Archive for tag Ann lebiecki
September 21, 2011 at 12:58 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki, Area Attractions & Events, Germantown
Germantown, Wisconsin is the place to be this upcoming fall weekend! September 24 and 25, 2011 will be the annual Germantown Hunsrucker Octoberfest event, held at Dheinsville Historic Park at the intersections of Holy Hill Rd, Hwy 145 and Maple Ave. Come partake in this free festival event with tons of activities for all to enjoy. Saturday afternoon enjoy Radio Disney 1-2:30 p.m. and the Dheinsville Dachshund Dash at 3 p.m. Stay around for some authentic German Bier and foods featuring pork, brats, potato pancakes, custard, roasted nuts and more. Sunday at noon enjoy the bake sale and the classic car show noon to 3 p.m.
Other attractions are the 5th annual Bier races and the Wisconsin Power Reunion Exhibit, plus kids activities like pumpkin painting and bounce haus too! Take a tour of the Bast Bell Museum and view 5,000 bells! Bring a non perishable food donation for ½ off admission to the museum, something you don’t want to miss.
The history of Dheinsville, a historic settlement, all began in 1842. The walking tour that is available will educate you on Germantown’s Oldest Settlement.
I’ll be there on Saturday enjoying the afternoon events with my family and then helping to serve some of our great German food from 4 to 9 p.m. Stop by and enjoy a German Bier or wine and say hello. Prost!
Posted by: 
Ann Lebiecki
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April 19, 2011 at 02:46 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki, Area Attractions & Events
The Village of Brown Deer and Positively Brown Deer are teaming up with area Realtors, Home Inspectors and Lenders on May 7, 2011 for a home buying expo. Buyers who are currently in the market for a home or just wondering about home ownership can stop on over to the Brown Deer Middle school on 60th and Dean on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Area professionals will be able to answer questions and give buyers information on the home buying process. Brown Deer Village representatives and Chamber reps will be available as well. Cast your chance to win in the prize drawing too. Many of the homes that are currently on the market will be open for a tour from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Call or email me for a complete list of homes on tour at . Here is a link to a newer listing in great condition only blocks away from the event and will be on tour from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Brown Deer is a community nestled between Milwaukee and Mequon that has scenic parks, good schools and a world renowned golf course. Not to mention many shops and services.
If you can’t make it on Saturday and really want to know about your buying power in today’s market, call me at 414-510-1908. I can help you determine if this is the best time for you to buy or not.
Posted by: Ann Lebiecki
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January 11, 2011 at 08:13 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
Now’s the time of year when people are thinking about making a move and discussing putting their house on the market. They may be interviewing agents, getting their home ready for market and figuring out their finances and end of year tax returns. I’m here to tell you to BEAT THE RUSH! Yes, don’t wait until everyone else decides to list in Spring,do it now. You will be in a much better position if you do and your plans of moving, downsizing, upsizing, building whatever it may be will be achieved that much sooner. For an honest look at your situation, the market value of your home and how the selling process works just give me a call. In about an hour or so I can give you a clear picture of the market where you can then decide if this is the right time for you!
Call or text me at 414-510-1908, email me at or visit my website at AnnLebiecki.com and fill out the Value of My Home form
1. Fewer Showings - Yes there are fewer buyers, but those buyers that are looking to buy are usually very serious about making a purchase. And maybe your home will be sold with less effort and fewer hassles to you!
2. Less Competition – (Don’t compete with the seasonal seller) Many people wait until spring and summer to list their home, which means during the winter you will have far less competition than at any other time of year.
3. Homes Show Better During the Holidays - Buyers love homes that can tell a story. The holidays are a great time to show homes because the home is usually dressed up for holiday celebrations!
4. More Focus on Home - During the winter buyers make buying decisions with less emphasis on the yard/land than in the spring & summer months.
5. January is the Biggest Job Transfer Month - Did you know that more corporate moves happen during January than at any other time of year? This may be a great reason to list your home during the winter!
6. Timing - By putting the home on the market during winter, you may be able to more easily hit your moving goals!
7. More Time To Get Top Dollar - By starting to market your home early, you may be able to secure a higher price.
8. Great Time to Shop - If your home sells quickly, you will be able to shop for your next home with less competition for the nicest homes.
9. More Attention - Your agent will be able to devote more specialized attention to marketing your home and focus on your specific needs.
10. The Market - Today’s interest rates are at a forty year low. This gives buyers more spending power and will be even more important when you begin shopping for your next home!
