Sally & David Hanson's Real Estate Blog

Cooooooler On the Lake.....Friess Lake Cape ...WOW !

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:41:59 -0600

If you always wanted lake frontage...full time OR a getaway from all things city on the weekends...we have the perfect place....it's clean, updated...manicured landscaping..2 car garage AND huge shed...2 baths and a lower level mini kitchen sure to meet your entertainment needs. Enjoy the lake views in every season from the family room...snuggle up to the fieldstone fireplace....retreat to the second floor loft....no detail overlooked. Outistanding location....Richfield, WI....an easy commute to anywhere...a private respite from everywhere.....Short sale patience at a rewarding price $360,0000...Call us for a private showing...quickly or it will be gone !

4771 Riverview Drive, Richield, WI

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Going Mute...Or Being Responsible...

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:01:22 -0600

Communication is important in any/every relationship....your friends, relatives...neighbors...you get to choose..is it an every day thing...a need to know...just to stay in touch. The level and frequency levels are jointly determined.

In business...it is vitally important so that every agent, buyer, seller, lender, title company...every person who is party to a transaction...know as much is as necessary as promptly as possible.

Time IS of the essence....it is not for any one member of the transaction to determine how important their timely response may be to someone else...it's the adult, responsible person who responds quickly...courtesey....you can expect it and you should...but don't always get it. No one can properly do their job without it...

A real estate transaction is never just about YOU....the buyer, the seller, the lender, the agent....it is about working together for the common good....

Being Mute....not good...not adult...not fair...not ethical..morally upright...make it about everyone...and everyone will benefit.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

It's a Sooouper Holiday !

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:33:40 -0600

I am sure some people who read our blog think all we do is cook....and we do like being "Kitchen creative" and find it to be stress relief and so much prefer homade creations to fast food and most restaurant food...

An idea that we want to share that we may have shared before....is Soup-er.....this year when you are making your grocery list include extra broth and/or cream.

When you find you have odds and ends of all the vegetables you have prepared....put them in the food processor or blender....add broth and/or cream...season if you wish with dill...chives...peppers...add more squash or whatever you wish to give it the consistency you like.....simmer a while...taste...add seasoning to taste, barley or beans or whatever suits your taste....ladle into serving size freezer bags....place on a cookie sheet an you have blocks of Thanksgiving soup....something to be thankful for until the last sllllllllllllurp is gone. We deliver some to our sphere...what a way to say thanks for being able to be of service to them..Enjoy,,,an have a very happy holiday !

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Thanksgiving and Thankful Day...giving Black Friday a Better Name

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:56:41 -0600

We decided this year we would have Thankful Day. It's our first atempt at this new holiday and may expand next year...but for now...it will be a few families and friends.

Our holiday celebrations always include family and expand to the newky widowed, divorced...just moved here...can't travel to relatives...friends of all of the above...you never know...and sometimes we don't either who or how many people will around the table. My mothe says we cook for 2 counties...so suffice ot say that no one goes hungry or leaves with less than a few "people bags" of leftovers. There are always tons of leftovers....some people (myself included...I know it's unAmerican, unPilgrim, untraditional...but I can't get turkey past my nose) so there is always another kind of meat...every kind of vegetsble,,...heaps of mashed potatoes, sauces for those who choose dill butter...lemon herb....and desserts for the pumpkin pleased and some for gluten free guests...no crusts !

Soooo this year....it's hard to make a little turkey....we always have more than enough for everyone to take home so we decided to make Black Friday, Thankful Friday and a few families will come over with homade leftovers in hand and share time to be thankful...new friends and old...missing those who have left us...welcoming those who have become friends...it will be a golden sort of Friday....not so black....and oh sooo memorable.

Creating traditions...whether it is a special entree, meal, dessert or something you do together as a family, as friends...making memories...be thankful...make Friday a golden tradition..enjoy...good health, good food, good friends and family...best wishes to you all.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

HUGE Condo....tiny Price. ...Little Patience GIGANTIC Value !

