September 01, 2010 at 11:44 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
If you are one of the thousands of home sellers out there trying to get a nibble, you are not alone. In fact, if you are in Milwaukee County, there are 4,491 homes competing for a buyer. Washington County has 1,019 available homes, and Waukesha County boasts 2,837 homes looking for a new family. So, getting a buyer to like your home more than all of the rest is no easy task.
Here are a few helpful tips:
* Understand that unemployment and the struggling economy has all but destroyed consumer confidence. * Realize that today’s buyer has plenty of homes to chose from. These buyers are only interested in the home THEY consider priced correctly. * Know that the economic situation will take some time to correct. It will probably take 5-7 years before we see 2006 pricing. * Prioritize your needs over wants. Take an honest look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place. Is money more important than being closer to family or your health? Or better yet, is money more important than moving on with your life?
In essence, you need to take the emotion out of the equation. If you can take a step back and look at the big picture, chances are, you will have a more pleasing outcome. Don’t forget - we are here to help! The Kuchtas, Kelly & Colleen www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com.
August 26, 2010 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
For the last 65 years, people in the greater Milwaukee area have been attending the Parade of Homes. Whether looking for new construction ideas, the latest trends in home decorating and building technology, or just to dream, the MBA Parade of Homes pleases all who attend. The parade runs from August 21 through September 12th.
The Parade of Homes this year will be spread out across the entire metro area with 22 homes in 3 different subdivisions. Subdivisions reach as far south as Oak Creek, as far north as Richfield, and west to Pewaukee. There is something for everyone when it comes to pricing or size of the models.
The Richfield’s Reflections Village proves to be of real interest if you are looking for something different. Fashioned after a walkable community with a town square, this subdivision is a 20 minute commute to downtown Milwaukee.
Pewaukee’s Broken Hill is a great development just minutes from shopping conveniences. Rolling hills and great vistas, my favorite here is the gorgeous clubhouse and an in-ground pool. Quite a nice convenience for the young family or sun seekers!
The Bluffs of Oak Creek is almost ON Lake Michigan. Large lots surrounded by nature conservancy and extensive building restrictions make this a good choice! The southern Milwaukee county location is perfect for the traveler, being close to Mitchell Field Airport, or for those commuters to northern Illinois jobs.
Whether you visit one or all three subdivisions, you will be in for a treat this year at the annual MBA Parade of Homes. If you aren’t quite ready for new construction, an existing home is a good step to building equity and later moving up. I can help you with either choice, just give me a call!
August 19, 2010 at 07:57 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
In the weeks of high temps and sweltering humidity, everyone is looking for ways to keep the house cool, and electric bills low. If you have ceiling fans, now is the time to use them! But did you know there was a right and wrong way when it comes to ceiling fans?
Ceiling fans can be used without air condition to cause a breeze and provide some relief from the heat. In combination with air conditioning, they can improve the efficiency of the cooling system, especially in newer homes with soaring ceilings (if you have the settings set correctly for the season). You might not know about this switch and have it set upside down right now!
According to Garbe Industries Website, “Ceiling fans help cool you in the summer with a gentle downdraft creating a wind-chill effect. A temperature of 78° to 80° would feel like 72°, which allows you to set your thermostat higher. In the winter ceiling fans push heated air from the ceiling towards the floor, while providing a more even heat, even with your thermostat set lower. (Energy savings of up to 40% in summer cooling; up to 10% in winter heating; depending on climate) ”
The owners manual will say if your fan has a switch to reverse the direction of the fan. The switch is above the center section (where the blades attach) facing the ceiling, unseen if standing below) If it does, this is the trick to efficiency. According to Mr. Fix-It, Tom Feiza “To adjust air flow for summer cooling, start by fully opening all second floor dampers. Next, partially close dampers to first floor rooms that are getting lots of cold air. You will find that closing the damper to 50% or turning the shaft to 45 degrees will only partially slow the air flow. Often, even if you fully close the damper, there will still be air flow because the dampers fit very loosely in the ducts.
Closing first floor dampers will direct air to the second floor. Mark your damper settings for summer and winter once you have found the correct balance.” Ceiling fans set properly can assist by pushing the cold air DOWN to the first floor.
Most home owners don’t even know there is a switch on their ceiling fan. Check your manual and you may be able to improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling of your home just by having that switch set properly for the season.
This is just one tip on saving money. If you are looking to buy or sell a home, whether your first or a second home in the city or suburbs of greater Milwaukee, call me! I can provide many tips on saving money during the home buying or selling process.
August 16, 2010 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Are you having trouble making ends meet, and your mortgage is falling behind? Help is coming to town.
Thursday August 19th from 1-7:30pm at the Frontier Airline Center (formerly Midwest Airline Center) 400 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee 53203 parking available at 630 N 5th St - $6
BE PREPARED to make the most of this appointment! Here is a list of documents you should bring along to the workshop.
CHECKLIST
Monthly mortgage statement
Information about other mortgages on your home, if applicable
Two most recent pay stubs, documentation of income you receive from other sources or most recent quarterly profit and loss statement if self-employed
Two most recent bank statements
Account balances and monthly payments for credit cards and other debts
Estimates of other monthly expenditures (such as utilities, insurance and medical bills)
BEWARE, there are scams out there taking advantage of homeowners who are underwater with their mortgages. This workshop on Thursday is sponsored by the government and will have answers for you. When a homeowner is experiencing financial difficulties, including mortgage payments, there are several options available as relief. If you live in the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, call me to discuss those options. If I don’t know the answer, I can help you find a trustworthy source of help!
August 13, 2010 at 05:48 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
It’s expected to be the hottest day of the year, and you have a request for a showing. Here are some tips and tricks to make it a success.
AIR CONDITIONING: If you’ve got it have it on!! It’s not the time to be frugal. If it isn’t on, or set too high, buyers wonder if it works at all or needs service. They will rush through your home and run back to the air conditioned car.
REFRESHMENTS: Refreshments? I should be serving refreshments? You’ve heard of baking cookies, well the hottest day of the year is not the day to turn on the oven. Let’s try something cool and refreshing. I can clearly remember a showing, many years ago. While I don’t remember the buyers or the exact house, there are 2 things I clearly remember- it was sweltering hot, and the refreshments! The seller had a tray on the kitchen counter filled with ice, bottled water and cans of soda. There was a note from the seller to enjoy a cold beverage and stay as long as we wanted to cool off. That was a smart move. If she had left a note that there were refreshments in the fridge, we’d feel awkward helping ourselves. But with the tray on the counter it was welcoming, and it worked! We needed the cooling off, and stayed longer in that home, than any other that day.
CEILING FANS: If you have them, use them. Don’t have them on high, sometimes that gives the appearance you are fighting a losing battle, or the noise is a negative distraction. Medium or low speed, gets the air circulating and creates a slight cooling breeze.
HUMIDITY: Don’t use the showers within a few hours of the showing. You don’t want any extra humidity or stickiness in the house. Cool and refreshing is what you are going for here.
COOKING: Like I said before, baking cookies is not in order today. Don’t add any extra heat (or smells) by baking or boiling before the showing.
BEDDING: Be sure at this time of year to change the bedding even more than normal. Sweat seems to cling to sheets and pillows and the college dorm dinge is not appealing on showings. Fresh and clean is what you want in bedrooms and baths.
POOLS: If you have one, show it off. That means the cover is off, the water is crystal clear and inviting anyone to dive in! The lawn furniture is also uncovered and set up in conversation areas, some pretty beach towels out. Even the table is set with some summer table ware like a colorful pitcher and glasses or those cute place settings you can get at Kohls (on sale) this time of year. Another memory I have is a buyer who requested to see a home, and the house across the street was also for sale and it perfectly matched their wish list. The only negative in their book was the in ground pool, which they said they’d never want. Since we were right across the street, and the house matched, I made them look at it. Guess what? They fell in love with it and really enjoyed that pool. What had happened there? Mr buyer worked in a very hot job, and he came to find the pool a great way to cool off and relax after a long day at work.
LAWNS: this is important no matter how high the temps are. A manicured lawn, watered, edged is so appealing. Try to cut the lawn the day before the showing. Hose off the drive, or use the blower. Super neat and trim is enviable and buyers love it. If you have pets, be sure the lawn “free of deposits” and is safe to walk on!
Again, you are trying to get the buyer to imagine living there. You want them to stay as long as possible in your home, placing furniture, cooking in that remodeled kitchen, entertaining friends. Keeping them in the house longer is a good sign, and you can do that by having the house so appealing, cool and providing refreshments.
If you are considering selling your home in the city or suburbs of greater Milwaukee, this is just the tip of the ice berg of advice I can give you. Whether its staging, pricing, negotiating or strategies, call me to help you put up a SOLD sign!
