If you are looking for a top notch real estate agents look no further! The agents in our office think outside of the BOX and focus on you and YOUR needs. We offer what most of the other agencies in the area cannot. Creativity, Listing Package Options, unsurpassed marketing exposure with exceptional service. Expertise in luxury lake homes,lake homes,luxury homes, residential single family,condos, vacant land,foreclosures, investment and commercial properties. Serving all of WISCONSIN
What's Happening in Real Estate in New Berlin WI, Waukesha County? Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For New Berlin, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In New Berlin
We are Remax Realty Centy, of Wisconsin. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for
New Berlin the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For New Berlin, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the New Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market 60 properties sold; 10 were listed and sold by the same company, and 50 were sold by co-brokers. In theNew Berlin, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 140 new listings. In the New Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 59 pending listings. In theNew Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 5 withdrawn listings. In the New Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theNew Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 54 expired listings. In theNew Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 17 back on market listings.
In the New Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 32 extended listings.
In theNew Berlin,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 210 currently active listings.
How to Choose Window Treatments for a Dark Kitchen
Posted: 10 Mar 2015 10:38 PM PDT
Whether you love your dark kitchen for its espresso brown cabinetry or its heather gray painted walls, dark colors in kitchens are a growing trend in modern homes. The concept works best when combined with the (also trending) incorporation of natural light. Without light from outside, a dark kitchen may not feel welcoming (and even cramped), but with the right mix of light and bold color, it can be elegant and inviting. Image via: Susan Serra
Here are a few ways to let more light through your windows by choosing treatments that enhance your dark kitchen rather than making it look smaller. Understated window treatments can make the difference
Before you look at your kitchen window treatments, take a look at the windows you are covering and the color of their finishes. Larger windows are beautiful but could allow in too much light, while smaller windows may need to skip window treatments entirely.
If you are fortunate enough to have tall windows, consider using sheer or lightweight curtains or semi-sheer cellulose material blinds. These allow natural light to illuminate your kitchen while still allowing privacy. These windows from a kitchen by designer Susan Serra (above) show how lightweight window treatments could be all that your kitchen needs. When choosing treatments remember that less is always more! Consider kitchen functionality
While you may get excited over choosing window treatments in their many styles, colors, and textures, remember that they should first function with how you use your kitchen.
Designer Linda Merrill from Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings states, “Kitchens are work spaces, so window treatments should never get in the way of any of the functions of a kitchen such as blocking doors or cabinets or natural light. Depending on the location of the treatment, use materials that are highly durable and can be cleaned periodically.” Image via: Linda Merrill (@Michael J. Lee Photography)
If your kitchen is a hub of hustling and bustling while hosting kids’ spaghetti dinners, white lace sheer drapery would be the wrong choice. A better option would be a valance paired with a sturdy horizontal blind or shutter underneath.
Dark kitchens can take advantage of lighter color valances, like in the hunter green kitchen image above from Linda Merrill. This kitchen also pairs a similar fabric for the table skirt and adds a country charm to what could otherwise be a dark and cold kitchen. Bring in light from adjacent spaces
For many kitchens that share windows with adjacent living or dining rooms, it is important to keep the flow of the window treatment style throughout the space. A dark kitchen can benefit from the adjacent dining room windows carrying a similar color palette as the kitchen finishes-flooring, countertops, and cabinetry. Image via: Robin Siegerman
This kitchen and dining room image from Robin Siegerman keeps the window treatments understated while unifying the two rooms together. The darker hues of the sink cabinetry paired with the blues of the kitchen backsplash can be seen in the yellow and blue valances – marrying the two spaces together while bringing in natural light, without obstructing the views beyond.
If you’ve been feeling your kitchen is unwelcoming and cold, use these helpful tips to make it come alive. Assess the size, shape, and function of your windows and decide which type of window treatments work best for your home. You may find yourself even wanting to cook more often!
About the author: Home decor and design expert Ronique Gibson writes on kitchens, and window treatments, for Home Depot. Ronique is the author of the ebook 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home. Home Depot’s selection of window treatments can be viewed here.
What's Happening in Real Estate in North Prairie WI, Waukesha County? Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For North Prairie, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In North Prairie
We are Remax Realty Center, of Wisconsin. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for
North Prairie the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For North Prairie, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market 2 properties sold; 0 were listed and sold by the same company, and 2 were sold by co-brokers. In theNorth Prairie, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 7 new listings. In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 pending listings. In theNorth Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings. In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theNorth Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 5 expired listings. In theNorth Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 back on market listings.
In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 17 extended listings.
In theNorth Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 35 currently active listings.
By doing your homework before you buy, you’ll feel more content about your new home.
Most potential homebuyers are a smidge daunted by the fact that they’re about to agree to a hefty mortgage that they’ll be paying for the next few decades. The best way to relieve that anxiety is to be confident you’re purchasing the best home at a price you can afford with the most favorable financing. These seven steps will help you make smart decisions about your biggest purchase.
