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Colleen Kuchta

Buyers & Sellers, Coming to Terms?

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.

Posted by:  Colleen Kuchta

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Menomonee Falls, Independence Day Parade

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

Posted by:  Colleen Kuchta

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The Cheesecake Store, Menomonee Falls

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!

Posted by:  Colleen Kuchta

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