Pat Tasker
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.
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Pat Tasker
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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!
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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.”
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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!
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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!
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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!
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