10614 67 Street Kenosha, WI

June 29, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Posted by:  Tim Wright

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Can You Fight City Hall?

June 27, 2010 at 05:00 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

Grumbling, venting, complaining and overall frustration. Those are just a few of the emotions felt when it comes to property taxes especially in a market when you may never sell your home for the assessed value. So what can you do? I have included a copy of the appeal process from the state department of revenue here for your revue. You need to make sure you understand what your rights are when it comes to your property evaluation. You can contest your assessed value and if the municipality does not agree with your opinion you can appeal this to the state. The appeal needs to have factual data. Simply venting about your situation will get you nowhere. I hope this information helps as you prepare to re-negotiate your assessed value on your home.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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moving on up

June 26, 2010 at 06:57 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

The heartbeat of my business is the lifeline of referrals. I love them as most do. There is no greater compliment on past service than a referral for future service. Did you know though, that if your brother is moving from Dallas to Phoenix that I can help too? That is right I have been doing this for years with the help of our relocation department. Shorewest belongs to one of the largest relocation networks in the country—RELO. As a founding member of this network we are at the forefront of assisting transferring families. With a few calls I can make sure that your favorite relative obtains the same great service with an experienced agent for that big move whether it is here or to Anchorage Alaska. So next time you need a trusted advisor in San Diego give me a call and I will make sure that you or your relatives, friends or neighbors get the best possible agent for the move.  Feel free to call me at the office 1-888-HEY GLEN or email me at if you need assistance.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Reuben Where Are You?

June 25, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

I love a good Reuben and I think I have had some of the best around the country. Nosh-A-Rye on Longboat Key is as authentic as you get. Well a new restaurant opened here in Oconomowoc just the other day. For those of you locals this is the old Chuck’s Supper Club. The new establishment is Burke’s Lakeside and it is located on Valley Road about a mile and a half west of Hwy 67—right across the street from Silver Lake.

I met a friend there for lunch today and quickly scanned the menu for a Reuben and to my relief they offered one with a huge plate of fresh fries. My midline could do without the fries, but I have to try them for the sake of the blog! This scrumptious sandwich offered thick strips of corned beef a light sauce and not too much sauerkraut on a beautifully toasted marble rye all for an affordable $8.95. We sat on the deck since it was less humid today, but the inside of this new eatery is very trendy with linen table cloths, nice flatware and a comfortable environment. I definitely want to try their dinner menu in the near future. I think I found my new favorite place for the trusty Reuben.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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To Haggle or Not to Haggle...

June 23, 2010 at 11:07 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

Why is it that many buyers do not make offers on homes that they have some interest in? The best way to answer this question is to give you a glimpse of what I have witnessed over the past 20 years.

Many buyers do not want or like to negotiate. It bothers them for a few reasons, first of which is they probably feel they are not good at negotiating, and like public speaking, they fear the process. Many do not like haggling over the price for a home. The fear is that they will have left “money on the table” which prevents them from entering the process.

Some buyers have bursts of anger which is counterproductive in negotiating.

In a University of Washington/University of Colorado study by researchers Leigh Thompson and Reid Hastie, they concluded that the more a person can learn about the other person’s interests and desires the better the outcome for you. In other words, if you are trying to win at all costs you probably won’t get a very good deal. But if you want to obtain a great deal in whatever you are negotiating for, investigate what the other party wants and values and be willing to give it to them. Both parties rarely value the same thing.

The fear and frustration of negotiating are two factors that keep many, not all, from writing offers on a home that is overpriced. That is why it is so important to price your home correctly right from the start.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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The Price is Right!

June 22, 2010 at 10:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

In my last blog entry I discussed some of the objections buyers have with homes. One dicey topic is price. Sellers generally want more than the house is really worth and buyers generally want to pay less than the house is really worth. There are several reasons why you should price your home right from the beginning.

