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Welcome-to-Wisconsin.jpg?width=300The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for September of 2013. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin home sales were very strong in September, continuing the robust pace that has characterized the year. Sales of existing homes were up 15.8 percent in September compared to that same month in 2012 — representing a 13.6 percent increase through the first nine months of the year. Median prices posted similar gains, increasing a very solid 6.7 percent in September relative to September 2012 — an increase of 7.8 percent year to date compared to the first nine months of 2012. Home sales have now been up for 27 straight months and median prices have consistently grown in all but one of the past 19 months.

As we move out of the summer selling season, this growth in home sales is remarkably strong and shows signs of growing even stronger,” said Steve Lane, chairman of the WRA board of directors. “We need to remember that this growth in home sales is occurring even as mortgage rates are up by almost a full percent compared to where they were this time last year, and state job growth has been modest at best,” he said.

All regions saw their existing home sales grow by double-digit margins in September, compared to September 2012, with three regions increasing more than 19 percent, and the remaining three in the range of 11 to 15 percent. The areas with the strongest growth in September were the Central region, which was up 21.7 percent relative to last September, followed closely by the North and South central regions, which grew just over 19 percent for the period. The West region increased 14.9 percent; the Southeast grew at 14 percent, and the Northeast region increased 11.5 percent over the period.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold and the price at which they are being sold at. September was no exception.

I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit Janesville, WI Home Listings for Sale to search for current properties listed in the Janesville area or visit Madison, WI Homes for Sale for MLS Listings in the Madison area.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Click below:

What's My Wisconsin Home Worth?

Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

September 2013
Home Sales: 6,026
Median Home Price: $144,000

September 2012
Home Sales: 5,202
Median Home Price: $135,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

September 2013
Home Sales: 562
Median Home Price: $215,000

September 2012
Home Sales: 450
Median Home Price: $203,600

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

September 2013
Home Sales: 174
Median Home Price: $114,500

September 2012
Home Sales: 166
Median Home Price: $101,000

View my report from last month. Wisconsin August 2013 Housing Statistics

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Just Sold! 1817 Anhalt Dr, Madison Wisconsin 53704

We are happy to announce a sale for another Madison Wisconsin Rock Realty home seller!

This home was the perfect little tri-level on Madison's East Side. The buyers got a great price on this bank accepted short sale. Congratulations to the buyers and our sellers on this successful Madison short sale transaction!

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Wisconsin, our home buyer specialists would be happy to assist you. Give Rock Realty a call at 877-774-7625. We are a full service real estate brokerage.

 Search Madison Wisconsin MLS Listings

OTHER ARTICLES

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Are you planning to sell your house or apartment? Would you like to know what can help boost your resale incentives? If you have finally decided to list your property up for resale, you might be inundated by friends or work colleagues on undergoing notable changes to boost results. Though some people may find it easier to sell their homes “as is”, this idea does not apply if you want to gain more out of your hard-earned investment. You do not really have to spend a fortune if you wish to increase the resale value and appeal of your home. All you need to do is exert efforts and a few bucks to guarantee a resale that will put a huge grin on your coffers.
1. Standard Repairs
Aside from location, size, neighborhood, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and so on, it is important that your property is comfortable and functional. You need to ensure that structure, plumbing, electrical, security system, and other crucial parts of the home are safe and sound. Carefully assess any broken outlets, chipped or cracked tiles, defective electrical and HVAC system, infestation, and other parts of your property. It is your ethical responsibility to sell a home that is functional and serviceable. In cases of serious repairs needed, a professional is one that guarantees a topnotch job, unless you are a master in do-it-yourself.
 2. Organizing Clutter
This may sound tedious at first but, when done right, can give your home a creative facelift without spending a lot. There are many ways to organize clutter nowadays. You can put into storage any unnecessary items which might disrupt a potential client’s interest. You may indulge in simple clean-up but when it comes to de-cluttering, you might want to check out various storage systems nowadays that deliver astounding results.
3. A Paint Job
Paint plays an important role in a home’s curb appeal. It is the very first impression that draws interest from potential clients. If you believe that your home is in dire need of a fresh coat of paint, slap both interior and exterior with a can or two. You may engage in DIY if you have significant experience. Just make sure not to become tacky with wallpaper, odd colors or bad flooring design. When you are not sure, better seek out a trusted local paint contractor to handle the job. Some also have a lot of vinyl siding now. It might be good to paint the exteriors or power wash them to ensure clean appearances for when clients come to view the property.
4. Add a Garden
You can prettify your back- and front yard with a garden. Mowing the lawn can prove to be an exciting chore to both men and women nowadays. A garden full of flowers makes a lot of difference. For small –spaced abodes, AeroGardening or simple recycled container gardening would suffice.
5. Take Note of the Kitchen and Bathroom
Be extra watchful of your bathrooms and kitchen. These areas are becoming highly considered focal points of a home. You might want to invest on new sinks, countertops or cabinets. Replace those with significant marks as this can easily distract a potential buyer.
6. Raise the Roof
Repaint, repair or replace? Carefully assess the problem on your roof. A professional roofer can easily pinpoint essential initiatives that must be done to ensure zero bad credit.
7. Update Security System

Last but not least, make necessary updates on your home’s security. Nothing beats a house that is not only well-kept but also fully secured. Homes with foolproof security system, often, acquire great interest.

