Very important note: Not me. I repeat NOT ME!

‘The weather’s too good for it not to be spring soon’ edition of our area’s real estate market report…

You can read previous market reports to see for yourself what our real estate market has been doing.

Fifty-four homes were added to our MLS this month. Including 40 homes in Wisconsin Rapids. This is a huge jump from January and December.  

If you’re ready to start formally searching for homes, you know, moving from just online to getting in touch with an agent… Let me know and we can get you started. Plus I’ve recently changed my contact page, so you know, why don’t you check it out?

Happy house hunting!

First time here? This is a monthly post designed to shed light on our real estate market. I publish this report because now is an excellent time to learn about the Wisconsin Rapids real estate market. By arming yourself with a little real estate education you’re setting yourself up for success when you decide to buy or sell your next home. Want to stay up to date? Click here and articles will be delivered directly to your inbox. As always, it’s free. Plus you can always unsubscribe at any time. Every month more and more people are signing up. It makes me feel like you like my writing…

The data was gathered through the MLS, so the data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You know the drill…

Single Family Wisconsin Rapids Homes:

• Active Homes for Sale: 139 (including 40 new listings in February)
• Average List Price: $96,744
• Homes Sold in February 2010: 19
• Average Sale Price: $94,154
• Median Sale Price: $95,000
• Average Days on the Market: Active: 229 Sold: 121
• Average Sale Price/List Price: 95%
• Expired Listings: 8

Single Family Nekoosa Homes:

• Active Homes for Sale: 26 (including 10 new listings in February)
• Average List Price: $105,892
• Homes Sold in February 2010: 4
• Average Sale Price: $112,625
• Median Sale Price: $119,500
• Average Days on the Market: Active: 166 Sold: 201
• Average Sale Price/List Price: 92%
• Expired Listings: 6

Single Family Port Edwards Homes:

• Active Homes for Sale: 19 (including 4 new listings in February)
• Average List Price: $103,628
• Homes Sold in February 2010: 0
• Average Sale Price: $–
• Median Sale Price: $–
• Average Days on the Market: Active: 204 Sold: –
• Average Sale Price/List Price: –
• Expired Listings: –

Trends I’m Seeing

• No, the number of homes for sale in Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa did not fall dramatically from January. Our MLS changed the way it’s reporting city data. I’ll get it back to normal, it will just take me a day or two…
• Action picked up tremendously in February. 54 new homes hit the market. Gotta love the tax credits! Are you next? Call me.
• Even with 40 new homes, Wisconsin Rapids still has the average days on the market for active homes at 229. But if your home sells, it averaged only 121 days on the market. What does that tell you?
• Nekoosa continues to have a low sale price to list price percentage of 92%. Remember that’s the comparison of what the home owner accepted as the sale price to what it was listed for. And that doesn’t take into consideration any price drops, so it may actually be significantly lower.

What next?

As always, my goal is provide not only valuable but also useful information that you can put into action. If you like what you’re reading and want a little help remembering to come back, why not click here and have all upcoming posts sent directly to your email inbox? You can read a description on how this works here if your unfamiliar with the process. I promise it’s not scary, nor will your email be given to anyone.

For More Info:

• Thinking about selling? Quickly see what your home’s worth in our market.
• Have you thought about getting in contact? Why Not? Click here to get in touch with Adam. I’m a peach… Really…

Search Homes For Sale in

Wisconsin Rapids

ShareThis

You may head off to college or join the military. But the goal was the same…to get away.

Life was simple. Get an education. Get a job. Live far, far away. Get married, have kids. See grandparents at Christmas.

But then, LIFE happens. And for many of us, you could say **** happens and have it mean the same thing.

We all have are own examples of ‘life happening.’

‘Life happening’ is causing an increase in homes being purchased with the express purpose of combining multiple generations under a single roof.

Lower rent/mortgage costs. Easier to find childcare. Easier to make sure grandma and grandpa are safe. Help with raising children in this crazy society. The list goes on…

The take away:

Buyers: do you foresee yourself taking care of grandparents? Will your new home support extra residents? Could the basement be remodeled?

Sellers: Could your home support a larger family? Do you have egress windows in the basement? If so, it becomes easier to market your home as having the potential for more bedrooms. Or a separate area/bedroom for extended family?

It can feel overwhelming with all the things you need to think about when buying or selling a home and adding more to your list is never fun. But being able to support a multi-generational family is another way to broaden your list of potential buyers. I’ve talked before about casting a wide net and this another example.

