Oconomowoc’s location is idyllic for both rural and metropolitan interests and further, offers the best amenities of both. Just 35 miles west of Milwaukee, 5 miles east of Madison, and 120 miles north of Chicago, Oconomowoc is located in close proximity to some of the Midwest’s most esteemed cultural epicenters, as well as maintains a strong culture, vibrant economy and unmistakable smaller city charm all its own. The area includes the City of Oconomowoc, Towns of Oconomowoc, Okauchee,and Summit, and Villages of Dousman, Lac LaBelle, and Oconomowoc Lake.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Considerations for Renting or Selling a Home

Considerations For Renting or Selling a Home

Suddenly out of the blue you have found out that a new position has opened up within your company and they are asking you to relocate your family to the other side of the country. The job opportunity is too good to pass up so you decide to take the position. You realize with an impending move you are going to need to either sell or rent your home.

Considerations for renting or selling a home

Anyone who is considering selling a home in 2013 and has bought in the last seven or eight years faces the real possibility that they will be losing money on the sale. The thought of losing money is never pleasant but unfortunately is part of today’s Real Estate reality. In my experience the immediate thought process of most home owners is to rent the home and not sell for a loss. This is kind of similar to the stock investor who hangs on for dear life with their losing picks but sells their winners instead.

In many cases they will ride the loser for an extended period of time until they realize it will take a very long time for that stock to come back to where it once was when purchased. Anyone who has ever invested in stocks including myself has been guilty of this. It is hard to give up on a loser because there is always the thought that it will come roaring back. So is renting the home really the best move or should you unload this asset that is working against you?

Where is the local Real Estate market headed?

One of the considerations of whether to sell or rent your home is to find out from a local Real Estate expert where they feel market values are headed both in the near term, as well as longer down the road. A knowledgeable Realtor that has been in the business for a while should be able to help you determine the trend of where the market is headed at least in the short term. Crystal balls are a hard thing to come by in Real Estate. Those that are lucky enough to have one are often times millionaires. Unfortunately knowing exactly when the Real Estate market will turn around requires one.

Most economists believe that once Real Estate markets do hit bottom the climb back up will be a slow and steady one. The opinions of most are that yearly appreciation will return to more normal historic levels of 3%-4%. Of course this is an average and states, cities and neighborhoods that are desirable could rise at a slightly higher clip.

As a home owner what you should be trying to figure out is how long will it take you to get back to a break even point or even something you can financially stomach. You should also be asking yourself is the time it takes to get back to break even worth it to you?

For example, lets say you bought your home for $500,000 and it has dropped in value by 25% and is now worth $375,000. Lets further assume that the Real Estate market beats the economists predictions and rises by 5% yearly. Do you realize it would take seven years to get back to break even?

If you have equity in the home you need to figure out if you would be better off taking the loss and putting your equity somewhere that could potentially earn you more money. If you don’t have any equity you would need to figure out if you have the necessary funds to bring to the closing table or would need to explore other alternatives like a short sale.

What is the local home rental market like?

Again you should consult with a local Realtor to determine how well the rental market is performing. Has the rental market done as poorly as the Real Estate market or is there demand for rental housing? Some areas rental markets have done very well.

There is a good possibility there are folks who would like to rent a nice home rather than commit to purchasing if they feel they could be transferred in a short time period or feel market values are still sliding and don’t want the risk.

The rental home becomes an investment property

Relocating home owners need to remember that a rental home becomes an investment property. Owning a home as an investment property has the potential to help or hurt you tax wise. This is definitely something you would want to consult a tax professional for guidance.

Although you will be taking in rent you need to remember that you will still have principal, interest, taxes and insurance to pay. If the property is a condo you would more than likely also be paying the condominium fees as well. As a landlord you will also be required to maintain the property and fix any necessary issues that come up.

Many landlords that have relocated out of state will also consider hiring a property manager. The typical charge for management services runs around 8-12% of the rent. So if you are charging $2000 a month for rent you can expect to pay a manager in the neighborhood of around $200 a month. There are some excellent tax deductions for rental property that could play a factor in your decision making.

