Relocate to Wisconsin : August 2008

  We have learned the art of short sales and are successfully applying them to businesses that are in need of economic relief or may soon face foreclosure. There are office buildings, shopping malls, car dealerships, restaurants....all kinds of entrepreneurs who took a chance on "The American Way" to learn that the time was not right...the overhead too high, the product or service not in as much demand as anticipated...or perhaps poor health got in the way of economic progress,...business plans that didn't quite come to fruition. There are lots of scenarios that play out in these economic times.  There is no one cause....but there is relief.

     As short sales experts...we can help.  If you have been borrowing money from relatives, robbing Peter to pay Paul or just can't make the payments at all....you have missed months...can't see the light at the end of the tunnel...let us be your guide through this web of economic problems.  A short sale, helps you, the business owner...and the lenders ...there are likely to be more than one for most businesses....and there are multiple lawyers, multiple hoops to jump thru....and that is what we do best...we are trained economic hoop jumpers !

      Don't trust your sale to someone without experience...do NOT let your fingers do the walking...they have walked as far as they need to...put them on the key pad of your phone and call us at the number below...help is here, help is now.

        We recently closed a commercial short sale....the seller called us the next day...."Thank you," he said. "Last night was the first time I got a good night's sleep in over a year." 

          Lots of work...you bet...over 5" of paperwork in binders....countless phone calls, faxes, e-mails.We enjoy the challenge....we want to help the business owners....we want to help the lender...No matter where you are...anywhere in the country...call us now....we have a national network that can help you...you deserve the help...you need the sleep...Call now...414-525-0563 or TOLL FREE: 877-525-0563.

   Sometimes it is very costly to "have it your way".....and the real tragedy is that you may never know the cost of your "right" attitude....Were you RIGHT because you wanted things your way without knowing all the facts ?

   Real estate is often about give and take...you make not be getting or paying exactly the price you have "in mind" and the house may not be without a few imperfections....but standing on "the right price" be you a buyer or seller may cost you a comfortable and more beneficial transaction in other ways.

    While buying and selling an home is a business transaction...it also, in most cases represents an emotional investment. Whether it is the home in which you raised your children, maybe it is your parents' home you are selling....or you are a first time buyer and want everything to be the best it can be for the money you can invest in the largest single purchase you have made at this time in your life.  The sellers, want to like you...they want to know that you will take some of the same care of the home that they have...that you will love it and honor the commitment to maintaining it.  As buyers, while you want to feel you paid a "fair" and not "over market" price....you also want to respect that while you may not choose to leave the kitchen canary yellow or the flower beds just as they are....the furnace has been inspected and cleaned, the roof is in good repair, the house is clean and ready for you to move in...a kinder and gentler approach to buying....or selling....does it matter...hmmm...it may get you:

• The  closing date you want (either as buyer or seller)
• That lawn mower, snow blower or freezer in the basement
• The pool table or exercise equipment
• Funrishings at a reduced cost
• More permanent or expensive "fixes" to items found on the inspection report

    Not negotiating fairly or honestly....roll the dice...you may never know what you missed...but you can almost be certain, it's more than you got.  It's not just about YOU....There can be great rewards for also understanding...it is about THEM too !

                                    Decades ago, I was talking with a family friend who was a psychologist. I don't remember what I was whining about not wanting to do but she said something to me that has always stuck with me.

         "Sally, you were raised all wrong to

                     be irresponsible."

             Whenever I feel the "I don't Wannas" creeping up....I remember her sage words.

      Soooo..as an agent...return those phone calls promptly, give good showing reports that actually help the agent AND the seller...turn in paper work on a timely basis...review the position of your listings in the market...Call your sphere, mail your sphere, visit your sphere...Go beyond continuing education and learn new skills that will set you apart from the "pack." Remember the golden rule and the ethics code....Do onto others....and that does NOT mean, BEFORE they do it to you !

       As a buyer or seller...if you have to cancel an appointment, please give the agent, buyers, sellers as much time as possible, be on time for appointments you have, Sellers...the market sets the price..look objectively at the SOLD numbers...not the price you "have to have", want, need to pay bills, get the down payment for the next house, etc. Buyers....if an agent has taken time with you...sent you listings, shown you houses...be honest, if this is someone you can work with...show them courtesey by being on time and giving honest evaluations of the homes you see...be sure you have been to a reputable lender...ask your agent for recommendations if you are unsure who to call. If you do not feel comfortable working with an agent...tell them immediately...be honest. Work with one agent...he/she has a lot of expenses and expertise to share with you and deserves your loyalty.

    Were you raised all wrong to be irresponsible ?      Do your actions reflect your upbringing ?

