Dan Gobis's Blog

2010 YTD vs. 2009 Sold Info Racine County, Wi

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:44:12 -0800

38% drop in sales volume 2010 vs, 2007, sold price down 18%. 2008 decline in sales price is outside of standad deviation due to decreased sales and a $1.2m sale.

Statistical Market Analysis

Status# ListingsList VolumeSold Volume List PriceSold PriceSale/List PriceSq. Ft.List Price Per Sq. Ft.Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.Days On MarketCumulative Days On Market

Sold	110	16,223,103	15,154,079	Low Avg High	16,000 147,483 575,000	10,000 137,764 503,000	0.29 0.92 1.11	698 1,538 4,912	18.38 84.78 167.73	10.11 79.12 160.00	1 109 585	1 149 979
Overall	110	16,223,103	15,154,079	Low Avg High	16,000 147,483 575,000			698 1,538 4,912	18.38 84.78 167.73		1 109 585	1 149 979

Selection Criteria for Comparable Properties Specified listings from the following search: Property type Single-Family; Status of 'Sold'; County of 'Racine'; Municipality of 'Burlington', 'Caledonia', 'Dover', 'Elmwood Park', 'Mount Pleasant', 'North Bay', 'Norway', 'Racine', 'Raymond', 'Rochester', 'Sturtevant', 'Union Grove', 'Waterford', 'Wind Point', 'Yorkville'; Sold Date between '1/1/2010' and '2/21/2010'.

Information is supplied by seller and other third parties and has not been verified.
Copyright 2010 by Multiple Listing Service, Inc. See copyright notice.
Prepared by Dan Gobis 262-939-0949 See photos at www.dangobis.com on Sunday, February 21, 2010 7:34 PM

Statistical Market Analysis

Status# ListingsList VolumeSold Volume List PriceSold PriceSale/List PriceSq. Ft.List Price Per Sq. Ft.Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.Days On MarketCumulative Days On Market

Sold	166	28,882,326	27,858,125	Low Avg High	19,900 173,990 469,900	20,003 167,820 465,500	0.50 0.96 1.06	400 1,505 3,188	13.52 112.62 221.03	13.59 108.60 215.36	1 94 386	1 94 386
Overall	166	28,882,326	27,858,125	Low Avg High	19,900 173,990 469,900			400 1,505 3,188	13.52 112.62 221.03		1 94 386	1 94 386

Racine County 2010 YTD vs. 2008 YTD Single Family Sold Stats

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:25:51 -0800

# of sales dropped 18.5%, sale price dropped 25%! "the times they are achangin"!

Statistical Market Analysis

Status# ListingsList VolumeSold Volume List PriceSold PriceSale/List PriceSq. Ft.List Price Per Sq. Ft.Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.Days On MarketCumulative Days On Market

Sold 135 26,179,345 24,908,572 Low
Avg
High 24,900
193,921
1,200,000 25,000
184,508
1,075,000 0.75
0.95
1.15 690
1,642
5,300 21.07
109.33
296.30 22.08
104.53
265.43 1
106
562 1
132
598

Overall 135 26,179,345 24,908,572 Low
Avg
High 24,900
193,921
1,200,000

690
1,642
5,300 21.07
109.33
296.30

1
106
562 1
132
598

Information is supplied by seller and other third parties and has not been verified.
Copyright 2010 by Multiple Listing Service, Inc. See copyright notice.

Statistical Market Analysis

Status# ListingsList VolumeSold Volume List PriceSold PriceSale/List PriceSq. Ft.List Price Per Sq. Ft.Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.Days On MarketCumulative Days On Market

Sold	110	16,223,103	15,154,079	Low Avg High	16,000 147,483 575,000	10,000 137,764 503,000	0.29 0.92 1.11	698 1,538 4,912	18.38 84.78 167.73	10.11 79.12 160.00	1 109 585	1 149 979
Overall	110	16,223,103	15,154,079	Low Avg High	16,000 147,483 575,000			698 1,538 4,912	18.38 84.78 167.73		1 109 585	1 149 979

2010 YTD vs. 2009 Sold Info Racine County, Wi

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:57:20 -0800

Happy to see sales have increased so far in 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. I feel we will have a major increase in sales 1st quarter 2010 vs. 1st quarter 2009. Interesting the increased in sales year over year is 8.2%, decrease in sold price is 6.7%. Is this an indication the real estate market has settled?