Taking on landlord responsibilities

As a landlord one of the 1st steps is going to be choosing the right tenant. Over the years I have seen a few occasions where the renter did not treat the home the same way an owner would. The owner was left with paying to replace carpets and do quite a bit of painting. These kind of costs can add up fast. Picking a responsible tenant becomes critical.

There are also considerations such as handling tenant complaints, maintenance issues or even legal issues such as eviction. In the end there is a lot to think about when deciding whether selling or renting your home makes the best fiscal and practical sense.

Monday, July 1, 2013

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Confucius

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Confucius

I know from experience that for some people, the process of finding a home is mostly work, and little joy. The road can seem long and winding.

As a RE/MAX Premier Customer Satisfaction provider, my goal is to create a situation where I do all the work and you can relax and enjoy the process. I'll be sorting out the ads, finding the addresses, and timing your home viewing appointments. In this way I can help eliminate hassles and save your time.

I'll show you homes you can afford with the features you want, in the areas you want. When you see the right home, you can take action, with my professional assistance. You have everything to gain as a result of leveraging my experience and contacts with your own efforts. Let's go on this adventure together.

Just contact me by phone, by email, or by visiting my website at http://www.lisabear.remax-northcentral.com/. Together we'll take an important step towards your new home.

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Thank you for visiting our REMAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin website.
Please feel free to contact us for any of your residential or commerical real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer.

Our real estate focus in the Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dane County, Dodge County and Washington County areas. Several agents in the office also their IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so they can assist you with all your real estate needs in Wisconsin, the USA or anywhere in the WORLD!

When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, is the BEST resource to help you with all your needs and questions, whether a first time home buyer, relocating to or from the beautiful LAKE COUNTRY area, looking to invest or explore foreclosure opportunities or just thinking ahead to the future.

Lisa Bear is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-893-5555) is an experienced real estate agent in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area. Lisa thinks "outside of the BOX" and encourages her agents to do so as well. If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service - look no further!

The RE/MAX Realty Center Office, has experienced agents with expertise in luxury home marketing, lake property experts, foreclosure and short sale specialists, investment and property management brokers and commercial brokers.

Our agents areas of service include, but are not limited to:
The prospering communities of Waukesha County including Delafield, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Sussex, Wales, New Berlin, Dousman, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Chenequa, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Okauchee, Eagle, Muskego and Merton.

Great municipalities in Milwaukee County including Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Glendale, Franklin, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Greendale, Shorewood, Oak Creek, St. Francis, West Allis and Whitefish Bay.

The hometown favorites of Washington County, Jefferson County and Dodge County including Watertown, Hartford, West Bend, Germantown, Jackson, Richfield, Ashippun, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Slinger and Erin.

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

If lake living is what you desire then Lake Country is the place to be! If you are thinking about buying waterfront property in Wisconsin, a little time invested in learning about waterfront living will pay back sizeable dividends in matching your expectations to realities.

Lake Country Living on one of Waukesha Countys great lakes as a full timer or vacationer is a must and there are some great lakes to choose. Nagawicka Lake, Pine Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Beaver Lake, Okauchee Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Moose Lake, North Lake, Lake Keesus, Lac La Belle, Upper Nashotah, Lower Nashotah, Upper Genesee, Lowe Genesee, Middle Genesee, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Fowler Lake, Golden Lake, Pretty Lake, Silver Lake, Waterville Lake, and Crooked Lake. Great lakes of the surrounding area also include Lake Michigan, Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lake, Little Cedar Lake, Pike Lake and Lake Ripley.

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555, offer online markets, listing package and FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) options, MLS search access, buyer agency and marketing that will exceed your expectations, all with outstanding service!

Your home purchase or sale is likely your largest investment, be sure you have an good agent you can trust! Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great and rates are outstanding!!!

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!

Bathroom Makeover For Less than $100

Home Staging Advice -

Bathroom Make-over for Less than $100

Bathroom are usually overlooked when it comes to home staging.
To have a big impact, it is usually the simple changes that can have a huge impact.

