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December 30, 2010 at 05:58 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
The current administration has passed a law that will take affect February 1, 2011. The current law is being expanded to include all single family and multi family buildings to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. The requirement is to have a unit installed in the basement, and all other floors of the home. There is no reason at all to wait till then to install a detector however, because this is a good law for us.
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” and we see and hear news stories about people losing their lives to this deadly gas all the time. We cannot see, smell or taste it so that’s why it’s so important to have detectors installed. For new construction homes the code will be same as the smoke detectors where they need to be hard wired in to the electrical system. The law for carbon monoxide detector installs for existing homes says you can have either battery or hard wired units. There will not be a fine for non-compliance however; the possible end result could be much more devastating than a fine. Please go out and equip your homes today! Remember if you are a landlord, you need to supply and install a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector in your units as well. There are some exemptions to this rule and you can click here for a brochure from the Wisconsin Dept of Commerce and details about requirements.
If your home or rental is currently on the market you will want to put a device in as soon as possible because it will be an item that a home inspector will be required to check for and notify buyers if they are not in place. As I always recommend to my home sellers, try to correct any defects prior to putting your home on the market and before the home inspection. This gives the buyers a much better feeling about your home that you have put good effort forth in maintaining the home.
First Alert is offering an online coupon for a discount for purchasing carbon monoxide detectors. Do yourself a favor and get your home equipped to protect you and your family today. Make this your New Year’s resolution.
Posted by: 
Ann Lebiecki
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December 29, 2010 at 11:01 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
As of February lst, it will be a state requirement that all homes have a carbon monoxide detectors. Some municipalities with code compliance requirements related to sales of properties may already have this rule in effect, but as of February lst, the entire state will be under this new law.
This is actually an expansion of the current law that covers one and two family dwellings. The expansion now requires these saftey devices in the basement and all levels of the dwelling, except attic and storage areas of new and existing homes.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS will protect your family from potentially fatal poisoning from this odorless, tasteless and invisible gas. It seems like every now and then, there is a story on the news about a family that was sickened or worse yet, killed from leaking carbon monoxide gas from a gas furnace, water heater or appliance. Because it is odorless and tasteless, it is known as the silent killer. If there is some leaking of carbon monoxide, a person may feel sick, and when they leave the premises, and get fresh air, they start to feel better. According to experts, it is the leading cause of poisoning yearly.
Just like the laws covering smoke detectors, there is no fine for non-compliance, but they will definitely be on the list for home inspections. And of course, regardless of a law, if it protects your family or tenants it is worth the small cost to install!
To find out other ways to increase your families saftey at home, feel free to contact me at Shorewest Realtors. I serve the City and Suburbs of Greater Milwaukee.
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
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December 28, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Anyone familiar with college sports knows that Badger Nation has a fierce following across the country. From current students to alumni, Badger fans are in a group that fully embraces a chance to travel and cheer on their team, especially when it comes to great locations, such as Hawaii, Las Vegas and the grand daddy game of them all-The Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Travel agents went to work on the Sunday morning following the last win of the season that clinched the Rose Bowl appearance, and quickly sold out every plane heading to Pasadena for this weekend. Promoters and Bowl Game officials LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when the Badgers make it to a bowl game, as that means a sea of red will be heading to that town and make cash registers ring!
The power of RED is also alive in Southeastern Wisconsin, when it comes to real estate! Since 1946, when Wauwatosa Realty started selling homes, our company has been #1 in the state, and had a fierce allegiance from agents and the public. The power of the market leader gets more buyers and sellers to the closing table than any other. Renamed SHOREWEST REALTORS in 1997, the #1 company can employ more marketing and always be the first to use the latest in technology to get you to closing!
The numbers in MLS prove these to be facts, not just bragging. This past year, I have had several sellers call me months after making the wrong choice in company or agent. Valuable selling time was lost with the company that would “charge them less”, only to remain unsold and unhappy with the lost time in a declining market. If you would like to see what the “BIG RED” of local real estate can do for you and your family in 2011, call me to discover all of our leading edge technologies! Talk with the rest, but choose the BEST!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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December 27, 2010 at 10:48 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
One of the buzz words in real estate these days is “Shadow Inventory”. To a seasoned professional, it is a common and understood term. To a homeowner or the general public, it may be a mystery.
Shadow Inventory, is all of the properties that are expected to come on the market in the near future. It includes all the homes that owners are going to put on the market in the next few month. Some of those sellers are brand new to the market, and some are the ones that tried to sell last year, and took their home off the market for the holidays. Here is a list 10 reasons that is mistake in my opinion.
Shadow Inventory also includes the properties that are currently held by the bank after a sheriff sale, and those the bank knows will be coming back to them through the foreclosure process. Each state and local market has differing numbers on the amount of Shadow Inventory.