Statistical Market Analysis

Status# ListingsList VolumeSold Volume List PriceSold PriceSale/List PriceSq. Ft.List Price Per Sq. Ft.Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.Days On MarketCumulative Days On Market

Sold	101	16,145,976	14,913,375	Low Avg High	14,900 159,861 499,900	5,300 147,657 441,500	0.18 0.92 1.17	748 1,592 3,200	8.22 90.18 182.89	3.82 83.60 171.05	1 110 433	1 164 870
Overall	101	16,145,976	14,913,375	Low Avg High	14,900 159,861 499,900			748 1,592 3,200	8.22 90.18 182.89		1 110 433	1 164 870

2010 Racine C

ounty Sales

Statistical Market Analysis

Status# ListingsList VolumeSold Volume List PriceSold PriceSale/List PriceSq. Ft.List Price Per Sq. Ft.Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.Days On MarketCumulative Days On Market

Sold	110	16,223,103	15,154,079	Low Avg High	16,000 147,483 575,000	10,000 137,764 503,000	0.29 0.92 1.11	698 1,538 4,912	18.38 84.78 167.73	10.11 79.12 160.00	1 109 585	1 149 979
Overall	110	16,223,103	15,154,079	Low Avg High	16,000 147,483 575,000			698 1,538 4,912	18.38 84.78 167.73		1 109 585	1 149 979

55th Annual Pancake Day Saturday May 2 at Festival Hall in Racine Wi

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:40:23 -0700

The Downtown Racine Lakefront wakes up for Summer 2009 this weekend with the 55th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Day at Festival Hall in Racine's Harbor, and an Art Fair. The 28th annual Lakefront Artist Fair, sponsored by Racine Montessori School, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Racine on the Lake Festival Park, 5 Fifth St.

More than 100 artists from throughout the Midwest will display and sell fine art and upscale crafts. Items for sale include watercolors, pastels, photography, pen and ink artistry, pottery, jewelry, glass, wood, and metal arts and more. Food for sale includes hot dogs, brats and a variety of other treats at a

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine will hold its 55th annual Pancake Day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St.

There will be entertainment throughout the day. The voices of Arne Arnold and Madeline Aiello-Kimberlain will open up the event with "God Bless America." The entertainment will continue as follows: Belle City Brassworks, Walden School Jazz Band, McKinley Red Jazz Band, Starbuck Jazz Ensemble Band, Gary Ricchio-GTR Entertainment, Alicia Villa, Academy of Dance, Penguin Players, Miss Racine 2009 Sha-Nita G. Rhea, Masters of Movement, and the Slovak Catholic Sokol.

Tickets cost $5 in advance and $6 at the door. There is no charge for children ages 5 and under.

The weather promises to cooperate. Stop on down.

Open House at 1408 College Ave. on the way to Festival Grounds from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. hosted by me, Dan Gobis, RE/MAX Preferred. Charming 2-3 bedroom bungalow in Racine's southside Historic District just 2 blocks from Lake Michigan. Woodburning fireplace and beamed ceiling in living room. Updated Kitchen and bathroom. Newer gas furnace, 100 amp electrical. Recently designated a Century Home by Preservation Racine, on the brick paved College Ave. Third bedroom in lower level.

http://www.madisonpreferred.com/mls=1071072

Racine is a great place to live!

Hunkered Down Buyers are Beginning to Emerge!