First, it is extremely important that your bathroom be sparkling clean and that all personal items are put away.

Second, fresh towels can make a great first impression and can tie together the color in a bathroom.

Third, paint is always a great way to improve the look of any bathroom.

Bathroom Before Interior Redesign and Home Staging

Here is the Bathroom Before

Bathroom Afer a Kate's Home Staging Redesign

Here is the Bathroom After

By removing the clutter, painting the walls a more neutral color, and a few well placed accessories, this bathroom has been transformed.

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Do you pass the yardstick test?

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell--Does Each Room

Pass the Yardstick Test?

Have you decided to put your home up for sale? After you have done the standard steps--clean, de-clutter, and complete all deferred maintenance items--it's time to take a serious look at each room in your house and determine if the furniture placement highlights the spaciousness of the room.

Even small spaces can feel large if the furniture is well placed. One of the biggest issues seen in homes on the market today is either too much furniture or awkward furniture arrangement. Either of these usually results in constricted traffic flows throughout rooms.

If there isn't ample space to walk around and/or through rooms, buyers will feel that the home is not large enough for them, has insufficient room to entertain family/friends, and just does not feel comfortable. So try this simple yardstick test and see if the major rooms in your home pass.

First, find a standard yardstick or a tape measure that extends and locks in at 36". Then, starting at your foyer, turn the yardstick horizontally, center it on your body with your arms extended straight by your sides and start walking through your house following the major traffic patterns. Take note of where the yardstick will not pass through without angling it. Dining rooms are common places where this happens as they seem to accumulate extra furniture. In the dining room in the the photo below you will see that there is only 18" between the back of the chairs and the glass side table. This is the main walk way through the dining room. What message is this sending to a potential buyer?

You're just not looking for the yardstick to fit between two pieces of furniture either. Check the distances between the furniture and the walls, or that stack of boxes and other items that have been collecting in corners of rooms, a large potted plant and/or the bar stools and kitchen island that extend into the great room. Just keep walking and noting the distances. On to the bedrooms, where dresser drawers often open into mattresses and multi-purpose rooms (like offices) share space with large-scale pieces of exercise equipment or double as guest bedrooms. How about your childrens' bedrooms with the bed, dresser, desks, bookshelf and stacks of toys? And let's not forget about hallways that have accumulated bookshelves, display pieces or wall-mounted shelves. Just how many places do you need to turn that yardstick sideways to slip through, as in this photo below. There is only 23" of space here. Notice how generous the space is beyond the yardstick towards the top of the photo. Yet the furniture placement literally acts like a funnel and constricts the traffic flow between rooms. Potential buyers will "feel" this.

So, now that you've checked your whole house, did it pass? Most homes have numerous areas like the above photos and these do need to be addressed before you place your home on the market. That means it's time to move furniture or remove furniture. The glass table in the dining room above should be removed to open up the walkway. The desk and chair in the second photo should be moved to another area where they will be more functional so the traffic pattern will open up.

What may be acceptable in terms of interior design furniture placement may be entirely too constricting when you want to sell your home. Selling is all about showing the space, not the furnishings, so if there are furnishings that are hiding your "space" remove them to storage. Think about two buyers and possibly two agents circulating through your home for a tour. Can they all comfortably stand in one room and discuss the merits of your home?

Have the solutions? Good, time to get to work. Stumped? Then it's time to call a qualified home stager. A home stager can quickly help you open up those clogged traffic patterns and make each room welcoming to a buyer. That's their specialty. They will also identify other areas of your home that could be addressed to improve the saleability of your home, whether that is paint color, accessories or furniture arrangement. CALL HOME AND CURB APPEAL LLC - 262-893-5555

Feel free to call me for a consultation. And, yes, I'll bring the yardstick!

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Be careful what you plant now....

Be careful what you plant now...

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was

time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead

of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided

to do something different. He called all the young executives

in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose

the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you.

"The young executives were Shocked, but the boss 
continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today

- one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed,

water it,and come back here one year from 
today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you.