1. Decide how much home you can afford.
Generally, you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner must cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care if you plan to have children.
2. Develop your home wish list.
Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Handicap accessibility for an aging parent or special needs child is a must. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are in the bonus category. Come up with your top five must-haves and top five wants to help you focus your search and make a logical, rather than emotional, choice when home shopping.
3. Select where you want to live.
Make a list of your top five community priorities, such as commute time, schools, and recreational facilities. Ask your REALTOR® to help you identify three to four target neighborhoods based on your priorities.
4. Start saving.
Have you saved enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your downpayment? Ideally, you should have 20% of the purchase price set aside for a downpayment, but some lenders allow as little as 5% down. A small downpayment preserves your savings for emergencies.
However, the lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for, and if you still qualify, the higher your monthly payment. Your downpayment size can also influence your interest rate and the type of loan you can get.
Finally, if your downpayment is less than 20%, you’ll be required to purchase private mortgage insurance. Depending on the size of your loan, PMI can add hundreds to your monthly payment. Check with your state and local government for mortgage and downpayment assistance programs for first-time buyers.
5. Ask about all the costs before you sign.
A downpayment is just one homebuying cost. Your REALTOR® can tell you what other costs buyers commonly pay in your area -- including home inspections, attorneys’ fees, and transfer fees of 2% to 7% of the home price. Tally up the extras you’ll also want to buy after you move-in, such as window coverings and patio furniture for your new yard.
6. Get your credit in order.
A credit report details your borrowing history, including any late payments and bad debts, and typically includes a credit score. Lenders lean heavily on your credit report and credit score in determining whether, how much, and at what interest rate to lend for a home. The minimum credit score you can have to qualify for a loan depends on many factors, including the size of your downpayment. Talk to a REALTOR® or lender about your particular circumstance.
You’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports annually from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Order and then pore over them to ensure the information is accurate, and try to correct any errors before you buy. If your credit score isn’t up to snuff, the easiest ways to improve it are to pay every bill on time and pay down high credit card debt.
7. Get prequalified.
Meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter that says how much house you’re qualified to buy. Start gathering the paperwork your lender says it needs. Most want to see W-2 forms verifying your employment and income, copies of pay stubs, and two to four months of banking statements.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your current profit and loss statement, a current balance sheet, and personal and business income tax returns for the previous two years.
Consider your financing options. The longer the loan, the smaller your monthly payment. Fixed-rate mortgages offer payment certainty; an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) offers a lower monthly payment. However, an adjustable-rate mortgage may adjust dramatically. Be sure to calculate your affordability at both the lowest and highest possible ARM rate.
First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home.
“Most people make up their mind whether or not they like a house within mere minutes of stepping foot inside,” explains Don Frommeyer, mortgage expert and CEO of The National Association of Mortgage Brokers. “That is why it is crucial to make sure that you (and your home) are putting your best foot forward.”
Here are the top Do’s and Don’ts for getting your home ready for the market:
Don’t overdo it on the heat.
“People tend to overcompensate when they know that potential buyers are coming to look at their home in the winter time. They crank up the heat to make the place warm and welcoming,” says Frommeyer. “But that can backfire. The air will be dry and stale, plus the buyers will probably be too warm as they will be bundled up in coats. So keep the heat at a reasonable setting and have your humidifier set between 40-60 percent.”
Do consider curb appeal.
“Curb appeal is a huge draw for buyers, even in February,” says Frommeyer, “If you live in a cold state, consider creating a winter planter with cold-weather plants like winter berry holly or noble fir. At the very least, invest in a new doormat and keep the driveway clear of ice and snow. Warm lights glowing in the window will also be welcoming.”
Don’t expect people to use their imagination.
“If you have a crazy color choice in one (or more) of your rooms, you might think that people will look past that,” says Frommeyer. “But that can prove difficult for buyers. Garish paint and wacky décor choices will make them uneasy, no matter how beautiful your home is underneath your collection of animal heads. Paint over those wild colors and put away any crazy items that might garner a laugh or a raised brow.”
Do invest in updates that matter.
“People will pay top-dollar for homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms. If you can make even the barest improvements to these rooms, you will see a huge return. Update the yellowing tile in the bathroom or invest in new cabinetry. At the very least, purchase new shower curtains, bath rugs, and the like.”
Do keep it bright.
“Open all the curtains,” says Frommeyer, “Turn on all the lights, even if it is the afternoon. Replace all dead light bulbs. Crack open doors to the pantry or laundry room so people won’t be afraid to peek inside. And tidy up in forgotten places like inside the fridge or oven…people will be looking in there, and if they see mold or burnt food, they will be very turned off.”