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:26:52 -0700

Hunkered Down Consumers (buyers included) are Beginning to Emerge after seeking shelter from the storm. Was it the 'perfect storm' as defined by Wikpedia... "the simultaneous occurrence of events which, taken individually, would be far less powerful than the storm resulting of their chance combination. Such occurrences are rare by their very nature, so that even a slight change in any one event contributing to the perfect storm would lessen its overall impact. Since the 2000 movie by the same name, the phrase has gained popularity and grown to mean any event where a combination of circumstances will aggravate a situation drastically."

It was the perfect storm. Many took shelter. Many were lost in the storm. Many were injured. Many more have survived, and are stronger for weathering the storm. The strong need to share, with the injured, the lessons of the storm. Others that survived, by pure luck, need to take lessons from the experience and from the strong. We need to do all we can to hopefully avoid another 'perfect storm', or at least be better prepared for it.

Consumers are emerging from the shelters as they get positive signs of recovery from the storm. The sun is shining again. Yes, we will have cloudy days, but it is time to move forward with our lives. It is the American Way.

When Will We (Or Have We) Hit the Bottom of the Real Estate Market?

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:09:06 -0700

Real Estate is local. The overall Real Estate market in the United States affects all local markets. Local markets will reach the bottom of their specific market(s) at different times. Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, and a few other states that have not, generally speaking anyway, been victims of predatory lending to the degree other states, such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, ..., have had predatory lending as the norm, rather than the exception, willrecover sooner than the states that were suseptible to predatory lending.

Real Estate is local. I am an expert in my market, Racine County, Wisconsin. We have experienced declines in property values, depending on municipality, ranging from 7% to 18%, annually since 2006.

The number of closed transaction in Racine County for 1st quarter 2009 vs. 1st quarter 2008 the decline ranges from 28% to 48% depending on the municipality. Are we close to the 'bottom' of our market? Depending on what Washington does, how the automakers deal with their challenges, how consumer confidence does, how the credit markets recover, how the greedy lenders and Wall Street react by making good borrowers pay for the lenders, and risky borrowers, past indiscretions, and how unemployment is managed, ...

According to the most recent study done for the PMI industry, the Racine, Milwaukee Metropolitan Statistical Area, (MSA), is rated at minimal risk, less than a 5% of probable decline in property value over the next 12 months, as compared to other areas that may face declines of 20%-40% over the next 12 months.

Is the bottom near? I think so!

Proper Pricing in a Declining Market

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:48:33 -0700

Listing properties nowadays brings a myriad of challenges. Proper pricing, convincing sellers of the actual value of their property, even with the most detailed market analysis, is the biggest challenge. I normally do a traditional market analysis, followed by another analysis of sold prices vs. assessed values in a narrow ($10k-$30k) sold price range, and a 3 month and 6 month analysis of current year solds, in the same narrow price ranges, as compared to the previous year time frames in the same 3 and 6 month periods. Sellers, almost always, are able to see, and usually agree, with my conclusion of value.

Seller motivation is always the most important variable I consider whether I will list a property, yet it never ceases to amaze me when the even the most motivated seller wants to list at a price considerably more than my recommended list price, even when they agree with my conclusion of value.

Some sellers look at the challenge, as having a negative attitude, rather than a realistic assessment of the market.

Maintaining a positive attitude in a rapidly declining real estate market brings many challenges to all agents. How an agent handles these challenges will determine their longevity in the real estate business, as well as how the agent adapts/embraces the changes taking place in our industry in technology and transparency.

The sooner agents properly advise their sellers as to market value and market conditions, rather than taking the listing for long time periods figuring they will eventually wear the seller down and get the price reduced to where it needs to be to sell, the sooner the market will recover.

TARP, Foreclosures, Can We Help?? Please!!! Top 5 List

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:34:16 -0800

To: Deutsche Bank, Countrywide Mortgage, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase Bank Home Mortgage, US Bank, LaSalle Bank...

Please consider the following:

1) Use an Experienced Full-Time Real Estate Professional that actually knows where the property is located.