I will then judge the plants that you bring,and the one

I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like

the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly,

told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, 
soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday,he would

water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three

weeks,some of the other executives began to talk about their

seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.

Three weeks,four weeks,five weeks went by, still
nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim

didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot.

He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees

and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything

to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and 
fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives

of the company brought their 
plants to the CEO for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.

But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt

sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing

 moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He 
took his empty pot  to the board room. When Jim arrived,

he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other

executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.

Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his 
colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted

his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants,

trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO.

"Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden,the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room

with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director

to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought,

"The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened

to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim,

and then announced to the young executives,

"Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!

His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it.

Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone

in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed,plant it,

water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all

boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.

When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another

seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage

and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore,

he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment


* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

So, be careful what you plant now;

        it will determine what you will reap later.

Friday, June 28, 2013

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."-Confucius

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Confucius

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!

America's Dairyland

Hey Lisa Bear, Can you explain again why is Wisconsin called America's Dairyland?

Few know that the impact the dairy business in Wisconsin has on the state's farms in Waukesha County,hobby farms for sale in Waukesha County,relocating or moving to Wisconsin,tom braatz,wisconsin cheese

farms in Waukesha County,hobby farms for sale in Waukesha County,relocating or moving to Wisconsin,tom braatz,wisconsin cheese

economy is more than twice that of the citrus industry's impact on Florida's economy and nearly nine times the economic impact as Idaho's potato industry?

Dairying in Wisconsin is the industry that's made Wisconsin famous. It is the one industry that defines us in the eyes of our fellow Americans and in the minds of people from around the world. Wisconsin has been an international leader in dairy and cheese technology for more than 150 years.

Dairy farming and cheesemaking date back more than 160 years, before Wisconsin was even granted statehood in 1848. In fact, Wisconsin's first cheesemakers were farm wives who, in the 1830s, began making cheese in their kitchens as a way of storing excess milk. By 1900, Wisconsin had become a powerful player in cheese production nationally and, by 1920, was the nation's top producer.

Today, about 90% of Wisconsin cheese is sold outside the state's borders. Wisconsin is home to more dairy farms than any other state- nearly 14,000 dairy operations (about 20 percent of the nation's total) caring for over 1.25 million dairy cows. The Badger State ranks first in the number of organic and grass-based dairy farms. Wisconsin leads the nation in the number of on-farm bio-energy technology installations which converts animal waste to "green energy."

Wisconsin leads the country in the number of cheese plants (136), and Wisconsin is No. 1 in overall cheese production. The state's cheesemakers produce more than 2.4 billion pounds of cheese annually, 26% of the nation's total.The state is home to more than 1,200 licensed cheesemakers and is the only state with a Master Cheesemaker^®Program, a sign that cheesemakers are committed to reinvesting in expertise.

Thanks to the University of Wisconsin System, our state is also home to some of the country's top dairy scientists, researchers and technology experts.

When your are "America's Dairyland" is means more than mere numbers. The dairy business is central to our past, an important component in today's state economy and vital part of our future. Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of dairy farms in Wisconsin are still family owned and operated. Wisconsin produces more dairy products than any other state in the United States except California and leads the nation in cheese production.

Wisconsin ranks second behind California in overall production of milk and butter, and third in per-capita milk production, behind Idaho and Vermont. Wisconsin ranks first in the production of corn for silage, cranberries, ginseng, and snap beans for processing. Wisconsin is also a leading producer of oats, potatoes, carrots, tart cherries, maple syrup, andsweet corn for processing.

tom braatz,waukesha county real estate,americas dairyland,farms for sale in Waukesha County,relocating or moving to wisconsin,lake country real estate

Citizens of Wisconsin are referred to as Wisconsinites, although a common nickname (sometimes used pejoratively) among non-residents is "Cheeseheads." This is due to the prevalence and quality of cheesemaking in the state, and for the novelty hats made of yellow foam in the shape of a triangular block of cheese. Cheese curds are an extremely popular treat, exported as gifts throughout the country. (Information from Wisconsin reference & Wikipedia)
Search Southeastern

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!