Archive for tag Colleen kuchta
January 06, 2012 at 05:39 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Like many people, we each have a Facebook profile - a place where we keep friends up to date on the daily happenings in our lives. We also have a business page on Facebook - a place where we highlight our listings & sales, and keep followers up to date on Real Estate trends.
The other day, I posted this on my personal profile: "This new year is proving to be quite promising for real estate. :D". Of course there were a couple of comments, which in turn prompted me to write this blog.
As of January 3rd, 2012 our year in Real Estate is proving to be a great one. Let's look at why I feel this way. On January 2nd, 2012 Kelly & I received no less than 8 calls/emails from Buyers looking to view houses and make offers. Not every call/email will result in a family enjoying a new home, but I have met with 3 of these Buyers and hope to help them attain their goals of home ownership.
Why do these people want to buy now? Well, it is simple: mortgage interest rates are still below 4% AND prices are incredibly low as well! Why do we feel that this year in Real Estate is going to be so promising? Our phones haven't stopped ringing, our INBOX keeps filling up, and former clients are sending their friends & family our way. What makes us so special? You are not just another transaction to us. We know how important this move is to you, and we do everything in our power to ensure it goes smoothly. We listen to your wants and needs, and help turn them into a reality. Many times we share some laughs along the way, occasionally there are tears, but no matter what happens we are there, doing everything we can to help you reach your goal.
Now back to my prediction about 2012 Real Estate. I know that we will be able to help more individuals and families attain their real estate goals this year than we have before. I know that the mortgage interest rates and low prices will play a huge part in that equation, but I also know that the way we run our business will be the best part of that equation - the part that makes memories and friends. If you are looking to make a move, and want to know that you matter then give us a call, send us an email or message us on Facebook. We are here to help! The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen.
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Colleen Kuchta
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December 13, 2011 at 10:58 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
You may have noticed the construction on the southeast corner of Pilgrim Road and Main Street. Menomonee Falls is getting ready for the new Walmart Neighborhood Market. Right now work is being done on the water main and as well as demolishing the former Piggly Wiggly supermarket and other vacant space at Pilgrim Village shopping center. The former BP gas station and the movie theater will be razed as well. Minuteman Press has moved to the Falls Plaza II shopping center on Appleton Avenue. Sounds Audio has moved into the Neu’s building on Ridgeway. Both were tenants in the building being razed. The portions of the shopping center leased to Friends of Nature pet supply store and Otto's Wine and Spirits will stay.
The new Walmart Neighborhood Market claims to offer a quick and convenient shopping experience for customers who need groceries, pharmaceuticals and general merchandise. The items they will carry include:
- Fresh produce
- Meat and dairy products
- Frozen foods
- Dry goods and staples
- Health and beauty aids
- Stationery and paper goods
- Drive-through pharmacy
- Deli foods
- Bakery items
- Canned and packaged goods
- Condiments and spices
- Pet supplies
- Household supplies
- One-hour photo center
Along with the new Walmart Neighborhood Market, we will also see remodeling at the existing Schlotzky's Deli. Both Friends of Nature and Otto’s Beverage Center will have their storefronts revamped. The Walmart Neighborhood Market will bring life to a section of the Village that has needed attention for quite some time. If you are thinking of making a move to Menomonee Falls, or someplace nearby - we are here to help!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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November 14, 2011 at 06:34 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
We see houses with wallpaper every day. Sometimes it is as simple as a border in a room, and other times it is the whole house. Does having wallpaper hurt your chances of receiving an offer? Couldn't the Buyer just write a contingency into their offer asking the Seller to remove it? Or better yet, won't most Buyers love the wallpaper just as much as the Seller?
Most Sellers love the wallpaper on their walls, and do not want to have it removed. Why should they remove something that has brought them so much joy? Their house won't be as attractive without the wallpaper. What if they don't receive any offers? They will have taken down the wallpaper for no reason. Their thought process tells them that the new owners can simply remove it after the closing.