2) Prepare the property. Make sure it's cleaned out properly. If $1,000.00 will bring an additional $5k-$10k, spend it. Don't harm the market for your own convenience. Direct your Asset Management Co. to maximize sale price rather than liquidate just because TARP funds will help make up the difference.

3) Set Up portals that will allow offers to be submitted from Selling agents as well as Listing agents, it will save $$$Billions$$$ and eliminate huge losses due to FRAUD.

4) Work with local Title/Escrow Companies that are familiar will local munincipalties where the property is located. I had a recent transaction where the property is in Racine, Wisconsin, REO lender is in New Jersey, Asset Mgmt. Co in California, caseworker for the Asset Mgmt. Co. in India,Title Company in Kentucky, and the 'courtesy closer' in Waukesha County in Wisconsin. A "simple" cash transaction took 3 months to close.

5) Stop requesting Free BPO's from agents that sell a property every other month, GET AN EXPERIENCED AGENT! (Or pay for an appraisal)

Did I mention HIRE AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL?

Fellow Rainers, add your suggestions, please.

Racine Wi Real Estate Market is Alive and (Relatively) Well

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:41:05 -0800

Good things are happening in Racine Wi. We have the challenges brought on by the national economy, but Racine is moving forward, in small steps, but forward.

Our Real Estate market did not experience the double digit appreciation that many other markets had, and because of this, our market adjustment is not as prolonged as the markets that had the big appreciation rates.

Investors are buying, multiple bids on foreclosures, that are properly priced, is the norm. The follow up to this activity should be the market returning to a "new normality" with owner occupants buying properties again.

Patience grasshopper.

Short Sale, What is the Effect on the Owner's Credit Score?

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:00:29 -0700

I have a Seller that is considering a short sale, the lender has all but agreed to it. The difference is about $12,000.00, the lender said as long as the PMI company agrees to it, they expect it will be approved, the short sale will be approved.

The Seller asked the lender if they will file a judgement for the difference. The lender said no.

Does anyone have experience with the effect of a short sale on the Seller's credit score? The Seller has a 720 credit score and is current on payments. The concern is the long term effect on the Seller's overall financial picture.

Buyer Beware!Seller Beware! Check the Credentials of your Real Estate/Lending "Professional"

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:03:09 -0700

1) Buyers and Sellers need to R-E-A-D the agreements they enter into.

2) Professional Real Estate Agents/Lenders will explain all documents to you thoroughly.

3) Do Not fall for the "This is a standard agreement" explanation. Question what you don't understand.

4) Never hesitate to contact an attorney if you are uncertain, or suspect, of terms in the agreement.

5) Remember, the only "Dumb Question" is the question that was never asked.

6) Ask the Agent/Lender for references and how much experience they have.

7) Patience is a virtue. A true professional will help you, not sell to you.

Selling a Foreclosure, Like Pulling Teeth!

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:27:02 -0700

I don't like working the foreclosures on the MLS, but many buyers feel there are great deals to be had. Until the buyers are introduced to Asset Management Companies and/or Loss Mitigation departments.

Then it is 'Why don't they respond?' I wrote an offer on a property listed at $39,500, my buyer offered over $50,000, after 2 weeks of no response, I received an email stating we were rejected. The listing agent was a bit annoyed several times I contacted him about the status of our offer. Excuse Me!!

If lenders/asset management companies would be a bit more reponsive, and have competent people making decisions on the offers, the foreclosure crisis could be shortened by a year or more.

This doesn't even begin address the issue of the lenders/asset management companies blatantly breaking Federal and State laws in regards to disclosures.

My Market Area is Slow Overall, but I've Never Been So Busy!

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:03:38 -0700

The first quarter in Racine, Wisconsin is typical of most markets around the country, I think. We experienced a 26% decline in closed transactions. 1Q2007/ 299 sales in Racine County east of I-94. 1Q2008/ 220 sales.

1Q2008 is the second best 1Q I have had in 25 years in the business. "The harder I work, the luckier I get" Charlie Brown, Randy Morine Properties, Austin Texas 1986. Thanks for the inspiration Charlie!

