Ozaukee County and Washington County Real Estate

Washington County Single-Family Sales -- May 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:58:14 -0700

Up, Up, Up! That's how things are looking in the Washington County real estate market.

The number of single-family homes sold continues to increase. A nice improvement in May (140) over April of this year (124) and May of 2012 (98).

The average sales price of single-family homes is also seeing an improvement. In May, it was $232,002, which is up from April of this year ($219,680) and May of 2012 ($208,763).

Homes are moving faster, too. The average days on market in May was 118, down from 161 in April and 165 in May 2012. The demand is up, which pushes prices up.

If you think this might be the time for you to buy or sell, be sure to contact me. My team and I are happy to help you with all your real estate needs!

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/single-family-sales-washington-county-2013/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Ozaukee County Single-Family Home Sales -- May 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:51:29 -0700

The news is pretty good for Ozaukee County real estate!

In May, the number of single family homes sold (84) held steady compared to April (84) and was up over May of 2012 (79).

The average sales price in May ($298,599) was down from April ($339,070), but this is likely attributed to three homes being sold for $1,000,000+ in April versus just one in that price point in May. Over last year, though, we see a nice increase in the average sale price, which was $242,869 in May 2012.

Perhaps the best news is the change in average days on market. In May, that number dropped 22% over last month and May of 2012. (Average days on market in May 2013 was 125; April 2013, 161; and May 2012, 162.) This tells us that homes are selling more quickly than they have been. We are even seeing multiple-offers in some situations -- a definite shift in the market.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/single-family-sales-ozaukee-county-2013/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

GREAT INVESMENT -- 209/211 SUMMIT DRIVE, FREDONIA WI

Wed, 29 May 2013 16:41:19 -0700

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!

Sellers are ready to sell. Located in the quiet village of Fredonia, this duplex has some nice updates including vinyl siding, tear-off roof, windows, and furnaces. The eat-in kitchens have vinyl floors, and there are hardwood floors in both living rooms & the bedrooms. Each unit has its own driveway, garage, and basement. The yard has some newer landscaping & is perfect for barbecues or to just relax. Long-term tenants would love to stay.

Want more information? Click here!

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/two-family-sale-fredonia-wisconsin-209211-summit-drive/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

1976 CEDAR DRIVE, GRAFTON WISCONSIN -- $269,000

Tue, 28 May 2013 11:41:46 -0700

The space goes on and on in this 4-bedroom/2.5 bath home that is set at the end of a quiet road. Cozy up to the natural fireplace in the casual family room, which is tucked at the back of the house. The kitchen has a wall of built-ins & there's 1st floor laundry. Master bedroom has private bath & a sliding door that leads to the covered patio overlooking the mature backyard. Well-maintained and clean. Just bring your decorating ideas to create a fresh new look!

Click here for more details!

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/fantastic-ranch-sale-grafton-wisconsin-1976-cedar-drive/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

So Where Have All Those Listings Gone??

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:28:05 -0700

Adjusting to this changing real estate market is something buyers, sellers, and real estate agents are going through together. Ozaukee County homes and Washington County homes continue to sell at a faster pace than we’ve seen in the past few years.

A few new buyers I started working with recently aren't looking for anything that I would describe as "unique." Yet, finding their ideal home has proven to be quite the challenge. What they are looking for just isn’t out there. It’s left me wondering how soon “the” house will show itself in the system.

Last night I ran a search for one of these buyers, who is looking for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home in four different communities. In their price point, only seven homes came up, and one of those has an accepted offer.

Then I ran a search for another buyer, who is looking for an older home with the character and charm we don’t typically see in newer construction. I found no homes that met their criteria. Not even close. And this is in a community that typically has several to choose from.

So what’s going on? Where have all the listings gone?

The Ozaukee county real estate market and Washington county real estate market are making a comeback. You’ve heard it before — interest rates are still below 4%, and buyers are feeling more confident, resulting in more homes being sold, an increase in prices in some areas, and fewer days on the market.

For sellers who have been toying with the idea of selling, this may be the time. The buyers are out there.

