Archive for tag Barbara bay
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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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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May 14, 2010 at 02:12 PM
I’m looking at two houses in the same city in WI that sold within 20 days of each other in 2009.
| | House #1 | House #2 |
| Bedrooms | 4 | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Total Rooms | 8 | 8 |
| Style | Colonial | Colonial |
| Year Built | 1975 | 1969 |
| Square Feet | 1,885 | 1,807 |
| Lot Size | .23 | .27 |
| Updated | Yes | Yes |
| Sold For | $254,000 | $232,900 |
Even the descriptions are similar; both have natural fireplaces, patios and are described as beautiful. The more expensive house even has smaller bedrooms. Of course there are always “feeling” factors that can’t be compared. Maybe one house was staged better.
But most likely it’s because they are in different school districts. House #1 is in a school district with a high school 90.9% proficiency rating in math and reading, compared to only 78.8% for the high school in the district of House #2.
Even if you don’t have kids in school and aren’t planning to, the school district will always be a major factor in your home value. Check out your school district at www.schoolmatters.com or www.greatschools.net
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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May 11, 2010 at 08:04 PM
It’s that time of the year again. Time to start thinking about outdoor activities and personal safety. Every year the city of New Berlin puts on Safety Saturday. This year it is May 22, 10:00 – 2:00 at the new Children’s Hospital at the corner of Moorland and Beloit.
There will be a limited supply of free bike helmets. The fire department will have the very popular Fire Safety House and fire equipment. Adventure Rock will have a rock climbing wall and there are bouncy rides for the kids. Kids Are People Too will perform.
For a full list of sponsors and activities, click here
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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May 06, 2010 at 12:00 AM
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My theory is that each pattern of wallpaper is designed for only one person in the world. Even people who love to decorate with wallpaper will hate the wallpaper other people chose. Since wallpaper is a chore to remove, I always get the question from sellers, “should I remove all the wallpaper and re-paint.” If you have the time and energy, absolutely yes. You don’t want buyers discouraged by the work they’ll have to do if they buy your house.
But not everyone has the time and energy; that’s a fact of life. So the advice I give to real people is, it depends on the wallpaper. If you put it up over 10 years ago, I don’t care how good of shape it’s in, it’s dated and it dates your house. Take it down and go with neutral paint.
If it’s more recent than that, meaning the pattern can still be found at the store, and is in good condition, leave it. Maybe yours is the one pattern loved by more than one person. If every showing report mentions removing wallpaper, then get it out of there.
And for Buyers, don’t let wallpaper turn you off if you love the rest of the house. Removing it will give you plenty of satisfaction, and you might just be able to learn to live with it. I’ve had many buyers who HATED the wallpaper in the house they bought, and discover years later it’s still up because they just got used to it.
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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May 05, 2010 at 05:03 PM
Get Ready for New Berlin Fourth of July
If you or your group is looking to participate in the New Berlin Fourth of July festivities, now is the time to sign up. There is a parade, a pie bake off and a talent competition for teens. There is also a two mile run or 5K walk, the New Berlin National Dash. You can also sign up to have a booth at the festival. The New Berlin Fourth of July festival is on my family’s “must do” list every summer. Great fireworks and bands.
Click here for more information.
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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May 03, 2010 at 03:09 PM
I’ve never been much of a bird watcher, but if these guys keep coming around, I might change that opinion. I took this picture in a marshy area in the Town of Summit. After doing a little research, I found out the huge (at least five foot tall) birds I saw were Sandhill Cranes. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and their young stay with them until they mate at around four years of age. I think this must be a Mom, Dad and child. These beautiful birds were almost hunted to extinction in Wisconsin in the 1800’s, but the breed is now in good shape enjoying Wisconsin and other Midwestern states for breeding in the summer. I hope we’re lucky enough to see more of this family this summer.
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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April 21, 2010 at 11:16 PM
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.
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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April 12, 2010 at 04:38 PM
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.
Posted by: Barbara Bay
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April 06, 2010 at 07:25 PM
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
Posted by:Barbara Bay
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March 29, 2010 at 04:07 PM
Prairie
This uniquely American style was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and other Midwestern architects who valued organic architecture. They have low, almost flat roofs, wide overhangs and several windows all in a line. They can be one or two story. It is also considered Arts and Crafts style.
Tudor
Tudor style homes have steep roofs and may have gables. They are mostly noted for their decorative timbering on the upper half of the house. Originally, this timbering showed religious symbols, such as “Y” or triangular shapes for the trinity.
Victorian
This style of architecture is named for Queen Victoria of England who ruled in the mid to late 1800’s. It was common practice to name the popular architectural styles of the time after the reigning monarch. Victorian homes have many gables, steep roofs. They may have turrets and covered porches. They have a very horizontal look. Most are two or even three stories tall.
Bungalow
The name comes from India, derived from the word “Bengali” or house in the Bengal style. Bungalows have low pitched roofs with gables and full or partial porches. The second level was normally built as a big attic space, but most have been converted to bedrooms, sitting rooms or full second floors. They are also called “Craftsman” style.
Cape Cod
The style originated on the East Coast in the 17th century. Cape cods are one and a half story homes with steep gabled roofs and dormer windows. Sometimes there are several dormer windows evenly spaced. The back half of the roof is often raised to give the second floor more space.
Contemporary Colonial
Dutch Colonial
The Colonial style became popular in the 1890’s as Americans wanted to celebrate their heritage. A traditional colonial style home has equal first and second floors and a lower pitched roof. The front door is usually in the center of the house and there are evenly spaced windows. A Saltbox colonial has very stark lines and little or no ornamentation. A Dutch colonial has a steep gambrel roof (like a barn) and may have dormers. The single story ranch is a derivative of traditional Colonials.