The Buyers think differently. Why should they bother asking the Seller to remove the wallpaper when there are a 100 other houses out there to chose from? What if the Seller will not take the wallpaper down, how many layers of the stuff are underneath? What if they buy this house and start taking off the wallpaper & discover it wasn't applied correctly, or it is very old and comes off in tiny little pieces? They see the wallpaper and cross that house off of their list.
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Here is our suggestion: Take the wallpaper down! If you do not want to do it yourself, there are professionals that will do it for you. One of our Sellers recently had her friends come and help remove wallpaper from the dining room & kitchen - it took less than 24 hours to remove the wallpaper and paint the space. Another Seller hired a man to remove six rooms of wallpaper and paint afterward. The project took four days and the walls look great! If you still aren't sure about taking it down, ask your Realtor to be honest and not worry about your feelings. Most of us would agree that the wallpaper has to go.
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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October 24, 2011 at 02:21 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
The Village of Menomonee Falls always has something fun to do for the whole family, and Halloween is no exception! This year, the annual Halloween Downtown will be held on Thursday, October 27th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children will be able to Trick or Treat at the participating stores in the Village Centre. While children (under 12) are Trick or Treating, they can also participate in a fun Scavenger Hunt put on by the downtown businesses.
The fun does not stop there! The Spooky Walk Through Lime Kiln Park is a great way to finish the evening. The Spooky Walk will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 27th. Accompany of Kids has set the theme for this year's spooky walk. The spirited adventure begins behind A.J. O'Brady's, in the municipal parking lot. When our daughter turned 11, we took her and her friends on the walk as part of her birthday party - we still talk about all of the fun we had!
On Halloween, October 31st, the Village-wide Trick Or Treat will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Remember to put safety first when using candles to light your pumpkins, and never light them near dried flowers, leaves, corn stalks or crepe paper. Also, make sure you are visible in the dark, use reflectors, flashlights & glow sticks to make you and your children more visible. Some of our local roads and sidewalks are under construction so be careful, but most of all - have a safe and happy Halloween!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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September 27, 2011 at 05:16 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
The Menomonee Falls Food Pantry has moved to a new location. They are now located at N85 W15382 Menomonee River Parkway, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051. They are still open for business on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm-2pm, and 5:30pm-7pm. The food pantry serves families in Colgate, Germantown, Lannon, Menomonee Falls and Richfield. If you are in need of assistance, bring 2 forms of ID to the food pantry during distribution hours. The ID's should both have your current address, and the address on both should be the same. Food and monetary gifts are always needed! If you would like more information on how to help, email or call them at 262-251-6848. Donations of non-perishable food items and tax deductible donations may be dropped off at the Food Pantry during distribution hours. They are always looking for volunteers, too! Whether you are in need, or are able to donate, don't forget the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry! The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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September 02, 2011 at 11:17 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Saturday, September 10, 2011 The Village of Menomonee Falls will hold its Annual Falls Safety Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Safety Fair will take place at the Menomonee Falls High School, located at W142N8101 Merrimac Drive in Menomonee Falls. The Fair will include Fire Apparatus displays, Police displays, games, Sesame Street Puppet Show, Silent Auction, 911 simulators, Survive Alive Trailer, Flight for Life and many more displays. There will also be a commemoration in honor of the 10 year anniversary of the attack on our country on September 11, 2001. Please consider attending this special ceremony at 9:30am in the High School auditorium.
This year, the fair will also feature a “D.A.R.E. to CARE” Walk. The Walk will help raise funds to assist in keeping the D.A.R.E. Program in our schools for future years. The Walk will be held at the Fair starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the Walk will begin at 7:45 a.m. Walkers are asked to make a $10 donation, and will receive a “D.A.R.E. to CARE” t-shirt for their participation. Click here for more information.
Another fun event at the High School, will be the Menomonee Falls Neighborhood Watch "Silent Auction." This is your chance to bid on a wide variety of items, as well as, gift certificates and services donated by businesses in the Milwaukee area. Auction items will be on display in the gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The winning bidders will be contacted after the event to make arrangements for pick-up/delivery and payment. The items may be purchased by cash or check, but no credit or debit cards will be accepted.
