Relocate to Wisconsin : September 2010

  14615 West Fieldpointe Drive, New Berlin, WI                      OPEN SUNDAY  October 3rd  Noon -2 pm

This was their "forever home"...the kitchen was just completed....granite counters, custom cherry cabinets with pull out shelves everywhere...stainless appliances, new ceramic tile floor. Eat in kitchen with hardwood floor has sliding glass doors to the deck overlooking luscious wetlands.  Family room with natural fireplace..

formal living room and dining room

. Crown molding accents....a first floor laundry and half bath complete the first floor.
   Upstairs, four generously sized bedrooms  and two full baths. The master suite has an additional room...now used as an office...could be a sitting room, an additional walk in closet....whatever you choose.
   Outstanding location in popular Fieldpointe Subdivision just north of National Avenue west on Fieldpointe Drive.
    Come to our Open House Sunday, October  3rd noon - 2 pm....door prizes and refreshments...and the opportunity to tour...better yet...buy this great home !  Other showings at your convenience....just call the Hansons 414-525-0563 for prompt professional service and we're happy to help with all things real estate in southeastern Wisconsin.

  Is your listing the one that was the second choice of the buyers ?  The house that the buyers wrote on had more this, a bigger that, an updated ....a newer....just different. And you are sure....that the next time....your listing will be the bride...walk down the aisle to the closing table and be married off to a new buyer.  And then...once again....for another reason....you are once again in the bridesmaid position and not the newly chosen listing. Sometimes, when you get the news....the agent will tell you the name of the newly chosen...or you may choose to ask.  The list of reasons that buyers choose one listing over another vary of course ...but sometimes this information can be valuable in doing things that may take you down the aisle to a successful marriage of buyer and seller.

It's hard to be objective sometimes.....try this....print out the newly engaged listing and yours and do.....or have someone you trust ....do a comparison of the two...what are the major differences and what are the features that stand out that the chosen listing does Not have ?
     I see you shaking your head.....I know ...you can't make the yard bigger...add a bedroom or a bathroom...update the kitchen and add a double shower to the master bath....Look carefully at the pictures what CAN you do....what are things that you may not have mentioned that could be a competitive advantage over the listing that will close earlier than yours.

• Curb appeal...lawn cut, bushes trimmed, color added with perhaps pots at the door

• Peeling paint is no more on windows or trim  

•  Clean and Decluttered - Windows washed, carpet cleaned

•  Where is your update list ?  Do you have a newer...roof, furnace, water heater ?

• Do you have a warranty for a first year of less worry for the buyers ?

• What are the features that appealed to the seller when they chose to walk it down the aisle to the closing table ?

•   Clean lower level with boxes stacked neatly away from the walls making them visible to the buyer and future inspector

   Overcome the "yes buts...." of the competition and make your listing the OUTSTANDING bride is was meant to be....we'll toast your success at the closing reception !

   If you have a home in southeastern Wisconsin that you want to have walk down the aisle to the closing table...have a receiving line of anxious, qualified guests/buyers...call the Hansons....every listing is a special event...and we work hard at having our sellers live happily ever after with the best possible sale.

   One of the parts of a short sale package is the letter that the distressed home seller writes explaining why (with all supporting financial documentation) they are asking the lender for forgiveness of a portion  of their indebtedness. Sometimes, sellers are angry...they can't put a face...make a call or in any way score a direct hit with the circumstances that have gotten them to this place in their lives.
          If they have been downsized from a job...their boss is no longer there to answer the "Yes ...But...." reasons for why they should remain employed. The pink slip is the pink slip..that was then and the beginning starts now and as unfair as, it may be, the anger has to be extinguished and career plan B" begun.
       The happily ever after marriage that was not to be...the sting of a spouse that strayed, that could not deal with whatever the condition was of for "better or worse...." the worse meant leaving the relationship and the house that had held the memories of their home was no longer affordable.
        Devastating illness....the cancer or other disease that crippled the  ability to earn the income that enabled the distressed sellers to stay in their home...it isn't fair...no illness is fair....the ravages of medical bills and depletion of funds due to the heaping and continual medical bills can exhaust even the strongest of sellers and their reserve funds.
        The adjustable mortgage that adjusted more quickly than the seller imagined possible...that was not part of their financial plan.....re-financing with the equity that does not exist due to the decline in values is not a viable option.
     It is not unusual in our experience to find a seller with more than one of these situations...sometimes several taking place all at once.  You sympathize and you lend a hand up, a shoulder....offer every resource you know available and wonder how you would fair under their circumstances.
   The hardship letter is meant to be just that...an explanation of why the mortgage cannot or has not been paid. The anger, the blame all the emotion that comes with hardship needs to vented another way.Blaming the former...boss, spouse, lender does not  "make the case" for the hardship. It does, leave sellers stuck in the past and prevents them from taking a positive step toward a better future.  Hardship is emotional...a hardship letter in our opinion is an explanation as part of a business proposition.  Keeping it simple helps it to fall on more positive ears....and at some point, we hope, the healing begins and the once distressed seller starts on the road to a happily ever after life.