For buyers who have been thinking about buying, be ready to move quickly and be prepared to make your best offer out of the gate.

Times they are a-changing. Get ready for a wild and crazy ride!

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/houses-gone/.

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

SUPPORT THE MACC FUND -- KIDS RIDING FOR KIDS SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2013

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:27:11 -0700

Looking for a way to help out the MACC fund? Plan on joining us Saturday, May 18 at Stepping Stones Children's Center in Belgium, Wisconsin for "Kids Riding for Kids."

This one-day event is planned for 9:00 am - 2:00 pm and will include a bike/tricycle ride for children up to age 12, Touch-A-Truck, children's entertainment(including a bouncy house and Mr. Pickles), and a cornhole tournament for the adults. Food will also be available.

Children wishing to participate in the bike ride are asked to collect pledges from family and friends. All donations from the ride, as well as proceeds collected throughout the day, will be given directly to the MACC fund to help fight childhood cancer and other blood disorders.

You can find more information, as well as the pledge form for the bike ride and the registration form for the cornhole tournament, at ride.steppingstoneschildren.com.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/kids-riding-kids-event-support-macc-fund/.

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Negotiating with a 6-1/2 Year Old

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:33:29 -0700

My phone rang yesterday, with my brother's name showing up as being the caller. After I said "Hello," I heard, "Hi, Auntie Peggy." It was my 6-1/2 year old nephew.

"Well, hi, Nathan. How are you?"

"Good. We are driving around and we saw a house with a sign in front that has your name on it."

"Yeah...I'm trying to sell that house. Do you want to buy it?"

"Sure! We could buy it." (I can hear my brother laughing in the background.) "How much is it?"

"One hundred fifty eight thousand dollars."

"What?!? A hundred fifty eight thousand dollars!?"

"Yep."

"I don't have that much money." (Slight pause.) "Would you take five or ten dollars because that I can handle."

I wonder if my seller would consider this...

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/6-12-year-negotiates-purchase-house/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Washington County Real Estate Market -- End of First Quarter 2013

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:44:25 -0700

With the first quarter of 2013 already behind us, these graphs give a summary of how things are going in the Washington County real estate market.

The number of single-family homes that sold in March (83) is up considerably over February (60) and pretty steady with March of 2012 (86).

The average selling price is up just a bit over February ($214, 534 vs. $219,149).

The average days on market saw an increase over February, up to 167 from 136. As of the date of publication, the average days on market for homes that are "pending" (meaning all contingencies have been removed), is at 137. If that number holds through the month, we'll be back on track to getting homes sold more quickly.

Data provided by Multiple Listing Service.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/washington-county-real-estate-report-quarter-2013/.

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

How is the Ozaukee County Housing Market -- End of First Quarter 2013?

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:11:16 -0700

Our numbers are continuing to improve!

The number of single-family homes that sold in March this year (53) is up over February (48), though they're down a bit from the same time last year (78). We currently have over 40 homes "pending" (meaning all contingencies have been removed), so we'll have to wait and see where those closed numbers end up at the end of the month.

Prices are continuing to increase, as well, both over last month and last year at this time. Demand is picking up, which is pushing those prices up a bit. The average sale price in March was $307,080 and in February was $296,970.

And finally, the number of days on market continue to drop -- more good news. The average in March 2 was 135 and in February 149. Homes are moving faster, so buyers don't have the same luxury they've had over the past few years of waiting to make a decision. If you are considering buying a house, make sure you talk to your lender before you start looking so you know what price point to look in and what type of financing is best for you. It'll put you in a better position when you find "the" house and want to write your offer.

Data provided by Multiple Listing Service

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/housing-market-ozaukee-county/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Why I Won't Take Your Overpriced Listing

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:30:29 -0700

Recently I've been noticing some new listings popping up that are priced at a point that I just don't get.

I know it's been debated by many in the industry as to whether or not it's a good idea to take a listing at a price the seller wants to start at even if we know the market can't handle it. After all, we can always reduce it, right?? I've gone over the pros and cons of such a practice again and again and again, and have decided that for me, I simply will not take an overpriced listing. And it's for a simple reason:

I feel like I'd be doing the seller a huge disservice.

