March 05, 2010 at 03:41 PM · Posted under Leslie Kane
Les Kane here blogging for you my Wisconsin community. I live and sell for our founders’ short list of “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” It’s a short but thorough list. I do believe it’s reachable if we consider it in every action of every day. I defend this right in my client as well. I love to help them make sure their Real estate choices are not limiting them in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I love to search for wise purchases as hard as I will help them find a compelling price for their properties. There is no question too small or large I can’t find an answer to.
With masters degree in counseling and Shorewest training I can fulfill your real estate needs. I have lived in this area, raised and schooled my children in this area, which gives me the client’s perspective. No matter how unique the real estate task, be it commercial or residential, I can help.
Providing Shorewest’s cutting edge marketing and Internet Technology.
Boat equipped for on-the-water property tours of Geneva Lake.
Graduate-Shorewest Real Estate Institute
Member-Lakes Area Realtors® Association
Member-Wisconsin Realtors® Association
Member-National Association of Realtors®
Please stop and see me at the Delavan Sales office- 830 E. Geneva St in Delavan!
February 17, 2010 at 03:28 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
Selling homes in Wisconsin in the winter, can be challenging. When the snow flies and temperatures drop, buyers can “hibernate”. It’s not unusual to track showings with the weather. A bright sunny day can produce several families at an open house, whereas, a cloudy, cold, snowy day can result in a “no-show” open. Unfortunately, we are in a long, steady home market. The days of putting a property on the market in the spring, and removing it in the fall are over. Now, more than ever, sellers need to take advantage of the tax incentives, low interest rates, and the many other tools that companies such as Shorewest have to offer, to result in a sale and a “date” at the closing table.
As a professional, full service agent, it is my duty to provide my sellers with options to maximize their exposure to buyers. One such option is staging the interior AND exterior of one’s home. This recent online post I found through the Greater Milwaukee Board of Realtors points out several tips of the trade that agents and sellers can use to achieve this goal. A good example of these strategies are highlighted in the video below. I think you may find the video and the article helpful.
If you’d like more information regarding the many tools Shorewest and I can offer, give me a call or stop by the open house on Sunday at the featured listing. In the meantime, enjoy the remaining weeks of winter, and remember that spring will be here, before you know it.
February 05, 2010 at 10:07 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
My trusted smart phone kicked the bucket the other day and I was forced rather quickly to think about another phone. Not wanting to switch carriers, I did decide to jump into the Apple world. Both of my sons have Apple laptops and brag how the “old man” needs to get with it. So, I bought the iPhone 3GS and started looking at some of the apps that my guys were always talking about. Here is a cool one I found for Real Estate; Sherwin Williams—you know the paint store, they have this cool app. So let’s say you are thinking about re-painting the living room, but your favorite couch is not in need of re-covering. Well take a picture with your iPhone of the couch and the app will give you the primary color and two secondary colors that you could use to accent the room with. even gives you the Sherwin Williams paint numbers so you could go to the store and get a sample! How cool is that? If you have an iPhone, the app is FREE.
Shorewest also has this really cool app for finding homes with a geo locator feature. Let’s say you’re having your favorite cuppa at Starbucks in Oconomowoc and you want to know all the available homes for sale around your location. If you have loaded the FREE iPhone app for Shorewest it is a snap. A couple quick taps on the phone and voila you have the latest inventory at your fingertips, literally! Click here to view and download the free Shorewest Iphone app.
February 02, 2010 at 06:01 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
Well it might not be there in time for many home owners who find themselves “underwater” in their mortgage. As a heads up the new HAMP program or Home Affordability Modification Program, that Washington put in place, has a few changes that were recently implemented. The goal is to streamline the process. Click Here for more information on the HAMP changes.
In other news, a report recently released indicates that FHA is in good shape. Some people critical of the FHA were concerned that they are taking a bigger risk in the mortgage business with their dramatic increase in market share. This story makes the point that their share has risen from a 3% market share to a 30% market share almost overnight. A personal note: FHA has played a role in the real estate recovery; however the low down payments are very concerning. Yes FHA requires a higher credit score, however even with good credit if one of the two persons who are buying the housing loses a job (a possibility in this economy) or their income is adjusted slightly, does FHA think those borrowers wont default? These are difficult times for everyone. The sooner we move towards responsible lending and borrowing the better our recovery will be. If the borrowers continue to live on the edge we could face another round of difficulties.