August 06, 2010 at 03:14 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
As I write this today, I am still spinning form the news that my Buyer’s loan is still not clear to close. Please note, the original closing date was this past Wednesday. My Buyers were promised by their lender that the appraisal was good and everything was in order in early July. Then, they received a call around July 20th, the appraisal was rejected by the underwriter. Not to worry they were told, we still have plenty of time before August 4th rolls around. Well, time continued to slip away, and a different investor was pursued by their mortgage broker. This company promised to have things in order with a clear to close by the 4th. This would push our closing out a few days to the 9th, but not beyond. Which brings us to the call I just made to the lender. No closing on the 9th. No closing on the horizon at this point. Not only are my buyers left in a whirlwind of emotions, but the 4 other families that are somehow related to this transaction are left spinning as well.
What is the point of this story? Well, it’s simple: when choosing a lender use care and ask questions. Ask your Realtor, friends & family if they have heard of this company. Check the BBB for complaints. Just because a company has been is business for a long time, doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. Ask them for references - recent closings - find out from those customers how things went. And finally, ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion! Buying a home is often the largest investment of our lives, it doesn’t hurt to have a back-up plan. There are hundreds of lenders out there, don’t leave things to chance.
As full-time Realtors, we have a team of reliable lenders available.
Contact us today, and take advantage of today’s amazingly low rates. You could be in your new home, or refinance your existing home, before you know it! Check out our website, then give us a call!
July 28, 2010 at 05:50 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
If you are a fan of Broadway Theatre, you already have your tickets to see Wicked at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts this summer! If you are not a musical fan, I’d encourage you to think twice, and try to snag some tickets before the show leaves town on August 8th. A comment from a professed theatre “avoider” Tommyg09 said ” So all you guys out there that are just like me, and wouldn’t give a second thought to going to a theater show….this one is pretty darn good!
The Marcus Center has been “greenified” for the event, both inside and out. From the hall lighting, festive tables at private pre show parties and even the glasses worn by ushers, GREEN is in! A great way for the venue to crank up the excitement.
Wicked is the story of “what happened” before Dorothy landed in Oz. You will find out why is the wicked witch of the West green, and how the Flying monkeys, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow came to be. The Wicked Witchs’ lineage, why Glinda changed her name and many other “insider stories” behind the well known story lines.
According to a recent newspaper review: “Though the production features lush sets and high-flying musical numbers, its highlight is the interaction between the two main characters.” Sharing the stage with the beautiful, bouncy and obnoxious Glinda, is Elphaba, the green witch. Elphaba gets her name from the author L. Frank Baum’s monogram LFB… Vicki Noon, playing “elphie” on this tour has an amazing voice and delivers everytime she opens her mouth to belt out another song. Just how they get her THAT green is a work of art!
Hosting the traveling cast of Wicked is the Marcus Center for the Perfoming Arts, which is the home to many our our beloved Milwaukee dramatic arts groups such as the Milwaukee Symphony and Ballet, the Todd Wehr Childrens Theatre, the Florentine Opera, and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony. And of course the location for Broadway Across America Productions that lands a great show here 3-4 times a year.
If you don’t have tickets yet, call today as the demand is high and availablility for the last 10 days is limited.
Thinking of moving from the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee to the downtown area to be closer to the arts and dynamic downtown lifestyle? Give me a call, there’s no place like home, and I can help you find the place to call your own!
July 21, 2010 at 12:40 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
The Washington Fair runs from July 20th-July 25th. It’s your chance to enjoy some food, fun, animals,the excitement and lights of the midway, exhibits and even some shopping.
I was able to check out the fair on Tuesday night for a Chamber of Commerce networking event. One of the most impressive features of the fair is the cleanliness of the grounds. With many new buildings and asphalt paths that traverse the fair grounds, it is a nice experience. It’s a nice change from the State Fair in size and feel.
There is the usual fair selections when it comes to food, ice cream, shaved ice, hamburgers, bbq sandwiches, and beverages!
The exhibit hall is crammed with projects, dioramas, flowers, baked and canned goods, and craft projects. Kids in 4H and adults alike worked on these projects for months, with them ready for presentation at the yearly county judging.
The barns are loaded with animals that are primped by their owners and ready for the judges critical eye. Being a city girl I always wondered how the grand champion winners must feel bittersweet with their big win. Happy to have won, elated with the big cash prize to help with future college expenses, but so sad to let go of the prized animal they’ve raised.
The entertainment is usually a blast from the past, such as this Saturdays show with Kenny Loggins balanced with the trendy Julianne Hough, who is there on Thursday night.
Hopefully you can get a chance to check out the Washington County Fair and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a good old fashioned fair!
The venue for this event has been moved back to its original location on Garfield Dr. in front of North Middle School.
Actual details for the event are forthcoming. I can tell you there will be more true “BBQ” for the event goers then past years. This year all of the food vendors are required to have available some kind of BBQ item. We will know more about band as the the dates get closer.
I have attached a few forms for anyone wanting to volunteer, either individual or group. You can earn money for a non-profit organization by volunteering during this fun event. Some jobs include, beer tents, token booths, parking, setup and take down, etc.
If you would like to participate, please fill out the appropriate form below and follow the directions at the bottom of each. We will then contact you with more information.
This past Sunday it was officially National Ice Cream Day. But if you live in the city or suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, frozen custard may be higher on your list than ice cream! If you are not from the area, NO, it’s not some form of frozen pudding. Frozen custard is similar to ice cream, but uses eggs in addition to cream and sugar to get that super creamy texture. At first lick, you will immediately tell the difference!
When it comes to finding the best frozen custard in the Milwaukee area, opinions may vary, but Kopps will come out on the top of most lists! With 3 locations around the metro area, it’s never too far to catch the flavor of the day either by catching it on the marquee, twitter or text message alerts!
The Kopps menu includes frozen custard from one to six scoops! I’d LOVE to see someone get a six scooper and manage that melting ecstasy! Other treats include floats, sundaes (a killer Turtle Sundae), and the jumbo Sundae of the Month. The grill menu features the famous Jumbo Burgers, Chicken Caliente, fish and grilled cheese sandwiches. Just a warning: Jumbo means JUMBO! Kopps can even deliver long distance, for those fans that’ve moved away, but still want their favorite flavor!
Kopps was family founded in 1950’s, and the legend is that the location on North Port Washington Road in Glendale (originally Milky Way Drive In) was the inspiration for the Happy Days TV series. Others might argue that it was Leon’s on S 27th.
Once you try Frozen Custard, it is hard to go back to regular ice cream. Due to the super rich flavor and calorie count, Kopps wouldn’t be a weekly event for most, unless you are training for Ironman! But everyone has their favorite flavors and makes a point of visiting on that day. Some flavors are on the menu daily, like chocolate and vanilla, others run a monthly rotation like the standards: strawberry, butter pecan, chocolate chip cookie dough. There are some unique creations like Sprecher Root Beer Float, Chocolate Whopper Malt or Cotton Candy Confetti. And then there are the super special flavors that appear only once a year! During Festa Italiana, my favorite Palermo Lemon; during Germanfest it’s Bienenstichkuchen, and on Kopps anniversary it’s Imperial Torte in memory of founder Elsa Kopp. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE CUSTARD STAND AND FLAVOR? I’D LOVE TO HEAR!
If you are hooked on Kopps, Glendale would be a great place to live! You could walk or ride you bike over to catch your favorite treat. This home is perfect for a buyer looking to be close to Bayshore, Interstate 43 or Kopps! Call today to take a look.
July 09, 2010 at 09:31 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
There could be a great risk of fire in your home as you read this. One of my sellers decided to have a pre sale inspection and found out before it was too late for her. Mike Wang from Milwaukee Inspection Service knew right away there was an issue. He found the fire hazard in the basement electrical box. Any electrical panel with the name FEDERAL PACIFIC ELECTRICAL or FPE should be checked for safety by a licensed electrician and replaced if instructed.
Federal Pacific circuit panels were the subject of a recent class action lawsuit. They were installed in millions of homes and many are still in operation today. The problem: the service was labeled as meeting Underwriter Laboratories safety rating, when in fact they were not safe. The companies fraudulent testing and falsified UL labeling was proven in a New York court in 2002. The Federal Pacific products in question, when overloaded, failed to trip and constitute a great fire hazard. According to the website “A circuit breaker that fails to trip is unsafe fails to protect the electrical circuit and the building and building occupants where that circuit breaker is installed. This can lead to fire, property loss, and injury or worse.”
According to Ryan Wandschneider of Elite Electrical Connections, a FPE panel should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any danger. The cost of a service replacement can average from $1,200-$1,600, and take about a days’ work, depending on the home.
So go right down to your basement and look for the label on your electrical panel. If it has a Federal Pacific or FPE label on it, you next call should be an electrician to make a correction! If you are looking to sell a home in the city or suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, a presale inspection is just one of the ideas I will give you to get the home on the market. I can be reached at my office # 262-437-5853 I look forward to your call!
July 08, 2010 at 09:26 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
So you are thinking of putting your home on the market. You have cleaned, decorated, painted the home and manicured the yard. But what about what you can’t see?
Many sellers will opt to have a pre-sale home inspection done, prior to putting their property on the market. The benefits are many!
You will have a copy of the inspection to make available to buyers when viewing your home. They will feel more confident moving ahead, after reading a report and knowing the condition inside and out.