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:18:42 -0600

Never before...and not likely again...will you get such a tremendous value for your housing dollar...this condo is bigger than lots of houses...over 1200 square feet....3 bedrooms...kitchen and dinette with all the appliances..gas fireplace...in unit laundry...Outdoor Pool...and Community Room....recreation inside and out....all yours to enjoy in Woodland Trails Condominiums ....a few steps from the Sports Complex..on Cobblestone turn north on Ryan Road.

A little patience with this short sale will result in tremendous value for the new onwer !

9363 S Cobblestone Way, Unit H , Franklin, WI

JUST $125,555

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

New Berlin Open House Sat....SUPER HOME...Great Value ! 12-1:30

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:38:26 -0600

14010 West Meadowshire Drive, New Berlin, WI

Noon to 1:30 pm

I could lie and say “I like football as much as the next Packer Backer”…but I would not be telling the truth….and I think there is a special place in Blogging Hades for Bloggers who lie…I do have to say that the Packer schedule does play havoc for our sellers and the people who are devoted fans….so in honor of Packer Fans…we invite you to our open House on Saturday, November 21st noon to 1:30 p.m.

You are going to LOVE this house….there is nothing not to love….from the 3 car garage and finished lower level to the granite countered kitchen, updated baths….the ambience of the gas fireplace…the patio with with privacy fence and waterfall…..new carpeted….newer mechanicals…outstanding location…inside and out…from the in ground sprinkler system and newer driveway to the master suite and walk in closet…4 bedrooms…2.5 baths…your family will want to call it home….and at $369,215…you will too ! If you need a private tour/showing, just call the Hansons- 7 days a week: 414-525-0563 and we are happy to set up a convenient showing time for you.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Active Rain is Just Souper !!!!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:23:11 -0600

Yesterday while I was enjoying my usual morning routine…AR and coffee…I came across a blog by Sharlene Hensrud of St. Louis Park , Minnesota. She had given a recipe for Panera’s baked potato soup…..creamy cheddar cheese, bacon bits…the imagined aroma wafted thru my mind all day. Work…soup…..appointment…still not able to erase the taste from my brain….so on the way home from our listing appointment, we stopped at Aldis….which has become an addiction that a Doctor client of ours had introduced my husband to a couple years ago. It has become an obsession of how many bags he can fill for $X. Baking potatoes, sour cream, cheese, bacon…..and on to the fresh vegetable aisle to grab the bunch of onions for the garnish….and piled high were bags of burger and hot dog buns for next to nothing…we had just been to the Waukesha Womens’ Center the day before and knew that the shelter was experiencing shortages in every area. We ran to the checkout and asked if there was a limit as to how many bags of buns you could buy….We explained we were going to take them to the shelter….”Take them all !” the manager said. We filled an entire shopping cart….and then some with 72 bags of buns and then some sloppy joe fixings and hot dogs to fill them. We were thrilled at our good fortune…and the fortune that the women and children at the shelter would experience with our Bun-nanza of Value !

It all started with Active Rain…..a blog from Minnesota that ended up feeding hundreds in Wisconsin…..Thank you Sharlene….it was a great recipe….we did make it tonite and enjoyed it a great deal….but the really great deal was being in the right place as the right time…and being able to give back. You can do this too…we left our business card at the store and the next time they have large quantities of food that they are going to sell quickly…they are going to call us first.

Do you have a store near your home or office where you could help the local shelter or food pantry by taking a few minutes to give back ? It’s a souper feeling that warms you all over.

Active Rain isn't just food for thought...it fed a whole shelter of women and children !

Active Rain is Just Souper !

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

A Curing Wish for the World...

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:20:42 -0600

I am not one to pass along e-mails...in 5 minutes to 12 people so my wishes come true.....I received this e-mail this morning from a good friend....who was widowed before 50 due to her husband's cancer...she has recently lost a niece in her 20's...we all know someone...a friend, a relative, a neighbor....who has been taken by this disease...what an incredibly powerful thing if everyone in AR would take 1 minute every day to think positive thoughts...pray as your faith dictates...do as your conscience suggests....to rid the world of this horrible devastating disease...Amen.