1. An overpriced house generally sells for less than a comparable home that was priced right from the start.

2. Most buyers don’t like to negotiate when the price is out of range

If I price my house high I have room to wiggle, so why is this a bad idea? Some sellers still think that this is an appropriate model for pricing your home. Rather than debate the merits of this let’s look at it from the buyers perspective. Remember the buyer is looking at many homes and yours is just one in the “Tour of Homes”. A typical buyer will look at 35-40 homes before purchasing a home. They will become experts on pricing in a relatively short period of time. They will understand what the price point offers for “Shoulds” in a home. A “Should” is granite counters for some homes, finished basements for some, in-home theaters for others. You get the idea. The buyer will also have a list of features that they prefer in their home. This list of preferences comes from their personal experience in their last home. For example, if the buyer is from the south they maybe accustomed to all brick homes, soaring ceilings and painted woodwork. Here is a timely piece of advice I give to all potential sellers; A buyer with cash in hand, no home to sell is NOT coming to buy your home—they are coming to cross it off the list! IF your home has enough of the items that most buyers want then you will probably make it to the next step, BUT if you do not have enough of those items, then your home will be removed from the list. This is where pricing comes into the picture. Homes with fewer of the features generally cannot command a market level price. The price must reflect not only square footage, but the amenities of the house. I am not saying this, the buyers are. If you have a lovely home that is 5,000 sq ft finished basement and the home was built in 1995 and you have not made any updates to your home since then and you are competing with a 2008 home that is essentially the same size, take a guess at which house the buyer might go for?

This is the hardest part of selling homes—giving the seller the hard facts. I have always been committed to this. A seller deserves the honest truth in a kind manner of course. Think about your home from the buyer’s point of view and you will do well in the long run. I will discuss point #2 in my next blog post.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Dream Locations in Lake Country Wisconsin

June 22, 2010 at 09:34 AM

If selling or buying property in Lake Country Wisconsin was advertised in a personals ad, it would go like this….

“If you love watching sunsets over the lake…Love swimming and boating at the lake…Love sailing on Lac LaBelle…Love gardening in Lake Country…Contact your Lake Country Real Estate Expert. Your Dream Location is waiting!

What’s YOUR Dream Location?

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Oconomowoc's Got Talent! THIS WEEKEND--PLAN ON IT!

June 21, 2010 at 09:06 PM

Singers, dancers, musicians, beatboxer and unicyclist – some of the best amateur performers in Lake Country – will take the Oconomowoc Arts Center stage June 26 and 27 in a fundraiser for the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation’s (OPEF) Performing Arts Center Enhancement (PACE) Fund!

It will be a great show featuring the top 26 acts selected from more than 200 people who auditioned (see who you know on the attached cast list!). Two performances – Saturday evening and Sunday matinee – as well as a raffle, concessions and a commemorative playbill – are contributing to the PACE fund to pay for the enhancements that make the Oconomowoc Arts Center a state-of-the-art performance venue.

Tickets: $12 adults, $8 students and seniors (with ID) on sale at the door and in advance at Books & Company at 1039 Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc Realty at 156 E. Wisconsin Ave., Piggly Wiggly at1300 Brown Street, and the Oconomowoc Arts Center box office at 641 E. Forest Street. (Cash and checks only)

Raffle: A drawing on Sunday, June 27, will give away items including a 42” plasma screen television, $250 cash, sports and theater tickets. Purchase raffle tickets for $5 each or 5/$20, available in advance at Oconomowoc Realty, from OPEF board members, or at the performances.

Click here to read more about our worthy cause from one of my previous posts.

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Selling Your Home As A Buyer

June 21, 2010 at 08:16 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

Sometimes concepts or ideas make better sense if you can see the issue from another perspective. If you are thinking about selling your home a Buyer’s perspective may help you make better decisions. I produced a DVD called “What a Seller Should Know” and it is a compilation of interviews of real buyers on various topics. I provide this DVD to prospective clients. It lets them see what a real-time buyer thinks and says when walking through a home. I asked all of these buyers questions like, “What do you think when you see a litter box for the cat” or “What do you think of plug-ins or potpourri? All of the respondents indicated that the sight of a litter box was a huge turn off. Now I found this personally interesting because over the past 20 years of selling homes I have had few buyers vocalize an objection to this issue. But the buyer’s in the interview said that the sight of cat poo in the box was disgusting and they began to wonder if the cat peed and pooed in the house, while this is gross it does indicate that the aversion was strong enough to deter them from pursuing the home. Many buyers are allergic to animals and the reminder of a pet can be an instant disqualifier.