If repairs are needed, you can mark them on the report or include copies of invoices for those repairs. Be sure to get permits and hire qualified contractors, or the buyer will question the repairs.
You will save some money by knowing if there is any issue that needs attention. You can get it taken care of BEFORE going on the market. Buyers hire home inspectors after they have agreed on a price. If something comes up, you can’t factor it in to the price, like you would if you inspected prior to listing.
You have trust in the inspector you hire, not an inspector the buyer chooses. You have no control over who the buyer hires, and may differ with their opinion or their qualifications.
You have control over the contractor and price, should any repair be needed. For example, if it is determined that a new roof is needed now, you get it done on your terms! You can get a 3 tab shingle roof, and the buyer will be happy with a new roof. If the buyer is involved in the decision, they may want the more expensive option of a dimensional roof, or a certain color.
In the case of something that looks scary, like an older furnace, having an inspection on file that shows it has been checked and in good working order, may keep a buyer from passing on the home.
If the home sale is an estate or the seller is a Power of Attorney for the owner a condition report may not be provided and buyers can be leery. Having an inspection report on file will relieve their fears.
Can you see that having an inspection done prior to listing is a good idea for several reasons? According to Mike Wang of Milwaukee Inspection Service, pre sale inspections are done exactly the same as a buyers inspection, they may go faster though because the buyers are not there, getting their “how to operate a home” instructions. The cost of home inspections run anywhere from $250-$500, depending on the size of the property.
Many people dream of summering on the French Riviera, or Provence, or an exciting trip to the “city of light” - Paris. If your purse strings are tight, or the calendar doesn’t allow, you might get your “French fix” this weekend at Bastille Days in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee is known as the “city of festivals” and two of the things that make this one different than most is the location and cost-FREE. Bastille Days is held at Cathedral Square in the heart of the East Town area, and not on the Summerfest grounds like most others. This gives it the cosmopolitan feel and even features a 43’ Eiffel Tower built for the occasion by neighboring MSOE students.
Evenings are perfect for strolling the lamp lit streets, or picnicking on the grass and listing to music. According to the website, musical guests include: Paul Cebar (July 8), The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (July 9), Lisa Haley and the Zydecats (July 10) and Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons (July 11). Food vendors feature typical fest fare and most popular Beignets, Champagne,crepes, croissants and Boueff Bourgnine to mention just a few. Demonstrations are given by chefs, vintners and cheese makers. Some other highlights include the opening of the fest with the “Storm the Bastille” 5K run that starts at 9pm, no sunburn worries there! For pet lovers, the 2nd annual La Parade des Caniches, or translated: Pooch Parade Sunday you can cheer waiters and waitresses in an obstacle course race. Old St Marys has a French Mass for a unique experience, no matter your religion.
Bastille Days is sponsored by the East Town Neighborhood which also organizes the very popular Jazz in the Park and a fabulous Farmers Market every Saturday.
The downtown location is an easy commute for those living in the city or the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee. Whether you are a die hard Franco-file or looking for a new festival experience, you will LOVE Bastille Days! C’est Magnifique!
(Photo credits: french pooch-JSOnline; Tour Eiffel- East Town Association)
There is a ‘New’ way for banks approve home loans!
I thought it would be helpful to send the new loan approval Fannie Mae Guidelines clearly explained from Waterstone Mortgage. Click the image below to view.
In response to the foreclosure surge since 2007, Fannie Mae has begun a ‘Loan Quality Initiative’. The new requirements are intended to reduce the number of bad loans. The new program shifts the responsibility of mortgage guideline compliance back to the individual banks responsible for making the loans.
The basic steps for obtaining a mortgage are: 1) Apply for the mortgage 2) Bank runs a credit check 3) The application goes through the underwriting and approval process (this is the step where an appraisal of the property takes place) 4) Credit is checked again (this is a new step in the process) 5) The loan is funded
With the new Loan Quality Initiative lenders are required to verify that the applicants credit profile has not changed since the original credit check was run. Some things to avoid while waiting for your loan to be approved and funded are: Applying for a new credit card (this includes department store cards or buying new furniture on credit), running up the balance on existing credit cards and/or financing an automobile or other major purchase.
Here are the 3 things the underwriter is checking during this 2nd credit check: 1) Recalculate your debt-to-income ratios using your minimum payment figures. If the debt-to-income ratios exceed Fannie Mae’s threshold, your loan will be denied! * don’t run up credit cards prior to closing 2) Re-check your credit score. The score will be used to asses loan-level pricing adjustments. It can also lead to a denial if your score falls below Fannie Mae’s minimum requirements! * pay your bills on time - including utility bills 3) View the Credit Inquiry section of your credit report to find ‘non-disclosed’ debts. If items are found you will need to provide documentation regarding the debt & this will be used to re-underwrite your mortgage. Many times changing your interest rate & monthly payment. * DO NOT apply for new credit until AFTER your loan is funded!
This may seem like consumers are being targeted, and it will be nearly impossible to get a loan. In the end, these are things that should have been monitored all along. If these new standards had been upheld from the beginning, we would not find ourselves in the mess we are in right now. Property values would not be declining because of an surge in foreclosures. So remember, don’t use your existing credit cards, don’t apply for new credit and pay all of your bills on time! If you would like more help understanding the mortgage approval process, or are looking for help in finding a home or financing a loan, please give us a call, visit http://www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com or send us an email! The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation late yesterday (June 30, 2010) that would allow qualifying Buyers to still receive the Tax Credit. Under the new Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623), home Buyers that had an accepted offer prior to May 1, 2010 that was scheduled to close prior to June 30, 2010, can breath a little easier if their closing has been delayed. They now have until September 30, 2010 to close on their new home. The U.S. Senate also passed, unanimously, The National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act (H.R. 5569). This important piece of legislation will extend the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010. Without the extension, Buyers looking to purchase a home in a Flood Zone were unable to obtain Flood Insurance. Consequently, lenders couldn’t approve mortgages without the necessary Flood Insurance, and many Buyers and Sellers were left disappointed. Please enjoy a safe and happy 4th of July! The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen.
If you live in the city or the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, you know about Summerfest. If you love music, crowds, good food, fireworks or refreshing cool beverages, you LOVE SUMMERFEST. If not, you hear the updates everyday on the news, like the performers of the day, the weather expected, or attendance figures. I know people who schedule their vacations, so they can attend every day.
In times of families managing the tightest budgets in years, you will be interested in the list of “special” hours and promotions that will get you in FREE to the Big Gig!
If your true love is music, the line up is most important. And if you just love people watching, just show up, plant yourself at one of the many great seating areas, grab a beverage and enjoy!
The Sports stage is the place to meet the pros from the Bucks, the Wave, and check out the latest fitness craze-Zumba. The childrens stage features magic acts and jugglers, right next to the giant playgound.
I remember when Summerfest was in its early years, and the grounds were dirt paths, basic structures housing food and beverage vendors, and stages were semi permanent. We’d come home with the dirtiest of bare legs from a day of walking around the grounds. The grounds have grown and evolved just as the festival itself. From the early years and the local icon Bo Black, through Don Smiley and this years line up. Getting there is so much easier with Summerfest Shuttles heading in from outlying points of the metro area.
With 11 days, 11 stages and over 800 musical acts ranging from Tom Petty, Usher, Tim McGraw, The Gufs, American Idol tour, Eric Clapton, all the way to the locals like the The Toys, The Orphans, and even my neighbor kids Max & Sam Templin and their band “No Idea,” there truly is something for everyone!
Summerfest is truly one of Milwaukee’s gems. It makes great use of our gorgeous Lakefront, entertains residents and visitors, and stimulates our economy EVERY YEAR. How many other events can say that? I’d love some comments on your Summerfest “must dos!”
If you’re looking for a great time this weekend, check out Cedarburg and the 25th annual Strawberry Festival.
Saturday and Sunday June 26, 27 you’ll see Washington Ave packed with festival goers enjoying everything from strawberry pancakes to strawberry wine. You can even try a strawberry brat!
There will be tons of kid events in Cedar Creek Park such as pony rides and a petting zoo, Sumo wrestlers, face painting and a mural where kids can try their hand at painting. The whole family will enjoy the CedarQuacker 500 duck races both Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm.
Check out the “Paint the Festival” competition, where registered artists can compete in the Historic District of Cedarburg, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The streets will be full of live music including bluegrass, top forty and rock and roll. A strawberry cooking demo/tasting will be held on Saturday morning as well as daily contests like strawberry shortcake eating and strawberry bubblegum blowing.
Aside from all the activities that Strawberry Fest brings to town, Cedarburg in itself is a charming little village. Downtown is peppered with unique shops and restaurants and of course a winery and antique shop too. Plus there’s the historic covered bridge, nearby. So if you can’t make it to Strawberry Fest, set aside another day when you can take in all that Cedarburg has to offer.
Do you love a hearty Farm Breakfast? Now, I don’t mean a super slam or an odyssey plate full of food, I mean a good old fashioned down on the farm breakfast!