Cancer's a strange cell. Going along for years in remission and then one day it
pops it head up again.

If you ever have it you will never be free of it.

Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.

A SMALL REQUEST...

93% won't forward, but I'm Sure You Will..........

A small request.....Just one line

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.
Amen



All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.
Even if it's only to one more person.
In memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.
A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle..
Please Keep This Candle Going

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

A Charity to Choose in Waukesha County

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:53:46 -0600

This is the time of year when we count our blessings....know are very fortunate we are to have a warm bed, roof over our heads a choice of food, entertainment...and thoughts turn to people who at not as fortunate at this moment. The Waukesha Womens Center is a place of refuge for women throughout Waukesha County who have escaped an abusive relationship...often with children in tow and very little more than the clothes on their backs. A few times a year....we do what we can and encourage others to go to their website and review their immediate needs and see what each of you can do to help make the holidays a little brighter for people who may have reached the bottom of where they felt they would ever be....

The lists you will find at their site, Sure there are the basic needed things...food...serving utencils..and the bus fare tickets. They always need to "outfit" single beds...we choose to do a number of beds each year from the mattress pad and pillow to the sheets and blankets. Stuffed animals to cuddle, games to play...nail polish and makeup to brighten what has to be a very depressing time of life. We choose this as "our charity"....we choose it because it's not that baby, that child, that teenager OR that woman's fault....it's a little hand up...at a time when putting a head up...a chin up ...may be the most difficult thing to do...a hand is what we can all do at this time when so many need the touch of someone who can in some way help them through the hard times and let them know that someday things will be better....and their days brighter once again.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Candy Cane Lane...A Heartwarming Milwaukee Area Tradition

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:27:26 -0600

Candy Cane Lane is an area of over 300 homes in West Allis from just north of Oklahoma Avenue between 92nd and 96th streets that welcome Christmas sight seers from throughout the area. The event is a "can you top this" with one neighbor out doing the other with lights everywhere...animated characters..snow people...Santa..the elves...brightly displayed throughout the area....and visitors are invited to drive through every night from 6-10 p.m. during the week and 5-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays from December 6th to December 28th. It's free entertainment...it's holday cheer.....if you would like...you may be a part of the cheer that helps children with cancer. Throughout the area, there are places where you can contribute to the MACC Fund.MACC for those who don't know stands for Milwaukee Athletes Against Childhood Cancer.

The people in Milwaukee....and those who spend hours decorating and dollars adding to their utility bills...and the expense of the decorations to make the season brighter for seriously ill children.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

"I Just Can't Expect the Bank to Pay For My Mistake...." Wept the Seller

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:58:00 -0600

We spoke with a seller who is very upside down with their mortgage and has already had some reduction in income with a pending divorce which is only going to become more drastic when the divorce is final. "It goes against my moral fiber..." he sobbed. He has sold everything he owns, borrowed money from family members (almost ironically that was going to be used for the down payment on a house.) and done all he can do to try and remain in the house and not "short the bank."

Many people were raised all wrong to be irreponsible and the thought of not paying a bill on time...or at all..of getting any consideration for a short sale is more than they can bear. They have worked hard, made timely payments, made home improvements....put sweat equity....a piece of their heart...a part of their soul in what is often, their largest asset. He wants to try a loan modification....he just "can't do that to the bank who lent me money and expected payment in return....they trusted me." Yes...and you trusted them not to lend you more than the house was worth....more than you could pay when the rate adjusted....and they have no conscience about that. But then "they" are corporate America....not the man who worked hard all his life, paid his bills, was and still is a credit to society....and now his choices are limited.