The plug-in/Potpourri answers were obvious because I have seen firsthand buyers react very poorly to plug-ins when viewing a home. Most buyers feel that the seller is trying to hide an unpleasant odor in the house. In many cases they are correct. If you have an odor problem in your home– fix it. Many owners cannot smell pet odors in their own home so it is always a good idea to ask the agent if they can smell the pet or offensive smell.

Here are a few other issues that buyers have with homes that they view and their assumptions about the home.

1. Overall un-cleanliness of a home meant the seller did not care about the house and probably did not care for major items like the roof, furnace and overall upkeep of a home.  Can you see why having your home presentable for showings is so critical? Sometimes you never get a second chance.

2. Overpricing the home gave the buyer license to either write a very low offer or in most cases pass on the house. They want to make an offer on a house that they feel the price is in line with the market.

The pricing issue I will discuss in my next blog post.

When a REALTOR provides advice on how best to market your home, listen to them. We have years of experience and have worked with hundreds of buyers. We see firsthand what they like and don’t like. Tap into the resource, it could save you thousands of dollars.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Survey Says

June 21, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

Do you know where your lot lines are? You may have an approximation of where those lines are but if you have an outbuilding or utility easement running through your yard a survey may help avoid problems in the future. Shorewest offers a service through Blueline Technologies that can help avoid these problems. Here are some benefits of a survey with your home:

1. Surveys are the only way encroachments or other land defects can be properly identified.

2. Surveys before closings help prevent unnecessary delays or problems at the closing.

3. Sellers who provide surveys are eligible to receive coverage against future claims involving property line disputes.

4. Surveys completed at the time of listing can uncover any potential problems that can be addressed before an offer is obtained.

5. Providing a professional survey can help your property stand out from competing properties

6. Great references for future projects.

If you would like to know more about obtaining a survey for your home feel free to contact me at the office, 1-888-HEY GLEN–just one more service that I can provide to make your home more competitive in the market.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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What is a Gap Endorsement?

June 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

When you are selling your home one of the requirements in the Offer to Purchase is that the Seller pays for the Title Insurance Policy. When the Offer to Purchase forms were changed early this spring, one of the provisions in the new contract was an option for the Seller to pay for a GAP endorsement to the title insurance policy. The option is almost always included in the offer to purchase based offer language. I won’t digress on that for now. Soon after the offer to purchase is accepted by both parties it now becomes a “Contract of Sale” and the listing agent usually orders a title insurance update. The title company will search for any liens or encumbrances against the property that is being sold and will issue, shortly after the offer is accepted a “Title Insurance Commitment” This is not the actual policy. The formal policy is issued about 2 weeks after the closing and is sent to the new homeowner. This time period between the issuance of the title commitment and the title policy is called a GAP. In this gap in coverage a seller technically could purchase a boat or car, use the house as collateral all un-noticed by the title company or the buyer. The Gap endorsement is signed by the Seller, under oath, which states that the seller will be responsible for this activity during this gap in actual coverage. I know you would never do something like this, but that is why we have a request for GAP endorsements with offers now. Someone abused the system.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Fire Department's New Home

June 18, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

The Town of Summit and City of Oconomowoc’s new firehouse has a new address—just off the Oconomowoc Parkway and Hwy 67. The state of the art facility will be a welcome addition to the city and town. The current fire station on S. Concord Road will continue to operate and serve the south side of the city, but with this new structure train traffic will not impede service to part of the city of Oconomowoc. The bike path runs right past the firehouse so if you are out with the kids on your bike you can’t miss this impressive building. If you begin your journey by the Imagination Station in Oconomowoc and head south and east the trip to the firehouse is only about 5-6 miles. We have so many great resources here in Oconomowoc to take advantage of. If you have not been on the bike path try it out—It’s FREE!!

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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New Construction in Brightwater Subdivision

June 17, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

It is always great to see builders busy these days with the ‘new’ real estate market. In the Brightwater subdivision, just across the street from the new Aurora Hospital, Kingsway Homes is busy building a new home. I have the house on Waterstone Circle listed for sale at $475,000 and this gorgeous subdivision has all the accoutrements of fine living. Let’s start with the clubhouse. A well appointed clubhouse with outdoor pool, bathrooms and a large gathering area is available for use by residents.