June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin, and a popular event across the state is the Farm Breakfast. If you live in Germantown or Mequon, the big event THIS SATURDAY June 26th, from 7-11am. The menu includes: All you can eat pancakes, WI ham and cheese omelette, Cottage Cheese, White or Chocolate Milk, Assorted Cheeses, Sample New Dairy Products, and smooth ice cream with strawberries or chocolate.
Never been to a farm breakfast? Bring the kids and grandkids and be ready to eat AND have fun! My kids favorite part was to watch the FFA (Future Farmers of America) kids stirring hundreds of eggs in the 6 foot frying pan! After chowing down, according to the website you can enjoy the following: “Huge Kid Zone area, face painting, petting zoo, live music, pictures with calves, wagon rides, clown, free samples of NEW dairy products, cow milking contest, antique tractor display, scavenger hunt, crafts, farm tours and more.”
Almost each county has a Farm Breakfast in the month of June. If you live in the city or the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, you can check here for a list of a Farm Breakfasts that are worth a short drive
It’s been a tradition in my family for decades… Let me know how you liked it!
There has been a lot of talk about the expired Tax Rebates, and current Real Estate conditions. What is happening in the Real Estate Market? Are Buyers writing offers? Do Sellers need to lower their prices? Are the rates still low, or have they gone up?
Talk around the office & in the field shows a general slowing down in activity. Buyers are still visiting Open Houses, but only the serious Buyers - at well priced homes. Many Sellers have come to realize that they are not going to get the amount of money they would like for their property, but even the realistic sellers are not getting the number of showings they would like. Buyers have gotten more demanding since the expiration of the Tax Rebate. In many cases, they want to see every home available that meets their criteria. Once a house has been chosen, they are offering much less than the Seller is asking. If the offer does not get accepted, they are moving on to the next house on their list. Once their offer is accepted, negotiations seem to begin again after the home inspection. Today’s Buyer wants their home to be in tip-top shape before they move in! All gone are the days of “I can fix that myself after we move in”. They know that most Sellers would rather fix the problem, than have to start over looking for a new Buyer, and have to disclose any past issues.
Sellers are being to realize that it is truly a Buyer’s Market. If they don’t know it when they first come on the market, they learn it all too quickly. Lack of showings, or even worse, many showings with negative feedback from Buyers often serve as a strong dose of reality. If the Seller priced the home low enough to compel a Buyer to write an offer, they still run the risk of more concessions after the inspection. In some cases, Sellers simply cannot afford to make another $5,000 in concessions. This would push them underwater, forcing them to arrange the sale with the bank prior to a successful closing. Even the lowest interest rates we have seen in decades are not doing much to persuade Buyers to write offers. Loan officer, Denise Hoernke, states that Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation is offering 4.75% for FHA Mortgages, and 4.625% for a Conventional mortgage. This is great news. Everyone knows that the lower the interest rate, the more house you can afford.
So, where are we at in the Real Estate Market? Let’s recap: Rates are under 5%, prices are incredibly low and Buyers are looking for a deal. All things considered, I would say we are doing our best to recover. When will this recovery finally take place? Only time will tell…One thing is for certain, we are in it for the long haul! The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen.
I happened to be within unavoidable earshot of two men talking about bathroom remodeling. (No kidding-yes-men!)
The one man said to his friend, “My wife looked at me the other day and said that our bathroom was outdated and sould be remodeled.”
Then the man looked at his friend and said, “There’s nothing wrong with it; everything works fine–what’s the big deal? Besides, we might sell it soon anyway to downsize.”
His friend then asked, “How old is the bathroom”?
“The age of the house-1972.”
As a realtor, I really wanted to say to him–when you sell your ‘vintage 1972 house’ expect to get a 1972 sales price!
Homeowners need to realize running their house is like running a business–you need to spend money if you want to make money.
The Village of Menomonee Falls has one of the largest parades in the area to celebrate Independence Day. Every year people come from all around to watch the floats, dancers, clowns & members of local businesses march down Appleton Avenue. The 2010 parade will be held on July 3, beginning at 7pm. The Village of Menomonee Falls allows spectators to ‘reserve a spot’ up to 24 hours ahead of time. The ‘reservation’ is confirmed by roping or taping your preferred area off. Tarps and furniture are not allowed, and will be removed.
In years past, spectators would wait patiently in local parking lots & on village streets until they were allowed to reserve their spot. Once 7pm on July 2nd rolled around, people would make a mad dash to reserve their desired spot. This year, the village of Menomonee Falls will be closing Appleton Ave between Woosencraft Drive & Elm Lane on July 2nd between 7-7:30pm. The closing of the road is to ensure public safety. Also new this year, any persons entering the roadway/median outside of the 30 minute window will be fined. The fines range from $68.10 up to $807.00, so keep that in mind! Happy a safe and happy Independence Day celebration! As always, THANK YOU to all who serve! God Bless! The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen http://www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com
Over the Memorial Day weekend, my husband, Kelly, and I were invited to a house warming party. I wanted to bring something to eat to the party, but did not have the time available to cook or bake. I decided that cheesecake would be a good choice. Boy was I wrong - IT WAS GREAT! We ordered an 8” Turtle Cheesecake for $28.95. I thought the price seemed a little high, but ordered anyway. The next day, when we picked the cheesecake up, it weighed at least 5lbs! When we arrived at the party, the cheesecake received oohs & aahs, but the real praise came when we tasted it - simply amazing!
The Cheesecake Store is located on Main Street in Menomonee Falls, just north of the water fall. They sell cheesecake by the slice, on a stick or as a whole cake. There are lots of other goodies there, too. Check out their website, then stop in, and have a bite. You won’t be disappointed…mention that you heard about them from The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen!
Located in the prestigious North Point neighborhood, this English Tudor home may remind you of the Pabst Mansion in style, as they were both designed by Ferry & Clas over a century ago. Charm abounds with carved plaster crown moldings, 5 fireplaces, Romanesque windows, and rich oak paneling and trim. According to the website, other special features include: “limestone Tudor archway with matching side columns and decorative stonework. Carved figures occupy the front and sides of the house. Four playful gnomes are placed between the two-story bays, representing the leisure-time activities of golf, tennis, bowling, and card playing. The German word for these figures is “Heinzelmaennchen,” and they often reflect the special interests of the home owner. On the facade of the chimneys are four hand-carved stone faces that recall the designs of medieval English architecture.”
With most of the home in it’s original state, visitors will notice only the kitchen and upper bath have been extensively renovated. The Showhouse is a collaborative effort, led by Patty Virnig and a group of over 25 interior designers and artists. The designs blend a 2010 nouveau style with the original old world charm.
What is it like to own a Showhouse? It takes patience and a passion for the cause for any owner to give up the daily use of their home for months, as the design team transforms it. The owner is totally involved in the process and has the last say on any design decisions. While paint and wall paper will be a lasting reminder of their participation, the owner may purchase any furniture or décor items they would like to stay in the home after it closes.
Your tour will not only please your senses, but make a contribution to the Medical College of Wisconsins Cancer Research efforts. In 2009, the showhouse and supporting events contributed over $300,000 towards their research projects. Over the past 12 years, this Showhouse and connected events has contributed $3.8 million towards not only breast cancer research but also prostate cancer research.
The showhouse is open to the public from now through June 20th. There are 2 days that the showhouse is open in the evening, which is a real treat. The Showhouse Boutique is a shoppers delight, so bring your pocketbook to further support the cause! Advance tickets can be purchased at any Shorewest Realtors office.
After touring this beautiful home, if you are inspired to find your own mansion on the east side or ranch in the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, give me a call. We can start touring those homes!
May 28, 2010 at 06:12 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
“Oh what a relief it is”, “Where’s the beef?”, Taste’s great, less filling”….These are all popular product jingles, that I bet you can still remember…. Not trying to date myself, but a memorable ad from my childhood is “From the land of sky blue waters, comes a beer refreshing, comes a beer refreshing” Again, that was my CHILDHOOD!
In January around SuperBowl weekend, there is a lot of talk about ad campaigns, and a lot of talk on the millions charged per second for that advertising. Monday Morning water cooler talk is usually more about the ads that aired, than the game itself. But when asked about the actual product that was being promoted, many times the general public doesn’t remember what was even being advertised!
A successful ad campaign, not only entertains, but cements the product into your memory! At Shorewest, our most memorable ad campaign would have to be the “Yodeler”. Not only did it entertain, the music stuck in your mind, AND it gave the message loud and clear that Shorewest sells more homes than anyone else. A copy of that ad is sure to entertain even today!
Times have not changed, and you can still count on Shorewest getting the job done. So far this year, other company sales numbers pale in comparison to Shorewest. If you are looking to sell or buy a home in the city or the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, you must consider Shorewest. As part of my marketing campaign, I not only advise on pricing, proper placement, advertising of the home, but also on staging and prepping the home to go on the market for maximum results! So call me for advice, whether buying or selling, and you too will be yodeling a happy tune!