We sometimes get calls from distressed homeowners with halting, tearful voices who begin to explain their hardship and have come to the realization that a short sale may be their only option.  Other times, there is confidence in the voice ...the home was custom built, they made these improvements, took out a home equity loan to do these updates...it is better than the house down the street and they are asking more money...and then we make our pre-listing call and have to be the messenger of the sad news.
   True enough...the custom built home has some great features but the deferred maintenance has overtaken the beauty of the exterior now in need of a roof, stain, paint  ...the home equity loan used for the new....kitchen, bath, landscaping is a wonderful addition; now the house my be "even" with the homes currently on the market priced realistically and not wishfully....and yes, that is the price that they are asking for the house down the street...that has been on the market for six months...but it is not the price that is getting the house sold.
      We all have a tendency to see things, people, conditions....and ourselves as we wish them to be...our own reality protects us from harsh truths.  In the same way that we don't see the extra pounds, don't hear negative attitudes we may be broadcasting, the wrinkle that wasn't there last week....and the gray or missing hair that is barely noticeable...our reality protects us from the truth.
        The words are as difficult to say as they are to hear...we don't want to tell you your home is worth less than you imagined, hoped, wished.  If you are months behind on your mortgage....and that job you wanted is not reality yet...we understand your pain....and the difficult choices that lie ahead.  Know that the right choices are not always the easy ones and we are here to help you every step of the way. These words often find a tearful surrender to the reality that life is about to begin another chapter. Not the dream they wished...but often the best choice that can be made in moving to a brighter future.
    

     There are lots of ways to approach every phase of life...positively works best...looking at the next phase of life as an adventure rather than the end of a chapter and on to the unknown.  The way we approach moves as realtors with our clients can result in a more positive experience for our sellers as well.  The end result is that it is a better transaction for everyone....and the fringe benefit to you may well be referrals to that client's family and friends.
       The days of a realtor who takes the listing, snaps a picture, gets the sign in the yard and the listing on mls and waits for an offer should be gone....unless you are a limited service agent an that, by your contract is the service you have agreed with the seller.
       As a full service realtor, you should have a "reference library of resources" to make the moving transition as  smooth as possible. Here are some suggestions for the resources we find are used most often.

• Landscaper or outdoor "ground crew"....decluttering is not just on the inside...it means trimming the bushing, weeding the flower beds, keeping the grass cut and trimmed. This can be professionals who need to cut down trees, demolish stumps or as simple as the teenager looking to earn more money...you may want some of both kinds of resources available for a variety of jobs.
• Handyman - a few minor repairs, replacements can make a huge difference in how a home is perceived by buyers
• Painter - A lighter, brighter interior is a good thing....and peeling paint on trim, windows, etc. is not only not attractive it may well be a problem for some kinds of financing and is best addressed when the listing is taken.
• Roofer - curls are wonderful...but not when they are on shingles...have a professional who offers a warranty address this area if necessary
  
• Plumber for jobs that require permits and must be performed by a licensed plumber, this contractor is a valuable asset
• Electrician may be necessary when the service is not up to code...not a job for an amateur who could have a shocking experience !
• Foundation Specialist this is a requirement here where walls can be out of plumb, drain tile can become blocked, there may be a need for more than one of this kind of contractor depending upon their capabilities and the needs of your sellers
• Carpeting and Flooring - when the shag won't cut it, the tile is chipped and the floorboards creak...know a source for all things under foot
  
• Cleaning Service -This makes a HUGE difference from dusting the baseboards to washing the windows...squeaky clean sells ! Carpet cleaners and housecleaners need to be a part of this valuable list
• Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists -Being able to say that the furnace and A/C have been recently "tuned up" and filters replaced is a great comfort to new buyers and speaks loudly to the kind of care the seller has taken to maintain the house

          Depending on where you live, you may find other services a necessary part of your library...pest control in warmer climates ...Some markets find pre-inspections a common practice for reassurance to the buyer.

