Archive for tag The kuchtas
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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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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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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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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March 10, 2011 at 04:00 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Deciding to market your home can be tough decision. After all, your home is your largest investment. Choosing the right listing agent can make things go smoother than you think. Here are a few attributes that you should be looking for:
Full Time Agent - Is the agent you are interviewing committed to Real Estate full time, or is this something he/she does in addition to another job? Many part time agents don't have the time to stay on top of market conditions, follow-up on showings, communicate with you regularly or continue to learn on a daily basis. Kelly & I work hard to learn what is happening at every opportunity.
Knowledge of the Market - As Realtors, we need to be aware of market conditions. This covers a lot of ground. Things like mortgage interest rates, prices, days on market, inventory and area conditions are a few things that we need to be on top of. We also need to have knowledge of what is happening right now, what is projected in the future and how we got here.
Knowledge of the Area - Many Realtors cover an area that they are familiar with. Most of the time, it is their home town and surrounding communities. Knowledge of the area makes it easier to market your home. We can link the property to certain events, parks, etc. That doesn't mean we ONLY cover a small part of the map. If we receive a call in an area that we are not familiar with, we team up with local agent. We ask them to partner with us to market the property the best way possible, resulting in shorter days on market & a higher price.
List to Sale Price Ratio - It makes sense to hire the Realtor that can get you the highest price. That does not mean that you should price your house higher, but instead it mean pricing your home where the market dictates. Doing so will help get you an offer in a shorter time, with fewer counter offers and low offers. Correct pricing can shorten your days on market as well!
Honesty - This should be a no brainer, but many people will select the agent that will list their house for the highest price. We search for comparable properties, and give an accurate assessment of the current market. We realize that time is money when you are trying to sell your home. The longer your house sits on the market, the less money you will receive. It is not in your best interest, or ours, to tell you that you can get more for your home than you actually can.
There are many other great reasons to hire an agent to market your home. Sometimes you listen to the presentation and it all sounds great, but something doesn't feel right. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem silly. You should feel comfortable with your agent, and know that you can trust them to have your best interest at heart.
We pride ourselves on treating our Sellers the way we would want to be treated. We don't throw a sign in the yard and move on to the next house. We are active at pursuing Buyers, following up and communicating with you. If you are looking to make a move, give us a call! Kelly 414-651-1613, Colleen 262-894-6512. We would love to sit down with you. The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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February 09, 2011 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
The West Bend Builders Association (WBBA) is offering a Home Building and Remodeling Expo on February 18, 19 & 20, 2011. It will be held at the Washington County Fair Park Pavilion - 3000 Pleasant Valley Road (Hwy PV) in West Bend, WI. The hours of operation are Friday 4pm – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Tickets are $5 at the door, Seniors & advance sales $3, and children under 17 are free.
The WBBA is a professional non-profit organization made up of Custom Home Builders, Remodeling Professionals and Subcontractor Services as well as retail construction supply businesses. The WBBA members are active members in their community and support the use of well planned and quality built housing. The expo will highlight the best these professionals have to offer. If you are looking to build, remodel or have a project or two you would like to complete, the expo will give you the chance to talk with local professionals and gather great information before jumping head first into your project. For more information, visit the West Bend Builders Association website.
We will be there, meeting contractors and getting information to help make us more informed, and better able to serve the needs of our clients and customers. We hope to see you there! The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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December 15, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Shorewest isn’t just a great real estate company, it’s much more than that. Kelly & I are independent contractors which means we can work any where we want. We chose Shorewest because they make us feel like we are all part of one big family. We truly are independent, but we have such wonderful support. That support ranges from the executive offices, to our office managers and assistant manager all the way to the other agents we work with in our offices. We all support one another. Everyone here truly wants everyone to exceed. That is evident when you look at all of the great training tools we are offered on a daily basis. There are always computer classes to learn about the ever changing technology available to us. We have weekly meetings as well. Every year, we have an October Round Table event where agents are asked to talk about their successes & train fellow agents to be successful as well. Throughout the year, Shorewest brings in top notch trainers and offers various classes so that we can earn different designations, and continue to learn. There are other great things that we have come to enjoy while working for Shorewest as well. We have the Number One market share in southeastern Wisconsin, and are the Number Ten Real Estate Company in the nation! Why would we want to work anywhere else? If you are thinking of making a career change, we would be happy to get you a tour of our Executive offices or get you a meeting with one of our great office managers. Contact us to get started! The Kuchta’s- Kelly and Colleen.
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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December 05, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Beginning January 1, 2013, a new 3.8% tax on some investment income will take effect. This new tax is also known as the Medicare Tax because the monies collected will be applied towards Medicare funding. Although this tax may apply to some Real Estate transactions, it will not apply to all of them.
The tax will fall only on individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) above $200,000 and couples filing a joint return with more than $250,000 AGI. The specific types of income that are taxable include: interest, dividends, rents (less expenses), and capital gains (less capital losses). The new 3.8% tax applies to the LESSER of Investment Income amount or the Excess of AGI over the $200,000 or $250,000 amount. The National Association of Realtors has put together a comprehensive pamphlet on the subject. Even with the pamphlet, this can get a bit confusing, so I would recommend you consult a tax expert before you go ahead and figure the tax yourself.
If you are planning on selling your primary residence, vacation home or investment property the 3.8% tax might not even apply to you. Remember, the cap for Capital Gains is over $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly.
Contact us for your free copy of the Pamphlet put together by the National Association of Realtors. Also, if you are looking for Certified Real Estate Negotiators to represent you through your upcoming real estate sale or purchase, we can help! The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen
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Colleen Kuchta
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November 29, 2010 at 03:31 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
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Thinking of taking advantage of the large number of low priced houses in the city of Milwaukee, but don’t know where to start looking for loans and grants? Well, you are not alone. That’s why the City of Milwaukee will be holding an Open House on Saturday December 4th, from 9am-2pm at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street. There will be a special presentation from 11am-11:30am as well.
If you attend, you can expect to learn about:
- The great resources that are available when you purchase a foreclosed home, including information on receiving forgivable loans up to $30,000.
- The special loan and grant programs for purchasing a house that you may qualify for.
- The new program for purchasing City owned forclosures.
There are a large number of foreclosed, single family and duplex, properties to chose from. Make sure you attend the Open House and take advantage of this great opportunity to to own your own home. For more information, please contact us. We are Accredited Buyer’s Agents, ready to make your dream of owning a home come true! The Kuchta’s - Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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