Archive for tag Milwaukee
August 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
If you listen to the news or read the paper, you have been seeing some encouraging news of late.
GOOD NEWS: End of July numbers indicate that home sales in Wisconsin are up 34.4% over last year! If you think back, you will remember that the first half of 2010 included a hefty $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers who closed by June 30th, IF they had an accepted offer by April 30th. Last year May and June numbers for accepted offers were dismal to say the least, making the numbers this year not that hard to show improvement.
BAD NEWS: While the number of home sales are now on an upward swing, prices are not. In fact, the median home price dropped 5.9% this year to $139,000 (state wide).
What is happening? It's like a clearance sale. In order to clear large amounts of inventory, prices come down. With more foreclosures now approved by banks to hit the market, it appears that inventory will stay high through year end, keeping prices down. Only when inventory is at lower amounts, would prices stabilize and eventually head back up. So we have some time to wait on that, but homes are successfully selling. And, if you are moving UP to a higher price range, that will make for a sweet deal on the buy side. You can get a bigger home for the same price as 5 years ago.
Many of our mid priced homes are moving well with first time buyers entering the market. Rates are historically low, and 20 years from now, those buyers will be bragging about the deal they got with a 4% interest rate!
Are you ready to jump into the game? Buying a first home or making a move up can be done easier than you think. Call me today to discuss a strategy for YOU to take advantage of this historic market! I can be reached by calling or texting 414-588-4907 or emailing Rates are LOW, there is a lot to choose from, THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW!!
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
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February 03, 2011 at 11:00 AM · Posted under Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
What is a homeowner’s payback if they remodel?
As a realtor, I consistently receive this question from potential sellers and buyers.
In Milwaukee: Mid-range cost of remodel payback:
Major bath remodel: 60.2%
Minor kitchen remodel: 60.2%
Major kitchen remodel: 63.0%
The report is published by Remodeling Magazine and you can find the entire report here.
Posted by: 
Lisa Rossetto
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September 20, 2010 at 09:15 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
Sunday, September 26th, Milwaukee will be the host to Komen Race for the Cure. Will you be racing to help cure breast cancer? I will, and would love for you to join in! Registration can be done online. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
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Pink Calatrava
Photo by:
Fran McLaughlin 2009 |
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While thousands of survivors, co-survivors, family, friends and medical professionals will be racing for the cure Sunday, just who is Susan G. Komen? Her name has become well known throughout the nation. Susan G. Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while fighting her own disease, she was always looking for ways to make other breast cancer fighters better off. Susan’s sister, Nancy Brinker, made a death bed promise to do everything in her power to find an end to breast cancer. That fight is going strong, as the Komen foundation grows and raises millions every year.
While on the race course, walkers and runners will see messages with statistics about the disease, warning signs and even “cure leaders” whose cheers are special for the day, such as “Start the fight by living right! I AM THE CURE.®”
According to the Komen website “The Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated breast cancer survivors, breast health professionals, and other women of vision. In addition to funding breast cancer research, the Affiliate has awarded over $4 million dollars to community organizations and local hospitals to empower medically underserved women in southeastern Wisconsin through education, screening and treatment programs.”
While there are many corporate sponsors, Kohls has one of the largest teams, numbering over 2,000! Runners and walkers you see on Sunday may have special dedications on their shirts “in honor of” or “in memory of” a friend or loved one. One thing there is no short supply of will be PINK!!! Be ready for pink wigs, pink boas, pink halos, pink shoes…anything pink is appropriate attire for this Sunday! Come join the fun and mission of Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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August 06, 2009 at 09:21 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
As a born and raised SOUTH SIDER, I must admit I am more than a bit drawn to this area. After all, it is the greatest place on earth! Think about it, there are hundreds of restaurants: Leon’s Custard, Ned’s Pizza & Mazos Fine Foods just to name a few. There is a great little shopping center called Southgate Marketplace, too.
Parks abound in this area as well. In just a 5 mile radius you have Humboldt, Jackson, Wilson, Zablocki & Pulaski Parks. As well as the Kinnickinnic River Parkway. There is plenty of green space to kick or throw a ball, swing, slide & climb. You can play a round of golf, or swim in a local pool.