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Counties of WIThe Wisconsin housing statistics are in for August of 2013. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Home sales and median prices both grew at a healthy pace in August, continuing the hot real estate market in Wisconsin. Existing home sales were up 13.7 percent in August compared to last August, closing out a very strong summer for home sales and 26 straight months of sales growth. Home prices showed similar strength with the median price rising 6.3 percent to $152,000 in August. Median prices have been up 17 of the last 18 months.

This has been a very strong summer for home sales, which is important for a state like Wisconsin where there are strong seasonal sales patterns,” said Steve Lane, broker with First Weber Group REALTORS® in Stevens Point and the new Chairman of the WRA board of directors. "We started the year strong, and we’ve carried that momentum through the summer, which bodes well for the remainder of the year,” Lane said.

Existing home sales were up in every region of the state, with five of the six regions growing by 9.9 percent in August compared to August 2012. The area with the fastest growth over August 2012 was the Central region, which was up 23.2 percent. Also up by substantial margins were the South Central, increasing 18.4 percent, and the Southeast, growing 14.5 percent compared to August last year. The West was up 11.1 percent, and the Northeast grew 9.9 percent over the period. Finally, home sales in the North were up 5.6 percent compared to last year.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold and the price at which they are being sold at. This summer and fall has been really hot for the properties that are priced right!

I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit Janesville, WI Homes for Sale to search for current properties listed in the Janesville area or visit Madison, WI Homes for Sale for MLS Listings in the Madison area.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Click below:

What's My Wisconsin Home Worth?

Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

August 2013
Home Sales: 7,608
Median Home Price: $152,000

August 2012
Home Sales: 6,643
Median Home Price: $143,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

August 2013
Home Sales: 900
Median Home Price: $219,900

August 2012
Home Sales: 690
Median Home Price: $212,700

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

August 2013
Home Sales: 199
Median Home Price: $107,500

August 2012
Home Sales: 191
Median Home Price: $105,500

View my report from last month. Wisconsin July 2013 Housing Statistics

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These home renovations tend to not pay back your investment.

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc
photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc

Home investors have to walk a very thin line in their prospecting and repairing.  They want to find a home that others have ignored due to necessary repairs and updating.  However, they don’t want to waste money on improvements that simply look nice but fail to increase the home’s overall price.  Here are the top renovations that do not add much value to the home.

Grandiose Landscaping

Potential buyers will appreciate a well-kept lawn and may be somewhat attracted to a nice flower bed by the front door, but elaborate landscaping will not add to the home’s price.  Even worse, if the prospective buyer has no inclination to spend hours in the yard weeding, fertilizing and replanting then you may actually scare off a few buyers.  A simple lawn with low maintenance bushes are the best bet for most homes.

Pool

A new pool is extremely expensive and you may not recover even half of your investment when the property sells.  The average home buyer looks at the pool as a major expense and a potential problem in the form of injury or a lawsuit.  Some contracts in recent years have actually been structured to include filling in the pool with dirt and sod just to avoid potential problems.

Carpet throughout the Whole Home

It can be rather expensive to replace the carpet in an entire home.  Additionally, styles and preferences change over the course of time and homeowners may wish to have a more updated look in the home.  The need to replace a large amount of carpet sometime in the next 3-5 years would likely be daunting for most homeowners.  A better bet is to have hardwood and tile in the home.  They are easier to clean and most people appreciate the simple upkeep. Although the initial investment in hardwood or tile is more expensive, you are more likely to get a greater amount back when you sell the home.

More Home than the Rest of the Neighborhood

One of the fundamental basics of flipping homes is to search for a property that conforms to the neighborhood.  Never buy the absolute biggest home or the smallest home in the neighborhood.  They will be harder to sell.  Along the same thought process, never add more to a home that will make it vastly different from the neighborhood.  If all the properties on the street are single story homes then it makes no sense to tack on a double story addition.  Stick with the norm for the neighborhood in order to be able to move the property quickly.

Expensive Cosmetic Features

Some people like to brag about the Italian tile in the kitchen or the gold chandelier in the dining room when they are working on a remodel.  However, these expensive items add little to the value of the home.  It is better to make sure the home has plenty of lighting, has ample space and that the closets and cabinets are well organized.  Those expensive add-ons can be purchased by the next owner.