 Not sure where this expression came from...it's been around my family for decades and it occurs to me, it can aptly be applied to buyers in real estate.  Buyers don't always understand the rules of procuring cause...and indeed having "been there. done that" in arbitration, it depends who you ask and on what day for the interpretation.  One would think, I think as most buyers/consumers do...that you could do business with whomever you pleased....and if it turns out you don't like that person....don't judge them to be as capable, don't whatever...it doesn't matter....ya gotta dance with who brung ya.  Soooo what does that mean.....It means,Ms, Mr., Mrs. Buyer that when you are working with an agent...and you want to see a property...you call the agent..and if it should happen to be a spur of the moment drive by at an open house...call the agent on your cell phone and tell them that the house on Elm Street has an open house and it looks interesting...could they meet you or arrange a showing.There are agents who will honor another agent's buyer at an open house....all any buyer has to say when they come to one of ours, is that they are working with "Suzy or Sam from XYZ Realty" and the agent is likely to get a call from us telling them that the Jones family was at our open house and they seem very interested, could we arrange another showing at everyone's convenience.

    Then there are the agents who have no respect for other agent's buyers....or other agents. They turn a deaf ear to "I am working with Tom and Linda who have listed my house."

     We were "served" yesterday with a notice of arbitration....our buyer says he told the agent over and over again "I am working with the Hansons, they have listed my house."  The agent persisted never telling the buyer that if he continued to "look" with him, he may be obligated to write with him.Well consumers....the fat lady is still singing on this one....but to save everyone a lot of time, trouble, mediation, arbitration....just Puleeez...DANCE WITH WHO BRUNG YA !

    We got a call the other day from a reporter at The Waukesha Freeman, the newspaper...both on line and the traditional ...if that is the word...variety....and she said that "someone" told her that we had a home office and she was doing a story on home offices...could she set a time to interview us...Oh sure, call in the evening on our second business line and we aren't likely to be disturbed. Call she did and we chatted...we designed our home....and as a matter of fact, chose our lot (exposed lower level) just to have the kind of home office we wanted.  We didn't want a converted bedroom....we didn't wanted a dark, dingy corner of the basement...we wanted a pleasant, separate work area that we would actually WANT to work in.....and be productive !

     In Wisconsin, they always say, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change." It's ohhh soo true....and we aren't talking sudden sprinkles of rain like Sally's Hawaii...., we are talking 30 degree drops in temperature....a foot of snow....this year, large buckets of rain....the variety is endless...a few tornado warnings that usually never amount to more than a warning....There are lots of positives....four seasons....the very gorgeous palette mother nature gets out and paints the landscape with every fall...winter wonderland....the scent of lilacs in the spring....a summer of ethnic festivals on Milwaukee's lakefront. WE LOVE IT HERE !

   I digress....we finish the interview and I am satisfied I have told her all the reasons that we enjoy our office and as a journalist in another lifetime, feel the session went well.  A few days later...the phone rings again....yet another reporter....this one has a camera...OH YICKS !   "When can we come and take a picture of your office ?" Wow....talk about incentive....we have just completed our best month ever....and as we all know...Real Estate has the talent for actually "making" paper.....so in between business...we will actually have to find places to put the paper....tidy the bookshelf....file the files.

    Do we love our home office ?  We wouldn't have it any other way...we have separate phone lines, fax lines, the internet, printers, a copier....and did I say paper....now where was that re-cycle bin !

     I know lots of folks can't keep control of the steering wheel...when they pass a....Rummage Sale, Starbucks, Ice Cream Stand, Favorite Drive Thru, etc.  For Me......I confess, I could be a charter member of RDSA  (Recovering Dollar Store Addicts) .  I cannot think of one other place that has sooo much to offer sooo many for soooo little....let me give you some examples so you will be able to join the fun....and maybe my Chapter of RDSA !