Other points of interest include The Mitchell Park Domes, Miller Park and General Billy Mitchell Field (the airport). There is even a place where you can laugh till you cry if that’s something you enjoy: Comedy Sportz on 1st Street is just what the doctor ordered.
Speaking of doctors, there are 2 great hospitals in the area as well. I have been to both so I know first hand the great treatment you can expect. St. Francis is on 16th Street (2 of our children were born here) & St Luke’s (had surgery here) up on 27th Street.
Why am I telling you all this? Because it is getting to the end of the summer, and school starts in a matter of weeks. It’s time to buy a house & get your family settled. If you’re a first time home buyer, time is running out to get your $8,000 tax credit. So, what are you waiting for?
Get out there and buy a new house. Make an investment in your future! I hope to see you at my Open House this Sunday on 15th Place. Need directions? Go to: thekuchtas.shorewest.com or send me an email at ckuchta@shorewest.com - hope to see you there!
Posted by:
Colleen Kuchta
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June 08, 2009 at 10:18 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Brown Deer, Pat Tasker
One of Milwaukee’s monikers is “City of Festivals” . Those of us who live here know what that is all about! For those who don’t, it is an amazing string of festivals, one held almost every weekend from June through September.
The tradition started with Summerfest way back in the mid 70’s. Held down at the lakefront, it has grown from a small music fest to “the world’s largest music festival” (Guiness Records 1999),
The weeks roll by and along comes another festival. You name it, we probably celebrate it: German, Italian, Polish, Mexican, Asian, French, Irish, Native American…..
Most are held at the Festival Park, right on the lakefront, next to the art museum. Bastille Days is held at Cathedral Square in downtown.
Here is a schedule of dates for this year. Been to a few? Try a new one this year. If you haven’t been to any, you’ve got to try at least one!
Maybe I will see you at Germanfest, our family’s favorite. Rates are LOW, there is a lot to choose from, THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW!! Ask me about the NEW $8000 tax credit for buying a home.
2009 Festival Schedule
- River Rhythms (Wednesdays – Pere Marquette Park) June 3 - Aug. 26
- Jazz in the Park (Thursdays – Cathedral Square Park) June 4 - Sept. 24
- RiverSplash! (Downtown Milwaukee) June 5 - 7
- Scottish Fest/Milwaukee Highland Games (Hart Park) June 6
- Miller Lite Ride for the Arts (Downtown Milwaukee) June 7
- PrideFest (Maier Festival Park) June 12 - 14
- Juneteenth Day (Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) June 19
- NASCAR Weekend (The Milwaukee Mile) June 19 - 20
- Lakefront Festival of the Arts (Milwaukee Art Museum) June 19 - 2
- Fiesta Waukesha! (Frame Park) June 19 - 21
- Polish Fest (Maier Festival Park) June 19 - 21
- Sunset Zoofari (Wednesdays – Milwaukee County Zoo) June 24 - July 29
- Summerfest (Maier Festival Park) June 25 - July 5
- Greek Fest (Wisconsin State Fair Park) June 26 - 28
- Strawberry Festival (Cedarburg) June 27 - 28
- Fireworks Kite Festival (Milwaukee Lakefront) July 3
- U.S. Bank Fireworks (Veteran Park) July 3
- Old World Fourth of July (Old World Wisconsin) July 4
- Delafield 50th Birthday Celebration (Delafield) July 4 - 12
- Great Circus Parade Festival (Milwaukee’s Lakefront) July 8 - 11
- Bastille Days (Cathedral Square Park) July 9 - 12
- Gathering on the Green (Mequon) July 10 - 1
- South Shore Frolics (Bay View) July 11 - 12
- Great Circus Parade (Downtown Milwaukee) July 12
- U.S. Bank PGA Championship (Brown Deer Park) July 13 - 19
- Waukesha County Fair (Waukesha) July 15 - 19
- Festa Italiana (Maier Festival Park) July 16 - 19
- Fish Day (Port Washington) July 18
- German Fest (Maier Festival Park) July 23 - 26
- EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) July 27 - Aug. 2
- Watertown RiverFest (Watertown) Aug. 6 - 9
- Wisconsin State Fair (State Fair Park) Aug. 6 - 16
- Arab World Fest (Maier Festival Park) Aug. 7 - 9
