What A Day! - 10/30/08 11:46 PM
When I woke up this morning, I was sure it was going to be a good day.  The sun was shining and temperatures were suppose to be in the 60's with a light breeze.  What more could I ask for in a day.
As it turned out, it wasn't a good day.  It was a great day.  It was the kind of day when everything fell into place.  I made a phone calls and real, live people answered (no voice mail).  I came up to a stop light and it turned green.  A buyer called out of the blue to see a property that … (10 comments)

Are You a Blue Sock in a Brown Shoe? - 10/29/08 03:19 PM
Do you know someone who is a blue sock in a brown shoe?   I know I try to be.  So what if it's not the style.  I like to think "outside the box" to use a tremendously overused term.  I find this market to be the land of opportunity and I try to let my buyers see how positive I am.  Sure I have to work a little harder and smarter but I see so much potential out there.
None of the experts have said this is the end of civilization as we know it.  They are all saying the market … (3 comments)

Radon - Friend or Foe - 10/27/08 05:00 AM
Radon - friend of foe.  Obviously, the answer is "foe".  I am currently involved in a transaction where a radon test was required as per the offer.   (This is the same inspection where the listing agent showed up at the inspection and caused a little havoc.  Now we're done going down that road. )
Many of you may never have heard of radon.   A simple explanation is radon is a naturally occurring, harmful gas that comes up through the soil.  It can get into a home through the sump as well as any cracks in the basement floor.  The amounts can vary from home … (10 comments)

Open House - 10/24/08 08:36 AM
If your looking for a newly constructed one and a half story property with four bedrooms and two full baths, I have the home for you.
We will be holding an open house on such a property at 301 Arborvitae in West De Pere on Sunday, October 26th from 12:30PM to 1:30PM.
This home includes ceramic tile, six panel doors, brushed nickel fixtures, central air, a first floor master suite and much, much more.  There is also access from the garage to the basement.  A bedroom/office has a view of the Fox River.
Please stop by and tour this property.
Directions:  take Lost … (0 comments)

Open house at 1841 Pink Dogwood - 10/24/08 07:54 AM
This Sunday, October 26th, there will be an open house at my team's listing at 1841 Pink Dogwood in Howard.  The open house will be held from 1:00PM until 2:00PM.
Directions:  Take Hwy 41 north to Lineville Rd.  Go west on Lineville to Carolina Cherry.  Take a right on Carolina Cherry and then a quick left on Nandina to Pink Dogwood.  The property is on the left.
Located on a cul de sac, this 1,500 + sq. ft. walk out ranch offers three bedroom in a split design and two full baths.  Some of the amenities include ceramic tile, custom maple cabinets, … (0 comments)

What's She Doing Here - Part 2 - 10/22/08 03:35 PM
Thank you to all of you who read and responded to my post this morning.  It seems to have brought up a very touchy subject concerning listing agents and home inspections.
First of all, let me state that I believe a listing agent should be at a home inspection at the seller's request.  Some properties due to their complexities may have aspects to them that require the expertise of the listing agent.  There are also some issues that arise that may be difficult to explain in an amendment without a discussion with the listing agent.
That being said (or written), at an … (1 comments)

What's She Doing Here - 10/22/08 12:01 PM
It has been my experience that whenever there is a home inspection, the listing agent stays away.  I've always believed that the home inspection is reserved for the inspector and the buyers as well as the buyer's agent.   There may be times when the listing agent is present but that is usually predetermined.
Yesterday in the middle of my buyer's inspection, unannounced and unexpected, in walks the listing agent.  She promptly interrupts the inspector, introduces herself to the buyers and proceeds to question them under the guise of conversation as well as what was found in the inspection.  The inspector told her about a few … (74 comments)

The Hyper Agent - 10/20/08 05:00 PM
Anyone who reads my posts on a regular basis (thank you) knows I've been going through an unusual transaction.  The buyers asked for a lot of the seller's furniture in their offer and they got most of it accepted. 
Now I have a hyper listing agent on the other end.  So far she's asked me how they want to take title, who there lender is, what the lender's phone number, etc.  We haven't even had the accepted offer for twenty four hours and we don't close for a month!  It was accepted yesterday which was Sunday. (afternoon at that)  She even called the … (7 comments)

Did You Ever? - 10/20/08 09:25 AM
Did you ever have an agent call you twenty minutes after your scheduled showing to ask you for a showing report?  Recently I've been inundated with agents calling me for information while I'm still in the property's drive way.
I know sellers are anxious to get feedback but it sends a message of panic to the buyer's agent.  I've always tried to give showing reports within 24 hours of the showing.  Sometimes I'm showing 20 - 25 houses in a day so it's almost impossible to call a listing agent back the same day unless they want a call at 11:30PM … (6 comments)