Those first few weeks a house is on the market is the best opportunity we have to grab those buyers and bring them through. At what price can we get buyers to look at our seller's house over the competition? At what price can we generate the most activity and interest, and ultimately the best offer?

The list prices I recommend to my sellers are based on a market analysis that includes a summary of comparable properties currently on the market and a summary of those that recently sold (typically in the last six months). I take into consideration the number of bedrooms & bathrooms, square footage, recent updates, and improvements and location.

An appraiser will do the same. If the comparable properties sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what my seller's house is listed for, how can I expect that it will appraise out?

A few years ago I walked away from a listing when the sellers decided not to reduce the price as we had agreed to. It was one of the hardest decisions I've made in the business, but I knew the market could not handle their current price. They have since listed it with a few other brokers, and it has still not sold.

I recently met with three different sellers about their respective properties, and although the data I provided supported my recommendation, it was clear they were disappointed in what I was telling them. All three ultimately listed their homes with other brokers at prices that are well above the competition and any recently sold properties. Ouch.

But as I watch these properties sit and sit and sit, I know each of these agents did a huge disservice to their sellers.

Part of my job is to be honest with my clients even if that means delivering news I know they don't want to hear. What is the point of misleading them and letting them think they can and will get that inflated price?

One of the first questions I get from buyers when we go looking at houses is, "How long has it been on the market?" The higher that number of days is, the more they think the seller must be getting desperate and will take anything at this point or there is something wrong with the house.

I don't want any of my sellers to be in that position, because once they're there, it is extremely difficult to get out.

So I will continue doing what I've been doing. If that means losing a listing to an agent who's willing to mislead their seller then so be it. It's more important to me to maintain honesty and integrity with my client than to provide false hope and have my name dangling from a sign.

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Stepping Stones Children's Center in Belgium & Port Washington WI

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:17:56 -0700

One of the most common questions I get asked by families who have small children and are looking to buy a home in Ozaukee county is how are the schools and what day care facilities are available.

Stepping Stones Children's Center has locations in both Belgium Wisconsin and Port Washington Wisconsin. Both centers accept children ages 4 weeks to 12 years and are open Monday through Friday, 5:30 am - 6:00 pm. The Belgium facility, which is located in the old Lincoln School, has separate rooms for infants, 1, 2, 3 & 4 year olds, and also offers a before and after school program for children who are of school age.

The Port Washington center is in the lower level of the Harbor Club & Village, which is a senior independent and assisted living facility, which gives the children a unique opportunity to interact with the residents. Some of you may remember this as the old St. Alphonsus Hospital. This location also offers separate rooms for the various age groups.

You can find our more information at their web site or you can find them on Facebook.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/bit-stepping-stones-childrens-center-belgium-wisconsin-port-washington-wisconsin/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Lessons Learned from the World of Short Sales

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:16:02 -0700

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE WORLD OF SHORT SALES

A few days ago I came across a blog post by ActiveRain member, Norm Werner, entitled I Never Thought It Would Happen to Me. It's been awhile since I've worked on a short sale transaction (and I'm very grateful for that), but I am well aware that there are still many people out there who are in trouble.

His post took me back to some face-to-face and phone conversations I have had with sellers over the past few years that left me wondering what on earth is happening out there?

I remember my grandma telling me about growing up during the Great Depression when I was "interviewing" her for a school project many, many years ago, and I remember this sort of sadness and pain in her eyes that still today I can't quite shake. I thought that kind of hardship was something that only happened "in the olden days."

I know there are many arguments about who's to blame for the real estate mess we've been through and continue to find our way out of. But as someone who, while I didn't face a short sale or foreclosure, felt the pangs of a down market and the effects it had on my annual income, I learned quickly that perhaps the most important thing for me to remember when I meet someone who is in dire need of getting out of a mortgage mess is to not pass judgment.

Yes, there are those who made some really bad choices that introduced them to the world of short sales.