February 01, 2010 at 10:46 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
This quick video gives some reasons why walking away from your home may not be a good idea. The financial impact of a foreclosure decision can negatively impact your credit for the next 5-7 years. Short sales are longer and can be more difficult routes, however the negative impact can be as little as 2 years on your credit. Take a look at the video and decide for yourself. If you find yourself in this situation feel free to call me and we can discuss your options.
January 20, 2010 at 02:42 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
The Real Estate market is changing fast. Recently the NAR (National Association of Realtors) developed a program that educates agents to become advocates for sellers who find themselves in very difficult waters with their current mortgage, i.e. short sales and foreclosures. A short sale is when a homeowner sells their property for less than the current mortgage balance. The “shortage” is often but not always absorbed by the bank. Because of the growing problem with foreclosures, this option is providing a way out for distressed homeowners and banks who find themselves with a growing inventory of bad mortgages.
The NAR developed the “Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification” (SFR), which I was happy to learn more about. Recently I passed the exam and received the SFR certification. I also completed the REO Trans Network training and exams and am now certified to assist with REO inventory (Real Estate Owned) that the banks have assumed. As a leader at Shorewest I believe that continuing education is paramount in addition to assisting clients in this very difficult economy.
If you have further questions about the market give me a call at the office, toll free 1-888-HEY GLEN
Straight from the News Hub desk is this quick video on the housing market. Now is the time to consider buying your home IF you can afford it. Real Estate has always been a very good long term investment. If you are contemplating buying a home now is the perfect time, interest rates are low and the supply is vast. Check the video out for yourself and decide if it is best for you.
December 30, 2009 at 08:44 AM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
Robert Shiller, of the Case Shiller Index is interviewed in this video by the WSJ. The outlook is not that great, but there is good news. First our area has not been affected as severely as other parts of the country. We see that the first quarter of 2010 and perhaps into the second quarter the activity will be stronger than 2009. The threat of rising interest rates should be of concern to sellers and buyers. So while the saying sounds overused, NOW is the time to sell for two main reasons. First as a seller you can take advantage of the opportunity while the homebuyer tax credit is still available. Buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010. The second reason is that most economists believe that interest rates will have to rise in 2010. If rates go up from 5% to 6% this decreases the buyer’s top price by 10% if the buyer is payment sensitive—which almost all are today. If you would like more information about our local real estate economy or the value of your home feel free to call me.
December 02, 2009 at 06:19 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you want an early dose of holiday cheer, check out downtown Oconomowoc, this Saturday, December 5th, for the annual Christmas Parade.
The parade runs from 3 - 4pm, and follows a route from Fowler Park, south to downtown, through the round-about westward on Wisconsin Avenue, and then south on Main Street to Roosevelt Park.
The best place to see the parade is downtown or from various local businesses and churches, such as the steps of Dr. Martin Luther Church, on Main Street. They always welcome parade watchers, and sometimes offer hot chocolate and snacks.
In addition to various local groups, you will see some of our very own Shorewest Lake Country Team, following a very special “float”, and of course, Santa!
For more Oconomowoc events visit this calendar link from the Chamber of Commerce.
August 28, 2009 at 09:55 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
Are you considering a home purchase, but can’t seem to pull the trigger, due to anxiety over the general job climate? Understandably, in today’s economy, consumers are becoming more and more conservative. However, home prices from a buyer’s perspective, are the best they’ve been in years, rates are at all time lows, and the housing selection is fabulous. And conversely, if you are a home seller, and are committed to selling, Shorewest and I can offer you many innovative tools, to insure that you are receiving the biggest “piece of the home buying pie”, and that your home receives a satisfactory offer and makes it to the closing table.
Shorewest has established itself as the market leader in Southeastern Wisconsin, and this week, we can give you, yet another reason why this is the case.
We are now offering to our sellers, a Job Loss Protection Program!