Be sure to mark this day on your calendar, it is sure to be fun for the whole family!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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August 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
We all know that the present economy is in a poor state, and there are people in need. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that people in our own communities are in need, too. I recently helped a friend by bringing her to the Sussex Food Pantry. Just walking in the door helped put things into perspective for me. I saw families and individuals getting food, clothing and household items that they could not afford to buy. One woman asked when the school supplies would be coming so she could send her children to school with some basic necessities.
The Sussex Food Pantry is located at N63W23626 Silver Spring Drive, Sussex. Donations may be dropped off at the Food Pantry from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.mm Monday through Friday. Pantry distribution hours are Mondays 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They take food, clothing, personal hygiene items, pet supplies and basic housewares. For more information, you can call 262-246-9860. The Menomonee Falls Food Pantry is located inside the SDMF District Office at N84W16579 Menomonee Ave, Menomonee Falls. The Pantry is open to residents of Menomonee Falls, Germantown, Colgate, Lannon and Richfield Tuesday & Thursday 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m. They take food and personal hygiene items. Call ahead to drop off donations at 262-251-4912.
If you would like to donate clothing or children's items in the Menomonee Falls area, you can bring it to Holy Cross Lutheran Church located at W156 N8131 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls. There is a department called the Northwest Trading Post, which offers gently used clothing in infant sizes through size 14-16. They also offer toys, high chairs, baby seats, strollers, play pens, buggies, car seats, diapers, formula, etc.when available. If you are in need of assistance, you are asked to bring one or two cans of food for the local food pantry in exchange for the clothing. For more information, call Northwest Trading Post at 262-251-2963. They take donations Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and are open weekdays 1:00 to 2:30 in the afternoon or from 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening. If you are unable to come during the scheduled times, please call for other arrangements.
Donating items you no longer need or use is a great way to help someone in need. If you know of other places near you that take similar donations, be sure to support them!
Thanks and God Bless,
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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June 30, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
While our local Real Estate Market may not be that bad, to some sellers it is beginning to feel that way. Looking at days on market for listings in our area, it is not uncommon to see that number over 180 days. On the bright side, houses are still selling. But which houses are selling? The houses that are marketed at an inspiring price are receiving offers.
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Is price really that important? As Realtors, we talk quite a bit about price. We counsel our buyers and we counsel our sellers. We know from experience that most buyers cannot be persuaded to submit an offer, no matter how perfect your house is, if it is overpriced by even $5,000. We know that you are probably tired of hearing about price, but if you aren't priced correctly you will miss a great opportunity to sell your property for top dollar.
Here's why: The 'ROBO-SIGING' mess has been cleaned up, and many banks are now ready to begin liquidating the properties that have been foreclosed. Over the next 90 days there will be an increase in foreclosures coming to market. While there may not be a large number of homes just like yours in the mix, they will affect home values and the bank appraisal, once an offer is received. Currently the law states, if 20% of area sales are foreclosures or short sales, they must be used as comparables in an appraisal. So, if 10 houses sold in your market area, and 2 of those properties were either a short sale or foreclosure (distressed sale), then when you get an accepted offer the bank appraiser will be required to use distressed sales to determine the value of your property.
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A non-distressed property will sell for 100% of its value, short sales are selling for about 90%, and foreclosures typically sell for 64.9% of their value. This is important to know because these reduced values could be used to determine the value of your home in the coming months.
Our advice to you - if you want to sell, sell now! Make sure your house is in tip-top shape and look at your price with a stern eye. If an adjustment is needed - make it now! That way you will have a better chance of reaching your goal, and moving on to the next stage of your life. If you are not sure where to start, call us, we are here to help!
The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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June 28, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
The Village of Menomonee Falls will be celebrating Independence Day with a parade and fireworks on July 3, 2011. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. at the intersections of Elm Lane and Appleton Avenue. Parade participants will head east down Appleton Avenue to Woosencraft Drive. The parade is a pretty big event in Menomonee Falls. So big that spectators set up the day ahead to lay claim to the perfect spot! If you want to stake a claim, the Menomonee Falls Police Department will close Appleton Avenue between Elm Lane and Woosencraft Drive from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on July 2, 2011.