ShareThis

This is the second installment of the “I couldn’t have said it better myself” post…

Some call it negotiating. Others call it playing mind games. Read Margaret Woda’s article about buyer’s playing mind games with sellers.

I was in a very similar situation last year. Except that I was the agent representing my brother and his wife in the sale of their home. Mixing family and business is never easy.

I can attest that my brother and sister-in-law felt the exact same feelings described in the article.

Remaining emotionally neutral is extremely important. But there were times when it was difficult for them to not take things personally.

“What do you mean _____ is too old? Its worked everyday we’ve owned the home (5 years).”

“Now you want us to replace it? At our cost!?!?”

It came to a point when they almost would have sold it to another person, at a lower price, than to finish the sale.

But in the end, being in a new home home won out. But just barely…

When you’re ready to make an offer, yes it seems impersonal. It’s just a house. But remember that this ‘house’ has been a ‘home’ for the current owner for years, maybe even decades.

Yes, you want to look out for your bottom line. But at what cost? Will it be OK if you lose this home? How much is it worth to you to be in your dream home?

There are two sides to every situation. Considering both can have a dramatic impact on your situation. For the better or worse.

Last chance to read the thought process a seller goes through when selling.

*Update*

Coincidentally after this post went live Jay Thompson of Thompson’s Realty in Phoenix, AZ posted an article discussing if you’re able to get proof of a competing offer. The interesting story is when another agent tried to bully a buyer into increasing an initial offer by flouting “another offer” in their face. And then the next day, the original offer is accepted…

Read Jay’s reasoning behind why, as a buyer, you’ll never know for sure if there is another offer. Plus reasons why agents are unable to disclose information relating to the offer.

Each is an example of why you shouldn’t play mind games in real estate.

ShareThis

1. The first rule of real estate is you do not become emotionally involved in real estate.
2. The second rule of real estate is you do not become emotionally involved in real estate.
3. If an inspection brings up unknown concerns and one party says stop or taps out the accepted offer is over.
4. Two parties to an offer.
5. You can have more than one offer at a time. It’s actually encouraged (I guess a buyer wouldn’t encourage multiple offers though).
6. No shoes. I don’t want the responsibility for dirt on the new carpet…
7. Accepted offers will last as long as they need to. Have you had experience with the new lending regulations? If you have, you know how true Rule #7 is.
8. If this is your first time engaging in real estate you do not need to buy or sell a home.

Even after all these years you can remember the first two rules of Fight Club, right? It *has* to be the same in real estate.

So repeat after me: The first rule of real estate is I will not become emotionally involved in real estate.

The quickest way to sabotage the purchase or sale of your home is to begin to take things personally. And things means anything that can, and often, does crop up. From a delay in closing to a misunderstanding in contract language. Or an offer you deem to be waaaaaaaayyy to low.

The worst way to handle any circumstance beyond your control is to get upset. When you become upset/angry/emotional it becomes difficult to rationally attack and solve the problem.

When faced with a difficult situation step one is to relax and calm down. This may take awhile. Step two is to try and understand the perspective of the person who just made your life more difficult.

No where does it say you need to like the choices of another person. But if you can step back and remain emotionally neutral, you may be able to salvage whatever it is you’re currently facing.

Photo Credit

ShareThis

Just realized that the tax credits are ending only a wee-little bit after taxes are due… Yikes. Hopefully taking advantage of the tax credits can put a smile on  your face after the tax-man taketh away.

Corollary–we’ve already received our tax refunds AND they’re also already gone.

Poof, just like the tax credits.

What’s stopping you from getting me on the horn about a question or two? Even easier you could send me an email. Look up and to the left a little bit…

Check out the following links:

• First-time Home Buyer Info
• From IRS website
• Also from IRS website
• Recent changes to tax-credit

Stay classy Wisconsin Rapids!

ShareThis

For the most part real estate is a planning activity. It’s not like buying a candy bar or a magazine while you’re waiting in the check-out line at Copps.

And because you have to go through a process to get to the point when you’re ready to buy or sell a home you’re also very curious about what will be happening next, or a few months from now, or next year.

Will it be better or worse? Will mortgage rates continue to remain this low? How much will my credit score go up in 4 months? Will this cause my interest rate to be lower?

Ken Haedrich, a Realtor in Annapolis, Maryland recently wrote a post hypothesizing what the real estate market will do in the upcoming year. Click here to read his Trends and Predictions article. 

Two thumbs up for numbers 2 and 3 in his list.