Posted by: Ann Lebiecki
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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 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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June 24, 2010 at 12:34 PM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki, Area Attractions & Events
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.
Click here for more information on Strawberry Fest or Cedarburg.
Posted by: Ann Lebiecki
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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.
Posted by: Ann Lebiecki
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February 25, 2010 at 11:52 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
How long does it really take to buy a home?
You may have wondered just how long the process takes: searching, financing, inspecting, closing and finally moving in. If you follow the tips below you can be on your way to getting an accepted offer in as little as 2-3 weeks with a subsequent closing in 30 days. All total 6 weeks! Just in time to take advantage of the Home Buyers Tax Credit that expires April 30, 2010.
Here are a few tips and guidelines to use when planning to buy a home.
- Get pre-qualified. Ask your family, friends or co-workers who may have recently purchased a home who they used to finance the transaction. Set up a meeting with a loan officer to discuss the different loan programs that may be available to you. Right now one great program is an FHA loan. With the right credit scores you can buy a home with only 3.5% down payment and interest rates are very competitive. WHEDA, another government backed loan has just recently become available again too. Of course there is conventional financing that requires a minimum of 5% down (20% if you want to avoid paying private mortgage insurance-PMI). The loan officer will tell you how much of a loan you can qualify for and what your monthly payments would be. There are closing costs associated with the loan so make sure they give you an idea of what they should be.
- Find a Buyer’s Agent. Once you have found out you qualify for a home loan and what price point you are comfortable with, now you want to meet with a Buyers Agent. Not all Realtors are members of REBAC (Real estate buyers agent council) and may not be representing your best interest. In fact in Wisconsin, the agent showing you homes is not representing you the buyer unless you have entered into a formal written agreement called a Buyer’s Agency Representation. If you don’t have that written agreement the agent is a sub-agent for the listing broker and thereby is representing the sellers’ best interest. I offer buyer counseling to my clients where we get together and talk thru the process. I find out the buyers’ needs and wants in a home, and where they’d like to live. We discuss agency relationships, viewing homes and contingencies like financing and home inspection. We then pull up on the computer homes that meet their criteria and pick out ones to view. At the end of the 90 minute meeting we typically have a date set to go out on tour.
- View Homes. The beauty of working with one agent in the buying process is that he/she will set up the tour of homes and gain access to them for you. You can block out a few hours and depending on the location of the homes see 6-10 homes and get a great picture of what your dollar can buy. There is no need to wait for open houses, as some homes are never held open and sold even before the first open house.
- Write the offer. Once you’ve selected the home you’d like to buy, you submit a written offer on a state approved form. Your agent will walk you through the process and explain the forms and include any contingencies necessary.
- Finalize the closing. Once you’ve gotten an accepted offer and satisfied any of your contingencies you can set up closing. Closing is set from 9am-4pm weekdays and takes about an hour. After the closing you are the proud new owner of a home.
If you’d like more information on homes for sale or a lender referral, just give me a call 414-510-1908.
Posted by:Ann Lebiecki
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February 18, 2010 at 02:52 PM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
Shorewest - Menomonee Falls
N94 W17900 Appleton Avenue
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Contact me
Office: 262-437-5843
Cell Phone: 414-510-1908
Email:
alebiecki@shorewest.com
Website:
myagentann.shorewest.com
View Ann’s Posted Articles
“Your Satisfaction is My Reward”
- CRS-Certified Residential Specialist
- ABR-Accredited Buyers Representative
- GRI-Graduate Realtors® Institute
- CSRS-Certified Shorewest Relocation Specialist
- SFR-Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certified
- GMAR-Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors
- NAR-National Association of Realtors
- WRA-Wisconsin Association of Realtors
- #3 in Office Sales Units for 2011
- #34 out of 820 in Company Units for 2011
- National Sales Award Recipient – 2002-2009, 2010, 2011
- President’s Club Member – 2003-2005,2007
- Executive Club – 2006, 2008-2011
- Graduate of Rich Casto Power Up Program
- Graduate Floyd Wickman Star Makers Program
- Graduate Darryl Davis Power Agent Program
- Marquette University Business/Accounting Program
- Full Time Professional with Over 20 Years of Proven Customer Service
My Mission Statement: I am dedicated and committed to ultimate service and continued growth. To provide my customers and clients with professional guidance, consistent communication and organized information, all with a personal touch. I strive to make a difference daily.
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