• Life Lessons for Children   My Mom has a friend that takes her grandchildren to the Dollar Store for a "field trip" when she is baby sitting.  While I know that this woman has more money than God and Donald Trump....she gives each child a dollar and a limited period of time and they must decide what ONE thing they really want/need. Lesson Learned: Setting Priorties - Wants vs Needs, Compromising, Economizing, Sharing
•  Cures for the Munchies You may find cookies, crackers, pretzels, candy, ...a treat for you, the neighbor children, your open house Candy dish, your husband, the answer to low blood sugar...
• Stocking and Basket Stuffers.....a Stuffer for all seasons...and Ages !  It could be a "Barbie-ish" doll for a little gal in your life, a toy truck for that neighbor boy, denture cleaner for Grandma, Scented lotion for Mom, new Lip closs for Sister Sue, an Extra Bungee cord for Dad, A hostess basket with soaps, lotions, potions.....use your imagination !
• ATTENTION STAGERS...this is on my list of haunts for adding silks, dried florals  and feathers to the hearth, kitchen,  bath, master suite arrangements....you may find colorful kitchen/bath towels, a flower pot full of utencils for the kitchen, placemats, colorful dishes...glassware,etc.
• Shelter Gifts - a charity that we have adopted is the Womens' Center in Waukesha County. There just cannot be a lower time in anyone's life than if you are homeless, been abused, have children to feed and don't know where to turn. The Dollar Store has a wonderful assortment of things that are needed. We always stop at the makeup area...what a lift with a new lipstick, eyeshadow....a manicure....polish. Other "pamper" items like lotion and shower gel, hair spray and gel. There are bibs and pacifiers, puzzles and games, food staples....cooking utencils...go to their website and choose a theme...The teary eyes and the lump in your throat will be reminders of the fun you had choosing and the joy that the recipients got in receiving their Dollar Store goodies.
• Hostess and Other Gifts - we are often invited to the homes of buyers and sellers for barbeques, parties, celebrations of various kinds...or we make our own to welcome that new baby....congratulate the graduate, etc.  Time doesn't always allow a lot of shopping...so we fill a basket with a theme of barbeque items which may include mitts, an apron, rubs, a cookbook, utencils...Or a first timers kitchen with utencils, strainer, soap, scrubbies, etc....It's soooo much fun...Pick a theme and just do it !

            In Southeastern Wisconsin, and many other parts of the country, one of the popular chains of Dollar Stores is called The Dollar Tree and you will find them sprinkled in strip malls throughout the area. If you want to join my group....I am not at all sure I am ready to Recover from my Dollar Store addiction...and there is sooo much good you can do with just a little effort and a little money...you may want to become addicted too !

  A couple weeks ago we got a call from a perspective seller....a referral.  The seller began the converstation, " I have been referred to you by _____, and I know my home is over priced and too cluttered."  I tapped lightly on the mouthpiece of the receiver....."I thought you said, your home was over priced and cluttered...." She repeated....that IS what she said ! I couldn't believe it..."You are supposed to say, my house is worth a zillion dollars and I want to show people how much they can fit in all this space so I have added every piece of furniture, wallhanging, etc. that I can."  She laughed....I looked at her listing....sure enough...she was right about the over pricing.

    "I want you to know, I am interviewing three realtors," she continued.  That's fine, I am glad we are both being up front with each other.  She invited me to see her condo in Jacob's Ridge, a newer complex in New Berlin.  We sold there before and were very familiar with the complex. Well...Joni was right again....a tad toooo much clutter. How I wish I had taken pictures. She had moved from a house to the condo and saw this as a temporary move so had a basement and garage FULL of stuff....and tons of furniture....and just the usual assortment of "things" we all have...it tended to dwarf the almost 3,000 square feet of living space in this wonderful 3 bedroom, 3 bath condo.

    Ahhhhh....let the "games" begin....Joni employed a bunch of eager beavers....the garage was emptied, the extra furniture and accessories gone...the HUGE storage in the basement was once again looking HUGE.....robbed of hundreds of books and assorted other memorabilia.  Staging was done in every room....kitchen counter clutter replaced with a bowl of artificial fruit...the dining table set with a lovely arrangement...the mantle now has size appropriate pieces adorning it. The 2nd bedroom, is now a den....The HUGE master has a new bedspread....dried florals and candles await in the master bath. The exposed lower level....still has the pool table and a conversation "pit" ....the 3rd bedroom has office decor and the 3rd bath decorated with an "up north" moosey kind of flavor....

     Joni loves it....we love it....We love Joni...what realtor wouldn't love a seller who listens and understands the value of doing what a realtor tells them...both for PRICING and STAGING...now it's priced to sell and not to sit....and at the first open house today, we are hoping someone takes a walk on this sunshiney Wisconsin day and calls it home!

                                  2320 Brookstone Lane ... A Sparkling Family Home in Brookstone

                                                      Willows Sub-Division

Our sellers tell us that their children had their own park in the backyard of this "like new" home...all new laminant flooring and carpet throughout the house...the whole interior has been freshly painted....the landcaping has been lovingly maintained and the backyard has a gym set and plenty of room for children and pets to play. The first floor family room with gas fireplace has patio  doors that open on to the deck...and overlook the huge backyard and pine tree "fence.

    The formal living room extends from the front to the back of the home and the far end can be used as a dining room. The upgraded oak cabinets in the kitchen with pantry and laminant floor is complimented by a sunny dinette.  The first floor laundry and half bath complete the first floor.

   Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  All the freshly painted rooms are ample size. The master suite includes a shower and walk in closet.    