There is no question that Shadow Inventory does exist, the question is how much, and how will it the buyers and sellers in each of our markets.
The way Steve Harney (an expert on real estate trends) explained it goes like this, and I hope I can explain it as well as he did. Shadow Inventory is like a river, that flows though a town, with a dam in the middle, and a river valley below that dam. (If you are from Wisconsin, picture the dam in the downtown area of Wisconsin Dells..) The banks have many properties that are going through the foreclosure process (the river). The real estate market is based on supply and demand. Therefore, the banks can’t release all the inventory as it will come back to them. The Shadow Inventory is held up by the dam. When the market can tolerate it, the bank will release more of the foreclosed properties. As the Robo signing issues came to light, there was a stoppage of sheriff sales, and even more inventory built up behind that dam. Add the new foreclosures to that. If they allowed the flood gates open, and released all the homes above the dam, the river will flood the valley and take out all the homes that run along the banks of the river. Again, if you are from Wisconsin, remember when the levy broke and took out those homes) That would destroy everything, everything being the market and the prices of all homes in the market, not just the foreclosures. So the banks, have the masses above the dam, and as the markets absorb some sales, more of the foreclosures are let through the dam. This is managing the volume and protecting the neighborhoods down river.
If you would like more insight as to the amount of “Shadow Inventory” and how it affects your homes value please contact me. I would be glad to share.
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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December 27, 2010 at 03:55 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Happy Holidays from my office to you and your family!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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December 26, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
Living in West Bend, we have many things to see and do, yet we are only a 40 minute car ride to downtown Milwaukee. My family and I live on the edge of West Bend, and what I like is that we can experience country life yet be only minutes away from everything in West Bend. The weekly farmers market on Saturday mornings on Main St is fabulous! Many vendors and farmers selling their goods, from bakery bread to Michigan blueberries and peaches to organic meats and vegetables and even home made natural soaps. The quality of life in West Bend is enhanced by the over 1200 acre park system. Regner Park is one of our favorites. They have a great swimming beach and have just introduced a zero depth wading pool for the toddlers. For the second year now, Enchantment in the Park has been delighting thousands of people with it’s light show set to music and visits from Santa and Mrs Claus. We’ve enjoyed it both years, however our son, who is almost 3 yrs old, wanted nothing to do with Santa. I think it’s the age.
The school system consists of the elementary, middle and high schools but also the University of Wisconsin, Washington County and the Kettle Moraine Technical College too. There are plenty of places to worship and great shopping to be had with big name stores as well as specialty boutique shops downtown. Lots of restaurants to choose from and many events too, such as the Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival held annually in September and the Thursday night concert series held in Old Settlers Park. Plus you can celebrate West Bends German heritage at the annual German Fest in August, Fall Fest or Winter on Main. There’s always something going on in West Bend.
What about housing you ask? Well as a Realtor, I may be partial to that topic but there are many great places to live in West Bend. No matter what your needs are, there are great options for you. To search all homes available in West Bend click here and to see our featured single family alternative condominium in Stoney Creek click here. This unit views a wildlife conservancy and is amongst similar units in a smaller complex setting. Built in 2002 with a first floor master suite, upper bedroom, loft and great storage, it will surely please. For more information on this unit or other housing options please call me at 414-510-1908 and please come check out West Bend!
Posted by: Ann Lebiecki
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December 22, 2010 at 04:31 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
It has been a great few days for our office! In between appointments and open houses, we have been celebrating the holidays. It started with a dinner party at Fox and Hounds (link to http://www.foxandhoundsrestaurant.com/ ) on Saturday. It was so beautifully decorated, with garlands and twinkling lights, just a perfect setting for a holiday party! Some agents got together for a cookie exchange at my home on Monday evening, and today, we had our traditional holiday breakfast! There was a great spread of food, and a nice chance for us to get out of the office and socialize and enjoy a meal together.
In 2009, the Menomonee Falls Shorewest office was the NUMBER ONE OFFICE out of all of the Shorewest offices! Like the market, we have had our ups and downs, but are finishing the year strong! We hope to retain our #1 ranking for 2010. We have another week and a half to work, and we will work until the end! Personally, I have been quite busy this month, getting 3 buyers under contract, and my new Germantown listing sold (in just 3 weeks time!).
So from our office to your home, we wish you a Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year! And if a new home is on your 2010 wish list, give me a call, I will be glad to help, and give you tips on getting a great buy!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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December 21, 2010 at 07:59 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
One of Germany’s holiday traditions is the Christkindle Market found in the town square of large cities and many small ones too! You can get a small feel for the festive feel of the Christkindlemarkt by visiting Sinter Klausen on Germantowns historic old Main Street. Sinter Klausen translates to St Nicholas in Dutch.
