I'm Bigger than you!

Bigger Isn’t Always Better 

Everyone’s drawn to the biggest, most beautiful house on the block. But bigger is usually not better when it comes to houses. There’s an old adage in real estate that says don’t buy the biggest, best house on the block. 

The largest house only appeals to a very small audience and you never want to limit potential buyers when you go to re-sell. Your home is only going to go up in value as much as the other houses around you. If you pay $500,000 for a home and your neighbors pay $250,000 to $300,000, your appreciation is going to be limited. 

Sometimes it is best to is buy the worst house on the block, because the worst house per square foot always trades for more than the biggest house.

Buying a home, Your schedule

RE/MAX Realty Center - Real Estate in Wisconsin

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Be a Stalker

Stalk the Neighborhood

 
Before you buy, get the lay of the land – drop by morning noon and night. Many homebuyershave become completely distraught because they thought they found the perfect home, only to find out the neighborhood wasn’t for them. 

Drive by the house at all hours of the day to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. Do your regular commute from the house to make sure it is something you can deal with on a daily basis. Find out how far it is to the nearest grocery store and other services. Even if you don’t have kids, research the schools because it affects the value of your home in a very big way.

If you buy a house in a good school district versus bad school district even in the same town, the value can be affected as much as 20 percent.

 Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555) an experienced real estate agent in Wisconsin, Waukesha County & the entire Milwaukee Metro. Wisconsin Lake Living.

Buying a Second Home

BUYING A SECOND HOME

Dreaming of a vacation home down on a beach? Or maybe a dream home in the mountains? Or maybe you just want to buy a new home for your child? Whatever the case may be for buying a second home, we at Guaranteed Rate have the right home loan to meet your needs!

Wondering how a second home could affect your finances? With our mortgage calculator, you can figure out just how much home you can afford before even starting the house searching process. Getting your finances in order is crucial when getting a mortgage and planning and buying a second home.

Next, make sure sellers know you’re serious about buying their home by getting a pre-approval from us. Contact yourhome purchase expert and get your paperwork started today.

Lisa Bear of RE/MAX (262-893-5555) an experienced real estate agent in Wisconsin, Waukesha County & the entire Milwaukee Metro. Wisconsin Lake Living.

5 Small-Cost, Big-Impact Updates for Home Sellers

5 Small-Cost, Big-Impact Updates for Home Sellers

When preparing to sell your home, small updates can make a big difference to buyers. Consider these simple projects that can deliver the biggest bang for your DIY bucks.

1. Doors: Replacing a worn-out front door with a new one – or even just repainting it – can create a strong first impression.

2. Cabinets: Giving kitchen cabinets a facelift doesn't have to break the bank. Visit your local hardware store for a DIY kit to make easy touch ups with paint or wood stains. Changing the handles and knobs may even do the trick.

3. Paint: A fresh, clean coat in a neutral color can completely transform a space. Don't forget the trim!

4. Closets: Storage space is eye candy to many homebuyers. Declutter and show the storage possibilities. Think about organizing with shelves and containers too.

5. Fixtures: Ratchet up your home's style by throwing down a few bucks on new plates for your electric switches, new faucets and showerheads, and new lightning accessories.

Need help coming up with more easy ways to show your home in the best light? Find a local RE/MAX agent who can help.

4 Steps to Launch the Home Buying Process

4 Steps to Launch the Home Buying Process

You’ve decided you’re ready to buy your own home­ – now what? Start with these initial steps:

1. Get your financial ducks in a row.
Calculate how much money you have in savings and assets, your total annual income and your expenses. Know how much of it you can allocate toward a downpayment and other expenses. Check your credit report and fix any errors. This will help you determine what type of loan you qualify for, and the price range of homes you want to look at.

2. Determine how much house you can afford.
A common rule is that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28 percent of your pre-tax income. You can plug your information into an online mortgage calculator to get a starting idea of exactly how much you’ll pay each month with different interest rates and terms.

3. Find a real estate agent.
Interview several agents to find one that specializes in the communities you're interested in and has experience representing buyers with the type of home you’re looking for. Search for a local agent now.

4. Shop!
It’s important that you keep an open mind and look at a wide range of properties. Go to open houses. Cruise the Internet. Peruse different neighborhoods. Your agent will also help by finding properties that match as many of your “wants” and “needs” as possible. When you fall in love with a house and are ready to make it official, your agent can help you navigate the process from putting in an offer to the closing table.

Whether you’re buying, selling or looking to make your house a home, you can find more advice on the RE/MAX blog.

When thinking real estate

When you think about Buying or Selling Real Estate.....think REMAX Realty Center. 

We have the agents, resources and knowledge to make the transaction seamless! 

From First Time Homes Buyers to Seasoned Investors, we can help! 

Contact us for a FREE No obligation consultation!