Just what IS a Job Loss Protection Plan? Simply put, it is a seller paid program that gives buyers access to a very unique 24 month program, to assist with the mortgage payments on their new home, in the event of an unforeseen job loss. It is NOT insurance, but rather, a specific, mortgage payment assistance program, to help buyers through temporary setbacks, due to a job loss. Wow!!! The cost to sellers to participate is minimal, and the market exposure is huge! As a seller, you will receive special marketing status, to set your home apart from other sellers. As a buyer, you will be able to target homes with this program. This program has been applied in other states, across the country, and to other industries, such as the auto industry, with great success. Leave it to Shorewest, to bring this program to Wisconsin residents.
I can’t tell you how awesome this is, from a Realtor® perspective. To be able to offer my clients, sellers and buyers alike, another tool that provides “peace of mind” in the home purchasing process, is wonderful.
Now is the best time for you to acquire that new home! Homes prices are low, interest rates are low and we have a lot of inventory for you to choose from.
Did you ever stop to wonder why people purchase the American Dream? Well, some of the reasons you might hear is because you want one, your income allows you to afford one and it seems like the right time in your life. However, the biggest reason for you to own your own home is because it will be yours. The rent money you pay to someone else every month will no longer exist and one of the greatest benefits is the fact that your home will reflect your own personality.
Now, you are probably thinking you can’t afford one at this time, but we have several wonderful programs that will help make that happen. FHA has a program that allows you to put as low as 3.5 percent down. In addition, if you haven’t saved a lot of money, or if you are a single parent, you may qualify for a special grant thru the federal government. Lastly, if you are a First-Time Home Buyer (which means, anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), the federal government has provided an $8,000.00 Tax Credit for you. This tax credit is only available thru November 30, 2009, which means you must have closed on your new home on/or before November 30, 2009, and you won’t have to pay back any of this money. To qualify your income level must be $75,000 or less, if you are single and $150,000 or less for couples.
If you want to own a piece of the American Dream, now is the time to begin your search. Please give me a call today to start you on your way to owning a new home.
It's not about me - it's about YOU and what you want & need in a Realtor, but if it helps you to know:
I'm easy going & cheerful, and a 2nd generation Realtor. With my husband, I've have owned and sold a house and a condo in California. We relocated to Wisconsin in 1990. Living in Waukesha county, we've owned and sold 2 houses, built 2 new homes and torn an old one down. I've helped our elderly parents sell their homes (1 as an estate). The list of "been there, done that" goes on, but you get the idea.
If you are looking to purchase a new home in Southeastern Wisconsin, I encourage you to contact Shorewest Realtors.
Shorewest Realtors is a family owned business and has been in operation since 1946. Our mission is to serve the families of Southeastern
Wisconsin. When the doors were first opened in 1946 we had a
one-person office and today, we currently have 27 offices, serving a twelve-county area. Shorewest encompasses 1,700 individuals, all here to serve you. These dedicated people make it happen. We are trained to be the best we can be, which will provide you a smooth move and in many cases, a friend for life.
Part of Shorewest Realtors power is our cutting edge technology. This year alone we launched GOSWR.COM, You Tube and iLocate, additions to the 24 hour hotline, Shorewest TV and Shorewest.com. GOSWR.com enables consumers to look at homes from their mobile phone. You Tube offers video tours of nearly 4,000 properties and iLocate is for those of you who have IPhones. It allows buyers to quickly find real estate listings by price or location.
Shorewest Realtors also provides its’ buyers and sellers one stop shopping.
Our services include Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation, Heritage Title Services, Shorewest Real Estate Institute, Shorewest Insurance Associates, Marketing Department, Information Technology, Home Services, Career Development, Closing Department and a fantastic Relocation Department.
Why wouldn’t you want to work with Wisconsin’s Largest Home Seller? If you are considering a move to Southeastern Wisconsin, our Real Estate Experts will guide you through the process. For more information, please give me a call, Sharon Tomlinson, at 262-470-2000 or e-mail sharon@shorewest.com.
All the above factors lead to one thing. Below is a graph showing that Shorewest Realtors outsells it’s competition 5 to 1. I don’t think you can wait another minute, pick up that phone and see why Shorewest Realtors is the Biggest and the BEST!