Basically, the best improvements you can make to an investment home are the ones that add function and space.  Anything else will simply be for show and potentially cost you too much in the long run.

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Must Have Apps and Gadgets For Realtors

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A lot of changes have taken place in the last two years in technology. Along with these changes, real estate professionals are also busy finding ways on how to communicate effectively with clients and to keep track of a highly competitive and volatile market. Luckily, there are modern gadgets and apps that have been developed to serve every facet of their operation. To give you a head start, here are some of the newly updated gadgets and apps available on the tech market today designed specifically to serve real estate busybodies.

Gadgets You Should Not Miss
A Tech-y Desk
Most real estate agents have offices at home and having a 40-inch touch-screen that you can easily tuck on your desk is one great option. EXODesk allows you to connect, view and operate virtually any computer on either Windows or IOS platform. Apps can be added to suit your business needs.
Tablet Computer
Mobility is your game. Instead of buying a separate computer for home use and laptop or tablet for mobile use, buy one which features both. ASUS Transformer AIO P1801, for instance, works as both a PC and a tablet. It also has a dual operating system to serve its purpose.
Wi-Fi Camera in 3D
You will be taking pictures of homes to sell and what better way to do it than in 3D. Samsung NX300 features not just pixel-perfect results but also the ability to connect to a Smartphone or computer automatically sending photos in a click.
Smartphone and Accessories
Regardless of the size, a Smartphone is an essential gadget that realtors should not work without. This keeps your communication line open for clients and colleagues, and also doubles as your gateway to the Internet. Have a ChargeCard and DeLorme Inreach ready, too. The former gives you an extra charge for your battery while the latter serves as your satellite device when no signal is available.
Portable Scanner
As a real estate agent, titles and other documents are crucial in your transactions. A mobile scanner like that of Xerox comes handy. It can easily convert paper documents into PDFs or JPG files and then, sends these documents directly to your recipient via wireless contact.
Be Watch-ful
No matter how busy, you can always check for your email and phone calls through your “smart watch”. This watch allows you to tell time, retrieve emails, dial phone numbers, and go through social network updates.
New Apps to Consider
Every day, new apps are being developed for public consumption. For realtors, here are some of the current ones worthy of praise:
1. DocuSign - for digital signing of legal documents
2. Magic Plan – creating floor plan in a snap
3. Google Apps – Gmail, Calendar, Google+, Maps, Chrome, Google Drive, and more.
4. Dropbox – for back-up and storage
5. Sitegeist – great tidbits on people and housing, weather, and so on
6. DreamScore – access to local MLS listings
7. DreamPro – search app designed for realtors and brokers
8. Casmy – gather open-house info in real time
9. Open Home Pro – creating listings via phone
10. HomeSnap – take a picture of a home then, find out its market value, bed and baths, taxes, access to schools, hospitals, and so on.

In the months and years to come, more and more tech-y gadgets and apps will be introduced to the real estate arena. You need to keep your eyes open for these changes and updates. In a highly competitive industry like real estate, your chances can be determined by how well equipped you are.

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Best home features to draw the highest sale price.

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc

Investing money in a rental property or a flip can yield great dividends.  However, not all improvements are equal.  It is important to put your money in the right places in order to have the greatest impact on the home's value.  Here are the top features you can add to a home that will likely draw the highest price.

New Deck

The addition of a deck is one of the best improvements that can be made to a home.  In fact, Remodeling Magazine published a report that stated over 85% of the money spent on a deck will likely be recovered when the home is sold.  This compares favorably to 78% of the money spent on remodeling a bathroom.

Decks add another usable area for families to entertain or relax.  It is wise to plan out the deck properly in order to maximize space, function and appearance.

Sunroom

One of the hottest trends over the past few years has been the addition of sunrooms.  These areas allow homeowners to feel close to the outdoors while staying comfortable inside.  Skylights and tile floors are common in sunrooms.  Owners can choose to have the room heated or not, depending on climate and budget.

A sunroom will add to the total square footage of the home but at a cheaper price than adding other types of rooms such as bathrooms or bedrooms. The best place to put a sunroom is just off a major area like a living room or kitchen.

Office

More companies are offering employees the option to telecommute and freelancers are growing in numbers every year.  For this reason it is quite common for people to need a specific work area in their home.  Having an office in the home makes it easier for people to get their jobs done and the area can be a deduction on taxes.  Popular features are multiple electrical outlets, internet line outlet, open space and storage cabinets.

Light and Space

Tight, dimly lit spots are a real turn off for potential buyers.  If there are areas in a home that do not have access to sunlight then it is a good idea to add electrical lighting.  Recessed lights, adjustable lights and modern light switches add a contemporary feel.

