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January 29, 2010 at 08:41 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
When the Pilgrims came to America in the 17th century, they lived simple lives and struggled through daily routines with the most basic of necessities and primitive housing.
Today, those Pilgrims would be amazed at the life enjoyed by owners at Pilgrim Glen Condominium in Menomonee Falls.
The location is so convenient, a quiet setting on Pilgrim Road, just south of Good Hope Road, with the conveniences of suburban living, yet a hop onto the freeway to quickly get to downtown for nightlife, theatre, museums and restaurants!
Pilgrim Glen’s setting finds 2 units per building with attached garages spread out over the grounds. The club house is fully decorated and features a large living area for parties and gatherings plus a full kitchen. The fitness center is enjoyed by all and offers a wide array of equipment. The outdoor pool is a natural gathering spot for owners during those hot summer months.
Pilgrim Glen always has something social going on for those looking for something to do, whether it is a Packer Party on the weekend or game nights, ladies bunko, Saturday morning donuts and coffee. In summer activities move outdoors and include “jazz in the park” at the gazebo and water aerobics. Pool parties are popular events where everyone brings a dish to pass, including a Luau Last year, so festive where drinks were served inside big coconuts. These events are well attended and everyone has a great time. A group called “helping hands” has been put together by a few of the residents. They offer their services for free to Pilgrim Glen homeowners. They get up on ladders to change light bulbs; they are willing to help with household projects you may need assistance with. “The overall feeling here is being surrounded by caring friends” says one of the residents. You can meet up with the neighbors and share some fun times together if you’d like, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings with friends and family. The grounds are lovely for walkers with several ponds and trails around them.
If this Pilgrim lifestyle sounds enticing to you, Call for your appointment to see this unit that is now for sale. This unit with 3 BR, 2.5 baths, it is a rare one with a master suite upstairs, meaning privacy for mom & dad or a great home office for the telecommuter! Purchased as new construction the sellers chose this unit over the others after they fell in love with the private location and view of the ponds and woods. Your patio overlooks this tranquil scene, and you could be the next owner to enjoy, but only if you hurry!
This unit is shown by appointment only; please call Pat Tasker for your chance to see what life is like at Pilgrim Glen: 414-588-4907.
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Pat Tasker
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January 26, 2010 at 02:44 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Looking for a great subdivision near the Sendik’s Towne Center in Brookfield?
Look no further than Glen Kerry subdivision!
Nestled in the heart of Brookfield, close to fantastic amenities such as:
- Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
- Foxbrook Park and swimming beach
- Mitchell Park
- Quaint ‘old’ downtown Brookfield
- Elementary Schools and Brookfield Central High School
- Brookfield Public Library
- Brookfield Post Office
- Brookfield Square Mall
If you are looking for that special house that is custom built, pristine, and showcase ready, check it out at www.lisaroglow.shorewest.com/1116255.
Posted by:
Lisa Rossetto
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January 21, 2010 at 11:52 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
You should already know that Uncle Sam is offering tax credits to homeowners that improve the energy efficiency of their primary residences.
There are a few things you should be aware of before you tackle any projects. The improvements must meet IRS efficiency standards. Not all products that carry an Energy Star label qualify. Remember to save your labels and receipts; you may need them later to get the tax credit. If you are having a contractor make the improvements, ask that your bill be itemized showing materials and labor separately because labor is not an allowed cost on smaller jobs.
Homeowners can re-coup 30% of the cost, up to a total of $1,500, for projects completed in 2009 & 2010. Here is a list of those projects:
- Replacing older windows & doors
- Adding insulation
- Upgrading HVAC systems
- Put in a newer water heater
- Install efficient biomass stove
- Fix a worn roof
Labor can be included in the credit for bigger jobs like HVAC, stoves & water heater. Only the cost of materials is allowed for insulation, roofs, windows & doors.
There are a few projects that don’t have a cap because they involve using alternative energy sources. Homeowners can recoup 30% of the costs, and the credit runs through 2016. These credits can be claimed on your primary residence as well as secondary homes. Rentals do not qualify. Here’s the list:
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Small residential wind turbines
- Solar energy systems
IRS Form 5965 must be completed to claim your rebate. For further instructions & guidelines a tax advisor should be consulted.
Posted by:
Colleen Kuchta
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January 14, 2010 at 10:17 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
I’m sure that you have heard it a thousand times, but it cannot be stressed enough: De-clutter if you are trying to sell! I was showing properties to a buyer this weekend, and they were thrown off by the amount of ‘stuff’ that was left lying around. Books, clothes, shoes, toys, the list goes on & on. Even holiday decorations can be seen as clutter if there are too many, or they are not well placed.