Regarding his point that there will be fewer Realtors in the upcoming year… Yes there is. Our database of area Realtors took a huge hit when the new list came out a month or so ago. One area company seemed to lose 2/3 of their staff. On the other hand the Wisconsin Rapids First Weber office has gained 2 new Realtors in the past couple months. These agents transferred from other area agencies.

Why? I believe it’s because in their effort to create a real estate career they knew they needed to align themselves with a forward thinking real estate company. As Ken states in his article, real estate is “technology driven,” and Realtors who can best handle this new technology will steam-roll agents who can’t or won’t embrace it.

Sidenote–Last year I was going to email a listing sheet (probably something else, but it doesn’t matter what) to another area agent. I had his email from their website. He said I shouldn’t because he “doesn’t do email.” I didn’t know what to say. How can you not “do email?”

Anyway, have you checked out Ken’s super-interesting article yet?

ShareThis

“Update your home every 5 years.”

I hear ya’–

“It’s expensive.”But if your refrigerator is 15 years old, now might be a good time. Or in my case, a hot water heater that rusted out while we were at my in-laws Labor Day weekend… Thank god for insurance, but we still had the deductible to worry about.

“It’s annoying.” Yes, moving furniture, toys, lamps and clothes out of a bedroom is a process I’ll never look forward to either. We’ve redone all 3 bedrooms in my home the past 1+ years. But it’s now over.

“It’s time consuming.” If installing laminate floors only took as long as a 30 minute television show on HGTV… I have to thank my parents for their help the 2 different times I’ve done it… But they were all-day projects, and the first was an entire weekend.

But here’s the good thing: Everything we’ve done would have needed to be done when we sell our home in the next 2 years. Purple paint. Stained off-white carpet. A green refrigerator. None of it could have stayed. Or, shouldn’t have stayed.

Everything that buyers in today’s market are not interested in.

By slowly, meticulously updating my home I’m saving myself from having to make NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE repairs in the near future.

Plus, by making these upgrades I’m also increasing my home’s value at the same time. And because they’ve been done early, I get to reap the benefits of adding a patio door and deck off my dining room when I’m grilling (OK, when my wife is grilling) in the summer.

And hopefully eliminating some stress when it comes time for the for sale sign to go in the ground too.

In the end by being proactive while I’m living here it will make it easier when the pull of a new home becomes too much.

ShareThis

The following chart includes all single-family homes and condos sold in the tri-city area.

Realtors talk about the ‘buying season’ and the ’slow season’ in pretty much the same way you’d use ‘dry season’ and ‘wet season’ if you were talking about the African plains.

Each bringing their own set of problems and solutions. Summer *can* be the better time for sellers. More buyers means more opportunities to sell. Of course it also means more competition… Accurate pricing, a well-written listing description, and high-quality photographs generally do an excellent job tipping the scales in your favor though.

Winter means fewer buyers. And more time between meaningful showings and offers. But buyers that are out there are definitely serious. We’re now finishing the ’slow season’ and heading quickly to the ‘buying season.’ Note: the average home that sells is on the market for 200+ days. That puts the average home that goes on the market today getting a sold sign in August, right in the middle of the ‘buying season.’

At least that’s what the chart and data are telling us.

As you can see January and February were the 2 slowest months. Which is expected. But we’re off to the races once the calendar gets flipped to March. Remember a home that sells in June received it’s accepted offer in May.

Yes October had the most sales, but what it’s really saying is that September had the most accepted offers.

Now the tax credits are quickly coming to an end. You have less than 3 months to get your home ready for sale, on the market, advertised, shown, receive an offer, negotiate and finally accept the offer. That’s a lot that has to happen. I’ve had numerous sellers contact me in the past month, 3 new listings plus one more in a couple weeks. There’s still time, but now is the time to be proactive.

ShareThis

First, the home owners and I thank you for taking the time to stop by. My name is Adam Holberg and I’ll be your guide today. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tour…

You’ll quickly notice that you’ll see and read much more information here than you’d receive on the MLS. Which is exactly what you wanted? Right? So without further ado, on with the show…

How should I begin to describe this home, besides saying that this home IS Wisconsin Rapids history.

This home was built around the turn of the century and has proudly stood the test of time. As we head into a new decade, you’ll be only the third owner of this beautiful Colonial Revival style home.

The current homeowners have called this home for the past 48 years and you’ll have the opportunity to call this home for the majority of the 21st century.

New construction obviously appeals to many buyers in 2010. But what do you do if you prefer character and charm to cookie-cutter? It’s becoming more and more difficult to find a home that sticks to its heritage, while still possessing the comforts that you come to expect. 