Bring a positive, truthful message to your clients and customers. It can be contagious!

Looking for a Hassle-Free Transaction? Use a Local REALTOR, Lender, Inspector...

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:49:16 -0700

A hassle-free transaction? They happen when you use experienced professionals, knowledgeable about the locality in which you are planning to purchase a home. Fortunately in Racine, Wisconsin we have many experienced professionals in the Real Estate Industy.

Racine based lenders have less than 5% of the foreclosures listed in Racine County. The majority of properties in foreclosure in Racine belong to out of state lenders who were unfamiliar with the Racine area real estate market. If you are purchasing a home in Racine County there a many quality, experienced lenders to choose from. If you need recommendations, feel free to contact me.

Racine based Home Inspectors are familiar with local conditions and building practices. An experienced, quality Home Inspector will know and understand local influences that may or may not be of concern, without creating unnecessary stress for you. Again, feel free to contact me for recommendations.

REALTOR? Need a professional, experienced, honest and ethical REALTOR? If you need a recommendation, feel free to contact me. http://www.dangobis.com/

Southeastern Wisconsin Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Strength Racine, Milwaukee, Kenosha

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:55:07 -0700

According to a report by Inman News Serivce on March 3, 2008 the Milwaukee area Real Estate Market leads 25 of the largest metro areas in the country in year-over-year gain in price per square foot of homes, increasing by 4.9 per cent. According to real estate research and analytics company Radar Logics, Inc. the average price per square foot in Milwaukee is $112.53.

Sacramento, Ca had the largest decline, 23.7 in price per square foot, down to $172.54. The highest square foot price in the report is in San Jose, Ca at $437.18 per square foot. (Give about 560 sq. ft. please.)

(Oct. 2007) Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch signed licensing agreements with New York-based Radar Logic Inc. for its Residential Property Index, or RPX.

Radar Logic uses proprietary modeling techniques to create "daily prices" derived from actual prices paid for U.S. residential real estate. The indices are based on the price per square foot in 25 markets and a composite index, and will be published nine weeks after the actual closing date. The indices will be published each day for several time periods: daily, seven days and 28 days.

Positive news is always welcome!

Is the News Media is Helping Real Estate Market Recover?

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:15:00 -0800

After a year plus of brutal reporting on the demise of the Real Estate Industry, the news media has moved on to another whipping boy, the looming recession, and again, they are late in their reporting.

RECESSION HAS BEEN HERE SINCE MID-2007! Based on historical data used to measure whether we are in a recession, the official announcement comes nearly two quarters after the recession actually begins. Economists are a bit anal, for fear of being wrong.(That is a normal fear, for the rest of us, they just expect themselves to be above it.) More than 50% of economist's predictions are wrong, over 50% of the time. Not to mention most of the 'historical data' is based on pre-global economy data. We have been in a recession, we will come out of it by the end of 2008.

This inept, 'Johnny-come-lately' reporting, and the presidential campaign coverage has allowed the Real Estate industry to experience it's annual rite of spring, increased activity in sales! We thank the media for this reprieve.

The Southeastern Wisconsin Real Estate Market will bottom out in the next few months. We won't see a rebound, but prices will stop declining. It is a good time to buy in Southeastern Wisconsin!

Racine Wisconsin a Four Season City! Let's Start with Winter

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:18:48 -0800

Harbor in Winter. Reefpoint Marina & Harbor in Summer.

Winter in Racine is a true work of art. It is a wonderful time for sledders, skiers, tobogganers, snowmobilers, ice skaters, ice fisherman (and ice fisherwomen), building snowmen (and snowwomen), creating ice sculptures and snow anjels.

Our average snowfall per winter is 47.2 inches. This year, so far, we have received just over 80 inches of snow.

My listing in Green Ridge Condominiums, the snow is a foot higher than the roof of the vehicle. The west side of the same building has snow up to the second story.