May 13, 2010 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
We’re all familiar with the saying and this Saturday May 15th, 2010 in Jackson, Wisconsin you’ll be able to experience this first hand and find many treasures at the 29th Annual Jackson Rummage. Jackson is a small town atmosphere with large community conveniences nearby. Nestled between West Bend, Slinger and Germantown is this family oriented community with a steady growing estimated population of 6386 in 2009. Only 15 miles north of Milwaukee yet situated in the heart of the Kettle Moraine. The Village of Jackson was named after President Andrew Jackson and back in 1872 was an unincorporated hamlet known as Riceville. You can read more about the history of Jackson on the Village website. An interesting tidbit that might intrigue children is that back in the early day the children in Jackson rode the train to school in West Bend, a far cry from daily transportation today.
If you’re looking for a community to call home, come take a drive through town and travel through the different subdivision communities and condo developments, there really is something for everyone. The recently completed Jackson Community Center offers a fitness center, youth camps, open gym and even a church worship service on Sundays plus a whole lot more. Click here for the Spring/Summer 2010 flyer.
So if you’re off to find a treasure in Jackson check us out this weekend or if you’re looking for a new place to call home, as a local Realtor and expert in the area I can show you around our great town of Jackson and acquaint you with the housing market too! Just contact me via email at or at 262-437-5843.
As most people are aware, the $8,000 tax credit ended at midnight on April 30th. Early in the year, it seemed like it would be doom and gloom for months after that. By the end of March, beginning of April, the mood seemed to be improving, in regards to life after the tax credit!
During open houses in April, I started hearing buyers say, “yes, we’d love the tax credit, but we aren’t going to make a quick decision just to get it!” That was refreshing to hear. While I know some buyers may have bought, just to “get it done” in time, many were smart and shopped with cool heads.
WHY WOULD YOU BUY NOW, IF YOU MISSED THE TAX CREDIT? I can give you several reasons.
• Low interest rates, even though they were predicted to go up quickly and dramatically, so far they have been very good.
• Great inventory is still out there
• Lower prices than we’ve seen in years
• WHEDA is back, and FHA is as busy as ever! MORTGAGE MONEY IS AVAILABLE!
• A HOUSE IS MORE THAN AN INVESTMENT! It is a place you bring your new baby home to, entertain friends at a backyard BBQ, celebrate the holidays, and go home to at the end of a long work day! It is a safe, warm welcoming place you call HOME
Our first 4 months of this year have produced some interesting numbers. New inventory is up 20%, and sales are up 40%! That shows that the inventory is starting to head towards a balanced market. So if you are a buyer, it is good to buy now, before the rates go up and the market swings out of buyers favor.
For a list of homes in the City or Suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, call or email Pat Tasker at ptasker@shorewest.com You too can make a good buy if you act now. The stock market proved yesterday it is not for the faint of heart. But real estate over the long haul has proven that it is a good investment.
A Realtor friend of mine recently had a final walk-thru with one of her clients 2 days prior to their closing. They were walking through the house, taking note that all of the tasks that needed to be addressed had been completed. When they walked into the back yard to check the grading, they noticed that there was a large amount of dirt displaced around the porch. A critter had dug a hole, and was residing under the back porch. After a little research, they learned it was pretty easy to get rid of the unwanted guest without causing any physical harm to the animal. The Wisconsin Humane Society said to use the rule of three!
Soak an old towel in ammonia and place it in the hole for 3 days. The smell will be offensive to the animals.
Tune a radio to a talk radio station. It doesn’t have to be blasting, just loud enough to hear before they get inside. Animals don’t want to come into an area where humans are hanging out.
Place a light in the hole. It can be a flashlight, or any light that will remain lit for 3 days. This is very scary to those creatures of the night.
Put all 3 items in the hole that the critter has claimed as their new home. Within 3 days your unwanted guest will be gone - hopefully far away. No harm done! For more great advice on how to deal with pest visit: www.wihumane.org. They can help you with pets, too. In the end, the buyers closed on the home, and their unwanted guest moved out. The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen
April 26, 2010 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
The Latest Trends in Home Remodeling & New Construction
The days of having a “rec room” have certainly changed from painted block walls, vinyl asbestos tile floors and maybe some of those old ceiling tiles stapled in place! Today’s finished lower level has really evolved into a truly grand space.
When showing homes everyone seems to want a “finished basement.” Is it because being in a lower level, it is somewhat secluded or separated from the rest of the house that it feels so much more secure, private or the “escape” homeowners are looking for? Or maybe space for the teens to hang out at your house but in their own space?
Colleen Thompson an interior designer from ie: Design in Wauwatosa recently shared with me some of the latest trends not only in rec rooms, but kitchens and baths. Colleen specializes in designing those spaces for homeowners, whether they are remodeling an existing space or starting from scratch on a new construction. Involving Colleen in the early stages of planning can save homeowners and homebuilders frustration and money in the long run. Using her expertise, perfect choices are made in the beginning, and her overseeing the project makes sure the finished product is true to the plan, and on budget.
Lower levels, which over the past decade saw the explosion of Theatre Rooms, are now moving towards the “sports bar” space, featuring one large open area with bar for gathering and multiple TV’s perfect for a weekend of watching an event like the big college basketball tournaments. No matter the location of your comfy seat, there is a great view of a TV! This is not just a “man cave” but a sports fanatics dream! The bar is fully stocked from the beverage cabinets, which are either the popular “wine fridge” or the newer refrigerated drawers! For the super serious entertainer, Perlick features professional style refrigerated beverage storage cabinets.
With the growing popularity of the cable TV Food Channel, more and more people are into cooking. The kitchen remodeling project has also seen a revolution in some cool new appliances and conveniences. Microwaves are moving from the standard over the stove unit, to a pull out drawer in a lower cabinet. New features include a flap down door and the height makes it safer to remove hot items without the danger of spilling them onto yourself. Gigantic refrigerator units that are built into long stretches of cabinetry, sometimes hidden by cabinet door coverings are great for the large family or super serious chef or home caterer. Warming drawers instead of that useless drawer under your oven, dishwasher drawers that provide efficiency for smaller families, couples or singles. Even separate drawers for glasses versus dishes… Furniture style ornamentation really dresses up the cabinetry and provides a very classy look with corbels, scrolls and deep deep crowns topping upper cabinets. Over counter lighting, under counter lighting, and even lighting under the kickplate of a row of cabinetry gives a dramatic glow to a room in the evening.
Both in Kitchens and Baths, cabinet heights are rising to make a more comfortable/ergonomic space. Furniture style vanities are exploding in popularity, with vessel sinks and towel warmers, making a bathroom a true luxury escape for a homeowner.
If you are planning a kitchen, bath or rec room remodel or working with a builder on new home construction plans, consider the services of Colleen Thompson. From the start, she will not only provide a plan personalized to your lifestyle and budget, but will keep your frustration and costs down in the long run. “Collen’s knowledge and insight about the latest trends have saved me hours of extra work and aggravation. Her ability to see how colors and textures work together is a welcomed mind-boggle.” Says Jill Sommers, a current remodeling client. Colleen Thompson at ie:Design can be reached at 414- 378-5569 or cjt@wi.rr.com.
“For investors, second-home buyers or retirees who have been sitting on the sidelines for years, 2010 may be the time to dive into the beach market…”
The above is from the Washington Post 3/20/10, and I couldn’t agree more. Check out below to view a gorgeous, custom built home, built by a local luxury builder on Okauchee Lake. This amazing property is priced at $1,344,000 and I would love to give you a personal tour!
April 15, 2010 at 06:15 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Many people are out there these days, looking for a new way to make a living! Have YOU ever considered a career in Real Estate? If you have, you will be very interested in an event this Saturday, April 17th, to hear more about getting started and the costs, what it takes to “make it” in this business, and what does the job entail, etc.
Real Estate is a great career for some, and with the right training, the right mindset and the right company, you can be a success! Working for Wisconsin’s #1 Home Seller –SHOREWEST REALTORS will make the difference.
People ask me all the time, “What’s it like to sell real estate” or “I bet you see a lot of nice houses”…… Yes, we see a lot of nice homes, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. After 20+ years in this business, I can honestly say it is a great career. While the hours may be “flexible”, they can be long yet rewarding. The highlights are the people I meet and work with. I have helped many people find their own version of the American Dream. I have also helped many investors make a healthy living rehabbing properties, or developing an investment portfolio. You may have thought of this in the past… You might be good at this! Why not take a morning of your time and check out what it takes to get started?
Whether you live in the city or the suburbs of greater Milwaukee, Shorewest Realtors (with 25 offices in southeastern Wisconsin) has an office for you!
If you are one of the many people out there, considering a new line of work, call me for details and to register Pat Tasker at 414-588-4907 or ptasker@shorewest.com. Be sure to mention my name when registering for this great event!