Before we set up the appointments, my buyers and I made sure the homes we selected met all the criteria for bedrooms, bathrooms, location, etc. I know that if the buyers could have seen past some of that ‘stuff’, we would have been writing an offer last night instead of searching the internet for the next group of houses to see.
One easy way to make your house appear tidy is to purchase a few large plastic storage bins. When you know that you are having a showing, toss the items you see laying around into the bins. Buyers will think you are organized & will be impressed rather than thrown off.
Although buyers may not say it out loud, they believe that if your home is well organized & tidy there is a better chance that you have been performing routine maintenance. When buyers see clutter, they sometimes think household tasks are being overlooked.
Do yourself a favor & tidy up before a buyer comes through. You might be pleasantly surprised by an offer if you do!
Posted by:Colleen Kuchta
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January 13, 2010 at 06:07 PM · Posted under Steve Bauman
First-time home buyers were the engines that drove the Waukesha County real estate market in 2009.
By all accounts, the number of homes sold appears to be stabilizing. However, much of the activity has been in the lower price and can be tied to the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit.
In 2008, there were 2,933 Waukesha County homes priced above $100,000 sold through MLS. That figure in 2009 was 2,901. That modest 1 percent decline looks awfully good when compared to the 22 percent drop in the number of homes sold between 2007 and 2008.
By all indications the first-time homebuyer credit had a big impact on the Waukesha County marketplace. Sales of homes priced between 100,000 and $199,999 were up a whopping 30 percent in 2009. Sellers in this price range saw more activity with many homes selling quickly at or near the asking price.
That impressive surge was offset by a 42 percent decline for homes priced between $600,000 and $750,000. The drop in activity here can be attributed, in large part, to the lack of transferees in the marketplace.
The 44 sales in this price range in 2009 pales in comparison to the 135 sold in 2007. That’s a two-thirds drop in sales volume in only two years. It would take all the talents of Ken Lay and Bernie Madoff to make those sales numbers look good.
Let’s hope 2010 sees further stabilization and at all price points. If that were to happen, then we could say we are in full recovery.
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Steve Bauman
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January 12, 2010 at 08:54 AM · Posted under Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Formica has a new product out this year 180fx which replicates the look of granite and is a fraction of the cost. Check it out on their website at Formica180FX.com.
Cesearstone has a great new product called Motivo that can be used as a wall surface with dimension (think plaster relief). Check it out on their website at Caesarstoneus.com.
Refresh, renew and remodel your home this year!
Posted by:Lisa Rossetto
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January 11, 2010 at 09:27 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Have you heard the saying “Brown is the new Black” or “50 is the new 40”? Well January/February is the new Spring! At least in Real Estate.
If you are planning on selling this spring, I have news for you! Spring will be a little too late this year. Due to the Tax Credit Extension and Expansion, buyers are already out there hitting the pavement and searching for a new home. They can’t wait until Spring. In order to qualify for the tax credit, you must have an accepted offer by April 30th, 2010 and close within 60 days. Details on this can be found at bit.ly/DontWait4Spring.
So if you are a seller who was planning on selling this spring, you must act now and get your home on the market.
For a free marketing consultation and staging advice, Call Pat Tasker at Shorewest Realtors. This appointment will not only give you pricing advice, but look at ideas on showing your home in the best light. The market today is a cross between a Beauty Contest and a Pricing War. Not only do you have to have the RIGHT price, but it has to look GREAT. I can give you easy steps to take on both counts. Call me today at 262-437-5853
Posted by:Pat Tasker
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January 06, 2010 at 09:31 AM · Posted under Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
As a realtor in Brookfield, Wisconsin, this is a question I get asked quite often, especially during the winter months, when people are in the throws of remodeling.
Here’s what you can expect in the Midwest:
Major Kitchen remodel average cost of $58,000 will recoup about 62% of cost.
Minor Kitchen remodel average cost of $21,000 will recoup about 69% of cost.
A major kitchen remodel would include replacement of cabinets, counters, lighting, appliances, and perhaps flooring, whereas a minor kitchen remodel would utilize existing cabinets, flooring, counters, and perhaps change lighting, appliances, add tile backsplash, etc.
Major bath remodel average cost of $54,000 will recoup about 52% of cost.
Minor bath remodel average cost of $16,000 will recoup about 60% of cost.
Best payback of 90% is for replacement of entry door.
Window and siding replacements will recoup between 68-72%.
The best part about all this remodeling is that you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor before you sell!
(Info. from the Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Report by Hanley Wood LLC)
Posted by:Lisa Rossetto
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