Not Bad for a Saturday - 10/19/08 08:04 PM
We had a fairly good turn out for our Affordable Homes Tour yesterday.  The Affordable Homes Tour was a collection of homes priced under $150,000 that were all open at the same time.  Over 25 Realtors from various companies around the Green Bay area participated in the tour.
For awhile, I was wondering if it was going to be worth the expense.  The first two people who came were relatives or neighbors of the previous owners.  The current owner had completed some major renovations and they wanted to see what had been updated.  Each of them wanted to relay stories of the … (4 comments)

We Made It Happen - 10/19/08 07:47 PM
I can't believe it but the offer went together.  Those of you who have been following the story of the buyers who wanted the house and almost everything the seller's owned, we actually made a deal.
The buyers not only got the sectional sofa, flat screen TV, three bar stool, three slate tables, a futon, and an additional refrigerator, they also got the patio furniture.
This is one of the weirdest offers I've ever had to write.  We actually only had two counters but there were numerous phone calls involved.  I actually can't believe it went together.  It is like I … (5 comments)

This is a First For Me - 10/17/08 04:32 PM
This has never happened to me before.  I was showing a property to a young couple for the second time with idea that I would be writing an offer for them when the showing was completed.  We were down in the lower level when I noticed that one of the buyers would periodically write something in a notebook.
I didn't think too much of it until it came time to write the offer.  We began by starting to discuss what items were to be included as per the listing agent's data sheet.  Much to my surprise, the buyer handed me a list … (1 comments)

What's Happened to New Construction - 10/15/08 10:35 AM
Maybe it's just me but the showings on my new construction listings have come to a standstill.  Over the past two weeks, I have only had five showings on nine properties.  I have even offered higher co-brokes just to get agents to show them.  I find some agents shy away from new construction due to the generally lower co-brokes in our area.  It's not right but it happens.  The showings on my exisitng homes seems to be steady although not as many as I would like.  Unless they're shown every day, it's less than I would like.
My new constructions are priced very competitively.  They … (5 comments)

Saturday's the Day - 10/15/08 10:26 AM
Just a reminder that this Saturday, October 18th in the Affordable Homes Tour here in the Green Bay area.  This is an awesome opportunity for anyone who is looking for an affordable home to spend the day touring homes around our area that are just waiting for new owners.
Please stop by 447 Bosar in Ashwaubenon or 1286 Shawano in Green Bay and visit with me or Ruby.  Now is the time to begin the steps towards the American dream of home ownership.  The open house times will be 11:30AM until 5:00PM.
I look forward to meeting you and showing you … (0 comments)

Taking a Moment - 10/13/08 10:49 AM
The open houses traffic was extremely slow for me this weekend.  While I was sitting in one vacant house I had just listed, I took the time to really evaluate the property.  All of a sudden I found myself making a to-do list.  I was sitting there thinking - if we paint this room and change this carpet, if we change these fixtures and update the cabinet hardware, etc.
When I was finished, I put a dollar value to each item.  Using carpet remnants and getting some free paint from the county recycle center, I estimated that the updates will cost a little under $2K.  … (2 comments)

Something New - 10/13/08 10:26 AM
I'm thinking of trying something new.  My church is having a bazaar around Thanksgiving.  It is an annual event and many people in the area attend.  I'm thinking of setting up a real estate booth.  I'm ordering some brochures, calendars and pens to give away.  It may be an opportunity to market my team to many people at a minimal cost.
I'm not sure the person in charge of the bazaar will allow it but I thought it might be worth pursuing.  It would have set hours and dates and I can be sure there will be thousands of attendees.  I think … (3 comments)

The Perfect Day - 10/11/08 10:42 PM
Today I got to spend the whole day with my 3 year old grand daughter.  The weather was perfect with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the low 70's.  The morning was dedicated to maintenance.   We made our beds, took our showers and did our hair.  We put on our clean closes and I must say we looked pretty good.
The afternoon began with the obligatory trip to McDonald for the happy meal containing the Barbie with the red dress.  She asked for it so she knew what she was doing.
The next stop was to the store for some new tennis shoes … (5 comments)

This should Be Interesting - 10/10/08 09:53 AM
This should be interesting.  This will be the first time since all this Wall St. mess that I've had an open house.  Here in Green Bay, the success of our open houses are determined not by economic conditions but by when the Packer's play!  If the Packers are playing at home, forget it.
Lately the Packers have been losing.  This is good for open houses but not so go for our tourism industry.   This weekend the Packers play a late afternoon game in Seattle so we have a window of open house opportunity.  People can still go to an open house … (0 comments)

Just When You Think You Have It Figured Out - 10/10/08 09:36 AM
Last week my phone didn't ring.  I thought the buying public was just waiting for the bailout to be signed.  I was thinking that everyone was taking a wait and see attitude.  I figured that once the bail out was signed the market would rally and everything would calm down. (sometimes I very simple in my thoughts)
This week the market has tumbled like nobodies business so I'm thinking i really have a problem.  Yet now my phone is ringing.  I have had more requests for showings on my listings this week than in the past month.  My buyers have been more … (2 comments)