Posted by:Barbara Bay
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March 23, 2010 at 05:12 PM
Realtors say there are three things that sell a house: location, price and condition. Location is a given, price will be set by the buyer, so the seller can really only control condition. We tell you this to make you clean your house. I’d add one more to that list, and that’s access. In a perfect world, buyers would always give several days notice for showings and be happy to work around our schedules. In reality, even if you require 24 hours, you will still get requests for showings with short notice. Realize that you have to accommodate the buyer’s schedule, not the other way around.
As a buyer’s agent, we are looking at anywhere from three to ten listings at a time. We have a route mapped and a time line. Asking for your showing to be at a different time or even day may not work for that buyer. If your house is crossed off the showing list, it is very unlikely it will be added at another time. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and your first impression with the showing agent is that you’re difficult and not motivated.
Accept the fact that your house is no longer yours, it belongs to the buying public. Try to be ready for a showing anytime, while living your life. Get up a few minutes early every day and make your house 90% ready to show. Make the beds, clean the kitchen and bathroom, and pick up laundry and clutter. If you do this every day, not just showing days, it’s quick and easy. Thirty minutes before a showing, run around with a duster and a laundry basket. Put every loose thing under a bed, in a dresser drawer or in the basket. Get your family, pets and that basket into the car and go.
Try to leave at least 15 minutes before the showing is scheduled and stay away the entire hour. If the buyer is looking at several homes, and yours is in the middle or end of the list, they may show up in the last part of that hour. Tell your situation to your friends and neighbors. See who wouldn’t mind a last-minute visit from you. My friend showed me where she keeps her outside key and said we were welcome to camp anytime.
Showings should only be rescheduled for events like major illnesses or parties planned well in advance. Even if you can’t make your house perfect and you’re flying out the back door as they’re walking up to the front, accept the showing. Its far better they see a slightly messy house than never see it all.
Posted by:Barbara Bay
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March 17, 2010 at 09:19 PM
I spent a year telling people how now is the best time to sell their house. The market is not going to return to 2006 any time quickly, if ever. The government is doing everything in their power to boost the housing market and if you want to sell, you need to take advantage. Then I decided to put my money where my mouth is, and made the big decision to sell my own house.
I knew our best chance to sell at a decent price was to make our house look as good as possible. I walked around looking at the house the way I thought a buyer would, and here is a list of most of the changes we made over six months of preparation.
- Landscaping. We dug out every overgrown thing in the yard and chopped
down trees that didn’t look their best. We planted smaller, showy perennials in hopes of pretty, spring curb-appeal. And mulch, mulch, mulch. Everywhere. Now that the snow is gone, that mulch still looks good and my pretty spring should come true.
- Door knobs. My house was built in the late 60’s and the door knobswere original. Most were broken or dented and those that weren’t just looked their age. Even when the afternoon project of swapping them out turned into three weeks because all new holes had to be drilled, 17 new doorknobs make the place look better. They aren’t a positive selling point, but we eliminated a definite negative.
- De-cluttering. I live like everyone else, I keep way too much stuff.
I made the commitment to take one load of that stuff to Goodwill every week. I whittled 10 boxes of old kid clothing down to one of just the special items. Attic and basement storage rooms are now clean and organized. Who wants to move that stuff anyhow?
- Replaced a screen door. We had a door with broken springs that slammed
shut, scaring us silly. No way did I want that door slamming on a potential buyer.
- Replaced stained carpeting. People often say to me, I’ll just lower the price and the buyer can pick out his own new carpet. It doesn’t work that way. Buyers just see shabby and dirty and wonder what else in the house is shabby.
- Window repair. I can’t afford all new windows. We sanded and re-stained all of them to at least make them look as good as possible.
- Painting. A can of paint is a cheap, but very effective, remodeling project. We left the dining room dramatic and painted everything else neutral tones from the white family of paint chips.
- Cleaning. With a hairy dog and little kids, my house was not something to show off. We gutted rooms, scrubbed floors and walls, organized closets and drawers. We turned the house into what we always wished our house was really like. We also had the carpeting and furniture all professionally cleaned (and the dog groomed to keep it that way).
- More decluttering. That permanent clutter we needed to keep went in the nine bins that previously housed children’s clothing and are neatly arranged in the clean attic area. We’re pretending that’s what that area always looked like.
- Hired a stager. You’d think I know it all, but my house is still my house. We can’t see things the way a stranger does.
We’ve been on the market almost a week. Three showings, no offers. The stress of waiting begins!
Posted by:Barbara Bay
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March 15, 2010 at 07:51 PM
Shorewest - New Berlin
3580 South Moorland Road
New Berlin, WI 53151
Contact me
Office: 262.784.8466
Direct Line: 262.797.3515 X211
Agent Mobile: 414.559.2297
Email:
bbay@shorewest.com
Website:
barbarabay.shorewest.com
LinkedIn Profile:
www.linkedin.com/in/barbarabayrealtor
View Barbara’s Posted Articles
-Dedicated to honest, efficient, courteous and above all, individualized customer service
-Member Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors®
-Lifelong Southeastern Wisconsin resident
-Awarded Outstanding Volunteer 2009, Girl Scouts USA
-MBA, UW-Milwaukee School of Business
-BA, Ripon College
-Graduate of Oconomowoc High School
-Over 10 years of financial services experience prior to becoming a Full Time Real Estate Sales Associate
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