Archive for tag Living in milwaukee
February 10, 2012 at 11:40 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Many homeowners are "under water," meaning they owe more on their mortgage than their house is currently valued at. Some homeowners are choosing to wait for property values to return to normal levels, but others cannot wait for that to happen. They need to move for various reasons, or they simply cannot afford their mortgage payments any longer. So what are their options? They could allow the bank to foreclose, do a Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure or participate in a Short Sale. In the first two options the homeowner must walk away from the property, and the bank that holds the mortgage becomes the owner of the property. In a Short Sale, the homeowner markets the home for sale, and negotiates with the bank (usually with the help of a Realtor) asking them to settle for less money than is owed to them. The home is sold to a new Buyer, and the Seller is able to get on with their life.
So why is it so important to do a Short Sale this year? Simple: When you do a Short Sale, the amount of money you are forgiven is considered income. We must pay taxes on our income. In 2007, Congress passed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Act, which allows homeowners to participate in a Short Sale through the end of 2012, and not owe federal tax on the forgiven debt. There are certain situations where this does not apply. For example, the property must be a primary residence. You can learn more about qualifying on the IRS Website, or by talking with a foreclosure or real estate attorney.
Currently, we are in market where houses are talking longer to sell. Also, the Short Sale process takes longer than a traditional sale because the homeowner must submit documentation to the bank when they ask the bank to take a loss. Then the bank needs time to review the documents and decide if they are willing to allow the Short Sale. Don’t wait until it is too late to start the process. Sit down with a Realtor that has Short Sale experience, figure out if you will qualify for the tax break and then make an informed decision. We have experience in Short Sales, and are happy to sit down, walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
The Kuchta’s, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: 
Colleen Kuchta
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December 21, 2011 at 12:24 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
For the past 39 years, the downtown M&I Bank has had a great Christmas display which attracts both young and old. Each year, there is a new theme, but the main characters stay the same. The characters are the centerpiece of the display, and they are life-size stuffed animals, made by the world famous Steiff Company in Germany. The brand trademark is the button in the ear of each animal.
The display originally started when the marketing director for the bank went to New York City. He visited FAO Schwartz and bought a few animals for a holiday display at the bank, and it grew from there. Today there are almost 50 animals that get new clothes and new looks each year.
This year's "It's Toy Time," brings a life-size workshop to the bank lobby, with animals carving nutcrackers, stuffing teddy bears and making all kinds of toys.
In February each year, the bank president chooses the theme and the staff get to work designing the set, the costumes and carrying out the plan. The weekend of Thanksgiving, 50 or so employees work the entire weekend setting up the display.
This display has become a tradition for many. Grandparents and grandkids, teachers and students come to look, then years later come back with the next generation! Many families take their holiday photo here, or stop before a performance of the Nutcracker or Christmas Carol
When I heard that M&I Bank was bought by BMO Harris, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to this display. So happy to hear that BMO Harris embraced the tradition and even sweetened the attraction by donating $5 for each visitor who strolls the lobby to view the animal fun. The Hunger Task Force will certainly welcome that donation this year! Will you have a chance to visit the bank and enjoy this holiday treat? I will be taking my grandkids on Christmas Eve! They have great holiday hours! December 1st through January 5th recurring daily. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The display will be closed after 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 17th and Saturday, December 24th; and at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 5th.
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
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December 01, 2011 at 11:00 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
I remember when I was little, our parents would bundle us up and go "for a ride" and look at Christmas lights. Certain neighborhoods would go all out and have some fantastic displays.
In Germantown's Windsong subdivision, and annual event coming up this Sunday evening is the Luminary Night. A good majority of neighbors participate with thousands of beautiful luminaries lining the streets, drives and sidewalks. Many also have elaborate lighting displays. The subdivision organizes it, and the neighbors all help help, including the scouts who along with Santa will collect food and cash donations for the local food pantries. This year those who come by will have a chance to vote on their favorites!
Windsong Subdivision is located 1/4 mile east of Pilgrim Road on Donges Bay Road; or 1/4 mile west of Fond du Lac Avenue on Donges Bay Road, in Germantown.
If you are in the mood to check out some other holiday favorites, check out this list and convenient map. It includes some favorites like the Miller Valley, Candy Cane Lane and Cathedral Square.
Elves aren't the only ones working this time of year! I am available for your real estate needs this holiday season.