Here are a few ways that this home can offer you character and charm:

• original hardwood floors
• original woodwork
• original french doors (3)
• 9 1/2 foot tall ceilings
• formal dining room
• large foyer
• professionally landscaped yard 
• two walkout landings on the second floor
• deck off master bedroom
• deck off kitchen
• leaded glass windows

The list goes on. It would be easier if you saw it for yourself…

By now you’re asking yourself, “So, how much is this home listed for?” Your  price is $249,900.

If you peruse the links below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this home. Or, better yet, see it for yourself. Call Adam Holberg at 715.572.8372 to set up a showing. Or if you’d like, email me at holberga [at] firstweber [dot] com to get started.

I’m going to give you more information than you thought possible. Below are links where you can better get to know this home.

• Arriving home: Your front yard
• Where the family thrives: The living room
• Time for dinner: The kitchen and dining rooms
• Now I’m sleepy: The bedrooms
• First Impressions: The entry

Other links worth taking a look at:

• Where exactly is this home located?
• The nuts and bolts: The MLS data sheet

Where the heart is…

A home is so much more than just a house. It’s not just a place to live… a place to come to after work… It’s love and family and marriage and roots. It becomes a part of us.

I believe a home is a book, composed of many chapters. The current homeowners are putting the finishing touches on their chapters… But, this home has much more to say…

Are you ready? Get in touch today! 

Have a home to sell before you could purchase this one? Not a problem… We understand that you may currently own a home and be looking for a home that better meets your current needs. You should still get in touch… We’ll get started making your dreams a reality! And much sooner than later…

ShareThis

You can read previous market reports to see for yourself what our real estate market has been doing.

Thirty-nine homes were added to our MLS this month. Including 25 homes in Wisconsin Rapids. New listings are starting to climb after a slow December.  

If you’re ready to start formally searching for homes, you know, moving from just online to getting in touch with an agent… Let me know and we can get you started. Plus I’ve recently changed my contact page, so you know, why don’t you check it out?

Happy house hunting!

First time here? This is a monthly post designed to shed light on our real estate market. I publish this report because now is an excellent time to learn about the Wisconsin Rapids real estate market. By arming yourself with a little real estate education you’re setting yourself up for success when you decide to buy or sell your next home. Want to stay up to date? Click here and articles will be delivered directly to your inbox. As always, it’s free. Plus you can always unsubscribe at any time. Every month more and more people are signing up. It makes me feel like you like my writing…

The data was gathered through the MLS, so the data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You know the drill…

Single Family Wisconsin Rapids Homes:

• Active Homes for Sale: 222 ( including 25 new listings in January)
• Average List Price: $125,125
• Homes Sold in January 2010: 8
• Average Sale Price: $143,112
• Median Sale Price: $134,250
• Average Days on the Market: Active: 218 Sold: 219
• Average Sale Price/List Price: 93%
• Expired Listings: 10

Single Family Nekoosa Homes:

• Active Homes for Sale: 108 (including 10 new listings in January)
• Average List Price: $177,836
• Homes Sold in January 2010: 0
• Average Sale Price: $–
• Median Sale Price: $–
• Average Days on the Market: Active: 248 Sold: –
• Average Sale Price/List Price: –
• Expired Listings: 4

Single Family Port Edwards Homes:

• Active Homes for Sale: 17 (1 new listing in January)
• Average List Price: $109,135
• Homes Sold in January 2010: 1
• Average Sale Price: $108,000
• Median Sale Price: $108,000
• Average Days on the Market: Active: 248 Sold: 872
• Average Sale Price/List Price: 94%
• Expired Listings: 2

Trends I’m Seeing

• Congrats to the Port Edwards home owner. On the market for 2.5 years… 
• The number of homes sold is way down from a couple months ago. But remember my last market report coincided with the last month of the First-time home buyers tax credit causing an increase in the number of homes sold.
• Homes for sale in our area have been for sale an average of almost 7 months. Which means… 
• I feel agents need to re-prioritize pricing a home  at a number that can be backed up by data.

What next?

As always, my goal is provide not only valuable but also useful information that you can put into action. If you like what you’re reading and want a little help remembering to come back, why not click here and have all upcoming posts sent directly to your email inbox? You can read a description on how this works here if your unfamiliar with the process. I promise it’s not scary, nor will your email be given to anyone.

For More Info:

• Thinking about selling? Quickly see what your home’s worth in our market.
• Have you thought about getting in contact? Why Not? Click here to get in touch with Adam. I’m a peach… Really…

Search Homes For Sale in

Wisconsin Rapids

ShareThis