But there are also those who simply fell upon some tough, tough times. Job loss. Divorce. Demotion and significant income reduction. Illness. Loss of health insurance. Death.

When you meet those who fall into the latter category, you never forget their stories, their embarrassment, their shame, their loss of pride, their sadness. They did nothing wrong. The feeling of failure cuts so deep that asking for help becomes heart-wrenchingly difficult. You cannot know that heaviness until or unless you go through it yourself.

I read many blog posts each day by agents from around the country, and there is a relief in knowing that some of our market areas seem to have the worst behind us. It is a feeling of gratitude.

I hope we never again face times like we did these past few years; and I hope I never forget the lessons I learned from going through it.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/lessons-learned-world-short-sales-foreclosures/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Think Young Team Looking to Increase Our Inventory!

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:55:55 -0700

Our listings are selling, and inventory is down.
The buyers are ready to buy.

Are you ready to sell??

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/homes-selling-inventory-ozaukee-washington-county-northshore/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Pianist Jean Muller to Perform at Port Washington High School

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:11:36 -0700

The Luxembourg American Cultural Society will be welcoming classical pianist Jean Muller to Port Washington High School, 427 W. Jackson Street, Port Washington, on Monday, April 15 as part of his Midwest Tour.He will also be performing in St. Cloud, Minnesota; LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; and Aurora and Chicago, Illinois.

Jean was born in 1979 and began studying piano at the age of six. He has studied in Brussels, Paris, and Munich, and his father, Gary Muller, who is a piano professor at the Conservatoire de Luxembourg, has been his mentor. Mr. Muller is the recipient of 12 first place awards at international competitions and has performed during state visits of Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri. He has performed at over 300 concerts in Europe, Asia and the US.

For more information on this free event, please contact the Luxembourg American Cultural Society at 262-476-5086. You can also email them at admin@luxamculturalsociety.org.

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

1st OPEN HOUSE! -- 197 PARK STREET, BELGIUM, WISCONSIN

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:21:55 -0700

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Time to Move -- 197 Park Street Belgium WI: No Fee Condo For Sale!

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:50:20 -0700

Thinking about making a move? Looking for an affordable option in Ozaukee County?

I think I can help.

This 3-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath no-fee condo has it all and at a great price -- $158,000.

Start with a kitchen with ceramic tile floor, breakfast bar, and generous cabinet
and counter space.

The kitchen opens up to the dining area and great room, which has a cozy gas stove that adds a touch of charm to this home. If you need a little office space, a den, or maybe a library, you can have it with an additional room that has French doors
for some added privacy.

Upstairs are three bedrooms including a master suite with private bath
and walk-in closet.

Finish this condo off with first-floor laundry, a full basement waiting for your finishing ideas, a 2.5-car attached garage, and a private deck ideal for those warm summer evenings that are just around the corner.

Peace and quiet await you in this friendly town with easy highway access and just a few minutes from Harrington Beach State Park.

Be sure to check out 197 Park Street in Belgium. You could very well have just found your new home.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/fee-condo-197-park-street-belgium-wisconsin/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Drumroll Please -- Real Estate is Making a Comeback!

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:45:51 -0700

You can just feel it when you talk to a real estate agent these days. The doom and gloom is but a faint memory. Times are changing. Things are getting better. Slowly, but surely, things are getting better.

Recently ActiveRain sent a survey to its members asking how we felt about the real estate market in our area. This graphic provides a nice summary of the responses. The jury is in -- the real estate market is making a comeback.

Remember that real estate is local, so contact me to see how the market is in Ozaukee or Washington county. If you're on the fence about buying or selling, you might discover this is the time to get moving.

Data provided by ActiveRain, the #1 social community for real estate professionals.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/real-estate-yes-making-comeback/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Lot 1 Lakeview Drive Belgium -- Commercial Lot for Sale

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:29:25 -0700

The economy is starting to turn around. Here's your opportunity to build your dream business.

This 2.5 acre parcel is priced at $250,000 and is set between I-43 and County Highway LL, providing great visibility. Location, location, location. The lot has electric, water, sewer, gas, phone, and cable available and is near restaurants, gas stations, motels, and other local businesses. The seller is including architectural & engineering plans for a shopping complex.