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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November 27, 2011 at 11:22 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Take a bit of time to enjoy the many lights and Christmas Trees in Milwaukee. A few favorites of mine are Cathedral Square Park (shown in photo). With Christmas carols playing in the air, you can view not only the large tree of lights, but lovely trees decorated with ornaments made by students of various schools throughout the area. If you're hungry, step across the street to Elsa's and enjoy a lovely park view while having one of their delicious pork chop sandwiches!
The venerable Pfister hotel will have a beautiful tree in the lobby, in view of the quaint lobby bar which serves hot cider. Enjoy a cup while the piano player rings out festive Christmas tunes!
And of course, across from Red Arrow Park on Water Street, you'll find the magnificent City of Milwaukee Christmas tree, donated each year by a family in the city--just gorgeous! You can ice skate outside in front of the Starbuck's or check out the newly opened Bartolotta's Gastropub.
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: 
Lisa Rossetto
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November 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
Thanksgiving is not even here yet, but for many of us, we cannot help but look forward to Christmas. The Village of Menomonee Falls is the same way. This year, Christmas Downtown will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011. From noon to 4 p.m., participating businesses will have open houses; there will be entertainment groups, carolers and $2 horse & wagon rides next to Associated Bank. Santa will be giving out goodies to boys and girls from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. - compliments of the Mason Lodge 183. At 4 p.m. in Centennial Park, the four corners of Appleton & main, The Christmas Tree Lighting will take place.
After all of the fun and festivities downtown, you can line up on Main Street or Appleton Avenue for the Annual Christmas Parade at 4:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a donation (non-perishable food or money) for the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry - volunteers will be walking along the Malkins Carpets truck to collect your gifts. The treetops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow, because Santa will be at the end of the Parade, ready to welcome the Christmas Season!
Whether you celebrate Christmas, or hold true to another tradition, we hope to see you there!
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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November 03, 2011 at 12:02 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
The Village of Sussex needs your help to solve a mystery - they lost their turkey! Actually, it is a laminated picture of a turkey, and the fun will run from November 8-22, 2011. Sharpen your detective skills and get ready to hear clues on the parks recorded line at 414-297-9090. Clues will be updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4 p.m., but be careful not to miss a clue because they will n
ot be repeated! One lucky winner will receive a gift basket filled with goodies. The parks line will let participants know when the turkey has been found.
If you are looking for a community like Sussex to call home, contact us!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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October 28, 2011 at 08:58 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Every single number counts when it comes to your credit score. Picture this: you've spent countless hours searching for the perfect house. You searched online, attended countless open houses, got pre-qualified for a mortgage and hired an agent to show you houses and then represent and guide you through the process of buying a home. After viewing over two dozen properties, you wrote an offer and came to terms with the seller. You paid your earnest money, met your inspection and testing contingencies and even had your appraisal come back just above the purchase price. You have been paying your bills on time to keep your credit from heading south. Your closing is scheduled, and you think everything is smooth sailing from here on out. Today is the day before closing and you receive a phone call from your lender - it's the worst news possible - you no longer qualify for the mortgage. The house that you've spent countless hours preparing for will not be yours tomorrow. "What happened, why don’t I qualify?" you ask in disbelief. The response is simple. Your credit score dropped.
When your mortgage lender issues you a pre-qualification, one of the determining factors is your credit score. With the tighter lending regulations, your credit score needs to be a minimum 640 to qualify. Many times, buyers are pre-qualified, but are within two or three points of not qualifying. An easy way for your score to drop would be opening a line of credit at an appliance or furniture store. Another thing to remember is getting a new credit card can also lower your score. Next time you are checking out, and the clerk asks if you would like to save money be opening a store credit card, your answer should be, "No thank you." Both of these occurrences will require a credit check, and a credit check will lower your credit score. Buying furniture or appliances before you close on your new house might make sense, but it will lower your score and could affect your debt to income ratio.
So remember, if you want to make it to the closing table, pay your bills on time, don't get any new credit cards and definitely wait until after your closing to buy new furniture or appliances on credit! It would be a shame to go through the whole process of buying a new home, and then end up homeless! If you are looking for someone to help guide you through the buying process, we can help.
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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October 17, 2011 at 12:03 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Head over to charming Whitefish Bay for their annual Pumpkin Festival, running October 27th through October 31st. It is located at the Old Schoolhouse Park, across from the WFB Library on Marlborough Drive. Click here for details.