We will try and help him with a loan modification if it's possible...for whatever reason...when a realtor talks to a lender...the answers are faster...the terms more easily undertstood. We will do all we can to help him maintain his dignity during a difficult period in his life....it's what realtors do...it's not always about the money or the listing...it is a people business...and we can be the people who help people and are paid in the gratitude we get, the way we feel when the job is done and the burden lifted from the seller...it's what we do, it's what we should all do, whenever it can be done.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Ho Ho Ho...Santa Comes to New Berlin Wisconsin

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:30:25 -0600

The City of New Berlin will be celebrating its Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 5^th 2009 at the New Berlin Veterans Memorial site located on the corner of Casper Dr. and National Ave. The event is sponsored by the New Berlin Lions Club and begins at 4:30 pm.

There will be a presentation of Christmas Carols by the New Berlin Eisenhower Choir and brief remarks by our City’s dignitaries. The New Berlin Lions will distribute free stockings filled with candy. New Berlin Boy’s and Girl’s Scouts will provide food and hot chocolate.

Bring your camera because Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to visit with the kids at the New Berlin Fire Station across the street. Santa’s Elves will be accepting letters to Santa. The Mail Carriers at the New Berlin Post Office will have a special mailbox for Santa at their Post Office for kids who can’t make it on December 5^th or they can simply put them in your home Mail Box and Mail Carriers will make sure Santa receives them. It’s important that the address is legibly written so that Santa is able to write back to the kids. Snow or shine the event will mark the beginning of this special season of the year.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

When Happily Ever After....Is Not...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:28:49 -0600

Divorce can be one of the reasons that people sell a home...and can also be the reason for a short sale. The house that was larger when more children lived at home...the dream house that could only be supported by two incomes...the rate that adjusted....a combination of circumstances not only leads to the end of a relationship with husband and wife...it is the end of either member of the couple being able to stay in what had been their primary homestead.

The decline in values in the housing market can sometimes mean the dream house, larger house is no longer worth the amount of the mortgage balance. This is not a part of the plan that either the husband or the wife had envisioned. They imagined...they would pay off the mortgage and each have some "start over money" for the purchase of a condo or smaller home...that was going to be the next "happily ever after."

At some point reality enters the picture. often one or more realtors who have listed the home...and priced it with the mortgage payoff, home equity pay off, commission, taxes and start over money combined...have not been able to sell the house for the over market price. The couple wants to blame the realtor...that has a face and the market does not. They may have tired initially or eventually to "save the commission" by trying to sell the home on their own...as a first step...or a last step.

Agreeing to do a short sale is sometimes difficult...when there are few things in the fray of emotions that a couple can agree on...the disposition of one of their largest assets can heart wrenching and economically devastating. An experienced realtor can be one of the professionals consulted to help the couple know their viable options. Experienced and successful...perhaps there are refinancing or other options available....each situation is unique.

If you are divorcing, divorced...know someone who is and the sale of the house is an obstacle to starting over, call a realtor with short sale experience...and tell them you want to know all the options available so that each member of the couple can begin their "happily ever after."

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

10 Reasons Why The Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Sell

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:06:54 -0600

Ahhh...we just sent these same words of wisdom to our sphere...fewer homes on the market...all decorated and ready to sell....wait till spring..oh not ....celebrate the season with listings...agents....sellers....and oh yes...Buyers...they are gorgeous !

Via Kim Boekholder, Murray Utah, Sandy Utah, Salt Lake County, Utah MLS Listings, UT (Relocation, Short SalesK.W. Utah Realtors, Associate Broker ):

10 Reasons Why The Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Sell. Below is a list of reasons why now is the time to list.... Don't wait until spring.

*Sellers are dropping out of the market for holidays, less competition

*Buyers who are looking in the winter tend to be more serious buyers.

*Singles, couples, and empty nesters tend to wait while school is in session to buy, less competition for them.

*Interest rates are at an all time low

*Buyer scan buy more house right now.

*February and March produce the highest amount of homes sales, but November and December and January don't have as many homes for sale so there is a higher ration of homes sold to those for sale.