START BUILDING YOUR DREAM TODAY!!

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

As a REALTOR® Is It My Job to Predict the Future of the Local Housing Market?

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:03:29 -0700

Tammie White handles this question clearly and concisely. No one knows what the future of the housing market will be; our job is to help our sellers and buyers interpret the current market conditions in their area.

Via Tammie White Realtor® Franklin TN Homes For Sale (Benchmark Realty, LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.TammieWhite.com):

As a REALTOR® Is It My Job to Predict the Future of the Local Housing Market?

Yesterday, I was at the grocery store in Spring Hill. The woman behind me saw my name badge and that I was a REALTOR®. She proceeded to ask me if the new Walmart being built there will hurt local property values.

I asked if she lived in a neighborhood adjacent to the proposed Walmart? No, but her neighbor is a real estate agent and she told her the new Walmart would cause property values to drop by 10%.

My response, "Really? Has that agent put her house on the market yet?"

She said, "No."

I said,"Then I wouldn't worry about it."

It was a brief conversation but it got me thinking, as a REALTOR® is it my job to predict the future of the local housing market?

NO! My job is to help buyers and sellers with the purchase or sale of real estate. To better assist them, I have to interpret the local market based upon recent home sales.

In the past, a home would usually appreciate between 2 to 4% depending upon where you lived. Of course, we all know that in recent years that hasn't been the case.

I will be happy to help you find a home or sell your current home but it isn't my job to predict whether the market is going to go up or down.

My job as a Tennessee REALTOR® is to interpret the market and help you sell your house for the most amount of money. Or if you are buying, use the recent comparable home sales to help you get the best price for a house you are purchasing.

Agents who claim they know where the market is headed are taking risks I'm not willing to take. Now, if you ask me the current state of the market, I can give you that information based upon current absorption rates. Other than that, I can't make any predictions about whether the new Walmart will help or hurt your property values.

That's not my job.

If you would like assistance buying or selling a home, contact Tammie White today at (615) 495-0752 or visit my website at www.TammieWhite.com.

************************************************************************************

Tammie White, Realtor® in Franklin TN

Cell Phone: (615)495-0752

www.TammieWhite.com

Tammie@TammieWhite.com

This posting and the contents written here are the intellectual property and opinions of Tammie White of Benchmark Realty LLC. Providing real estate services to clients in Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, Thompsons Station, Spring Hill, Fairview, Leipers Fork, Nashville and the whole Middle TN area.

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Don't Miss Out On St. Joseph's Fish Fry! Time is Running Out!

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:30:26 -0800

I admit it. I should've written this a few weeks ago. Now here we are with just two opportunities left to enjoy one of the best fish fry values in Ozaukee County and I'm finally letting you know that...

Tomorrow, March 8, and next week Friday, March 15, are the last two nights of St. Joseph's Fish Fry in Grafton, Wisconsin.

Not only will you receive a great meal including fish, potatoes, bread, cole slaw and dessert (while they last!) but you will also enjoy some musical entertainment and surely strike up a conversation with an old friend or maybe even meet someone new.

Be sure to check out the great raffle, too. The drawing takes place Friday, March 15, and you do not have to be present to win.

Dinner is served 4:30-7:45 p.m. and carry outs are available.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/st-joseph-parish-fish-fry-grafton-wisconsin-opportunities-left/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Your Best Friend Or Love Of Your Life Starts As A Stranger

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:40:59 -0800

Sweet Gary Woltal just posted this video. Take the time to watch and listen. I promise it will make you smile. We should all have a ball box in our community.

Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

I have always been fascinated with the old adage, at least for children, "Don't Talk To Strangers." Well it may fit children mind you but too often we carry it into adulthood and openly conversing with people YOU DON'T KNOW finding what is common and appreciating differences with respect, well you never know where that path in life will take you. You see it online with people you meet, in face to face settings with people you bump into.

A FRIEND IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER OF THE NEXT CONVERSATION.