May 14, 2009 at 10:27 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
As a Realtor®, for Shorewest in the Lake Country area, transferees often ask me about the “Lake Country Lifestyle”. “What are the schools like? How is the shopping? Where can we find interesting and unique things to do relative to the arts and entertainment?” Of course, all of Southeastern Wisconsin enjoys the beautiful attributes of Greater Milwaukee. In addition to the shops and restaurants in Milwaukee County, Waukesha County offers many wonderful and diverse places to eat, recreate, and shop.
One of my newfound favorites is a fair trade shop, called “Trails to Bridges”, in Hartland. Starting as a home-based business, the owner eventually went to a small retail space, and ultimately, the storefront shop she just opened. She, and her husband, personally visit and become familiar with the people behind the items she sells. I was first introduced to their unique items via a visit the owner made to my local church, in Oconomowoc. She effectively turned our fellowship area into a “smorgasbord” of wonderful and exotic hand-made articles from around the world.
A member of the Fair Trade Federation, “Trails to Bridges” assists in lifting families from some of the world’s poorest locations, out of a lifestyle of poverty, by supplying a fair and equitable business system in which to market their wares. The Realtor® in me finds this especially honorable. In spite of challenging economic times, Wisconsin residents enjoy a very high standard of living, as compared to the world at large. I have the unique pleasure of sharing this wonderful and prosperous lifestyle of Lake Country with my clients and customers. It’s nice to know that by patronizing a local merchant, we can all do a small part in passing along some economic success to those whose challenges far outweigh our own.
So, next time you may be out looking for something unique and special, check out “Trails to Bridges” on E Capitol, in downtown Hartland.
Les Kane here blogging for you my Wisconsin community. I live and sell for our founders’ short list of “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” It’s a short but thorough list. I do believe it’s reachable if we consider it in every action of every day. I defend this right in my client as well. I love to help them make sure their Real estate choices are not limiting them in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I love to search for wise purchases as hard as I will help them find a compelling price for their properties. There is no question too small or large I can’t find an answer to.
Karen Trepton
My trusted smart phone kicked the bucket the other day and I was forced rather quickly to think about another phone. Not wanting to switch carriers, I did decide to jump into the Apple world. Both of my sons have Apple laptops and brag how the “old man” needs to get with it. So, I bought the iPhone 3GS and started looking at some of the apps that my guys were always talking about. Here is a cool one I found for Real Estate; Sherwin Williams—you know the paint store, they have this cool app. So let’s say you are thinking about re-painting the living room, but your favorite couch is not in need of re-covering. Well take a picture with your iPhone of the couch and the app will give you the primary color and two secondary colors that you could use to accent the room with. even gives you the Sherwin Williams paint numbers so you could go to the store and get a sample! How cool is that? If you have an iPhone, the app is FREE. 
Glenn Hanon
In other news, a 
I was happy to learn more about. Recently I passed the exam and received the SFR certification. I also completed the REO Trans Network training and exams and am now certified to assist with REO inventory (Real Estate Owned) that the banks have assumed. As a leader at Shorewest I believe that continuing education is paramount in addition to assisting clients in this very difficult economy. 
south to downtown, through the round-about westward on Wisconsin Avenue, and then south on Main Street to Roosevelt Park.
Are you considering a home purchase, but can’t seem to pull the trigger, due to anxiety over the general job climate? Understandably, in today’s economy, consumers are becoming more and more conservative. However, home prices from a buyer’s perspective, are the best they’ve been in years, rates are at all time lows, and the housing selection is fabulous. And conversely, if you are a home seller, and are committed to selling, Shorewest and I can offer you many innovative tools, to insure that you are receiving the biggest “piece of the home buying pie”, and that your home receives a satisfactory offer and makes it to the closing table.
Sharon Tomlinson
Shorewest - Lake Country
As a Realtor®, for Shorewest in the Lake Country area, transferees often ask me about the “Lake Country Lifestyle”. “What are the schools like? How is the shopping? Where can we find interesting and unique things to do relative to the arts and entertainment?” Of course, all of Southeastern Wisconsin enjoys the beautiful attributes of Greater Milwaukee. In addition to the shops and restaurants in Milwaukee County, Waukesha County offers many wonderful and diverse places to eat, recreate, and shop.