What I like most about this fabulous neighborhood structure is one, the design is beautiful and two the quality inside is high end. The quaint older manor home, which I have listed for sale, is a terrific deal in the upscale development and has a detached carriage house complete with studio apartment, fireplace and full kitchen. The main house offers a Viking kitchen, granite counter tops, slate floors, Jack ‘n Jill bedrooms upstairs and 3 natural fireplaces in the main house. This unique property has the largest lot in the development at 2.5 acres. We are looking for someone who recognizes value when they see it and wants amenities such as the clubhouse and lake access.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Let me Tell You All About My (Not Your) House

June 16, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Dinner with relatives last night turned into a heated real estate marketing discussion.  My house is for sale, and we went out for dinner because there was a showing.  The question was asked of me, why aren’t I showing my own house?  I explained this wasn’t a Buyer I was working with, so their Agent is showing my house.  The conversation continued, shouldn’t I be there anyhow to answer questions or help with the showing?  And further, why wouldn’t all owners be at showings for this reason?  Don’t they know the house best?

Yes, the owners do know the house best.  In fact, they know too much.  They know every repair and problem they’ve had.  They’ve fixed these issues (I hope) and the house is just fine.  But when they proceed to brag about what a good homeowner they are to prospective Buyers, they turn that house into a money pit.  All houses need repair, all houses have problems.  Objectively Buyers know this, but being told in 20 minutes all 20 years worth of repairs you’ve made is overwhelming and makes it sound horrible.  As a Seller, you provide a Real Estate Condition Report, a legal document disclosing the condition of the house and repairs that have been made.  A nice list of major improvements can be left on a table for showings (how old is the furnace, roof etc.)  When a Buyer is just looking, this is all they really need.  They don’t need to hear about that funny squirrel that got stuck in the attic for days and ripped up all the insulation.

Stagers teach us to de-clutter and de-personalize the house.  Why?  So the Buyer can picture themselves in the house.  When a Buyer starts mentally moving in, they are steps away from writing an offer.  The Buyer can’t mentally move into a house when the current owner is telling them about how much they love walking to the nearby park and how all their babies splashed around in that big tub.  The Seller thinks they’re helping the Buyer by telling the good things about the house, but what they’re really doing is making the potential Buyer feel uncomfortable.  Maybe that Buyer isn’t having kids, or doesn’t like walking to the park.  Who knows?  The features you love about your house may be completely unimportant to that Buyer.  Again, a nice list of neighborhood and school features should be left on a table.

Finally, Buyers need to be nosy.  Never in a million years would you walk into someone’s home and look in all their closets and medicine cabinets.  But you need to do this when house shopping.  Potential Buyers can’t get a good critical look when the owners are home, it feels as if they’re intruding.  Every time I’ve conducted a showing with the Sellers at home (either nipping at our heels or sitting quietly on the porch), my Buyers give a cursory look and try to get out quickly.

Unfortunately all these arguments got me nowhere with this particular relative and we agreed to disagree.  I tucked my professional pride in my pocket, hoped she wouldn’t be selling her home soon and enjoyed the rest of dinner.

Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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One of my favorites...

June 15, 2010 at 09:39 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Glenn Hanon

Have you ever done this? You find a great eating establishment and you order the same thing each time not wanting to switch to something different? I do it all the time, but last night rather than having the world famous Reuben at The Rochester Deli, I tried their Italian Panini and the Devonshire Panini. No I didn’t have two entrees, my wife, Lori ordered one and I the other then we swapped halves. WOW were they good. The Deli is such a great place to hang out. I prefer to eat outside at one of the patio tables, taking in the quiet pace of downtown Waukesha. Once those delish dishes were history I had my eye on the almond cookies that were hunkered down in the pastry case. I love almond and especially marzipan. If you don’t know what marzipan is go ask your grandmother. A hot cup of tea and a delectable fresh homemade almond cookie—ok it was really good. We chatted with friends until the place closed which was a little early for me 7pm, but hey it’s a deli and they were open all day. So now I can tastefully recommend the Reuben, Devonshire and the Italian Panini at The Rochester Deli.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Moonlit Movies Begins This Thursday!!