April 13, 2010 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
We all know that holding an Open House is a great way to attract buyers to your home. An Open House is also a great way to attract people that are not looking to buy. Recently, there have been reports of people attending an Open House to rob the Realtor holding the house open, or the owner of the property. One easy way to avoid becoming a victim, is to keep valuables locked up. Never leave jewelry or money out for people to see. These items can tempt even the most honest person. Instead, keep these items in a safe deposit box, a personal safe or pack them away for safe keeping. You are planning on moving once you receive an offer, so it would not be unheard of to get a head start on boxing things up. Prescriptions are also becoming a popular item to steal. If you do not have a medicine cabinet that can lock, I would recommend you bring your medications with you. If you have more medication than you wish to carry, put the medicines in a safe place where they are not easily detected. Remember, when buyers attend an Open House, it is not uncommon for closets & cabinet doors to be opened. Don’t become a victim - plan ahead and keep your family safe. For more tips on staying safe, contact The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen!
April 09, 2010 at 11:25 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Your New Assessment just arrived in the mail. You tear open the envelope and read the numbers…everyone has a different reaction to that number. If you are not moving soon, you want the number as low as possible. If you are moving soon, you don’t mind if the numbers went up some.
But what do you do if you disagree and want to protest the new number?
Carefully read the instructions for protesting that came along with the numbers. Follow those instructions exactly for best results.
Circle the deadline date and get to work gathering data.
Where do you get the information to protest? The municipality will have some dates for “open books”. Those are days when the assessors make all assessment books available for your review.
FIRST, be sure the information on your home is correct. Does the record have the same square footage as your building plans? If you added or changed your original plan, those numbers could differ. Is the room count correct?
SECOND, look up properties similar to yours and compare. Use that information when your review comes up.
THIRD, if you have a recent appraisal from a purchase or refinance, bring that along if it supports your claim.
FOURTH, if you need more sale information on your neighborhood, look around and see whose name is on the for sale sign. Probably one or two names will come up more than once. Call that agent, they can do a neighborhood search and mail you comparables to help you win your battle with the assessor.
One important thing to remember, just because your assessment goes up (or down) does not necessarily mean your taxes will do the same. It will all depend on the tax levy at the end of the year. According to the State of WI: “If the total levy remains the same, only those properties that are not presently paying their fair share of the tax burden will pay more taxes after a revaluation. Properties presently paying more than their fair share will pay less.”
April 08, 2010 at 04:08 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
If you are playing with the idea of buying a new home, but can’t quite make a decision, maybe this will help you decide. I have 5 great reasons for you to buy now.
Home Buyer’s Tax Credit - The Federal Government is offering a tax credit of $8,000 to eligible first-time home buyers. There is also a $6,500 tax credit to eligible move-up buyers. The tax credit is available to buyers that have an accepted offer on a property on or before April 30, 2010 and successfully close on that same property on or before June 30,2010. To find out if you qualify for the tax credit go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/home.html.
Low Mortgage Interest Rates - When I checked my rate sheet from Wisconsin Mortgage today, the rates for an FHA Mortgage were 5% and Conventional Mortgage rates were 5.25%. The interest rates are still pretty low considering they are no longer being backed by the Federal Government. Remember, the lower the interest rate - the lower your monthly payment will be!
Supply & Demand - The number of homes for sale is high. In Real Estate, just like any other market place, when there is an over-supply, then prices are driven down. Low prices, along with low interest rates could mean that your monthly mortgage payment is the same or less than a monthly rent payment.
Real Estate is Still a Great Long Term Investment - Although prices continue to fall in the current market, the day will come when the value of properties climbs above todays values. In the long run, real estate will offer a great return on your investment. Even in the past decade, real estate has been a better investment than the stock market.
A House Becomes Home - There is no better feeling than being able to walk through your front door and know in your heart that you are home.
Whether you own a condo, a modest single family home or a large extravagant home; your house is quickly filled with happy memories and becomes your home - your refuge from the outside world.
Ready to start your journey to purchase your new home? We are here to help! The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen: www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com
April 06, 2010 at 10:20 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
This weekend, members of the National Association of Realtors will be conducting millions of open houses across the entire nation!
If you are a buyer, it is your chance to preview homes that might become your new address.
If you are a seller, it is a good way to see what properties you are competing with, and get an idea of prices, condition and staging.
Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, open houses give you a chance to meet real estate agents that you might consider working with.
If you are looking for open houses in Milwaukee and the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee this weekend, call me at 262.437.5853 for a list or check here for all of the Shorewest opens…we will have more than 1,000 open houses, why not stop in!
Finally we are able to open our windows to a nice spring breeze.
Selling your house? Keep breezes and smells in mind before showings.
Watch the cooking. The smell of lamb, broccoli, garlic, fish, bacon and eggs can stick around long after the food has been eaten.
Take the trash out. Simple, but makes a big difference.
Snuff out smoke. Try to eliminate smoking inside the house.
Wash Fido. Pets can be a big source of smells.
Don’t ‘shower and run’ just before a showing. You would be amazed at how long a bathroom holds moisture/shampoo smells and gives the negative feeling that someone just showered here.
As a Realtor, this is a question I receive on a regular basis.
Sharing a line of thinking from Dean Hartman, Chief Planning Officer of Continental Homes loans and a 25 year veteran in mortgage lending, he sites the following facts and his opinion:
Thanks, Dean! As a Realtor, this translates simply to Buy Today!
April 02, 2010 at 11:14 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
What do assessments mean to sellers…WELL THAT DEPENDS…Are they going to be staying or going?
If a seller is not going anywhere soon, they want their assessment to stay as low as possible. After all, that is what their tax bill will be based on, can’t blame them for that! Low assessment, lower taxes.
If the seller is planning on moving soon, they don’t mind a higher assessment. They know buyers will look at the assessment, and it might help them when it comes time for a buyer to write an offer. They are hoping that the buyers aren’t informed on the current trends in the relationship of assessment to market value. These sellers will definitely not be fighting their assessments, even if they consider them too high.
As stated in earlier posts, assessments are dated, and are not indicators of market value, but with studies of other comparables, a trend can be revealed as to the market value.
While assessments throughout the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee vary widely, within neighborhoods or subdivisions patterns do develop. For help understanding your assessment and fair market value call me today!
April 01, 2010 at 04:12 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
College Basketball is not the only FINAL FOUR to have on your minds at this time! THIS IS REAL ESTATES FINAL FOUR WEEKS OF THE TAX CREDIT!
Just in case you have not heard the details, buyers must have a SIGNED, SEALED AND ACCEPTED OFFER by April 30th, in order to qualify for the tax credit. You will then have until June 30th to close. So you have a FINAL FOUR weeks to get out and find a home!
This is one of the best opportunities for buyers to make a purchase, with incredibly low rates, large inventories of homes, good prices,and motivated sellers, in addition to the $8,000 tax credit (for first time buyers, $6500 for others). Are you going to take advantage of this once in a lifetime market? Years from now, will you be looking back with regrets, wishing you took advantage of this incredible opportunity?
Or will you be bragging to your friends and relatives about the great buy you made? You still have time, call me today!
March 26, 2010 at 11:01 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Having worked with many buyers over the past 20+ years, I am always amazed at how misunderstood property assessments are, especially when it comes to a market value. As we look at homes, buyers will always compare the assessment to the price. When it came time to write an offer, the assessment numbers would come up again.
In a hot sellers market, most homes could sell over their assessments. In a long term declining market, the properties would most likely sell under their assessments.
Why is there such a swing? It has to do with timing, and how fast the market is moving and how slowly assessments are revised. A good buyers agent will be able to point out and prove to you what the current trend is. If the comparable sales over the last 3-6 months have been selling at X% over/below the current assessments, it gives the buyer a good formula to work with. That is based on the assumption that the property is assessed in the same manner as the comparables (comps). You can’t look at just one or two comps to get an accurate number, you will need to look at a handful of 5-10.
Assessments vary from one neighborhood to another within the city of Milwaukee, and the same in the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee. Some municipalities reassess yearly, others only every few years. When a reassessment is being done, it could be completed by using sale numbers for neighborhoods and changing assessments on a percentage basis of those sales. On occasion, assessors will reassess by actually viewing the interiors of homes by way of appointments with the owners. If you don’t agree to let the assessor in the door, you are at the mercy of their imagination. If you let them in the door, they will have an accurate picture of the condition of the home and any improvements you have made, whether or not permits were pulled. It is your choice to “co-operate” or not.
If you don’t agree with the new assessment numbers, you can follow the procedure to protest it. That information will be included with the new numbers. Be sure to take note that it is usually for a limited period that you can protest the numbers!
Here is a dictionary of terms related to this subject. For more questions on assessments, feel free to call me!
March 24, 2010 at 08:45 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Homebuyers, home sellers, and property owners alike are often confused on the difference between Assessed Value, Appraised Value, and Fair Market Value. There was this funny cartoon that used to go around the office, here it is in full color.
ASSESSED VALUE: The value the municipality places on a property on which the taxes will be determined.
MARKET VALUE: The value that a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to sell for under “normal” conditions (not related to the seller, not a distressed seller etc.).
APPRAISED VALUE: The value that an appraiser puts on a property after reviewing comparable sold and active properties. Appraisals are usually done for a bank to be sure they are making a good decision to loan money on that property, for a buyers purchase or an owners refinance.