*The holiday spirit can help sell your home, you decorate for your guests, but buyers will find your home more charming while it is decorated for the season.

*Most homes are never cleaner and never smell better, or are better decorated than during the holiday season.

*If you don't want to move during the holidays you can negotiate possession for your own convenience.

*Sellers can usually negotiate their best deals during the holiday season.

Sellers who take their homes off the market or postpone selling them during the holidays won't save any money; they will simply postpone their own dreams and perhaps find more competition when they decide to enter the market again.

Are you ready to postpone your dreams or are you ready to move ahead and live your future now?

Kim Boekholder, Keller Williams, Moving to Utah? Moving Around Utah? Contact me for help

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p.s. "By the way, if a friend or family member you know could use a caring and competent agent, I would enjoy meeting them. Thanks for thinking of me with your referrals. I am certified in short sales, foreclsoures, buying, selling, investing, luxury homes, relocation.

Kim Boekholder Associate Broker,

Keller Williams Utah Realtors, Chair Ambassador Murray Chamber

Specializing in Short Sales and Relocation

Mobile: 801-580-5624
Fax:     801-303-8556
boeks@msn.com

Keller Williams a great place to hang your license.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Know What Condition Your Condition Is In...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:16:10 -0600

We recently listed...and sold a property in a blink...no...it was not the price....we couldn't move the location...it was the condition. The property had been listed by another realtor for over a year...who DOES that ? People who want to believe that the realtor who was referred to them by someone they trust....knows what they are doing. That if he says the market is slow...If he says do not repair, paint, stage...the sellers do not....it was the advice from a friend, relative ....and the agent that was referred by this trusted source.

Roof - torn off...and Replaced
Garage door replaced - Exterior Trim Painted
Foundation - Reinforced
Interior - Carpeting removed...Hardwood floors gleaming...Walls - painted
Staging...done tastefully...
Days on Market before over asking offer...5
Gratitude from Sellers - Priceless !

Price...Price..Price...Location...Location...Location....but ohhhhh that condition....!

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

You’re On the Market: Now What?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:32:59 -0600

Taking these helpful hints to heart...And Home Before you list can mean the difference between an offer and many days on the market....easy....and often forgotten steps.

Via Gerry Michaels (Community Benefits Real Estate):

Okay, so you've decided to sell your home, you've done everything right, interviewed agents, listened to listing presentations, the whole nine yards. Your agent just called to let you know that your house is now in MLS. You've already gone through and fixed all the problems, removed clutter, you have done everything right, just then the phone rings. It's your agent; he/she will be by in an hour with a prospective buyer, have the house ready for showing. Oh, so this is the panic feeling my agent was talking about.

The good news is there are some simple steps that can keep you and your home "show ready" with a minimum amount of work. Remember that agents will be showing prospective buyers your home when you are not there.

First steps: Set the thermostat at a comfortable setting, if its winter be sure the house is warm enough, in summer don't let it become a sweat box. If a prospective buyer can't be comfortable in a house just touring it, they are not going to take the time to "see" the house. They are going to rush through to go and get warm, or cool off.

•Ø      Don't let laundry pile up

•Ø      Take care of pet odors, and speaking of pets, put food bowls and litter boxes in hidden places

•Ø      Process mail as soon as possible, do not leave it on the table etc

•Ø      Never, never leave dishes in the sink

•Ø      Make beds each and every morning

•Ø      Make sure showers, toilets, sinks and ovens are all scrubbed clean

•Ø      Clothes belong off the floor, in hampers, hung up in the closet, put away

•Ø      Keep frig free of odors and clean both inside and out

•Ø      Dust and vacuum every week, more often if you have pets

•Ø      If your children have caged pets, such as gerbils, rats, mice, snakes etc send them to friends or family while the house is on the market. Believe me this is a big one.