June 15, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

The incredible event for downtown Oconomowoc resumes again this year with Moonlit Movies featuring Monster’s Vs. Aliens on the jumbo inflatable screen. The show starts at dark. But wait there is more!! The Badgerland ski show will begin before the movie. What a great night of FREE entertainment. Please bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Fourth of July in Oconomowoc is a Family Affair

June 14, 2010 at 09:24 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

The fourth of July parade in Oconomowoc is just one of the great events that offer fun, entertainment and great summer food for the entire family. If you would like to participate in the parade please contact TJ Rinaldi of the Oconomowoc Rotary Club at www.oconomowocrotary.org for parade entrant details. The parade begins at Roosevelt Field and ends at Fowler Park. There will be tons of food and great activities at the park. The evening will culminate with a wonderful fireworks display. Come one come all to Oconomowoc JULY 3rd for a great family outing.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Are FHA Delinquencies Going Down?

June 10, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the FHA delinquency rate was slowing over the 2009 trend. They reported that only 8.5% of the loans in April were 90 days late vs. a high of 9.4% in January of this year. That is a lot like saying that last year our favorite sports team improving its record of losing 10 of the 11 games played vs. all 11 games lost the year before. The bottom line is the team still stinks. The housing market will continue to suffer due to a few fundamental factors.

First, low down payment loans are always risky. FHA has raised the threshold for the minimum credit score to obtain a FHA backed loan to 660 but buyers with stellar credit and little to no down payment will still walk away from the house IF they find themselves in difficult financial times, i.e. a job loss. The lenders of non FHA loans have tightened their standards and requirements for a loan much to the consternation of us in the Real Estate industry, but those buyers are less likely to default since they have lots of their own money into the home.

The second fundamental reason we have a troubled Real Estate economy, is that employers are still less likely to add to their ranks. Once job hiring becomes a routine event then this confidence will quickly move into the housing sector and we will see more than a glimpse of good news it will be here. But in this time of good news and bad news there is one thing we can do and that is to clearly look at the housing market with an unbiased view. Then and only then can we make really good decisions. For home owners who want to sell this is a good time. Yes you will sell your home for less than you thought, but you will also be buying for less too AND interest rates are so low that it seem silly not to make the move. We have seen an uptick in activity. Guess what? There is no tax credit. Savvy sellers know that they can sell their home now and buy a bigger or better home or for that matter downsize and do it all for less.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Let Them Eat Cake!

June 09, 2010 at 10:11 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon

Last night I was mingling with a bunch of friends and the topic came up. “What is your favorite restaurant?” My ears perked up since finding a good place to dine is like finding gold. Well not really, but you get the point. One of my friends is a real wine enthusiast and he seemed to know quite a few of the finer places, what the menu is like and the overall cost–who needs Google with this guy around? The great thing about this as a topic is instantly you will find out if others have tried the establishment and what they thought. If only the owner or manager of the restaurants could have heard the conversation. Sometimes the critique was less about the food and more about the service or attitude of the staff. Now I am not ripping on wait staff because they have a tough job. But here is one example of how a great place can miss the mark. This friend of mine visited one of his favorite places and quickly used the facilities before ordering. There in the restroom was a member of the wait staff who forgot to wash his hands!! Creepy huh? My friend said he should have left then seeing how he is a germ-a-phobe, but relented only to find that the dirty waiter was going to be his waiter! Feeling sheepish he didn’t say a word. I would have said something. He continued on with his meal but has not been back since. That little slip- up cost that well known and well respected restaurant business. The best thing my friend could have done was to politely tell someone. How can they fix the screw up if they don’t know about it? We all want second chances when we mess up, but what we don’t want is someone yelling in our face about how rotten we are. I think that is called civility. So if you see someone make a mistake let them know. If you see me mess up let me know…nicely, and if you have a favorite restaurant let me know that too.

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Distressed Property and How it Affects My Sale

June 09, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Headlines seem to change daily, so it is very difficult to sift through the deluge of information and discern the truth about what is happening in the real estate market. Distressed properties, “foreclosures and short sales”, seem to be increasing in numbers. This inventory is called “shadow inventory”, by the professionals. Estimating the shadow inventory, and tracking it, can assist in determining how the overall market will play out.