Over 20 years ago, Irene Blau visited the famous Nurenburg Christkindlemarkt and came home inspired. She started this quaint Christmas business, and I met her daughter last week while stopping in to shop. The store, Sinter Klausen is filled with many traditional German holiday traditions. Ornaments take up the majority of space, arranged delightfully in racks reminscent of the stalls found in the German markets this time of year. Irene found a local craftsman who made the wooden displays and had the traditional red and white awnings custom made. Many of the ornament displays are found in Gingerbread House styled shelving units.
Imports include Inge glass, a tradition that is hundreds of years old. Steinbach nutcrackers that represent many different professions from soldiers to bakers. Advent calendars, smoking men and candles fill the shop.
If you are looking for a last minute gift, or just a fun afternoon, take a ride out to Germantown, a suburb of Greater Milwaukee and visit Sinter Klausen.
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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December 20, 2010 at 08:46 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
There are a few important dates coming up in Menomonee Falls School District for you to remember. This week is the beginning of Winter Break. Students in the district will attend a half day of classes on the 23rd, and then be dismissed until January. Classes will resume on January 3rd at their regular times.
The first meeting of the School Finance Study Group was held on December 14th. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18th, 6:30 p.m., in Room 3344-3345 of the Village Hall. All Village residents are welcome to attend these informative and interactive meetings. You can Call Jeff Gross or Dr. Keith Marty, to get more information (262)255-8440.
Four-year-old kindergarten registration is scheduled for Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 at the Community Center. Please save the date if you have children of this age, or have a future five year old kindergartener who has not been in the 4K program. Also, please remind family and friends of the registration date.
We wish you all a Blessed Holiday Season and a Safe & Happy New Year! For all of your Real Estate needs, contact the The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen. Also, check out our Facebook page at Facebook.com/the.kuchtas!
Posted by: 
Colleen Kuchta
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December 15, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Shorewest isn’t just a great real estate company, it’s much more than that. Kelly & I are independent contractors which means we can work any where we want. We chose Shorewest because they make us feel like we are all part of one big family. We truly are independent, but we have such wonderful support. That support ranges from the executive offices, to our office managers and assistant manager all the way to the other agents we work with in our offices. We all support one another. Everyone here truly wants everyone to exceed. That is evident when you look at all of the great training tools we are offered on a daily basis. There are always computer classes to learn about the ever changing technology available to us. We have weekly meetings as well. Every year, we have an October Round Table event where agents are asked to talk about their successes & train fellow agents to be successful as well. Throughout the year, Shorewest brings in top notch trainers and offers various classes so that we can earn different designations, and continue to learn. There are other great things that we have come to enjoy while working for Shorewest as well. We have the Number One market share in southeastern Wisconsin, and are the Number Ten Real Estate Company in the nation! Why would we want to work anywhere else? If you are thinking of making a career change, we would be happy to get you a tour of our Executive offices or get you a meeting with one of our great office managers. Contact us to get started! The Kuchta’s- Kelly and Colleen.
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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December 05, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Beginning January 1, 2013, a new 3.8% tax on some investment income will take effect. This new tax is also known as the Medicare Tax because the monies collected will be applied towards Medicare funding. Although this tax may apply to some Real Estate transactions, it will not apply to all of them.
The tax will fall only on individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) above $200,000 and couples filing a joint return with more than $250,000 AGI. The specific types of income that are taxable include: interest, dividends, rents (less expenses), and capital gains (less capital losses). The new 3.8% tax applies to the LESSER of Investment Income amount or the Excess of AGI over the $200,000 or $250,000 amount. The National Association of Realtors has put together a comprehensive pamphlet on the subject. Even with the pamphlet, this can get a bit confusing, so I would recommend you consult a tax expert before you go ahead and figure the tax yourself.
If you are planning on selling your primary residence, vacation home or investment property the 3.8% tax might not even apply to you. Remember, the cap for Capital Gains is over $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly.
Contact us for your free copy of the Pamphlet put together by the National Association of Realtors. Also, if you are looking for Certified Real Estate Negotiators to represent you through your upcoming real estate sale or purchase, we can help! The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: 
Colleen Kuchta
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December 01, 2010 at 09:02 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
One of the very few tax deductions left that benefits more American tax payers than any other is the MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION (MID). Americans take note! That tax benefit is on the chopping block! You will hear a lot of buzz about this topic on the news and in the papers this week.
The Mortgage Interest Deduction allows homeowners to deduct interest paid in the past year on their persoal income taxes. According to Bonnie Koven, a local tax preparer “that is one of the LARGEST deductions for most Americans”. It is important that your legistlators know that this deduction is critical to YOU, and they must defeat the measure to eliminate this deduction. Call your representatives today.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the largest trade organizations in the country, not only fights for the interests of their members, but also the interests of homeownership. “Home Ownership Matters” and NAR is ready to make their statement via NAR President Ron Phipps. In it, he says in part:
Be sure to make your voice heard, and call today. You can locate your representatives here.
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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