- Waukesha Bluesfest (Naga-Waukee Park) Aug. 7 - 8
- Irish Fest (Maier Festival Park) Aug. 13 - 16
- Festival of the Arts (Oconomowoc) Aug. 15 - 16
- Milwaukee a la Carte (Milwaukee County Zoo) Aug. 20 - 23
- Mexican Fiesta (Maier Festival Park) Aug. 21 - 23
- Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival (West Bend) Sept. 11 - 12
- TosaFest (Wauwatosa) Sept. 11 - 12
- Indian Summer Festival (Maier Festival Park) Sept. 11 - 13
- Oktoberfest Weekends (Heidelberg Park) Sept. 11 - 27
- Wine & Harvest Festival (Cedarburg) Sept. 19 - 20
- Harvest Fair (State Fair Park) Sept. 25 - 27
- Civil War Encampment (Wade House) Sept. 26 - 27
Posted by:Pat Tasker
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May 22, 2009 at 01:56 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
First time home buyers are out in full force these days. Many have realized that there has never been a better time in history to buy a new home. Prices are lower than they have been in years. Interest rates are holding steady right around 5%. AND, to make things even more enticing - first time home buyers can receive an $8,000 tax credit! Now here’s the catch: You MUST purchase the home BEFORE 12/01/09 to get your $8,000. Let’s be perfectly clear, that does NOT mean you need to have an accepted offer.
The closing must be completed before December 1, 2009. Ink dry, loan funded, keys in your hand - closed.
Many home owners, with their homes priced under $200,000, have already experienced an increase in buyer traffic. Quite a few have even received offers. So, what are you waiting for? 
The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen, www.thekuchtas.shorewest.com specialize in assisting first time home buyers from start to finish. We can help you apply for a mortgage, tour properties, draft an offer, negotiate on your behalf, guide you through the home inspection and attend the closing with you.
Don’t delay, you don’t want to miss out on these great rates, and have your $8,000 slip away! The Federal Government has been holding rates where they are at in order to stimulate home sales. They won’t stay this low forever. Your free $8,000 won’t be here much longer either - 6 more months and it is gone forever. December 1, 2009 is fast approaching, so get out there & buy your new home. Contact us if you need assistance; The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen, 262-894-6512 or ckuchta@shorewest.com
Posted by:Colleen Kuchta
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May 08, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Milwaukee is a wonderful place to live. It is a city steeped in
tradition-- from its architecture to the way people talk.
After getting transplanted here about 15 years ago, I marveled at the
beauty of City Hall and the many Frank Lloyd Wright sites sprinkled
throughout the city. Something else that captivated me was listening to the
"locals" talk. At times I thought I needed a translation guide --
"English to Milwaukee-ese."
Like the first time I asked for directions to the nearest ATM. The
reply,
"There's a Tyme machine about two blocks to the north." A what? Do I
look like Michael J. Fox in search of a souped up DeLorean? I need a couple of $20s, not a trip back to when Elvis was king.
For all you non-Milwaukeeans, TYME (or Take Your Money Everywhere)
franchised all the local ATMs and did one heck of a marketing job to
make their trademark synonomous with ATMs.
Here's a few other Milwaukee-ese that will have you sounding like a local:
Borrow -- Used as a verb in place of loan. As in, "Will you borrow me $10
for lunch?"
Bubbler -- A water fountain.
Eh? -- Think Canadian. Just add this to the end of any sentence and you'll get a knowing
nod.
Flatlander -- Someone from Illinois.
The KK -- Short for Kinnickinnic Avenue.
Mock chicken leg -- Watch for this delicacy on school lunch menus. It's
actually pork shaped like a chicken leg.
Once -- Another word often added to the end of sentences.
Polish flat -- A duplex bungalow.
Tapper -- Beer from a keg.
Tosa -- Short for the suburb of Wauwatosa.
Up North -- Northern Wisconsin.
White soda -- Sprite or 7-Up.
What's your favorite local expression? Please pass them along, eh.