Besides adding light you can opt to add more space.  This can be accomplished by removing walls that block off areas from each other.  Many homes now have a wide open spot comprised of the kitchen, living room and dining room.  This allows a number of people to socialize with each other without the need for everyone fitting in to one small room.

This is not to suggest that all the above features need to be added to a home in order to increase its value.  These are simply some of the best ways to recover costs and attract buyers to a home.


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Estimating house repairs accurately for an investment/flip.

photo credit: Nebojsa Mladjenovic via photopin cc
photo credit: Nebojsa Mladjenovic via photopin cc

Very few people ever buy a car and then find out the amount of the monthly payments and insurance.  Most people sit down with pen and paper, or a computer, and crunch some numbers to make sure they can handle the purchase.   The same thing should be done before buying an investment property.  However, buying a home with the purpose of flipping takes a bit more knowledge and calculation in order to earn a profit when it comes time to sell.

Understand the Difference between Structural Problems and Cosmetic Needs

Even a brand new novice can recognize the need for some paint or fresh carpet.  People that have purchased a home before could possibly spot an older front door or some outdated windows.  However, being able to see and recognize a problem with the structure of a home takes a bit more knowledge and practice.  Pay close attention to these areas and possible problems:

  • Areas damaged by water; evidence could be water stains, rippled paint, musty odors or flaking of paint
  • Problems with water lines; water supplies that drip or don't run, leaks around toilets, pipes, and water valves
  • Presence of pests, especially termites
  • Dry and rotten wood

Beyond these trouble spots, it is also important to understand that a home 20+ years old will most likely need some kind of other normal repair such as an updated HVAC system, new roof, or new water heater.

The Right Compromise Makes Everyone Happy

Keep in mind that your goal is to FLIP the home.  That means that you can purchase the home well enough below the market value that you can quickly sell it to someone else for a profit.  If you try to repair too many things, then the price will need to be increased and you could scare off a few investors.

Here is a simple formula that will help you when looking at potential properties.

  1. Determine the value of the home after repairs have been made
  2. Deduct the money needed to make said repairs.
  3. Take this new amount and multiply it by 70%.  This figure is top dollar offer.

Here is a simple example.  You are looking at a home that should be worth $180,000 once it has been repaired.  The money needed to fix it up is $15,000.

Estimated new value of home after repairs$180,000.00
Necessary repairs-15000
Current value$165,000.00
Multiplied by 70%$115,500.00

In this particular example, if you could purchase the home for $109,000 and sell it for $114,000 you would make a quick $5,000 without lifting a finger.  To make this better, the investor that buys the home from you has enough room to buy the home, make the repairs and sell for a profit.

How to Get Better at Estimating Repair Costs

  • Habit of looking at homes – You will need to inspect quite a few homes in order to learn how to recognize particular problems. Seeing the same kind of problem multiple times will teach you what to search for in a home.
  • Get acquainted with a contractor – If you are not a contractor yourself then it is a good idea to strike up a friendship with a contractor.  They will be able to give you estimates on your potential properties.  You can also refer work to him to keep him busy.
  • Take good notes – When you are looking at a home with a contractor take notes about the problems that he points out and the price for the repair.
  • Study material prices – Get accustomed to visiting the local hardware stores to get prices on materials. Knowing when prices are going up, or going down, or certain items will help you make more accurate estimates.

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Rookie mistakes when flipping a home.

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc
photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc

With mortgage rates still at all-time lows and lots of homes available at prices below market, many people are turning to real estate investment for the first time.  In order to be safe, new investors often start out with flipping homes instead of holding a property for its rental value.  Here are some of the top mistakes rookies make in home flipping and how to avoid them.

Not Allowing Enough for Repair Work

This is usually the biggest mistake made by new investors.  People who have never renovated a home often underprice the repairs needed to make the home attractive enough to sell.  This is why seasoned investors recommend that new investors talk to a contractor BEFORE placing a bid on a home.  Getting a good price upfront will help determine if the house is worth the purchase. It is also wise to add a bit of cushion for Murphy's Law for things that just go wrong for no reason.

Allowing Emotion to Let You Pay Too Much

Some investors find the “perfect” home and go full steam ahead with the purchase.  They find a home with a discount in a hot area and they just KNOW that they can sell it for a quick profit.  This is where cold, hard facts should take the lead, not emotion.

An investor should never, ever buy a home for anything more than 70% of the home's repaired value.  This is a rule of thumb that has been used by many investors for years and it has served them well.  Paying more than the 70% will lead to smaller profits or even a loss.