This morning, I pulled, from the MLS, a zip code within the lake country market, in Waukesha County. This area is filled with a mix of starter to luxury market properties. As of today, there are 422 active listings in this zip code. Then, I went to a leading website that lists distressed properties by zip code. It highlights Pre-Foreclosure, scheduled Sheriff Sale and Bank Owned properties. The same zip code had 101 properties in this category. Some of these homes may be represented in the “active” for sale market, but some are not. I did not go through each and every home to see if it was on the market, but it is safe to say, that as a percentage, there is potentially, up to an additional 25% market share of inventory that is “shadowing” the current inventory, and these properties are financially “distressed.”

How do you, as a seller, compete in a market that is impacted by these homes? To determine that, you need information that is accurate and timely. My favorite source, Steve Harney, outlines his explanation of how these properties will affect the overall market, in this timely article.

Knowledge is key. When navigating through these turbulent waters, take the time to get the information you need, as a seller, to be successful. As a “Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist,” I can assist you in this process. Remember, it’s not if the glass is half empty, or half full…but that there’s water in the glass! Drink up!

Karen Trepton…Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Pricing Your Home for Sale

June 07, 2010 at 04:32 PM

When purchasing or selling a home, price is always a major factor. Location, condition, amenities etc., all play into the picture, but it generally boils down to what one is willing to accept “for the price.”  In today’s market, home prices need to be more than competitive, they need to be compelling! How does one determine what “compelling” is? Steve Harney identifies 6 factors that must be considered when pricing a home for sale. They are:

1. Demand
2. Supply
3. Interest Rates
4. Employment Rates
5. Foreclosure Inventory and
6. Consumer Confidence.

Each category can be defined for your particular situation.

To find out how your home fits into these categories, contact me or your preferred agent.

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Why does my agent keep sending me magnets?

June 07, 2010 at 11:19 AM

It always amazes me how home buyers don’t think they should hire a professional real estate agent to help them as home sellers do.  People walk into open houses or call the numbers on For Sale signs.  What people must not realize is that the agent who has listed that house is working for the seller, and their job is to get as high a price for that house as possible.  Is that someone a buyer should talk to?  Does that agent have the buyer’s best interests in mind?

When a seller lists their house with a real estate agent, they offer that agent a commission to sell the house.  That listing agent then turns around and offers to share part of that commission with any agent helping the buyer.  So again I ask myself, why don’t buyers hire professional real estate agents?  They don’t even have to pay them normally – the seller and listing agent are doing that for them. In any other area of life would you turn down someone who will work for you at no cost?  If a hairdresser offered free haircuts, you’d run to the salon.  If your doctor offered a free check up, you’d make an appointment immediately.   Real Estate Agents offer free service to buyers, and buyers are afraid of them.

I wonder if we get confused with salesmen?  Do people think we will “sell” them a house?  As if we have some hypnotic power to convince them, against their will, to spend the most money they may ever spend on anything in their lives.  Do they think we’ll force them to buy a house?

Most people also don’t realize that the buyer portion of real estate commission goes to the first agent who talks to the buyer about the house.  That may not be the agent working with and writing the offer for the buyer.  When you call that number on the sign and talk to that listing agent first, you have just handed him/her that buyer commission if you buy the house.  That trusted agent you used in the past, or your friend or relative in the business can no longer help you negotiate the best deal.  They won’t get paid.

So that brings me to my original question, why does my Agent keep sending me magnets?  We know you forget us once you move in.  Then years later you see a house you might be interested in, and we hope and pray you ignore the number on the sign, quick run home, grab that refrigerator magnet and call us first – so we can get to work for YOU!

Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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Luxury Housing Market may be Rebounding

June 04, 2010 at 11:39 AM

Southeastern Wisconsin is unique in that many lifestyles are represented in a small geographical area. One can live on the shore of Lake Michigan, or on the shore of a beautiful, spring fed, inland lake. Hobby farms and equestrian estates abound. Country living or upscale condo living is available. The luxury market can be found throughout these market segments. What was not unique to Wisconsin, was that the luxury housing market in our state, has taken a bit of a beating, just like the rest of the country. What seemed to be an “sure thing” wasn’t. No longer could one purchase a dilapidated cottage on a lake, and turn it around for a profit, merely by slapping up some paint, cutting the grass and putting in a for sale sign. “McMansions” sat idle, in favor of smaller, energy efficient. low cost mortgage properties. The rub is that many of these homes offer a wonderful opportunity for “dream lifestyle” living. The American Dream for some, includes boating and swimming from your own pier, viewing city lights from a penthouse suite, or riding the trails of meadowed and wooded acreage on a your favorite prize horse. It may include “movie night” with your neighbors in your private movie theater, showing off a car collection in your heated 5 car garage, or viewing the wildlife on the acreage of your country parcel. Whatever the “dream” is for you, luxury living can be wonderful.

