Welcome to Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER Real Estate in Wisconsin 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555

Residential and Commercial Real Estate. Expertise in luxury lake homes,lake homes,luxury homes, residential single family,condos, vacant land,foreclosures and investment properties. Serving the greater Milwaukee metro area including:Waukesha County, Lake Country, Jefferson, Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington, Walworth, Milwaukee Counties. On-line markets, LISTING PACKAGE and FOR SALE by OWNER OPTIONS,MLS search access,buyer agency,Home Warranty,all with outstanding service!

Sunday, June 30, 2013

When is the best time to refinance?

Refinancing

When is the best time to refinance?

It depends on how long you plan to hold on to your house and if you have to pay anything to refinance. In addition, it also depends on how far along you are in paying off your current mortgage.

If you are going to be selling your house shortly, you probably will not recoup any costs you incur to refinance your mortgage. If you are more than halfway through paying your current mortgage, you probably will gain little by refinancing. However, if you are going to own your home for at least five years, that's probably long enough to recoup any refinancing costs you incur and to realize real savings on lowering your monthly payment. If it is going to cost you nothing to refinance, you can gain even more.
Many lenders will allow you to roll the costs of the refinancing into the new note and still reduce the amount of the monthly payment. Also, there are no-cost refinancing deals available. In any case, it pays to consult your lender or financial advisor, or run the numbers yourself, before you refinance.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of no-cost loans?

In many states, real estate regulatory agencies are cracking down on such advertising. The very term, "no-cost" loan, is misleading because borrowers are actually paying a higher interest rate in exchange for not having to pay fees or closing costs up front when the loan is secured.
A "no-points" loan is one for which the lender does not charge points (one point is equal to 1 percent of the loan amount). But there are other fees involved in no-point loans, as with most loans.

How does bankruptcy affect my refinancing?

Refinancing may be prudent but could be difficult after a bankruptcy. If you're considering bankruptcy, you may want to go to your current lender first and explain the situation. If you have been current on your payments, the lender may be accommodating and refinance your loan, easing your financial situation.

Which home buying costs are deductible?

Any points you or the seller pay to purchase your home loan are deductible for that year. Property taxes and interest are deductible every year.
But while other home-buying costs (closing costs in particular) are not immediately tax-deductible, they can be figured into the adjusted cost basis of your home when you go to sell (any significant home improvements also can be calculated into your basis). These fees would include title insurance, loan-application fee, credit report, appraisal fee, service fee, settlement or closing fees, bank attorney's fee, attorney's fee, document preparation fee and recording fees. Points paid when you refinance an existing mortgage must be deducted ratably over the life of the new loan.
Have a productive day and we will see you at closing!

Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment!

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!

Saturday, June 29, 2013

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

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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.

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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)
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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!

Friday, June 28, 2013

A household tip for you...

Slow Draining Sink - Here's a Tip! We’ve all read various remedies and household fixes for those basic repairs around the home. Seldom do we opt to try them ourselves. Recently in our household we had an issue with a slow draining sink. One day while out taking care of the grocery shopping, I recalled a helpful hint that vinegar and baking soda could be used to help resolve a slow draining sink. Another benefit to this remedy is that it is not harmful to the plumbing or the environment.

Here’s how it works: Pour some baking soda directly onto the drain. Pour vinegar so that it will run to the drain covering the baking soda. When the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda it will foam. Apply more vinegar each time the foaming stops until all the baking soda appears to be washed down the drain. Next flush the drain with hot water.

A stubborn drain may require more than one application or a small object may be needed to help remove loosened debris from the drain.

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!

Can 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!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Bathroom Make-over 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!

The Ten Commandments When Applying for a Real Estate Loan

The Ten Commandments When Applying for a

Real Estate Loan

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.

Call me today and find out how I can help you buy your home smoothly and efficiently.

Courtesy of Lisa Bear

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!