If you are new to the area, and are looking for places to worship during Holy Week, this is a nice link to local area worship sites in Southeastern Wisconsin. I searched Oconomowoc, and got this page with many links to sites in Waukesha County. On the left of the linked page, you can search by community. If you are looking for other community resource guides, give me a call. I’d be happy to point in the right direction.
This weekend, sailors from the newly formed, Oconomowoc High School Sailing Team, head east to Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, in search of a chance to place in the prestigious Toby Baker National Regatta.
Teams from across the Midwest will compete for the coveted spot, to represent the MISSA at this event. Qualifiers will move on to the event, held on May 21-23, in Seattle, Washington, at “Sail Sand Point”, Seattle’s Community Sailing Center.
Karen Trepton
ever, location is an important consideration. How do you know where to start looking? What if your favorite neighborhood is out of your price range? A good way to start looking is to drive around. Find a few neighborhoods that you are interested in. Make note of community services you may want to be close to: schools, shops, and churches. Determine how far from work each place is. If a neighborhood is far from amenities and adds significant time to your commute, you have to decide if the location is worth the extra drive time and gas costs.
Tim Wright
The name of the game when preparing your home for sale is Imagination. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves – and their stuff – in the house and you have to help them out. Following these 4 tips will help buyers imagine what a great home your house can be!
upboard! Buyers want to know what kind of storage you have and they will open every door in the place. Keep storage spaces uncluttered, too. Depersonalize It: Your children are adorable, but unless they come with the house, buyers don’t need to know what they look like. Take down pictures and religious items. Neutralize rooms that have personal themes – like the picket fence in your daughter’s room or the powder room that you wallpapered with pictures from your trip to Europe.
On Tuesday April 20 th I sat down with then Mayor, Maury Sullivan and asked him to reflect on his past six years as the Mayor of Oconomowoc. The Mayor reflected on a number of his accomplishments, most notably he feels he is leaving the office with a city that is in good shape from a fiscal perspective and from a staffing function. According to the Mayor, when he first took office the city was spending $100,000-$135,000 on street repairs. This past year the city allocated over $3M for street repairs.
Glenn Hanon
Barbara Bay
High School sailing is in full swing in the Midwest. This past weekend, our local sailors played host to 12 teams from Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. They competed in “team racing,” which consists of a round robin format, pitting one school against another in a 3 on 3 boat situation. Teams utilize strategy to block their opposing team. Boats are awarded points based on their respective finishes, i.e. 1st through 6th places, and the team with the lowest points wins that round. At the end of the regatta, the team with the most wins is the victor. Kids love this format, because in additi
on to their individual sailing skills, they can assist their team mates in maneuvering boat position.
I see it all the time … Buyers don’t know what to focus on when they look at a house. Paint color, window treatments, carpeting and light fixtures are easy to change. A purple bedroom can be repainted and an ugly ceiling fan can be replaced with something suitable to your style. So just what IS important?
to do some of the work yourself. Plus you will then know that the work is done right and that everything is done to your liking!
Q: Were you surprised by the turnout this past Tuesday? 
it’s not the “left-overs” of compromise. I don’t question that the Fowler Lake waterfront needs to be addressed. My concern for a project this big is that it has to be done right and I don’t think this can be a fast track item. This is the kind of project when we are talking about pristine lake frontage we should really be looking at this long term in a forward planning manner. I don’t want to address Fowler Lake for what is good for tomorrow, rather what’s good for the next generations. It is an immensely expensive project which I think its time has come but it needs to be done right. I think there are some issues with the current proposal that need to be refined before we move forward
Diane Krause
The local newspaper for greater Milwaukee 
Kelly Kuchta
Eileen Mooers, a Delafield resident, is the co-founder of Lake Country Caring, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate in our area. Founded in 1990 this fantastic group serves 1400 plus families locally providing clothing and household items FREE of charge to those in need. To find out more about Lake Country Caring, 
If you love horses, like horses or have thought about having an interest in horses, then you may want to head to Madison for the Midwest Horse Fair April 16-18th at the Alliant Energy Center.
The performing arts lift us! Let’s help lift them. 
We have these good friends who have a knack for knowing all the quaint and sometimes quirky places to eat in the Metro Milwaukee area. April 1st proved to be a delightful day, weather wise, so we tripped over to 
If you are new to the area, and are looking for places to worship during Holy Week, this is a 