Posted by:
Steve Bauman
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April 24, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Shorewest - Elmbrook/Wauwatosa
11622 West North Avenue
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Contact us
Office: 414.476.7100
Direct Line: 414.476.9070 X492
Email:
jfosnight@shorewest.com
View Wally’s Posted Articles
Member of the President’s Club
Multi-Million $$$ Producers
Executive Club Member
Dedicated Professionals
We are full time, well educated Realtors®.
- Graduates of Indiana University
- Post Graduate - University of Wisconsin
- Post Graduate - University of Colorado Banking School
Graduate of many specialized Real Estate courses including:
- Floyd Wickman’s Master Sales Academy, with Honors
- Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES)
- Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)
CALL NOW AND LET US GO TO WORK FOR YOU!
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April 20, 2009 at 03:46 PM · Posted under Germantown, Pat Tasker
Germantown was voted "Best Place to Live" by
Money Magazine in 2007. Now one of its subdivisions made the Milwaukee Magazine list of "Sweet Spots" to live in the metro area: "Tree Tops hasn’t got
many treetops, but it’s a top-of-the-line subdivision for Germantown. And, for time-pressed homeowners, it has a reputation for being well-run, right down to having its own parks and stormwater management. $350,000-$900,000."
As the site of the 2002 Metropolitan Builders Association "Parade of Homes," Tree Tops was at the end of phase one and moving on through 2 more phases. Planned by Siepmann Development,
Tree Tops has become one of the sought after areas in the northern Metro area. You know it's special as you drive in past the distinctive entry markers in the shadows of aged oaks. The subdivision includes 185 homes sites, covering 146 acres, 40 acres (27%) of which are open spaces. Condensed lot sizes, and reduced building set backs make up this conservancy subdivision. 5 miles of walking trails wind around the subdivision, past the 8 ponds and to the large private park, featuring a playground and sport court. Rigorous architectural requirements, include natural siding materials, no fences, above ground pools and uniform roofing materials.
The best part of living in Tree Tops is the social life of the subdivision. Yearly events bring neighbors together, including: Pizza Party, a
Round Robin, Egg Hunt, golf outing, and Fall Festival. Not to mention the impromptu evening gatherings at a firepit on a neighbor's patio!
Home sizes range from 2,000-6,000 square feet, prices range from $300,000-900,000. For more information on homes for sale in Tree Tops in Germantown, contact the neighborhood expert Pat Tasker. "It's not just my business, it's my neighborhood!"
Posted by:
Pat Tasker
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April 02, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Since its origin in 1946, Shorewest, REALTORS® has always been a family-owned company dedicated to helping other families in Wisconsin. We’ve grown from a one-person office in Wauwatosa to 27 sales offices covering a twelve-county area. And the Shorewest “family” now includes over 1,700 people as committed to Wisconsin as the day John A. Horning started the company out of his home over 60 years ago.
Today, the Shorewest family of companies includes Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation, Heritage Title Services, Shorewest Real Estate Institute and Shorewest Insurance Associates, plus Home Closing, Marketing, Information Technology, Home Services, Career Development and Relocation Center divisions.
Staying true to our mission and values.
Midwestern values like hard work, dedication and a family-first philosophy are deeply ingrained in the people of Shorewest. As a family-owned company since 1946, all of us are driven every day by the following mission statement, adopted October 1986:
We are a team…
Proudly independent;
Dedicated to serving the housing needs of Wisconsin;
Committed to unsurpassed customer service;
Pledged to share our talents for mutual growth and prosperity.
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Steady leadership for the road ahead.
Joe and John Horning
Joe and John P. Horning represent the third generation of leadership at Shorewest, having taken the reins in 2002. Joe (President) and John P. (Executive Vice President) joined Shorewest after college and have since proven themselves as accomplished business leaders.
The people who make it all happen.
You don’t become Wisconsin’s Largest Home Seller™ without an exceptional sales staff. At Shorewest, our 1,300-plus associates know the market and are driven to put your needs first. With 27 offices located throughout Wisconsin—each with a full-time manager for support—you’ll get the responsiveness you need whether you’re buying or selling a home. We train our people to be the best, so the service you receive is nothing short of just that.
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