Trying to Do Too Much

Many new investors envision themselves remodeling the bathroom, adding new paint and then finishing up the front lawn in a few weeks and then, voila, the home will sell.  However, it is best to let the pro's handle the tough work.  Repairing or remodeling a home can require some or all of the basic contracting skills such as carpentry, plumbing, masonry, painting and electrical.  It is simply too much of a daunting task to try and do all of this on your own unless you have considerable experience in these areas.  Even if you can do it all, wouldn't it be better to hire someone to do this type of hourly work while you search for the next deal?

Taking Too Long for the Repairs

Each month that you own a property is another month of expenses for items like utility bills, insurance and property taxes.  This can eat in to your future profits and may even cause yourself a loss.  Before buying the property sit down with your contractor and discuss the estimated time needed to repair the home.  If necessary, ask the contractor to break the job down into rooms and develop a timeline.  This will help you and the contractor stay on pace to finish the work and get it back on the market.

Your goal as a home flipper is to find a home at the right price that you can turn around and sell for a profit.  Don't fall in to the trap of these mistakes and don't get too attached to any home.  Always be ready to simply walk away from a potential deal and look for a new one.

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Welcome-to-Wisconsin.jpg?width=300The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for July of 2013. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin home sales and prices both grew in July, outpacing the solid rate established for the first half of 2013. Sales of existing homes for July increased 17.3 percent over July of 2012, which is stronger than the 11.4 percent rate of growth established in the first six months of this year over the first half of last year. Home prices also continued their strong rate of appreciation, increasing 9.0 percent in July over last July, to a statewide median of $155,299. Prices for the first six months of the year were up 7.7 percent.

It’s clear that 2013 is shaping up to be a very strong year for Wisconsin housing and the indications are that these trends will continue,” said Renny Diedrich, chairman of the WRA board of directors. "We’re at the peak of the Wisconsin home selling season, with nearly 43 percent of all sales taking place between May and August in a typical year,” Diedrich said.

This is very strong median price appreciation and it’s consistent with national trends,” said WRA President and CEO Michael Theo. Theo said statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® show that the median sales price of single-family homes nationally increased 12.2 percent in the second quarter compared to the second quarter of 2012, which represents the strongest year-over-year increase since the fourth quarter of 2005.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold and the price at which they are being sold at. This summer has been really hot for the properties that are priced right! There's been a large increase in sale prices, as you can see below.

I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit: WISCONSIN HOMES FOR SALE to search for current properties listed on the MLS.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

July 2013
Home Sales: 7,320
Median Home Price: $155,000

July 2012
Home Sales: 6,196
Median Home Price: $142,250

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

July 2013
Home Sales: 940
Median Home Price: $214,950

July 2012
Home Sales: 731
Median Home Price: $195,000

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

July 2013
Home Sales: 172
Median Home Price: $108,000

July 2012
Home Sales: 165
Median Home Price: $107,500

View my report from last month. Wisconsin June 2013 Housing Statistics

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Today’s real estate market is continually meandering towards recovery amidst a slower-than-normal pace and an ongoing world economic distress. With almost six years of excruciating struggle, this sounds like a good deal for buyers-and-sellers, and realtors in the market. But what are the current emerging trends in the real estate market nowadays?  To give you a closer perspective, here are some top trends most investors, realtors and independent home buyers and sellers have observed.
Low Mortgage Rates
As the economy slowly perks up, it is understandable for the fixed 30-year mortgage rate to nosedive. This could mean an impending increase anytime soon. But contrary to previous prediction, this will not skyrocket abruptly. The Federal Reserve is wise enough to keep it low for at least the whole year to help hasten recovery in the housing market. As it scale back its stimulus program, expect rates to gradually rise but, as a rule, never at an abrupt pace. For buyers, this could mean that now is a great time to buy your dream home.
Dynamic Bidding Wars
With the purported recovery, bidding wars have become even more dynamic and forceful in various places like Southern California, Seattle, Boston, New York and Washington. This has, however, shown a decline in other states like Pennsylvania, Maryland and Baltimore. But with the ever fluctuating norm of the real estate market and the economy as a whole, dynamism of bidding wars has great rely on present locale situation.
Flexible Tenure and Adaptability
Before the economic upheavals, buyers are expected to stay in their purchased homes for a certain amount of time. Current trend, however, has shown that almost half of home buyers do not have clear expectations on their tenure in a particular property. As economy continually shifts, so does the mentality of a home buyer. With this, sellers must ensure to market their homes according to what a buyer needs taking into consideration a buyer’s future needs. You might want to promote flexible space characteristics like a convertible garage or basement.
Increase Demand from Married Couples
The current driving force in home buying lies on the hands of married couples who are not necessarily first-time buyers. This could be affected by the sudden shift in the economy and employment market. For sellers, staging a property that appeals to couples will definitely increase its appeal.
A Steady Influx of Renters
Unlike couples, the growing number of yuppies escaping their parent’s overcrowded basements and extended garage pave the way for the rise of demand on rental properties. As young people start moving back into the employment market brought by an improving economy, moving out of the family homes has become a norm steadily giving rise to a lucrative rental business. For sellers who are uncertain on their decision, renting out their property can be a good opportunity.
Rise of City High Rise Living
Whether the real estate market dip low or jumps up, the demand for high rise living like condominiums continually climbs at a steady pace as cities are becoming more compacted. The problem in space and more employment pouring in to these niche locations pave the way for accelerating demands and prices in condominiums. For sellers this could be a great time to invest as it can both capture both renter and buyer markets.
Consistent Rise of Digital Marketing
Of course, reliance on online trend persistently continues as the top search engine for both buyers and sellers. Digital data has become the most important resources of information. This also posed a good opportunity for realtors and private sellers as online marketing is much cheaper and wider in scope.
Let these real estate marketing trends give you a heads-up on where to put your investment. Finding which markets or sectors offer the best incentive to your hard-earned money can be quite challenging. With steadfast expectation and a competent realtor handy, home buyers and sellers can productively manage sudden shift on these trends to their advantage.
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Amidst the recovering real estate market, it can be observed that the usual word-of-mouth tactics employed by private homeowners is not helping. If it does, this usually leads to a decrease on your price tag. If you want to sell your home in a fast and efficient manner with the price you desire, listing it with a competent realtor will definitely do you good. These people are seasoned professionals when it comes to selling houses. They do more than just show properties or negotiate offers to help close a sale. Below are some things that these realtors do to make your house more sellable.