•Ø      Don't let garages and basements become the catch all for your cleaning efforts. Get a storage locker if need be

These helpful hints can be a lifesaver when your home is on the market. How your home shows is a very important and often overlooked factor in whether your home sells or not. The worst thing a seller can do is have the "if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for them" syndrome.

Remember, the look you are trying to achieve is that comfortable lived in feel, while still maintaining that polish of a show house.

If you or somebody you know would appreciate my services, please contact me with their information and I will be happy to help them.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

My Agent Says...I Should Write In EVERYTHING...

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:03:15 -0600

We were at an open house yesterday...first time the home was open....it had been cleaned, painted, staged...new roof...basement reinforced....windows washed...cookies and candy at the reception table...all dressed up and ready to go.....

Enter Ms Prospective Buyer with Boy Friend in tow...in every room...after taking the sales sheet that detailed inclusions and exclusions...."Can I write in the__________window treatments (not blinds...staging materials), antique tables and lamps...Closing cost credit....how about a rent to own....Then I will know if I like it. My agent said I should write in everything...and by the way...would the seller pay points ?"

No one minds a few "beyond the inclusions" inclusions....and then there are the people who go whole hog...Putting yourself Ms Buyer in the Sellers' Position....wouldn't you want to sell to someone who added some of the inclusions and asked about others ? A few manners go a long way to making a happy....and closed transaction.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

New Berlin Remembers....Veteran's Day Programs

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:19:09 -0600

Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. If you are a Veteran or if you would like to honor our Veterans you are invited to two ceremonies here in New Berlin. One in the morning and one in the evening.

The first Veterans Day ceremony will be hosted by School Superintendent Dr. Paul Kreutzer at the New Berlin West High School Field House 18695 W. Cleveland Ave. at 9 a.m.

The second Veterans Day ceremony will be hosted by New Berlin's Hoeppner-Horn Brothers VFW Post 5716 and American Legion Post No. 488 at the New Berlin City Hall 3805 S. Casper Drive in the Common Council at 7 p.m. Mayor Jack Chiovatero will begin with opening remarks and the ceremony will feature patriotic music by the New Berlin Community Band.

Guest speakers will inclued Brian Barker, Commander of VFW Post 5716 and Donald Stone, who is the Commander of American Legion Post No. 488.If you are unable to attend this ceremony you can watch it live on New Berlin cable channel 25.

Let's show our Veterans how much we appreciate their sacrifices by honoring them at one or both of these events.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Lender Lies Contribute to Housing Problems

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:17:13 -0600

To publicly reveal the name of the local bank that after agreeing to a short sale and receiving the closing statement…authorizing their employee to accept the offer and has now greedily reneged on the agreement would be to put us at the same unprofessional level at which we consider them to be at this time. We won’t do that…..we also will not handle any more short sales from this lender. We speak with many other agents in this market who have questions about short sales….we will not in good ethical conscience…something this lender lacks….encourage them to work with this lender either.

We know that the lender has hundreds of properties that have taken back because they have no clear or realistic understanding of the market. We know they have received offers for and above the appraised amount of the property…..and rejected them because “they need more.” They have admitted over and over…they would not lend more than the appraised value…BUT they somehow expect that would one of their competitors or the fairy godmother/father of lending will magically wave their wand and strike the deficiencies…now deservedly piling higher and deeper on their ledgers.

We are very fortunate that the buyers have stepped up to fill the void between the appraised price and what “the bank had to have” and we were able to save the sellers from foreclosure. We won’t be able to save the lender from themselves as they continue to our minds, their less than ethical business practices that may well find their institution, upside down.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Getting "The N.O.D" on a Short Sale

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:50:15 -0600

When we take listings on short sales...we explain the process....we give the seller(s) lists of resources which include attorneys, accountants, credit consultants....we are not and do not pretend to be...any of those things. Know what you don't know and don't put much credence in the water cooler conversation...never know the source of those "facts."

