Alrighty then – in our last conversation I provided a list of average interest rates dating back to 2000.  From that information it is really easy for us to see that we can get a loan and Pay Less for it as compared to years past.  What I didn’t explain and what I want to delve into now is the fact that the mortgage you get today can get you Much More Home for the Money!!!!!

So, as a quick recap – we can get (per government qualifications) an $8000.00 tax credit if I am a first time home buyer.  Ok, that is neat!  Secondly, the interest rate on my new mortgage is weighted in the buyers favor as it will cost a buyer less to borrow money as compared to years past.  And now, without further delay – the home that my loan will buy is a home that has more square footage, more amentities, is probably a newer home with a Great Kenosha, Racine or Walworth County location!!!!

Let’s take a look -

As of today, as I search the Bear Realty Property Search using the Metro Milwaukee MLS system, there are 46 Single Family Home listings between $149,000 and $151,000.  I am going to use a new construction listing at $149,900.  The home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a 2 Car Attached Garage.

Let’s take a look and see what that home would have cost us in 2005 – Based on the above Criteria a similar home, in 2005 would have been cost us anywhere between $170,000 up to $200,000.  I did the basic search with the same criteria – and I want to encourage any of you reading my blog today to consider your options.  Certainly there is no better time than now to invest in our local Kenosha, Racine and Walworth county real estate market and no better time for You to COME ON HOME to Bear Realty.

Should you have questions give us a visit at www.bearrealty.com

Foreclosure and / or Short Sale circumstances are nerve racking for the home owner by the sheer nature of the situation(s) at hand. Far too many Americans are finding themselves in positions where they are forced to make some very difficult decisions. There are numerous offerings and “extended hands” held out in an effort to “help” but who do you trust? Who really has your best interests in mind?

If you would indulge me – take a minute and consider how the business of your local real estate agent has been affected by the overall downturn in the market. Certainly I think we can all understand that when someone experiences an obstacle in their day to day business – it almost goes without saying that the tough get going when the going get’s tough. With that – the tenacity necessary to be successful in real estate sales in the first place make real estate agents and the Wisconsin Realtors Association the ideal individuals and “tools” (if you will) to educate and inform the public on the basic steps and information necessary to navigate these specific “troubled waters”. It is in everyone’s best interest to get our overall housing market back on track and helping sellers navigate a potential foreclosure situation is a critical aspect of regaining “market health”.

A comforting aspect to the entire situation is the fact that you don’t have to “go it alone” – Keep in mind that the majority of real estate agents will not receive any compensation until the transaction has closed so your upfront exposure, from a financial perspective, is limited. Real Estate Agents work towards your very best outcome. Do your Due Diligence – get to know the agents in your area and get a feel of which agent really has You in Mind. Your local Bear Realty agents are available, experienced and willing to take you through what could be a very scary process while easing your stress and doing what it takes to calm the stormy seas. Questions and comments can be directed to kim@bearrealty.com

http://www.wisconsinforeclosurekit.org/

http://www.bearrealty.com

There is way too much chaos in the world today and many people appreciate any opportunity to cut down on the “running around” and enjoy the rare occasions when they come into contact with a professional that can assist and guide in the overall project and not just one specific aspect.

Regarding Real Estate – find a broker that understands Single Family, Multi-Family, Foreclosure / Short-sale, Commercial / Investment, Rental, Lending, Home Inspections and Title. You will find your experience to run in a manner where the “oh yeah – shoot”‘s are avoided and the seamlessness of your transaction becomes that perfect step in achieving your goal.

Bear Realty partners with Lakeside Title, various lenders, inspectors and appraisers, has a property management arm, construction and development arm and is experienced in all aspects of real estate sales and marketing. Call the people that not only work it and live it every day but also that drive “success into it”…..let us “takes you home”.

In an economy that has many people holding their breath and wondering what tomorrow may hold – those individuals that are positioned to make investments in their future are finding the pricing, mortgage rates and housing inventories a great opportunity to build their “business of the future”.  A key element in building any business is surrounding yourself with the right people – those professionals that have a common goals and bring their particular expertise to the table.  From a real estate perspective, selecting the right agent is key – ask the questions, screen your candidates and understand what your “must have’s” in an agent are. 

First Time Home-buyers – look for that agent / partner that asks YOU a lot of questions.  You need an agent that is not only going to step you through the process of purchasing a home but an agent that will HELP YOU understand the HOME that will meet your needs and fulfill your DREAMS.

Step-up / Step-out – Reselling a property in today’s market takes a strategic marketing plan.  Ask your agent the 5 questions….What, Where, Why, When and How – The right agent will have their office numbers ready to review with you and will explain what is currently working and what hasn’t.  Today’s resale market is changing almost daily – make sure that the data that your agent candidate is sharing with you is current, and that the agent actually understands the data that they are showing you.  Experience is always a plus, but you shouldn’t even have to ask about the current technology tools that are being utilized by your agent candidate – that should already be a part of their presentation……DO ask them to share with you how THEY operate with those tools.

Investors – find that agent that understands operating by “the bottom line” – How does that agent run their own business – what is their success rate in the offer process – (note – take time to research the sales stat’s if this is a property you feel strongly about adding to your inventory – remember, you are competeing with other investors) – be willing to share some key elements of your business plan and select an agent that you are willing to partner with for the long-term.  The right agent for you will become a key member of your team that is always on the lookout for the next great investment.