     Be a good scout...be prepared. Realtors...be the best you can be....Sellers...use your realtor as a resource, ask for recommendations for reliable contractors and service providers based upon their experience.
      If you want Prompt Professional Service and Proven Results for all things real estate in southeastern Wisconsin...call the Hansons, your realtors for a lifetime.

  OPEN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30th 12-1:30 PM

This classy Cudahy Colonial at 3709 East Allerton Avenue offers sooo much for such a great price...you will want to have your checkbook and pre-approval in hand on Saturday, September 25th Noon - 4 pm at the Citywide open house and see if for yourself. Priced to sell at $169,534...a very lucky number...and it could be for you too !  The HUGE living room with marble framed fireplace and oak mantle...both gas and wood. Formal dining room, updated kitchen with cherry cabinetry.

                  Four beds and a full bath upstairs. A few blocks from parks and the shores of Lake Michigan. Close proximity to shopping and schools;it doesn't get any better !

     
    Lower level is entertainment central with both  bar and rec room.  Spacious back and side yard with screen house is well landscaped and private....a picture may be worth a thousand words....a visit to this fabulous four bedroom beauty will be the answer to your quest for a new home. Be the first to see it on Saturday....the first time it is open to the public or be sorry you missed this great opportunity.Call the Hansons, 7 days a week 8 am to 9 pm 414-525-0563 to arrange a personal tour...find out what it means to have Prompt Professional Service and Proven Results for all things real estate.

                    City of Cudahy

  City Wide Open House 

Saturday, September 25th

             Noon - 4 pm
                         The City of Cudahy Department of Economic Development is hosting the city's  first
             City Wide Open House !

     This is your opportunity to tour dozens of homes in a short period of time..homeowners and realtors have.put out their welcome mats for the tour.  In addition to the opportunity to tour many homes, there will also be representatives from the local banks to discuss mortgage loans and the programs available. Begin your tour at   Cudahy City Hall 5050 S. Lake Drive and pick up a map of the homes open for this event.
           A separate information area will be set up in the auxiliary gym at Cudahy High School (4950 S.
Lake Dr.). Attendees will be able to get advice from home improvement experts and learn about the assets that contribute to       Cudahy’s great quality of life, including the Cudahy School District, local hospitals and parks and organizations such as the YMCA, Kelly Senior Center, Cudahy Lions Club and Cudahy Historical Society.The Hansons will be exhibiting  with information for home buyers and sellers...both traditional and short sale transactions.

     For first time homeowners or people new to the area, this is also an opportunity to learn about the utility costs involved in owning a home.  There will be representatives from home improvement companies giving advice and information on heir products and services. 
    Cudahy is a Milwaukee county suburb home to  six county parks and 823 acres of parkland. Warnimont Golf, an 18 hole executive, par-54 municipal course, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon on the links. The city's lakefront park, featuring a popular hike/bike trail, was created on acreage given by Patrick Cudahy to Milwaukee County.
   Mayor Tony Day is excited about this event and has encouraged local businesses and restaurants to roll out the red carpet for this first time event. With affordable homes, beautiful parks, unique ethnic restaurants and great schools among other amenities, Cudahy is the perfect place for families to put down roots.
   Sometimes the best things in life really ARE FREE....come and learn what this lakeside community has to offer....and why you will want to call it home.
  

    We entertain a lot... it can be formal or informal...we enjoy cooking and are social folks by nature. When we built our house, we  designed it ourselves and the dining room was an important consideration for our lifestyle...from the trayed ceiling and traditional chandelier to the royal blue walls...it was all planned before the footings  were poured for the foundation. David says I spend as much time dressing the table as I do myself....true enough !  I love table toys...individual salt and pepper shakers...dishes and glasses of many hues, napkin rings, etc.