It can be in 30 days...it might not be for six months...and sometime...very rarely,...it never happens.. the seller(s) are served with what looks like the scariest bunch of paper they have ever seen...a Notice of Default. Short sale listing agents...we know that you told your sellers that this would happen...maybe it already did by the time the seller contacts you...Sometimes it takes an official legal paper to jar the sellers into the reality...but typically the sellers believe as we all do...what we want to believe, not what reality dictates we believe.

They are not going to sell their home for the price they imagined
For Sale by Owner isn't going to save the house and the commission they won't pay with a short sale
A discount agent that hasn't told them the house would not appraise for the list price

The sellers are already overcome with debt and the thought of incurring legal expenses is more than they can tolerate. Know that there are resources for legal assistance if you require it...and that the NOD while it looks scary, it just a part of the process in a short sale.

We had a seller who had to leave the state to get gainful employment...Linda was screaming...and the e-mail was piled high with a copy of the NOD she received....we reminded her that it was in the outline we gave her, the conversation we had initially...a NOD is a legal requirement. Two weeks later we had an offer and the horror of being served legal papers went away and it was replaced by a good night's sleep with a comforting, well financed offer. Don't let a NOD frighten you....get the help you need from a qualified short sale realtor who can refer you to the professional resources you require.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Cute Country New Berlin Bungalow...All Dressed Up & Ready to Call Home !

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:57:09 -0600

We are proud to present our newest listing....the cutest country bungalow ever. The sellers have worked themselves silly....the brand new tear off roof is being put on as we write...AND for the first time...with new roof, fresh paint, reinforced, waranteed foundation...beautiful hardwood floors...country size kitchen with stove and refrigerator...on over an acre...it's yours at an unbelievable price....all 3 bedrooms and one bath...$167,777

OPEN SUNDAY, November 8th - 2-4 PM

4065 South Woelfel Road - Calhoun to Observatory, West on Observatory to Woelfel - a squidge North...

Bring your Checkbook....!

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

It's My Anniversary....Wow....What a present...

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:45:09 -0600

I am not sure when I quit smoking...I don't know what day I got licensed...I know our oldest "son" Cat...Cosmo is about 13....some days just don't stick in my head...but today is my two year anniversary...I was let's say...heavier...an insulin dependent..6 shot a day diabetic...had sleep apnea and was rapidly adding more life threatening complications to my health history...

Enter my lifeguard....life saver....Dr. Manfred Chiang...the Bariatric Institute....I won't go into the details of this very minor surgery except to tell you....I am a zillion....well maybe not quite...pounds thinner...I am NOT diabetic...I do NOT have sleep apnea...I have lost TONS of dress sizes...my shorts and pants are now good will donations....I have more energy than ever...

If you know anyone who is overweight and struggling...send them this blog...it's a lifesaver....Happy SKINNIER anniversary to ME !

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

Senate Approves Homebuyers Taxcredit Extenstion plus New Rules

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:04:06 -0600

On your mark...get set ....BUY !

Via Angie Raetz (Frontage Realty):

The U.S. Senate finally voted Wednesday on the bill to extend aid for the unemployed and to extend the tax credit for home buyers plus include current buyers. (Please see details)

The vote was 98 to 0 through the Senate. The House of Representives is expected to vote as soon as Thursday then the it will be sent to President Barack Obama to sign into law.

Homebuyer's Tax Credit

The bill extends the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers until April 30. That bill will also incluse homebuyers that have owned a home for at least five years to be eligible for a $6,500 credit if they move.

The tax credit will not be exteneded past April 30.

Small Business Tax Credit

The bill will also allow businesses to get a break on their tax bills by applying losses from 2008 or 2009 to recover taxes paid in prior years when the economy was booming. This tax credit only applies to small businesses.

Unemployment Benefits

The bill gives unemployment benefits an additional 14 weeks. Those in high unemployment states could receive up to six more weeks on top of that.

***As always please verify with your Tax Accountant that you qualify for the Homebuyer's & Small Business Tax Credits.***

Thank you!