Join Me - 10/09/08 09:36 AM
The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend.  Please join me at my open houses on Sunday.  I will be at 3018 Open Gate in Green Bay from 11:30AM until 12:30PM.  This is the first open house for this property.  It is a meticulously maintained three bedroom, one and a half bath ranch.  It is affordability priced at $159,900.
My second open house will be at 1504 Lindale in Ashwaubenon.  This home is a 1,600 sq. ft. tri-level.  It has four bedrooms and two full baths.  It has a large family room ith a wood buring fireplace, central air and … (0 comments)

I Can't Wait - 10/08/08 04:41 PM
It's only a few weeks until the Presidential election and I can't wait.  It's not that I'm in a hurry to vote although I do vote in every election.  What I'm excited about is no more political commercials.  One more nasty, attack commercial and I think I'll lose it and I hardly ever watch television.
It seems like we've been exposed to these ads for two years or more.  I wish they'd take the money they spend on those ads and donate it to the charity of their choice.  They spend millions and millions of dollars just to annoy the living daylights … (5 comments)

Germs & Things - 10/07/08 03:47 PM
I have a client who has decided for obvious reasons to get out of the rental business.  He is hoping to "dump" some of his lower end properties in the hopes of purchasing some better properties at a reduced price.  I was in one of his properties today which overall was in fairly good shape but needs some cleaning, new carpet and some painting. 
As I was taking measurements and pictures in this somewhat run down, smelly house, it suddenly dawned on me that we are constantly being exposed to nasty germs and things.  How many strange houses do you go in … (3 comments)

Today Will Soon Be History - 10/06/08 11:10 AM
My sister and her family came over for dinner last Saturday night.  Her son, who is about 11 years old, had brought over homework that he needed to finish.  Because he had some questions he was struggling with, he thought perhaps he could get his homework done by committee.
The questions pertained to what I used to know as "current events".  I have no idea what they call it now.  One of his questions involved the bailout and congress.  I suddenly struck me that our children are very aware and conscious of the struggles we are experiencing in the housing market and on … (11 comments)

Wheda Affordable Homes Tour - 10/06/08 10:48 AM
Don't miss a chance to own your own home.  Please join me, Saturday, October 18th from 11:30AM until 5:00PM at an open house on the Wheda Affordable Homes Tour at 447 Bosar in Ashwaubenon.  This Cape Cod style home has undergone some substantial remodeling.  It has three bedrooms and one and a half baths.   It has a large living room and a first floor master bedroom.
This home has a full basement and there is a small room off of the garage that can be used for additional storage. 
I hope to see you there. 
… (0 comments)

The United States Of America - What a Great Place To Be - 10/04/08 11:19 AM
Very few would argue that our country is the greatest place to be.  Sure we have our problems and our problems are serious ones but think about it.  Where else would you want to live?  This is still the land of opportunity.  It is still the land of the free and definitely the home of the brave.
Everyone in this country has the opportunity to complain, to be morally outraged and to be frustrated.  For the most part, you can virtually say or write whatever you want.  You can even think or do whatever you want.  You can move from state to state … (3 comments)

Upside Downsizing - Standstill - 10/03/08 08:40 AM
We've had my mom's house on the market for almost two weeks now and have not received one call for a showing.  Am I going to panic?  No.  Am I a little worried?  You bet.  It's competitively priced and in excellent condition so it's got to be something else.
I'm hoping it's just the result of the bailout where it appears everyone, including buyers and sellers, are taking a wait and see attitude.  My current buyers are all asking me what's going to happen to interest rates. I hate having to say I don't know but I have to be honest.  … (3 comments)

Duplexes - 10/02/08 09:37 PM
I spent much of this evening showing duplexes to two sisters who want to owner occupy.  Duplexes are my least favorite properties to show.  The owner occupied ones are usually fine.  It's the duplexes with renters that can be an issue.
Sometimes the renters are home which makes everyone a little uncomfortable.  There is also an increased chance of a communication problem among the Realtor, owner and the renters.
Usually, the renters are amiable but once in awhile I come across one that is less than cooperative.  I can understand the renters being a little put out (literally).  There is no gain for them … (6 comments)

What A Year - 10/01/08 08:35 AM
In a few weeks, it will be one year since I started blogging on AR.  I must admit I was a little intimidated at first.  I was confident in my ability to put a few words together in a coherent form and I don't mind criticism since I don't accept it.  I'm a legend in my own mind so very little phases me.  I was, however, a little intimidated because I wondered if I would write anything anyone would like to read.
It suddenly dawned on me - what do I care.  My mind is full of ideas and thoughts and I love throwing them … (4 comments)

 

Cindy Leiterman Green Bay, WI

Green Bay, WI

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Resource One Realty, LLC

Office Phone: (920) 655-8468

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