 
    We entertain clients, customers, co-brokes, our partnering business associates, neighbors, family and friends...traditional recipes or it might be "vegetable surprise" with a conglomeration of whatever there is at the Farmers' market.  We choose to share a part of ourselves....and now...here it is for you....We chose to make New Berlin our home...a suburb in Waukesha County ...a little bit country with larger than city lots...but not tooo big...no sidewalks to maintain...20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee...a great location, super schools, easy access to anywhere.  Give us a call...we'll give you a tour and you may find New Berlin the place you want to call home.

  If you are in southeastern Wisconsin...you are welcome to a place at the table....we have a bar downstairs...or a seat at the bar....sit a spell...and enjoy !

  We toured a home that had many updates from a new concrete driveway to updated kitchen and our buyers were excited about the further changes that they could make to make it "their own" from wall colors to flooring choices.

Then we all went to the lower level.....which was typically stacked with boxes and looking as you would expect it to with someone moving  a household of some of everything.

  The walls had been painted and in some areas the ceiling dropped with acoustical tile ....a rec room and laundry, plenty of storage,

  Along one wall there were steel beams that had been neatly painted and matched the walls. Beams are not an uncommon sight in Wisconsin basements. Walls sometimes need reinforcement and can be out of plumb. We have the ability on our MLS to attach reports...the required property condition report, lead base paint addendum, list of updates, etc. Some agents take advantage of this feature and when working with a buyer it is helpful to have this information at the touch of a keystroke.

   No mention of any basement issue...perhaps the work was done by a previous owner...hmmm...seller has lived on the property over a dozen years....contact the listing agent.

   "When were the supports added...why....was every wall evaluated? Why wasn't this mentioned on the condition report ?" 

  The bracing beams were a recent addition...engineering report, receipt and explanation of work done were sent over....but should have been explained on the condition report....buyers and agents become suspicious when major details are left out this report.

    As a listing agent...Be a detective....and a historian...make sure sellers tell all they know and you relay it to everyone who needs to know...in Wisconsin...it's the law.

   If you are looking to be a buyer in the Badger State...call the Hansons...they will find the house you will want to call home !

 " If walls could talk..."

      It's an expression older than many of the walls we see in homes today. Before we go on a listing/pre-listing appointment we get basic information like most realtors....sometimes the tax bill gives us an idea of the number of rooms or features...fireplace...attached garage and sometimes if the home is located in a smaller city/town/village, the information is very minimal and until we see the property, we rely on the mind's eye of the seller to tell us a bit about the home.
   Often, the flood of memories of the holidays, the meals shared, the special touches that the family added to the house that make it home, color the conversation and you can feel the warmth and love that flowed from room to room with fond recollections of happier times and the joy it brought the family who lived there for a good part of their lifetime.Sometimes with short sales as well as traditional sales, the pull of the memories back to happier times overcomes the stress of years that the home has seen and the wear evident to a more objective less emotional eye.
  Then there is what we call the "mechanical part" of the pre-listing interview...how old is the ....furnace, roof, air conditioning....might there be some deferred maintenance...exterior paint, etc.  Often the homeowner's mind's eye sees the memories of yesterday and not the well worn reality of today in describing these areas. We are reminded that we all see things as we sometimes wish they were ...and spiced with our own version of reality, and that, after all is human nature.  With people who are hanging by a thin financial thread, the repairs are often more minimized and the flood of warm memories over shadows the curling shingles, decaying wood, chipped paint...it has been and is the place they have called home for a long time.
    Sooo...what is the point of this blog you say...maybe to remind realtors....listing and showing to be gentle....no one has peeling paint and curling shingles out of desire. Leaking windows, worn carpet once shared beautiful views and playful moments. Look beyond the immediate physical appearance...you may find that treasured memories for your new buyer are just a paint brush away.....and you can be a part of making new memories for your fortunate buyer to have a thoughtful realtor as their representative.