At any given time, a property could have 5 different values: Assessed Value, Fair Market Value, Appraised Value, and the value a seller would sell for, and a value a buyer would buy for!
Stay tuned over the next few Fridays for parts 2-4 of this series!
Part 2: Assessments - What They Mean To A Buyer
Part 3: Assessments - What They Mean To A Seller
Part 4: Assessments - What To Do If You Disagree
If you are confused on the value of your home, call me at 414-588-4907 or email me at Pat@PatTasker.com! With over 20 years in real estate sales in the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, I can give you the most up to date information on getting top dollar for your home in today’s market!
“Grab a tissue, dry your eyes and lower the price”
A recent quote I heard directed towards sellers of real estate.
There is still time to make it all happen–that is, sell your house and get an accepted offer on a new house, before April 30th, in order to take advantage of the tax credit.
March 23, 2010 at 10:18 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
By now I’m sure that you have heard plenty of stories about short sales, and how they should really be called ‘long sales’. You may have even written an offer on a property that is in a short sale situation, only to be disappointed by the amount of time you had to wait for an answer.
Well, some of what you are hearing is true. There is a longer wait to have an accepted offer with a short sale. The owner of the property can accept your offer right away, but the offer is not binding until the lender gives the final approval. The wait for bank approval can take anywhere from 2 weeks up to 9 months, or more!
This does not mean that you should avoid all properties that are in a short sale situation. Your Buyer’s Agent can do a little bit of leg work before you decide to dive in with an offer. A call to the Listing Agent is a great place to start. Your Buyer’s Agent can ask a few questions like:
Has the Listing Agent ever done a short sale?
Are there other offers?
Has the bank given approval for a short sale, or do they need an offer before giving that approval?
Has the bank given a time-line as to how long they expect approval to take?
How many lenders are there? (if there is more than one lien holder, that will slow the process)
Although there may be a longer wait, there are a few benefits to purchasing a short sale property. You can usually buy the home for a discounted price, and you can get away with a lower earnest money deposit as well.
Two more bits of advice: Be sure to include the Short Sale Addendum to the Offer (SSO) when drafting an offer. There is specific verbiage in the SSO that addresses the issue of bank acceptance and deadlines for inspections & earnest money. You should also try to set your closing date for 45 days after the date given for bank acceptance. This will give you enough time to get your home inspection completed. Remember that the sellers usually do not have extra money for repairs that come up during your inspection, you could be purchasing the home as-is. Some buyers chose to do the inspection prior to bank approval to avoid last minute surprises.
As always, if you have questions or need help buying or selling, give us a call! The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen 262-894-6512 or www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com
March 19, 2010 at 02:24 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
If you are looking for a home for sale in Germantown, WI, mark your calendar for Thursday March 25th! That’s right!
Thursday evening after work and through the dinner hour, ambitious agents will be holding 10-15 properties open in Germanton.
We realize with spring on the way, people are busy with kids activities on the weekends. In order to help out these busy families, evening opens during the week are becoming more and more popular.
In an effort to think “out of the box” in this unpredictable market, I started doing evening opens last fall. At the National Association of Realtors national conference in November, Matthew Ferrara spoke of the new generation of buyers and marketing to their needs and schedules. He confirmed what I had been trying.
Is it successful? TWO of the homes I held open last fall, sold to buyers whose first visit to the house was during one of those creatively timed open houses! The buyers were happy to be able to run in after work on their way home. And let me tell you, the sellers were quite pleased, not only with the creative timing, but the RESULTS!
So check it out this coming Thursday, March 25th in Germantown. Call me for a list and a map of all the opens being held 262-437-5853. If you are looking for a home in the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee and need some help, call me to get started… or you can visit my facebook page at bit.ly/PatsRealEstateFanPage.
March 12, 2010 at 01:51 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
March Madness is usually associated with the competitive sport of basketball. This Sunday that madness will come to the real estate market in Southeastern Wisconsin!
Shorewest Realtors is holding an Open House Extravaganza with over 1,000 open houses being held this Sunday March 14th. All open houses can be found here.
Agents will be in top form, showing off the best qualities of homes for sale. With the Federal Tax Credit for homebuyers (both first time buyers and prior homeowners) ending on April 30th, the deadline to take advantage of this large credit is looming. Get out this weekend and find YOUR dream home, and then collect your tax credit!
Is an open house the BEST way to find a new home? Maybe, maybe not. It is a great way to find a home that may fit your wish list. Crowds at open houses can cause some excitement, and get buyers falsely excited to buy.
Viewing a home under a private appointment with your very own buyers agent is always optimal. Your buyers agent doesn’t care WHICH house you choose, they want to help you find the one that is BEST for YOU. Open house agents on the other hand want you to buy THAT home. If you are looking for more information on how a buyers agent can benefit you, call me today. I will be glad to sit down and go over the differences on how an agent can work with you in the home buying process! I can be reached at 414-588-4907.
Open Houses are a great way for Sellers to check out their competition, and get a feel for the host agent. Buyers can get out and do some comparison shopping. Open Houses serve several purposes, with so many this weekend, get out there and take a look!
March 09, 2010 at 03:38 PM · Posted under Mickey Koch
The BIG PIG GIG IS COMING BACK!!!!!
Mark your calendars & start gathering your volunteers!
The Menomonee Falls Community Chamber is thrilled to announce September 17 & 18, 2010 as the dates for the 2010 Big Pig Gig.
The Big Pig Gig Volunteer Committee is requesting updated information from your non-profit organization if you would like to be considered for volunteer hours for the 2010 Big Pig Gig. Volunteers provided by non-profit organizations are essential to the success of this event. 2008 we had 575 volunteers who worked a combined 2,290 hours! The Chamber gave away $10,000 to local organizations and groups that volunteered to help us in 2008.
This year, with our focus on providing GREAT customer service for all areas of the Big Pig Gig and to give away even more than $10,000 to our volunteer providers. In appreciation for the services provided by the non-profit volunteers,
the Menomonee Falls Community Chamber is planning to
share 10% of net profit of this event with all participating non-profit organizations.
More information will follow, but here is what we need by April 2, 2010…
Updated Contact Information for your Organization – Organization name, Non-Profit #, mailing address
Contact Person - Current Email and phone number
You can send this information by contacting me at mkoch@shorewest.com or fax it to 262.395.5032
If you provide this information by the April 2 deadline, we will Guarantee that your group will have FIRST CHOICE of doing the same jobs/tasks as they performed the last BPG
Thank you for considering involvement in the Big Pig Gig 2010! This event cannot take place without community stewards like you.
March 08, 2010 at 03:57 PM · Posted under Mickey Koch
When it comes to choosing a lender for your mortgage most people spend more time researching which shoes go with which belt than who is best fit to finance your largest single investment!
Choosing the correct company to help with the mortgage is just as important as choosing the correct home. If you’re shopping closing costs and interest rates you’re on the right track. Finding the perfect lender is a bit harder today. Here are some steps I think are without a doubt essential.
Talk to family, friends and your Realtor. Get a few names of people that they have used and trust.
Ask a lot of questions. A good lender will answer all your questions. A GREAT lender will give you extra info you never thought of.
Tell the lender what you want to spend every month on your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Don’t forget about private mortgage insurance if you don’t have 20% down. A great lender will coach you on what price range to be looking in so you don’t leave your “comfort zone” for how much you want to pay each month.
Ask them up front what their costs are and have them put them in writing. READ THAT DOCUMENT! And understand it.
Set up a face to face meeting with your lender and bring all of the required documentation ASAP. Don’t put this off.
Ask about your different options, Conventional, FHA, WHEDA. Make sure you know what they mean to you.
A really good Realtor should be able to help you through this process. It’s really heartbreaking to find the perfect home and then find out that you cannot buy it because of something that was missed in the pre-qualifying process.
If your Realtor doesn’t offer to or is unwilling to be a huge part of the lending process that should be a red flag to start looking for a different Realtor. Your Realtor and your lender should be a team working together for you.
Please as always feel free to give me a call at (414) 416-0704. If you’re just starting the home buying process or are unsure if you’re getting the best service I can help.
March 02, 2010 at 04:16 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Have you hired an agent to represent you for the purchase of your new home? Most buyers are unaware that when an agent is showing a home, the agent is actually working as a sub-agent of the agent that has the property listed. Many times a buyer will call or email the listing agent to request a private showing of the property, as well. In both cases, the loyalty of the agent lies in the seller’s best interest. This means they should be working to get the most money at the best terms possible for the property.
A sure way to have someone on your side during the biggest purchase of your life is to hire a Buyer’s Agent. Kelly & I are part of the Shorewest Realtors team. When you hire us, there is no charge for the peace of mind in knowing that we are putting your needs above even our own. We are Accredited Buyers Representatives with the ability to show all of the properties that are for sale. Whether this is your first home or you need a refresher, we will guide you through the transaction so that you know what to expect every step of the way!