After the parade, head on over to the Menomonee Falls High School for some fantastic fireworks! The fireworks begin at dusk - approximately 9:30 p.m. Weather in Wisconsin is unpredictable, so if it rains we will watch the fireworks at dusk on July 5th instead. We hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day! God Bless America!
The Kuchta's- Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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June 17, 2011 at 10:32 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Have you been wondering, when would it be a good time to buy a new home? Well, how about now?! The Wall Street Journal thinks this is the perfect time to buy. Among the reasons are Affordability and Employment. The cost of buying a home is down, interest rates are at 4.5% or below, and prices are low! Employment is up, Wisconsin's unemployment rate is at 7.4% - that's below the National Average of 9.1%.
Now is the time to buy, but don't take my word for it. Forbes Magazine told it's readers on 6/3/11 that this opportunity won't last forever. If you want to save money, now is the time!
National Public Radio (NPR) feels the same way! They announced that anyone planning on settling in for five years should get out and buy a house. NPR has nothing to gain by in their testimony, the are just pointing out the obvious - in case you missed it!
Now is the time to buy, but that isn't coming from a Realtor. CBS Money Watch told it's followers that this is a once in a lifetime chance to buy a house in these conditions. What conditions? Well, prices are historically low, and mortgage interest rates are too!
So, to re-cap, NOW is the time to buy! If you don't know where to begin, start by getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. After that, contact us!
The Kuchta's - Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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May 26, 2011 at 03:23 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
It will be a busy weekend in the Village of Menomonee Falls!
On Saturday, May 28th, the Knights of Columbus will be hosting their 4th annual, Lucky Duck Derby. The Derby will be held at Mill Pond Park. Stop by and watch thousands of little yellow duckies 'race' to the finish line - just before the dam. Tickets to sponsor the ducks are available for purchase at the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse on Water Street, or the Village Centre Office. Sponsor a ducky and you could be a winner! Food and beverages will be available at the Mill Pond Park pavilion beginning at noon. Food, beverage, music and games for the kids will be available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse on Water Street. Call 262-255-2241 with questions, or to sponsor a ducky.
Also on Saturday, May 28th there will be a Sidewalk Market full of bargains, overstock and discounted items from local vendors. If art is something that interests you, then stop on by "Art on the Walk," where you will see works from local area artists along Main and Mill Streets. Both events will be going on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come and find one-of-a-kind treasures.
On Monday, May 30th, the Annual Memorial Day Parade is sure to have something for the whole family. The parade starts at Harrison and Main Streets, and heads west on Main Street to Grand Avenue then north on Grand Ave to Neu''s. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. so get there early to get a great seat.
Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values. Whatever you chose to do this weekend, please take a moment to remember!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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April 19, 2011 at 02:24 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
By now, you may have heard the term Short Sale. It is a term used in the news and real estate quite often. But what does it mean? Simply put, a Short Sale is a real estate transaction where the home owner owes their lender more money than they will net on the sale of their property. They will be short of funds to satisfy their mortgage. Because you cannot transfer the property to a new owner without paying the current mortgage, the lender must agree to take less money than they are owed. The seller is short in paying their mortgage, and that is where the term Short Sale comes from.
Short Sales can be a great way for a buyer to get a home for a lower price. The main problem regarding a property that is in a Short Sale position is time. There are quite a few items that the seller's lender will require before they agree to take the loss. Once all of the items are in the lender's possession, the file is sent through a review process. This process can take 30-45 days, or more. If a buyer is not pressed to make a quick move, a Short Sale can be worth their time.
If you are looking to make a move, and would like more information on Short Sales, please feel free to call or email us. We are trained in Short Sales and Foreclosures, and we are here to help!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen 414-651-1613 or 262-894-6512.