  We have all dealt with the agent, friend, neighbor who begins every sentence on a negative note....and we then become conditioned in our response...noses wrinkle,....ears want to close....eyebrows raise...muscles tense...the "Now what this time..." natural reaction.
  What if instead of starting the sentence...voice mail...e-mail ...with a problem... negative....it began with a cooperative tone...an upbeat tempo....a communication that has a far better chance of better reception by the receiver.
   Let's try replacing "We have a problem...."  (and the natural...oh joy...NOW what reaction) with
       -Did you notice that....-Would you mind if....-Do you think we could...-I was thinking another approach might be....You know sometimes I forget to....
    The beginning is everything....first impressions...lasting impressions and immediate reactions...we are all human...and some thought on Hello...may mean a better reaction/reception from the receiving party....and ultimately cooperation....and isn't that what this business, relationships, etc. are all about ? 

      I come from the "people behave the way you allow them to" school....cradle to grave. If every time an infant cries, they are picked up, rocked, cuddled...crying works. At that stage of life, it may be the only way to communicate pain, hunger, discomfort and parents learn distinctive cries quickly and how to respond to them.

    As we mature....or at least get older...we also learn what behavior "works" or does not...what we get when we put out positive or negative energy and how that smile or nasty remark can color our lives in whichever way we choose.

   We also get to how others treat us...and how we respond that treatment.  If you want respect, practice giving it to get it. You get

back what you put out....you choose...the market isn't mad at you...the boogey man and all the bad luck on earth is not yours...what are you sending out ....and what are you getting back...the laws of attraction are in action....the choice is yours.

    We are sometimes  very quick to "call out" corporate America for not being socially responsible...and this morning while checking in on my Facebook friends, I had to pause and see what my far more technologically sophisticated Keller Family gals had posted. Missy Caulk and Irina Netchaev...posted this from U tube...and the tears fell again...and I would be ashamed if they had not.

Commercial time during the Super Bowl of course is at a premium price...and that was the only airring of this commercial...in memory of those who paid that and their families and loved ones who pay it every day.

..Thank you Budweiser...for choosing to invest in a huge remembrance.

www.youtube.com

 Tears come easily today...the number 9 - eleven will never have the same meaning as they have  since this day nine years ago.
   Everyone knows, where they were...how they felt...the disbelief...the hurt, anger and frustration...so many emotions churning all at once with no outlet...the tears fall.
    Let's make today special for someone who has in some way sacrificed for our greater good. If you know the family of person in service...thank them...with a flower...a phone call, a visit...
   If you don't know someone in the service of the country we hold personally or their family... make today special for someone in your life that has given to you...a parent, a sibling...a child, a spouse.
    Take a few minutes to reflect on the good fortune you have to live in this country and experience the freedoms we all too often take for granted.
    Honor the memory of the many who gave the ultimate sacrifice and the loved ones who had their lives forever changed nine years ago.
   Make the memory count today more than ever.

               What will you do today to honor this day and the people  who contributed...by choice and by chance to forever change our history ?

For those of you who dared not believe/conceive of purple kitchens...it's true...it is very true...not blue...but purple. As we tell our sellers, there is the way you live in a house....and that is sometimes not the same way you get it ready for sale.
   I LOVE purple...it's vibrant, passionate...exciting...and so for our kitchen we have chosen real grape vines as window treatments...no those aren't real grapes :).......and a pale purple wall....it's me....it may not be you...or the next residents of this house...but for me...it's purple.
   Have a wonderful weekend...find your passion...purple or not...and live it, love it....and all good things will come your way.
                      Sally K.

 One more tool we can use to help homeowners...we try every way we know how to help...and this is just one more that for some people will mean that they don't have to disrupt their lives and can start over in their own homes.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Racine & National Avenues

12noon – 1pm – Pleasant Memories concert in

First Freewill Baptist Church

2pm – Parade

2:30pm – Storytelling in School House

All Historic Buildings will be open 1pm – 4pm

               *Honoring the addition of New Berlin Fire Station to the park

                   *Time Keepers & Blacksmith

                       *Antique Farm Equipment & Autos

                      *Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans

                                                *Photo Opportunities

                                                                         * Food

                                                                         * Fun

                                                                         * Music

                                                                         * Raffle

Parking @ Prospect Hill Garden Center & Prospect Hill Grade School. Shuttle buses provided.