We all know this of course, but just a reminder in a fun video I found, about pairs of people sitting in a ball pit, in the middle of a city, with questions to get the conversation going, and you will see the smiles erupt and THE CONNECTION MADE.

That is what life is all about. DEPTH OF CONNECTION on a human scale. We have more in common with EVERYONE than you think. The joys, the pains, the life experiences. Just allow yourself to suspend judgment and TALK. GO FOR IT!!!

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

February 2013 -- Ozaukee County Home Sales Improving!

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:55:18 -0800

The number of Ozaukee county single-family homes that sold in February (48) is up from January of this year (48) and February 2012 (37).

The average sale price for single-family Ozaukee county homes is up, as well. In February 2012, it was $224,206, while this year we are up to $296,970.

Some other positive news is that inventory isn't sitting on the market as long as it was last year, either. The average days on market (the number of days from the day the home is listed until it goes into "pending," meaning all contingencies have been removed) has dropped considerably. Last year at this time the average days on market was 221, and in January of this year they were 164. In February of this year, we dropped to 149. Inventory is moving!

Despite all of this upbeat news, it's important to remember that real estate is local. You can email me at pwester@realtyexecutives.com, if you would like to know more about market conditions in your specific community or about buying or selling a home in Ozaukee county.

(information from Metro Listing Services)

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/single-family-home-sales-ozaukee-county-february-2013/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

February 2013 Washington County Home Sales Continue to Improve

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:38:01 -0800

The housing market in Washington County is improving!

The number of homes sold in February this year (60) increased over February of 2012 (47) and January of this year (45).

The average sale price also went up to $214,534, up from $197,492 in February 2012 and $198,638 in January 2013.

And finally, the average days on market is showing a nice decrease. In February we were at 136 days, down from 173 in January this year and 160 one year ago. (Days on market are calculated from the day the house is listed until it is put into "pending," which means all contingencies have been removed.)

Remember that real estate is local. Call me, 262-370-1757, or email me pwester@realtyexecutives.com, if you would like to know more about buying or selling a home in Washington County.

(information from Metro Listing Services)

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/single-family-home-sales-washington-county-february-2013/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Waiting for That Spring Market in Ozaukee & Washington County

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 09:41:19 -0800

It seems that in the early part of the year so many sellers are waiting for Spring before listing their house. We hear it every year when people start talking about selling their homes in Ozaukee and Washington counties.

A week or so ago, I did what I could to explain to one of my sellers, who was on the verge of letting an accepted offer she had on her home die, what that spring market would mean for her.

Yes, we generally see a greater number of buyers in the Spring and Summer than we do in the winter months. However, that doesn't mean prices will automatically be greater than what they were in January or February. It doesn't mean that the value of a home will "spring back" and surpass that of a recent appraisal.

Market conditions are local, so it's important that sellers understand what the inventory is like in their area and price point. It may still be high, resulting in lower demand. Likewise, though, the inventory could be low, which may result in a higher demand for their house or even a multiple offer situation. But again, that doesn't mean this demand will instantly push the value of their home back up to what it was in the early 2000s.

The Spring market is just around the corner in Ozaukee and Washington counties. Is it time to get your house listed?

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT http://peggywester.com/spring-real-estate-market-ozaukee-washington-counties/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Oh, That Darn Appraisal

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:35:24 -0800

It was the picture-perfect deal. The buyer found his first home, and he was bubbling over with excitement. The seller had an offer to feel good about. Inspection was done. A few repairs were requested. And the repairs were made.

But then the call came. Appraisal came in low.

That one always stings. Doesn't matter if it comes in just a couple thousand under the purchase price or several thousand under. Someone is telling the seller that their house is not worth what the buyer is willing to pay. Ouch.

Even with the most accurate comps and proper adjustments for improvements, it is still difficult to digest this information. But as the listing agent, part of my job is to help my seller understand what could happen if this buyer walks and we start over from square one.