Help Improve Your Home’s Stature 


Competent realtors do not just list your house, match it with a potential home buyer and be done with it. Often, these people ensure that your home is ready for that open house event or for buyer viewing by making use of their connections in the field of home improvements. They can assist you in improving the curb appeal of your home by contacting their contacts in plumbing, roofing, fencing, painting, landscaping and so on. Keep in mind that buyers are mostly concerned of a home’s interior and exterior appearance. A fresh coat of paint, a clean roof and exterior walls, updated plumbing system, and so on will help augment the appeal and face value of your home. With their connections, they can help find you general contractors which can perform all the needed improvements at a much affordable rate to suit your budget.


Experts in Pricing Your Home Right


An important aspect in selling a home is in pricing it right. Realtors are experts in estimating the value of a certain property with their experience and skill-set. They are proficient and up-to-date with important considerations like target market, location, demand and supply, and the type of house. They are trained and experienced in property evaluation to demand appropriate pricing to ensure that your home gets every bit that it deserves.
 
They Help Sweeten the Deal


Another way to make home-selling more attractive to buyers is by offering perks. Credible realtors know precisely how to play around the selling price or add-in any other special deals that will help make the buyer realize the added advantage on this particular investment. Some realtors are also connected with service contractors and home insurance agents. They can use those connections to offer an extra mile in their services as leverage in letting the buyer perceive the deal as an “added value” service. Some also offer transferable home warranty (with the consent of the homeowner) for at least a year. This helps cover maintenance and warranty on appliances and other home fixtures—and this helps sweeten the whole deal. 


Help Gain Home Buyers Trust


Do take note that 90% of all real estate transactions occur with the assistance of realtors. This could be due to the reason that these professionals have an ethical obligation to disclose hidden or latent shortcomings or defects in a home. Buyers want an honest-to-goodness deal and you as a seller might be perceived being biased when asked for details on your home.


The Bottom Line


Selling a home can take extra work and knowledge. You may put all your efforts in getting your home in excellent shape but when you have no knowledge on marketing it or knowledge on the present condition of the real estate market, you will most likely find yourself empty-handed. With competent realtors, you can effectively increase the odds of getting your home sold on the market.

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Welcome-to-Wisconsin.jpg?width=300The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for June of 2013. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin home sales rose an impressive 11.4 percent in the first six months of 2013 compared to last year, according to recent statistics compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). In June alone, Wisconsin home sales were up 3.1 percent relative to last June, posting the 24th straight month of positive sales growth in the state. Median prices also continued to increase year-to-date, rising 7.7 percent to $140,000 compared to the first half of 2012. In June, prices were up 12.3 percent to $159,500 compared to June 2012.

The pace of sales in the first half of this year is well ahead of last year,” said Renny Diedrich, chairman of the WRA board of directors. "which is especially noteworthy since 2012 was an exceptional post-recession year for housing sales.” Diedrich said.

Adding to the good news was a significant drop in foreclosures during the first half of 2013. Unique foreclosures in the state are down 37.2 in the first half of 2013 compared to that same period in 2012, and down 44.5 in the second quarter this year compared to quarter two of 2012. “All in all, this paints a very healthy picture of the Wisconsin residential home market at the midyear point,” Diedrich said.