My listing at 424 Island Ave., in summer and winter. Pretty, eh?

Average temperature in January is 14 degrees. Average temperature in July is 80 degrees.

Reefpoint Marina in January.

Winter in Racine always keeps us optimistic, the future will be warmer.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Downtown Racine March 15, 2008

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:54:32 -0800

St. Patrick's Day Parade Downtown Racine March 15, 2008 starts at High Noon!

Lots of laddies and lassies all dressed in green, a leprechaun here and there. A bit of Irish Stew and green beer. Bagpipers, Celtic dance, floats, costumed characters, Drum and Bugle Corps and a Scottish Band in Kilts will all participate.

Live Music will be featured at several locations throughout the afternoon and evening. Stop in and visit your favorite local pub.

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY

Downtown Racine Welcomes "Sphere Madness"

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:16:43 -0800

Downtown Racine will be rolling along this year! Our 7th Annual Public Art Exhibit is underway. The canvas for this year's event is a 'Sphere', a 32" diameter fiberglass sphere mounted on a 24" x 32" base The theme for the event is determined through a contest, open to the public. Ideas are submitted to Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) and judges determine determine the winning submission. This year the theme is "Sphere Madness."

The Spheres are sponsored by businesses and individuals. Artists submit their designs to DRC and are assigned to a sponsor if the sponsor doesn't have an artist. The Spheres are to be finished by the end of May when there will be a Preview Party to be held May 31 at Wingspread, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built Conference Center in Wind Point, a community on the northside of Racine.

After the Preview Party, the art pieces will be displayed at local shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout Downtown Racine. An auction, open to the public, will be held on September 6, at Memorial Hall in Downtown.

This is one of many exiting events held Downtown Racine on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan.

Racine, Wisconsin, A Community Revived!

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:39:58 -0800

Racine, Wisconsin is on the threshold of a major revival! This beautiful City on the southern shore of Lake Michigan was settled in 1834 by Capt. Gilbert Knapp. Incorporated as a Village in 1841, Racine's growth was nothing short of phenomenal.

J.I. Case brought his Threshing Machine Company to Racine in 1844, and soon the Village of Racine became world renown as the center of agricultural and farm related industries. Soon after, the Horlick Malted Milk Company, Johnson's Wax Company and a host of other world class manufacturers were located in Racine.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed and supervised the Johnson Wax Tower, Wingspread, and a number of private residences in Racine. Many historic buildings are recognized throughout Racine for their architectural significance.

As the manufacturing industry changed, Racine changed. Change has presented Racine with new opportunities, and over a billion dollars later, and another billion dollars in future opportunities on the horizon, Racine is truly a great place to live!!

Sellers, Now is not the Time to Fish for a Sale in Racine Wisconsin

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:01:32 -0800

Sellers, Now is not the Time to Fish for a Sale in Racine Wisconsin. The Real Estate Market is still active in Racine, for those that accept the Market values as they are today, and the prices homes are selling for are very encouraging. But it is not time to fish for a buyer.

To position your home to be the next one sold in your market you need to price it competitively and aggressively. Replace or repair any issues you have been putting off. Be competitive within your market, if Sellers are paying closing costs, be ready to pay closing costs. Offer a Home Warranty, it will give a Buyer a sense of security.

Listen to the Real Estate Professional you hire to sell your home, and you will achieve your goal of selling your home.

Racine Wisconsin 2008 Sales Statistics

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:28:36 -0800

The first 55 days of the Racine Real Estate Market as compared to the previous four years statistics indicates continued market adjustment. The number of sold properties, the average sales price, and variance of List Price to Sold Price have been in decline since July of 2006. Days on market has increased since 2004.