More comparable homes could sell in the meantime at even lower prices than the comps in the current appraisal, which would drive down the value of their home even more.
If they've already moved out of the home, their carrying costs continue, sucking more money out of their pocket.
Even if the next offer is higher than the current one (which is pretty rare), the house still has to appraise (assuming there is an appraisal contingency, which there more than likely will be).

It's a tough market, but it is what it is. Even though we've seen appraisal issues more frequently during these tough times the past few years, it is never easy to have this difficult conversation with the seller.

To create any sort of false hope for a higher appraisal and not be upfront with them about the realities, is to provide a disservice to someone who has put their trust in my expertise. Being upfront and honest is what they need to help them make the most educated decision about how to proceed.

Originally posted at http://peggywester.com/appraisal-falls-short-ozaukee-washington-county-real-estate/

Peggy Wester
The Think Young Team
Phone: 262-370-1757
Email: pwester@realtyexecutives.com
Website: peggywester.com
Blog: peggysblog.com

Ozaukee County and Washington County Real Estate

Washington County Single-Family Sales -- May 2013

Ozaukee County Single-Family Home Sales -- May 2013

GREAT INVESMENT -- 209/211 SUMMIT DRIVE, FREDONIA WI

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!

Want more information? Click here!

1976 CEDAR DRIVE, GRAFTON WISCONSIN -- $269,000

So Where Have All Those Listings Gone??

SUPPORT THE MACC FUND -- KIDS RIDING FOR KIDS SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2013

Negotiating with a 6-1/2 Year Old

Washington County Real Estate Market -- End of First Quarter 2013

How is the Ozaukee County Housing Market -- End of First Quarter 2013?

Why I Won't Take Your Overpriced Listing

Stepping Stones Children's Center in Belgium & Port Washington WI

Lessons Learned from the World of Short Sales

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE WORLD OF SHORT SALES

Think Young Team Looking to Increase Our Inventory!

Our listings are selling, and inventory is down. The buyers are ready to buy.

Are you ready to sell??

Pianist Jean Muller to Perform at Port Washington High School

1st OPEN HOUSE! -- 197 PARK STREET, BELGIUM, WISCONSIN

Time to Move -- 197 Park Street Belgium WI: No Fee Condo For Sale!

Thinking about making a move? Looking for an affordable option in Ozaukee County?

I think I can help.

This 3-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath no-fee condo has it all and at a great price -- $158,000.

Start with a kitchen with ceramic tile floor, breakfast bar, and generous cabinetand counter space.

The kitchen opens up to the dining area and great room, which has a cozy gas stove that adds a touch of charm to this home. If you need a little office space, a den, or maybe a library, you can have it with an additional room that has French doors for some added privacy.

Upstairs are three bedrooms including a master suite with private bath and walk-in closet.

Finish this condo off with first-floor laundry, a full basement waiting for your finishing ideas, a 2.5-car attached garage, and a private deck ideal for those warm summer evenings that are just around the corner.

Peace and quiet await you in this friendly town with easy highway access and just a few minutes from Harrington Beach State Park.

Be sure to check out 197 Park Street in Belgium. You could very well have just found your new home.

Drumroll Please -- Real Estate is Making a Comeback!

Lot 1 Lakeview Drive Belgium -- Commercial Lot for Sale

As a REALTOR® Is It My Job to Predict the Future of the Local Housing Market?

Don't Miss Out On St. Joseph's Fish Fry! Time is Running Out!

Your Best Friend Or Love Of Your Life Starts As A Stranger

February 2013 -- Ozaukee County Home Sales Improving!

February 2013 Washington County Home Sales Continue to Improve

Waiting for That Spring Market in Ozaukee & Washington County

Oh, That Darn Appraisal

Our listings are selling, and inventory is down.
The buyers are ready to buy.

Start with a kitchen with ceramic tile floor, breakfast bar, and generous cabinet
and counter space.

The kitchen opens up to the dining area and great room, which has a cozy gas stove that adds a touch of charm to this home. If you need a little office space, a den, or maybe a library, you can have it with an additional room that has French doors
for some added privacy.

Upstairs are three bedrooms including a master suite with private bath
and walk-in closet.