We’ve seen very strong growth in housing prices since they started improving 16 months ago,” said WRA President and CEO Michael Theo. And while higher prices impact housing affordability, homes in Wisconsin remain a good value.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold and the price at which they are being sold at. This summer has been really hot for the properties that are priced right! There's been a large increase in sale prices, as you can see below.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

June 2013
Home Sales: 7,265
Median Home Price: $159,000

June 2012
Home Sales: 7,012
Median Home Price: $142,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

June 2013
Home Sales: 963
Median Home Price: $222,500

June 2012
Home Sales: 852
Median Home Price: $207,500

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

June 2013
Home Sales: 181
Median Home Price: $120,000

June 2012
Home Sales: 202
Median Home Price: $110,000

View my report from last month. Wisconsin May 2013 Housing Statistics

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Purchasing-First-Rental-Home-300x199.jpg?width=300
photo credit: reallyboring via photopin cc

Advice About Purchasing Your First Rental Home/Property
(Investment Properties: Part 1 of 5)

Before buying that first piece of rental property it is important that you answer a single question. This question has nothing to do with your credit score, your experience with real estate or how much money you can gather for the purchase. The question is quite simple: WHY are you buying an investment home?

The answer to this question will guide you towards the right kind of property and the right type of financing. Let’s look at some examples to get a better idea of reasons people use to start investing in homes.

Saving for College Tuition

This type of goal usually involves a term over a few years. Couples with young children will buy a home in an area that has shown signs of appreciating. A year or two before the child enters college the family will sell the home and use the profit to pay for tuition, books and other expenses.

In this particular scenario the couple is not concerned with making a large profit each month on the rent. They simply want to break even while keeping the home in tip-top shape to maximize the potential appreciation.

Using Cash Flow to Increase Monthly Income

Some individuals invest in rental homes because they want to earn a profit each month from the rent. In these cases it is extremely important to buy a home either for all cash or at a deep discount from the market price. Foreclosures and vacant homes are common for this example. Buying the home for cash or at a deep discount allows the landlord to charge a fair rent based on the current market conditions and pocket most of the money each month as profit.

Speculation about Future Values

Sometimes people simply buy a property at a slightly discounted price in hopes that the property value will escalate quickly due to a future event. For instance, a new shopping mall, new school or a new factory can greatly improve the value of homes in the immediate area. Buying a home in such a location and holding on to it for a few months to a year can yield a high profit.

Career Change

Some people want to begin their property investment as a means to escape their current full time job and start a new career. It is possible for people to invest in real estate as their main source of income. However, it is not a get rich quick scheme.

The most successful investors have clear goals and follow a proven formula. They buy homes in particular areas that exhibit desirable qualities. They only buy when the price is discounted heavily and they have favorable financing for the transaction. They also understand the rental rates for the area in comparison to the financing costs.

Buying a rental home can be lucrative and lead to good fortune. However, it must be approached with diligence and hard work, not pie-in-the-sky dreams.

Investment/Rental Properties (5 Part Series)

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Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"Mike & Matt,

Thank you so much for helping us find our dream home! We love it! Thank you for the many hours spent in research, travel, phone calls, and emails. Thank you for being open & honest with us every step of the way! We felt we could trust you 100%. We really enjoyed working with you and highly recommend you to others.

Thanks!"

Kevin & Abby G. (Madison, WI)
Rock Realty Home Buyer Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your new home Kevin & Abby!

Looking to purchase a home in Wisconsin?? Contact Rock Realty! We would love to help!!

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Welcome-to-Wisconsin.jpg?width=300The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for May of 2013. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Strong home sales in Wisconsin for May helped boost prices up, according to the most recent statistical report released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). The sale of existing homes in May increased 18.2 percent over last May, now the 23rd straight month of positive sales growth in Wisconsin, which helped push the median price up 4.3 percent to a statewide median of $144,000.

These are very positive signals and represent an uptick from the pace of sales established in the first four months of the year,” said Renny Diedrich, chairman of the WRA board of directors. Existing home sales rose 10.3 percent from January through April this year compared to that same four-month period in 2012. “There’s no doubt consumer demand has been strong over the last couple of years, but now we’re also seeing sellers jump back in the market as well,” Diedrich said.

Prices showed solid but sustainable growth,” said Michael Theo, WRA President and CEO. "We saw some large increases in median prices in March and April, so it’s good to see more modest increases in May."