     14460 W. College Avenue, New Berlin, WI

            August 15 -17th                                                      Tel: 414.427.3838

     The only thing bigger in New Berlin, WI next weekend than MATTY GRAS  is properietor, Matt Anderson's heart....the weekend is devoted to fun and fund raising !   The weekend menu includes New Orleans style fare featuring:

Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers                                    You can purchase VIP passes for just $45...and here
Chicken & Shrimp Jumbalaya                                   is what you get: beer, soda, appetizer bar,stage
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo                                                             side entertainment seats, and
Cajun Chicken Breast Sandwich                                                        your own port-a-john !
1/2lb. Hamburger or Cheeseburger                                                 
Beer Bratwurst

 The Band Line Up Plays Like This :                                            On Sunday, Register at 11 and begin the

August 15th @ 7pm: The Love Monkeys                           WALK IT OFF FOR CHILDREN' HOSPITAL
                                                                                       You can get your sponsors and sign
August 16th                                                                          them up just click here:
@ 3pm: Dirty Boogie                                                             
@ 7pm: The Toys                                   http://www.mattysbar.com/Matty_Gras_2008_walk_reg_FINAL.pdf

August 17th
@ 12noon: Caribbean Eclipse
@ 3pm: Pirates Over 40
@ 6pm: Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band

Matty Gras is open at the following times:

August 15th: 4pm-1am
August 16th: 2pm-1am
August 17th: 12noon-11pm

   IF Poker is your thing....The 6th Annual Poker Run will benefit the National Kidney Foundation. Come on over on Sunday....or stop in before then...sit a spell...have a sip of one of the delightful summer special drinks outside on the newly expanded outdoor Matteo.....

     Help Matt Anderson...Pay It Forward, Give it Back....Have Fun...Enjoy the Music...Taste the Fun...Celebrate at Matty Gras !

       I read a blog by Margaret Rome the other day....her own love story about how her blind date turned into a "happily ever after" adventure.  I promised her in a comment, I would share my own story of happily ever after....so here it is....

        Another lifetime ago I was happily single and self employed and my younger brother was living in Boston and had invited me to come and visit.  Never having been to that part of the country, it sounded like fun...he had an apartment..his first instruction when he picked me up at the airport was that I was not allowed to comment on his driving...you just get on those round abouts...close your eyes and step on the gas...I spent most of the ride with my seat reclined so I missed all the "near misses" !

       We drove to Cape Cod and did lots of typically touristy kinds of things.  He said that all the people in his office went to see Linda, "the psychic witch" in Salem.  My ever so Catholic Dad always called psychics, tea leaf readers, card readers, star gazers....horoscope writers all came under the category of "Baloney Ladies" to him. He was also the first one to ask what they had to say when my Mom, sister or I came home from such a visit.  Anyway....Linda gave us each a private reading...and we both took notes. he was very specific...none of that..."You will meet a stanger who...."  Linda said I would renew acquaintances with a man I had known in the past by the end of the calendar year and by the end of the next year, we would be married....he decribed him physically...six feet ish tall...blondish...and his personality and talents....much like my Dad...couldn't really think of anyone I knew like that.  Marriage...oh not. Marriage was neither a desire or goal...When I returned to Wisconsin, I put the notes in a file folder labeled "Future" and went on with life....it was a warm August, I had to put my favorite cat to sleep...business was good and life went on....

    Then it was a chilly November day when the phone rang....and this person I did know....and also knew he was married....asked me to go his company Christmas party.  "What about "Beulah" ?(not the wife' real name) Well...he had moved out of the house a number of months before, divorce papers served and court sessions taken place...the marriage I had told him as a friend years before, NOT to enter in to...wa ending...no surprises there.  We dated, his divorce finalized...and the light went on...oh yicks...I went to the Future File...oh yep....he was who she meant....on October 10th both my parents walked me down the aisle in a fairy tale wedding with Victorian theme....and that was almost 16 years ago...My Dad isn't here now...he loved David like a son, and David loved my Dad...,my brother was our best man....and that is no baloney....we are still living (most days) happily ever after.

 You are going to LOVE this condo...3 bedrooms, 3 FULL baths...open concept...a luxurious master suite with doors open to a deck...walk in closet, soaking tub and separate shower....double vanity...open concept great room with gas fireplace.  Kitchen with dishwasher, disposal and built in microwave...lower cabinet with pull out shelves....dinette area with "can't tell it's a laminate" flooring....AND.....a first floor laundry with washer and dryer included.  

  That's not all....welcome to the exposed lower level with double patio doors...huge open area...separate bedroom or office ... 3rd FULL BATH...and a TON of storage space....ALL this and a 2 car attached garage...conveniently located in the "gateway to Waukesha County" New Berlin...convenient to everywhere in the luxurious and sought after Jacob' s Ridge complex....first floor with exposed lower at ONLY $269,731. 

   We are happy to arrange a private showing at your convenience...Call us at: 414-525-0563 OR give us a call for our open house schedule....you will love this almost 3,000 square feet of living space with attached garage....and as a bonus....there is also a separate building you can use for entertaining....this complex really has it all.....Come and Enjoy !   17874 West Jacob's Drive.