Before you Remodel Before you begin remodeling, consider all your aspects of the project and how it fits into your lifestyle. Choose the highest quality materials and do the job right the first time. Lower quality items won't last as long, and major repairs can be costly. Talk to an expert, someone who has worked with different products and knows what works best.
I have suggestions to guide you through home projects, give me a call!
What's Happening in Real Estate in Lisbon WI, Waukesha County? Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Lisbon, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Lisbon
We are Remax Realty Center, of Wisconsin. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for
Lisbon the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Lisbon, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the Lisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market 18 properties sold; 8 were listed and sold by the same company, and 12 were sold by co-brokers. In theLisbon, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 31 new listings. In the Lisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 14 pending listings. In theLisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 3 withdrawn listings. In the Lisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theLisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 20 expired listings. In theLisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 3 back on market listings.
In the Lisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 10 extended listings.
In theLisbon,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 116 currently active listings.
Timeless Improvements When considering improvements to your home, some add more lasting value than others. Good lighting adds a sense of comfort and security. The addition of a fireplace, be it gas or wood-burning, can turn a house into a home. The addition or redesign of storage areas and adding built-ins are always a high commodity. Wood flooring never goes out of style. Let me help you combine the trendy with the timeless to create a dazzling home and increase your homes value.
I am always available to give you helpful home tips --- just ask us! RE/MAX Realty Center agents, always available to help. 262-567-2455
What's Happening in Real Estate in Sussex WI, Waukesha County? Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Sussex, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Sussex
We are Remax Realty Center. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for the
Sussex the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Sussex, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the Sussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market 20 properties sold; 4 were listed and sold by the same company, and 16 were sold by co-brokers. In theSussex, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 28 new listings. In the Sussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 18 pending listings. In theSussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings. In the Sussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theSussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 7 expired listings. In theSussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 back on market listings.
In the Sussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 7 extended listings.
In theSussex,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 46 currently active listings.
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an
adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to
lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification
and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.
The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner
haven’t changed, but have rather been strengthened due to the
projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to recover.
1. What do you do with all this paperwork?
Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required
for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A
true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can
guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a
reality.
2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?
According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, there are over 230 possible actions that
need to take place during every successful real estate transaction.
Don’t you want someone who has been there before, who knows what these
actions are to make sure that you acquire your dream?
3. Are you a good negotiator?
So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your
home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be
prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real
Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible),
to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process.
4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?
It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start
to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the
market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home
to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $208,000 compared to $235,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”
Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.
5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?
There is so much information out there on the news and the internet
about home sales, prices, mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going
on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to
competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling
process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying
too much, or offending the seller with a low-ball offer?
Dave Ramsey, the financial guru advises:
“When getting help with money, whether it’s
insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for
someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”
Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will
make your buying/selling experience an educated one. You need someone
who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to
hear.
Bottom Line:
You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted
mechanic. Why would you make one of your most important financial
decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional?
What's Happening in Real Estate in Menomonee Falls WI, Waukesha County? Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Menomonee Falls, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Menomonee Falls
We are Remax Realty Center. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for the
Menomonee Falls the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Menomonee Falls, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the Menomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market 64 properties sold; 13 were listed and sold by the same company, and 51 were sold by co-brokers. In theMenomonee Falls, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 156 new listings. In the Menomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 58 pending listings. In theMenomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 6 withdrawn listings. In the Menomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theMenomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 56 expired listings. In theMenomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 17 back on market listings.
In the Menomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 56 extended listings.
In theMenomonee Falls,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 257 currently active listings.
WELCOME!!!
We are excited to announce the addition of Bill Gaugert to our office. Bill is a savvy business man (owner of Gaugert's Mobile Mart in Sullivan) and has over nine years real estate experience. One of the nicest person you can have the privilege of knowing.
What's Happening in Real Estate in Merton WI, Waukesha County?Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Merton, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Merton
We are Remax Realty Center. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for the
Merton the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Merton, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market 15 properties sold; 6 were listed and sold by the same company, and 9 were sold by co-brokers. In theMerton, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 53 new listings. In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 13 pending listings. In theMerton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings. In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theMerton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 36 expired listings. In theMerton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 5 back on market listings.
In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 27 extended listings.
In theMerton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 134 currently active listings.
What's Happening in Real Estate in Hartland WI, Waukesha County?Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Hartland, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Hartland
We are Remax Realty Center. Our market report gives you the real estate activity for the
Hartland the last 90 days.
The following MLS information is for the last 90 days from 01/01/15 to 03/15. Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Hartland, WI For the Last 90 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.
In the Hartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market 13 properties sold; 0 were listed and sold by the same company, and 13 were sold by co-brokers. In theHartland, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 47 new listings. In the Hartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 11 pending listings. In theHartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings. In the Hartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings. In theHartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 22 expired listings. In theHartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 back on market listings.
In the Hartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 18 extended listings.
In theHartland,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 91 currently active listings.