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold and the price at which they are being sold at. This spring has been really hot for the properties that are priced right! There's been a large increase in the number of home sold, as you can see below.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

May 2013
Home Sales: 7,403
Median Home Price: $144,000

May 2012
Home Sales: 6,181
Median Home Price: $138,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

May 2013
Home Sales: 925
Median Home Price: $207,000

May 2012
Home Sales: 623
Median Home Price: $211,000

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

May 2013
Home Sales: 205
Median Home Price: $114,000

May 2012
Home Sales: 173
Median Home Price: $100,000

View my report from last month. Wisconsin April 2013 Housing Statistics

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Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"Mike Collins was easy to talk to and very good at explaining in detail all aspects of the short sale of the property. With a lot of patience, he walked me through the process of a short sale. He was understanding of my plight and very sympathetic.


Mike was a pleasure to work with and he is a man of his word.
Thank you, Mike, and best of luck to you."

Tom D. (Oxford, WI)
Rock Realty Seller Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your closing Tom!

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How to invest in real estate using an Individual Retirement Account, IRA (Part 3 of 4)
Traditional retirement accounts, like a 401(k) or an IRA, can be powerful when the economy is strong and businesses are experiencing growth. This is due to the stocks and bonds that are typically bought and sold through these typical investment strategies. However, what happens when the economy is not so strong and stocks are struggling? This is when a self-directed IRA can come into play.
More Flexibility
photo credit: Neil Kremer via photopin cc
photo credit: Neil Kremer via photopin cc
A self-directed IRA gives individuals a chance to buy other assets such as gold and even real estate. These accounts charge an annual fee that can reach up to $300 per year. The ability to buy and sell real estate has led to the growth in popularity of these accounts in the past few years.
The real estate decline from the last several years has led to many homes being rented out instead of selling at top prices as the owners had hoped. This is a great environment for investors to come in and make a fair offer on a property and add the home to their portfolio.
Ignorance of Tax Law Can Be Costly
This is not to say that a self-directed IRA is just a large checking account to be used to buy assets. The complexity of these accounts makes any financial mistake quite costly in the form of penalties assessed by the IRS.
A person cannot receive any type of benefit from the account prior to age 59 ½. This sounds vague, and it actually covers quite a bit of territory.
For instance, the owner of the self-directed IRA cannot live in a property owned by the account nor can they receive rent payments from the property. If the rental property is in need of a repair or property tax payment that money must come from the IRA.
Self-directed IRA’s also prevent the use of a mortgage to purchase a home.
Cash is King
Because of these restrictions most transactions that occur through a self-directed IRA are handled with cash. The majority of individuals will have a small number of properties in their portfolio. It is quite common for people to purchase either a duplex or a four-plex in order to maximize the rent payments coming to the account.
This is advantageous in two ways. First, a cash deal makes the whole process much quicker. There is no waiting on a mortgage approval from a lender. The person buying the home can choose the appraiser and title company and make their own decision based on the information provided. Secondly, buyers are in a very strong position when they can offer all-cash payment, right now, to an interested seller. Many sellers are willing to offer a discount for the promise of cash.
This is Part 3 of a 4 Part Series.
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Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"This was a great effort from Mike Collins. He did a super super job with the selling of our home in Wisconsin. I could not ask for more from him as he kept me well informed of things going on and we are 1200 miles apart. He did more than a 110 percent job on everything. Even removing snow and whatever it took to have our home ready to show. Again, THANKS Mike for everything. Great Job!!!!!!"

Phyllis Pearson (Rock River, WY)
Rock Realty Seller Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your closing Phyllis!

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Counties of WI

The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for March of 2013. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:
March marked the 20th straight month of double-digit growth in sales of existing homes in Wisconsin, with sales up 11.7 percent compared to March 2012. Median home prices also grew to $122,000 in March, which represents a solid 6.1 percent rate of growth compared to March last year.
This is the highest sales volume we’ve seen in March since 2007, before the Great Recession began,”  said Renny Diedrich, chairman of the WRA board of directors. Noting that sales moderated somewhat from the double-digit growth rates of the past year and a half. “It’s inevitable that the torrid pace of sales will moderate since the base we’re comparing to is a much improved market. Our markets remain strong and growing.
“Very low mortgage rates have certainly stimulated sales activity, and this combined with a decline in new listings has brought our unsold inventory levels down to just nine months of supply,” said WRA President and CEO, Michael Theo.  Inventory levels are down from 12.1 months a year ago, and from approximately 18 months of unsold homes in July 2011.
Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past couple of years. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold and the price at which they are being sold at. Dane County really showed an improvement in both home sales numbers and median home price this month over last year.
If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.
Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:
March 2013
Home Sales: 4,910
Median Home Price: $123,000
March 2012
Home Sales: 5,102
Median Home Price: $134,900
Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:
March 2013
Home Sales: 466
Median Home Price: $186,500
March 2012
Home Sales: 533
Median Home Price: $193,900
Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:
March 2013
Home Sales: 155
Median Home Price: $86,000
March 2012
Home Sales: 132
Median Home Price: $103,500
View my report from last month. Wisconsin February 2013 Housing Statistics
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