Summerfest 2013

Watch on your mobile device >>

I wanted to do something a little different than real estate for this video. As many of you may know, this week is the beginning of Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world. More than one million people turn out for the fun. All types of different music genres will be there, from the Eagles to Pitbull to Tim McGraw. If you don’t want to come for the music, come for the great food, beverages and sun. There’s something for everyone.

The festival starts Wednesday, June 26th and continues through Sunday, June 30th. There is then a day break on July 1st. The festivities start up again on Tuesday, July 2nd and end Sunday, July 7th. General admission is $15 and seniors (ages 60+) and children (ages 3-10) are just $5.

I wanted to bring to your attention the different promotions offered. Almost every day there is a different promotion. Below are just a few of the promotions, if you wish to see them all, please visit summerfest.com

Wednesday,June 26th: Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day with Fox 6
All patrons that arrive between noon and 3:00 p.m. who donate three non-perishable food items will receive one FREE admission ticket. Donations will benefit Hunger Task Force.

Saturday, June 29th: GoodWill Day (12:00-3:00p.m.)
The first 1,500 patrons who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1- 29, 2013 and bring in their specially market original Summerfest donation receipt will receive one FREE admission ticket!

Sunday, June 30th: Kohl’s Family Day (12:00-3:00p.m.)
The first 2,500 patrons who donate three non-perishable food items for kids will receive one FREE admission ticket.

Thursday, July 4th: Summerfest Military Appreciation Day
All active-duty military personnel and veterans, along with up to four family members, who present their Military I.D. at any gate will be admitted FREE.

I hope you found this information helpful! Go enjoy some great music, food and fun!

Like-New Property Hits the Market

Watch on your mobile device >> 

A neutral décor combined with updates makes the home at 3374 S. 114 Street a gem. In a great neighborhood, this property in West Allis is in a cul-de-sac west of highway 100 off of Oklahoma. It’s ideal for the first-time or move-up buyer. Here are the details.   

This three-bedroom property is like new. It features neutral colors, new carpets, new windows, new light fixtures and new paneled doors throughout. The home has a side driveway and a 2 ½-car garage that has lots of storage space. The home is basically maintenance free with aluminum trim, new gutters and new roof, as well as vinyl siding. Located on a quiet street, it’s safe for kids to play in the front yard. 

As you enter the house there’s a large living room and dining room combination. The kitchen features an open concept, new cherry cabinets, new countertops with lots of space, stainless steel appliances and a built-in microwave. New hardwood floors complete the look in the kitchen and extend into the hallway. 

Other features make this property stand out. The bathroom has been completely remodeled and includes all-new ceramic tile, fixtures, flooring and a large vanity. The bedrooms feature slide-by closets. Off of the kitchen is a huge family room—a bonus room—that has its own exit and lots of window space with a view of the backyard. It’s a great getaway room. Top off all these perks with a huge basement you can finish for even more square footage. It also has gas heat and central air. You’ll also have plenty of room in the backyard for a play set or grilling out. 

Believe it or not, it’s priced at $169,900. With interest rates below 4%, the monthly payments would be less than rent.  Call us at (262) 797-6453 so you can see this home.     

Now’s the Time to Sell

Watch on your mobile device >>

Everyone wants to know what’s going on in the real estate market. Here’s a recap and insight on what how buyers and sellers can take advantage of it.  

In 2012 sales were up 20 to 25% from 2011. They are up again in the first quarter in the greater metro Milwaukee area by 11.5%, which is good news. The number of listings over the last five years has been larger than ever with times when the inventory was as high as 14 to 16 months. (This means that if another home did not come on the market, it would take 14 to 16 months to sell the available inventory.) Now listings are down in the greater metro area by 18.3%, so there are fewer homes on the market. The average list-to-sales price ratio on average is now 96% of the asking price.

What does this mean for sellers? If you’ve thought of selling your home, the time is now. Since there are fewer homes on the market, there’s more competition for available homes. Low inventory often translates into multiple bids, high list-to-sale price ratios and being able to negotiate better terms. It’s a great time for sellers.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, be aggressive. When a home that you’re interested in hits the market, plan to see it as soon as possible and make the best possible offer that’s at an appropriate price point for the seller. Remember, inventory is low. If you hesitate, the property could be gone because others will be making offers.

Keep in mind that mortgage loan rates are still fantastic, which makes buying a home more affordable than ever. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovered at record-low rates during 2012 and is still low into 2013, but the rates won’t last forever. Interest rates are still below 4% with some as low as 3% with a 15- or 20-year fixed-rate mortgage. If you wait and interest rates rise, you could get locked into spending a few hundred extra dollars a month on your payment.  

Give us a call so we can tell you where to be positioned and how to be successful in this market. Please contact us at (262) 797-7453. We’d be happy to assist you.