What is happening with prices in this market? Let’s see what Steve Harney has to say about it . And, if you’d like to purchase or sell a luxury property, give me a call. I’d love to help you live YOUR American Dream!

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Kenosha Area Activities

June 03, 2010 at 07:51 AM

Interested in moving to a new community? A great way to decide if it might meet your needs is to attend some community events. Weekend newspapers and community websites can jump-start your investigation and help you get a feel for a new place or fall in love with the community where you already are!

The Kenosha HarborMarket will run Saturday from 9-2 at Kenosha’s lake front between 54 St and 56 St. Stop by with the whole family and check out what these local vendors have to offer!

After a visit to the HarborMarket, go north a bit to Kennedy Park for the Outta Sight Kite Flight! Food, fun and kites-galore make this event worthwhile from young and old alike!

There are several reasons to head out to Bong State Park on Sunday, including a free fishing day. No license or gear needed! Come out for the fishing or the Family Nature Faire which will include a plant sale, raffles, games, food, animals, and more!

Posted by:  Tim Wright

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Housing Recovery and Shadow Inventory

June 03, 2010 at 07:16 AM

If you read my posts, you may recognize that I enjoy giving you, the reader, bits and pieces of what it’s like to live in Southeastern Wisconsin. I do some hard reporting on the state of the real estate market, but mostly, I enjoy painting the picture of what it’s like to live in Lake Country, Wisconsin.

However, I am asked frequently about the state of the real estate market, and decided that it is equally important to share with you, the big picture regarding housing in Wisconsin and the nation. My favorite source of information regarding real estate and where it’s heading, is from Steve Harney. I am a pin wearing, card carrying, blog reading, twitter and facebook posting member of “Harney’s Army!” He’s spot on in terms of sharing the truth about the market.

Steve was in Brookfield, today, and I was impressed with this particular comment, “The professional doesn’t see the glass as half empty, or as half full…but recognizes that there’s water in the glass.” I love that!! Buyers and sellers will continue to move, regardless of interest rates, home prices, inventory volumes, etc. My job, as a professional, is to equip my clients with the information they need to maneuver through the ever changing market with the greatest success.

So, in an effort to share my knowledge of the market, I am going to share Steve’s advice and insight on the market with you. Watch for daily links to Steve’s blog, “Keeping Current Matters.” The information is invaluable! My cultural posts will continue, as well, but these links are required reading for the buyer or seller who wants to be “in the know.” Today’s article touches on the subject of the Housing Recovery, and how “shadow inventory” will affect it. Feel free to contact me with questions.

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Shorewest is Named #10 in Nation!

June 03, 2010 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Market Stats

Real Trends has named Shorewest Realtors as #10 in the nation, in leading real estate firms. This is the highest ranking ever attained by a Wisconsin Real Estate company. When choosing a Realtor in Wisconsin, choose from the best! To find out about our family of services, including Wisconsin Mortgage, Heritage Title, Shorewest Insurance, Shorewest Home Services and more, contact me, or your preferred Shorewest agent.  Click Here to view the Real Trends flyer.

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Memorial Day Events

June 02, 2010 at 01:49 PM

Interested in moving to a new community?  A great way to decide if it might meet your needs is to attend some community events.  Weekend newspapers and community websites can jump-start your investigation and help you get a feel for a new place or fall in love with the community where you already are!

Memorial Weekend in Southeastern Wisconsin always means CHOCOLATE!!!  The Burlington Chocolate Fest runs May 28 – 31 this year.  Fantastic music acts, eating contests, chocolate sculpting and more ensure that the weekend will be as sweet as can be!  For more information, visit the Fest’s website:  www.chocolatefest.com

Bong State Park is hosting Tree-rific Art on May 29 from 10-noon.  All ages are welcome to come by and create tree-inspired art.  www.bongnaturalistassociation.org

Dozens more activities will be taking place across the area.  The Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has an Event Calendar  - Check it out at www.kenoshacvb.com!

Posted by:  Tim Wright

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