Angie Raetz, Realtor®

Frontage Realty, LLC

Cell: 256-503-2981

Home fax: 256-325-3622

angieraetz@knology.net

www.AngieRaetz.com

www.facebook.com/angieraetz

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

The BIG 4 Reasons A House Sells.....

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:33:30 -0600

In no particular order….here are the BIG FOUR reasons you need to look at when you list/sell your home.

- Location –Not much you can do about that you say…it is where it is…true enough ! But who knows that ? Is there a sign on the lawn ? Are there directional signs to the property ? Is it listed in MLS with easy to understand directions ? What internet presence has your agent given your listing ?

- Condition – “Handy man’s special” and “as is” don’t get it anymore…and neither do the people who want to finance them….not sooo much…condition for financing/appraising and showing well in an often over loaded inventory market is optimum. If there are major structural and/or mechanical issues…the roof, foundation, furnace…credits to the buyer don’t do the trick…they won’t be able to finance the roof that leaks, the basement walls that lean, the furnace that spouts carbon monoxide…where there is a will, there is a way…ask your realtor how this can get done professionally before listing.

Old peeling paint…dated…..carpet, light fixtures….not every update has to cost a zillion dollars…clean it for starters….paint it….make it inviting…if you wouldn’t buy it...will someone else in the condition it’s in ?

PROMOTION - If you listed your home with a discount or less than full service agent, the money you saved came from the marketing that isn’t done…the open house you didn’t have, the signs, the internet exposure…the availability of the listing agent (or your own if appointments are thru the seller) to show the property at the time the interest is the highest…when the buyer wants to see it. Your home IS wonderful….but difficulty in getting a showing will mean the buyer(s) just say NEXT ! If you aren’t everywhere on the internet…if you aren’t listed in MLS…if you think listing the property “by owner” is saving money…statistics show that is not the case. All sales efforts are a numbers game…you need to expose your listing to as many people as possible to find the right buyer qualified to buy your home.

PRICE – Oh Surprise ! It will never be about…what you need, what you have to have, what you want, what your neighbor says he sold for, what pays off the mortgage, the HELOC, it will always be what the market says….Be SURE that the agent who lists your house has showed you comparable homes that have sold RECENTLY…in the last 90 days. If an agent asks you want you want for a price…you tell them what you “have to have”….you are asking for price reductions and will end up getting less than you would have if you had listed at a price the market has indicated.

The Buyers are out…the Buyers are out….Now is the Time…the BIG 5 are what they always were…Live Happily Ever After…Happy Sales to YOU !

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI

It Was A Full Moon....

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:44:14 -0600

It was Monday...it was a full moon (or looked like one) and the phone rang....the caller began...

"We have been referred to you by_________" to list our house and we would like to meet with you right away and get our home on the market....it has lake frontage....all updated and mechanically sound...it passed the inspection and the financing fell through."

Ahhh....music to our ears....Knowing the referral source...I asked the caller if she was upside down...no, no ...the realtors (all five of them...yikes !) just didn't understand....the house...the market....how to promote...

We list the house this week....were five realtors wrong...hmmm.....who wouldn't move the price...who didn't mooove with the market....

If a house has been on the market more than___________(pick your timetable depending on your neighborhood), and the price hasn't been reduced...the location is wonderful...the condition is great...someone was hanging onto equity hope....the realtor bought the listing....and put the sellers into unnecesary hardship. Sellers in this situation often....borrow money to pay the mortgage from relatives, friends (who soon may not be), credit cards....to learn that it was not the realtor....the condition really was wonderful....the location was fine...the price...was going to be "not so much" . Not so much to cover the mortgage....the commission, the taxes....

If you find yourself in this position...Call us...no matter where you are in the country...we can get the help you need to determine what alternatives you have to the stress...the length of time you have kept your home on the market...the bills, taxes, interest that continue. Be good to yourself....get the help you need and the professionalism you deserve.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, e-Pro

Keller Williams - Brookfield, WI