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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April 08, 2011 at 04:11 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
The Village of Menomonee Falls is having a Spring around Earth Day on April 16, 2011 to clean up the Parks and Rivers of Menomonee Falls. The event is sponsored by the Milwaukee Riverkeepers who has been organizing River cleanups for years. Everyone willing to join in should meet at Rotary Park off Fond du Lac Ave, just northwest of Lilly Road, for registration at 8:15 a.m. and the clean-up occurs from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Many locations of the River are available to clean up. Gloves and bags will be supplied. Return to Rotary Park at noon for drawing prizes and food. Find the weirdest item and win a prize!
How to participate:
Sign up on the village website to pre-register or call Nancy at (262) 532-4417 (name, #of participants and desired location) or just come and have fun!
Pick a site you want to help clean up!
Areas to clean up are:
#1 Rotary Park
#2 Riverside Park and Menomonee River
#3 Menomonee River North Side
#4 Municipal Park
#5 Menomonee River Parkway
#6 Lime Kiln Park
#7 Mill Pond Park
#8 Roosevelt Bridge to Water Street Garage area
#9 River behind Neus and Best Buy
#33 Rivercrest Dr. to Shady Lane
#10 Shady Lane, County line Q to Rivercrest by Kohl's
#12 Channel from Stanley Dr./Main Street to Q
#13 Village Park
#14 Oakwood Park
#15 Old Falls Village
#16 Rivers Edge Park
#25 Willowood Park
#29 Butler Ditch on Campbell Dr.
#34 Kiwanis Park on Menomonee Ave.
#F100 Fox River at Carters Crossing Subdivision
Thank you for helping to keep our village clean!
The Kuchta's. Kelly & Colleen
www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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March 30, 2011 at 02:28 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
The Target in Menomonee Falls, located at N95W17707 Shady Lane, just got a facelift. In addition to the household, clothing, electronic, personal and pantry items they usually stock, they now carry fresh groceries. We stopped by this past Saturday to check it out, and found that the food was very fresh and priced competitively. We have a large family, so our bill is usually higher than most. We were pleasantly surprised when we were given our total. We found the experience to be quite pleasing because we were able to pick up a few clothing and personal items in addition to getting groceries.
The new fresh Target does not carry everything that you would find at a traditional grocery store, for example there is not a butcher, deli or bakery. The fresh meats and baked goods are pre-packaged, and the selection of fruits and vegetables is limited. However, we found the layout to be user friendly, and the quality and pricing to be pleasing. We will be shopping there again!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
thekuchtas.shorewest.com
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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March 14, 2011 at 09:01 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Congratulations! You have found a home to call your own, and are ready to draft an offer. Along with that decision, many times, you have the fear of the unknown. Relax, take a deep breath, and read on. If you understand the steps involved, buying a home will not feel so overwhelming.
Step 1: Research and planning
Many times, the home you have selected is a favorite of other buyers as well. That is why you need to have an Accredited Buyer's Representative on your side. As ABR agents, Kelly and I assist our buyers by counseling our clients on market conditions, price ranges, comparable properties and appropriate negotiating strategies.
Step 2: Submit an offer
Real estate transactions require a written contract, also known as an Offer to Purchase. In your offer, you will specify price and all of the terms and conditions you want to negotiate for. As ABR agents, we sit down with you and draft the strongest possible offer with your best interests in mind.
Step 3: The seller's response
When the seller receives your offer, their options are: ACCEPT or REJECT. If the Seller reviews your offer, and decides that the terms of the offer are acceptable, they will sign in acceptance. Once the signed offer is delivered back, you will have an binding contract. If the seller rejects your offer, it becomes null and void. The seller cannot change their mind at a later time. A new offer would need to be drafted.
COUNTEROFFER. Many times the seller is pleased with many aspects of your offer, but would like to negotiate on a specific term, such as price or closing date. At this time, they would submit a counteroffer to request the change. Both parties are able to submit counteroffers back and forth until both parties have agreed, and signed the most recent counteroffer. Once the counteroffer is signed by all parties, and delivered back, you have a binding contract.
Buying a new home doesn't have to be a stressful experience. As ABR agents, we do our best to educate you, arm you with the facts and keep your best interest in mind. If you are thinking of making a move into a new home, contact us!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
thekuchtas.shorewest.com
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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