THESE STATISTICS ARE FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES SOLD EAST OF I-94 FROM JAN.1,2008-FEB.24,2008

YEAR # SOLD AVG. SOLD PRICE DAYS ON MARKET VARIANCE LIST TO SOLD PRICE

2004 131 $135,027 55 3%

2005 135 $147,493 60 2%

2006 154 $160,177 75 2%

2007 148 $153,780 85 3%

2008 97 $146,890 101 4%

THESE STATISTICS ARE AS REPORTED FROM METRO MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE AS OF 2/24/2008

THE 2008 NUMBERS ARE ALSO INFLUENCED BY RECORD SNOWFALL AND LOW TEMPERATURES. (EXTREME WEATHER HAS AN ADVERSE EFFECT IN ANY MARKET.)

ALL OTHER INDICATIONS POINT TO AN ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK FOR THE RACINE AREA REAL ESTATE MARKET.

Obama, McCain Projected Winners in Wisconsin Primary

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:50:54 -0800

With a majority of the vote in, Barak Obama is projected to win the Wisconsin Presidential Primary, his ninth consecutive win over Hillary Clinton. As of 9:40p.m. Obama has 56% of the vote compared to Clinton's 43%.

John McCain is ahead of Michael Huckabee 54% to 38%.

It appears McCain has secured the Republican nomination. The Obama/Clinton nomination is looking more and more like it will be decided by the Super Delegates.

Racine Heritage Museum Opens Underground Railroad Exhibit "Bound for Glory"

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:05:30 -0800

Racine County's contribution to the freedom of slaves through the Underground Railroad is being recognized by an exhibit opening this weekend at Racine County Heritage Museum.

In the mid-1800's Racine County was a 'station' of the Underground Railroad. From the west end of Racine County, Burlington, to the lakefront of the City of Racine, many slaves sought their escape through Racine County to Canada.

The Racine Harbor on Lake Michigan was one of the most active harbors during this period of western expansion. Racine offered a route to Canada for oppressed people seeking freedom. Two of the more well known conductors on the Underground Railroad were A.P. Dutton, a local businessman and Maximillian Heck a citizen of Racine.

The exhibit features artifacts, photographs, interactive activities, and many stories relating to the movement. Some of the artifacts come from actual hiding places, buildings that still stand in Racine. A good part of the exhibit is focused on educating school aged children through interactive activities.

One of the more publicized efforts by the citizens of Racine was the liberation of a slave, Joshua Glover, who was taken to the Milwaukee jail as a fugitive under the Federal Fugitive Slave Act. Citizens of Racine went to the jail and forcibly freed Glover and sent him to Canada.

Racine is proud of it's contributions and continuing commitment to civil rights for all citizens.

Racine County Sales Dip in 2007, Prices are Stable

Dan Gobis (Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:39:26 -0800

The 2007 year-end analysis of existing home sales as reported by the WISCONSIN REALTORS ASSOCIATION was released on February 14,2008. Sales of existing homes dropped 10.8% in Wisconsin, compared to a 13% drop overall nationally.

In Racine County, existing home sales dropped 10.9%, while the median sales price actually increased 4.5%. In 2006 there were 2,449 home sales in Racine County, in 2007 there were 2,182 home sales, as reported by the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

In Racine County, the median home price increased 4.5%, from $155,000 in 2006, to $162,000 in 2007, as reported by the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

As WRA President William Malkasian said, "It's a mistake to look at Wisconsin's housing market through the lens of national indicators." While sales fell in 2007, median sales prices rose slighty, showing an underlying strength in the Wisconsin housing market. "Housing in our state and throughout much of the Midwest is much less volatile than many markets in other parts of the country..." said Malkasian.

Big snowflakes on my patio!

Once the weather begins to cooperate, I think the market will show some significant signs that we are on the road to recovery!

Sold	135	26,179,345	24,908,572	Low Avg High	24,900 193,921 1,200,000	25,000 184,508 1,075,000	0.75 0.95 1.15	690 1,642 5,300	21.07 109.33 296.30	22.08 104.53 265.43	1 106 562	1 132 598
Overall	135	26,179,345	24,908,572	Low Avg High	24,900 193,921 1,200,000			690 1,642 5,300	21.07 109.33 296.30		1 106 562	1 132 598