December 21, 2009

You have decided to buy - don't sell yourself short!

Posted to Stacey Schultz

If you are one of the many folks that have made the big decision to buy, I want to congratulate you on a smart Move! I have been in and around the real estate world all of my adult life (I am 45), and I have never seen the kind of purchase incentives being offered to you today.

In addition to getting your priorities firmed up (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and location), you will need to select an agent. Choose wisely! The person you decide to work with is going to help bring your dream of home ownership to reality. Here are my top three helpful hints:

  1. Check how long your agent has been in the business – you are entitled to someone that is experienced even if you are not! It cost the seller the same percentage (commission) no matter who sells the house, however, it could cost you more via the purchase price if you do not have your agent working for you. For example, I average 17% off the list price for the buyers I work with ($100,000 – 17% = $83,000).
  2. Do you feel like you can trust this person? Clicking with your agent goes along way to helping you to communicate your true likes and dislikes which will get you a better fit in your new home.
  3. Use their network of service providers! Agents that have been in the business for years have a working relationship with many of the folks you are going to need starting with a lender. You need to establish a rapport with one and get yourself pre-approved for a home you can afford. Being armed with a pre-qualification can be the difference between you getting an acceptance on your dream home with your terms or being shut out.

Remember these incentives are for a limited time, and we have no indications that the $8,000 tax credit will be extended again. Do not sell yourself short by letting the low interest rates nd tax incentives pass you by!

Posted by: Stacey Schultz



December 21, 2009

Grinch in Lake Geneva -$225,000 and under price range update

Posted to Stacey Schultz

The Christmas decorations are looking festive downtown, but the stats for the $225,000 and under price range is not anything worth celebrating if you are a seller today! There are currently 43 homes listed in the City, and there is only one indicated with an accepted offer in our MLS. I feel like the Grinch stealing those visions of a happier new year, but these are the current facts!

What can a seller do to bring shoppers to the closing table? Think window dressing or staging. The closed sales for 2009 (28 as of 12/18/2009) averaged 92% of the asking price, so the homes that did sell suffered an average 8% discount for unattended details.

Remember the three C’s: clean, clutter, and care, and you will cover most issues to sell. Make sure the home is clean. I am talking about the ceiling corner cob webs to the floor boards. Your big investment here is time and sweat, and it will give a buyer walking through the idea that you pay attention to the details.

Next is the clutter! We all accumulate stuff, but he buyer is not at your place to see it! They want to visualize their things in your space. Finally, you have to look like you care about your home. A prospective buyer wants to see that the seller has maintained the home, and that they are not buying a lemon. Walk through your home room by room with a pad of paper and be critical.

Does the caulking around the tub need to be addressed? How about the cracked window in the garage? A big offender that can push a buyer back out the door – are the paint colors fresh and up to date?

There are 43 homes to pick from in this price range to pick from, you need to make the first impression a lasting one!

Posted by: Stacey Schultz



December 17, 2009

Elkhorn - Keefe is dominating the Sellers and the Buyers in this town!

Posted to Stacey Schultz

It is getting to be that time of year when we look back over the last 12 months to see how we have measured up to past numbers or even current conditions. I have to say what a difference a year makes! In 2009 there are a total of 79 sales in the $225,000 (1/1/2009 to 12/10/2009) or under price range vs. the 64 sales closed for the same time frame and criteria in 2008. Keefe is dominating with 31% of the sellers and we are also leading with 32% of the closed buyers. What does that mean to you? Buyer or Seller – Keefe is working hard in your area.

Posted by: Stacey Schultz



December 17, 2009

Walworth County Offers Rentals, Rentals, Rentals!

Posted to Rentals, Stacey Schultz

There are so many folks that have been hit hard financially in 2009 in one way or another that it has reenergized a niche market for me, rentals. In my 16 year career with Keefe I have done more than my share of rentals, but 2009 has made it a big slice of my business. What does that mean to you the consumer? Quality options that you might otherwise never know about. For example, I have sellers that will consider a lease with option with a portion of the rent paid going back towards closing costs when you are in a position to buy. I currently have 3 home owners that will sign a long term lease with option to a qualified candidate in various price ranges ready to move forward today. You will need to be prepared to do a credit and background check, have 3 months (1st and last month’s rent plus security) rent, and I will be happy to show you the available properties. If I do not currently have what you are looking for, I will work to find it.

Posted by: Stacey Schultz



December 16, 2009

Upward Trend for Walworth County

Posted to Stacey Schultz

Good news for Sellers in Walworth County! We seem to be in an upward cycle for single family home sales for a change. I did some tracking from September of this year to 12/10/2009 as well as doing a comparison for the same time frame in 2008, and the news is encouraging. Stats for single family homes in the $200,000 or under range show we are up in number of transactions as well as per price transaction. What does an upward trend mean to you if you are a Buyer? Demand is going up, the prices are stabilizing, and you should pull the trigger if you plan to purchase!

I do have specific information per city or township if you want to chat, or look for additional posts from me that will spotlight your hometown.

Posted by: Stacey Schultz



December 04, 2009

Stacey Schultz

Posted to Stacey Schultz


Keefe Real Estate, Inc.- Lake Geneva
P.O. Box 0460
Lake Geneva WI 53147-0460

Office:262-348-3252
Mobile:(262) 903-9630

Email: staceysells@keeferealestate.com
Website: www.StaceySellsRealEstate.com

View Stacey’s Current Listings

View Stacey’s Recently Sold Listings

Thank you for taking a few moments to get to know me! I am Stacey Schultz, married, mother, and second generation Realtor: I know how to multi-task! I have been with Keefe since 1995, so you can assume correctly that I have earned my ranking in the top 5% of my company as well as the County for closed transactions. I have been in the area as a resident since 1982, so I know the Southern Lakes like a native! I can navigate you to lakefront, lake access, country or town without your budget getting in the way of your vision of the ideal home. My goal has always been to help my clients feel that their real estate experience is one they would repeat or refer to their friends and family. I strive to earn your trust, loyalty, and confidnece with my professionalism and integrity throughout the purchase or selling process. I look forward to being your real estate guide for today and in the future!

Sincerely,
Stacey Schultz