Posted by: Lisa Rossetto
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September 21, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
Whether its Laverne & Shirley working at the brewery, the Hamms bear at the land of sky blue waters, or the argument of "tastes great - less filling," beer definitely has a deep rooted history in Milwaukee! This weekend, Oktoberfests in Milwaukee won't be too hard to find or celebrate!
There are several different Oktoberfest in Milwaukee opportunities from historical to fun. And if you are wondering why its called Oktoberfest, but falls in September, you will have to check in on Monday's blog for the explanation!
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| photo credit DiscoveryWorld.org |
An educational look at beer can be found in the Legacies of Milwaukee Northside Brewing History Tour, which includes:
- Visit several historically significant brewery sites, tide houses, cooperages, etc. in Schiltz Park, Brewers Hill, Riverwest neighborhoods, and beyond.
- Special tour and lunch at Stonefly Brewery in Riverwest.
- Featuring an inside tour of Sprecher Brewing Co. in Glendale and Big Bay Brewing Co. in Shorewood.
If you are more athletic, try the Oktoberfest downtown at Pere Marquette Park and compete in the beer run. Balancing a brat in one hand and beer (or root beer) in the other, runners will cover a 1.5 block area and see who will win the Brat Trot! This family and pet friendly event offers food, beer and fun!
And for the true Germans looking for their fill of Spanferkl, rollbraten, kraut and beer in very large (mass) glass steins, Bavarian Inn (Glendale) hosts an annual Oktoberfest that can't be beat! The outdoor park with covered beer hall hosts hundreds of diners, drinkers and dancers. The roasting barn will see pigs, chickens and brats roasting on fiery hot coals. Desserts feature Black Forest Torte and Bienenstich a delicious honey and almond covered cake. Saturday the popular Alte Kamaraden Band from Freistadt will be performing. Bring your tablecloths, steins and pitchers and plant your family for the evening and enjoy! We've gone to this since our son was five days old, so to say it is a family tradition for us might be an understatement! Look for me, and say hi if you go!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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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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September 19, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
Pink is the color this week as Milwaukee preps for its 13th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Sunday September 25th.
This national fund raiser event expects more than 16,000 people to walk and run for a cure for breast cancer. You couldn't find a more beautiful spot to hold an event like this. The azure blues of our Lakefront will be accented with all shades of pink this week in honor of the event.
The Calatrava addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum will be lit in pink. Lincoln Memorial Drive will sport giant pink ribbons on lamp posts compliments of Komen sponsor Kohls Department Stores. All this leads to the big event on Sunday morning. If you haven't registered yet, there are a few chances for in person registration this week. September 23rd & 24th at the Petit National Ice Center and at the lakefront on race morning.
On race day, be sure to plan time to visit exhibits on the grounds of the art museum. Lots of free giveaways, healthy snacks and info on breast cancer.
One of my favorite parts of this race would be the high school cheerleaders along the 5k route cheering support for the participants. Another is the opportunities to remember loved ones who are fighting the disease and those who have sadly lost the battle. This memorial last year brought tears to my eyes. But nothing beats the finish line. Watching the healthy cross hand in hand with a survivor. Watching doctors and nurses cheer patients on to the finish. All survivors crossing the finish receive pink roses!
Will I see you Sunday? You should recognize me, I'll be wearing pink!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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September 18, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Normally, I write about housing topics. However, I would like to tell a story about service since it's what a seller pays for when selling real estate and a buyer receives when purchasing a home.
While in Chicago the other day, I had to make a decision as to where to go for lunch. I thought I would make lunch my main meal of the day and go somewhere a bit special.
I chose on my day to enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio of the Peninsula Hotel. Now, real estate-wise, it is a beautiful piece of property-striking golden marble floors in lobby, thick oriental carpets, large outdoor patio with plush, comfortable, peaceful seating.
When I was to be seated, the host asked my name for reference. Shortly after being seated, the bus boy addressed me as Ms. Rossetto and would I like bottled water or tap?
Then, the waiter came to take my order and again addressed me by name, welcomed me and proceeded to treat me as though I was a guest at his home. I ordered my drink and entree and remarked to myself that the tab was going to be similar to a bill from a number of chain restaurants where I have also dined.
Yet at a loud noisy chain, not only does no one ask for my name or call me by my name, the servers don't even introduce themselves to me! The service is rushed and the servers ask questions in a robotic way, rather than in a genuine, caring way.
Think about where you spend your money. Yes, often times we are buying a product, however, part of the product should include the service and the experience. Go get the most for your money when listing your home or when purchasing one. After all, you've worked hard for it!
Posted by: Lisa Rossetto
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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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