March 01, 2010 at 10:05 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
February 24th, 2010 was Realtor and Government Day. It’s the day that busy Realtors head off to Madison to talk to legislators face to face about issues that are front and center for Wisconsin Homeowners. With one of the largest groups in years, over 500 Realtors from across the state, set aside the day to take care of business at the Capitol. This year, main topics included bills that will be voted on and could make significant effects on your real estate investments and your pocketbook!
AB 472-Appraiser Licensing, with an amendment that will allow professional real estate licensees to provide expert opinions of property value to private parties for purposes other than a real estate transaction or mortgage loan (ie: reassessment data or removing PMI)
“HOPE” legislation Homeowners Property Tax Exemption Plan (uniform taxation clause) which is a tax shift and not a tax reduction plan. We love lowering taxes, but it has to be fair to all property owners.
Farmland conversion Penalty-hurts farmers and is a bad Land-use policy
AB638 - Access to Property Tax Records-clarify what subcontractors hired by municipalities to perform property tax assessments can charge for producing the requested real estate data, and the format in which they would provide the information
After briefings on the issues, we walked to the Capitol for those face to face meetings with our local representatives to let them know what is best for homeowners when it comes to the bills at hand. While it is nice to have one to one discussions with lawmakers, it is interesting to see government in action. With the 2009-2010 legislative session coming to an end, many legislators were rushing from meeting to meeting. The job seems tough when it looks to me like many times it is not what is best for the people that is approved, but which party is larger that wins the vote by majority….
Our day ended with a discussion between two of the candidates for Governor. Tom Barrett was having surgery that day, so Mark Neuman and Scott Walker discussed their ideas on improving our state, and how they intended to get the job done. There was one thing that everyone agrees on, and that is the key to turning things around: JOBS . The next time your see YOUR favorite Realtor, ask them if they were in Madison protecting your interests.
Colleen Kuchta
Pat Tasker
The lawn furniture is also uncovered and set up in conversation areas, some pretty beach towels out. Even the table is set with some summer table ware like a colorful pitcher and glasses or those cute place settings you can get at Kohls (on sale) this time of year. Another memory I have is a buyer who requested to see a home, and the house across the street was also for sale and it perfectly matched their wish list. The only negative in their book was the in ground pool, which they said they’d never want. Since we were right across the street, and the house matched, I made them look at it. Guess what? They fell in love with it and really enjoyed that pool. What had happened there? Mr buyer worked in a very hot job, and he came to find the pool a great way to cool off and relax after a long day at work.
A comment from a professed theatre “avoider” Tommyg09 said ” So all you guys out there that are just like me, and wouldn’t give a second thought to going to a theater show….this one is pretty darn good!
The barns are loaded with animals that are primped by their owners and ready for the judges critical eye. Being a city girl I always wondered how the grand champion winners must feel bittersweet with their big win. Happy to have won, elated with the big cash prize to help with future college expenses, but so sad to let go of the prized animal they’ve raised.
Mickey Koch
Once you try Frozen Custard, it is hard to go back to regular ice cream. Due to the super rich flavor and calorie count, Kopps wouldn’t be a weekly event for most, unless you are training for Ironman! But everyone has their favorite flavors and makes a point of visiting on that day. Some flavors are on the menu daily, like chocolate and vanilla, others run a monthly rotation like the standards: strawberry, butter pecan, chocolate chip cookie dough. There are some unique creations like Sprecher Root Beer Float, Chocolate Whopper Malt or Cotton Candy Confetti. And then there are the super special flavors that appear only once a year! During Festa Italiana, my favorite Palermo Lemon; during Germanfest it’s Bienenstichkuchen, and on Kopps anniversary it’s Imperial Torte in memory of founder Elsa Kopp. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE CUSTARD STAND AND FLAVOR? I’D LOVE TO HEAR!
Many people dream of summering on the French Riviera, or Provence, or an exciting trip to the “city of light” - Paris. If your purse strings are tight, or the calendar doesn’t allow, you might get your “French fix” this weekend at 
Lisa Rossetto
In response to the foreclosure surge since 2007, Fannie Mae has begun a ‘Loan Quality Initiative’. The new requirements are intended to reduce the number of bad loans. The new program shifts the responsibility of mortgage guideline compliance back to the individual banks responsible for making the loans.
don’t use your existing credit cards, don’t apply for new credit and pay all of your bills on time! If you would like more help understanding the mortgage approval process, or are looking for help in finding a home or financing a loan, please give us a call, visit
and the grounds were dirt paths, basic structures housing food and beverage vendors, and stages were semi permanent. We’d come home with the dirtiest of bare legs from a day of walking around the grounds. The grounds have grown and evolved just as the festival itself. From the early years and the local icon Bo Black, through Don Smiley and this years line up. Getting there is so much easier with Summerfest Shuttles heading in from outlying points of the metro area.
as well as daily contests like strawberry shortcake eating and strawberry bubblegum blowing.
Ann Lebiecki
The Village of Menomonee Falls has one of the largest parades in the area to celebrate Independence Day. Every year people come from all around to watch the floats, dancers, clowns & members of local businesses march down Appleton Avenue. The 2010 parade will be held on July 3, beginning at 7pm. The Village of Menomonee Falls allows spectators to ‘reserve a spot’ up to 24 hours ahead of time. The ‘reservation’ is confirmed by roping or taping your preferred area off. Tarps and furniture are not allowed, and will be removed.
Ave between Woosencraft Drive & Elm Lane on July 2nd between 7-7:30pm. The closing of the road is to ensure public safety. Also new this year, any persons entering the roadway/median outside of the 30 minute window will be fined. The fines range from $68.10 up to $807.00, so keep that in mind! Happy a safe and happy Independence Day celebration! As always, THANK YOU to all who serve! God Bless! The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen http://www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com
An interesting tidbit that might intrigue children is that back in the early day the children in Jackson rode the train to school in West Bend, a far cry from daily transportation today.
Many people are out there these days, looking for a new way to make a living! Have YOU ever considered a career in Real Estate? If you have, you will be very interested in an event this Saturday, April 17th, to hear more about getting started and the costs, what it takes to “make it” in this business, and what does the job entail, etc.
We all know that holding an Open House is a great way to attract buyers to your home. An Open House is also a great way to attract people that are not looking to buy. Recently, there have been reports of people attending an Open House to rob the Realtor holding the house open, or the owner of the property. One easy way to avoid becoming a victim, is to keep valuables locked up. Never leave jewelry or money out for people to see. These items can tempt even the most honest person. Instead, keep these items in a safe deposit box, a personal safe or pack them away for safe keeping. You are planning on moving once you receive an offer, so it would not be unheard of to get a head start on boxing things up. Prescriptions are also becoming a popular item to steal. If you do not have a medicine cabinet that can lock, I would recommend you bring your medications with you. If you have more medication than you wish to carry, put the medicines in a safe place where they are not easily detected. Remember, when buyers attend an Open House, it is not uncommon for closets & cabinet doors to be opened. Don’t become a victim - plan ahead and keep your family safe. For more tips on staying safe, contact 
Your New Assessment just arrived in the mail. You tear open the envelope and read the numbers…everyone has a different reaction to that number. If you are not moving soon, you want the number as low as possible. If you are moving soon, you don’t mind if the numbers went up some. 
on your investment. Even in the past decade, real estate has been a better investment than the stock market.
This weekend, members of the National Association of Realtors will be conducting millions of open houses across the entire nation!
What do assessments mean to sellers…WELL THAT DEPENDS…Are they going to be staying or going?
College Basketball is not the only FINAL FOUR to have on your minds at this time! THIS IS REAL ESTATES FINAL FOUR WEEKS OF THE TAX CREDIT!
inventories of homes, good prices,and motivated sellers, in addition to the $8,000 tax credit (for first time buyers, $6500 for others). Are you going to take advantage of this 
Having worked with many buyers over the past 20+ years, I am always amazed at how misunderstood property assessments are, especially when it comes to a market value. As we look at homes, buyers will always compare the assessment to the price. When it came time to write an offer, the assessment numbers would come up again.
Homebuyers, home sellers, and property owners alike are often confused on the difference between Assessed Value, Appraised Value, and Fair Market Value. There was this funny cartoon that used to go around the office, 
By now I’m sure that you have heard plenty of stories about short sales, and how they should really be called ‘long sales’. You may have even written an offer on a property that is in a short sale situation, only to be disappointed by the amount of time you had to wait for an answer.
of the agent lies in the seller’s best interest. This means they should be working to get the most money at the best terms possible for the property.
February 24th, 2010 was Realtor and Government Day. It’s the day that busy Realtors head off to Madison to talk to legislators face to face about issues that are front and center for Wisconsin Homeowners. With one of the largest groups in years, over 500 Realtors from across the state, set aside the day to take care of business at the Capitol. This year, main topics included bills that will be voted on and could make significant effects on your real estate investments and your pocketbook!
Our day ended with a discussion between two of the candidates for Governor. Tom Barrett was having surgery that day, so Mark Neuman and Scott Walker discussed their ideas on improving our state, and how they intended to get the job done. There was one thing that everyone agrees on, and that is the key to turning things around: JOBS . The next time your see YOUR favorite Realtor, ask them if they were in Madison protecting your interests. 
