January 26, 2011

Walworth County School Choice Options - February 7 to February 25, 2011

Posted to Debbie Cobian

As real estate agents, we realize a lot of families like to move in June, July and August to not interupt their kids schools schedules. With the current market challenges, that can be more difficult to coordinate.

School Choice is a National program which allows families to appy to schools in a district where they don’t necessarily live. Whether you already know your kids want to attend a certain school or if you’d just like to keep your options open, now is the time to submit your application to enroll in the School Choice Program. You can apply to up to three schools and decide at a later date which school you’d like to attend. You must submit your application between Feb. 7th and Feb. 25. The Department of Public Instruction prefers that you apply online. For access to School Reports, click here.


In addition to conventional school choices, there are new internet school options available to students. My son, Lukas, currenlty attends a Tuition Free, Virtual School called IQ Academy. This is his second year at an internet High School and if you’d like more information, feel free to let me know. He loves the flexibilty of the schedule which allows him to travel and compete in motocross and I appreciate the Wisconsin-certified school teachers available teaching him on-line and in chat rooms. I realize this is the way a lot of our kids communicate these days and it’s been a great experience for us.


I also want to congratuate my older son Jake who graduated last week from Badger High School. His early graduation has allowed him to begin taking college classes this semester and he will be off to UW-Whitewater in the Fall. Congratulations Jake! Badger High 2011.

Posted by:  Debbie Cobian



January 21, 2011

Keefe agents are thinking Spring!

Posted to Debbie Cobian

Yes, I realize as I’m writing this we are experiencing below zero wind chills and are surrounded by the beauty of our recent snow fall. So why think about spring? A lot of sellers tell us they want to “wait until Spring” to list their homes. One of the great marketing tools we offer at Keefe Real Estate is our glossy, full color magazine. In order to be included in the Spring edition, your house needs to be listed by February 11th. We have 3 weeks to get our Spring inventory listed to take advantage of this great marketing tool.

The Fall Edition of the Keefe magazine can be viewed online in addition to the home delivery and local delivery locations. Call me today to be included in the Spring edition due out in March.

 
A few other thoughts if you have a house to sell:

Most people looking for homes are now searching on-line. Winter activity is high as people tend to spend more time on-line. Virtual tours and quality photos are important to buyers. Make sure the agent you hire will invest the time and money in maximizing the exposure your home deserves.

If you list in the Winter, don’t settle for a snow photo when your grass turns green. Have your agent update the pictures as soon as there are signs of Spring.

The more locations your house can be viewed on-line, the better. In addition to KeefeRealEstate.com, I can make sure your home gets the best exposure possible on Realtor.com, feature placement on my Personal Website, Team Website and I syndicate with more than 20 additional professional sites.

 
If you’re thinking of listing your home, please give me a call as soon as possible. And, if you find your self spending more time on-line as you keep warm the next few days, be sure to check out my websites, virtual tours

and join me on Facebook. I’d love to be your Realtor®!

Posted by:  Debbie Cobian



January 03, 2011

New Year Greetings from Lake Geneva

Posted to Debbie Cobian

What are your hopes, dreams and resolutions for 2011?

I always like to reflect on the lessons I learned and the blessings of the past year in addition to looking forward to improving myself personally in the new year. I have been blessed with the love and health of my family (other than my normal hospital visits with Lukas and his love of motocross but all is on the mend again), with the patience of my clients wanting to sell their homes, and have learned a lot of lessons about saving and budgeting with another year of living on commission.

Here are the Top 10 Most Common New Year Resolutions

1) Lose weight.
2) Stop smoking.
3) Stick to a budget.
4) Save more money.
5) Find a better job.
6) Become more organized.
7) Exercise more.
8) Be more patient at work/with others.
9) Eat better.
10) Become a better person.

In addition to blogging more, mine are 6, 7 and 9. Are yours on this list?

One of my favorite motivational speakers is Tony Robbins. I decided to start the morning listening to his suggestions to accomplishing goals for the New Year ahead. Part 1






And Part 2






If you’re looking for some inspiration to stick to your 2011 goals, they are worth watching.  

Wishing you health, happiness and success in 2011!

The New Year lies before you
Like a spotless tract of snow
Be careful how you tread on it
For every mark will show.

~Author Unknown~

Posted by:  Debbie Cobian