Hosted by: Prospect Hill Restoration Foundation Inc., New Berlin Historical Society,

                     New Berlin Park Recreation & Forestry, New Berlin Police and Fire Departments,        

                                        City of New Berlin, Mikey’s Place, Durham School Services

While you are visiting New Berlin, you might just decide that this "little bit country" place is a great one to call home.  The Hansons have been lifelong Wisconsin residents and would be pleased to take you on a tour and help you create your own history book with a new home in New Berlin.

  OPEN SAT.  Sept. 17 Noon - 2

           N626 North Avenue, Ashippun, Wisconsin
                  Willow Creek Sub-division

                  Custom Ranch WOW !


                                                     MLS 1164516
 You will say "welcome home" to this custom split ranch with upgrades everywhere. The open concept is great eye candy from the corner fireplace to the hardwood floored dinette open to the deck and surrounded by a pine tree lined backyard. The kitchen has the upgrades you want...deep drawers and plenty of storage...snack bar...all the appliances.
 
    On to the Master Bedroom suite with walk in closet, whirlpool tub, double sink and separate shower stall. Two bedrooms and a second full bath complete the first floor. The lower level has egress windows, is plumbed for a 3rd bath and with 12 foot ceilings it can be whatever you want it to be....another bedroom, rec room, play room...it awaits your imaginative finishing touches.
   
       Luscious landscaping and an attached 3.5 car garage complete this home short sale priced to sell at $237,225. Call the Hansons for a private tour and your opportunity to be the new homeowners of this curb-a-licious custom ranch.

            This is a short sale offered by an experienced, successful team that enables closings as fast as possible, give us a call for more information, we are happy to help and happy to share this great value.

    If you have decided that living in a friendly, small town, close to all the conveniences of a larger metropolitan area is where you want to live...let us introduce you to the Town of Ashippun. (pronounced Ash a pin) .  The name is Indian for raccoon which is what the Indians called the river flowing thru the eastern part of town. The town has the Ashippun River and Collins Lake and was once dense forest land that settlers used to construct log cabins. The topography was formed by the glaciers with  rolling hills, some large rocks as well as kettles dotting the landscape.  The census bureau indicates that the town is 35.7 square miles in size with just .1 of the area being water.
     In the shadow of Waukesha County, Ashippun is in Dodge County. Downtown Milwaukee is a 45 minute ride, and Madison about an hour.

     The population of Ashippun in 2000   was  2,308.  The town is served by several school districts  including the Oconomowoc Area Schools as well as students in the eastern part of town who attend Hartford Schools and students in the northern part To of this area attend Neosho schools. To determine which schools a child would attend, representatives may be contacted at:  

                                                                                                       Oconomowoc; 262-560-1115
 Neosho: 920-625-3531
 Hartford: 262-673-8950
  
   For finding the house to call home in Ashippun, call the Hansons...you will find them to be knowledgable tour guides...and realtors who offer prompt professional service and proven results throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

    Moving can be a daunting...exhausting...time consuming task.  Sometimes sellers are not looking for one more thing to put on their "to do" list to get the house ready to sell.

pounds
   -  Aunt Mary's old _______________that you really can't part with because it was a gift from Aunt Mary....
    - Junior's first art creation that keeps the memory of his childhood alive and well and the closet/attic/basement cluttered
     - Holiday decorations from New Year's, Valentine's, St. 

  Pat's,Halloween etc...that are missing lights, are bigger than the
        house you will be moving to...
     -The kitchen appliance that only juices oranges not more than
       2.24" in diameter...but it's a "healthy appliance" and some
       day....

   There are "Clutter Keepers and Memory Savers"...and I must admit, I am a recovering one myself so I have great empathy for the "what to throw away/donate decisions...it's hard...it's another life chapter and the will to turn the page can be difficult.

    We always tell people that there is a way you live in the house...your colors, your stuff, your "most possible furniture per square inch"....etc., and then there is the way you sell it..
    When an  About to be Seller bemoans removing the multi-color "go with anything" carpeting..the multitude of glow in the dark stickers on jr's ceiling, flocked walllpaper...our mantra is "No one can hate neutral".  They may opt to change it to blue, faux paint it, cover it, uncover it...but they can't hate it.

    Soooo...get out that eye candy recipe and know that regardless of how many homes are on the market in your area...getting all dressed up and ready to sell in calm, neutral tones will help your potential buyers imagine their furnishings in your home...and now back to my purple kitchen...